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

Shivukumar Rakkasagi | Climate Change | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Shivukumar Rakkasagi | Climate Change | Young Scientist Award

Indian Institute of Technology Indore | India

Dr. Shivukumar Rakkasagi is a dedicated researcher and educator in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the same institution, an M.Sc. in Geoinformatics from Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, and a B.E. in Civil Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University. His research focuses on hydroclimatic extremes, wetland resilience, and geospatial-AI integration for climate risk assessment and sustainable environmental management. Dr. Shivukumar Rakkasagi has contributed to the understanding of climate-induced hazards affecting Ramsar wetlands and biodiversity through novel frameworks combining hydrology, AI, and socio-technical perspectives. His previous experience includes roles at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, Punjab Remote Sensing Centre, and the Indian Space Research Organisation, where he developed expertise in remote sensing, GIS, and environmental modeling. He has co-authored numerous high-impact journal papers and book chapters published by Springer, Elsevier, and Nature, contributing significantly to climate resilience research. With 136 citations across 81 documents, 12 publications, and an h-index of 6, his scholarly impact continues to grow in the field of environmental sciences. Dr. Shivukumar Rakkasagi has been recognized with multiple prestigious honors, including national fellowships, best presentation awards, and scientific distinctions for excellence in Earth and environmental sciences. He actively serves as a reviewer for international journals such as Scientific Reports, Remote Sensing of Environment, and Water Resources Management and is a member of various professional and scientific societies. His interdisciplinary work bridges research and policy, fostering sustainable solutions for climate adaptation, ecosystem protection, and water resource resilience.

Featured Publications

Goyal, M. K., Gupta, A. K., Jha, S., Rakkasagi, S., & Jain, V. (2022). Climate change impact on precipitation extremes over Indian cities: Non-stationary analysis. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 180, 121685.

Rakkasagi, S., Goyal, M. K., & Jha, S. (2024). Evaluating the future risk of coastal Ramsar wetlands in India to extreme rainfalls using fuzzy logic. Journal of Hydrology, 632, 130869.

Goyal, M. K., Rakkasagi, S., Shaga, S., Zhang, T. C., Surampalli, R. Y., & Dubey, S. (2023). Spatiotemporal-based automated inundation mapping of Ramsar wetlands using Google Earth Engine. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 17324.

Rakkasagi, S., Poonia, V., & Goyal, M. K. (2023). Flash drought as a new climate threat: Drought indices, insights from a study in India and implications for future research. Journal of Water and Climate Change, 14(9), 3368–3384.

Goyal, M. K., Gupta, A. K., Das, J., Jain, V., & Rakkasagi, S. (2023). Heatwave magnitude impact over Indian cities: CMIP 6 projections. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 154(3), 959–971.

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.

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.

Junghun Yeum | Urban Green Space | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Junghun Yeum | Urban Green Space | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Gangneung-Wonju National University | South Korea

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Junghun Yeum is an Associate Professor at Gangneung-Wonju National University, Republic of Korea, specializing in landscape ecology with a strong focus on urban ecosystem conservation, ecological restoration, and green network design. His academic journey and professional contributions bridge science, policy, and practice, advancing strategies for biodiversity protection, sustainable planning, and resilience in urban landscapes. He has conducted extensive research on protected area management, ecological zoning, and urban green infrastructure, while also pioneering studies on the therapeutic value of natural environments in reducing stress and enhancing human well-being. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Junghun Yeum scholarly output includes numerous publications in indexed journals, co-authored books, and contributions to policy-driven frameworks for evaluating conservation effectiveness, many of which have been integrated into national strategies for wetland and ecological landscape management. His consultancy engagements with local governments and public agencies provide practical solutions for ecological mapping and conservation planning, while his collaborative projects supported by national research bodies have established innovative methodologies such as EEG-based studies on stress relief in urban parks. He is an editorial board member of leading environmental societies and holds leadership positions in professional organizations, contributing actively to knowledge dissemination and scientific governance. His contributions extend globally through his role as a national focal point to the Ramsar Convention’s Scientific and Technical Review Panel, reflecting his commitment to both ecological preservation and international collaboration. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Junghun Yeum work exemplifies a balanced integration of ecological science, applied research, and policy engagement, making him a leading figure in advancing nature-based solutions for urban sustainability.

Featured Publications

Kim, D. W., Han, B. H., Kim, J. Y., & Yeum, J. H. (2015). Plant community structure of Abies holophylla community from Sinseongam to Jungdaesa in Odaesan National Park. Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology, 29(6), 895–906.

Bae, J. Y., Kim, J. S., Lee, K. J., Kim, J. Y., & Yeum, J. H. (2013). Changes of vegetation structure in Naejangsan District, Najangsan National Park for twenty years (1991–2010), Korea. Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology, 27(1), 99–112.

Yeum, J. H., Han, B. H., Choi, J. W., & Jeong, H. U. (2013). Mapping of the damaged forest by oak wilt disease in Bukhansan National Park. Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology, 27(6), 704–717.

Yeum, J. H., Han, B. H., & Lee, K. J. (2010). A study on designation potential as Ramsar site and management method of massive scale of wetland: A case of Jang Hang estuary wetland, Han River, Korea. Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology, 24(3), 249–257.

Kim, K., Lee, K. J., Choi, J. W., Yeum, J. H., & Ahn, I. S. (2014). A study on vegetation structure of cultural landscape forest of Dongbaek Island, Busan. Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology, 28(2), 205–214.