Mriganka Shekhar Sarkar | Environmental Conservation and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mriganka Shekhar Sarkar | Environmental Conservation and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Scientist – C | G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment | India

Dr. Mriganka Shekhar Sarkar is an accomplished wildlife biologist and conservation ecologist currently serving as Scientist–C at the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, India. His research focuses on landscape ecology, population genetics, conservation biology, and climate change impacts on biodiversity across the Indian Himalayan Region. With over 26 peer-reviewed research publications, 3 authored books, 6 book chapters, and multiple technical reports, his scientific contributions span reintroduction biology, large carnivore ecology, habitat connectivity modeling, and macro-ecological assessments using advanced geospatial and statistical approaches. Dr. Mriganka Shekhar Sarkar’s interdisciplinary work integrates molecular ecology, spatial statistics, and remote sensing to address conservation challenges for flagship species such as the tiger (Panthera tigris), common leopard (Panthera pardus), and red panda (Ailurus fulgens). His pioneering studies in PeerJ, Landscape Ecology, PLoS ONE, European Journal of Wildlife Research, and Global Ecology and Conservation have significantly advanced understanding of habitat fragmentation, dispersal corridors, and reintroduced species viability. He has successfully completed and led more than ten national and international R&D and funding projects, including those supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), ICIMOD, SBI Foundation, and DST–SERB. His ongoing projects address ecosystem resilience, biodiversity mainstreaming, and climate vulnerability across the Himalayas. Dr. Mriganka Shekhar Sarkar has earned 26 documents, 403 Scopus citations, an h-index of 12, and numerous recognitions including the Research Excellence Award (2020) and the prestigious Max Planck–India Mobility Fellowship (2022–2025). He also serves as Editorial Advisor for Cambridge Scholars Publishing (UK) and reviewer for several international journals. His scientific leadership, innovative modeling approaches, and conservation-driven fieldwork continue to shape biodiversity management and sustainability strategies in fragile mountain ecosystems.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Sci Profiles | Scholar GPS | Academia

Featured Publications

1. Krishnamurthy, R., Cushman, S. A., Sarkar, M. S., Malviya, M., Naveen, M., et al. (2016). Multi-scale prediction of landscape resistance for tiger dispersal in central India. Landscape Ecology, 31(6), 1355–1368.

2. Sarkar, M. S., Ramesh, K., Johnson, J. A., Sen, S., Nigam, P., Gupta, S. K., et al. (2016). Movement and home range characteristics of reintroduced tiger (Panthera tigris) population in Panna Tiger Reserve, central India. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 62(5), 537–547.

3. Gour, D. S., Bhagavatula, J., Bhavanishankar, M., Reddy, P. A., Gupta, J. A., et al. (2013). Philopatry and dispersal patterns in tiger (Panthera tigris). PLOS ONE, 8(7), e66956.

4. Reddy, P. A., Cushman, S. A., Srivastava, A., Sarkar, M. S., & Shivaji, S. (2017). Tiger abundance and gene flow in Central India are driven by disparate combinations of topography and land cover. Diversity and Distributions, 23(8), 863–874.

5. Chaudhary, A., Sarkar, M. S., Adhikari, B. S., & Rawat, G. S. (2021). Ageratina adenophora and Lantana camara in Kailash Sacred Landscape, India: Current distribution and future climatic scenarios through modeling. PLOS ONE, 16(5), e0239690.

Xiangjiao Yi | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xiangjiao Yi | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China

Dr. Xiangjiao Yi is a rising scholar in environmental and musculoskeletal medicine, currently serving as a Lecturer at the School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. She earned her Ph.D. in Ethnic Medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM) from Minzu University of China in 2020, where she was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate and received the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award and was jointly trained at the University of Rochester, USA, through a prestigious China Scholarship Council fellowship. Her academic journey also includes a Master’s degree in TCM from Minzu University of China (2016) and a Bachelor’s degree in TCM from Henan University of Chinese Medicine (2012). Professionally, Dr. Xiangjiao Yi has held research appointments as an Assistant Researcher at Westlake University and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at both Westlake University and Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, where she focused on the mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy of TCM in treating musculoskeletal disorders. Her research interests center on the pathogenesis, therapeutic targets and TCM-based interventions for musculoskeletal diseases caused by genetics, aging and environmental toxicants, integrating big data population analyses, GWAS, multi-omics and experimental disease models. Dr. Xiangjiao Yi is proficient in advanced research skills, including gene editing, single-cell and bulk transcriptomics, and observational data analyses, bridging computational and laboratory-based approaches. She has successfully led four competitive projects, including a National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Youth project, and participated in three additional national-level grants. Her achievements include 11 Scopus-indexed publications with 160 citations and an h-index of 7, along with multiple award-winning conference papers. Among her many honors are the ICMRS Webster Jee Young Investigator Award, the ASBMR Young Investigator Travel Grant and provincial high-level talent recognition. With her innovative methodologies, international training and leadership in multidisciplinary projects, Dr. Xiangjiao Yi demonstrates outstanding potential to advance global research in environmental health and TCM-based musculoskeletal therapeutics.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Loop | ScholarGPS

Featured Publications

1. Li, J., Yi, X., Yao, Z., Chakkalakal, J. V., Xing, L., & Boyce, B. F. (2020). TNF receptor‐associated factor 6 mediates TNFα‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy in mice during aging. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 35(8), 1535–1548.

2. Pan, J., Zhao, M., Yi, X., Tao, J., Li, S., Jiang, Z., Cheng, B., Yuan, H., & Zhang, F. (2022). Acellular nerve grafts supplemented with induced pluripotent stem cell-derived exosomes promote peripheral nerve reconstruction and motor function recovery. Bioactive Materials, 15, 272–287.

3. Dai, X., Yi, X., Wang, Y., Xia, W., Tao, J., Wu, J., Miao, D., & Chen, L. (2022). PQQ dietary supplementation prevents alkylating agent-induced ovarian dysfunction in mice. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13, 781404.

4. Li, J., Yao, Z., Liu, X., Duan, R., Yi, X., Ayoub, A., Sanders, J. O., Mesfin, A., Xing, L., … [additional authors if needed]. (2023). TGFβ1+CCR5+ neutrophil subset increases in bone marrow and causes age-related osteoporosis in male mice. Nature Communications, 14(1), 159.

5. Yi, X., Tao, J., Qian, Y., Feng, F., Hu, X., Xu, T., Jin, H., Ruan, H., Zheng, H. F., & Tong, P. (2022). Morroniside ameliorates inflammatory skeletal muscle atrophy via inhibiting canonical and non-canonical NF-κB and regulating protein synthesis/degradation. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 1056460.

 

Renbin Zhu | Environmental Safety | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Renbin Zhu | Environmental Safety | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Science and Technology of China, China.

Dr. Renbin Zhu is a distinguished professor and doctoral supervisor with extensive experience in environmental science, particularly in polar research and global environmental change. He earned his Ph.D. from the School of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Science and Technology of China in 2002. He broadened his academic and research scope as a visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley from 2012 to 2013. Dr. Zhu has participated in several high-profile polar expeditions, including the 18th and 22nd Chinese scientific expeditions to the Great Wall and Zhongshan Stations in Antarctica, respectively, as well as missions to Davis Station in Australia and the Yellow River Station in the Arctic. His interdisciplinary research encompasses polar environmental science, environmental microbiology, ecotoxicology, biogeochemistry, and atmospheric chemistry. With over 100 peer-reviewed articles published in renowned journals such as Environmental Science & Technology, Journal of Geophysical Research, and Atmospheric Environment, he has received significant recognition. Fifteen of his SCI publications were honored as “Outstanding Academic Papers in Polar Science of China.” Dr. Zhu is also a contributing editor for Scientific Reports and Advances in Polar Science. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of environmental processes in extreme climates.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Educational Background

Dr. Renbin Zhu completed his doctoral studies at the prestigious University of Science and Technology of China, where he received a Ph.D. in Earth and Space Sciences in 2002. This comprehensive academic program provided him with a strong foundation in geosciences, environmental systems, and space-based observational techniques. The rigorous training and research exposure prepared him for a career at the interface of environmental science and geospatial analysis, with a specific emphasis on polar and atmospheric processes. During his academic training, he developed expertise in remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and geochemical analysis. His Ph.D. work laid the groundwork for his long-standing interest in understanding the Earth’s complex environmental systems, especially those in fragile polar regions. Later, as a visiting scholar from 2012 to 2013 at the University of California, Berkeley—a global leader in environmental research—Dr. Zhu deepened his knowledge of atmospheric chemistry and interdisciplinary environmental science. This international experience further shaped his research vision and broadened his scientific collaborations. Dr. Zhu’s educational journey has uniquely positioned him to address emerging challenges in polar science, climate change, and environmental microbiology through both theoretical and applied approaches.

Professional Experience

Dr. Renbin Zhu currently holds the position of Professor and Doctoral Supervisor, where he has been instrumental in shaping the academic and research directions of polar environmental science in China. His professional career spans over two decades, during which he has undertaken significant responsibilities in scientific research, academic mentoring, and international collaboration. A major highlight of his career is his participation in several national and international polar expeditions. Notably, he contributed to the 18th and 22nd Chinese scientific research missions to Antarctica, as well as the 5th Chinese scientific expedition to the Yellow River Station in the Arctic. These missions underscore his leadership in field-based research and his commitment to advancing knowledge in extreme environments. He also collaborated with Australian scientists during his time at Davis Station. As a visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, he engaged in advanced research on atmospheric chemistry and climate interactions. Dr. Zhu has also been active in scientific publishing, serving on the editorial board of Scientific Reports and as guest editor for Advances in Polar Science. His roles have consistently emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration, high-impact research output, and the training of future environmental scientists.

Research Interest

Dr. Renbin Zhu’s research interests center on the environmental dynamics of polar regions and their implications for global environmental change. His work addresses several interrelated domains, including polar environment and global climate interactions, environmental microbiology, ecotoxicology, biogeochemistry, and atmospheric environmental chemistry. He is particularly interested in how microorganisms interact with extreme polar environments and the biogeochemical cycling of pollutants in these regions. His investigations into ecotoxicological processes examine the fate and impact of persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals in cryospheric ecosystems. In recent years, Dr. Zhu has increasingly focused on atmospheric chemistry, exploring how polar air masses transport contaminants and affect climate processes. His multidisciplinary approach integrates field data from polar expeditions, laboratory analyses, and remote sensing technologies to study the complex feedback loops between anthropogenic activity and natural systems. Dr. Zhu’s research contributes significantly to understanding how the polar environment is both a driver and indicator of global environmental change. By studying the chemical and biological processes unique to high-latitude systems, he provides crucial insights into the global implications of environmental degradation, atmospheric pollution, and climate variability.

Research Skills

Dr. Renbin Zhu brings a robust and diverse skill set to environmental science and polar research. He is highly proficient in field-based environmental sampling, particularly in polar regions, where logistical challenges demand rigorous planning and technical expertise. His skills encompass the collection and analysis of atmospheric, water, soil, and biological samples under extreme environmental conditions. Dr. Zhu has deep expertise in analytical techniques, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which he employs to detect trace levels of environmental pollutants and biogeochemical markers. He is also skilled in molecular biology methods used in environmental microbiology, such as DNA extraction, PCR-based techniques, and metagenomic sequencing. In addition, Dr. Zhu applies atmospheric modeling and remote sensing tools to investigate pollutant transport, deposition processes, and climate interactions. His ability to integrate data across chemical, biological, and geophysical domains exemplifies his interdisciplinary strength. Moreover, Dr. Zhu has demonstrated a high level of competency in academic publishing, peer review, and editorial management, reinforcing his role as a thought leader in polar and environmental sciences.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Renbin Zhu has received numerous accolades in recognition of his scientific contributions and academic leadership. One of his most prestigious honors is the First Prize of the Peng Yingang Science and Technology Award from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighting his pioneering work in polar environmental research. He has also been the recipient of the Wang Kuancheng Talent Cultivation Award, acknowledging his exceptional mentorship and contributions to the development of early-career scientists. Furthermore, Dr. Zhu was selected as one of the Outstanding Talents of the Ministry of Education in the New Century, an honor bestowed upon individuals with strong potential to lead innovative research and promote academic excellence in China. His international standing is reflected by his roles on editorial boards, including Scientific Reports and Advances in Polar Science. In addition to these formal awards, fifteen of his international SCI papers have been recognized as “Outstanding Academic Papers in Polar Science of China,” further underscoring the impact of his scholarship. Collectively, these honors not only validate the significance of his research but also spotlight his role in shaping the future of environmental and polar sciences.

Author Metrics

Dr. Renbin Zhu has established a significant academic impact in the fields of polar science, environmental microbiology, and atmospheric chemistry. His research contributions are widely recognized and cited by the international scientific community.

  • Total Publications: 91

  • Total Citations: 1,769

  • Citing Documents: 1,046

  • h-index: 26

These metrics reflect Prof. Zhu’s sustained influence and scholarly productivity, demonstrating both the quantity and quality of his research. His h-index of 26 indicates that at least 26 of his publications have each received 26 or more citations, underlining the relevance and scientific contribution of his work to the academic community. His articles have been featured in high-impact journals such as Environmental Science & Technology, Geophysical Research Letters, and Communications Earth & Environment, further validating his leadership in research on global change and polar ecosystems.

Top Noted Publication

1. Penguin-Driven Dissemination and High Enrichment of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Lake Sediments across Antarctica
Journal: Environmental Science & Technology
Publication Date: 2024-08-13

2. Effects of Coal-Fired Power Plants on Soil Microbial Diversity and Community Structures
Journal: Journal of Environmental Sciences
Publication Date: 2024-03

3. Life-Cycle Selenium Accumulation and Its Correlations with the Rhizobacteria and Endophytes in the Hyperaccumulating Plant Cardamine hupingshanensis
Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Publication Date: 2023-10

4. Sea Animal Colonies Enhance Carbonyl Sulfide Emissions from Coastal Antarctic Tundra
Journal: Communications Earth & Environment
Publication Date: 2023-09-16

5. Sea Animals Promote Carbonyl Sulfide (OCS) Emissions from Antarctic Tundra
Type: Preprint
Publication Date: 2023-05-15

6. The Influence of Sea Animals on Selenium Distribution in Tundra Soils and Lake Sediments in Maritime Antarctica
Journal: Chemosphere
Publication Date: 2022-03

7. Chloroform (CHCl₃) Emissions From Coastal Antarctic Tundra
Journal: Geophysical Research Letters
Publication Date: 2021-09-28

8. Carbon Dioxide Isotopic Compositions During Tundra Ecosystem Respiration and Photosynthesis in Relation to Environmental Variables in Maritime Antarctica
Journal: Polar Biology
Publication Date: 2021-04-26

9. Methyl Chloride and Methyl Bromide Production and Consumption in Coastal Antarctic Tundra Soils Subject to Sea Animal Activities
Journal: Environmental Science & Technology
Publication Date: 2020-10-20

10. Effects of Sea Animal Colonization on the Coupling Between Dynamics and Activity of Soil Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria and Archaea in Maritime Antarctica
Journal: Biogeosciences
Publication Date: 2019-10-28

Conclusion

Dr. Renbin Zhu stands out as a leading figure in environmental and polar science, whose work bridges fundamental research and global environmental concerns. His multidisciplinary expertise, spanning atmospheric chemistry, environmental microbiology, ecotoxicology, and polar biogeochemistry, positions him at the forefront of addressing pressing scientific challenges associated with climate change and environmental degradation. His participation in multiple high-latitude expeditions has provided him with rare and invaluable data that enhance the understanding of extreme ecosystems and their responses to anthropogenic stressors. Beyond his prolific research output—over 100 papers in high-impact journals—Dr. Zhu has also played an essential role in mentoring the next generation of scientists and shaping the research agenda through his editorial and advisory activities. His recognition by national and international institutions demonstrates both the quality and the relevance of his contributions. Looking forward, Dr. Zhu continues to explore the intersections of chemistry, biology, and climate science in polar regions, with the aim of informing global environmental policy and promoting sustainable stewardship of Earth’s most vulnerable habitats. His career is a testament to the critical role of interdisciplinary science in solving complex global issues.