Jan Vlok Nelson | Environmental Science | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Mr. Jan Vlok Nelson | Environmental Science | Outstanding Scientist Award

Self employed at Mandela University, South Africa

Jan Vlok is a distinguished South African botanist and environmental scientist with over four decades of experience in plant ecology and conservation. Holding an MSc (Cum Laude) from the University of Natal, he has authored more than 50 scientific and popular publications and a book, earning over 1,700 citations. Vlok has made substantial contributions to vegetation classification and restoration, serving as a consultant to organizations like WWF-SA, SANPARKS, and CapeNature, with his work leading to land acquisitions exceeding R30 million. He is a recognized public communicator, having delivered over 300 outreach presentations, and has been honored with multiple prestigious awards, including the Marloth and Leslie Hill Medals. As a registered botanical scientist with SACNASP and a research associate at Nelson Mandela University, Vlok’s impact spans both scientific and practical realms. His lifelong dedication to South Africa’s biodiversity and environmental stewardship positions him as a leading figure in conservation science.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

Education

Jan Vlok began his academic journey at Bellville High School, matriculating in 1975. He pursued his early tertiary education at Saasveld Forestry College, where he earned a Diploma in Forestry in 1982. Recognizing the need for deeper scientific training, he later completed his Master of Science degree (Cum Laude) at the University of Natal in 1997. His MSc studies provided a strong academic foundation in ecology and plant sciences, further enhancing his ability to contribute meaningfully to environmental research and management. Despite not holding a PhD, Vlok’s academic work and extensive field expertise have earned him considerable recognition within the scientific community. His education has supported a career deeply rooted in applied ecology, blending academic knowledge with practical environmental solutions. His continuous professional development and self-driven learning have enabled him to remain a respected figure in conservation, particularly in vegetation classification and restoration within South Africa’s diverse ecosystems.

Professional Experience

Jan Vlok has amassed over 40 years of professional experience in botany and environmental consultancy. He began his career in 1982 with the Department of Forestry, later transitioning to the Department of Water Affairs, Forestry, and Environmental Affairs as a research technician. From 1990 to 1997, he served as a regional botanist at Cape Nature Conservation, where he deepened his specialization in South African vegetation. Since 1997, he has operated independently as an environmental advisor through Regalis Environmental Services. In this role, Vlok has consulted for key institutions such as WWF-SA, SANPARKS, and CapeNature, contributing to major conservation and land acquisition projects. His expertise has informed numerous environmental impact assessments, restoration plans, and conservation strategies. As an expert witness in court cases and a referee for scientific journals and grants, Vlok holds a respected advisory role. His practical fieldwork and consulting achievements highlight a career defined by impact and integrity.

Research Interest

Jan Vlok’s research interests lie primarily in plant ecology, vegetation classification, and conservation biology, particularly within the unique biomes of South Africa such as Fynbos, Succulent Karoo, Forests, and Subtropical Thicket. His work is grounded in applied ecological research aimed at informing conservation strategies and land-use planning. A key focus of his studies has been the mapping and ecological description of vegetation units, often contributing directly to conservation priorities and land acquisition decisions. Vlok is also involved in ecological restoration, particularly in designing sustainable strategies for disturbed ecosystems. His work bridges scientific inquiry with real-world application, making him a sought-after consultant in environmental management and biodiversity planning. His communication of research findings to both scientific audiences and the general public reflects a broader interest in conservation education and public engagement. Vlok’s commitment to preserving South Africa’s botanical heritage is reflected in his continual research contributions, both independently and collaboratively.

Award and Honor

Jan Vlok has received numerous accolades recognizing his outstanding contributions to botany and conservation. Among his most notable honors are the Leslie Hill Medal (2003) from the Succulent Society of South Africa and the Marloth Medal (2010) from the Botanical Society of South Africa—both prestigious awards in South African botanical science. In 2006, he received a Gold Award from the C.A.P.E. program and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Western Cape Conservation Stewardship Association, further affirming his role in promoting sustainable land management and conservation. CapeNature recognized him in 2008 with a Special Award for his contributions to ecological assessment and stewardship. These awards reflect a career characterized by both scientific excellence and practical environmental impact. Vlok’s work is respected not only by academic peers but also by government bodies and conservation organizations, marking him as a leader in his field and a role model in South African environmental science.

Conclusion

Jan Vlok exemplifies the ideal of a scientist whose work extends far beyond academia into meaningful, real-world conservation impact. With over four decades of experience, his career blends rigorous ecological research, practical fieldwork, and a deep commitment to preserving South Africa’s rich botanical heritage. His contributions have shaped conservation policy, led to significant land acquisitions for environmental protection, and engaged both scientific and public audiences. Vlok’s numerous awards, consulting roles, and scientific publications reflect a lifetime dedicated to excellence in botany and ecological sustainability. Though lacking a PhD, his field expertise, advisory roles, and influence across conservation sectors underscore his unique value as a practitioner-scholar. His ability to translate complex ecological knowledge into applied solutions and public education marks him as a leader not only in science but in environmental stewardship. Jan Vlok’s legacy is one of action, influence, and deep care for South Africa’s natural world.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Parent versus seedling survival in Watsonia fourcadei (Iridaceae); testing a hypothesis on the survival strategy of a Cape geophyte

    • Author: Vlok, Johannes H.J.

    • Year: 2025

  • Title: New species of Euryops (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) from the Klein Karoo in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

    • Author: Vlok, Johannes H.J.

    • Year: 2025

Hamidou SANKARA | Energy | Best Paper Award

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Mr. Hamidou SANKARA | Energy | Best Paper Award

Doctorant at INSA LYON/Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso.

Hamidou Sankara is a dedicated doctoral student at Insa Lyon in France and Université Joseph KI-ZERBO in Burkina Faso, specializing in thermal studies of eco-materials for construction. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Applied Physics and has experience teaching Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Proficient in French, English, and Spanish, he combines strong technical skills in various software tools with a passion for renewable energy, demonstrated through his personal blog on the subject. His academic journey is marked by a commitment to sustainable development and a desire to contribute meaningfully to environmental issues in Burkina Faso.

Publication Profile:

ORCID Profile

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Academic Excellence: Hamidou has a solid educational background, holding both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Applied Physics from Université Joseph KI-ZERBO. His current doctoral research at Insa Lyon emphasizes significant contributions to the field of energy, particularly renewable energies.
  2. Research Focus: His work on the thermal studies of eco-materials for construction in Burkina Faso demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development and addresses critical environmental issues.
  3. Teaching Experience: With experience teaching Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, he has honed his ability to communicate complex concepts effectively. This experience enriches his research perspective by incorporating educational methodologies.
  4. Multilingual Skills: Proficiency in multiple languages (French, English, and Spanish) enhances his capability to collaborate internationally and disseminate research findings to diverse audiences.
  5. Technical Proficiency: Mastery of various software tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Zotero, Abaqus, Trnsys, LaTeX, ImageJ) equips him with the necessary skills for effective data analysis and research presentation.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Networking and Collaboration: While Hamidou has attended conferences in Africa, expanding his network in Europe and globally could open up new collaborative opportunities and funding sources for his research.
  2. Publication Record: To enhance his academic profile, focusing on publishing research findings in reputable journals would be beneficial. This can solidify his reputation in the academic community and increase visibility for his work.
  3. Project Management Skills: Developing project management skills could help in overseeing research projects more efficiently, ensuring timely completion and adherence to research objectives.

Education:

Hamidou Sankara’s educational journey showcases his dedication to the field of physics and energy. He obtained his Baccalaureate in Series C from Lycée Moderne 1 de Divo in Côte d’Ivoire in 2009. Following this, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics at Université Joseph KI-ZERBO in Burkina Faso, graduating in 2013. He continued his studies at the same institution, earning a Master’s degree in Applied Physics with a specialization in energy in 2018. Currently, he is in the third year of his doctoral program, working on thermal studies of eco-materials for construction as part of a co-tutelle agreement between Insa Lyon in France and Université Joseph KI-ZERBO. His academic background reflects a strong foundation in applied physics, with a specific focus on renewable energy and sustainability.

Experience:

Hamidou Sankara has gained valuable teaching experience in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics over several years in Burkina Faso. From September 2014 to June 2016, he worked as a part-time instructor at Lycée Privé Dimdolobson and Collège Privé Leadersip, where he taught Physics and Chemistry at Leadersip Academy and both subjects at Dimdolobson High School. He continued his teaching career from September 2016 to June 2019 at Lycée Privé Espoir du Faso, where he instructed students in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This extensive teaching background has not only enhanced his communication skills but also deepened his understanding of these scientific disciplines, enriching his perspective as a researcher in renewable energy.

Research Focus:

Hamidou Sankara’s research focuses on the thermal studies of eco-materials for construction in Burkina Faso, aiming to enhance sustainable building practices. His work involves both experimental measurements and simulations to analyze the thermal performance of these materials. By investigating locally sourced eco-materials, he addresses pressing environmental challenges while promoting the use of renewable resources in construction. This research not only contributes to the academic understanding of thermal dynamics in eco-materials but also supports sustainable development initiatives in Burkina Faso, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and promote energy efficiency in the building sector.

Awards and Honors:

Hamidou Sankara has received several awards and honors that highlight his academic and professional achievements. He has been recognized for his outstanding performance in his studies, including scholarships during his Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at Université Joseph KI-ZERBO. His dedication to research in renewable energy has also earned him accolades at various scientific conferences across Africa, where he presented his work on eco-materials for construction. Additionally, his teaching contributions at private colleges in Burkina Faso have been acknowledged, showcasing his commitment to education and knowledge dissemination. These honors reflect his passion for advancing sustainable practices and his potential as a leading researcher in the field.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Development of Foam Composites from Flax Gum-Filled Epoxy Resin
    • Authors: [You may need to look up the specific authors from the publication directly, as I don’t have access to databases to retrieve that information.]
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation:
      • APA: Author(s). (2024). Development of Foam Composites from Flax Gum-Filled Epoxy Resin. Preprints. DOI: 10.20944/preprints202406.0089.v1
  • Computational Model of Effective Thermal Conductivity of Green Insulating Fibrous Media
    • Authors: [You may need to check the specific authors in the journal article.]
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation:
      • APA: Author(s). (2024). Computational Model of Effective Thermal Conductivity of Green Insulating Fibrous Media. Materials, 17(1), 252. DOI: 10.3390/ma17010252

Conclusion:

Hamidou Sankara is a promising researcher whose academic background, commitment to sustainability, and teaching experience make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. By focusing on expanding his network, enhancing his publication record, and developing project management skills, he can further elevate his research impact and contribute significantly to the field of renewable energy.

Piotr Holnicki l Environmental Science l Most Shared Article Award

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Prof. Piotr Holnicki l Environmental Science l Most Shared Article Award

Research at Polish Academy of Sciences, Systems Research Institute, Poland

Publication Profile

scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Expertise in Computational and Environmental Sciences: Professor Piotr Holnicki has a wide-ranging skill set that spans computational science, mathematical modeling, and environmental engineering. His expertise in areas such as air pollution dispersion, optimization, and decision support systems for regional planning is cutting-edge and has significant relevance in tackling global environmental challenges.
  2. Interdisciplinary Knowledge: His contributions lie at the intersection of computer science, environmental science, and mathematical modeling, making his work particularly relevant in fields where computational models can drive impactful solutions, such as climate change and air quality management.
  3. Prolific Academic Output: With 94 research items on ResearchGate, his academic activity showcases a commitment to advancing knowledge in his field. His engagement with a broad range of issues, including atmospheric pollution, computational intelligence, and environmental impact assessments, signals a strong research record.
  4. Real-World Applications: Holnicki’s research into air pollution dispersion modeling, control theory, and optimization techniques has clear, practical implications. His work directly influences policy-making and planning, especially in emission control and air quality forecasting, making it not only theoretical but also highly actionable.
  5. Optimization and Control Expertise: His skills in optimization and control theory for distributed parameter systems, along with proficiency in numerical methods, reflect a high level of specialization in solving complex environmental problems, such as those related to greenhouse gas emissions and energy systems.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Recognition Beyond Academia: While Professor Holnicki’s academic credentials are strong, it would be beneficial to see wider collaboration or recognition in industry-led initiatives or global environmental policy platforms. Expanding the impact of his research beyond academic circles could enhance his visibility and influence.
  2. Diversity in Research Topics: Though his research in environmental science and pollution dispersion is critical, diversifying his focus into more emergent fields such as renewable energy systems, environmental sustainability, or bioinformatics could increase his relevance to broader scientific and technological developments.
  3. Greater Focus on Public Engagement: Encouraging more public-facing outreach, such as through media interviews, conferences, or governmental advisory roles, would help translate his technical work into more accessible formats, thereby extending its influence on societal and political levels.

Education

Professor Piotr Holnicki holds a PhD and DSc, indicating advanced academic qualifications and expertise in his fields of study. His education has provided him with a strong foundation in computational science, environmental engineering, and mathematical modeling, which he has applied to research in areas such as air pollution dispersion, optimization, and decision support systems. His academic background, coupled with his position at the Systems Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, highlights his dedication to both theoretical and applied scientific pursuits, making him a respected figure in computational and environmental sciences.

Experience

Professor Piotr Holnicki is an expert in computational science, applied mathematics, and environmental engineering, with extensive experience in modeling air pollution dispersion and developing decision support systems for environmental management. His research spans various fields, including mathematical modeling, optimization, and control theory, with a focus on practical applications such as emission control, air quality forecasting, and environmental impact assessments. Holnicki’s work leverages advanced computational techniques like simulated annealing and numerical methods to address complex environmental challenges, particularly in air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and atmospheric pollution analysis. With 94 research items on ResearchGate, he has made significant contributions to both theoretical research and practical applications, positioning him as a leading figure in his field.

Research Focus

Professor Piotr Holnicki’s research focuses on the modeling and analysis of air pollution dispersion on both urban and regional scales, with an emphasis on developing environment-oriented decision support systems. His work integrates computational techniques, such as optimization and numerical modeling, to assess the environmental impact of air pollution, including population exposure, emission control, and environmental costs. He employs advanced tools like CALMET/CALPUFF models for air quality forecasting and optimal site selection for new investments. Additionally, he explores uncertainty analysis in air quality management and applies control theory and optimization in distributed parameter systems, contributing to a deeper understanding of how to mitigate the effects of atmospheric pollution.

Awards and Honours

Professor Piotr Holnicki has earned notable recognition for his contributions to computational science, environmental modeling, and optimization techniques, particularly in the context of air pollution dispersion and environmental impact assessments. His expertise spans multiple disciplines, including computer science, applied mathematics, and environmental engineering, with a focus on developing decision support systems for emission control and regional planning. Although specific awards and honors are not detailed in the provided information, his prolific research output and significant contributions to both theoretical and practical aspects of environmental science suggest that he is a well-regarded figure in his field. His work’s applicability to real-world challenges positions him as a strong candidate for prestigious academic and research accolades.

Publication Top Notes

  • Intra-urban variability of the intake fraction from multiple emission sources
    • Authors: Holnicki, P., Kałuszko, A., Nahorski, Z., Tainio, M.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 8
  • Intake Fraction (iF) Assessment in an Urban Area
    • Authors: Holnicki, P., Nahorski, Z., Kałuszko, A.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 5
  • Burden of mortality and disease attributable to multiple air pollutants in Warsaw, Poland
    • Authors: Holnicki, P., Tainio, M., Kałuszko, A., Nahorski, Z.
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 36
  • Air quality modeling for Warsaw agglomeration
    • Authors: Holnicki, P., Kałuszko, A., Nahorski, Z., Stankiewicz, K., Trapp, W.
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 45
  • An urban scale application and validation of the CALPUFF model
    • Authors: Holnicki, P., Kałuszko, A., Trapp, W.
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 60

Conclusion

Professor Piotr Holnicki is a highly qualified and suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his interdisciplinary research, technical expertise, and contributions to the field of computational science and environmental modeling. His work has a direct impact on addressing environmental challenges, such as air pollution, and is grounded in both theoretical and practical applications. While his academic accomplishments are impressive, further recognition and outreach outside academic settings could enhance his overall influence and contributions to global scientific advancements.