Sufia Sultana | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sufia Sultana | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Research Associate at Cranfield University, United Kingdom

Dr. Sufia Sultana is a dedicated environmental researcher with a strong academic and practical background in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Environmental Studies. With a passion for sustainable development and a keen focus on data-driven solutions, she has worked extensively to address sanitation challenges in low-resource settings. Her PhD research at Cranfield University, under the EPSRC Water-WISER program, involved spatially representing faecal pollution in unsewered urban catchments using open-source data, providing innovative methodologies for sanitation planning. Her academic journey has taken her from Bangladesh to the UK, consistently focused on the intersections of environment, health, and data science. Over the years, she has built a robust portfolio of publications and research contributions, particularly in environmental monitoring, spatial modeling, and water quality analysis. Beyond academia, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to community outreach and education, having volunteered in various support roles in both the UK and Bangladesh. Dr. Sultana’s unique blend of technical expertise, real-world field experience, and dedication to impactful research places her at the forefront of interdisciplinary environmental science, with a continued goal of contributing to resilient, sustainable, and equitable urban systems.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Sufia Sultana holds an exceptional academic record across multiple disciplines relevant to environmental and water sciences. She earned her PhD in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) from Cranfield University (2019–2024), supported by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water-WISER. Her doctoral research focused on spatial analysis of sanitation infrastructure using open-source data, contributing novel approaches to environmental health monitoring. Prior to her PhD, she completed an MSc in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the University of Portsmouth (2017–2018), graduating with Merit, where she focused on river water degradation using remote sensing. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Water Resources Development from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, where she explored wetland change using GIS. Her academic journey began with a BSc and MSc in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Throughout her education, she developed technical skills in spatial analysis, statistical modeling, and remote sensing tools such as ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, Python, and SQL. Her diverse academic background reflects a comprehensive understanding of environmental systems, data-driven analysis, and applied geospatial technologies—providing a solid foundation for addressing complex challenges in global sanitation and water sustainability.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sultana brings a rich and varied portfolio of professional experience across academic, technical, and community-based roles. Her research career includes working as a Research Assistant at the University of Portsmouth in 2019, where she contributed to a study on rural water supply in Myanmar, involving digital terrain analysis, satellite data, and hydrological modeling. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Remote Sensing and GIS Assistant at Bangladesh’s national space agency, SPARRSO, contributing to thematic mapping and aerial photo interpretation. She has also held several GIS roles with development consulting firms and government-supported urban planning projects in Bangladesh, enhancing her expertise in field data collection, map digitization, and client training. Beyond research, she has supported education and community service in the UK, working as a teaching assistant, outreach volunteer, and hospice volunteer. These roles reflect her ability to communicate complex topics, collaborate across diverse teams, and contribute to broader social initiatives. Dr. Sultana’s professional background is characterized by an effective blend of technical skill, practical fieldwork, and community engagement, reinforcing her value as a multidisciplinary researcher who can bridge science, policy, and public needs.

Research Interests

Dr. Sultana’s research interests are centered on environmental sustainability, sanitation management, spatial data science, and water quality monitoring. Her work often combines field-based data collection with advanced geospatial analysis to address pressing challenges in low-resource urban settings. A key focus of her research has been understanding and visualizing the distribution of faecal pollution and sanitation access in unsewered urban catchments. She is particularly interested in leveraging open-source geospatial data and developing new methods for spatial representation that can inform equitable infrastructure planning. Her past projects have included water quality degradation analysis in Dhaka megacity using satellite imagery, as well as wetland mapping and land use change detection over time. Dr. Sultana also has a growing interest in resilience planning, particularly within food and water systems, and how climate and urbanization impact environmental health. Through her academic work and collaborations, she continues to explore the intersections of geoinformatics, environmental justice, and sustainable development. Her multidisciplinary approach allows her to contribute meaningfully to research projects across sectors, from sanitation planning to environmental policy, and she remains committed to producing actionable research that supports both scientific advancement and community well-being.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her academic and research career, Dr. Sufia Sultana has earned recognition for her scholarly contributions and technical skills. Her most prominent academic distinction is being selected for the prestigious EPSRC-funded Water-WISER Doctoral Training Programme, which is a collaborative initiative between Cranfield University, the University of Leeds, and Loughborough University. This program supports top-tier researchers in the field of water and sanitation and is highly competitive. Dr. Sultana has also published several peer-reviewed journal articles in respected international journals such as Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, and Journal of Environmental Advances, further affirming her credibility and contribution to the research community. Her early research on wetland area changes in Dhaka also received commendation for its relevance to urban environmental policy. While formal awards beyond her doctoral funding are limited in the current record, her continuous academic achievements, including a Merit in her MSc and leadership in field and research projects, reflect her dedication and excellence. As she continues to expand her research collaborations and engage in policy-relevant science, Dr. Sultana is well-positioned for future honors and leadership roles in the global environmental research arena.

Conclusion

Sufia Sultana is a highly suitable and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work combines technical excellence, interdisciplinary approaches, and social relevance—particularly in environmental sustainability, public health, and sanitation. Her published research, particularly using open-source data to address WASH issues in vulnerable regions, reflects innovation and a deep commitment to impactful science. With continued focus on expanding global collaborations and translating research into practice, she is poised to make even greater contributions to her field.

Publications Top Notes

Author(s): Sultana, M.S., Waine, T.W., Bari, M.N., Tyrrel, S.F.

Year: 2025

Title: An analysis of factors that influence the spatial pattern of faecal matter flow in unsewered cities

Journal: Science of the Total Environment

Citations: As of now, the article has 0 citations (based on the information you provided).

Rakshit Jakhar | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Rakshit Jakhar | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

PhD at AGH University of Krakow, Poland

Rakshit Jakhar is a dedicated early-career researcher from India with a strong academic foundation in geography and a growing portfolio of research addressing pressing global and regional challenges. Born in 1997 in Rajasthan, India, Rakshit has shown a commitment to integrating academic study with practical inquiry, especially in areas involving climate change, environmental sustainability, and social development. His interdisciplinary approach reflects a deep concern for both ecological and human systems, with a special interest in how geography shapes and responds to social inequalities and environmental stress. Driven by intellectual curiosity and a desire to make meaningful contributions to society, Rakshit has pursued research that explores the intersection of technology and environmental policy, as well as the socio-economic dimensions of gender inequality and natural disasters. Through a blend of academic publications and grassroots-level project work, he continues to build his research portfolio with relevance and impact. Fluent in English and an effective communicator, Rakshit is also a promising candidate for collaborative and international scientific work. His vision is to contribute to sustainable development and climate resilience, especially in vulnerable regions of India, through evidence-based research and policy recommendations. Rakshit’s evolving career reflects ambition, adaptability, and a genuine passion for scientific and societal advancement.

Professional Profile

Education

Rakshit Jakhar holds a Master of Arts in Geography from the University of Mumbai, completed between 2017 and 2019, where he developed a comprehensive understanding of spatial science, climate systems, and human-environment interactions. During his postgraduate studies, he engaged with advanced geographic methodologies and research approaches, which laid the foundation for his later work in climate change and environmental policy. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Delhi (2014–2017), graduating with a solid academic record and exposure to core themes like physical geography, regional planning, and human development. Rakshit’s academic background has equipped him with a strong theoretical and practical grasp of the dynamics shaping both natural landscapes and societal transformations. While his academic grades were moderate, his passion for learning, critical thinking, and on-ground research more than compensates, showcasing his growth beyond traditional assessment metrics. His studies emphasized the importance of geography in tackling global issues like climate resilience, food security, and sustainable urban development. Rakshit’s education is distinguished not only by formal coursework but also by a proactive engagement in research-driven projects and thematic studies, marking him as a geographer with both academic and applied field knowledge.

Professional Experience

Rakshit Jakhar has built a diverse professional profile that reflects both leadership and a deep interest in communication and training. From 2019 to 2021, he served as a Marketing Manager at JB Medical Cure India Private Limited, based in Gurugram. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing marketing strategies and training programs for the company’s operations in India and abroad. While not directly tied to academia, this experience enhanced his skills in project management, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement—competencies highly valuable in scientific research and dissemination. Rakshit also completed an internship with L-Comps & Impex Private Limited in 2017, where he gained experience in corporate operations and business processes. His professional journey, though industry-oriented in its early phase, reflects a strong ability to manage projects and lead cross-functional teams. These experiences have refined his interpersonal and organizational skills, which he now leverages in his academic pursuits. His ability to operate across disciplines and sectors gives him a unique advantage in research translation and public engagement. Rakshit’s professional experience showcases a well-rounded individual who bridges academic inquiry with practical implementation and effective outreach.

Research Interests

Rakshit Jakhar’s research interests center around environmental geography, climate change, social equity, and the role of emerging technologies in addressing ecological challenges. He is particularly focused on how global warming affects agricultural patterns, livelihoods, and regional sustainability in India. His work explores the socioeconomic dimensions of environmental stress, including how natural hazards influence human settlements and economic stability, with a special focus on the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. He has also demonstrated a growing interest in the use of artificial intelligence to combat climate change, reflecting his ability to integrate technological perspectives with geographic inquiry. Rakshit’s research extends to the study of gender inequality, particularly in rural regions like Shekhawati, Rajasthan, examining the intersections of education, health, and labor force participation among women. His interdisciplinary approach enables him to tackle complex problems at the interface of society and environment. With a blend of field-based research and data analysis, Rakshit aims to contribute to policy-relevant knowledge and community-level interventions. His future goals include deepening his expertise in climate adaptation, environmental policy, and sustainable development practices, making him a strong candidate for further academic or collaborative research initiatives.

Awards and Honors

While Rakshit Jakhar is still early in his career and has not yet received major national or international honors, his academic contributions have been recognized through publication in respected peer-reviewed journals. Notably, his work on the impact of global warming on agriculture was published in a Scopus-indexed journal—a significant achievement for an early-career researcher. In 2022 alone, he authored multiple research papers, including studies on climate change, natural disasters, and the use of artificial intelligence to address environmental issues. These publications indicate peer recognition and validate the relevance and quality of his work. Additionally, his active participation in thematic research projects, such as the study of gender inequality in Rajasthan, has contributed to his growing academic presence. Although he has not listed specific awards, his consistent publication record and commitment to addressing socially critical issues suggest strong potential for future accolades. With continued scholarly output and engagement in academic conferences or funded research, Rakshit is well-positioned to receive honors that reflect his contributions to geographic and environmental research. His emerging profile exemplifies promise, dedication, and a readiness to scale his impact within the academic and policy-making communities.

Conclusion

Rakshit Jakhar demonstrates potential and merit as a young researcher, particularly through his interdisciplinary and socially relevant research in geography, climate change, and societal issues. His published work in peer-reviewed journals, including one Scopus-indexed, is commendable for someone early in their career.

Publications Top Notes

  • Author(s): R Jakhar, L Samek, K Styszko
    Year: 2023
    Title: A comprehensive study of the impact of waste fires on the environment and health
    Cited by: 19

  • Author(s): R Jakhar, P Sachar
    Year: 2023
    Title: A Study and Analysis on Waste Fires in India and Their Corresponding Impacts on Environment and Human Health
    Cited by: 5

  • Author(s): R Jakhar, G Singh, R Raj, K Kumari, P Sachar, PS Prasad
    Year: 2022
    Title: Different Applications of Artificial Intelligence to Combat Climate Change Issues
    Cited by: 5

  • Author(s): R Jakhar, G Singh, P Sachar
    Year: 2022
    Title: Impact of global warming on agricultural pattern: A case study of select agricultural spaces in Rajasthan
    Cited by: 4

  • Author(s): S Garima, RR Jakhar Rakshit, S Preeti
    Year: Not specified
    Title: A Comprehensive Study on Impacts of Air Pollution on Environment and Human Health
    Cited by: 4*

  • Author(s): TCATR Jakhar
    Year: 2024
    Title: Beyond Borders: CBAM’s Revolutionary Potential and Challenges in Achieving Carbon Neutrality
    Cited by: 2

  • Author(s): R Jakhar, L Samek, K Styszko
    Year: 2023
    Title: Comprehensive Study of the Impact of Waste Fires on the Environment and Health. Sustainability
    Cited by: 1

  • Author(s): G Singh, R Jakhar, P Sachar
    Year: 2022
    Title: Impact on people’s lives and livelihoods in Gujarat due to Natural hazards
    Cited by: 1

  • Author(s): L Samek, E Diapouli, A Ryś, S Papagiannis, V Vassilatou, R Jakhar, …
    Year: 2025
    Title: Determination of equivalent Black Carbon Concentrations by MABI…
    Cited by: Not specified

  • Author(s): R Jakhar, P Furman, A Skiba, D Widel, M Zimnoch, L Samek, K Styszko
    Year: 2025
    Title: Seasonal Trends, Sources, and Health Impacts of PAH-Bound PM10 in Krakow Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
    Cited by: Not specified

  • Author(s): R Jakhar, G Singh, K Kumari, P Sachar
    Year: 2022
    Title: A Comprehensive Study of Climate Change and their Corresponding Impacts on Environment and Lives
    Cited by: Not specified

  • Author(s): RR Rakshit Jakhar
    Year: Not specified
    Title: A Review on the Impacts of Climate Change on the Power Systems
    Cited by: Not specified

Balasubramanian D | Environmental Science | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Balasubramanian D | Environmental Science | Excellence in Research Award

Professor at Arunachal University of Studies, India

Dr. D. Balasubramanian is an esteemed academic and researcher specializing in ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, and environmental science. He is currently a Professor and Head of the Department of Botany at Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, India. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Balasubramanian has significantly contributed to understanding the dynamics of soil organic matter, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity conservation, and climate change. He has worked in various prestigious roles, including as a Research Associate at the State Climate Change Cell in Arunachal Pradesh and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in China. Dr. Balasubramanian’s work involves interdisciplinary approaches that integrate environmental management, ecological studies, and climate change mitigation. He is a recognized expert in his field, known for his in-depth research and dedication to advancing knowledge in ecosystem sustainability and biogeochemical processes. His educational journey and professional experiences reflect a commitment to scientific excellence and collaboration, both locally and internationally.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Balasubramanian’s academic journey is marked by his exceptional performance and academic distinctions. He holds a Ph.D. in Botany from Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, India, where his thesis focused on ecological studies of Eichhornia crassipes and its application in soil nutrient management. He completed his M.Phil. at Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Tamil Nadu, where he studied the numerical phenetic taxonomy of certain members of the Leguminosae family. He earned his M.Sc. in Botany from the same institution, with a project on the anatomical and physiological adaptations of Cassytha filiformis. His rigorous academic background is complemented by various postdoctoral fellowships and professional training, including his work at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research during these stages focused on soil biogeochemistry and ecosystem functions, further cementing his expertise in these areas. This combination of formal education and specialized training has provided him with a solid foundation to excel in his academic and research endeavors.

Professional Experience

Dr. Balasubramanian’s professional experience spans multiple roles in academia and research. He is presently serving as a Professor and Head of the Department of Botany at Arunachal University of Studies, where he has been a key figure in teaching, mentoring, and driving research excellence. His previous role as an Associate Professor at the same institution allowed him to contribute significantly to the development of the Department’s academic framework and research initiatives. Dr. Balasubramanian’s career includes valuable research experiences as a Postdoctoral Fellow in China, working under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he studied soil organic matter decomposition and its responses to climate change. His time as a Research Associate at the State Climate Change Cell in Arunachal Pradesh involved developing strategies to sustain the fragile Himalayan ecosystem in the face of climate variability. He has also held positions in various other research and academic institutions, such as NERIST and ICAR, where he conducted groundbreaking work on climate-resilient agriculture and high-altitude ecosystems. These diverse roles have allowed Dr. Balasubramanian to cultivate a multifaceted approach to research and environmental management.

Research Interests

Dr. Balasubramanian’s research interests are centered around ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, and biodiversity conservation. He has a particular focus on the study of soil organic matter dynamics, including its decomposition and the role of microbial communities in terrestrial ecosystems. His work on greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in wetland and forest ecosystems, contributes to a better understanding of climate change and its impact on natural environments. Additionally, Dr. Balasubramanian investigates the effects of land use changes, such as the conversion of rainforests into monoculture plantations, on soil carbon dynamics and ecosystem functions. His research extends to the interactions between plants, soil, and microbes, particularly in agroecosystems, and the role of invasive species in altering ecosystem processes. Dr. Balasubramanian’s interdisciplinary approach brings together ecology, environmental science, and climate change research, with the ultimate goal of developing sustainable management strategies for natural resources and biodiversity. His expertise in ecosystem services and environmental biotechnology further complements his commitment to addressing the pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Balasubramanian has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career in recognition of his contributions to science and research. He was conferred the prestigious Eminent Scientist Award in 2020 by the Society for Science of Climate Change and Sustainable Environment (SSCE), acknowledging his exemplary work in the field of ecosystem services and environmental biotechnology. His contributions to the global scientific community were further recognized when he was awarded the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) President’s International Fellowship for Postdoctoral Research, allowing him to conduct high-impact research at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden. Dr. Balasubramanian is also a Fellow of the Society for Science of Climate Change and Sustainable Environment (SSCE), a testament to his standing as a leader in the field. In addition to these honors, he has earned several gold medals for academic excellence during his M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees, demonstrating his outstanding performance in his academic pursuits. These awards and recognitions reflect Dr. Balasubramanian’s dedication to advancing environmental science and his impact on both national and international scientific communities.

Conclusion

Dr. D. Balasubramanian is highly deserving of the Excellence in Research Award. His strong academic foundation, high-impact research contributions, international collaborations, and recognition within the scientific community establish him as a leading expert in his field. While there are opportunities for improvement in community engagement and outreach, his continued dedication to advancing ecological and environmental sciences makes him a standout candidate for this prestigious award.

Publications Top Noted

Author(s):
F. Bibi, D. Balasubramanian, M.F. Ilyas, M. Shah, S.A. Rather

Title:
Seasonal Variations of Fine Root Dynamics in Rubber-Flemingia macrophylla Intercropping System in Southwestern China

Journal:
Plants, 2022

Citations:
0 (as per the available data)