Maria Eugenia Salgado Salomón | Climatic Change | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maria Eugenia Salgado Salomón | Climatic Change | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | National University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco | Argentina 

Dr. María Eugenia Salgado Salomón is an accomplished forest engineer and biologist whose career seamlessly integrates research, teaching, and applied science in forest ecosystems, with a particular focus on mycorrhizal fungi, invasive species, and forest health in Patagonia. She holds advanced degrees in biology and forest engineering, complemented by international specialization in governance and integrated water management. Her professional journey includes leadership as head of the Phytopathology and Applied Microbiology department at CIEFAP and a researcher role at CONICET, where she has advanced projects on ectomycorrhizal interactions, fungal invasions, and forest resilience under climate change. She has mentored doctoral and professional students, supervised internships, and trained human resources, while contributing to knowledge transfer for forestry and agricultural producers. Her research, cited by 138 articles and reflected in 14 peer-reviewed documents with an h-index of 8, spans international collaborations, field studies, molecular techniques, and interdisciplinary approaches, yielding numerous publications, book chapters, and technical reports. She has engaged in global initiatives like INTACT, focusing on truffle cultivation and sustainable forest practices, and projects assessing forest biodiversity, post-wildfire resilience, and fungal taxonomy. As a dedicated educator, she teaches courses in biodiversity, conservation, topography, and remote sensing, nurturing future specialists in environmental and forest sciences. Her professional service includes thesis examination, journal peer review, and participation on editorial boards and international scientific committees. Through leadership, scientific rigor, and commitment to sustainable forest management, Dr. María Eugenia Salgado Salomón is a recognized authority in Patagonian forest ecology and mycorrhizal research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Huymann, L., Salgado Salomón, M. E., Rüde, L., Seibl, C., Schön, R., Barroetaveña, C., Siewert, B., & Peintner, U. (2025). Unveiling hidden treasures: A revision of phlegmacioid Cortinariaceae with special focus on edible South American species of Thaxterogaster subgenus Cretaces. Persoonia. In preparation.

Giles, P. V., Salgado Salomón, M. E., Carrión, N. N., & Barroetaveña, C. (2025). Amanita muscaria invasion in native Nothofagus dombeyi and Lophozonia alpina in Patagonia, Argentina: Unravel belowground associations. Bosques. In preparation.

Giles, P. V., Salgado Salomón, M. E., Pildain, M. B., & Barroetaveña, C. (2025). Invasive Amanita muscaria in Nothofagus dombeyi forests in Patagonia, Argentina. Biological Invasion Note. In revision.

Arguiano, C., Salgado Salomón, M. E., Barroetaveña, C., & Roy, M. (2025). Wildfire impact on below-ground communities associated with Nothofagus forests in Patagonia. Fire Ecology. In revision.

Salgado Salomón, M. E., García Barreda, S., Mohr Bell, D., Pildain, M. B., & Barroetaveña, C. (2025). Mapeo de zonas aptas para truficultura en Patagonia Argentina. Forest Systems. In press.

Salgado Salomón, M. E., De Errasti, A., Talarico, S. S., Gianolini, S., Urretavizcaya, F., & Barroetaveña, C. (2024). Evaluation of abundance and viability of arbuscular mycorrhizal spores in Austrocedrus chilensis forests affected by wildfires in Patagonia, Argentina. Wild, 2(3), 36.

Mr. Mohit Phulara | Dendroclimatology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mohit Phulara | Dendroclimatology | Best Researcher Award

Doctoral sholar, University of Silesia, Poland

🌱 Mohit Phulara is a dedicated doctoral student at the International Environmental Doctoral School, affiliated with the University of Silesia, Katowice. His research is focused on the dendroclimatic responses of Arctic and high mountain plants to contemporary environmental changes. Mohit has actively participated in various international workshops and seminars, presenting his findings and engaging with fellow researchers.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Strengths for the Award

  1. Diverse Academic Background: Mohit has a strong academic foundation with multiple certificates and diplomas in areas relevant to his research. His education in disaster management, climate change, and remote sensing demonstrates his interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues.
  2. Extensive Research Experience: As a doctoral student at the International Environmental Doctoral School, Mohit is actively engaged in significant research projects, including his thesis on wood anatomical traits in response to environmental changes. His work on Arctic and high mountain plants is particularly relevant in the context of global climate change.
  3. Robust Publication Record: Mohit has co-authored several publications in reputable journals. His work contributes to understanding the effects of climate change on Himalayan ecosystems, highlighting his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field.
  4. International Collaboration and Training: His participation in numerous international training programs, workshops, and conferences showcases his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. This exposure enhances his research capabilities and network.
  5. Strong Presentation Skills: Mohit has demonstrated effective communication skills by presenting his research at various national and international conferences. This ability to share knowledge is essential for a researcher and contributes to the broader scientific community.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Research Focus: While Mohit has excelled in dendrochronology and its applications, exploring additional facets of environmental science could enhance his research profile. Diversifying his research topics may provide a more comprehensive view of ecological changes.
  2. Increased Public Engagement: Engaging with the community through outreach programs or public seminars could enhance the impact of his research. Greater public awareness and involvement in environmental issues can foster a more profound societal change.
  3. Collaborative Publications: While he has a solid publication record, increasing the number of collaborative publications can enhance visibility and foster interdisciplinary research. Collaborative projects can bring together diverse perspectives and resources, leading to more comprehensive outcomes.
  4. Long-Term Project Leadership: Taking on more leadership roles in research projects can further develop his skills in project management and strategic planning. This experience would be valuable for his future career, especially if he aims for senior research positions.

Education

🎓 Mohit earned his M.Sc. in Geology from Kumaun University, Nainital, with an impressive score of 68.8%. He also holds a B.Sc. in Physics, Math, and Geology, graduating with 64.5%. In addition to his formal degrees, he has completed several certificate courses, including Disaster Management and Mountain Ecosystem and Climate Change, enhancing his expertise in environmental science.

Experience

🧪 Mohit’s extensive research experience includes working as a Technical Assistant and a Senior Project Fellow on the NMHS-IHTP Project, focusing on timberline and altitudinal gradient ecology in the Himalayas. His current doctoral research explores wood anatomical traits in relation to climate change, complemented by involvement in various international projects and research visits to locations like Svalbard and Slovenia.

Research Focus

🌍 Mohit’s research interests lie at the intersection of climate change, dendroecology, and the ecological responses of high-altitude vegetation. His work investigates how environmental factors influence the growth patterns of tree species, contributing valuable insights into climate resilience and adaptation.

Awards and Honors

🏆 Throughout his academic journey, Mohit has been recognized for his contributions to environmental research. He has received various scholarships and fellowships, enabling him to pursue advanced studies and participate in international conferences, where he has shared his research with a global audience.

Publications

📚 Mohit has authored and co-authored several noteworthy publications that reflect his research contributions:

Static treeline of Himalayan silver fir since last several decades at Tungnath, western Himalaya (Tropical Ecology, 2018)

Indian Himalayan timberline ecotone in response to Climate Change – Initial findings (Current Science, 2021)

Tree-ring based Age-Girth Stand Structure of Himalayan fir along the Treeline transects in Western Himalaya (Available at SSRN)

Growth Response and Shifting of Treeline Species in the Himalayan Region to Climate Change: A Dendrochronological Perspective (ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology, 2021)

Conclusion

Mohit Phulara’s dedication to research, combined with his extensive qualifications and experience, makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His ability to conduct significant research in the context of climate change, along with his effective communication and presentation skills, showcases his potential to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community. By addressing the areas for improvement, Mohit can further enhance his research profile and impact in the field of environmental science.