Zhong Zhang | Environmental Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Zhong Zhang | Environmental Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Vice President, Shandong Second Medical University, China

Prof. Zhong Zhang is the Vice President of Shandong Second Medical University, where he also serves as a senior academic leader in the fields of pathogen biology, parasitology, microbiology and environmental sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Pathogen Biology, obtained from a leading Chinese university, with specialization in microbial ecology and host–pathogen interactions. His research primarily focuses on the ecological and molecular interactions between pathogenic microorganisms, insects, and environmental factors, particularly exploring how intestinal commensal bacteria and bacteriophages influence the gut microbiota and developmental biology of insects. Prof. Zhong Zhang’s recent work has introduced novel phage-based precision regulation strategies to modify the gut microbiome of housefly larvae, revealing key mechanisms that link microbial balance to host growth and health. He has also pioneered investigations into the effects of graphene on bacterium–phage interactions in aquatic ecosystems and used multi-omics biological approaches to uncover how antibiotics reshape microbial and transcriptomic landscapes during larval development. Throughout his career, Prof. Zhong Zhang has held influential academic and research roles, including Principal Expert for the Shandong Province “12th Five-Year Plan” Key Discipline in Pathogen Biology, where he led several national and provincial-level research projects advancing environmental microbiology and vector-borne disease control. His scholarly impact includes 64 peer-reviewed publications, 722 citations, and an h-index of 16 (Scopus), reflecting sustained contributions to his field. Recognized for his excellence, he received the First Prize of the Shandong Higher Education Institutions Outstanding Research Achievement Award and the title of “Shandong Provincial Young and Middle-aged Expert with Outstanding Contributions.” He actively contributes to the scientific community as Vice President of the Shandong Entomological Society, Vice Chair of the Urban Entomology Committee and Medical Parasitology Branch, and Chair of the Medical Entomology Committee under the Entomological Society of China. Prof. Zhong Zhang’s interdisciplinary research bridges microbiology, entomology, and environmental science, offering innovative insights into sustainable pest management, microbial ecology, and environmental health. His vision is to advance global bioscience innovation by integrating microbiome research and ecological restoration to support sustainable ecosystems and public health resilience.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Sci Profiles

Featured Publications

1. Kong, X., Wang, S., Li, J., Li, Y., Zhang, R., & Zhang, Z. (2025). Kasugamycin and validamycin differentially inhibit housefly larval growth through gut microbiota regulation. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 279, 119098.

2. ang, L., Liu, X., Lin, S., Wang, L., Liang, J., & Zhang, Z. (2025). Parasitic plant Cistanche tubulosa shapes the bacterial community structure and functional composition of the salt-tolerant host Tamarix chinensis across different parasitic statuses. Environmental Microbiome, 20, 746.

3. Han, Y.-N., Dong, L., Sun, L.-L., Zhang, Z., & Han, H.-H. (2025). Excited-state-altering ratiometric fluorescent probes for the response of β-galactosidase in senescent cells. Molecules, 30(6), 1221.

4. Yin, Y., Wang, S., Li, Y., Kong, X., Zhang, R., & Zhang, Z. (2024). Antagonistic effect of the beneficial bacterium Enterobacter hormaechei against the heavy metal Cu²⁺ in housefly larvae. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 270, 116077.

5. Zhang, K., Wang, S., Li, Y., Yao, D., Zhang, R., & Zhang, Z. (2024). Application of bacteria and bacteriophage cocktails for biological control of houseflies. Parasites & Vectors, 17, 82.

 

Ngambu Aloysius Afahnwie | Geochemistry | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Ngambu Aloysius Afahnwie | Geochemistry | Best Academic Researcher Award

Lecturer, University of Bamenda, Cameroon

Dr. Ngambu Aloysius Afahnwie is a Senior Lecturer of Economic Geology and Exploration/Environmental Geochemistry at the Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, Cameroon, where he also contributes to the Higher Teachers Training College (HTTC) and the National Advanced Polytechnic Institute (NAHPI) in applied geology and earth science education. He obtained his Ph.D. in Applied Geology from the University of Buea in 2021 with a dissertation titled “Stream Sediment Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Plutonic and Dyke Rocks of the Nlonako Area: Insights from Zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf Isotope Systematics and Economic Potentials.” His academic journey includes an M.Sc. in Applied Geology (University of Buea, 2013), a Postgraduate High School Teachers Diploma (DIPES II) in Geology (University of Bamenda, 2017), a B.Sc. (Hons) in Geology (University of Buea, 2008), and a College Teacher Diploma (DIPES I) in Geology (University of Yaoundé I, 2005). His research focuses on economic geology, environmental and exploration geochemistry, petrology, and sedimentology, emphasizing geochemical mapping, mineral resource evaluation, isotopic systematics, and sustainable resource management using geospatial and remote-sensing techniques. With over two decades of academic experience, Dr. Ngambu Aloysius Afahnwie has served as Assistant Lecturer, Part-time Lecturer, and Senior Lecturer, contributing significantly to geology education and mentoring young scientists. His key contributions include publications in reputed journals addressing geochemical distribution, mineral exploration, and ecosystem health assessments, as well as participation in international collaborative research on geochemical modeling and exploration strategies. He has received the IEEE GRSS IDEA Microgrants Award (2022) for career development in geoscience and remote sensing and the Mighty Santa Caucus Award of Excellence (2022) for outstanding Ph.D. performance. Professionally, he is a member of the Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits (SGA), the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (Cameroon Chapter), and the University of Buea Alumni Association (UBAL). With 3 Scopus-indexed publications, 12 citations, and an h-index of 2, Dr. Ngambu Aloysius Afahnwie’s work enhances understanding of mineralization processes, promotes sustainable mining practices, and contributes to environmental stewardship and geoscience capacity building in Africa and beyond.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Academia | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Ngambu, A. A., Yiika, L. P., Marian, C. S., Kachoueiyan, F., Gupta, N., Djibril, K. N. G., Birnila, M. C., Fomekong, B. K., Simou, A., & Wochoko, P. (2026). Geospatial distribution of hazardous metals and other elements in stream sediments of Akum, Cameroon: Insights into mineral exploration and ecosystem health using indexical and multivariate approaches. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 222(Part 2), 118761.

2. Fomekong, B. K., Djibril, K. N. G., Ngambu, A. A., Anoh, N. O., & Suh, C. E. (2023). Contamination, sources, distribution and risk evaluation of heavy metals in stream sediments of Mewongo Gold District, Nyong Group, Cameroon. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 234, 601.

3. Ngatcha, R. B., Ngambu, A. A., Nkwanyang, L. T., Madihyombom, L., Tibang, E. E. B., & Bafon, T. G. (2025). Geochemical characteristics of rutile-bearing mineral sands of the Nkapa Formation, Douala Sub-Basin, Cameroon: Insights into source-area weathering, provenance, and tectonic setting. Research, Published 28 June 2025.

4. Djibril, K. N. G., Laure, N. T. E., Didero, T. W. J., Brice, K. W., Ngambu, A. A., Hermann, F. T., & Laurianne, F. M. C. (2018). Petro-structural characterization of Bonguen area, Nyong Series, Cameroon: Insight into the northern extension of Kribi-Campo shear zone. Earth Sciences, 7(5), 236–241.

5. Ngambu, A. A., Embui, V. F., Yiika, L. P., Djibril, K. N. G., & Fomekong, B. K. (2025). Preliminary stream sediment geochemical exploration for base metals and other elements in terms of source apportionment and contamination status of Manjo and environs, Cameroon. Research, 2, 93.

 

Dhekra Ben Amara | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Dhekra Ben Amara | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor, Qingdao Hengxing University of Science and Technology, China

Dr. Dhekra Ben Amara is an agricultural economist and sustainability researcher specializing in environmental science, eco-innovation, climate change and circular economy, with a strong focus on sustainable development and green growth. She earned her Engineering degree in Agricultural and Agri-Food Economics and Management from the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia in 2010, followed by an M.Sc. in Economy of Agriculture, Agri-Food and Environment in 2013 and completed her Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and Management at Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China, in 2021. Her professional experience includes serving as Administrative Officer in the Internship and International Cooperation Department at ESPRIT: Private High School of Engineering and Technologies in Tunisia (2021–2022), where she promoted student engagement and international partnerships, followed by her postdoctoral fellowship at Henan University, China (2022–2025), where she focused on eco-innovation, carbon emissions, foreign investment and Africa-China cooperation in green growth and food security. In 2025, she was appointed Associate Professor at the School of Industry and City, Qingdao Hengxing University of Science and Technology, China. Her research interests center on sustainability, eco-innovation, climate change, circular economy, food security and resource and environmental management and she has actively contributed to international projects such as the China–Tunisia biomass valorization initiative promoting bio-circular green economies. Skilled in research tools such as IBM SPSS, SPSS AMOS, SmartPLS3, STATA, GeoDA and ArcMap, she demonstrates strong technical and analytical expertise. She has authored 12 Scopus-indexed publications with 245 citations and an h-index of 8, with articles published in leading journals including Journal of Cleaner Production and Environmental Science and Pollution Research. Her achievements have been recognized with the NEFU Outstanding Graduate Award (2021), a Second Prize at the NEFU International Students’ Academic Forum and an Excellence Award in the “My Story in NEFU” contest. With her international academic background, growing research impact and leadership in eco-innovation, Dr. Dhekra Ben Amara is well-positioned to advance environmental sustainability research and contribute to global solutions addressing climate change and sustainable development.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Sci Profiles | Web of Science | ACM Digital Library | LinkedIn  

Featured Publications

1. Ben Amara, D., & Chen, H. (2020). A mediation-moderation model of environmental and eco-innovation orientation for sustainable business growth. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(14), 16916–16928.

2. Ben Amara, D., & Chen, H. (2022). Driving factors for eco-innovation orientation: Meeting sustainable growth in Tunisian agribusiness. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 18(2), 713–732.

3. Ben Amara, D., & Qiao, J. (2023). From economic growth to inclusive green growth: How do carbon emissions, eco-innovation and international collaboration develop economic growth and tackle climate change? Journal of Cleaner Production, 425, 138986.

4. Ben Amara, D., & Chen, H. (2020). Investigating the effect of multidimensional network capability and eco-innovation orientation for sustainable performance. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 22(6), 1297–1309.

5. Ben Amara, D., & Chen, H. (2021). The impact of participative decision-making on eco-innovation capability: The mediating role of motivational eco-innovation factors. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 23(5), 6966–6986.

 

Abdelmalak Mansour | Geology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Abdelmalak Mansour | Geology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher, University of Oslo, Norway

Dr. Abdelmalak Mansour is a senior geophysicist and geologist researcher with extensive expertise in 2D/3D seismic interpretation, basin analysis, and structural geology, specializing in the tectonic and lithospheric evolution of sedimentary basins and rifted continental margins. He earned his Ph.D. in Tectonics and Structural Geology from the Geodynamic Laboratory, UMR-CNRS 6112, Le Mans University, France, in 2010, where his doctoral research focused on the Central West Greenland sedimentary basin, combining field observations, seismic interpretation and organic geochemistry. He also holds a Master’s degree in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Rennes 1, France and a Bachelor’s in Earth Sciences from the University of Sfax, Tunisia. Professionally, Dr. Abdelmalak Mansour has held positions as a researcher at the University of Oslo and Arctic University of Norway, senior geophysicist-geologist at Volcanic Basin Energy Research (VBER) and Volcanic Basin Petroleum Research (VBPR) and consultant for IODP proposals, contributing to key projects such as the 4D NE Atlantic Project and the OMNIS Project. His research interests encompass seismic interpretation, basin modeling, crustal architecture, structural inheritance, rifted margin evolution and organic matter analysis, integrating fieldwork, seismic acquisition, GIS and geophysical datasets. He has authored over 50 scientific publications, presented at more than 50 international conferences and co-supervised multiple MSc and Ph.D. students, demonstrating leadership in mentorship, curriculum development and international collaborations. Dr. Abdelmalak Mansour’s professional skills include seismic interpretation (SMT Kingdom Suite, Petrel), basin analysis (TecMod, PetroMod), GIS and cartography (ArcGIS, QGIS), experimental modeling and reservoir characterization. He has been recognized for his contributions through multiple research awards and international collaborations, with an author metric of 41 documents, 954 citations and an h-index of 17. With his comprehensive expertise, impactful publications and global research network, Dr. Abdelmalak Mansour is well-positioned to advance geoscience research, mentor emerging scientists and contribute to innovative projects that deepen the understanding of rifted continental margins and sedimentary basin evolution worldwide.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | LinkedIn | University of Oslo | Academia

Featured Publications

1. Abdelmalak, M. M., Planke, S., Faleide, J. I., Jerram, D. A., Zastrozhnov, D., Eide, S., … others. (2016). The development of volcanic sequences at rifted margins: New insights from the structure and morphology of the Vøring Escarpment, mid‐Norwegian Margin. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 121(7), 5212–5236.

2. Abdelmalak, M. M., Mourgues, R., Galland, O., & Bureau, D. (2012). Fracture mode analysis and related surface deformation during dyke intrusion: Results from 2D experimental modeling. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 359, 93–105.

3. Planke, S., Millett, J. M., Maharjan, D., Jerram, D. A., Abdelmalak, M. M., Groth, A., … others. (2017). Igneous seismic geomorphology of buried lava fields and coastal escarpments on the Vøring volcanic rifted margin. Interpretation, 5(3), SK161–SK177.

4. Abdelmalak, M. M., Andersen, T. B., Planke, S., Faleide, J. I., Corfu, F., Tegner, C., … others. (2015). The ocean-continent transition in the mid-Norwegian margin: Insight from seismic data and an onshore Caledonian field analogue. Geology, 43(11), 1011–1014.

5. Zastrozhnov, D., Gernigon, L., Gogin, I., Planke, S., Abdelmalak, M. M., Polteau, S., … others. (2020). Regional structure and polyphased Cretaceous-Paleocene rift and basin development of the mid-Norwegian volcanic passive margin. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 115, 104269.

 

Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay | Geology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay | Geology | Best Researcher Award

University Grants Commission (UGC) – Senior Research Fellow (SRF), Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, India

Mr. Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay is a dedicated geologist and Senior Research Fellow (UGC) at the MP Singh Lab of Coal and Organic Petrology, Department of Geology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, with expertise in coal petrography, geochemical analysis and energy resource assessment. He submitted his Ph.D. in Science in 2025 from Banaras Hindu University, focusing on “Organic Petrological and Geochemical Studies of Coal Bearing Sequences Exposed in Tatapani–Ramkola Coalfield, Chhattisgarh, India,” following an M.Sc. (Tech.) in Geology (2017) and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology (2012) from the same institution. Professionally, he has contributed to major research projects, including the DST-SERB-funded coal characterization and source rock potential study in Chhattisgarh and the CSIR-CIMFR and OPGC coal quality study for effective power generation, gaining extensive hands-on experience in field mapping, stratigraphic correlation, lithological studies, coal blending and environmental impact assessment. His research interests span coal, shale and sandstone petrography, geochemical characterization, rare earth element analysis and major oxide studies within coal-bearing sequences, emphasizing sustainable energy utilization. Mr. Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay possesses advanced research skills, including proficiency in ArcGIS, Minex, AutoCAD, CorelDRAW, SigmaPlot and Origin, along with laboratory expertise in XRD, SEM, XRF, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, ICP-MS and vitrinite reflectance analysis, complemented by sample preparation for GC-MS and ICP-MS studies. He has published research in reputed journals and conferences, reflecting a strong scholarly impact and actively participates in mentoring, professional societies and geological field training programs. His awards and honors include recognition as a Senior Research Fellow (UGC) and contributions to high-impact DST-SERB and CSIR-CIMFR projects. In conclusion, Mr. Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay exemplifies a promising geoscientist whose comprehensive education, rigorous research experience, technical expertise and leadership potential position him to make significant contributions to coal geology, energy research and sustainable resource management, ensuring continued advancement in both national and international geoscience communities.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Upadhayay, N. K., Naik, A. S., Rai, S., Singh, P. K., Kumar, A., Rahim, A., Hakimi, M. H., Kumar, G., & Rajak, P. K. (2025). Geochemical and petrological characteristics coupled with stable isotope of the Permian Gondwana coals from Tatapani–Ramkola Coalfield, Son–Mahanadi Basin, India: Insights for paleodepositional and paleoclimate conditions. International Journal of Coal Geology, 104882.

2. Upadhayay, N. K., Naik, A. S., Kumar, A., & Kumar, G. (2025). Application of Raman spectroscopy in coal research: A case study on Tatapani-Ramkola coal. Journal of Geological Society of India. (Accepted 30 August 2025).

3. Kumar, O. P., Gopinathan, P., Naik, A. S., Rajak, P. K., Kumar, G., Upadhayay, N. K., Karmakar, A., & Subramani, T. (2025). Structural and maturity evolution of lignite using Raman spectroscopy and organic petrology of the Barmer basin, Rajasthan, India. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 47(8), 317.

4. Naik, A. S., Kumar, G., Singh, V., Singh, P. K., Kumari, M., Mohanty, D., Majhi, R. K., & Upadhayay, N. K. (2024). Maturity parameter of carbonaceous and coaly matter revealed through Raman spectroscopy. Journal of the Geological Society of India, 100(1), 26–34.

5. Naik, A. S., Singh, V., Mohanty, D., Majhi, R. K., Kumar, G., Upadhayay, N. K., Kumari, M., & Rai, S. (2023). Organic petrological facets and the evolution of paleomire, Matasukh lignite. Environmental Geochemistry and Health. Springer.