Wenyuan Zhang | Global Earth Observation | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenyuan Zhang | Global Earth Observation | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | China University of Mining and Technology | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenyuan Zhang serves as an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT). He earned his Ph.D. through the prestigious CUMT–ETH Zurich Joint Program and completed his postdoctoral research at the Xi’an Research Institute of Surveying and Mapping. His research focuses on GNSS remote sensing, multi-scale meteorology, water vapor detection, and climate change applications, emphasizing advanced data fusion and satellite geodesy. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenyuan Zhang has authored over 16 peer-reviewed publications, including 10 SCI-indexed papers, six of which appear in top-tier CAS journals such as IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Journal of Geodesy, and GPS Solutions. His innovative work on multi-source resilient fusion techniques has significantly advanced the precision of GNSS water vapor retrieval, providing vital insights into atmospheric processes and climate monitoring. With a total of 210 citations, an h-index of 8, and an i10-index of 7, he has made a notable mark in the field of environmental and geodetic sciences. His achievements include winning the Jiangsu Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award and the National Ph.D. Scholarship. Beyond his research, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenyuan Zhang actively contributes as a reviewer for leading international journals and serves as a member of the IAG Working Group, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in geodesy and environmental science. His dedication to advancing GNSS-based climate applications continues to strengthen the integration of geospatial technologies in global climate research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid | Researchgate

Featured Publications

Hee Kyung Park | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Hee Kyung Park | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Post-master’s Researcher | Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology | South Korea

Ms. Hee Kyung Park is a Master’s Degree Researcher at the Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, whose work focuses on the quantitative risk assessment and safety management of next-generation clean energy systems. Her research emphasizes decarbonized fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, exploring their combustion behavior, explosion risks, and fire dynamics through both experimental and computational methods. She has conducted extensive studies involving cone calorimetry, toxicity testing, and fire dynamics simulation to enhance safety protocols in energy infrastructure. Her recent publications in leading KCI and SCI(E) journals address crucial topics, including consequence analysis of hydrogen leakage accidents, ammonia fuel risk evaluation in combined cycle power plants, and semi-quantitative safety management frameworks using the Bow-tie method. Additionally, she has contributed to major national research projects developing hydrogen turbine combustor testing methods and retrofitting technologies for gas turbines co-firing hydrogen. Through her interdisciplinary approach integrating thermal engineering, safety systems, and computational risk analysis, Ms. Hee Kyung Park plays a key role in advancing safer, sustainable, and high-efficiency energy technologies that align with global carbon neutrality goals. Her expertise and scholarly output, reflected in 15 citations by 14 documents across 8 publications with an h-index of 3, continue to contribute significantly to the evolution of hydrogen and ammonia-based energy systems within industrial safety and environmental research domains.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Park, H. K. (2023, November). Consequence analysis on the leakage accident of hydrogen fuel in a combined cycle power plant: Based on the effect of regional environmental features. Journal of Hydrogen and New Energy.

Park, H. K. (2024, January). Experimental investigation on the measurement performance of high-speed ultrasonic wave thermometry in ambient- and high-temperature environments. Applied Thermal Engineering.

Park, H. K. (2024, April). Semi-quantitative risk assessment using Bow-tie method for the establishment of safety management system of hydrogen fuel storage facility in a combined cycle power plant. Journal of the Korean Society of Safety.

Park, H. K. (2024, April). Analysis of damage impact range according to the NG/NH3 mixing ratio when applying ammonia as fuel for a combined cycle power plant using an ALOHA program. Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas.

Park, H. K. (2024, March). Fire dynamics and evacuation simulation study on the library adapting BIPV based on the experimental data of a cone calorimeter. The Korean Institute of Fire Science & Engineering.

Yiannis Kapakos | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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., … (2015). Freshwater fishes and lampreys of Greece: An annotated checklist. 126.

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

Barbieri, R., Vukić, J., Šanda, 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., … (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.

 

Zhiyuan Qi | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zhiyuan Qi | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Jianghan University | China 

Mr. Zhiyuan Qi is a dedicated Master Candidate in Biology at the College of Life Sciences, Jianghan University, specializing in aquatic biological resources protection. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Liaoning University, her undergraduate research focused on the anti-hepatoma activity of intracellular polysaccharides from Paecilomyces hepiali. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to aquatic ecology, with active participation in the Yangtze River “Ten-Year Fishing Moratorium” monitoring project aimed at supporting sustainable aquatic ecosystem management. Mr. Zhiyuan Qi has contributed to the field through publications, including one in an EI-indexed journal and another in the international journal Animals, showcasing her research in fish community ecology and freshwater ecosystem restoration. Her scholarly excellence was recognized through the “Excellent Graduate Report” Award at an academic meeting of the Fisheries Resources and Environment Branch of the China Society of Fisheries. Mr. Zhiyuan Qi research focuses on the ecological monitoring of freshwater systems, providing crucial data for resource management and biodiversity conservation in the Three Gorges Reservoir head area. Through her scientific contributions, she strives to advance understanding of aquatic ecosystem dynamics, offering insights that promote effective conservation policies and sustainable management practices for regional aquatic resources.

Profile: Orcid 

Featured Publications

Qi, Z., Zhai, D., Liu, H., Xiong, F., Liao, C., Tian, H., & Duan, X. (2025). Fish community structure and nested distribution pattern of the three tributaries at the head of the Three Gorges Reservoir. Journal of Lake Sciences, 33, Article 032.

Cai, F., Qi, Z., Hu, Z., Zhai, D., Chen, Y., Xiong, F., & Liu, H. (2025, September). Revealing phenotypic differentiation in Ochetobius elongatus from the Middle Yangtze River through geometric morphometrics. Animals, 15(19), 2870.

Mohamed Bey Zekkoub | Environmental Modelling | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Mohamed Bey Zekkoub | Environmental Modelling | Young Researcher Award

Researcher | Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology | Switzerland

Dr. Mohamed Bey Zekkoub is a dedicated environmental scientist and water expert with extensive experience in water quality analysis, environmental risk assessment, and predictive modeling of complex environmental systems. His work bridges experimental research, numerical simulations, and machine learning approaches to understand and mitigate the impacts of chemical pollutants and plastic waste in aquatic ecosystems. He has contributed to major studies on industrial effluents, riverine pollution, and the fate of polymers in water systems, providing actionable insights for sustainable water management and ecological protection. Dr. Mohamed Bey Zekkoub has held research and consultancy roles in leading institutions, where he developed advanced numerical models, conducted ecological risk assessments, and guided mitigation strategies for environmental compliance. His expertise spans hydro informatics, chemistry, environmental modeling, and natural resource management, enabling him to support evidence-based policy development and sustainable practices. He has been recognized for his innovative contributions with prestigious awards and has presented his research at international conferences while publishing in top-tier journals. In addition to research, he has actively contributed to the development of environmental modeling tools, enhancing the accuracy of pollutant transport simulations. With a strong foundation in computational fluid dynamics, numerical modeling, and programming languages, Mohamed combines technical proficiency with a passion for addressing global environmental challenges, particularly in water security, pollution management, and the sustainable stewardship of natural resources. He continues to advance knowledge in environmental science through interdisciplinary collaboration, experimentation, and innovative modeling approaches to support a healthier and more resilient planet. His work has been cited once since 2020, with an h-index of 1, reflecting recognition of his contributions to the field.

Featured Publications

Bey-Zekkoub, M., Tassi, P., Lucas, C., & Chhim, N. (2025). Modeling solute transport in rivers: Analytical and numerical solutions. Environmental Modelling & Software, 106580.

Bey-Zekkoub, M., Tassi, P., & Chhim, N. (2025). Assessing the impacts of sodium polyacrylate discharge into the Seine River: A numerical modeling approach. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 104740.

Bey-Zekkoub, M., Tassi, P., Chhim, N., Bretaud, M., & Harnichard, A. (2024). Interaction between sodium polyacrylate and sediment transport in a simplified river reach configuration. Telemac User Conference TUC 2024.

Bey-Zekkoub, M., Tassi, P., Lucas, C., & Chhim, N. (2024). Analytical and numerical solutions for one-dimensional solute transport in rivers: Advection, adsorption, degradation, and bed accumulation. Journal of Hydrology.

Zhifeng Xun | Soil Carbon | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhifeng Xun | Soil Carbon | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | Liaoning Agricultural Vocation and Technical College | China

Dr. Zhifeng Xun is a lecturer at Liaoning Agricultural Vocational and Technical College with a strong academic background in Grassland Science and Turfgrass Resources and Utilization. His research focuses on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling and the microbial pathways responsible for the production of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N₂O). Through a combination of biological inhibition experiments and high-throughput sequencing, he has identified fungi, particularly Ascomycota, as significant contributors to N₂O emissions under nitrogen fertilization, revealing that moderate nitrogen input disproportionately stimulates fungal-driven emissions. Dr. Zhifeng Xunhas contributed to multiple major research programs, enhancing the understanding of microbial mechanisms in urban lawn soils and providing a scientific foundation for sustainable nitrogen management in green spaces. He has authored four journal publications and a book, advancing knowledge in ecosystem management and climate change mitigation. His work integrates soil science and microbial ecology to inform practical strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resilient, sustainable urban landscapes. His research has garnered 16 citations across 16 documents, with an h-index of 2.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Xun, Z., Zhao, M., Zhao, X., Wang, M., Liu, Y., Han, X., Zhang, Y., Wu, Y., & Quan, Z. (2025-10). Role of fungi in N<sub>2</sub>O emissions from nitrogen-fertilized lawn soil. Nitrogen.

Quan, Z., Li, S., Xun, Z., Liu, C., Liu, D., Wang, Y., Zhao, X., Yang, M., Lu, C., Chen, X., et al. (2024-07). Evaluating the effects of reduced N application, a nitrification inhibitor, and straw incorporation on fertilizer-N fates in the maize growing season: A field <sup>15</sup>N tracer study. Nitrogen.

Quan, Z., Li, S., Xun, Z., Liu, C., Liu, D., Wang, Y., Zhao, X., Yang, M., Lu, C., Chen, X., et al. (2024). Effects of reduced N application, nitrification inhibitor, and straw incorporation on fertilizer-N fates in maize cropping system: A field <sup>15</sup>N tracer study in Northeastern China. Working paper.

Nawar Al-Tameemi | Soil and Water Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nawar Al-Tameemi | Soil and Water Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant | Beijing Forestry University | China

Dr. Nawar Al-Tameemi is a dedicated research assistant at Beijing Forestry University specializing in environmental science, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis. His work focuses on understanding and mitigating land degradation and desertification in arid and semi-arid regions through advanced data-driven approaches. He has contributed to pioneering research projects that examine vegetation degradation, land-use change, and desertification risk mapping by integrating satellite-derived data, statistical analyses, and machine learning techniques. Dr. Nawar Al-Tameemi develops innovative frameworks that objectively assess the influence of climatic, vegetative, and human factors on land degradation, providing high-precision risk maps to inform sustainable land management and policy interventions. His research enhances the accuracy and applicability of environmental monitoring tools and supports targeted strategies to promote soil and water conservation. With publications in leading journals such as MDPI Remote Sensing and practical experience in applied projects, he bridges academic research with real-world environmental solutions. Committed to advancing knowledge in sustainable land use, Dr. Nawar Al-Tameemi also contributes to mentoring, collaboration, and capacity-building in climate education, fostering awareness of ecological resilience and the adoption of clean, sustainable practices across vulnerable landscapes.

Featured Publications

Al-Tameemi, N., Xuexia, Z., Shahzad, F., Mehmood, K., Linying, X., & Zhou, J. (2025). From trends to drivers: Vegetation degradation and land-use change in Babil and Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq (2000–2023). Remote Sensing, 17(19), 3343.

Chi Mu | Environmental Protection | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Chi Mu | Environmental Protection | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Xi’an University of Science and Technology | China

Prof. Chi Mu is an accomplished associate professor at Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Shaanxi Energy Institute, College of Safety Science and Engineering. His expertise lies in mining damage control, mine environmental protection, land reclamation, and ecological restoration with a strong emphasis on sustainable and safe mining practices. He has contributed extensively through scholarly publications in international and national journals, patents, and impactful research projects that integrate scientific innovation with practical applications in coal mining and energy sectors. His work has significantly advanced understanding of mining-induced fractures, disaster prevention, and water-preserved mining technologies, with successful applications across multiple mining enterprises generating substantial economic and environmental benefits. With 78 citations by 78 documents, 5 documents, and an h-index of 3, Prof. Chi Mu research impact reflects both academic recognition and practical relevance. He has engaged in consultancy for leading mining companies and has collaborated with academic, industrial, and governmental organizations in China and abroad, strengthening the link between research and industry implementation. He has also taken on roles as a guest editor, peer reviewer, and expert committee member, providing critical insights for academic advancement and industry safety. Recognized as a high-level talent and active member of professional societies, he contributes to policy, safety innovation, and knowledge transfer in the mining sector. Dedicated to teaching and mentorship, he guides students in innovative projects and competitions, nurturing the next generation of researchers and practitioners. Through his academic contributions, technical expertise, and leadership in sustainability and safety, Prof. Chi Mu embodies the integration of scientific excellence, practical solutions, and social responsibility in advancing green mining and environmental protection.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Mu, C., Zhai, X., Zhao, B., Yu, X., Zhang, J., Chen, H., & Zhu, J. (2025-09-23). Cooperative failure modes of overlying strata and stressed distribution mechanism in shallow coal seam mining processes. Processes.

Mu, C., Yu, X., Zhao, B., Zhang, D., Mao, X., Zhu, J., & Olawumi, T. O. (2021-01). The formation mechanism of surface landslide disasters in the mining area under different slope angles. Advances in Civil Engineering.

Yu, X., Mu, C., & Zhang, D. (2020-03-06). Assessment of land reclamation benefits in mining areas using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. Sustainability.

Jennifer Goldstein | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jennifer Goldstein | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor | California State University | United States

Dr. Jennifer Goldstein is a distinguished scholar, educator, and leader whose career bridges research, practice, and policy in education. She earned her doctorate in Administration and Policy Analysis with a minor in Sociology at Stanford University and began her academic path with a degree in Social Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley. Her professional journey includes faculty appointments at Baruch College, City University of New York, and her current role as Professor of Educational Leadership at California State University, Fullerton, where she also served as Department Chair. She has directed innovative programs such as Leadership Education for Anaheim Districts and has held leadership roles with the California Office to Reform Education. Dr. Jennifer Goldstein research examines teacher evaluation, peer review, distributed leadership, and university-district partnerships for leadership preparation. Her published works, including books, peer-reviewed articles, and policy briefs, contribute significantly to debates on accountability, equity, and professionalism in education. She has been invited to speak nationally, consulted for teacher unions and educational organizations, and collaborated on major grants and research-practice partnerships. Her teaching spans doctoral, master’s, and credential programs, emphasizing leadership development, instructional practice, and equity-focused preparation. Recognized with numerous honors for scholarship, teaching, and service, she also contributes through editorial and reviewing roles for leading journals and presses. Beyond academia, she is active in community service, civic engagement, and interfaith initiatives, reflecting her commitment to equity and justice both in schools and society. Her career embodies a blend of rigorous scholarship, transformative leadership, and engaged citizenship.

Featured Publications

Goldstein, J. (2004). Making sense of distributed leadership: The case of peer assistance and review. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 26(2), 173–197.

Goldstein, J. (2007). Easy to dance to: Solving the problems of teacher evaluation with peer assistance and review. American Journal of Education, 113(3), 479–508.

Goldstein, J. (2010). Peer review and teacher leadership: Linking professionalism and accountability. Series on School Reform. Teachers College Press.

Goldstein, J. (2005). Debunking the fear of peer review: Combining supervision and evaluation and living to tell about it. Journal of Personnel Evaluation in Education, 18(4), 235–252.

Goldstein, J., Lozano, M., & Panero, N. S. (2025). Metabolizing the challenges to partnership: Partner learning in a university-district partnership for leadership preparation. Journal of Research on Leadership Education, 20(1), 32–58.

 

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.