Achieford Mhondera | Climate Solutions | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Achieford Mhondera | Climate Solutions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Achieford Mhondera | University of Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe

Achieford Mhondera is a Ph.D. candidate in Climate Change Communication at the University of Zimbabwe, serving as a Junior Lecturer in the Department of Languages, Literature, and Culture, and as the Deputy Head of the Climate Action Directorate at the Africa Network of Youth Policy Experts. He is an experienced communication strategist and passionate climate justice advocate with a strong background in environmental communication, policy engagement, and youth-led climate activism. His work centers on amplifying voices from the Global South and advancing meaningful climate action through strategic communication and advocacy. At the University of Zimbabwe, he teaches courses in communication, research methods, and corpus linguistics, combining academic rigor with real-world engagement. He has been recognized for his innovative research and commitment to bridging policy and practice across Africa. As a guest columnist for leading publications such as Newsday, The Herald, and China Daily, he contributes to public discourse on climate change and sustainability. His scholarly output includes several book chapters, journal articles, and conference presentations focusing on climate communication and ecological civilization. Certified in climate diplomacy, governance, and negotiation, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to global climate dialogues. A proud alumnus of Tsinghua University’s School of Journalism and Communication, he is also the founder of the Climate Research and Advocacy Trust and an active member of international networks promoting biodiversity, food sovereignty, and environmental justice across Africa and beyond.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Shiva Shankar | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shiva Shankar | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Zoological Survey of India | India

C. Shiva Shankar is a dedicated Senior Research Fellow at the Zoological Survey of India, specializing in taxonomy, molecular systematics, and ecology of aquatic beetles, fishes, and freshwater crabs. He has significantly contributed to biodiversity documentation through the discovery of new species and first records in India. His doctoral research on aquatic beetles of the Eastern Ghats has generated more than 500 DNA barcodes, marking the first molecular systematic study of aquatic beetles in the country. He has authored over 15 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and a co-authored book on threatened fauna. His expertise spans DNA barcoding, water quality analysis, GIS and GPS field surveys, and museum specimen curation. With extensive fieldwork across Indian ecosystems, he has collected and identified over 95 species of aquatic beetles, including rare and endemic taxa. He has successfully submitted over 600 DNA sequences to NCBI, strengthening global biodiversity databases. Beyond research, he actively participates in national conferences, workshops, and biodiversity initiatives, enhancing collaborative conservation efforts. Recognized for his hard work, leadership skills, and self-motivation, he is committed to advancing aquatic biodiversity science. His career vision is to contribute to global research excellence while promoting sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

“First record of Scoliopsis spinosa d’Orchymont, 1919 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) from India”

“Molecular Characterization of Rare Predaceous Aquatic Beetle Methles indicus Regimbart, 1899 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) from Eastern Ghats, India”

“Freshwater decapods (Crustacea: Decapoda) of Palair Reservoir, Telangana, India”

“Notes on Ptilomera agriodes (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae) from Eastern Ghats, India”

Atar Singh Pipal | Climate Solutions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Atar Singh Pipal | Climate Solutions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Atar Singh Pipal | Devic Earth, Technology Research Park, IIT, hyderabad | India

Dr. Atar Singh Pipal is a leading Air Quality Scientist specializing in atmospheric chemistry, aerosol particle analysis, and air pollution mitigation. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Savitribai Phule Pune University, he brings over a decade of research experience across premier institutions including IITM Pune, PRL Ahmedabad, and international collaborations in Taiwan. He has authored over 40 high-impact publications , contributed to cutting-edge work on particulate matter characterization, health risk assessment, and CO₂ reduction technologies, and remains actively involved in international scientific forums and editorial boards.

Academic Profile 

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Atar Singh Pipal holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry with a specialization in Atmospheric Chemistry from Savitribai Phule Pune University, awarded in 2016. His doctoral work focused on analyzing the chemical composition and morphological characteristics of particulate matter in urban environments. He also earned an M.Phil. in Chemistry from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra, in 2009, where he studied water-soluble cations in PM10. His earlier education includes an M.Sc. in Chemistry and a B.Sc. in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry, both from the same university, graduating with distinction.

Experience

Dr. Pipal has accumulated over 10 years of research experience across prominent institutions. He is currently an Air Quality Scientist at Devic Earth, associated with IIT Hyderabad. Previously, he worked as a Project Scientist-II at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. He has also held postdoctoral fellowships in India and Taiwan and served as a lecturer in Environmental and Analytical Chemistry, contributing significantly to research, field studies, and environmental monitoring.

Research Interests

His research interests span atmospheric aerosols, air pollution, aerosol morphology, black carbon, secondary pollutants, and climate-relevant emissions. He is also involved in air quality monitoring, source apportionment, and the development of low-cost sensor technologies for urban air quality management.

Awards

Dr. Pipal has received multiple accolades, including the International Young Scientist Award (2020), CSIR and SERB travel grants, and recognition from global conferences in the USA, Japan, and Europe. He is a member of leading scientific societies such as RSC, AGU, and AAAR and contributes to several editorial boards and scientific journals.

Publications

Carbonaceous aerosols and pollutants over Delhi urban environment: Temporal evolution, source apportionment and radiative forcing

Authors: DS Bisht, UC Dumka, DG Kaskaoutis, AS Pipal, et al.
Journal: Science of the Total Environment (2015)

Characterization and morphological analysis of airborne PM2.5 and PM10 in Agra

Authors: AS Pipal, A Kulshrestha, A Taneja
Journal: Atmospheric Environment,  (2011)

Variability in atmospheric particulates and meteorological effects on their mass concentrations over Delhi, India

Authors: S Tiwari, DS Bisht, AK Srivastava, AS Pipal, et al.
Journal: Atmospheric Research, (2014)

Study of surface morphology, elemental composition and origin of atmospheric aerosols over Agra

Authors: AS Pipal, R Jan, PG Satsangi, S Tiwari, A Taneja
Journal: Aerosol and Air Quality Research, (2014)

Intra-urban variability of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and its relationship with optical properties of aerosols over Delhi

Authors: S Tiwari, PK Hopke, AS Pipal, et al.
Journal: Atmospheric Research (2015)

Characteristics of trace metals in PM2.5 and PM10 and health risk assessment in indoor environments in India

Authors: PG Satsangi, S Yadav, AS Pipal, N Kumbhar
Journal: Atmospheric Environment (2014)

Conclusion

Dr. Atar Singh Pipal stands out as a dedicated and accomplished researcher in atmospheric and environmental sciences, with a strong academic foundation, diverse international experience, and impactful research contributions. His work bridges scientific investigation with real-world environmental solutions, particularly in the areas of air quality and climate mitigation. Through his active participation in global collaborations, editorial roles, and professional societies, he continues to advance the understanding of air pollution and its broader implications. His profile reflects a strong commitment to scientific excellence and societal relevance.

Bounmy Keohavong | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bounmy Keohavong | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bounmy Keohavong | Souphanouvong University | Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Dr. Bounmy Keohavong is a lecturer and Head of the Research Governance Office at Souphanouvong University, Lao PDR. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from Kangwon National University, Korea, in 2013. His research specializes in poultry nutrition, feed evaluation, metabolizable energy, and the use of functional fatty acids in monogastric animal diets. He has participated in several international research collaborations and presented widely at academic forums. His work contributes to advancing sustainable and science-driven livestock feeding practices in Southeast Asia.

Academic Profile 

ORCID | GoogleScholar

Education

Dr. Bounmy Keohavong holds a doctoral degree in Agriculture, which he earned in 2013 from Kangwon National University in South Korea. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in agricultural science, with specialized focus areas that span animal nutrition, feed science, and livestock management. His international academic exposure has enabled him to adopt modern scientific approaches and integrate them into the context of Southeast Asian agricultural practices. Dr. Keohavong’s education was marked by both theoretical rigor and practical engagement, equipping him with the skills necessary for interdisciplinary research in animal science, sustainable agriculture, and resource optimization in livestock production.

Experience

Dr. Keohavong serves as the Head of the Research Governance Office at Souphanouvong University in Lao PDR, where he is also a senior lecturer and active researcher within the Faculty of Agriculture and Forest Resources. Over the years, he has taken on leadership roles that span academic instruction, research development, and institutional governance. His involvement in both national and international projects demonstrates his ability to bridge academic research with development initiatives, particularly in improving livestock practices and agricultural sustainability. Additionally, his editorial roles in reputable international journals reflect his engagement with the broader scientific community and his commitment to maintaining scholarly standards in agricultural science and interdisciplinary research.

Research Interests

Dr. Keohavong’s research primarily centers on poultry nutrition, with key interests in feed evaluation methods, determination of metabolizable energy, and the application of functional fatty acids in monogastric animal diets. His scientific contributions aim to optimize animal feeding strategies through evidence-based approaches, focusing on sustainable and cost-effective nutrition in tropical and subtropical agricultural systems. He also explores integrated approaches that incorporate local knowledge and scientific innovation, particularly in the areas of soil management, food safety, and water quality. His recent publications cover topics like pellet processing in feed efficiency, deep-sea water effects on animal growth, and the fusion of traditional and modern agricultural practices, reflecting his interdisciplinary and application-driven approach to research.

Awards

Although specific awards were not detailed in the original content, Dr. Keohavong’s scholarly contributions and academic leadership roles strongly suggest a career marked by institutional and international recognition. His appointment as a member of multiple editorial boards, including the PSAKU International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (Thailand), Bulletin of Animal Science (Indonesia), and journals associated with the National University of Laos and Busan University of Foreign Studies, highlights the academic community’s trust in his expertise. Furthermore, his consultancy roles with projects funded by organizations like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), particularly in the context of food safety and SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) protocols, further reflect his professional standing and recognition in the fields of agricultural development and international cooperation.

Publications

Effects of Drinking Diluted Deep Sea Water on Growth Performance and Immune Response in Broiler Chickens

Journal: PSAKU International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research
Year: 2018

Challenging established narratives on soil erosion and shifting cultivation in Laos

Journal: Natural Resources Forum
Year: 2012

Comparison of Aviary, Barn and Conventional Cage Raising of Chickens on Laying Performance and Egg Quality

Journal: Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
Year: 2014

Impact of genetically modified food knowledge, environmental, and food safety concerns on purchase intention of genetically modified food in mediating role of perceived risk: An empirical study in Thailand

Journal: World Food Policy
Year: 2020

Conclusion

The Environmental Science Excellence Award is more than a recognition—it is a global call to action for those advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and creating tangible solutions for our planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. By celebrating leaders in sustainability and research, this award aims to inspire future breakthroughs and empower individuals and institutions dedicated to a greener, more resilient world. We invite passionate environmental scientists, change-makers, and forward-thinking researchers to apply and be part of this prestigious recognition shaping the future of environmental stewardship.