Esra Karaman | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Esra Karaman | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

Research Expert | Hacettepe University | Turkey

Dr. Esra Karaman is a researcher and expert at Hacettepe University specializing in environmental engineering, with advanced academic training in ecotoxicology and sustainable process design. Her research primarily investigates the ecotoxicity of environmental pollutants, with a focus on the toxic effects of ionic and nanoparticulate silver through meta-analysis methods. She has made significant contributions in green chemistry, circular economy, and sustainable process optimization, bridging academic research with practical applications. Dr. Karaman has led and contributed to numerous projects on occupational health and safety, behavior-based safety, and digital and green transformation, demonstrating strong leadership in research coordination and capacity-building initiatives. Her scholarly work includes publications in peer-reviewed journals, contributions to authoritative handbooks, and translation of key scientific frameworks, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge and accessibility in her field. She has also played a pivotal role in developing tools and training methodologies that strengthen institutional and professional capabilities. With a growing citation record and recognized expertise, Dr. Karaman continues to demonstrate high potential for impactful, innovative research that addresses critical environmental and occupational health challenges globally.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

57
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57

7

2

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Top Featured Publications

 

Djanna Koubodana Houteta | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

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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30
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69

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6

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4

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Top 5 Featured Publications

 

Liang Pei | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Prof. Liang Pei | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Director | Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Professor Pei Liang, a distinguished researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is recognized for his expertise in environmental science, pollution control, separation technology, and chemical engineering. He holds advanced degrees in chemistry and environmental engineering, with academic training that established his foundation in analytical methodologies and sustainable process design. Throughout his career, he has served in key research and leadership roles, guiding interdisciplinary projects on pollutant behavior, advanced separation processes, and innovative control technologies while mentoring emerging scholars and contributing to institutional strategy. His research focuses on developing high-efficiency separation materials, pollution mitigation approaches, and environmentally conscious chemical processes, resulting in a substantial body of publications and highly cited contributions that have advanced both theory and application in his field. He has received numerous recognitions for scientific excellence and professional impact, and he has served in editorial capacities for respected journals as well as in memberships within national and international scientific committees and professional societies. With a strong citation record, a high h-index, and extensive contributions to environmental and chemical sciences, Professor Liang exemplifies scholarly leadership and enduring commitment to advancing solutions for global environmental challenges.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Lu, S., Zhang, X., Wang, J., & Pei, L. (2016). Impacts of different media on constructed wetlands for rural household sewage treatment. Journal of Cleaner Production, 127, 325–330.

2. Jeong, C. H., Postigo, C., Richardson, S. D., Simmons, J. E., Kimura, S. Y., … (2015). Occurrence and comparative toxicity of haloacetaldehyde disinfection byproducts in drinking water. Environmental Science & Technology, 49(23), 13749–13759.

3. Sun, Z., & Liang, P. (2008). Determination of Cr (III) and total chromium in water samples by cloud point extraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Microchimica Acta, 162(1), 121–125.

4. Liang, P., Ding, Q., & Song, F. (2005). Application of multiwalled carbon nanotubes as solid phase extraction sorbent for preconcentration of trace copper in water samples. Journal of Separation Science, 28(17), 2339–2343.

5. Liang, P., Zhao, E., & Li, F. (2009). Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction preconcentration of palladium in water samples and determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Talanta, 77(5), 1854–1857.*

Professor Pei Liang’s work advances innovative environmental remediation and pollution control technologies that strengthen sustainable water management and safeguard public health. His research delivers practical solutions for industry and rural communities alike, driving scientific progress in separation science while supporting global efforts toward cleaner, more resilient ecosystems.

Ainur Mussakulkyzy | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ainur Mussakulkyzy | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher | Institute of Geography Of The Republic Of Kazakhstan |Kazakhstan

Dr. Ainur Mussakulkyzy is a highly accomplished researcher in environmental sciences, water resources, hydrometeorology, and ecological protection. With a foundation in hydraulic engineering and advanced specialization in water purification technologies, she has consistently focused her work on safeguarding river basin systems and improving sustainable water management. Her career spans contributions to leading research institutions, where she has advanced climate and water monitoring, developed innovative approaches to environmental protection, and actively supported the scientific community through editorial roles. She has published extensively in national and international journals, demonstrating both depth and breadth in her research impact. Her studies not only contribute to academic knowledge but also offer practical solutions to pressing ecological challenges, particularly in the context of water security and environmental sustainability. Her measurable research impact is reflected in Scopus with 23 citations, 10 indexed documents, and an h-index of 3.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. A. Mussakulkyzy, C. Opp, N. Amirgaliev, A. Madibekov, L. Ismukhanova, and A. Zhadi, “Assessment of Anthropogenic Load on the Ile River Ecosystem Considering Regional Peculiarities,” Applied Sciences, vol. 15, no. 16, 2025.

2. A. Mussakulkyzy, C. Opp, N. Amirgaliev, A. Madibekov, L. Ismukhanova, and A. Zhadi, “Transmission of Heavy Metals in River Water and Self-Purification Capacity of Ile River,” Applied Sciences, vol. 15, no. 12, 2025.

3. A. S. Madibekov, L. T. Ismukhanova, A. O. Zhadi, A. Mussakulkyzy, and K. M. Bolatov, “Ranking the Territory of the Almaty Agglomeration According to the Degree of Pollution,” News of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Series of Geology and Technical Sciences, 2023.

4. A. S. Madibekov, L. T. Ismukhanova, A. Mussakulkyzy, R. Kulbekova, and A. Zhadi, “Results of AAS-measurements of atmospheric deposition of copper and lead in the snow cover of Almaty agglomeration,” Pure and Applied Chemistry, 2022.

5. A. V. Babkin, V. I. Babkin, A. S. Madibekov, A. Mussakulkyzy, and A. V. Cherednichenko, “Regularities of monthly variations of the Ili River runoff and its forecasting,” Izvestiya Rossiiskoi Akademii Nauk. Seriya Geograficheskaya, 2020.

Ms. Samyuktha Conjeeveram Rajan | Ecology and Evolution | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Samyuktha Conjeeveram Rajan | Ecology and Evolution | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate at Stockholm University, Sweden

Samyuktha Rajan is a dedicated researcher in evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology, with a focus on avian bioacoustics. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, where she studies the causes and consequences of acoustic divergence in the pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca). Her research explores how birds adapt their vocal signals to different environments and the evolutionary implications of these changes. With a strong foundation in interdisciplinary research, she has collaborated with leading scientists across Europe, contributing to advancements in animal communication, speciation, and bioacoustics. Her work has been published in high-impact journals such as Current Biology, Behavioral Ecology, and Animal Behaviour. She has also presented her findings at international conferences, demonstrating her commitment to scientific progress and collaboration.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Samyuktha Rajan holds a Master’s degree from the Erasmus Mundus Master Programme in Evolutionary Biology (MEME), jointly awarded by the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, and Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Germany. She completed two research theses during her master’s—one on maternal thyroid hormones and embryonic development in the thorn-tailed rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda) and another on the multiple signaling functions of song in whinchats (Saxicola rubetra). Before this, she earned her B.Sc. in Life Sciences and Biochemistry from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, where she graduated with a CGPA of 3.85/4.0. Her academic excellence was recognized through the prestigious Inspire Scholarship from the Government of India, supporting her undergraduate studies.

Professional Experience

As a Ph.D. researcher at Stockholm University, Samyuktha Rajan conducts fieldwork, bioacoustic analyses, and behavioral experiments to understand avian vocal communication and its evolutionary drivers. She has collaborated on multiple international research projects involving population genomics, climate change impacts on species, and song learning in birds. Her experience includes fieldwork across Europe and South America, where she has studied species-specific song responses and adaptation in different ecological contexts. She has also contributed as a co-author on studies examining speciation in New Guinean birds and the impact of increasing temperatures on Arctic bumblebees. In addition to research, she actively engages in teaching and mentoring students in evolutionary biology and bioacoustics.

Research Interests

Samyuktha’s research interests lie at the intersection of evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and bioacoustics. She is particularly fascinated by how animals use acoustic signals for communication and how these signals evolve due to environmental and social pressures. Her work investigates the role of vocal learning, geographic variation, and species interactions in shaping bird song. She is also interested in the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying song production and perception, as well as the implications of climate change on avian communication. By integrating field experiments, acoustic analyses, and comparative approaches, she aims to uncover broader patterns of adaptation and speciation in birds.

Awards and Honors

Samyuktha Rajan has received numerous competitive grants and scholarships, reflecting the impact and recognition of her research. She was awarded travel grants from ISBE (2500 USD) and CF Liljevalch stipendiefond (12,000 SEK) to present her research at international conferences. She also secured funding from Alice och Lars Siléns fond and Lillie och Ernst Åqvists stiftelse for fieldwork and equipment. Her academic achievements were recognized early in her career through the Inspire Scholarship from the Government of India. Additionally, she has received funding from prestigious institutions such as Erasmus+, the Groningen University Fund, and the Christine Buisman fund for female biologists. These accolades highlight her ability to conduct high-quality research and secure competitive funding.

Conclusion

Samyuktha Rajan is a highly promising researcher with a strong academic track record, impactful publications, and successful grant applications. Her work significantly advances evolutionary biology and bioacoustics. While she could enhance her leadership profile and science communication efforts, she is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on her contributions, research potential, and international recognition.

Publications Top Noted

  • Chitnis, S. S., Rajan, S., & Krishnan, A. (2020)

    • Sympatric wren-warblers partition acoustic signal space and song perch height.
    • Journal: Behavioral Ecology, 31(2), 559-567
    • Citations: 31
  • Wheatcroft, D., Bliard, L., El Harouchi, M., López-Idiáquez, D., Kärkkäinen, T., Kraft, F. L. H., Muriel, J., Rajan, S., Tuvillo, T., Burgess, M. D., Cantarero, A., Laaksonen, T., Martínez-Padilla, J., Visser, M. E., & Qvarnström, A. (2022)

    • Species-specific song responses emerge as a by-product of tuning to the local dialect.
    • Journal: Current Biology, 32(23), 5153-5158.e5
    • Citations: 9
  • Rajan, S., Lamers, K. P., Both, C., & Wheatcroft, D. (2024)

    • Translocated wild birds are predisposed to learn songs of their ancestral population.
    • Journal: Current Biology, 34(11), 2535-2540.e4
    • Citations: 2
  • Müller, I., Thörn, F., Rajan, S., Olsen, R. A., Ericson, P., Peona, V., & Smith, B. (2025)

    • Ephemeral speciation in a New Guinean honeyeater complex (Aves: Melidectes).
    • Journal: (In Press)
    • Citations: Not available
  • Gallego-Abenza, M., Kraft, F. L. H., Ma, L., Rajan, S., & Wheatcroft, D. (2025)

    • Responses in adult pied flycatcher males depend on playback song similarity to local population.
    • Journal: Behavioral Ecology, 36(1), arae090
    • Citations: Not available
  • Müller, I. A., Thörn, F., Rajan, S., Ericson, P. G. P., Dumbacher, J. P., Maiah, G., & Irestedt, M. (2024)

    • Species-specific dynamics may cause deviations from general biogeographical predictions–evidence from a population genomics study of a New Guinean endemic passerine bird family.
    • Journal: Plos One, 19(5), e0293715
    • Citations: Not available