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.