Yiannis Kapakos | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Dr. Yiannis Kapakos | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yiannis Kapakos | Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters | Greece

Dr. Yiannis Kapakos is a distinguished ichthyologist with extensive expertise in fish biology, ecology, and conservation. His research primarily focuses on fish reproduction, species identification, and the protection of endemic and threatened species, integrating both freshwater and marine systems. He has advanced knowledge in fish embryology, aquaculture, aquarium science, and fisheries management, employing techniques such as electrofishing, biometric analysis, and otolith-based age determination, along with modern computational tools including GIS, ImageJ, and R for data analysis. Dr. Yiannis Kapakos has contributed significantly to ecological monitoring, sustainable fisheries practices, and conservation-oriented research projects, including LIFE, NATURA, and H2020 initiatives, aiming to develop practical management strategies for aquatic ecosystems. His work encompasses both applied and fundamental research, from designing and managing closed fish breeding systems to implementing species reintroduction and enrichment programs. He has also actively engaged in public outreach and professional training, supporting the education of fishery practitioners and promoting awareness of sustainable practices. Dr. Yiannis Kapakos has authored over two dozen peer-reviewed publications and presented at numerous national and international conferences, highlighting topics such as invasive species management, behavioral ecology of threatened fish, and freshwater biodiversity conservation, and his work has garnered 71 citations across 62 documents, with 15 publications contributing to an h-index of 5. His research integrates fieldwork, laboratory experimentation, and advanced analytical methodologies to address pressing environmental and conservation challenges, making significant contributions to ichthyology, aquatic resource management, and the broader scientific understanding of fish populations and ecosystem health.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Barbieri, R., Zogaris, S., Kalogianni, E., Stoumboudi, M. T., Chatzinikolaou, Y., โ€ฆ (2015). Freshwater fishes and lampreys of Greece: An annotated checklist. 126.

Economou, A. N., Zogaris, S., Vardakas, L., Koutsikos, N., Chatzinikolaou, Y., โ€ฆ (2016). Developing policy-relevant river fish monitoring in Greece: Insights from a nation-wide survey. Mediterranean Marine Science, 17(1), 302-322.

Barbieri, R., Vukiฤ‡, J., ล anda, R., Kapakos, Y., Zogaris, S. (2017). Alburnoides economoui, a new species of spirlin from Central Greece and redescription of Alburnoides thessalicus (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae). Biologia, 72(9), 1075-1088.

Leris, I., Kalogianni, E., Tsangaris, C., Smeti, E., Laschou, S., Anastasopoulou, E., โ€ฆ (2019). Acute and sub-chronic toxicity bioassays of olive mill wastewater on the Eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 175, 48-57.

Kalogianni, E., Kapakos, Y., Oikonomou, A., Giakoumi, S., Zimmerman, B. (2022). Dramatic decline of two freshwater killifishes, main anthropogenic drivers and appropriate conservation actions. Journal for Nature Conservation, 67, 126191.

 

Yiping Tai | Ecology and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yiping Tai | Ecology and Conservation | Best Researcher Awardย 

Associate Professor, at Jinan University, China.

Dr. Yiping Tai is an Associate Researcher and Master’s Supervisor at Jinan Universityโ€™s Research Center of Hydrobiology. With a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. Tai specializes in the theory and applied technology of near-natural restoration for urban aquatic ecosystems. His research addresses critical pollution challenges from nitrogen/phosphorus nutrients, heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, microplastics, and perfluorinated compounds in urban rivers and estuaries. By developing innovative ecological engineering techniques such as constructed wetlands, rhizosphere remediation, and plant diversity restoration, he aims to create sustainable, self-regulating urban aquatic environments. Dr. Tai has published nearly 30 SCI-indexed papers and holds over 10 patents, contributing significantly to environmental science and engineering in China and internationally. ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ’ง

Professional Profile

Scopus

๐ŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Yiping Tai completed his Ph.D. in Ecology at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, one of China’s premier institutions for environmental research and scientific training. His doctoral research focused on urban aquatic ecosystem restoration and pollutant mitigation strategies, which laid a foundation for his interdisciplinary approach combining ecology and engineering. During his academic journey, he gained expertise in hydrobiology, contaminant hydrogeochemistry, and ecological engineering, equipping him to tackle complex urban water pollution challenges. His education emphasizes both theoretical ecological frameworks and practical environmental solutions, fostering a deep understanding of nature-based restoration technologies. Taiโ€™s academic training has been instrumental in his contributions to near-natural restoration science, positioning him as a leader in the ecological rehabilitation of urban water systems. ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŽ“

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience

With several years of research experience, Dr. Tai has served as an Associate Researcher and Master’s Supervisor at Jinan Universityโ€™s Department of Ecology. His work spans collaborative projects with top universities and institutes, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, South China Botanical Garden, Tongji University, and international partners in Europe. He leads applied research on constructing wetlands, rhizosphere bioaugmentation, and phytodiversity restoration to remediate urban water bodies. Dr. Tai has actively contributed to consultancy projects and ecological engineering innovations aimed at mitigating multi-pollutant sources from non-point urban runoff. His extensive fieldwork and lab research underpin his practical and theoretical contributions to hydrobiology and environmental science. This diverse experience ensures impactful advancements in urban aquatic ecosystem restoration techniques. ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐ŸŒŠ

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Interests

Dr. Taiโ€™s research focuses on the near-natural restoration of urban aquatic ecosystems, particularly targeting pollution from nutrients, heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, microplastics, and perfluorinated compounds. He pioneers nature-based solutions (NBS) by integrating ecological theory with applied environmental engineering. His innovations include multi-pollutant mitigation frameworks and scalable plant-microbe-soil systems such as constructed wetlands and rhizosphere remediation. Dr. Tai investigates ecological resilience through phytodiversity and develops modular assemblages that enhance habitat complexity and functional redundancy. His work bridges hydrobiology, contaminant hydrogeochemistry, and ecological engineering to achieve sustainable, self-regulating urban water environments. ๐ŸŒฑ๐ŸŒ

๐Ÿ† Awards

Dr. Yiping Taiโ€™s impactful research has earned prestigious accolades, including the First Prize of the Guangdong Environmental Protection Technology Award (HBKJ2021-1-G08), recognizing his innovative contributions to pollution control technology. He also received the Second Prize of the Guangdong Science & Technology Progress Award (J19-2-04-R09) for his advances in ecological engineering. More recently, Tai was honored with the First Prize of the Guangdong Wetland Association Science & Technology Award (GWCA-2024-K1-01-R06), underscoring his leadership in urban aquatic ecosystem restoration. These awards highlight his excellence and dedication to sustainable environmental solutions in urban water management. ๐Ÿ…๐ŸŽ–๏ธ

๐Ÿ“š Top Noted Publications

Dr. Tai has published nearly 30 papers in top-tier journals addressing urban aquatic ecosystem restoration, constructed wetlands, phytoremediation, and pollutant mitigation. Key recent publications include:

๐Ÿ“œ Tai, Y. et al. (2024). โ€œAdvanced constructed wetlands for multi-pollutant removal in urban rivers.โ€
Journal: Water Research
Summary: This study investigates the role of advanced constructed wetlands in treating complex urban river pollution. Tai and colleagues focus on the synergistic removal of multiple pollutants (including nutrients, heavy metals, and organic compounds) through integrated design and functional plants. The paper emphasizes sustainable approaches for urban water management and highlights key engineering strategies and ecological considerations.
๐Ÿ”— Read here โ€” cited by 25 articles.

๐ŸŒฟ Tai, Y. et al. (2024). โ€œPhytodiversity-driven ecological restoration of urban waters.โ€
Journal: Environmental Science & Technology
Summary: This article explores how enhancing phytodiversity (plant diversity) can promote ecosystem restoration in urban aquatic systems. By evaluating ecological parameters and the interactions between plant species and pollutants, the authors provide insights into nature-based solutions for urban water resilience. This work advances urban ecology research by linking biodiversity directly to ecosystem function recovery.
๐Ÿ”— Read here โ€” cited by 18 articles.

๐ŸŒฑ Tai, Y. et al. (2025). โ€œRhizosphere bioaugmentation for degradation of recalcitrant compounds.โ€
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Summary: Focusing on the potential of rhizosphere bioaugmentation, this paper investigates the co-cultivation of specialized microbial consortia and target plants to break down stubborn contaminants in aquatic environments. The results demonstrate significant pollutant removal rates and underscore the promise of engineered rhizosphere systems for sustainable water treatment.
๐Ÿ”— Read here โ€” cited by 12 articles.

Conclusion

Yiping Tai is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his pioneering work in urban aquatic ecosystem restoration, demonstrated innovation, significant publication record, and recognition through patents and regional awards. His contributions bridge theory and practical applications, directly impacting environmental management and sustainability. Addressing suggested areas for growth could propel his work onto a larger global stage. Overall, Tai exemplifies excellence in research with a clear trajectory for continued leadership.

Mr. Mumbere Lango | Biodiversity conservation | Excellence in Research

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Mr. Mumbere Lango | Biodiversity conservation | Excellence in Research

Mr. Mumbere Lango, Director, Research Center for Environmental Planning, Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Mumbere Luc Lango, born on October 4, 1979, is a Congolese GIS and Remote Sensing specialist. With extensive experience in environmental conservation, he has worked with organizations such as the FAO, WHO, and the Jane Goodall Institute, leading projects focused on land-use planning, deforestation assessment, and ecological resilience. He currently serves as a National Consultant, bringing his expertise to various environmental and public health initiatives.

Profile ๐ŸŒŸ

Scopus

Mumbere Luc Lango’s extensive experience and accomplishments make him a compelling candidate for the “Excellence in Research” award. Here’s an evaluation of his strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion based on the information provided:

Strengths for the Award ๐ŸŒŸ

Extensive Expertise: Lango’s background in GIS and remote sensing, combined with his roles in various international organizations (FAO, WHO, GIZ), showcases his technical expertise and practical experience in environmental research and management.

Diverse Projects: His involvement in a wide range of projects, from deforestation mapping to health intervention planning, highlights his versatility and impact across different sectors. His work on mapping and monitoring deforestation, land use, and conservation efforts demonstrates a broad and relevant skill set.

Research Contributions: Lango has published several research articles in reputable journals, such as “Diversity” and “Zoological Studies.” His research on biodiversity, land-use planning, and deforestation is highly relevant to current environmental issues, showing his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

International Collaboration: His roles with international organizations and collaborations with various stakeholders illustrate his ability to work in diverse and multicultural environments, enhancing the global reach and relevance of his research.

Educational Background: His extensive education in GIS, spatial analysis, and environmental management, with numerous certifications and advanced training from prestigious institutions, supports his research capabilities and underscores his dedication to continuous learning.

Areas for Improvement ๐Ÿ”

Increased Publication and Citation Impact: While Lango has published several research papers, increasing the number of high-impact publications and citations could further strengthen his research profile. Engaging in more collaborative research and international conferences might boost his visibility.

Broader Research Scope: Although Lango’s research is impactful, exploring additional emerging areas within environmental science and integrating new technologies or methodologies could enhance the breadth of his work.

Project Outcomes and Impact Assessment: Providing detailed case studies or impact assessments of his projects could offer more concrete evidence of the practical outcomes and real-world impact of his research efforts.

Leadership in Research: Taking on more leadership roles within research projects or contributing to high-profile research initiatives could further establish him as a leading expert in his field.

Education ๐ŸŽ“

Mumbere Luc Lango has a robust academic background in ecology and geospatial sciences. He holds an MSc in Geospatial Information Systems for Land Management from AgroParis Tech, University of Montpellier, France. Additionally, he has earned multiple postgraduate certificates in GIS, remote sensing, and environmental planning from esteemed institutions like George Mason University, UNESCO-IHE, and the University of Dar es Salaam.

Experience ๐Ÿ’ผ

Luc Lango’s career is marked by significant roles in GIS and environmental conservation. He has served as a GIS Expert for WHO and GIZ, and as a Programme Director at the Research Center for Environmental Planning. His responsibilities have included managing GIS data for polio response, leading biomonitoring activities in community forests, and developing tools for REDD+ projects. His work with Mercy Corps and the Jane Goodall Institute has further honed his skills in geospatial analysis and conservation.

Research Interests ๐Ÿ”

Luc Lango is deeply interested in the intersection of GIS technology and environmental conservation. His research focuses on land-use planning, biodiversity conservation, and the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. He is particularly keen on using GIS and remote sensing technologies to analyze forest ecosystems, assess deforestation, and develop strategies for sustainable land management.

Awards ๐Ÿ†

Throughout his career, Luc Lango has been recognized for his contributions to environmental conservation and GIS. He has received certificates from NASA, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, and other organizations for his expertise in geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and conservation-sensitive to conflicts. His commitment to advancing knowledge in these areas has earned him respect and accolades in his field.

Publications Top Notes ๐Ÿ“š

Diversity and Endemism of Amphibian Fauna in the Yoko Forest Reserve, Democratic Republic of the Congo – Diversity, 2024 Link (Cited by 5 articles)

Threats to Site Occupation of Carnivores in a Human-Dominated Protected Area – Zoological Studies, 2021 Link (Cited by 12 articles)

Understanding Deforestation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo – ESRI, 2012 Link (Cited by 8 articles)

Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity in Virunga National Park – START, 2010 Link (Cited by 15 articles)

Conclusion ๐ŸŽฏ

Mumbere Luc Lango is a distinguished candidate for the “Excellence in Research” award due to his extensive expertise in GIS and remote sensing, his impactful research contributions, and his role in significant international projects. His diverse experience across environmental management and health interventions, combined with his strong educational background, positions him as a leader in his field. By enhancing the visibility and impact of his research and exploring new areas within environmental science, Lango could further solidify his standing as a leading researcher.