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

Ms. Paly Nsonwi Titenwi  – Forest Ecology – Young Scientist Award

Ms. Paly Nsonwi Titenwi  - Forest Ecology - Young Scientist Award

The University of Bamenda - Cameroon

Author Profile 

ORCID 

SCOPUS 

🌱 Early academic pursuits

Paly Nsonwi Titenwi embarked on his academic journey with a deep-rooted passion for plant sciences. he pursued a bachelor's and master's degree in applied botany at the university of bamenda, where he honed his expertise in understanding plant diversity. his master’s research laid the foundation for his specialization in woody plant diversity, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainable forest management. currently, as a final-year ph.d. student at the same university, he continues to explore the intricate relationship between biodiversity and environmental sustainability in central and west african tropical rainforests.

🌍 Professional endeavors

His professional journey has been marked by active participation in biodiversity conservation and ecological research. in 2018, he gained practical experience in tree planting with the mendel foundation in bamenda. from 2022 to 2023, he worked with the west african biodiversity and low emission development initiative at the reptiles and amphibians program in sierra leone, where he contributed to forest monitoring using permanent sample plots. his fieldwork experience extends across multiple west african countries, strengthening his expertise in tree diversity assessments and carbon stock evaluation.

🌳 Contributions and research focus

Paly’s research is centered on the sustainable management of tropical rainforests, with a particular focus on woody plant diversity in response to climate change. his work involves extensive field surveys and data collection to assess the ecological health of forests. he has been actively involved in two major research projects, contributing valuable insights into biodiversity Forest Ecology conservation. in 2024, he expanded his research to include seed multiplication and integrated poultry farming techniques at the agriculture and fisheries practicing school (epahm) in monde-buea, reflecting his commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

His dedication to environmental conservation and plant science research has earned him recognition within the academic and ecological research communities. his contribution to Forest Ecology international research initiatives, particularly in biodiversity monitoring, has positioned him as a promising scientist in the field. his work in forest conservation across west africa has been instrumental in advancing sustainable forestry practices and climate resilience strategies.

🌿 Impact and influence

Through his research and collaborations, paly has contributed to improving forest monitoring techniques and biodiversity assessments in west africa. his field expertise in permanent sample plots has enhanced the accuracy of ecological data, aiding conservationists and policymakers in making informed decisions. his work with regional conservation programs has helped foster Forest Ecology awareness about sustainable forest management, inspiring young researchers to engage in ecological research.

📚 Legacy and future contributions

As he moves forward in his academic and professional career, paly aims to expand his research on climate change adaptation strategies for tropical forests. he is committed to bridging the gap between scientific research and practical conservation efforts. his long-term vision includes developing innovative reforestation techniques and contributing to policy frameworks that promote sustainable forest management. with a strong foundation in botany and environmental science, he is poised to leave a lasting impact on biodiversity conservation in africa.

Notable Publications 

Title: Carbon recovery in secondary forests: Insights from three West African countries
Authors: Titenwi, P.N.; Sainge, M.N.; Kargbo, U.; Kamara, R.A.S.; Musa, A.; Kabba, T.M.; Buanie, B.K.; Njouonkou, A.L.; Aruna, E.; Sullivan, M.J.P. et al.
Journal: Forest Ecology and Management

Prof. Sungju Im  – Environmental engineering – Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sungju Im  - Environmental engineering - Best Researcher Award

Gyengsang national university - South Korea

Author Profile 

SCOPUS 

ORCID 

Early academic pursuits 🎓

Sungju Im's academic journey in environmental engineering began with a master’s degree at sungkyunkwan university, korea, where he specialized in water resources and environmental engineering. his thesis focused on the performance evaluation of two-stage spiral wound forward osmosis (fo) elements under various operating conditions. his deep interest in water treatment technologies during his graduate studies laid the foundation for his future research in sustainable desalination processes.

Professional endeavors 🏢

After completing his m.s., sungju continued his academic and professional journey at gyeongsang national university, where he earned his ph.d. in environmental engineering. as part of the department of environmental engineering, his work has been closely linked to developing and improving water purification technologies, particularly forward osmosis (fo). this research focus has positioned him as a key contributor to innovations in water and desalination processes.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Sungju im's research is centered on the techno-economic evaluation of forward osmosis as an alternative water treatment and desalination process. his work aims to Environmental engineering optimize fo systems to improve efficiency and make them more viable for large-scale applications. by addressing challenges like energy consumption and operational conditions, sungju contributes to making desalination more sustainable and accessible. his studies on spiral wound fo elements are particularly noted for their potential in enhancing industrial water recovery methods.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

Sungju has received recognition for his contributions to the field of environmental engineering. his research has been published in prominent journals, where his Environmental engineering work on fo systems is praised for its innovation and practical application. his expertise in this niche has garnered respect both within academic circles and the water treatment industry. his achievements reflect his commitment to advancing water purification technologies.

Impact and influence 🌍

Through his work, sungju im has had a significant impact on the global water industry. his research into forward osmosis presents a promising solution for water-scarce regions, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional desalination methods. his contributions are instrumental in driving forward the Environmental engineering adoption of fo technologies, providing innovative methods to address the global water crisis.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

Sungju im's legacy lies in his pioneering work on forward osmosis and its potential to revolutionize water treatment. his dedication to improving the efficiency and economic viability of desalination technologies ensures that his research will have lasting effects on both the environment and the future of water engineering. his future contributions are likely to further enhance the practicality of fo in large-scale applications, making a tangible difference in global water management.

Notable Publications

  1. Title: "An efficient data-driven desalination approach for the element-scale forward osmosis (FO)-reverse osmosis (RO) hybrid systems"
    Authors: Im, S.-J., Viet, N.D., Lee, B.-T., Jang, A.
    Journal: Environmental Research, 2023, 237, 116786
  2. Title: "Supercritical carbon dioxide fluid cleaning of extracellular polymeric substance surrogates on seawater reverse osmosis membranes"
    Authors: Jung, B., Im, S., Westerhoff, P., Park, K.
    Journal: Desalination, 2023, 559, 116637
  3. Title: "High-Efficiency Recovery of Acetic Acid from Water Using Electroactive Gas-Stripping Membranes"
    Authors: Im, S., Jung, B., Wang, X., Hoek, E.M.V., Jassby, D.
    Journal: Environmental Science and Technology, 2023, 57(27), pp. 10096–10106
  4. Title: "Simple and Low-Cost Electroactive Membranes for Ammonia Recovery"
    Authors: Wang, X., Im, S., Jung, B., Hoek, E.M., Jassby, D.
    Journal: Environmental Science and Technology, 2023, 57(25), pp. 9405–9415
  5. Title: "Feasibility assessment of alternative environmentally friendly disinfection technique for reverse osmosis-based desalination process"
    Authors: Im, S., Jang, A.
    Journal: Desalination, 2023, 553, 116458

Dr. Sumeyye Hasanoglu – Environmental Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sumeyye Hasanoglu - Environmental Engineering - Best Researcher Award

Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa - Turkey

Author Profile 

SCOPUS

ORCID 

Early academic pursuits 🎓

Sumeyye Hasanoglu's academic journey began at kocaeli university, where she excelled in her studies, graduating as the top student in the department of environmental engineering in 2017. demonstrating a strong commitment to her education, she also completed a double major in chemical engineering at the same institution. her dedication to academic excellence laid a solid foundation for her future research and professional achievements.

Professional endeavors 🏢

since 2019, sumeyye has been serving as a research assistant at istanbul university-cerrahpaşa, within the faculty of engineering's department of environmental engineering. in this role, she has contributed significantly to the academic community, particularly through her involvement in groundbreaking research projects. her work is characterized by a deep commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative engineering solutions.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

sumeyye's research focuses on advanced wastewater treatment technologies, particularly the use of innovative anaerobic sludge systems. she has been actively involved in several high-impact research projects, including the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater and the recycling of Environmental Engineering industrial wastewater using upflow anaerobic sludge bed microfiltration osmotic membrane bioreactor (uasb mf-ombr) systems. her contributions have advanced the field of environmental engineering, particularly in the area of sustainable wastewater management.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

sumeyye's academic excellence and research contributions have been recognized through her participation in prestigious projects and publications. she has been involved in three tübitak-funded projects and has published two articles in q1 journals with an impressive impact Environmental Engineering factor of 13.3, based on her phd thesis. her work has garnered attention for its innovation and potential impact on environmental sustainability.

Impact and influence 🌟

through her research, sumeyye has made significant contributions to the field of environmental engineering, particularly in the development of sustainable wastewater treatment solutions. her work not only addresses pressing environmental issues but also provides valuable insights for Environmental Engineering future research and practical applications. her influence extends beyond academia, impacting industry practices and environmental policies.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

sumeyye hasanoglu's legacy is defined by her dedication to advancing environmental engineering through innovative research and practical solutions. as she continues her career, she is poised to make further contributions that will shape the future of wastewater treatment and environmental sustainability. her commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that her work will have a lasting impact on the field.

Notable Publications 

Dr. Onyedika Ubani – Bioremediation -Best Researcher Award

Dr. Onyedika Ubani - Bioremediation -Best Researcher Award

University of South Africa - South Africa

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Onyedika Ubani's academic journey began with a B.Sc. Honours in Biochemistry from Abia State University, Nigeria. His undergraduate work focused on the phytochemical analysis of the Avocado plant as a medicinal resource. He later pursued an MSc in Environmental Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he researched compost bioremediation of oil sludge. Onyedika earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from UNISA, focusing on developing active bacterial formulations for degrading complex crude oil wastes. His education has provided a strong foundation in environmental microbiology, biotechnology, and ecotoxicology.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🏢

Onyedika's professional career includes postdoctoral fellowships at the University of South Africa and Vaal University of Technology. At UNISA, he worked on projects related to compost biofilters and nanotechnology for treating mine wastewater. His role involved designing and implementing measures to mitigate the impact of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). At Vaal University of Technology, he focused on the evaluation and phytoremediation of wetlands using Cannabis Sativa and Hemp. His work has spanned various aspects of environmental science, demonstrating his versatility and expertise.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Onyedika's research contributions are significant in the fields of environmental pollution control and bioremediation. He has developed innovative solutions for wastewater treatment, including the use of compost biofilters and microbial biofilms combined with nanotechnology. His work on phytoremediation has explored the use of plant species like Cannabis Sativa in constructed wetland systems for cleaning contaminated Bioremediation water. Onyedika's research has practical applications in reducing environmental pollution and advancing sustainable practices.

ACCREDITATIONS AND RECOGNITION 🏅

Onyedika's academic and research achievements have been recognized in various ways. He holds a permanent residence permit in South Africa based on extraordinary skills, reflecting his expertise and contributions to environmental sciences. His work has been supervised by prominent Bioremediation figures such as Professor Harrison Ifeanyichukwu Atagana, further validating the quality and impact of his research. Onyedika has demonstrated a commitment to advancing knowledge and solving complex environmental issues.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Onyedika's research has had a profound impact on environmental sciences, particularly in the areas of pollution control and bioremediation. His work has provided valuable insights into the use of natural and technological solutions for treating contaminated water. The innovative approaches he has developed for mitigating the effects of AMD and other pollutants contribute to the global efforts to protect and preserve Bioremediation natural ecosystems. Onyedika's influence extends beyond academia, impacting environmental policies and practices.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🔮

Onyedika Ubani's legacy lies in his pioneering research and dedication to addressing environmental challenges. His contributions to the development of sustainable technologies for pollution control will continue to influence future research and applications. Onyedika's ongoing work promises to further enhance our understanding of bioremediation and environmental management. His commitment to environmental stewardship ensures that his legacy will inspire future generations of scientists and researchers.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS