Djanna Koubodana Houteta | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Djanna Koubodana Houteta | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

Climate System Analysis Group | South Africa

Dr. Djanna Koubodana Houteta is a climate and hydrology researcher and postdoctoral scientist at the Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, with expertise in hydro-climate data analysis, climate modeling, climate change impacts, extremes, and resilience. His academic training spans hydrology, earth sciences, oceanography, and physics, with specialization in climate change and water resources. He has held research and postdoctoral roles across Africa and Europe, contributing to climate services, urban resilience initiatives, hydrological and climate modeling projects, and development-oriented climate information systems. His research focuses on climate variability, projections, extremes, hydrological processes, climate–health interactions, and adaptation and mitigation strategies, supported by peer-reviewed publications with strong citation impact. He actively integrates gender-responsive and equity-focused approaches and develops research-based solutions for policy and development sectors. His professional standing is reflected through memberships in leading international scientific and policy-oriented organizations in climate, hydrology, atmospheric sciences, impact assessment, and global environmental governance, underscoring his recognition, leadership potential, and sustained contributions to climate science and applied research.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Top 5 Featured Publications

 

Suleyman Demi | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Suleyman Demi | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

Assistant Professor | Algoma University | Canada

Assist. Prof. Dr. Suleyman Demi is an Assistant Professor in the field of social work whose scholarship integrates social justice, health equity, and environmental studies. He holds advanced degrees in social justice education, environmental studies, social science education, environment and health, agricultural administration, and agricultural economics, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary foundation. His professional experience includes academic leadership roles, graduate program development, teaching in health and society–focused programs, postdoctoral research appointments, and extensive service on research, ethics, curriculum, and equity committees. His research centers on social determinants of health, nutritional and food systems research, environmental and social justice, anti-Black racism, health equity, education, and community-based participatory methodologies, with peer-reviewed publications demonstrating growing scholarly impact. He has contributed to institutional research governance through advisory and review committees and serves on the editorial board of an academic journal in family and community medicine. His research excellence has been formally recognized through competitive awards, underscoring his contributions to advancing equity-driven, community-engaged scholarship with strong future potential.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Featured Publications

Najwa Al-Otaibi | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Najwa Al-Otaibi | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Taif University | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Najwa Aziz Al-Otaibi is an Assistant Professor at Taif University, specializing in biosciences with a research focus on microbial ecology, aquatic microbiology, and environmental sustainability. She holds advanced degrees in bioscience and biotechnology, with her doctoral research centered on the dynamics of picoplankton communities and their ecological responses to environmental factors. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Al-Otaibi has demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, and leadership through her supervision of graduate students, coordination of microbiology courses, and active participation in academic committees. As a principal investigator, she has led funded projects exploring microbial diversity and biotechnological applications in freshwater and marine systems, contributing valuable insights to environmental microbiology. Her commitment to scientific advancement is reflected in her editorial roles for Marine Environmental Research and Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology, as well as her membership in professional committees dedicated to academic accreditation and student development. Dr. Al-Otaibi has been recognized with multiple honors, including awards for outstanding research presentations and prestigious scholarships and fellowships supporting her postgraduate studies. Her continued dedication to high-impact research, innovative teaching, and community engagement exemplifies academic excellence and positions her as a leading contributor to advancing bioscience research in alignment with national and global sustainability goals.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Calleja, M. L., Al-Otaibi, N., & Morán, X. A. G. (2019). Dissolved organic carbon contribution to oxygen respiration in the central Red Sea. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 4690.

2. Brewin, R. J. W., Morán, X. A. G., Raitsos, D. E., Gittings, J. A., Calleja, M. L., Viegas, M., & Al-Otaibi, N. (2019). Factors regulating the relationship between total and size-fractionated chlorophyll-a in coastal waters of the Red Sea. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10, 1964.

3. Al-Otaibi, N., Huete-Stauffer, T. M., Calleja, M. L., Irigoien, X., & Morán, X. A. G. (2020). Seasonal variability and vertical distribution of autotrophic and heterotrophic picoplankton in the central Red Sea. PeerJ, 8, e8612.

4. García, F. C., Calleja, M. L., Al-Otaibi, N., Røstad, A., & Morán, X. A. G. (2018). Diel dynamics and coupling of heterotrophic prokaryotes and dissolved organic matter in epipelagic and mesopelagic waters of the central Red Sea. Environmental Microbiology, 20(8), 2990–3000.

5. Morán, X. A. G., García, F. C., Røstad, A., Silva, L., Al-Otaibi, N., Irigoien, X., & others. (2022). Diel dynamics of dissolved organic matter and heterotrophic prokaryotes reveal enhanced growth at the ocean’s mesopelagic fish layer during daytime. Science of the Total Environment, 804, 150098.

Dr. Najwa Aziz Al-Otaibi’s research advances understanding of microbial and ecological processes that sustain aquatic environments, contributing to global efforts in environmental conservation and water sustainability. Her work supports scientific innovation toward healthier ecosystems and aligns with national and international goals for sustainable resource management and climate resilience.

Eszter Virág | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Eszter Virág | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Scientific director at Research Institute For Medicinal Plants and Herbs, Hungary

Dr. Eszter Andrea Virág is a Hungarian biologist and senior researcher specializing in microbiology, plant science, and bioinformatics. She earned her PhD in Biology from the University of Pécs, focusing on antibiotic mechanisms, and later expanded her expertise with a degree in Computer Science Operational Engineering. With over 15 years of research experience, she has held key academic and leadership roles, including Scientific Director at the Research Institute of Medicinal Plants and Herbs and Senior Research Fellow at the University of Debrecen. Dr. Virág has led government-funded projects on plant-based pesticides, supervised numerous MSc and PhD students, and taught a wide range of courses across Hungarian universities. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges biology and computational science, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture and environmental research. She is a recipient of several prestigious national awards and is an active member of scientific committees, reflecting her impact on Hungary’s research and academic landscape.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Eszter Virág holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Pécs, Hungary, awarded in 2012. Her doctoral research focused on the mechanism of action of the antibiotic primycin, demonstrating her foundational expertise in microbiology and antibiotic studies. She also earned a biology degree from the same university in 2008, where her thesis examined the effects of capsaicin on human platelets and yeast cell membranes. Recognizing the growing importance of computational methods in biology, she pursued further education in Computer Science Operational Engineering at the University of Pannonia, completing her absolutorium in 2022. Her thesis in this field addressed the integration of command-line bioinformatics tools with user-friendly graphical interfaces for agricultural and biological applications. Dr. Virág has also participated in several postgraduate training programs, including courses on next-generation sequencing, fluorescence sensing, and bioinformatics education, underlining her commitment to continuous learning and her multidisciplinary capabilities in life sciences and informatics.

Professional Experience

Dr. Eszter Virág’s professional journey spans research, leadership, and academia. She currently serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Debrecen’s Institute of ‘One Health’, where she contributes to interdisciplinary studies combining human, animal, and environmental health. Since 2018, she has been the Scientific Director of the Research Institute of Medicinal Plants and Herbs, where she leads research on plant-based bioactive compounds and their agricultural applications. Her previous roles include Senior Research Fellow at the University of Pannonia’s Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology (2014–2021) and Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Biochemistry, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine. Early in her career, she worked as a pharmaceutical researcher at PannonPharma Ltd. Her experience encompasses scientific project management, research supervision, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Virág’s broad professional background demonstrates her ability to lead innovative research initiatives across both academic and applied science settings.

Research Interest

Dr. Virág’s research interests lie at the intersection of microbiology, plant science, and bioinformatics. She focuses on the genomic and transcriptomic analysis of plants, particularly in exploring the biological activities and nanoformulations of botanical extracts for agricultural and therapeutic use. Her work in developing plant-based pesticides aligns with the global movement toward sustainable farming. In the field of microbiology, she has investigated the effects of natural compounds on microbial communities and cell membrane dynamics. She is also actively involved in soil metagenomics, studying microbial biodiversity and function in various ecological contexts. Dr. Virág’s bioinformatics expertise supports the integration of large-scale biological data into practical solutions, particularly in agro-IT applications. Her multidisciplinary approach bridges laboratory science and computational analysis, making her research both cutting-edge and highly relevant to current challenges in agriculture, environmental protection, and public health. Her ability to combine wet lab and in silico methods enhances the impact and scope of her scientific contributions.

Award and Honor

Dr. Eszter Virág has received several prestigious recognitions for her research contributions. Notably, she was awarded the Mayor’s Fellowship of the city of Pécs in 2011 for outstanding research achievements. She later secured the Hungarian Academy of Sciences’ (MTA) Postdoctoral Fellowship for 2014–2016, reflecting her early promise and excellence in scientific investigation. She is a two-time recipient of the ÚNKP New National Excellence Program fellowship, awarded in 2016 and 2017, which supports top-performing Hungarian researchers. In 2017, she was honored as the Young Scientist of the Year by the Georgikon Faculty at Pannon University, acknowledging her research leadership and academic mentorship. In addition to these accolades, Dr. Virág is an active member of national scientific bodies, including the MTA Interdepartmental Scientific Committee on Bioinformatics and the Association of Hungarian Geneticists. These honors collectively underscore her national standing as a respected researcher and educator in Hungary’s scientific community.

Conclusion

Dr. Eszter Virág is an accomplished interdisciplinary researcher whose career blends biology, bioinformatics, and agricultural science. With a PhD in Biology and additional qualifications in computer science, she brings a holistic and forward-thinking perspective to her research. Her professional experience includes leadership roles in both academic institutions and applied research centers, where she has managed national projects and mentored students at various levels. Her scientific contributions—ranging from antibiotic mechanisms to plant-based pesticide development and genomic analysis—reflect a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and scientific rigor. She has earned multiple fellowships and awards that affirm her impact and recognition within the Hungarian research community. Dr. Virág’s ability to translate complex scientific knowledge into practical applications and her dedication to mentoring future researchers make her a strong candidate for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award. Her work continues to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of environmental and biological sciences.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Different expression pattern of flowering pathway genes contribute to male or female organ development during floral transition in the monoecious weed Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.
    Authors: KK Mátyás, G Hegedűs, J Taller, E Farkas, K Decsi, B Kutasy, N Kálmán, …
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 26

  • Title: tert‐Butyl hydroperoxide‐induced differing plasma membrane and oxidative stress processes in yeast strains BY4741 and erg5Δ
    Authors: Z Gazdag, G Máté, M Čertik, K Türmer, E Virág, I Pócsi, M Pesti
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 20

  • Title: Direct in vivo interaction of the antibiotic primycin with the plasma membrane of Candida albicans: an EPR study
    Authors: E Virág, J Belagyi, Z Gazdag, C Vágvölgyi, M Pesti
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 18

  • Title: Transcriptome datasets of β-Aminobutyric acid (BABA)-primed mono- and dicotyledonous plants, Hordeum vulgare and Arabidopsis thaliana
    Authors: G Hegedűs, Á Nagy, K Decsi, B Kutasy, E Virág
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 17

  • Title: Complex formation between primycin and ergosterol: Entropy–driven initiation of modification of the fungal plasma membrane structure
    Authors: E Virág, M Pesti, S Kunsági-Máté
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 15

  • Title: Characterization of β-lactamases and multidrug resistance mechanisms in Enterobacterales from hospital effluents and wastewater treatment plant
    Authors: C Mutuku, S Melegh, K Kovacs, P Urban, E Virág, R Heninger, R Herczeg, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 14

  • Title: Illumina sequencing of the chloroplast genome of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.)
    Authors: E Nagy, G Hegedűs, J Taller, B Kutasy, E Virág
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 13

  • Title: Competitive hydrogen bonds associated with the effect of primycin antibiotic on oleic acid as a building block of plasma membranes
    Authors: E Virág, M Pesti, S Kunsági-Máté
    Year: 2010
    Citations: 13

  • Title: In vivo direct interaction of the antibiotic primycin on a Candida albicans clinical isolate and its ergosterol-less mutant
    Authors: E Virág, Á Juhász, R Kardos, Z Gazdag, G Papp, Á Pénzes, M Nyitrai, …
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 12

  • Title: Illumina Sequencing of Common (Short) Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) Reproductive Organs and Leaves
    Authors: E Virág, G Hegedűs, E Barta, E Nagy, K Mátyás, B Kolics, J Taller
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 11

  • Title: Antifungal activity of the primycin complex and its main components A1, A2 and C1 on a Candida albicans clinical isolate, and their effects on the dynamic plasma membrane changes
    Authors: E Virág, J Belagyi, S Kocsubé, C Vágvölgyi, M Pesti
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 11

  • Title: Liposomal Formulation of Botanical Extracts may Enhance Yield Triggering PR Genes and Phenylpropanoid Pathway in Barley (Hordeum vulgare)
    Authors: G Hegedűs, B Kutasy, M Kiniczky, K Decsi, Á Juhász, Á Nagy, JP Pallos, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 10

  • Title: RNA-seq datasets of field soybean cultures conditioned by Elice16Indures® biostimulator
    Authors: K Decsi, B Kutasy, M Kiniczky, G Hegedűs, E Virág
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 10

  • Title: Detection of target-site herbicide resistance in the common ragweed: nucleotide polymorphism genotyping by targeted amplicon sequencing
    Authors: B Kutasy, Z Farkas, B Kolics, K Decsi, G Hegedűs, J Kovács, J Taller, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 9

  • Title: Natural immunity stimulation using ELICE16INDURES® plant conditioner in field culture of soybean
    Authors: K Decsi, B Kutasy, G Hegedűs, ZP Alföldi, N Kálmán, Á Nagy, E Virág
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 7

  • Title: Supplementation of the Plant Conditioner ELICE Vakcina® Product with β-Aminobutyric Acid and Salicylic Acid May Lead to Trans-Priming Signaling in Barley (Hordeum vulgare)
    Authors: E Virág, M Kiniczky, B Kutasy, Á Nagy, JP Pallos, L Laczkó, C Freytag, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6

  • Title: Time-course gene expression profiling data of Triticum aestivum treated by supercritical CO2 garlic extract encapsulated in nanoscale liposomes
    Authors: B Kutasy, K Decsi, M Kiniczky, G Hegedűs, E Virág
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 6

Ahmed LAALA | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ahmed LAALA | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

University lecturer, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center of Mila, Algeria

Ahmed Laala is a dedicated lecturer-researcher specializing in Plant Ecology at the Department of Ecology and Environment, Institute of Natural and Life Sciences, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center in Mila, Algeria. With a deep-rooted passion for understanding forest ecosystems and their responses to environmental changes, Ahmed is actively engaged in research that has significant implications for conservation efforts in Algeria. 🌱

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Ahmed Laala earned his University Habilitation in 2021 from Frères Mentouri University, Constantine 1. He holds a Doctorate in Plant Ecology, awarded in 2016 for his thesis titled “Mapping the Thermal Variability of Forest Ecosystems in Eastern Algeria.” Prior to that, he completed his Master’s in Plant Ecology in 2009, focusing on the behavior of Aleppo Pine seedlings under thermal stress. His academic journey began with a State Engineer degree in Ecology and Environment in 2002, specializing in Forest Ecosystems. 🎓

Experience

Since his appointment at the Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Ahmed has contributed significantly to the academic community through teaching and research. His extensive work has focused on ecological modeling, habitat suitability assessments, and the impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. As a lecturer, he plays a vital role in educating the next generation of ecologists and environmental scientists in Algeria. 📚

Research Interests

Ahmed’s research interests center on Plant Ecology, specifically the modeling of species distributions and the ecological impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems. He is particularly interested in the conservation of endemic species, the influence of climate variability on forest dynamics, and the intersection of urban environments with natural ecosystems. His work aims to provide insights that are critical for effective conservation strategies. 🌍

Publications Top  Notes

Ahmed has a robust portfolio of publications that contribute to the field of Plant Ecology. Below are some of his significant works:

  1. Modeling the potential distribution and shift of an Algerian endangered endemic species (Cedrus atlantica) under climate change scenarios: Implications for conservation (2024) – Journal for Nature Conservation, 82, 126744.
  2. Predicting potential habitat suitability of Quercus suber L. in Algeria under climate change scenarios (2021) – African Journal of Ecology, 00, 1–12.
  3. The link between Covid-19 pandemic and air pollution in Algeria (2021) – Bulletin of Environment, Pharmacology and Life Sciences (BEPLS), Vol.10 (10), 115-122.
  4. “Apport des SIG dans la cartographie des arbres urbains de la ville de Mila” (2021) – Actes du Séminaire National sur « Les systèmes d’informations géographiques (SIG) et la gestion de l’espace urbain », 323-333.
  5. Mapping the Wildland-Urban Interfaces for Forest Fire Prevention in the Province of Mila (Algeria) (2020) – Journal of Environmental Research, Engineering and Management, Vol. 76(2): 76–90.
  6. Analyse spatiale de la corrélation entre les variables thermiques et l’activité végétative des forêts de l’Est Algérien (2019) – Agriculture and Forestry Journal, 3(2): 95-103.
  7. Interpolation spatiale des températures mensuelles en Algérie orientale (2017) – La Météorologie, n°98, 45-51.
  8. Réponse écophysiologiques du pin d’Alep aux contraintes thermiques (2016) – Éditions universitaires européennes (EUE). ISBN-13: 978-3841614612, 65p.