Pavol Nejedlik | Climatology | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Pavol Nejedlik | Climatology | Best Researcher Award 

Director of Geophysical Division | Slovak Academy of Science | Slovakia

Dr. Pavol Nejedlík is a highly accomplished atmospheric scientist and Director of the Geophysical Division at the Earth Science Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, where he leads research in climatology, atmospheric physics, and adaptations to climate change. He holds a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences from Comenius University in Bratislava, where he also completed a master’s degree in Meteorology and Climatology, providing a strong foundation for his distinguished scientific career. Dr. Nejedlík has held several leadership and scientific roles, including Director General and Director of the Meteorological Service at the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute, and Science Officer at both the European Commission’s COST Programme and the European Science Foundation in Brussels. His research focuses on climate monitoring, climate variability, and phenology, with a strong emphasis on data analysis, modeling, and the development of climate products that inform adaptation strategies. He has authored numerous scientific publications that have significantly contributed to understanding regional and global climate processes. Renowned for his leadership and collaborative approach, he manages a multidisciplinary team and actively fosters scientific exchange across institutions. His exceptional contributions have been recognized through several honors, including honorary membership in the Hungarian Meteorological Society and corresponding membership in the prestigious Academia Georgofili in Florence. Dr. Nejedlík’s expertise, professional integrity, and enduring commitment to advancing climate science make him an outstanding nominee for distinction and a leading figure in the field of atmospheric research.

Profiles: Scopus 

Featured Publications

1. Nejedlík, P., & colleagues. (2025). Intermodel and method comparison of mean radiant temperature from numerical weather prediction models: Evaluation of enhanced spatial resolution in Europe. Contributions to Geophysics and Geodesy.

2. Nejedlík, P., & colleagues. (2024). Continuity of long-term climate data series after the transition from manual to automatic weather station. Contributions to Geophysics and Geodesy.

Dr. Pavol Nejedlík’s work advances scientific understanding of climate dynamics and adaptation, providing critical insights for sustainable environmental management and policy development. His research strengthens the reliability of climate data and forecasting, supporting evidence-based decisions that benefit society, industry, and global climate resilience.

Zemede M. Nigatu | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zemede M. Nigatu | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Hawassa University | Ethiopia

Dr. Zemede M. Nigatu is a distinguished researcher in Surveying, GIS, and Remote Sensing with extensive experience in Earth Observation and Geo-Information sciences. He holds a PhD in Surveying and Mapping Engineering and has contributed significantly to both academic teaching and applied research. Dr. Nigatu has successfully led multidisciplinary projects, mentored graduate students, and trained professionals in geospatial technologies, emphasizing practical applications in forestry, climate adaptation, and sustainable land management. His work spans advanced geospatial modeling, remote sensing data analysis, and GIS-based decision support systems, showcasing a strong capacity for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to high-impact publications, he has delivered consultancy services for national and international organizations, bridging research with real-world applications. His research achievements are measurable and impactful, as reflected in Scopus metrics: 116 citations, 7 documents, and an h-index of 6, demonstrating his influence and growing recognition in the geospatial research community.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

1. Z. M. Nigatu, T. H. M. Rientjes, and A. T. Haile, “Hydrological impact assessment of climate change on Lake Tana’s water balance, Ethiopia,” American Journal of Climate Change, vol. 5, pp. 27-37, 2016.

2. Z. M. Nigatu, D. Fan, W. You, and A. M. Melesse, “Hydroclimatic extremes evaluation using GRACE/GRACE-FO and multidecadal climatic variables over the Nile river basin,” Remote Sensing, vol. 13, no. 4, p. 651, 2021.

3. Z. M. Nigatu, D. Fan, W. You, A. M. Melesse, L. Pu, X. Yang, X. Wan, and Z. Jiang, “Crop production response to soil moisture and groundwater depletion in the Nile Basin based on multi-source data,” Science of The Total Environment, vol. 825, p. 154007, 2022.

4. Z. M. Nigatu, D. Fan, and W. You, “GRACE Products and Land Surface Models for Estimating the Changes in Key Water Storage Components in the Nile River Basin,” Advances in Space Research, vol. 67, no. 6, pp. 1896-1913, 2021.

5. L. Pu, D. Fan, W. You, X. Yang, Z. M. Nigatu, and Z. Jiang, “Extracting terrestrial water storage signals from GRACE solutions in the Amazon Basin using an iterative filtering approach,” Remote Sensing Letters, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 14-23, 2022.

Dr. Yangmin Kuang | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yangmin Kuang | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. at China University of Geosciences, China

Dr. Yangmin Kuang is an Associate Professor at the College of Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, specializing in energy and environmental engineering with a focus on gas hydrates, nanobubbles, and carbon capture and storage. He holds a PhD from Dalian University of Technology and has conducted international research as a visiting scholar at the Australian National University. Dr. Kuang has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the understanding of hydrate kinetics, hydrate-based carbon sequestration, and nanobubble behavior. His interdisciplinary work combines experimental techniques, numerical simulations, and molecular-scale analysis to address global challenges in energy exploitation and climate mitigation. His research has practical applications in natural gas extraction and CO₂ sequestration in marine environments. With a strong academic foundation, international collaboration experience, and a growing publication record, Dr. Kuang is emerging as a leading researcher in the fields of marine energy systems and environmental sustainability.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Yangmin Kuang holds a comprehensive academic background in energy and environmental engineering, earned through progressive degrees from the Dalian University of Technology, China. He completed his Bachelor’s degree (2011–2015) with a focus on new energy systems such as solar, wind, hydrogen, and natural gas hydrate. He pursued a Master’s degree (2015–2017), specializing in the numerical simulation of gas hydrate exploitation and sediment analysis. His doctoral studies (2017–2021) further deepened his expertise in gas hydrate nucleation and decomposition, particularly through in-situ MRI observation and nanobubble kinetics. His PhD research produced multiple high-impact publications and laid a strong foundation for his academic career. During his PhD, he demonstrated strong capability in applying multidisciplinary methods to complex environmental and energy-related challenges. This rigorous and focused educational background has equipped him with the skills necessary to lead advanced research in marine energy systems, hydrate technology, and sustainable environmental engineering.

Professional Experience

Dr. Yangmin Kuang is currently an Associate Professor at the College of Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan. He has held this position since June 2021 and is actively engaged in cutting-edge research in marine natural gas hydrate exploitation, carbon capture and storage (CCUS), and underwater energy detection technologies. Prior to this role, Dr. Kuang expanded his international research experience as a visiting scholar at the Australian National University (2019–2020), where he collaborated with Professor Vincent Craig in the field of colloids, surfactants, and nanobubbles. This global academic exposure enhanced his cross-disciplinary approach to physical chemistry and environmental systems. Over the years, he has consistently bridged theoretical modeling, laboratory experimentation, and field-based applications. His professional journey reflects a clear trajectory of academic advancement, international collaboration, and technical leadership in solving real-world energy and environmental problems, especially those concerning hydrate systems and gas-liquid interface phenomena.

Research Interest

Dr. Kuang’s research interests center around natural gas hydrates, nanobubbles, carbon dioxide sequestration, and marine-based clean energy systems. He investigates the kinetics and mechanisms of gas hydrate formation and dissociation, employing advanced tools such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). He is particularly interested in the hydrate memory effect, micro/nano-bubble dynamics, and the role of surfactants and additives in hydrate crystallization. His recent work extends to carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, especially hydrate-based CO₂ sequestration in marine sediments. Dr. Kuang also explores methods to enhance gas production efficiency through pressure oscillation and thermal stimulation in hydrate-bearing formations. By integrating experimental studies with numerical modeling and molecular simulations, his interdisciplinary approach contributes to the global effort to develop sustainable energy sources and mitigate climate change. His work is impactful in both fundamental science and applied engineering, addressing critical challenges in marine geoscience and environmental sustainability.

Award and Honor

While Dr. Kuang’s CV does not explicitly list formal awards or honors, his academic achievements reflect significant recognition within his field. He has published over 20 research papers in internationally respected journals such as Energy & Fuels, Journal of Physical Chemistry C, AIChE Journal, and Chemical Engineering Journal, often as the first or corresponding author—demonstrating leadership and substantial contribution. His selection as a visiting scholar at the Australian National University and his collaborations with internationally known researchers also indicate professional esteem. His work on hydrate-based CO₂ sequestration and gas hydrate exploitation has been widely cited, signaling its importance in environmental and energy engineering. Though formal honors are not detailed, his growing research impact, international collaborations, and academic progression to Associate Professor at a relatively early stage mark him as a high-potential researcher with clear distinction in his field. Recognition through formal awards would further reinforce his professional visibility and influence.

Conclusion

Dr. Yangmin Kuang is an accomplished early-career researcher whose work lies at the intersection of marine science, energy engineering, and climate technology. His strong academic training, international research experience, and impactful publications position him as a rising expert in gas hydrate systems and carbon sequestration. As an Associate Professor, he leads projects focused on sustainable energy exploitation and marine carbon capture, using innovative tools such as NMR, nanotechnology, and numerical modeling. Though not yet decorated with major formal honors, his scholarly output and global collaborations reflect increasing recognition. Dr. Kuang’s research directly contributes to addressing energy security and environmental challenges, making him a valuable asset to both the academic and applied science communities. With continued support, increased visibility, and recognition through awards, he is poised to become a leading figure in environmental sustainability and energy resource management in the years ahead.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Kinetic enhancement of capturing and storing greenhouse gas and volatile organic compound: Micro-mechanism and micro-structure of hydrate growth
    Authors: L. Zhang, Y. Kuang, S. Dai, J. Wang, J. Zhao, Y. Song
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 128

  • Title: Physical characteristic analysis of unconsolidated sediments containing gas hydrate recovered from the Shenhu Area of the South China Sea
    Authors: Y. Kuang, L. Yang, Q. Li, X. Lv, Y. Li, B. Yu, S. Leng, Y. Song, J. Zhao
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 108

  • Title: Effects of depressurization on gas production and water performance from excess-gas and excess-water methane hydrate accumulations
    Authors: L. Zhang, H. Dong, S. Dai, Y. Kuang, L. Yang, J. Wang, J. Zhao, Y. Song
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 84

  • Title: Influence of core scale permeability on gas production from methane hydrate by thermal stimulation
    Authors: Y. Song, Y. Kuang, Z. Fan, Y. Zhao, J. Zhao
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 76

  • Title: Effects of micro-bubbles on the nucleation and morphology of gas hydrate crystals
    Authors: Y. Kuang, Y. Feng, L. Yang, Y. Song, J. Zhao
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 47

  • Title: Study of hydrate nucleation and growth aided by micro-nanobubbles: Probing the hydrate memory effect
    Authors: Y. Feng, Y. Han, P. Gao, Y. Kuang, L. Yang, J. Zhao, Y. Song
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 46

  • Title: Quantitative determination of pore‐structure change and permeability estimation under hydrate phase transition by NMR
    Authors: Y. Kuang, L. Zhang, Y. Song, L. Yang, J. Zhao
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 44

  • Title: Molecular simulations on the stability and dynamics of bulk nanobubbles in aqueous environments
    Authors: Y. Lu, L. Yang, Y. Kuang, Y. Song, J. Zhao, A.K. Sum
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 43

  • Title: Observation of In Situ Growth and Decomposition of Carbon Dioxide Hydrate at Gas–Water Interfaces Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
    Authors: Y. Kuang, X. Lei, L. Yang, Y. Zhao, J. Zhao
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 43

  • Title: Analyzing the process of gas production from methane hydrate via nitrogen injection
    Authors: L. Zhang, Y. Kuang, X. Zhang, Y. Song, Y. Liu, J. Zhao
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 42

  • Title: Enhanced CO₂ sequestration based on hydrate technology with pressure oscillation in porous medium using NMR
    Authors: Y. Kuang, L. Zhang, Y. Zheng
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 41

  • Title: MRI analysis for methane hydrate dissociation by depressurization and the concomitant ice generation
    Authors: Z. Fan, C. Sun, Y. Kuang, B. Wang, J. Zhao, Y. Song
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 32

  • Title: Molecular dynamics simulation and in-situ MRI observation of organic exclusion during CO₂ hydrate growth
    Authors: L. Zhang, L. Sun, Y. Lu, Y. Kuang, Z. Ling, L. Yang, H. Dong, S. Yang, J. Zhao, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 21

  • Title: Research status and prospects of CO₂ geological sequestration technology from onshore to offshore: A review
    Authors: Z. Lin, Y. Kuang, W. Li, Y. Zheng
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 20

  • Title: Morphology study of hydrate shell crystal growth on a microbubble interface in the presence of additives
    Authors: Y. Kuang, Y. Zheng, W. Dai, H. Li, J. Wang, Y. Liu, X. Teng, Z. Zhang, J. Zheng
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 12

Sajid Ahmad | Earth science | Most Liked Article Award

Prof. Dr. Sajid Ahmad | Earth science | Most Liked Article Award

Professor/Dean, Dean faculty of Geosciences Punjab University Lahore, Pakistan

Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad is a distinguished academic and researcher, serving as a Professor at the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore. With over 31 years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Ahmad has contributed significantly to the fields of environmental sciences, geosciences, and plant growth. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Windsor, Canada, and has a diverse academic background, including an M.B.A. from the University of the Punjab. He has supervised 41 Ph.D. scholars and 250 M.S./M.Phil students, reflecting his commitment to academic mentorship. Dr. Ahmad has been an active participant in national and international research, publishing over 260 research papers and receiving more than 2,000 citations. Additionally, his leadership roles, including serving as Acting Vice Chancellor at multiple universities, highlight his impact on higher education in Pakistan. His research focuses on sustainable environmental practices and pollution remediation.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education 

Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad holds an impressive academic background. He earned his PhD in Environmental Sciences from the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, where he further advanced his research skills, specializing in environmental management and geosciences. He also completed his M.S. at the same university, gaining in-depth knowledge in related fields. Dr. Ahmad completed his M.B.A. from the Institute of Business Administration, University of the Punjab, Lahore, showcasing his versatility in both science and management. Earlier, he obtained his M.Sc. and B.Sc. from the Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, further solidifying his foundation in geology and environmental studies. His diverse education empowers him with a well-rounded approach to teaching, research, and leadership in academia. His dedication to learning and continual development is reflected in his contributions to both academic and administrative roles in higher education.

Experience 

Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad brings over 31 years of academic experience, having held various teaching and administrative positions at the University of the Punjab, Lahore. He currently serves as a Professor at the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, where he imparts knowledge in geosciences and environmental studies. Over the years, Dr. Ahmad has served as an Assistant Professor and Lecturer at the Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab. His leadership roles include serving as Acting Vice Chancellor at the University of Kamalia and University of Okara, as well as Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences. He has also held various key positions, including Principal of the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Director of the Centre for Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and Controller of Examinations. Dr. Ahmad has successfully led numerous national and international conferences and workshops, contributing to the advancement of environmental science education.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad has earned numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career. His remarkable contributions to research and teaching have garnered widespread recognition both nationally and internationally. He has received prestigious research grants worth more than 49 million rupees from national and international organizations, a testament to his research leadership. Dr. Ahmad’s scholarly work has resulted in significant citations and impact in the field of environmental science, with his publications being frequently cited by peers. He has been a part of over 100 national and international committees, showcasing his leadership in academic governance and research. His role as a mentor has also been acknowledged, with more than 41 Ph.D. students successfully guided under his supervision. In recognition of his vast academic contributions, he has been invited to serve as a keynote speaker and panelist at numerous prestigious conferences, further solidifying his status in the global scientific community.

Research Focus 

Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad’s research primarily revolves around environmental science, with a focus on pollution management, climate change, and sustainable practices. His work on pollution remediation, particularly involving the use of bioremediation and phytoextraction, has garnered attention for offering effective solutions to mitigate environmental contamination. He is deeply invested in studying the impact of climate change on ecosystems, focusing on adaptation and mitigation strategies. Dr. Ahmad’s research also extends to urban heat island effects, waste management, and microplastic pollution, particularly in Pakistan’s rapidly urbanizing cities. His interdisciplinary approach integrates geospatial technologies (GIS), remote sensing, and ecological modeling to assess environmental issues and propose sustainable solutions. Furthermore, he has explored plant growth promotion through rhizobacteria, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Ahmad’s research not only enhances our understanding of environmental challenges but also presents actionable solutions for policy makers and industries.

Publications

  1. Halotolerant plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria modulate gene expression and osmolyte production to improve salinity tolerance and growth in Capsicum annum L. 🌱🌍
  2. The activity and use of zinc in poultry diets 🐔🧑‍🔬
  3. Organochlorine pesticides across the tributaries of River Ravi, Pakistan: Human health risk assessment through dermal exposure, ecological risks, source fingerprints and spatio-temporal variations 🌊💉
  4. Ecological niche model comparison under different climate scenarios: a case study of Olea spp. in Asia 🌍🌳
  5. An unintended challenge of microplastic pollution in the urban surface water system of Lahore, Pakistan 🏙️🧴
  6. Modelling the higher heating value of municipal solid waste for assessment of waste-to-energy potential: a sustainable case study 🔋🌍
  7. Application of Bacillus megaterium MCR-8 improved phytoextraction and stress alleviation of nickel in Vinca rosea 🌿💡
  8. Quantifying the contribution of diminishing green spaces and urban sprawl to urban heat island effect in a rapidly urbanizing metropolitan city of Pakistan 🌆🔥
  9. Worm meal: a potential source of alternative protein in poultry feed 🐛🍽️
  10. Vulnerability and impact assessment of extreme climatic event: A case study of southern Punjab, Pakistan 🌪️📊
  11. Life cycle assessment of a cleaner supercritical coal-fired power plant ⚡🌱
  12. Phragmites australis in combination with hydrocarbons degrading bacteria is a suitable option for remediation of diesel-contaminated water in floating wetlands 🌿💧
  13. GIS-based analysis and modeling of coastline advance and retreat along the coast of Guyana 🌍🗺️
  14. Combined use of different nanoparticles effectively decreased cadmium (Cd) concentration in grains of wheat grown in a field contaminated with Cd 🌾🔬
  15. Amelioration of cadmium stress in gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflora L.) by application of potassium and silicon 🌸🧪