Jose Antonio Rodriguez Martin | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jose Antonio Rodriguez Martin | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Investigador | INIA-CSIC | Spain

Dr. José Antonio Rodríguez Martín is a Senior Scientist at the National Institute of Agricultural and Food Technology and Research (INIA-CSIC), where he contributes to advancing environmental and soil science within the Department of Agronomy and Environment. His research focuses on soil degradation processes, pollution assessment, and spatial analysis of contaminants such as heavy metals. He integrates geostatistical modeling and environmental risk assessment to evaluate the effects of land use, agricultural practices, and anthropogenic activities on soil quality and sustainability. With over two decades of professional research experience, Dr. Rodríguez Martín has authored more than 100 scientific publications, including 66 papers in international impact-factor journals since 2006—48 of which appear in top-tier (Q1) journals. His work has achieved significant scholarly visibility, with more than 3,300 citations indexed in Scopus (h-index 29) and over 4,800 citations in Google Scholar (h-index 33). His scientific contributions have been recognized through three officially evaluated research periods (2003–2009, 2010–2015, 2016–2021). Dr. Rodríguez Martín has played an active role in the scientific community as a project evaluator for national and international funding agencies (ANEP, ANPCyT, FONDECYT) and as a reviewer of over 225 manuscripts across 63 SCI-indexed journals. He also serves as an associate editor for multiple peer-reviewed journals. His studies—some featured in scientific media and networks—have contributed valuable insights into the spatial dynamics of soil contamination and its ecological implications. Through his interdisciplinary collaborations across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, his work supports sustainable soil management strategies and environmental protection policies, reinforcing his reputation as a leading figure in soil science and environmental geostatistics.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Van Den Hoogen, J., Geisen, S., Routh, D., Ferris, H., Traunspurger, W., et al., Rodríguez Martín, J. A. (2019). Soil nematode abundance and functional group composition at a global scale. Nature, 572(7768), 194–198. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1418-6 — Citations: 1,140

  2. Rodríguez Martín, J. A., López Arias, M., & Grau Corbí, J. M. (2006). Heavy metals contents in agricultural topsoils in the Ebro basin (Spain): Application of multivariate geostatistical methods to study spatial variations. Environmental Pollution, 144(3), 1001–1012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2006.01.045 — Citations: 611

  3. Rodríguez Martín, J. A., De Arana, C., Ramos-Miras, J. J., Gil, C., & Boluda, R. (2015). Impact of 70 years of urban growth associated with heavy metal pollution. Environmental Pollution, 196, 156–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2014.10.014 — Citations: 339

  4. Rodríguez, J. A., Nanos, N., Grau, J. M., Gil, L., & López-Arias, M. (2008). Multiscale analysis of heavy metal contents in Spanish agricultural topsoils. Chemosphere, 70(6), 1085–1096. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.07.062 — Citations: 301

  5. Rodríguez Martín, J. A., Ramos-Miras, J. J., Boluda, R., & Gil, C. (2013). Spatial relations of heavy metals in arable and greenhouse soils of a Mediterranean environment region (Spain). Geoderma, 200, 180–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2013.02.009 — Citations: 245

Joy Nneamaka Obi | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Joy Nneamaka Obi | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Fellow | University of Witswatersrand | South Africa

Dr. Joy Nneamaka Obi is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Wits School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, within the Educational Leadership, Policy and Skills (ELPS) Division. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with specialization in Resource and Environmental Economics, complemented by advanced training in Sustainable Urban Development Studies at Erasmus University, Rotterdam.Her interdisciplinary research integrates climate change, agricultural sustainability, and education for development. Through rigorous empirical and bibliometric approaches, Dr. Obi investigates the intersections of poverty alleviation, food security, and environmental resilience in sub-Saharan Africa. Her work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 1, 2, 4, 7, 13, and 17, emphasizing climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and knowledge transfer systems.Dr. Obi has authored and co-authored over 17 peer-reviewed journal articles, 4 book chapters, and numerous international conference papers, including presentations at Springer Nature–licensed symposia and global education conferences such as ICERI and INTED. Her collaborative projects extend across Africa and Europe, reflecting strong South-South and North-South research partnerships.With prior academic appointments at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Nigeria, Dr. Obi has served in various administrative capacities, including Acting Head of Department and Examination Officer. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists (NAAE), Agricultural Society of Nigeria (ASN), and the Organisation of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).Her current research explores the role of digital technologies, vocational skills, and environmental education in promoting employability and sustainable development across Africa—bridging evidence-based research, policy, and transformative education.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Enete, A. A., Obi, J. N., Ozor, N., & Mba, C. L. (2016). Socioeconomic assessment of flooding among farm households in Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 8(1), 96–111. [Citations: 34]

  2. Onyeneke, R. U., Emenekwe, C. C., Munonye, J. O., Olaolu, M. O., Izuogu, C. U., & others. (2020). Adoption of bio-fortified pro-vitamin-A cassava and health outcome of farming households in Abia and Anambra States, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 24(2), 81–91. [Citations: 19]

  3. Ibrahim-Olesin, S., Munonye, J., Ok, O., Adefalu, L. L., Olaolu, M. O., & others. (2021). Farmer–Herders’ conflict and climate change: Response strategies needed in Nigeria and other African countries. The International Journal of Climate Change: Impacts and Responses, 14(1), 73. [Citations: 12]

  4. Munonye, J. O., Matthew, D. E., Olaolu, M., Onyeneke, R. U., Obi, J. N., Amadi, M., & others. (2023). The impact of food security and poverty status on rural household farmers in Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 23(6). [Citations: 11]

  5. Munonye, J., Osuji, E., Olaolu, M., Okoisu, A., Obi, J., Eze, G., Ibrahim-Olesin, S., & others. (2022). Perceived effects of COVID-19 pandemic on food security in Southeast Nigeria. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 6, 936157. [Citations: 11]

Jonathan Ruiz | Renewable Energy | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Jonathan Ruiz | Renewable Energy | Best Academic Researcher Award

Doctor | Technical University of Cotopaxi | Ecuador

Dr. Jonathan Alexander Ruiz Carrillo is a highly accomplished academic and researcher recognized for his strong expertise in industrial engineering, higher education, and applied technological innovation. His research demonstrates analytical precision and a deep understanding of modern industrial challenges, with significant contributions across project management, sustainable manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 applications. His scholarly output, including nine peer-reviewed publications and 17 citations with an h-index of 2, reflects growing visibility and influence in his field. Dr. Ruiz Carrillo’s major strengths lie in interdisciplinary research integration, effective academic leadership, and his ability to translate complex industrial processes into practical and scalable solutions. He also exhibits a strong commitment to mentorship, curriculum advancement, and community-focused projects, fostering a culture of innovation and learning. Areas for further growth include expanding international collaborations, enhancing the global reach of his publications through high-impact journals, and increasing engagement in cross-disciplinary technological research networks. With his consistent record of academic excellence, Dr. Ruiz Carrillo holds significant potential to advance research on artificial intelligence integration in industrial education, digital transformation, and sustainable production systems. His recent publication on AI model adoption among preservice teachers further highlights his evolving role as a forward-thinking scholar contributing to the intersection of technology, education, and human development.

Profiles: Google scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Benalcázar, M. C. A., Hidalgo, O. M. R., Paredes, M. F. J., & Ruiz Carrillo, J. A. R. (2021). Situación de la mediana empresa ecuatoriana: Rasgos distintivos de sus prácticas gerenciales. Revista de Ciencias Sociales (VE), 27(2), 352–366. Citations: 36

  2. Grunauer, M. S. N., Berrezueta, L. A. O., Ruiz Carrillo, J. A. R., Ludeña, I. O. E., … (2016). Análisis del potencial turístico de las comunidades rurales: Caso de estudio: Comunidad Muyuyacu, El Oro-Ecuador. RIAT: Revista Interamericana de Medioambiente y Turismo, 12(1), 48–59. Citations: 17

  3. Jaramillo Paredes, M. F., Romero Hidalgo, O. M., Aguirre Benalcázar, M. C., … (2020). Influencia de la innovación en la competitividad de las medianas empresas del Ecuador. Cuestiones Políticas, 38. Citations: 4

  4. Berrezueta, L. A. O., Grunauer, M. S. N., Ruiz Carrillo, J. A. R., Contreras, O. S. O., … (2017). Commune perceptions of the sociocultural impacts derived from rural tourism: Bellavista case, Ecuador. RIAT: Revista Interamericana de Medioambiente y Turismo, 13(1), 15–27. Citations: 4

  5. Zhindon‐Almeida, R. G., & Ruiz‐Carrillo, J. A. R. (2025). Factors influencing the adoption of renewable energies in developing countries. Sustainable Development. Citations: 2

Kashif Iqbal | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kashif Iqbal | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | RMIT University | Vietnam 

Dr. Kashif Iqbal is a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (Top 1% Globally) and a renowned economist whose scholarship bridges energy economics, green innovation, and digital sustainability. He currently serves as a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) at RMIT University Vietnam and a Distinguished Professor at Taif University, Saudi Arabia, while holding editorial roles in leading journals such as the International Journal of Energy Research and Frontiers in Public Health–Health Economics. Dr. Iqbal earned his Ph.D. in Management Sciences and Economics from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, following his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Economics from prestigious Pakistani institutions. His academic journey includes appointments in China, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia, with prior service as Associate Professor at Shanghai Dianji University and Assistant Professor at Wuxi University. His research focuses on energy economics, sustainable development, international trade, ICT-driven economic growth, and climate policy. He possesses advanced skills in Python, R, and STATA for quantitative and econometric analysis and has secured international research funding on trade liberalization and climate economics. Widely recognized for his scientific impact and contributions to environmental economics and digital innovation, Dr. Iqbal stands as a global leader in his field. Citations: 1,246; 26 documents; h-index: 15.

Profiles: Google scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Baloch, M. A., Zhang, J., Iqbal, K., & Iqbal, Z. (2019). The effect of financial development on ecological footprint in BRI countries: Evidence from panel data estimation. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26(6), 6199–6208. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3992-9 — Citations: 589

  2. Hassan, S. T., Xia, E., Huang, J., Khan, N. H., & Iqbal, K. (2019). Natural resources, globalization, and economic growth: Evidence from Pakistan. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26(15), 15527–15534. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-04890-z — Citations: 213

  3. Danish, Zhang, J. W., Hassan, S. T., & Iqbal, K. (2020). Toward achieving environmental sustainability targets in OECD countries: The role of real income, research and development, and transport infrastructure. Sustainable Development, 28(1), 83–90. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.1973 — Citations: 121

  4. Hafeez, M., Yuan, C., Shahzad, K., Aziz, B., Iqbal, K., & Raza, S. (2019). An empirical evaluation of financial development–carbon footprint nexus in One Belt and Road region. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26(24), 25026–25036. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-05757-z — Citations: 119

  5. Sohaib, M., Wang, Y., Iqbal, K., & Han, H. (2022). Nature-based solutions, mental health, well-being, price fairness, attitude, loyalty, and evangelism for green brands in the hotel context. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 101, 103126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2022.103126 — Citations: 109

Lawrence Adetunde | Environmental Science | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Lawrence Adetunde | Environmental Science | Excellence in Research Award

Senior Lecturer | C.K.Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences | Ghana

Dr. Lawrence Adelani Adetunde is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Applied Biology at C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Ghana, and holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Landmark University (2025). His educational background combines rigorous scientific training and a deep commitment to addressing environmental and public health challenges through microbiological innovation. Over the years, Dr. Adetunde has developed extensive expertise in environmental and industrial microbiology, water quality monitoring, and antimicrobial resistance studies, focusing on microbial characterization and biotechnological applications for sustainable ecosystems. Professionally, he has served as a dedicated educator, mentor, and research supervisor, guiding numerous undergraduate and postgraduate projects and contributing to the academic and personal development of students. His leadership extends beyond teaching—he is the departmental postgraduate coordinator and an active member of several academic and institutional committees, promoting quality research and curriculum advancement. Dr. Adetunde’s research interests encompass microbial water quality assessment, biofilm formation, antimicrobial activity testing, and the application of beneficial microorganisms in bioremediation and industrial processes. His research skills include microbial isolation and identification, molecular and biochemical analysis, and advanced laboratory management techniques. With more than 30 peer-reviewed publications in reputable Scopus-indexed journals such as Environmental Advances and the African Journal of Microbiology Research, he has made significant contributions to applied microbiological science. Dr. Adetunde has received recognition for his dedication to teaching, scientific innovation, and community engagement. His ongoing collaborations with international researchers continue to enhance the global relevance of his work in environmental and industrial microbiology. His scholarly impact is further reflected in 15 citations , 5 documents, and an h-index of 2.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Adetunde, L. A., & Glover, R. L. K. (2010). Bacteriological quality of borehole water used by students’ of University for Development Studies, Navrongo campus in Upper-East Region of Ghana. Current Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 2(6), 361–364. (Cited 78 times)

  2. Adetunde, L. A., Glover, R. L. K., & Oguntola, G. O. (2011). Assessment of the ground water quality in Ogbomoso township of Oyo State of Nigeria. (Cited 53 times)

  3. Adetunde, L. A., Glover, R. L. K., Oliver, A. W., & Samuel, T. (2011). Source and distribution of microbial contamination on beef and chevon in Navrongo, Kassena Nankana district of Upper East Region of Ghana. Journal of Animal Production Advances, 1(1), 21–28. (Cited 26 times)

  4. Adetunde, L. A., & Glover, R. L. K. (2011). Evaluation of bacteriological quality of drinking water used by selected secondary schools in Navrongo in Kassena-Nankana district of Upper East Region of Ghana. Prime Journal of Microbiology Research, 1, 47–51. (Cited 18 times)

  5. Adetunde, L., Sackey, I., Dombiri, D., & Mariama, Z. (2015). Potential links between irrigation water microbiological quality and fresh vegetables quality in Upper East Region of Ghana subsistence farming. Annual Research & Review in Biology, 6(6), 347–354. (Cited 15 times)

Sharifah Emilia Tuan Sharif | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharifah Emilia Tuan Sharif | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Pathologist | Universiti Sains Malaysia | Malaysia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharifah Emilia Tuan Sharif is a distinguished Associate Professor and senior consultant anatomic pathologist at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), recognized for her subspecialty expertise in bone and soft tissue pathology and her contributions to clinical diagnostics, translational research, and innovative medical education. She earned her MBBS in 2000 and Master of Pathology (Anatomic Pathology) in 2005 from USM, establishing a strong foundation for her academic and clinical career. Professionally, she serves as Chairperson of the Pathology Specialty Committee, Director of SPICES (Interactive Gallery for Medical Sciences), and Laboratory-based Clinical Master Programme Coordinator, where she leads curriculum development, mentoring, and national quality assurance initiatives. Her research interests include biomarker discovery in liposarcoma (CDK4/MDM2), prognostic markers in colorectal adenoma and carcinoma, environmentally sustainable medical waste disposal, and the integration of VR/AR in pathology education. She has led multiple national research projects, including the KUBOWrapper initiative for deep-soil burial of medical waste, and developed award-winning educational platforms such as SPICESPath 360 and VI-SPICES. Her research skills encompass histopathology, immunohistochemistry, FISH analysis, protein profiling, translational oncology, biomaterials characterization, and digital/immersive medical education technologies. Dr. Sharifah Emilia has published over 80 papers in indexed journals, with significant contributions in Q1/Q2 journals and international conferences, demonstrating both clinical relevance and translational impact. Her work has earned innovation awards (AKRI 2023 & 2024), recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records for SPICESPath 360, and multiple research grants, reflecting her commitment to research excellence, leadership, and community engagement. She actively mentors students, collaborates with the Ministry of Health, and promotes STEM education through SPICES4U Jr. and SPICES4STEM programs. With her outstanding record of research, innovation, and societal impact, she exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in medical sciences. 645 Citations, 45 Documents, h-index 8.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Ibrahim, Y. S., Tuan Anuar, S., Azmi, A. A., Wan Mohd Khalik, W. M. A., Lehata, S., … (2021). Detection of microplastics in human colectomy specimens. JGH Open, 5(1), 116–121. Citations: 541

  2. Ch’ng, E. S., Tuan Sharif, S. E., & Jaafar, H. (2013). In human invasive breast ductal carcinoma, tumor stromal macrophages and tumor nest macrophages have distinct relationships with clinicopathological parameters and tumor …. Virchows Archiv, 462(3), 257–267. Citations: 54

  3. Ibrahim, Y. S., Tuan Anuar, S., Azmi, A. A., Wan Mohd Khalik, W. M. A., Lehata, S., … (2021). Detection of microplastics in human colectomy specimens. JGH Open, 5, 116–121. Citations: 43

  4. Pasupati, T. M., Yothasamutr, K., Wah, M. J., Sherif, S. E. T., & Palayan, K. (2008). A study of parasitic infections in the luminal contents and tissue sections of appendix specimens. Tropical Biomedicine, 25(2), 166–172. Citations: 38

  5. Ch’ng, E. S., Jaafar, H., & Tuan Sharif, S. E. (2011). Breast tumor angiogenesis and tumor-associated macrophages: Histopathologist’s perspective. Pathology Research International, 2011, 572706. Citations: 36