Eriona Canga | Nature-based Solutions | Research Excellence Award

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.

Featured Publications

Seyi Dada | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Ms. Seyi Dada | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Tallinn University of Technology | United States

Ms. Seyi Dada is an environmental engineering and sustainability researcher whose work focuses on advancing innovative approaches for waste management, pollution reduction, and resource-efficient systems. Her research interests span sustainable electronic waste management, air quality analysis, renewable energy integration, environmental impact assessments, and circular economy strategies. She has conducted impactful studies on developing sustainable e-waste management frameworks, evaluating recycling technologies, analyzing environmental risks, and improving resource recovery methods to minimize ecological harm. Her work also includes assessing particulate matter dynamics in indoor and outdoor environments, examining the factors influencing air pollution dispersion, and contributing scientific insights that support healthier living conditions. She has explored renewable energy pathways through studies on biological methanation in power-to-gas systems and resource derivation from industrial and household waste streams, including the recovery of useful materials from discarded electronics and organic by-products. Her contributions extend to environmental performance evaluations, municipal solid waste life-cycle assessments, sustainability appraisals of consumer products, and comparative analyses of emerging and conventional technologies. Through her involvement in environmental monitoring activities, she has supported water quality assessments and identified key indicators of ecosystem health. Her strong interest in sustainability has led to participation in projects focused on eco-friendly manufacturing, waste treatment optimization, digitalization for improved environmental efficiency, and large-scale impact assessments for industrial and marine developments. An active member of multiple professional environmental organizations, she continues to integrate engineering principles, data-driven analysis, and environmental science to promote sustainable development and advance practical solutions for global environmental challenges.

Featured Publications

Nyambane, C. (2024, June). Development of a sustainable e-waste management system in Estonia.

Nyambane, C. (2024, May). Development of silver from used X-ray films and graphene from drained cassava starch.

Nyambane, C. (2024, September). Economic and operational feasibility of biological methanation in power-to-gas systems: Enhancing renewable energy integration.

Lucia Camelia Pirvu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lucia Camelia Pirvu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher | National Institute for Chemical-Pharmaceutical Research and Development | Romania

Dr. Lucia Camelia Pirvu is a distinguished biochemist, doctor in chemistry, and senior researcher in pharmaceutical biotechnology, with nearly three decades of scientific expertise in developing herbal medicines and plant-derived products. Her research bridges chemistry, pharmacology, and biotechnology, focusing on the design, extraction, and analytical characterization of bioactive compounds from vegetal biomass. She has successfully coordinated numerous interdisciplinary projects exceeding four million euros in funding, advancing innovations in medicinal, agricultural, cosmetic, and hygiene formulations. Dr. Lucia Camelia Pirvu work emphasizes pre-pharmacological screening of natural products, particularly targeting oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Her prolific scientific output includes over forty indexed publications in internationally recognized journals such as International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Plants, Antibiotics, and Foods, where she explores bioactivity, metabolic effects, and therapeutic potential of natural compounds through in vitro and in silico approaches. She is also the author of several specialized books and book chapters published internationally, highlighting the integration of polyphenols and herbal extracts into modern therapeutic and protective products. With 18 patents and patent applications, Dr. Lucia Camelia Pirvu has contributed significantly to developing innovative vegetal formulations with antitumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and skin-protective effects. Her research excellence is reflected by 402 citations across 362 documents, 51 published works, and an h-index of 12. Dr. Lucia Camelia Pirvu scientific leadership and creative application of natural bioresources demonstrate her commitment to sustainable pharmaceutical innovation and the advancement of phytochemical research for human and environmental health.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Researchgate 

Featured Publications

Cristea, S., Perisoara, A., Tihăuan, B. M., Ene, M. D., Constantin, M., Florea, A. M., Ivan, E. S., Zala, R. C., Purcăreanu, B., Mihaiescu, D. E., & Pirvu, L. (2025). In vitro evaluation of the antifungal activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract and its potential application in plant protection. Plants, 14(21), 3320.

Pirvu, L., Stefaniu, A., Nita, S., Radu, N., & Neagu, G. (2025). In silico and in vitro analyses of strawberry-derived extracts in relation to key compounds’ metabolic and anti-tumor effects. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(8), 3492.

Marian, T., Radu, N., Voicescu, M., Nistor, C. L., Pirvu, L., Mihaila, M., & Bostan, M. (2025). Preliminary biological assessments of some algae basis biomaterials. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 13(2), 318.

Albisoru, D., Radu, N., Pirvu, L., Stefaniu, A., Băbeanu, N., Stoica, R., & Mihai, D. P. (2024). Studies regarding antimicrobial properties of some microbial polyketides derived from Monascus strains. Antibiotics, 13(11), 1092.

Stefaniu, A., Neagu, G., Albulescu, A., Radu, N., & Pirvu, L. (2024). In silico comparison of quantum and bioactivity parameters of a series of natural diphenyl acetone analogues; in vitro Caco-2 studies on three main chalcone derivatives. Symmetry, 16(10), 1383.

Raziyeh Teimouri | Urban Environmental Planning | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Raziyeh Teimouri | Urban Environmental Planning | Best Research Article Award

Researcher | University of South Australia | Australia

Dr. Raziyeh Teimouri is a distinguished academic and urban planner whose research and teaching expertise bridge the fields of urban and regional planning, healthy cities, and socio-environmental sustainability. Her scholarly work focuses on advancing sustainable urban development through green space planning, spatial analysis, and ecological design strategies that promote both social well-being and environmental resilience. She has made notable contributions to the understanding of urban heat island mitigation, land-use dynamics, and equitable access to green and public spaces by integrating GIS, AI, and data-driven methods into urban research. With 235 citations across 221 documents, 23 publications, and an h-index of 9, her research has been widely published in high-impact international journals, addressing critical urban challenges in both developed and developing contexts. Beyond academia, she has applied her expertise across interdisciplinary and governmental projects, contributing to strategic planning, policy assessment, and climate-responsive urban design. Her professional memberships in organizations such as the Planning Institute of Australia and the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia reflect her active engagement in advancing professional and academic discourses in planning. As a lecturer, researcher, and mentor, she fosters innovation and collaboration in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and healthy urban environments, making her a key contributor to the future of resilient city planning and social-ecological sustainability.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar | Researchgate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Yigitcanlar, T., Kamruzzaman, M., Teimouri, R., Degirmenci, K., & Alanjagh, F. A. (2020). Association between park visits and mental health in a developing country context: The case of Tabriz, Iran. Landscape and Urban Planning, 199, 103805.

Reshadat, S., Zangeneh, A., Saeidi, S., Teimouri, R., & Yigitcanlar, T. (2019). Measures of spatial accessibility to health centers: Investigating urban and rural disparities in Kermanshah, Iran. Journal of Public Health, 27(4), 519-529.

Teimouri, R., & Yigitcanlar, T. (2018). An approach towards effective ecological planning: Quantitative analysis of urban green space characteristics. Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 4(2), 195-206.

Khademi, N., Zanganeh, A., Saeidi, S., Teimouri, R., Khezeli, M., Jamshidi, B., & others. (2021). Quality of life of HIV-infected individuals: Insights from a study of patients in Kermanshah, Iran. BMC Infectious Diseases, 21(1), 203.

Khademi, N., Zangeneh, A., Ziapour, A., Saeidi, S., Teimouri, R., Yenneti, K., & others. (2022). Exploring the epidemiology of suicide attempts: Risk modeling in Kermanshah—Iran. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 924907.

 

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.

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.

Salar Salah Muhy Al-Din | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Salar Salah Muhy Al-Din | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design | Turkey

Assist. Prof. Dr. Salar Salah Muhy Al-Din is a distinguished academic and researcher in architecture and sustainable design, currently serving in the Faculty of Design at Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design, Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus. He holds a B.Eng. in Civil and Surveying Engineering from the University of Baghdad, an M.Sc. in Sustainable Architecture from Bharaty Vidyapeeth University, India, and a Ph.D. in Architecture from Girne American University, North Cyprus. His research focuses on sustainable and climate-responsive architectural design, indoor thermal comfort, and the integration of smart and salutogenic design principles in buildings. He has contributed extensively through teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervising Master’s theses on energy optimization, healthcare architecture, and project management, and publishing in top-tier international journals on thermal comfort, sustainable building materials, and smart design policies. Assist. Prof. Dr. Salar Salah Muhy Al-Din has initiated and led scientific projects including the establishment of the Journal of Salutogenic Architecture and regional collaborations for sustainable city planning in Kurdistan. He has received awards for innovative design projects and best paper presentations at international architecture conferences. He serves as Editor-in-Chief and editorial board member of multiple journals, session chair at global conferences, and is an active member of professional organizations such as the Iraqi Engineers Union, Kurdistan Engineers Union, and international smart city networks. His work bridges practical architectural solutions with environmental sustainability, influencing policy, urban planning, and the next generation of architects through innovative research and education. He has 22 citations by 19 documents with an h-index of 3.

Featured Publications

Amen, M. A., Afara, A., & Muhy-Al-Din, S. S. (2024). The persuasibility of globe thermometer in predicting indoor thermal comfort using non-standard globe diameter: Row houses of semi-arid climates as case studies. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 12(1), 425–435.

Muhy Al-Din, S. S. (2017). The influence of Mediterranean modernist movement of architecture in Lefkosa: The first and early second half of 20th century. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 1(1), 10–23.

Shawkat, L. W., Al-Din, S. S. M., & Kuzovic, D. (2018). Opportunities for practicing sustainable building construction in Kurdistan region, Iraq. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 2(1), 69–101.

Muhy Al-Din, S. S., Iranfare, M., & Surchi, Z. N. S. (2017). Building thermal comfort based on envelope development: Criteria for selecting right case study in Kyrenia-North Cyprus. Energy Procedia, 115, 80–91.

Muhy Al-Din, S. S. (2019). Evaluation of the sustainable aspects in housing sector to overcome housing stress in Northern Iraq. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs.

Veronika Pereseina | Sustainabillity | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Veronika Pereseina | Sustainabillity | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Zayed University | United Arab Emirates

Dr. Veronika Pereseina is an accomplished scholar, educator, researcher, and creative entrepreneur with expertise in sustainable business models, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, and innovative education approaches. She holds a PhD in Business Administration from Jonkoping International Business School in Sweden, where her doctoral research focused on managing sustainable business models through life cycle thinking. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, contributing to the Sustainability Program of the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, where she applies transdisciplinary perspectives to teaching and research. Her academic career includes positions at institutions such as IMT Business School Dubai, Modul University Dubai, and Jonkoping University, where she has taught, designed courses, and mentored students on sustainability transitions, supply chains, and strategic growth. In addition to academia, she has extensive professional experience as a logistics coordinator, consultant, and researcher with industry-academia collaborations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Her research has been published in respected journals and covers themes such as sustainable supply chains, business model innovation, and responsible management education, with an h-index of 3, based on 32 citations across 3 documents. Beyond her academic and consulting endeavors, she is also the founder of CosmicArt, a platform that combines art, meditation, and holistic practices, reflecting her passion for creativity, transformation, and well-being. A global citizen fluent in multiple languages, she integrates intercultural communication, leadership development, and transformative methodologies in her work. Through teaching, research, mentorship, and artistic practice, she inspires individuals and organizations to embrace sustainability, creativity, and conscious leadership for a better future.

Featured Publications

Pereseina, V., Jensen, L. M., Hertz, S., & Cui, L. (2014). Challenges and conflicts in sustainable supply chain management: Evidence from the heavy vehicle industry. Supply Chain Forum: An International Journal, 15(1), 22-32.

Hays, J. M., Pereseina, V., Alshuaibi, A. S. I., & Saha, J. (2020). Lessons in sustainable process paradigm. A case study from Dubai. The International Journal of Management Education, 18(1), 100366.

Khalilov, M., Pretkalniņa, L., Kuvaldina, N., & Pereseina, V. (2010). SMT of Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian languages: A comparative study. In Human Language Technologies–The Baltic Perspective (pp. 117-124).

Pereseina, V. (2017). Managing the sustainable business model of a heavy vehicle manufacturer through life cycle thinking: A case study of road freight transport supply chains. Jönköping University, Jönköping International Business School.

Pereseina, V., & Jensen, L. M. (2012). Challenges and conflicts in sustainable supply chain management.