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.

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.

 

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.

Rinal Prasad | Renewable Energy Management | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rinal Prasad | Renewable Energy Management | Best Researcher Award

Teacher | University of Fiji | New Zealand

Mr. Rinal Prasad is a dedicated mathematics and physics educator with extensive experience in teaching and academic leadership across several secondary schools. Currently serving as a mathematics teacher at Thames High School, he has previously led departments in mathematics, physics, and science, demonstrating strong leadership and curriculum development skills. Mr. Rinal Prasad holds a Master’s in Renewable Energy Management and a Postgraduate qualification in Education, complementing his Bachelor of Science with a double major in mathematics and physics. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for excellence in teaching and sustainability initiatives, leading projects that earned national and regional awards, including solar energy and biogas implementations at educational institutions. He is skilled in communication, problem-solving, and educational technology, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Mathematica, LabVIEW, and Lynx. Mr. Rinal Prasad is committed to mentoring students, fostering team collaboration, and achieving academic excellence under challenging conditions. Beyond the classroom, he engages in community service, volunteering for disaster relief efforts and fundraising initiatives, reflecting a strong sense of social responsibility. Passionate about sports, music, and socializing, he balances professional dedication with personal interests, embodying a holistic approach to education and life. His commitment to innovation, sustainability, and student success marks him as a transformative figure in education.

Profile: Orcid 

Featured Publications

Prasad, R. R. (2025, September 28). Decarbonising island kitchens: Assessing the small-scale flexible balloon digester’s clean cooking potential in Fiji.

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.

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.

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.