Lucian-Ionel Cioca | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lucian-Ionel Cioca | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Lucian-Ionel Cioca at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania

Prof. Dr. Lucian-Ionel CIOCA 🇷🇴 is a distinguished academic and research leader in the fields of Engineering and Management, with more than three decades of experience in higher education, research, and public service. He currently serves as a Full Professor, Doctoral Advisor, and Director of multiple postgraduate programs at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania. His contributions span across academic teaching, research coordination, quality assurance, curriculum design, and institutional leadership. Prof. CIOCA is also known for his national-level advisory roles in Romania’s ministries of education, research, labor, and innovation. His expertise and leadership have significantly influenced the development of occupational safety, higher education reform, and sustainable development practices in Eastern Europe. A dedicated mentor, policy advisor, and project manager, he has led numerous national and international research initiatives, including EU-funded Erasmus+ and PN-III programs. Through his work, he has impacted thousands of students, researchers, and policymakers.

Professional Profile 

 

Education

Prof. CIOCA’s academic path reflects a commitment to continuous learning and excellence. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Management and has acquired advanced training in Higher Education Management, Quality Systems, and Leadership. His formal educational trajectory began with engineering degrees and extended through various postgraduate certifications, including programs at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies and Spiru Haret University. Notable certifications include the Professional Skills Certificate in Higher Education Management, a Graduation Certificate in Leadership Training, and a Quality Systems Manager credential. This rich educational foundation has equipped him with interdisciplinary insight—combining technology, safety, organizational strategy, and innovation. 🎓📖🛠️ His strong theoretical base supports his vast teaching and research capabilities, allowing him to excel in academia, industry collaboration, and public sector policy advisory roles.

Professional Experience

Prof. CIOCA’s career spans over 30 years in academia, research, project management, and public service. Since 1994, he has held multiple roles at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, evolving from an engineer and teaching assistant to a full professor and doctoral supervisor. He has directed or coordinated dozens of research and educational projects funded by EU bodies and Romanian ministries. His leadership roles include: President of the Ardeleana Academy Foundation, Project Manager for bio-surfactant research, evaluator for ARACIS, and national committee member for doctoral title validation (CNATDCU). 🏛️💡 As a seasoned educator, he has taught courses in ergonomics, management, and occupational safety, and supervised postgraduate and doctoral research. His influence extends beyond the university, participating in national councils, labor safety committees, and research evaluation panels. He is also active in lifelong learning, career development, and curriculum modernization across multiple sectors.

Research Interests

Prof. CIOCA’s research interests are multidisciplinary and closely aligned with pressing societal needs. His core focus areas include Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering Management, Industrial Ergonomics, Risk Assessment, Sustainable Production Systems, and Educational Innovation. 🔍🧠 His work explores the interface between human systems and industrial environments—improving safety, performance, and sustainability. Recent interests include the conversion of food waste into bio-surfactants and the application of blended learning tools for sustainable engineering education. Prof. CIOCA’s research is practical, policy-oriented, and deeply impactful, often leading to real-world applications, strategic frameworks, and technological innovation. He emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of digital tools, systems thinking, and community inclusion in his projects. Through participation in both national and international programs, his research consistently addresses global challenges in health, education, and environment.

Research Skills

Prof. CIOCA possesses an exceptional skill set that bridges theoretical analysis and applied science. His expertise includes quantitative research methods, multi-criteria decision-making, project management, impact evaluation, and policy development. 🧑‍🔬📈 He is highly skilled in coordinating research consortia, securing competitive funding, drafting technical documentation, and leading interdisciplinary teams. As a doctoral advisor, he applies rigorous scientific methodology to guide Ph.D. candidates through complex projects. His capacity for grant writing, statistical modeling, scientific communication, and systemic evaluation has made him a trusted evaluator and reviewer for national and European research agencies. He is also proficient in developing e-learning tools, digital frameworks for education, and sustainable engineering solutions. His ability to align research outcomes with social, educational, and industrial objectives makes his scientific work both relevant and transformative.

Awards and Honors

Prof. CIOCA has received numerous recognitions for his excellence in teaching, research, and public service. His honors include appointments to Romanian national advisory councils for education and research, as well as invitations to serve as a project evaluator for the National Council for Scientific Research (CNCSIS) and Ministry of Research and Innovation. 🎖️📜 His leadership roles in policy-making committees, such as CCCDI and CNATDCU, further reflect national acknowledgment of his scholarly integrity and expertise. While his CV highlights significant contributions, further detail on specific academic or international research awards would amplify his global stature. Nevertheless, his institutional appointments, high-level responsibilities, and long-standing advisory roles serve as indirect honors that signify sustained excellence, trust, and academic impact. His work in bridging science and society through education, safety, and sustainability initiatives remains highly commendable.

Conclusion

Prof. Lucian-Ionel CIOCA is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, especially from a national and institutional research leadership perspective. His contributions to research management, doctoral training, and policy-making are outstanding. However, to strongly secure this award — especially in competitive international settings — it would be beneficial to supplement his portfolio with:

  • A comprehensive list of high-impact publications,

  • Citation metrics (h-index, total citations, etc.), and

  • Documented international collaborations or honors.

If the award also recognizes research leadership, innovation, and multidisciplinary impact, he is an excellent candidate.

Publications Top Noted

  • “Introduction of the circular economy within developing regions: A comparative analysis of advantages and opportunities for waste valorization”

    • 📅 Year: 2019

    • 📊 Citations: 458

  • “Treatment and disposal of tyres: Two EU approaches. A review”

    • 📅 Year: 2015

    • 📊 Citations: 383

  • “Achieving green innovation and sustainable development goals through green knowledge management: Moderating role of organizational green culture”

    • 📅 Year: 2022

    • 📊 Citations: 356

  • “Studies and investigation about the attitude towards sustainable production, consumption and waste generation in line with circular economy in Romania”

    • 📅 Year: 2018

    • 📊 Citations: 157

  • “Sustainable Development and Technological Impact on CO₂ Reducing Conditions in Romania”

    • 📅 Year: 2015

    • 📊 Citations: 112

  • “Factors influencing consumer behavior toward green products: A systematic literature review”

    • 📅 Year: 2022

    • 📊 Citations: 111

  • “Does servant leadership promote emotional intelligence and organizational citizenship behavior among employees? A structural analysis”

    • 📅 Year: 2022

    • 📊 Citations: 101

  • “How supportive are Romanian consumers of the circular economy concept: A survey”

    • 📅 Year: 2016

    • 📊 Citations: 101

  • “Conceptualizing core aspects on circular economy in cities”

    • 📅 Year: 2021

    • 📊 Citations: 92

  • “Occupational accidents assessment by field of activity and investigation model for prevention and control”

    • 📅 Year: 2019

    • 📊 Citations: 91

  • “Rationale and criteria development for risk assessment tool selection in work environments”

    • 📅 Year: 2014

    • 📊 Citations: 90

  • “Explosion and/or fire risk assessment methodology: a common approach, structured for underground coalmine environments”

    • 📅 Year: 2012

    • 📊 Citations: 84

  • “Circular economy and waste to energy”

    • 📅 Year: 2018

    • 📊 Citations: 72

  • “Risk indicators and road accident analysis for the period 2012–2016”

    • 📅 Year: 2017

    • 📊 Citations: 72

  • “Relationship between corporate social responsibility, organizational trust, and corporate reputation for sustainable performance”

    • 📅 Year: 2022

    • 📊 Citations: 68

  • “Sustainable development model for the automotive industry”

    • 📅 Year: 2019

    • 📊 Citations: 68

  • “Consumers in the circular economy: A path analysis of the underlying factors of purchasing behaviour”

    • 📅 Year: 2022

    • 📊 Citations: 66

  • “Selective collection quality index for municipal solid waste management”

    • 📅 Year: 2018

    • 📊 Citations: 64

  • “Good practices and actions for sustainable municipal solid waste management in the tourist sector”

    • 📅 Year: 2018

    • 📊 Citations: 63

  • “Optimizing the methodology of characterization of municipal solid waste in EU under a circular economy perspective”

    • 📅 Year: 2017

    • 📊 Citations: 63

Zhenming Zhang | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhenming Zhang | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Guizhou University, China

Dr. Zhenming Zhang, a distinguished Professor at the College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, is a leading researcher specializing in soil science, environmental remediation, and microplastic pollution. He earned his Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and has held positions as a senior researcher, postdoctoral fellow, and associate professor. Dr. Zhang has authored over 40 scientific papers in top international journals and holds 30 national invention patents, demonstrating both academic excellence and practical innovation. His research addresses critical environmental challenges, including carbon cycling, agricultural pollution prevention, and soil health. Recognized with multiple prestigious awards in Guizhou Province, he serves as a chief expert in forestry ecology and is part of several expert committees. His interdisciplinary and applied research has significantly contributed to sustainable environmental management. Dr. Zhang’s work showcases a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and technological development in fragile ecological regions.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓 

Dr. Zhenming Zhang has a strong academic foundation in environmental and soil sciences. He earned his Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing, China, between 2014 and 2017, where he developed advanced expertise in soil remediation and environmental sustainability. Prior to that, he completed his Master’s degree in Soil Science at Guizhou University, Guiyang Province, China, from 2009 to 2012, focusing on soil nutrient management and land rehabilitation. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Anhui Normal University, Anhui Province, China, which he pursued from 2005 to 2009. Throughout his education, Dr. Zhang demonstrated a strong commitment to research and innovation, building a multidisciplinary understanding that bridges environmental science, soil ecology, and pollution control. His academic training has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to address complex environmental issues and contribute significantly to sustainable resource management and ecological protection.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Zhenming Zhang has extensive professional experience in research, teaching, and scientific innovation. Since 2021, he has served as a Senior Researcher at the College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, where he leads projects in soil science, environmental remediation, and pollution control. Before this role, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences from 2017 to 2020, focusing on advanced agricultural and environmental research. Earlier, from 2013 to 2021, he worked as an Associate Professor at the Guizhou Institute of Biology, Guizhou Academy of Sciences, contributing to major projects on environmental sustainability and resource management. Over his career, Dr. Zhang has combined academic leadership with practical application, securing numerous patents and publishing extensively in international journals. His professional journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing environmental science, mentoring young researchers, and developing innovative solutions for fragile ecological regions and sustainable agricultural practices.

Research Interest 🔬

Dr. Zhenming Zhang’s research interests center on addressing critical environmental challenges through innovative scientific approaches. His work focuses on the carbon cycle processes and carbon sink dynamics in fragile ecological regions, aiming to enhance climate change mitigation strategies. He is deeply involved in the efficient regulation of soil water and fertilizer systems to promote sustainable agricultural productivity. Additionally, Dr. Zhang is committed to the prevention and control of agricultural environmental pollution, developing methods to reduce the ecological impact of farming practices. His expertise also extends to soil remediation techniques that ensure high-efficiency, quality, and safe cultivation. A significant part of his current research targets the monitoring, distribution, and treatment of microplastic pollution in soil, water, and sediments, which has become a major global concern. Through these diverse but interconnected areas, Dr. Zhang’s research contributes to sustainable environmental management, ecosystem restoration, and the protection of agricultural and natural resources.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Zhenming Zhang has received numerous awards and honors recognizing his outstanding contributions to environmental science and technology. He was a major contributor to projects that earned the Second Prize for the Transformation of Scientific and Technological Achievements and the Third Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress in Guizhou Province. He was also named an Excellent Scientific Research Worker by the Guizhou Academy of Sciences for the period 2014–2016. His leadership and expertise have been further acknowledged through prestigious titles such as “Western Light Visiting Scholar” by the Organization Department of the Central Committee of China, Chief Expert of Guizhou Province’s Forestry Ecology, and Thousand-Level Talent of Guizhou Province. Additionally, he has been recognized as an Outstanding Young Scientific and Technological Talent in Forestry and serves as an expert in multiple provincial committees, including the Agricultural Product Geographical Indications Evaluation and the Comprehensive Bid Evaluation Database. His honors reflect broad academic and practical influence.

Research Skill🔎

Dr. Zhenming Zhang possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills that have positioned him as a leader in environmental science and soil research. He is highly skilled in investigating carbon cycling and carbon sink mechanisms in fragile ecosystems, utilizing advanced field sampling, laboratory analysis, and data modeling techniques. His expertise extends to soil-water-fertilizer regulation, where he applies innovative methods to optimize soil health and agricultural sustainability. Dr. Zhang has strong capabilities in pollution prevention, particularly in monitoring, characterizing, and remediating agricultural pollutants and microplastics in soil and water systems. He is proficient in geospatial analysis, GIS-based environmental modeling, and risk assessment of soil contaminants. Additionally, his experience in patent development demonstrates practical innovation skills, bridging research with real-world applications. His interdisciplinary approach integrates environmental engineering, soil science, and ecological restoration, making him adept at addressing complex environmental problems and contributing to sustainable development solutions.

Conclusion📝

Dr. Prof. Zhenming Zhang is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His consistent research output, innovative focus on environmental challenges, patent contributions, and multiple prestigious awards at the regional level all strongly support his candidacy. However, for even stronger competitiveness at international levels, increasing his global research visibility, leadership in major international grants, and citation impact metrics would be recommended steps forward.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Jiachun Zhang, Yunchao Zhou, Zhenming Zhang, Yanchao Lv. (2025). Environmental Technology and Innovation.

  • Qiuxiao Yan, Shaoxia Lin, Fuxiao Wei, Zhenming Zhang, Daoping Wang. (2025). Journal of Hazardous Materials.

  • Wen Hu, Zhenming Zhang, Guiting Mu. (2025). Journal of Cleaner Production.

  • Fupeng Li, Yongcheng Jiang, Lei Wu, Zhenming Zhang. (2025). Catena.
    Citations: 1

  • Yongcheng Jiang, Fupeng Li, Yufeng Gong, Xiuyuan Yang, Zhenming Zhang. (2025). Land Degradation and Development.

  • Lichun Wu, Xiuyuan Yang, Fudong Zhang, Zhenming Zhang. (2024). Science of the Total Environment.

  • Xinglei Wang, Simeng Tang, Ling Ding, Xianfei Huang, Xuetao Guo. (2024) — (Note: Zhenming Zhang is not listed here as an author.

  • Yongcheng Jiang, Fupeng Li, Yufeng Gong, Xiuyuan Yang, Zhenming Zhang. (2024). Journal of Hazardous Materials.
    Citations: 2

  • Jinnan Xiao, Xiuyuan Yang, Zhenming Zhang, Zhaowen Yang, Xinrui Zhang. (2024). Water, Air, and Soil Pollution.
    Citations: 1

  • Yufeng Gong, Wei Ren, Fupeng Li, Yongcheng Jiang, Zhenming Zhang. (2024). Environmental Technology and Innovation.