Eriona Canga | Nature-based Solutions | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Eriona Canga | Nature-based Solutions | Research Excellence Award

Researcher | Alchemia-Nova Research and Innovation | Austria

Dr. Eriona Canga is an environmental researcher whose work centers on innovative, science-driven approaches to water management, nutrient removal, and sustainable eco-technologies. With extensive international research experience, she has developed strong expertise in hydro-geochemistry, constructed wetlands, and nature-based solutions for circular and climate-resilient urban systems. Her research focuses especially on wastewater treatment using multifunctional constructed wetlands and the optimization of phosphorus and nitrogen removal through advanced filter materials. She has contributed to major European and international research initiatives addressing sustainable agriculture, water circularity, biorefinery concepts, biochemical processes, and resource recovery in cities. Eriona’s scientific work demonstrates a deep understanding of hydro-physical behavior, solute transport, hydraulic conductivity, and nutrient retention in granular media and drainage filters. She has authored a body of peer-reviewed work that has achieved 199 citations across 186 documents, with 11 publications contributing to an h-index of 7. Her contributions extend to laboratory experimentation, field-scale assessments, and modeling approaches such as advection–dispersion, stream tube models, and transfer-function methods. She has presented her findings at international conferences focused on wetland systems, water pollution control, hydrology, and environmental technology, helping advance sustainable water treatment strategies. Dr. Eriona Canga is also active in multidisciplinary collaborations involving green chemistry, groundwater protection, and climate-related impacts on Mediterranean and European water systems. With strong capabilities in scientific coordination, laboratory management, project development, and academic supervision, she continues to advance research integrating ecological engineering, circular resource management, and innovative environmental technologies to support sustainable and resilient water infrastructures.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Maria Eugenia Salgado Salomón | Climatic Change | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Diogo Da Fonseca Soares | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

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Diogo Da Fonseca Soares | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Engineer/Researcher, Brazilian Urban Train Company / University of Granada, Brazil  🌟

Dr. Diogo da Fonseca Soares is a distinguished engineer and researcher committed to advancing sustainable environmental practices. With a robust academic and professional background, he excels as an Occupational Safety Engineer at the Brazilian Urban Train Company and as a university professor in postgraduate courses. Dr. Soares’ research contributions, especially on GHG emissions and sustainable railway systems, align closely with UN SDGs. His innovative approach leverages Life Cycle Assessment and clean technologies to promote environmental resilience.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Soares holds an extensive educational portfolio, including degrees in Environmental Engineering and Civil Engineering from prestigious Brazilian universities. He completed specializations in Occupational Safety Engineering, Management of Railway Systems, and Ergonomics. His postgraduate achievements include a Master’s in Natural Resources and dual PhDs in Development and Environment and Civil Engineering, the latter earning him the esteemed Laurea Acadêmica from the University of Granada, Spain.

Experience 💼

Dr. Soares combines academic brilliance and professional expertise. As an Occupational Safety Engineer at the Brazilian Urban Train Company, he enhances safety measures while advancing sustainability. Additionally, he serves as a university professor and official expert engineer in judicial settings. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges industry and academia, fostering innovative solutions.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Soares is passionate about environmental sciences, with a focus on sustainable urban systems and climate change mitigation. His research explores greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy applications, and electrification of transport systems. His groundbreaking studies integrate Life Cycle Assessment to optimize environmental practices in railway systems.

Awards 🏆

Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Dr. Soares has received several accolades, including the Laurea Acadêmica honor for his academic excellence. His dedication to sustainable practices continues to impact the field of environmental sciences positively.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Railways: Systematic Review of Research Progress (2024, Buildings)
Read here – Cited by 3

Life-Cycle Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Calculation for Urban Rail Transit Systems: The Case of Pernambuco Metro (2023, Applied Sciences)
Read here – Cited by 6

An Approach for Water and Energy Savings in Public Buildings: A Case Study of Brazilian Rail Company (2022, Sustainability)
Read here – Cited by 5

A Bibliometric Analysis of the Trends and Characteristics of Railway Research (2022, Sustainability)
Read here

Conclusion

Dr. Diogo da Fonseca Soares demonstrates exceptional qualifications and achievements, particularly in addressing environmental challenges in sustainable railway systems. His academic and professional accomplishments make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Addressing areas like increasing research citations, assuming editorial roles, and focusing on innovative outputs would further strengthen his candidacy.

Assoc Prof. Dr. Paula Milheiro-Oliveira | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof. Dr. Paula Milheiro-Oliveira | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof. Dr. Paula Milheiro-Oliveira, University of Porto, Portugal

Paula M. L. P. Milheiro de Oliveira is an esteemed Associate Professor at the University of Porto, specializing in applied mathematics and statistical modeling. With over three decades of experience in research and academia, she has contributed significantly to engineering projects and supervised PhD candidates. Her expertise lies in data-driven solutions for cementitious materials, and she has authored influential papers recognized globally. Paula is a key figure in Portugal’s academic community, with her research contributing to international patents and industry innovations.

Profile

Orcid 

Googlescholar

Based on the provided information, Paula Manuela Lemos Pereira Milheiro de Oliveira is a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Here’s a breakdown of her strengths, areas for improvement, and conclusion:

Strengths for the Award

Academic and Research Excellence: With a PhD in Applied Mathematics and habilitation, her research spans over three decades, showcasing substantial contributions to engineering projects and statistical modeling.

Impactful Publications: Author of 34 Scopus-indexed publications, including 4 highly cited papers and contributions in top journals by CiteScore.

Leadership in Research: Supervision of PhD theses, participation in prestigious projects, collaborations with global teams, and serving on advisory boards highlight her leadership and international reach.

Innovative Solutions: Notable contributions include the development of statistical methodologies for optimizing cementitious materials and creating a new robustness measure for SCC mixtures.

Areas for Improvement

Broaden Scope of Consultancy: While she has engaged in two consultancy projects, expanding this into more industry collaborations could strengthen her practical application portfolio.

Increase Patents: Although she has patents cited internationally, additional patents could further demonstrate her innovation in practical solutions.

Education 🎓

Paula holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Aix-Marseille I (1990) and recently completed her Habilitation at the University of Porto (2024). Her academic journey has been marked by groundbreaking research, contributing to both applied mathematics and civil engineering disciplines. She has been an active member of various research units such as CMUP and CONSTRUCT, where she has applied her expertise to complex mathematical modeling challenges.

Experience 💼

With over 30 years of experience, Paula has worked on numerous engineering projects and served in various prestigious roles. She was a member of the Superior Statistical Council of Portugal (Northern Regional Section) until 2003 and played a critical role in the Civil Engineering Department at FEUP until 2022. Her expertise extends beyond academia, collaborating on industry-sponsored projects and contributing to ISO standards. She has also led significant research in performance mix design for sustainable cementitious materials.

Research Interests 🔬

Paula’s research primarily focuses on the statistical modeling and optimization of new cementitious materials. She applies advanced data-driven methods to innovate sustainable construction materials, optimizing their performance under various environmental conditions. Her work has made substantial contributions to the concrete industry, particularly in enhancing the robustness of self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixtures.

Awards 🏆

Throughout her distinguished career, Paula has received numerous accolades for her contributions to research and academia. She has been recognized for her high-impact publications, with several of her papers appearing in the top 25% of the most-cited documents globally. Her research has also been cited in international patents, highlighting the industrial relevance of her innovations in construction materials.

Publication Top Notes 📚

Comparative effects of bevacizumab, ranibizumab and pegaptanib at intravitreal dose range on endothelial cells

Design of self-compacting high-performance concrete: Study of mortar phase

Estimation of the tensile strength of UHPFRC layers based on non-destructive assessment of the fibre content and orientation

Robust SCC mixes through mix design

Queues with server vacations as a model for pretimed signalized urban traffic

Modeling and simulation of traffic movements at semiactuated signalized intersections

Bayesian statistical methods for modeling and prediction of major landslides in coastal cliffs

Coastal cliff recession: development and application of prediction methods

A Methodology for Modelling and Prediction of Coastal Cliffs Recession

Eco-efficient high performance white concrete incorporating waste glass powder

Conclusion

Paula’s extensive academic background, research leadership, and impactful contributions to materials science and statistical modeling position her as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her ongoing projects and collaborations reflect a commitment to sustainable and innovative research. With a few advancements in consultancy and patent development, she could further bolster her already impressive portfolio.