Amir Maharjan | Wildlife Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Amir Maharjan | Wildlife Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Amir Maharjan | University of Southern Queensland | Australia

Mr. Amir Maharjan is an accomplished researcher in wildlife conservation and forestry, with extensive experience in national parks and biodiversity management. His research focuses on tiger ecology, prey dynamics, human-wildlife conflict, and adaptive conservation strategies, reflecting a strong blend of applied and theoretical expertise. He has actively contributed to international conferences and policy platforms, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and IPBES, demonstrating recognition of his work at both national and global levels. In addition to field research, he has supervised undergraduate theses and mentored students, emphasizing capacity-building in forestry and wildlife science. His work integrates ecological monitoring, habitat suitability mapping, and conservation policy, bridging research and practical applications. According to Scopus, his research output includes 3 documents with 11 citations and an h-index of 3, showcasing measurable research impact. Citations by 11 documents.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

1. A. Maharjan, “Assessing the Spatio-temporal Activity Pattern and Habitat Use of Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) Across Three Forest Management Regimes in Nepal,” Biodiversity and Conservation, 2025.

 

Matevz Mihelic | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Matevz Mihelic | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Dr. Matevž Mihelič is an accomplished researcher and assistant professor at the University of Ljubljana, specializing in forest techniques, biomass production, and sustainable forest harvesting. With over 15 years of experience, his work focuses on the economic and environmental aspects of forest operations, contributing to both academic advancement and practical forest management. He has played key roles in numerous national and European research projects, often leading work packages aimed at improving forestry technologies and practices. Dr. Mihelič has been actively involved in academic teaching since 2010 and has contributed to international education through summer schools and collaborative programs. His extensive participation in international conferences highlights his active engagement with the global forestry research community. Known for bridging science and practice, Dr. Mihelič’s research supports the development of innovative, sustainable solutions in forestry. His dedication, leadership, and applied research impact make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

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Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Matevž Mihelič completed his entire academic training at the University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty. He earned his doctoral degree in Biological and Biotechnical Sciences in 2014 with a dissertation focusing on the economic and environmental aspects of forest harvesting for energy biomass—highlighting his early commitment to sustainable forestry solutions. His academic journey began with a university degree in Forestry (2000–2006), culminating in a graduation thesis on digital tools in forestry advisory services. Before this, he completed his grammar school education at Ledina Grammar School in Ljubljana. Throughout his academic studies, he consistently focused on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and forest resource management. The combination of technical forestry education and a research-driven doctoral program provided Dr. Mihelič with a strong foundation in applied science, forest economics, and environmental responsibility—areas that would go on to shape his professional and research career in the years to follow.

Professional Experience

Dr. Matevž Mihelič has built a progressive and well-rounded professional career centered at the University of Ljubljana. Since 2019, he has served as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources, following nearly a decade as a teaching assistant and earlier roles as a researcher and technical worker. His career began in 2006 with the Public Forest Service of Slovenia, where he worked as a district forester and planning apprentice. Over the years, Dr. Mihelič has developed expertise in forest harvesting, biomass utilization, and the design of technological systems, contributing significantly to both academic teaching and applied forestry projects. In addition to his teaching duties, he has led or contributed to several national and EU research initiatives. His career reflects a balanced mix of academic instruction, field-based research, and technical coordination—demonstrating his strong commitment to advancing sustainable forestry practices in Slovenia and beyond.

Research Interest

Dr. Matevž Mihelič’s research interests lie at the intersection of forest engineering, biomass production, and sustainable forest management. He focuses primarily on forest harvesting systems, the economic evaluation of forestry operations, and the efficient utilization of wood biomass. His doctoral work on the economic and environmental aspects of biomass harvesting set the stage for his subsequent research contributions. He has actively participated in and led numerous national and European research projects addressing key challenges in forest operations, contractor evaluation, and the use of innovative technologies for forest stand management. Dr. Mihelič also investigates the sustainability of forest supply chains and seeks to optimize forest operations through the integration of new technologies and data-driven planning. His research is applied in nature, aiming to inform forest policy, improve operational efficiency, and support the transition to a bioeconomy. Through his work, he contributes to the development of environmentally sound and economically viable forestry practices.

Award and Honor

While Dr. Matevž Mihelič’s curriculum vitae does not specifically list formal awards or honors, his professional track record reflects recognition through substantial research funding, leadership in high-impact projects, and regular invitations to speak and participate at international conferences. His involvement in major EU initiatives such as COST Actions and ERA-NET projects demonstrates trust and credibility in the European research community. Additionally, his repeated participation in international symposiums and summer schools showcases acknowledgment of his academic and scientific contributions. The consistent leadership roles in project work packages and his long-standing teaching role at the University of Ljubljana further indicate a high level of institutional and professional respect. Although not formally detailed with titles of awards, Dr. Mihelič’s body of work, collaborations, and influence in the field of forest engineering and biomass utilization suggest that he is a highly regarded expert, whose applied contributions have significantly impacted forestry research and practice in Slovenia and across Europe.

Conclusion

Dr. Matevž Mihelič stands out as a dedicated researcher, educator, and practitioner in the field of forestry and forest engineering. His academic background, combined with a career rooted in applied research and teaching, has equipped him to make lasting contributions to sustainable forestry and biomass utilization. Through leadership in national and European projects, he has addressed critical issues in forest harvesting technologies and forest operations management. His consistent engagement with international academic forums and educational programs underscores his commitment to knowledge dissemination and collaboration. While formal awards are not listed, his sustained impact through research output, teaching excellence, and project leadership positions him as a key figure in his domain. Dr. Mihelič’s career reflects a rare blend of scientific rigor and practical application, making him not only a valuable academic but also a contributor to sustainable forest policy and practice. He is a highly deserving candidate for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Techniques and productivity of coppice harvesting operations in Europe: a meta-analysis of available data

    • Authors: R. Spinelli, E. Cacot, M. Mihelič, L. Nestorovski, P. Mederski, E. Tolosana

    • Year: 2016

    • Citations: 61

  • Title: Comparison of electric and petrol chainsaws in terms of efficiency and safety when used in young spruce stands in small-scale private forests

    • Authors: A. Poje, I. Potočnik, M. Mihelič

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 44

  • Title: Exposure to noise in wood chipping operations under the conditions of agro-forestry

    • Authors: A. Poje, R. Spinelli, N. Magagnotti, M. Mihelič

    • Year: 2015

    • Citations: 42

  • Title: Production of wood chips from logging residue under space-constrained conditions

    • Authors: M. Mihelič, R. Spinelli, A. Poje

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 32

  • Title: Influence of chain filing, tree species and chain type on cross cutting efficiency and health risk

    • Authors: J. Marenče, M. Mihelič, A. Poje

    • Year: 2017

    • Citations: 23

  • Title: Performance of a new industrial chipper for rural contractors

    • Authors: M. Mihelič, R. Spinelli, N. Magagnotti, A. Poje

    • Year: 2015

    • Citations: 21

  • Title: A low-investment option for the integrated semi-mechanized harvesting of small-scale, short-rotation poplar plantations

    • Authors: R. Spinelli, N. Magagnotti, C. Lombardini, M. Mihelič

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 18

  • Title: Analysis of inclusion of wood forwarding into a skidding model

    • Authors: M. Mihelič, J. Krč

    • Year: 2009

    • Citations: 14

  • Title: Influence of chain sharpness, tension adjustment and type of electric chainsaw on energy consumption and cross-cutting time

    • Authors: A. Poje, M. Mihelič

    • Year: 2020

    • Citations: 12

  • Title: The effect of feedstock, knife wear and work station on the exposure to noise and vibrations in wood chipping operations

    • Authors: A. Poje, R. Spinelli, N. Magagnotti, M. Mihelič

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 10

  • Title: Intensifying the management of protection forests in the Alps

    • Authors: M. Mihelič, R. Spinelli, A. Poje

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 6

  • Title: Coppice products

    • Authors: N. Magagnotti, J. Schweier, R. Spinelli, E. Tolosana, P. Jylhä, M. Mihelič

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 6

  • Title: Vodila dobrega ravnanja pri strojni sečnji

    • Authors: J. Krč, J. Beguš, J. Primožič, J. Levstek, V. Papler-Lampe, J. Klun, M. Mihelič

    • Year: 2014

    • Citations: 5

  • Title: Seventeen years of forest restoration with small-scale technologies: Time and fuel consumption for alternative operations and techniques

    • Authors: N. Magagnotti, M. Mihelič, A. Perazzolo, R. Spinelli

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 4

  • Title: Productivity and cost assessment of two harvesting methods for medium-rotation poplar plantations

    • Authors: R. Spinelli, N. Magagnotti, B. Kovacs, P. Heger, M. Mihelič

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 4

Piotr Holnicki l Environmental Science l Most Shared Article Award

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.