Nicola Cantasano | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nicola Cantasano | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nicola Cantasano | National Research Council of Italy | Italy

Dr. Nicola Cantasano’s research integrates marine biology, astrobiology, and freshwater ecosystem monitoring, focusing on developing innovative methodologies to measure, map, and interpret complex ecological systems on Earth and beyond. His work spans both marine and planetary environments, uniting biological and geological perspectives to enhance understanding of life’s signatures in diverse contexts. In marine science, he has made significant contributions to the taxonomy of seaweeds, monitoring of Posidonia oceanica meadows, and the management of beach-cast seagrasses, which are vital for Mediterranean coastal stability and biodiversity. His studies have also explored the surveillance of invasive algal species such as Caulerpa racemosa, contributing to regional environmental management and conservation strategies. Through the development of water mapping and ecological assessment methods, including the Indice di Funzionalità Fluviale (I.F.F.), he has advanced tools for evaluating the ecological status of fluvial systems, particularly within the Calabrian region. Dr. Cantasano’s research extends into astrobiology, where he investigates potential biosignatures on Mars by analyzing digital imagery from NASA missions. He explores analogies between terrestrial stromatolites—layered microbial structures formed by cyanobacteria—and Martian organosedimentary formations, proposing biogenic interpretations of textures observed in Martian rocks. This work contributes to the broader understanding of planetary habitability and the possible existence of ancient microbial life on Mars. His extensive publications cover topics such as marine and freshwater ecosystem management, coastal zone conservation, nutrient dynamics, and biogeochemical assessments. He has published in leading journals including Ocean & Coastal Management, International Journal of Astrobiology, Plant Biosystems, and Rendiconti Lincei. By bridging marine ecology and planetary science, his research provides innovative frameworks for sustainable ecosystem management on Earth and supports the scientific quest for life beyond it.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Research Gate

Featured Publications 

Cantasano, N. (2025). Ecological and fluvial corridor of the Verri Stream as a connecting step in the Natura 2000 network along the Calabria coastal region, Italy. Environments, 12(11), 426. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12110426

Cantasano, N., Di Martino, V., & Pellicone, G. (2024). The invasion of Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder 1845 in the Calabria coastal seas. Coasts, 4(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts4010003

Ietto, F., Pellicone, G., & Cantasano, N. (2023). Silting process and loss of Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Tyrrhenian waters of Calabria (Southern Italy). Sustainability, 15(17), 13102. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713102

Ietto, F., Pellicone, G., & Cantasano, N. (2023, May 25). Silting process and loss of Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Tyrrhenian Calabria waters (Southern Italy). Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202305.1751.v1

Cantasano, N. (2022). Marine pollution by microplastics in the Mediterranean Sea. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 10(7), 858. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10070858

Bentaallah, M. E. A., Taibi, N. E., & Cantasano, N. (2021). Additional new records of Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder 1845 along the West Algerian coasts. Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences, 50(1), 97–103.*

Cantasano, N., Caloiero, T., Pellicone, G., Aristodemo, F., De Marco, A., & Tagarelli, G. (2021). Can ICZM contribute to the mitigation of erosion and of human activities threatening the natural and cultural heritage of the coastal landscape of Calabria? Sustainability, 13(3), 1122. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031122

 

Ramzi Hadjab | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Ramzi Hadjab | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ramzi Hadjab | University of Oum El Bouaghi | Algeria

Dr. Ramzi Hadjab is an accomplished ecologist and environmental researcher currently serving as a Doctor and Research Teacher at the University of Oum El Bouaghi, Algeria. With a Ph.D. in Ecology and Environment (2018), his academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding and protecting biodiversity in semi-arid and aquatic ecosystems. As an Associate Professor at the Functional Ecology and Environment Laboratory, Dr. Hadjab specializes in groundwater ecology, biodiversity conservation, and the ecological impacts of anthropogenic pressures. His extensive research, published in leading international journals, spans topics such as freshwater amphipods, water quality assessment, avifauna diversity, and the ecological effects of pollution. A frequent contributor to international conferences, he actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across North Africa and Europe. Proficient in statistical analysis, ecological modeling, and scientific illustration, Dr. Hadjab continues to advance the fields of ecology, environmental sustainability, and biodiversity monitoring through both his teaching and research.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Bourmada, A., Khammar, H., Hadjab, R., Chaffai, A., Bouchema, N., & Hamida, B. (2024). Integrated assessment of groundwater quality in Algeria’s Souk Ahras region: Implications for sustainable and management water for drinking and irrigation purpose. Desalination and Water Treatment, 320, 100827. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dwt.2024.100827

Hadjab, R., Ayati, K., & Piscart, C. (2021). A new species of freshwater amphipods Echinogammarus (Amphipoda, Gammaridae) from Algeria. Taxonomy, 1(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy1010005

Nouidjem, Y., Hadjab, R., Khammar, H., Merouani, S., & Bensaci, E. (2021). Diversity, ecology and therapeutic properties of the medicinal plants in Ziban region (Algeria). Journal of Bioresource Management, 8(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.35691/jbm.1202.0163

Chiheb, L., Bensaci, E., Nouidjem, Y., & Hadjab, R. (2021). Spatio-temporal variation patterns of bird community in the oasis ecosystem of the north of Algerian Sahara. Journal of Bioresource Management, 8(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.35691/jbm.1202.0161

Hadjab, R. (2020). Impact of anthropic pressure on the quality and diversity of groundwater in the region of Sighus Oum-El-Bouaghi and El Rahmounia, Algeria. Journal of Bioresource Management, 7(3), 7.

Redjaimia, L., Hadjab, R., Khammar, H., Merzoug, D., & Saheb, M. (2020). Groundwater quality in two semi-arid areas of Algeria: Impact of water pollution on biodiversity. Journal of Bioresource Management, 7(3), 2. https://doi.org/10.35691/jbm.0202.0137

Luis Martin Pomares | Renewable Resources | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Luis Martin Pomares | Renewable Resources | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luis Martin Pomares | DEWA R&D | United Arab Emirates

A distinguished solar energy expert and research scientist, with over two decades of professional experience spanning solar resource assessment, satellite-based irradiance modeling, and renewable energy forecasting. His career bridges applied research, data analytics, and large-scale solar project development, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy systems worldwide. Currently serving as a Principal Scientist and Program Director at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) R&D Center, he leads initiatives in solar resource assessment, satellite image processing, and deep learning-based solar forecasting. His work includes developing data pipelines for solar forecasting using modern AI frameworks such as TensorFlow and Keras, and managing BSRN radiometric stations for high-precision solar measurements. Previously, he was a Scientist at Qatar Foundation’s QEERI, where he directed the development of the Solar Atlas of Qatar and applied remote sensing methods for regional solar mapping. Earlier, as President and Project Developer at Investigaciones y Recursos Solares Avanzados (IrSOLaV), he managed multi-megawatt PV and CSP projects across several continents and pioneered forecasting systems integrating Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and satellite-based nowcasting models. His expertise encompasses radiative transfer modeling, atmospheric physics, GIS-based solar mapping, and energy system simulation. He has contributed extensively to IEA Solar Heating and Cooling Tasks 36 and 46, COST Action 1002, and EU FP7 projects on solar nowcasting. He is also an active reviewer for leading journals such as Solar Energy, Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, and Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. Academically, he holds a Ph.D. in Physical Sciences (Cum Laude) from the Complutense University of Madrid, with a dissertation on solar radiation prediction using statistical methods. His publication record includes numerous peer-reviewed papers and book chapters on solar resource modeling, machine learning applications in energy forecasting, and site adaptation of solar datasets.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Valappil, V. K., & Martin-Pomares, L. (2025). Characterizing solar attenuation for concentrated solar power plants in Dubai using AERONET data and libRadtran. Solar Energy, 302, 114082.

Sanfilippo, A., Martin-Pomares, L., & Polo, J. (2025). Solar resources mapping: Fundamentals and applications. Springer Nature.

Nie, Y., Paletta, Q., Scott, A., Martin-Pomares, L. M., Arbod, G., Sgouridis, S., Lasenby, J., et al. (2024). Sky image-based solar forecasting using deep learning with heterogeneous multi-location data: Dataset fusion versus transfer learning. Applied Energy, 369, 123467.

Rezk, M., Tiwari, V. K., Manandhar, P., Krishnan, V., & Martin-Pomares, L. M. (2024). A CNN-based classifier for quality image selection from sky cameras. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Information Technology (ICSPIT).

Manandhar, P., Tiwari, V. K., Rezk, M., Krishnan, V., & Martin-Pomares, L. M. (2024). Convolutional deep learning hierarchical classifier to identify synoptic sky conditions based on sky images. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Information Technology (ICSPIT).

Martin-Pomares, L., Ghaoud, T., Al Khaja, T. T., Alemadi, A., Ahmed, M. S. M. M., et al. (2024). Sea water salinity estimation over Dubai using satellite imagery & WASI empirical model approach: Application to SpaceD DEWASAT-2 nanosatellite. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Information Technology (ICSPIT).

Xu Boyang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Xu Boyang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Xu Boyang | Zhejiang Financial College | China

Xu Boyang is a dynamic researcher specializing in soundscape ecology, environmental acoustics, and landscape architecture. With a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture, he has developed a unique interdisciplinary approach integrating noise mitigation with spatial design aesthetics. His research explores how urban green spaces can be optimized to enhance acoustic comfort and psychological restoration. Xu’s recent projects include urban noise governance in Hangzhou and the award-winning Shuile Cave Cultural Heritage Soundscape Design in the West Lake Scenic Area. His studies, published in Scientific Reports, Applied Acoustics, and other journals, highlight the intersection of sound perception, spatial planning, and environmental psychology, earning him early academic recognition with 2 citations from 1 document and an h-index of 1 on Scopus.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Zhang, X., Li, Y., Chen, M., Wang, L., & Xu, B. (2025). Are natural soundscapes always beneficial? Evaluating the restorative qualities and influencing mechanisms of natural water soundscapes. Applied Acoustics. https://doi.org/xxxx

Akshay Kale | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Akshay Kale | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Akshay Kale | Department of Chemistry, Savitribai Phule Pune University | India

Akshay Somnath Kale is a Ph.D. researcher in Chemistry at Savitribai Phule Pune University, specializing in bioaerosols, air quality, inhalation toxicology, and eco-friendly nanocomposites. With multiple fellowships, national eligibility qualifications, and award recognitions, he has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and presented at leading conferences. His expertise spans aerosol characterization, health risk assessment, and advanced analytical techniques, supported by strong technical, data analysis, and teaching skills.

Academic Profile 

Google Scholar

Education

Akshay Somnath Kale has built a strong academic foundation in chemistry, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from VPASC College, affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University, followed by a Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry from the Department of Chemistry at the same university. He further enhanced his technical expertise by completing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Chromatographic Techniques for Designing Forensic and Industrial Applications from the Design Innovation Center. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Savitribai Phule Pune University under the supervision of Prof. P.G. Satsangi, focusing on advanced research in bioaerosols, air quality, and nanocomposites.

Experience

Akshay has significant research and academic experience, starting as a Junior Research Fellow at Savitribai Phule Pune University where he worked extensively on projects involving bioaerosol monitoring, toxicological profiling, and size-segregated analysis. He has also contributed to analytical chemistry projects involving purity and impurity analysis of pharmaceutical compounds using HPLC, LCMS, and GCMS. His doctoral research involves aerosol characterization, health risk assessment, and nanocomposite synthesis for bioaerosol mitigation. In addition to research, he has been actively engaged in practical laboratory teaching and guiding students in experimental techniques.

Research Interests

His research interests are multidisciplinary, integrating environmental chemistry, toxicology, and nanotechnology. He focuses on bioaerosol and air quality assessment, aerosol characterization, and health risk evaluation through inhalation toxicology studies. His work also includes the development of eco-friendly nanocomposites for aerosol mitigation, real-time monitoring of size-segregated bioaerosols, and advanced physicochemical analysis of particulate matter. Additionally, he applies statistical and computational tools, such as R programming and GIS mapping, to environmental data interpretation.

Awards 

Akshay has been recognized with multiple prestigious fellowships, including those awarded by national funding agencies for both his doctoral and earlier research work. He has qualified competitive national-level examinations such as CSIR-UGC NET, State Eligibility Test, GATE, and Joint Admission Test for Masters. His research excellence has been acknowledged through awards such as the Best Theme Paper Award in the field of indoor environmental quality. His contributions to scientific literature and participation in prominent national and international conferences further reflect his academic achievements and recognition in the field.

Publications

Physicochemical characteristics of atmospheric particles in south western (Pune) region of India: Elemental size distribution, source analysis and risk assessment

Authors: H Rohra, A Kale, S Nehul, AS Pipal, A Taneja, PG Satsangi
Journal: Atmospheric Pollution Research
Year: 2023

Variability of Fine Particulate Matter (PM1.0 and PM2.5) and its Oxidative Potential at Different Locations in the Northern Part of India

Authors: T Tripathi, A Kale, M Anand, PG Satsangi, A Taneja
Journal: Aerosol Science and Engineering
Year: 2024

Investigating Age-Specific Respiratory Deposition Doses of Traffic-Related Particles at Urban Intersections in Pune, India

Authors: A Kale, PG Satsangi
Journal: Aerosol Science and Engineering
Year: 2024

Age-specific deposition of indoor particulate matter in the human respiratory tract

Authors: A Kale, R Roy, PG Satsangi
Journal: Asian Conference on Indoor Environmental Quality
Year: 2023

Impact of primary aerosol particles on size specific oxidative potential and its relationship with air quality and hazard index

Authors: AS Pipal, SD Ghude, PG Satsangi, MY Bhatkar, A Kale, SS Nivdange, …
Journal: [Journal not specified in the provided text]
Year: [Year not specified in the provided text]

Conclusion

Akshay Somnath Kale’s dedication to advancing environmental science through rigorous research, innovative methodologies, and impactful publications makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His expertise in bioaerosols, air quality assessment, and eco-friendly solutions, combined with recognized academic achievements and professional excellence, clearly demonstrates his capability to contribute meaningfully to both science and society.