Joy Nneamaka Obi | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by The Scientist

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]

Iván López | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by The Scientist

Dr. Iván López | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Full Time Professor | University of Zaragoza | Spain

Dr. Iván López Pardo is a distinguished Associate Professor at the University of Zaragoza, serving in the Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Work. With extensive expertise in environmental sociology, sustainability, and social change, his research explores the intersections of socio-environmental transformation, climate governance, and public perception of renewable energy. Dr. López Pardo’s academic trajectory demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary and evidence-based approaches.He has published over 35 peer-reviewed articles in leading international journals, including Energy Policy, Energy and Buildings, Sustainability, Ambio, and Journal of Mountain Science. His scholarly contributions have been cited nearly 600 times, reflecting his global influence and academic relevance. His most recent works investigate inclusive energy transitions, household adaptation to energy poverty, and the role of ecotourism in sustainable regional development. These studies bridge sociological theory with applied sustainability research, offering valuable insights for both academic and policy communities.Dr. López Pardo actively collaborates with researchers across Europe and Latin America, contributing to international projects on environmental justice, climate adaptation, and socio-economic indicators for sustainability assessment. His publications often combine qualitative and quantitative methodologies to evaluate the social dimensions of climate and environmental policies.A core member of the research group Socioeconomía y Sostenibilidad: Contabilidad Medioambiental, Economía Circular Corporativa y Recursos (S33_23R), Dr. López Pardo’s work significantly advances understanding of how societies adapt to ecological challenges while promoting equity and resilience. His interdisciplinary perspective and dedication to sustainability science make him a key contributor to the global dialogue on socio-environmental transformation and sustainable development.

Featured Publications

  1. Duarte, C. M., Alonso, S., Benito, G., Dachs, J., Montes, C., Pardo Buendía, M., … & López, I. (2006). Cambio global: Impacto de la actividad humana sobre el sistema Tierra. Madrid, Spain: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC). Citations: 624

  2. López, I., Arriaga, A., & Pardo, M. (2018). La dimensión social del concepto de desarrollo sostenible: ¿La eterna olvidada? Revista Española de Sociología (RES), 27(2), 1–16. Citations: 182

  3. López, I. (2015). Sobre el desarrollo sostenible y la sostenibilidad: Conceptualización y crítica. Barataria: Revista Castellano-Manchega de Ciencias Sociales, 20, 111–128. Citations: 163

  4. García-Llorente, M., Castro, A. J., Quintas-Soriano, C., López, I., Castro, H., Montes, C., & Martín-López, B. (2016). The value of time in biological conservation and supplied ecosystem services: A willingness to give up time exercise. Journal of Arid Environments, 124, 13–21. Citations: 46

  5. López, I., & Pardo, M. (2018). Tourism versus nature conservation: Reconciliation of common interests and objectives – An analysis through Picos de Europa National Park. Journal of Mountain Science, 15(11), 2505–2516. Citations: 42

Dr. Iván López Pardo’s research bridges sociology and environmental science, illuminating how societies adapt to global ecological change. His influential work on sustainability, climate governance, and social perception of environmental issues advances sustainable policy design and fosters equitable transitions toward resilient, low-carbon futures.