Sergei Sabanov | Environmental and Social Impact Assessment | Best Researcher Award

Dr Sergei Sabanov | Environmental and Social Impact Assessment | Best Researcher Award

Mining, Safet, Health and Environmental Impact Assessment, Nazarbayev University, School of Mining and Geosciences, Kazakhstan  🛠️ Dr. Sergei Sabanov is a chartered engineer with over 30 years of experience in the mining industryHe began his career in 1992 working in underground oil shale mines in EstoniaAfter earning his PhD in Mining Engineering in 2008, he balanced multiple projects and teaching roles, collaborating with universities, mining companies, and regulatory boardsHis extensive industry experience encompasses mine planning, design, blasting operations, ventilation, and risk managementDr. Sabanov has worked on projects across Russia, CIS countries, Europe, and South America, dealing with commodities such as oil shale, coal, gold, silver, copper, iron ore, diamonds, zinc, bauxite, potash, and rare earth elements

Profile

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Education 🎓

Dr. Sabanov obtained his PhD in Power Engineering and Geotechnology (Mining) from Tallinn University of Technology in 200Prior to that, he earned a Master’s degree in Mining Engineering in 2004 and a Bachelor’s degree in the same field in 2002 from the same institutioIn 2013, he achieved Chartered Engineer status from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in Londo

Experience 🏗

Dr. Sabanov’s professional journey includes roles such as Associate Professor at Nazarbayev University since 2017, Principal Consultant at SRK Consulting (UK) from 2010 to 2017, and Senior Researcher at Tallinn University of Technology between 2007 and 20 He also served as a Researcher and Research Assistant at Tallinn University of Technology and worked as a miner at Eesti Põlevkivi Ltd. from 1992 to 19

Research Interests

Dr. Sabanov’s research focuses on sustainable mining practices, mining waste management, and innovative mining technolog He has led interdisciplinary research groups on topics such as ‘Sustainable mining: key challenges and opportunities to economic growth of mining waste management and innovative mining technolo.

Awards and Memberships

Dr. Sabanov is a Chartered Engineer and Professional Member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining since . He is also a Corresponding Member of the Eurasian Academy of Mining Sciences since 2021 and an Academic Member of the National Academy of Mining Sciences in Kazakhstan since . Additionally, he has been a member of The Mine Ventilation Society of Australia since 7.

Publications📚

“Analysis of Kazakhstan Oil Shale Deposits in Accordance with Resource Estimation Practices for Consideration of Potential Shale Oil Reserves” published in Energies in25.

“Heterogeneous (gas-solid) chemistry of atmospheric Cr: A case study of Astana, Kazakhstan” published in Environmental Pollution in24.

“Analysis of Experimental Measurements of Particulate Matter (PM) and Lung Deposition Surface Area (LDSA) in Operational Faces of an Oil Shale Underground Mine” published in Atmosphere in24.

“Particle number, mass, and surface area concentrations inside an underground metalliferous mine in Kazakhstan” published in Atmospheric Pollution Research in23.

“A Method for the Modified Estimation of Oil Shale Mineable Reserves for Shale Oil Projects: A Case Study” published in Energies in2

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Sergei Sabanov is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his vast experience, innovative research, and leadership in sustainable mining. His contributions to mine ventilation, risk analysis, and geotechnical modeling make a significant impact on the mining and geosciences field. While enhancing his global research influence through citations and outreach could further strengthen his candidacy, his overall academic and industry achievements make him a strong contender for the award. 🚀👏

 

Richard Usang | Environmental Monitoring and Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr Richard Usang | Environmental Monitoring and Management | Best Researcher Award

Senior Data Scientist, Heineken UK, United Kingdom  📘

Dr. Richard Usang is a distinguished Chemistry expert and Data Scientist based in Southampton, United Kingdom. With a Ph.D. in Industrial & Environmental Chemistry and an MSc in Data Science, he has seamlessly integrated scientific research with advanced data analytics. His expertise spans industrial chemistry, environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Dr. Usang has a strong background in academic research, technical writing, and data-driven decision-making. His passion for innovation and problem-solving has led him to work on projects that bridge the gap between chemistry and AI, optimizing industrial processes and contributing to cutting-edge technological advancements.

Profile

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Education 🎓

Dr. Usang holds an MSc in Data Science from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom, which he completed in September 2023. Prior to this, he earned a Ph.D. in Industrial & Environmental Chemistry from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in August 2021. His academic journey also includes an MSc in Industrial Chemistry, which he completed in November 2014, ranking in the top 1% of his class. His foundation in chemistry was established with a BSc in Chemistry from Benue State University, Nigeria, where he graduated as the top-ranking student in July 2011. His strong academic background reflects his commitment to excellence in scientific research and technological advancements.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Usang currently serves as a Senior Data Scientist at Heineken UK, where he leads the development of Structural Equation Modelling frameworks to evaluate brand power and guide strategic marketing decisions. He has successfully implemented predictive models to optimize brewing parameters, reducing production variability and improving product quality. Previously, as a Lead Data Analyst at EMCOR UK, he significantly improved operational efficiency by reducing maintenance reporting time from three weeks to just four hours.

His tenure as a Data Scientist at The Heineken Company (2020–2022) saw him analyzing water chemistry across brewery sites, optimizing treatment processes, and reducing water treatment costs by 15%. He also developed forecasting models using machine learning, which led to a 10% reduction in overstock and a 5% increase in customer satisfaction. Prior to this, he worked as a Brewing Process Specialist at Heineken, overseeing production processes, training staff, and managing the installation of an anaerobic wastewater treatment plant in line with sustainability goals.

Dr. Usang’s academic career includes his role as a Research Assistant at the University of Ibadan, where he conducted extensive research on chemical processes and environmental impact. He contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and played a key role in mentoring undergraduate students in laboratory techniques and scientific analysis.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Usang’s research interests lie at the intersection of chemistry, data science, and artificial intelligence. His expertise in Industrial and Environmental Chemistry drives his passion for sustainable solutions in manufacturing and waste management. He is highly skilled in machine learning, AI model evaluation, and natural language processing, which he applies to scientific data interpretation and optimization. His work in statistical and quantitative analysis supports his research in predictive modeling and AI-driven decision-making for industrial applications. His interdisciplinary approach ensures that his research contributes both to scientific knowledge and practical industrial solutions.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Dr. Usang has earned numerous accolades throughout his academic and professional journey. He ranked first in his class during his BSc in Chemistry at Benue State University, a testament to his academic excellence. During his MSc in Industrial Chemistry at the University of Ibadan, he was among the top 1% of his cohort. His contributions to research and innovation have been recognized through international conferences and symposiums, where he has presented groundbreaking studies on chemical modifications and sustainability. His achievements in the corporate sector, particularly in data science applications in the brewing industry, further highlight his commitment to excellence and innovation.

Publications 📚

Integrating Principal Component Analysis, Fuzzy Inference Systems, and Advanced Neural Networks for Enhanced Estuarine Water Quality Assessment (2025). Published in Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies. Link

Effect of Chemical Modification on the Functional and Physicochemical Properties of Some Underutilized Starches. Presented at the 2nd International Conference on Scientific Research and Innovation, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Synthesis, Aqueous Solubility Studies, and Antifungal Activity Test of Some Tributyltin(IV) Carboxylates.

Conclusion

Dr. Richard Usang is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, bringing a unique blend of Chemistry and Data Science expertise. His contributions to industrial chemistry, environmental sustainability, and AI applications in research make him a strong contender. Strengthening his publication record and expanding academic leadership roles could further solidify his standing in the field. 🚀