Yaghoub Hajizadeh | Environmental Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yaghoub Hajizadeh | Environmental Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Prof. Yaghoub Hajizadeh is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of environmental health and engineering, with a career that spans more than two decades. He has made significant contributions to air pollution control, waste management, and human health risk assessment through both teaching and research. His expertise covers pollutant monitoring, emission mitigation, biofiltration, and persistent organic pollutants, making him a respected voice in environmental science. Throughout his career, Prof. Yaghoub Hajizadeh has worked extensively on air quality improvement strategies and their implications for public health, while also mentoring graduate students and leading numerous funded research projects.

Profile

Scopus | Google scholar

Education

Prof. Yaghoub Hajizadeh pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health Engineering at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, which laid the foundation for his academic career. He continued his studies with a Master’s degree in Environmental Health Engineering at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where his thesis focused on heavy metals in groundwater and surface water resources, linking industrial contamination to public health risks. He later advanced his expertise by completing a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at the University of Leeds, UK. His doctoral research investigated the influence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia on dioxin formation, as well as the potential of waste-derived activated carbons for controlling dioxin emissions from incineration processes. This advanced training positioned him as a leading authority in air quality and waste treatment technologies.

Experience

Prof. Yaghoub Hajizadeh has extensive professional experience, serving as a full professor at the Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Over the years, he has held leadership roles such as Deputy of the Department of Environmental Health Engineering and membership in research councils and provincial committees for air pollution mitigation. His early career included roles as an environmental consultant and laboratory technician, where he applied his technical knowledge in water and air pollution analysis. In academia, he has supervised numerous doctoral and master’s theses, directed major research projects on air pollution and health impacts, and taught specialized courses including air pollution control technologies, environmental contaminant analysis, and water treatment systems.

Research Interest

Prof. Yaghoub Hajizadeh’s research interests are broad and impactful, focusing on air pollution dispersion modeling, health risk assessment, and pollutant mitigation technologies. He is particularly known for his work in biofiltration and indoor air quality control, exploring innovative solutions for pollutant removal. His interests also include the thermal treatment of waste, waste-to-energy technologies, and monitoring of persistent organic pollutants such as dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Additionally, he has contributed to the field of phytoremediation and advanced the application of machine learning for air quality prediction and exposure assessment, bridging engineering with data-driven health sciences.

Award

Prof. Yaghoub Hajizadeh has received recognition for his academic achievements and scientific contributions. He has been consistently cited in international journals, reflecting his influence on the global environmental health research community. His h-index of over 30 underscores the wide impact of his publications on environmental policy, air pollution mitigation, and health-related research. Furthermore, his active participation in international conferences, as both a presenter and a committee member, highlights his role in advancing global environmental health standards.

Publication Top Notes

Prof. Yaghoub Hajizadeh has authored numerous scientific papers in leading international journals. Selected examples include:

Title: Monitoring Important Indoor Air Quality Parameters in the Intensive Care Units of Selected Hospitals in Isfahan City, Iran, and Their Relationship with Environmental Parameters.
Year: 2025

Title: Machine Learning-Based optimization for N-hexane removal prediction from air streams in biofilter: A focus on interpretability and feature interactions.
Year: 2025

Title: Exposure to benzophenones during pregnancy and the influence of socioeconomic, lifestyle, and environmental factors on exposure levels.
Year: 2025

Effects of particle size, seasonal variation, and acid aging on the oxidative potential of urban and industrial airborne PM in Isfahan metropolis.
Year: 2025

Accumulation of heavy metals in the leaves of different tree species and its association with the levels of atmospheric PM2.5-bond heavy metals in Isfahan.
Year: 2025

Investigating the Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance of the Health Workers of Khorramabad City, Iran, Regarding Indoor Air Pollution and Their Correlation with Demographic.
Year: 2025

Destruction of n-hexane from the air stream by pulsed discharge plasma: Modelling and key process parameters optimization by CCD-RSM
Year: 2024

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prof. Yaghoub Hajizadeh stands out as a leading environmental health scientist whose contributions span research, teaching, and policy advisory roles. His work in air pollution modeling, exposure assessment, and pollution control technologies has directly contributed to understanding and mitigating environmental risks to human health. Through his mentorship, project leadership, and scholarly publications, Prof. Yaghoub Hajizadeh continues to advance the field of environmental engineering, offering innovative solutions to pressing global challenges in air quality and sustainable development. His dedication and scientific rigor position him as an influential figure in shaping healthier, cleaner environments for future generations.

Huihui Chen | Environmental Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Huihui Chen | Environmental Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Shanghai University | China

Ms. Huihui Chen is an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai University. With a strong background in environmental engineering and a research portfolio spanning sustainable waste management, hydrothermal processes, and low-carbon development strategies, Ms. Chen has established a solid reputation in advancing the field of environmental science. She has contributed significantly to the valorization of organic solid waste, sustainable energy recovery, and the study of environmental risk substances, making her a key figure in the development of green technologies and eco-industrial practices.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Ms. Huihui Chen received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Environmental Engineering from Kunming University of Science and Technology, where she was directly admitted into the master’s program due to her academic excellence. She then pursued her doctoral studies at Fudan University, earning a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering. Her outstanding performance was recognized with the Shanghai Outstanding Graduate Award and the Shanghai Tongji Gaotingyao Environmental Protection Technology Development Foundation Outstanding Young Doctoral Student Talent Award. During her doctoral journey, she also spent time as a visiting scholar at the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence and the Biorenewables Development Centre at the University of York in the United Kingdom, which broadened her academic vision and international research collaborations.

Experience

Ms. Huihui Chen’s professional journey has been marked by progressive academic and research roles. Following her doctoral graduation, she continued at Fudan University as a postdoctoral researcher, supported by the prestigious Shanghai Super Postdoctoral Fellowship. She later joined Shanghai University as a lecturer and advanced to the position of Associate Professor. At Shanghai University, she has been actively engaged in both teaching and research, offering courses such as Air Pollution Control Engineering, Organic Chemistry, Organic Solid Waste Resource Recovery Engineering, and Environmental Engineering Project. Beyond her teaching contributions, Ms. Chen has led multiple funded research projects, including those supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and several commissioned projects from government agencies, research laboratories, and industrial partners.

Research Interest

Ms. Huihui Chen’s research interests center on the comprehensive treatment and valorization of organic solid waste through the integration of thermochemical and biochemical processes. Her work investigates the migration and transformation of environmental risk substances during waste treatment and disposal, aiming to develop effective strategies for pollution control and risk mitigation. She also actively contributes to low-carbon and sustainable development planning, with a focus on eco-industrial park design and the development of methodologies for Chinese Certified Emission Reduction projects. Through her interdisciplinary research, she bridges environmental science, engineering, and sustainability studies, ensuring that her findings have both scientific value and practical applications for sustainable development.

Awards

Throughout her academic career, Ms. Huihui Chen has received several honors that reflect her scholarly excellence and leadership in the field. These include the Outstanding Young Doctoral Student Talent Award and the Shanghai Outstanding Graduate Award during her doctoral studies, as well as the highly competitive Shanghai Super Postdoctoral Fellowship. Her research outputs have been widely recognized, with several of her publications ranked as Highly Cited Papers, underscoring their influence and visibility in the global environmental science community.

Publications Top Notes

Ms. Huihui Chen has authored more than thirty peer-reviewed papers in internationally renowned journals. Selected publications include:

Title: Roles of different anions on hydrochar formation of lignocellulosic biomass.
Year: 2025

Title: Role of Accumulated Alkali and Alkaline-Earth Chloride Salts in Hydrochar Formation Produced from Lignocellulosic Biomass.
Year: 2023

Title: Hydrothermal pretreatment of sewage sludge enhanced the anaerobic degradation of cationic polyacrylamide (cPAM).
Year: 2021

Title: Mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion of aqueous phase generated from hydrothermal liquefaction of cornstalk: Molecular and metabolic insights.
Year: 2020

Title: Chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass: a critical comparison between biochemical, microwave and thermochemical conversion methods.
Year: 2020

Title: Characterization and utilization of aqueous products from hydrothermal conversion of biomass for bio-oil and hydro-char production.
Year: 2019

Title: Hydrothermal conversion of sewage sludge: Focusing on the characterization of liquid products and their methane yields.
Year: 2019

Conclusion

In summary, Ms. Huihui Chen has built a distinguished academic and research career that combines deep technical expertise with a vision for sustainable environmental solutions. Through her contributions to solid waste valorization, sustainable energy recovery, and low-carbon planning, she has addressed critical environmental challenges and provided innovative pathways for green development. Her publications, leadership in funded projects, and recognition by the scientific community highlight her as a rising leader in environmental engineering. With her ongoing research and commitment to education, Ms. Chen continues to make impactful contributions to both scientific knowledge and practical environmental sustainability.

 

Estefan Fonseca | Bioremediation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Estefan Fonseca | Bioremediation | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil

Estefan Monteiro da Fonseca is a distinguished researcher and academic with over two decades of experience in oceanographic and environmental geosciences. He currently serves as a Professor Adjunto I at Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), where he also operates as a full-time researcher at the Marine Geology Laboratory (LAGEMAR). Recognized nationally through a Productivity Researcher fellowship (CNPq Level 2), Fonseca is known for his multidisciplinary work in environmental monitoring, marine pollution, and the biogeochemical behavior of heavy metals. His contributions extend to international collaborations, editorial responsibilities, and active involvement in significant coastal and estuarine environmental projects, emphasizing his leadership and innovation in applied marine geosciences.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Fonseca’s academic foundation includes a Doctorate in Geology (2008) and a Master’s degree in Geology (2004), both from Universidade Federal Fluminense, where he also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Environmental Geology in 2010. His doctoral research included a sandwich program at Queen’s University Belfast, reflecting his international academic engagement. His early training began with a degree in Oceanography from Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro in 1999, with a focus on coastal water quality. These progressive academic stages have grounded his expertise in the complex interactions between chemical, biological, and geological factors in marine systems.

Experience

Professionally, Fonseca’s trajectory includes academic and technical roles that bridge academia and applied environmental science. He began his career as a technical environmental consultant at Labagua, followed by leadership in project management at Ecology & Environment do Brasil from 2006 to 2013, where he managed environmental licensing initiatives for the oil, gas, and port sectors. Since 2009, he has been integral to the academic and research activities at UFF, teaching courses in marine pollution and applied geology while mentoring graduate students. He has also served in visiting and substitute professor capacities at several institutions, including UERJ and FAMATH.

Research Interests

Fonseca’s research interests center on marine pollution, particularly the behavior and fractionation of heavy metals in sediments and their bioavailability to microorganisms. His scientific inquiries extend to the impacts of microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in aquatic ecosystems. His projects often apply multidisciplinary approaches combining geochemistry, oceanography, and microbiology. Fonseca also engages in bioassay techniques for toxicity assessment and supports the development of geochemical proxies for environmental monitoring in industrialized coastal zones.

Awards

Among his many accolades, Fonseca is the recipient of a CNPq Level 2 Productivity Researcher Grant, a prestigious recognition of sustained research excellence in Brazil. His international exposure and scholarly activities have earned him editorial roles in multiple peer-reviewed journals, such as Revista Eletrônica Sistemas & Gestão and Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. Additionally, he is Editor-in-Chief of the journal Sustainability & Governance, showcasing his commitment to scientific dissemination and environmental policy integration.

Publications

Fonseca’s recent high-impact publications demonstrate the depth and relevance of his work. Selected examples include:

  1. Gaylarde, C. C. & Fonseca, E. M. (2025). Biofertilization and Bioremediation. Micro, 5, 18.
  2. Giarrizzo et al., including Fonseca, E. M. (2025). MICROMar Project. Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, 34, 48–51.
  3. De Souza et al., including Fonseca, E. M. (2024). Bioaccumulation of PAHs in marine bivalves. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 199, 115900. (Cited by 3)
  4. Gaylarde, C. C.; Baptista Neto, J. A.; Fonseca, E. M. (2024). Indoor Airborne Microplastics. Microplastics, 3, 653–670. (Cited by 1)
  5. Pierri et al., including Fonseca, E. M. (2024). Effective microorganisms in shrimp farming. Acta Scientiarum. Biological Sciences, 46, e69227.
  6. Fonseca, E. M. et al. (2023). Microplastics in the cryosphere. Water Emerging Contaminants & Nanoplastics, 2, 1.
  7. Almeida et al., including Fonseca, E. M. (2023). Microplastic migration. Micro, 2, 62–77. (Cited by 17)

Conclusion

In conclusion, Estefan Monteiro da Fonseca exemplifies scientific excellence through his integrative approach to environmental geosciences, his prolific research output, and his dedication to both academic and applied scientific communities. His contributions address pressing global challenges such as pollution, climate change, and sustainable marine resource management, making him a compelling nominee for any award recognizing impactful scientific leadership.

Ulises Durán | Environmental Biotechnology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Ulises Durán | Environmental Biotechnology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Full Professor at Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana campus Iztapalapa, Mexico

Ulises Durán Hinojosa is a distinguished environmental biotechnology researcher with over fifteen years of dedicated academic and investigative contributions to the fields of anaerobic digestion, wastewater treatment, and organic waste bioconversion. Currently serving as a Full Professor at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, campus Iztapalapa, he has earned national recognition as a leading scholar and innovator in microbial-driven environmental technologies. His work stands at the interface of applied microbiology and sustainable environmental engineering, focusing on the microbial, biochemical, and technological dynamics of organic waste treatment and resource recovery systems. He is consistently sought out as a principal investigator and collaborator in national and international projects that advance scientific understanding and address critical challenges in energy recovery and pollution reduction.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Durán’s academic journey is deeply rooted in the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, where he completed his BSc in Biochemical Engineering, MSc in Biotechnology, and PhD in Environmental Engineering. This academic continuity reflects his commitment to institutional growth and knowledge development. His training encompasses a multidisciplinary approach that bridges engineering, biotechnology, and environmental science, allowing him to develop a strong foundation for tackling complex environmental challenges through biological and chemical innovation.

Experience

Professionally, Durán has developed a robust research portfolio that integrates experimental science with practical environmental applications. He has led or collaborated in eight funded research projects focusing on sludge valorization, decentralized biowaste treatment systems, and electrochemical treatment methods. His editorial involvement includes serving as a guest editor for a 2025 special issue on “Biotechnology and Materials for Wastewater Treatment” in Applied Sciences and reviewing for high-impact journals such as Bioresource Technology, Environmental Technology, and the Journal of Water Process Engineering. His professional standing is further reinforced by his designation as a National Researcher, an acknowledgment of excellence in scientific output and impact in Mexico.

Research

Durán’s research interests are centered on anaerobic digestion and methanogenesis, with particular emphasis on hybrid biological reactor systems and the use of electrochemical pretreatments for enhanced sludge degradation. He is also known for his work on microbial community dynamics using metagenomics tools, enabling deeper insights into how environmental stressors, such as antibiotics, influence microbial ecology and reactor performance. His contributions to wastewater biotechnology extend to the optimization of microbial consortia for improved methane yield and pollutant removal, reinforcing his status as a pioneer in sustainable waste management practices.

Awards

In recognition of his pioneering work, Ulises Durán was nominated in 2025 for the International Award in Environmental Biotechnology Research. This nomination highlights his leadership in developing technologies that contribute to circular economy principles, energy recovery, and environmental resilience. His capacity to integrate academic research with practical applications has led to meaningful outcomes in public health and environmental sustainability.

Publications

Durán has authored or co-authored 18 JCR-indexed publications, with 12 appearing in Q1 journals. He has served as first or corresponding author in eight of these, demonstrating both scientific leadership and originality. Selected key publications include:

  1. Durán U., et al. (2025). “Microbial community shifts by antibiotic exposure in swine wastewater,” Journal of Water Process Engineering, IF: 6.3 – cited by 5 articles.

  2. Mendoza-Tinoco T.P., Durán U., et al. (2024). “Water electrolysis in anaerobic digestion,” Bioresource Technology, IF: 9.7 – cited by 12 articles.

  3. Ochoa-Hernández M.E., Durán U., et al. (2023). “Active microbiota in UASB and hybrid reactors,” Journal of Environmental Management, IF: 8.0 – cited by 10 articles.

  4. Durán U., et al. (2022). “Methanogenic inhibition by antibiotics,” Environmental Technology & Innovation, IF: 6.7 – cited by 8 articles.

  5. Durán U., et al. (2010). “Vinyl acetate in acetoclastic methanogenesis,” Bioresource Technology, IF: 9.7 – cited by 42 articles.

  6. Durán U., et al. (2019). “New technologies for emerging micropollutant removal,” in Topics on Water Contaminants and Pollution, Clave Editorial – cited by 7 articles.

  7. Durán U., et al. (2017). “Solid-State Fermentation for Lignocellulase Production,” in Fermentation Processes, InTech – cited by 15 articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ulises Durán Hinojosa exemplifies the caliber of researcher deserving of international recognition for his sustained contributions to environmental biotechnology. His scientific rigor, editorial leadership, and commitment to sustainable innovation mark him as a key contributor to the global effort to address ecological challenges through microbial and bioprocess engineering.

Baran SEVEN | Heavy metal toxicity | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Baran SEVEN | Heavy metal toxicity | Young Scientist Award

R&D SPECİALİST at TST ORTHOPEDICS, India

Dr. Samadrita Sengupta is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Food and Nutrition at West Bengal State University, Barasat, Kolkata, India. With a strong foundation in food science and nutrition, she has made significant contributions to the advancement of food processing technologies and non-dairy food innovations. Her work primarily focuses on the development of soy-based functional foods and the exploration of bioactive compounds for health promotion. She is recognized for her interdisciplinary research that bridges food science with human health, making notable strides in areas such as hypercholesterolemia management through fortified foods.

Profile

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Sengupta pursued her education in food and nutrition with a dedicated focus on integrating biotechnology and food processing innovations. Her academic journey was shaped by a passion for advancing nutritional science through research and development. She has continuously expanded her expertise by engaging in thesis-based research that involved the processing technologies of fruits, dairy, and non-dairy products, along with the functional evaluation of oilseeds.

Experience:

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at West Bengal State University, Dr. Sengupta has accumulated considerable experience in teaching and research in food science. Her professional endeavors include guiding students, leading independent research projects, and presenting her findings at prestigious national and international conferences. She has spearheaded research projects examining the functional and nutritional properties of innovative food products and has contributed to academic discussions through numerous publications in reputed journals.

Research Interest:

Dr. Sengupta’s research interests lie at the intersection of food processing, nutrition science, and functional food development. Her major areas of focus include non-dairy product innovation, such as the creation of soy yogurt, soy cheese, and soy rasgulla, and the health benefits of bioactive food components. Particularly, she is investigating the cholesterol-lowering effects of bitter gourd seed oil, rich in α-Eleostearic acid, when incorporated into soy yogurt. Additionally, she has explored the application of nano-micronutrients in promoting health and preventing diseases, opening new frontiers in functional food research.

Award:

Given her outstanding contributions to food science and nutrition, Dr. Samadrita Sengupta is a strong nominee for the Biotechnology Scientist Award. Her innovative development of non-dairy functional foods, coupled with her research on bioactive components such as α-Eleostearic acid for managing hypercholesterolemia, exemplifies her eligibility for this honor. Her impactful research and continuous efforts to advance nutritional science underscore her significant role in the biotechnology and food science community.

Publication:

Dr. Sengupta has an impressive publication record with 15 journal papers, a citation index of 472, an h-index of 11, and an i10 index of 11, according to Google Scholar. A selection of her key publications includes:

  • Sengupta, S. (2021). Development and characterization of soy-based probiotic yogurt: An alternative non-dairy functional food. Journal of Food Science and Technology (Cited by 45).

  • Sengupta, S. (2020). Cholesterol-lowering effects of α-Eleostearic acid fortified soy yogurt in hypercholesterolemic models. Food Research International (Cited by 38).

  • Sengupta, S. (2019). Impact of nano micronutrients on metabolic health: A food science perspective. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Cited by 52).

  • Sengupta, S. (2018). Functional and nutritional properties of soy-based dairy alternatives. LWT – Food Science and Technology (Cited by 60).

  • Sengupta, S. (2017). Processing and evaluation of fruit-based non-dairy desserts. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation (Cited by 31).

  • Sengupta, S. (2016). Evaluation of oilseed fortification on nutritional profile of functional foods. Journal of Functional Foods (Cited by 42).

  • Sengupta, S. (2015). Emerging trends in non-dairy food processing technologies. Food Technology and Biotechnology (Cited by 32).

Conclusion:

Dr. Samadrita Sengupta exemplifies academic excellence, innovative research, and impactful contributions to the fields of food science and nutrition. Her pioneering work in developing functional, non-dairy food products, and exploring bioactive compounds’ health benefits demonstrates her commitment to bridging food technology with human wellness. With a robust publication record, leadership in research projects, and ongoing investigations into functional foods and micronutrients, Dr. Sengupta is an outstanding candidate for the Biotechnology Scientist Award. Her work continues to inspire advancements in nutrition and food processing technologies both nationally and internationally.