Dr. Hengpeng Li  – Environmental Science – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hengpeng Li  - Environmental Science - Best Researcher Award

Nanjing Institute of Geography & Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - China 

Author Profile 

SCOPUS 

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Dr. Li Hengpeng began his academic journey with a deep interest in environmental science and engineering. his foundational education laid the groundwork for his future contributions in integrated watershed management and land-environment interactions. committed to interdisciplinary excellence, he refined his focus on hydrology, water quality, and sustainable ecological strategies early in his academic career. during this period, his curiosity extended to emerging fields such as power electronics, where he explored its intersection with environmental monitoring systems and automation of ecological observations.

🏛️ Professional endeavors

Currently serving as a research professor, dr. li hengpeng holds dual directorial roles: at the watershed resources and eco-environment research laboratory within the nanjing institute of geography and limnology, chinese academy of sciences (cas), and at the tianmu lake basin ecological observation and research station. under his leadership, these institutes have made substantial contributions to the development of watershed ecological security mechanisms. with extensive field experience, he has seamlessly integrated innovative technologies, including power electronics systems for real-time environmental data collection and analysis, into the operational frameworks of these research stations.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Dr. Li’s primary research domains include land-cover change and environmental impacts, hydrological and water quality modeling, and watershed planning and management. he has published over 100 academic papers in prestigious journals, cementing his reputation as a leader in watershed science. one of his most groundbreaking efforts is the market-based trading Environmental Science trial for water environmental capacity, framing it as an ecosystem service product. this novel concept not only innovates environmental governance but also utilizes concepts from power electronics in smart monitoring systems to regulate and quantify ecological service exchanges in real-time.

🌍 Impact and influence

The societal relevance and environmental impact of dr. li’s work are significant. his models and strategies have influenced the legislative protection of lake and reservoir environments across china. selected as a leading talent under the jiangsu provincial "333 high-level talent cultivation project", he has shaped national policy through science-backed recommendations. his projects were highlighted as model cases in two key national initiatives: the ndrс’s “value realization mechanism of ecological products” and the mee’s “green development in Environmental Science ecological civilization demonstration projects.” his efforts have led to improved watershed governance, demonstrating a strong intersection between science, policy, and environmental ethics.

📚 Academic cites

With over 100 academic papers published, dr. li hengpeng has built an influential academic presence in the fields of environmental science, hydrology, and sustainability planning. his work is frequently cited in international journals addressing ecosystem service valuation, hydrological dynamics, and land-use planning. many of his publications serve as reference points for Environmental Science interdisciplinary studies combining geographical information systems (gis), remote sensing, and environmental modeling—enhanced further by his integration of power electronics in eco-sensing and adaptive environmental control frameworks.

🌱 Legacy and future contributions

Dr. Li's innovative approach to ecosystem service commercialization and watershed management has established a new paradigm in eco-environmental governance. awarded the 2024 jiangsu may 1st labor medal, his legacy continues to inspire young researchers in china and beyond. moving forward, his focus remains on refining integrated ecological models and enhancing data-driven environmental decision-making systems. future projects aim to elevate smart watershed governance by embedding ai-driven tools and expanding the use of automation through intelligent systems and power electronics for precision monitoring and resource optimization.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Variability in N₂O emission controls among different ponds within a hilly watershed
    Author(s): Shuyi Xie, Tianyu Xia, Hengpeng Li, Yongjuan Chen, Wangshou Zhang
    Journal: Water Research

  • Title: Breaking the Boundary between Permanent Capital Farmland and Arable Land in China: Understanding State and Drivers of Permanent Capital Farmland Non-Grain Production in a Rapid Urbanizing County
    Author(s): Yunjie Shi, Hengpeng Li, Jianwei Geng, Wangshou Zhang, Yuyang Shao
    Journal: Land

  • Title: Historical development, impact mechanism and future trends of nitrogen footprint in Wuxi City, China
    Author(s): Chuanhe Xiong, Hengpeng Li, Hongxiang Fan, Akida Askar
    Journal: Science of the Total Environment

  • Title: Wetland Destruction in a Headwater River Leads to Disturbing Decline of In-stream Nitrogen Removal
    Author(s): Wangshou Zhang, Hengpeng Li, Dawei Xu, Tianyu Xia
    Journal: Environmental Science and Technology

  • Title: Review of Researches on Nitrogen Removal Effects of Denitrifying Woodchip Bioreactor from Agricultural Non-point Source Wastewater
    Author(s): Jiaping Pang, Hengpeng Li, Jun Li, Shuai Zang
    Journal: Journal of Ecology and Rural Environment

Dr. Milind Kulkarni – Chemistry – Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

Dr. Milind Kulkarni - Chemistry - Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

C-MET, Pune - India 

Author Profile 

SCOPUS 

🌱 Early academic pursuits

Dr. Milind v. Kulkarni began his academic journey with excellence, earning an m.sc. in polymer chemistry from shivaji university, kolhapur, in 1996, securing the first rank. he went on to complete his ph.d. in 2002 from the university of pune, focusing on “conducting polymer based sensors.” his formative years laid a strong foundation in material chemistry, polymers, and their electronic applications, which later extended to interdisciplinary domains including power electronics and smart materials.

👨‍🔬 Professional endeavors

Dr. Kulkarni started his career as a scientist-b at the centre for materials for electronics technology (c-met), pune, under the ministry of electronics and information technology (meity), govt. of india. currently serving as centre head, he has led several pioneering projects. his role spans advanced materials development, applied research, institutional collaborations, and national-level innovation programs. he also serves in academic bodies such as the board of studies of symbiosis international university, fergusson college, d.y. patil university, and mit-wpu. he has also been appointed as adjunct faculty at coep and expert member at technovuus, arai, advancing r&d integration in power electronics and material sciences.

🧪 Contributions and research focus

Dr. Kulkarni's research focuses on the development of active materials for li-ion and na-ion batteries, solid-state and flexible batteries, and next-gen systems like li-s and li-air batteries targeting hybrid electric vehicles. he has engineered polyaniline-based thin, flexible, and cost-effective batteries and developed e-textiles using polyaniline-cnt nanocomposites. his expertise extends to Chemistry inkjet-printed, flexible electronics, and multifunctional nanomaterials for power electronics and biomedical applications. notably, he successfully demonstrated a lead-free x-ray attenuation apron and fabricated polymer nanocomposites for biosensing, including e-nose and e-tongue devices. the cross-application of his work bridges chemical sensing, energy storage, and next-gen power electronics.

🌍 Impact and influence

Dr. Kulkarni’s innovations, including india’s first indigenous low-cost polymer swab for covid-19 diagnostics, have had a significant societal and industrial impact. his active engagement with the automotive sector through arai and technovuus highlights his contribution to applied research in power electronics and energy storage. he is a member of prestigious organizations such as the Chemistry electrochemical society (usa), electrochemical society of india, materials research society of india, and society for polymer science (india). as a fellow of the royal society of chemistry (frsc, london) and maharashtra academy of sciences, his expertise is globally recognized.

📚 Academic cites

Dr. Kulkarni has published over 115 peer-reviewed research papers in reputed international journals. with a google scholar h-index of 36, more than 4322 citations, and i10-index of 85, his scholarly contributions underscore the relevance and quality of his work. he has also presented 130+ conference papers and delivered over 50 invited lectures, reflecting his status as a Chemistry thought leader in nanotechnology and energy materials. his 25+ patents, including those granted in the us, canada, germany, and a pct filing, highlight his innovative capacity.

🎓 Legacy and future contributions

Dr. Kulkarni has mentored 5 ph.d. scholars, with 5 more currently under guidance, in addition to supervising m.phil., m.tech., b.e., and m.sc. students. his dedication to nurturing young researchers ensures the continuity of research excellence in polymer nanocomposites, smart materials, and power electronics. looking ahead, his work promises breakthroughs in bio-integrated sensors, wearable batteries, and sustainable energy solutions, further driving india’s capabilities in strategic materials and green technologies.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Distorted 2H/1T MoS₂ nanostructures with improved field emission and sodium-ion battery performance
    Author(s): Ujjwala P. Chothe, Priyanka R. Sumbe, Mahendra A. More, Milind V. Kulkarni, Bharat Bhanudas Kale
    Journal: Nanoscale Advances (2025)

  • Title: Self-Standing vanadium oxide pillared carbon microfiber film as an excellent anode for lithium & sodium ion batteries
    Author(s): Sayali B. Kale, Ujjwala P. Chothe, Kaustav Bhattacharjee, Aakira Fujishima, Suresh W. Gosavi
    Journal: Inorganic Chemistry Communications (2024)

  • Title: Imidazolium Functionalized Copolymer Supported Solvate Ionic Liquid Based Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Ion Batteries
    Author(s): Sahebrao S. More, Rushikesh B. Kale, Poorva J. Ambekar, Milind V. Kulkarni, Bharat Bhanudas Kale
    Journal: ACS Applied Polymer Materials (2024)

  • Title: Interfacial engineering of ZnO–ZnS/rGO nano heterostructures: An efficient photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cell
    Author(s): Ranjit S. Kate, Ratna Chauhan, Ujjwala P. Chothe, Bharat Bhanudas Kale, Sanjay Krishnaji Apte
    Journal: Materials Chemistry and Physics (2024)

  • Title: Microstructure tuned Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃@C electrodes toward ultra-long-life sodium-ion batteries
    Author(s): Ranjit S. Kate, Kaustav Bhattacharjee, Milind V. Kulkarni, Ramesh J. Deokate, Ramchandra S. Kalubarme
    Journal: RSC Advances (2024)

Dr. Fares Zouaoui – Analytical chemistry and process engineering – Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Fares Zouaoui - Analytical chemistry and process engineering - Best Researcher Award 

University of Rennes - France 

AUTHOR PROFILE 

ORCID 

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 📚

Fares Zouaoui began his academic journey at Bejaia University, Algeria, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Process Engineering in 2015, followed by a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering in 2017. During these years, he developed a keen interest in the intersection of chemical engineering and analytical chemistry, particularly focusing on the application of electrochemical processes for environmental analysis. His foundational education set the stage for his deep exploration of electrochemistry, sensor technology, and water treatment processes, paving the way for his advanced research and career.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 👨‍🔬

Fares’s professional journey has been marked by his work as a researcher and educator. After completing his PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University in France in 2020, where he focused on modeling and optimizing biosensors for environmental analysis, he transitioned to several key roles. From 2022 to 2023, he served as an Assistant Professor and later an Associate Professor at the University of Rennes in France. His professional endeavors have included postdoctoral research at the Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA) in Grenoble, where he worked on Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) films as electrochemical electrodes. His academic roles allowed him to mentor students, coordinate research projects, and contribute significantly to the scientific community.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Fares Zouaoui’s research focuses primarily on the development and optimization of electrochemical processes for environmental applications. His work includes the design of electrochemical sensors and biosensors, especially using Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) materials and Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs). He has also worked extensively on water treatment technologies, Analytical chemistry and process engineering specifically focusing on the combined processes of anodic oxidation and ozonation. His PhD research in modeling and optimization of biosensors and his postdoctoral research have contributed to significant advancements in the fields of electrochemistry, sensor technology, and environmental remediation.

ACCELERATING INNOVATION THROUGH TEACHING AND SUPERVISION 🎓

As an educator, Fares has shared his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of scientists. He has taught courses on electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, and chemical engineering at the University of Rennes. His supervision activities include mentoring Master's students, interns, and PhD candidates, guiding them through their research on topics like electrochemical Analytical chemistry and process engineering processes and water treatment. His role in supervising doctoral research, including co-supervising a thesis on the elimination of refractory pollutants using hybrid processes, reflects his commitment to advancing both research and education in his field.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Fares’s work has had a significant impact on both academia and industry. His innovative research on electrochemical sensors and water treatment processes has provided practical solutions to environmental challenges, particularly in the areas of pollutant removal and resource management. His contributions to electrochemical biosensors, especially for environmental Analytical chemistry and process engineering monitoring, have been recognized globally. Fares's involvement in international research projects, including collaborations with institutions in Brazil, highlights his global influence in the fields of chemical engineering and environmental sciences.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌱

Looking forward, Fares Zouaoui is committed to continuing his research and teaching efforts to drive forward the development of sustainable and innovative technologies for environmental protection. His current projects, including his work on PFAS treatment and electrode material development, are aimed at solving some of the most pressing environmental issues. Through his leadership in research projects and educational roles, he is shaping the future of environmental chemical engineering and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable world.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

  • Title: Electrochemical sensors based on amorphous carbon electrode: A review
    Author: Fares ZOUAOUI, Gauthier Menassol, Cédric DUCROS, Pascal Mailley, Yohann Thomas
    Journal: Microchemical Journal
    DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2025.112650
  • Title: Anodic oxidation by electrical power pulses for alachlor degradation
    Author: Fares Zouaoui, Didier Floner, Florence Fourcade
    Journal: Environmental Technology
    DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2024.2389323
  • Title: Assessment of a hybrid process coupling ozonation and anodic oxidation in a monophasic configuration
    Author: Helios Yasmine, Florence Fourcade, Fares Zouaoui, Pierre-François Biard
    Journal: Electrochimica Acta
    DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2024.144049
  • Title: New poly(ether-phosphoramide)s sulfides based on green resources as sensitive films for the specific impedimetric detection of nickel ions
    Author: Taha Chabbah, Saber Chatti, Fares Zouaoui, Ibtissem Jlalia, GAIJI HOUDA, Houyem Abderrazak, Hervé Casabianca, Régis Mercier, Steffen Weidner, Abdelhamid Errachid et al.
    Journal: Talanta
    DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123550
  • Title: Mathematical Model and Numerical Simulation of Conductometric Biosensor of Urea
    Author: Fares Zouaoui, Nadia Zine, Abdelhamid Errachid, Nicole Jaffrezic-Renault
    Journal: Electroanalysis
    DOI: 10.1002/elan.202100610

Dr. Udeme john Dickson – Environmental Chemistry and Environmental remediation – Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

Dr. Udeme john Dickson - Environmental Chemistry and Environmental remediation - Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

Independent Researcher - United Kingdom

Author Profile

ORCID

🌟 Early academic pursuits

Dr. Udeme john Dickson began his academic journey with a deep passion for environmental chemistry and analytical sciences. earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental chemistry from the university of uyo, nigeria, in 2006, he showcased an early commitment to addressing environmental challenges. he further refined his expertise with a master’s degree in environmental chemistry from the university of benin in 2012, before pursuing a phd in analytical chemistry and environmental science at nottingham trent university, united kingdom, in 2020. his doctoral research focused on developing analytical and remediation techniques to manage contaminated soils, laying a strong foundation for his career in environmental sciences.

🌍 Professional endeavors

Dr. Dickson’s professional career reflects his dedication to environmental geoscience and teaching. he served as a lecturer at university college london (ucl), where he contributed significantly to various modules, including environmental geochemistry, gis and remote sensing, and geological mapping. his role extended beyond teaching, encompassing module design, practical session curation, and student mentorship. his tenure as an external examiner at nanjing university of information science & technology further underscored his influence on the global academic stage. he has also held roles in environmental consultancy and industrial sectors, enriching his practical understanding of environmental challenges.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

A prolific researcher, dr. dickson's work spans critical areas in environmental earth sciences and geosciences. his research encompasses environmental geochemistry, pollution mapping, and the development of innovative techniques for monitoring and remediating polluted environments. his expertise in analyzing and treating Environmental Chemistry and Environmental remediation pollutants such as petroleum hydrocarbons, microplastics, and trace metals reflects his commitment to sustainable environmental management. additionally, his contributions to climate change studies, ecosystem services, and biodiversity modeling demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach to addressing environmental challenges.

🏅 Accolades and recognition

Dr. Dickson’s academic and professional excellence is recognized through memberships in esteemed organizations such as the geological society of london, the royal society of chemistry, and the british ecological society. he is also a fellow of the higher education academy (fhea), reflecting his dedication to teaching and mentorship. Environmental Chemistry and Environmental remediation his work has garnered respect and recognition, positioning him as a thought leader in environmental sciences.

🌟 Impact and influence

Dr. Dickson has had a profound impact on both academic and professional communities. as a lecturer, he has mentored students, supervised postgraduate Environmental Chemistry and Environmental remediation dissertations, and participated in outreach programs to inspire future scientists. his research findings have contributed to the advancement of knowledge in environmental geoscience, offering practical solutions to pressing environmental issues. his efforts in module development and academic support at ucl have set a high standard for teaching and curriculum design.

🌱 Legacy and future contributions

Dr. Dickson’s legacy is one of innovation, mentorship, and dedication to environmental sustainability. his work in developing advanced remediation techniques and fostering interdisciplinary research has paved the way for future breakthroughs in environmental science. as he continues to contribute to academia and research, his commitment to addressing global environmental challenges ensures his enduring impact on the field.

Notable Publications 

Title: Mycoremediation of petroleum contaminated soils: progress, prospects and perspectives
Authors: Udeme John Dickson, Michael Coffey, Robert John George Mortimer, Marcello Di Bonito, Nicholas Ray
Journal: Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts

Prof. Hamed Younesi-Kordkheili – green chemistry – Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hamed Younesi-Kordkheili - green chemistry - Best Researcher Award

Semnan University - Iran

Author Profile

SCOPUS 

Early academic pursuits 🎓

Hamed Younesi-Kordkheili began his academic journey at the university of mazandaran, where he studied wood and paper science and technology. graduating in february 2007 with a bachelor’s degree, he was recognized as an honors student, boasting an impressive gpa of 17.3 out of 20. his passion for natural resources and materials science led him to pursue further studies, enrolling at tarbiat modares university for both his master’s and ph.d. programs. excelling in his studies, he graduated as a top student, completing his master’s degree in 2010 and his ph.d. in february 2014 with a focus on advanced material applications in wood-based products.

Professional endeavors 🏢

Hamed has been an assistant/associate professor at semnan university since 2014, where he has contributed significantly to the department of natural resources. his work focuses on wood-plastic composites and particleboard production, emphasizing the sustainable and innovative use of natural materials. his academic journey has seen him collaborate with experts in the field, including prominent supervisors like saeed kazemi-najafi and antonio pizzi. through his teaching and research, hamed continues to shape future generations of scientists in the natural resources and materials science domains.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Hamed’s research has primarily revolved around the innovative improvement of materials used in wood and paper technology. his master's thesis investigated the effect of kraft lignin as a compatibilizer in wood-plastic composites, a study that helped advance the understanding of sustainable composite materials. during his ph.d., he focused on improving urea-formaldehyde (uf) resin for particleboard production by green chemistry modifying bagasse soda lignin and nanoclay. his research has opened new doors for developing more durable and eco-friendly wood-based materials, contributing significantly to the field of natural resources.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

throughout his academic career, hamed has been recognized as an honors student during both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies. his consistent academic excellence, reflected in his impressive gpas—17.60/20 in his master's and 18.50/20 in his ph.d.—demonstrates his green chemistry dedication and expertise. his research, particularly in the application of modified natural materials for industrial use, has earned him respect within the scientific community.

Impact and influence 🌍

Hamed’s work has had a lasting impact on both the academic and industrial sectors of wood and paper science. his research on using modified lignin and nanoclay to improve resin used in particleboard production has practical implications, helping industries produce stronger, more green chemistry environmentally friendly materials. as a professor, his teachings influence and inspire the next generation of researchers, ensuring that sustainable materials science continues to evolve in the right direction.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

Hamed’s legacy in the field of wood-plastic composites and particleboard innovation is solidifying with each passing year. his work has set a precedent for utilizing natural materials in sustainable ways, paving the way for future researchers. looking ahead, hamed is likely to continue pushing the boundaries of natural resources science, particularly in the context of environmental sustainability and material innovation.

Notable Publications

Dr. Melek Koç Keşir – Photocatalysis – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Melek Koç Keşir - Photocatalysis - Best Researcher Award

Karadeniz Technical University - Turkey

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Dr. Melek Koç Keşir’s academic journey began at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in Trabzon, Turkey, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Chemistry in 2011. Her dedication to the field led her to continue at KTU, obtaining her postgraduate degree in 2014 with a thesis on the production of new photocatalysts by immobilizing phthalocyanine derivatives on titanium dioxide (TiO2). Her passion for research and innovation further culminated in a doctorate from the same institution in 2019, where she focused on the use of phthalocyanine sensitized TiO2 photocatalysts for the removal of amoxicillin and Cr (VI) residue from water.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🏢

Dr. Koç Keşir has established herself as a prominent researcher in environmental chemistry and nanomaterials. After completing her doctorate, she embarked on a postdoctoral fellowship at Konya Food and Agriculture University, where she has been contributing to the field of bioengineering since 2022. Her professional journey is marked by a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, focusing on innovative solutions for pollution and waste management.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Dr. Koç Keşir’s research spans a wide range of interdisciplinary areas including environmental engineering, materials science, and analytical chemistry. Her work is particularly noted for its emphasis on photocatalysis and wastewater treatment. She has pioneered the development of novel photocatalysts and the application of spectroscopic and chromatographic methods for environmental analysis. Her ongoing research on Photocatalysis the use of various carbon nano dots in fingerprint detection further exemplifies her diverse scientific interests and expertise.

ACCREDITATIONS AND RECOGNITION 🏅

Throughout her career, Dr. Koç Keşir has received numerous accolades for her contributions to environmental science and nanotechnology. Her innovative research has been recognized by academic institutions and professional organizations alike, highlighting her role as a leader in her field. Her doctoral and postdoctoral work, in particular, have been lauded for their impact on improving environmental monitoring and Photocatalysis remediation techniques.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Dr. Koç Keşir’s work has had a significant impact on the field of environmental chemistry. Her research on photocatalysis and wastewater treatment has provided new insights and methods for addressing environmental pollutants. By developing advanced materials and analytical techniques, she has contributed to the global effort to create cleaner and safer water resources. Her influence extends to mentoring the next Photocatalysis generation of scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🔮

Dr. Koç Keşir’s legacy is one of scientific innovation and environmental stewardship. Her groundbreaking research continues to inspire advancements in nanotechnology and environmental engineering. Looking to the future, she aims to expand her work on sustainable materials and advanced analytical methods, driving forward the frontiers of environmental science. Her commitment to education and research ensures that her contributions will resonate for years to come, paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable world.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS