Masoud Bijani | Ecology | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Masoud Bijani | Ecology | Editorial Board Member

Tarbiat Modares University | Iran

Dr. Masoud Bijani is an Associate Professor of Agricultural Extension and Education in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Education at the College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran, Iran, recognized for his extensive academic, administrative, and research contributions across agricultural extension, rural sociology, natural resources, and environmental studies. He holds multiple academic degrees in Agricultural Extension and Education from Shiraz University, the University of Tehran, and the Islamic Azad University Science and Research Branch, with each stage of his training culminating in high-ranking scholarly performance, including first-grade standings in his B.Sc., M.Sc., and initial Ph.D. programs and second-grade distinction in his additional Ph.D. specialization in Agricultural Extension. His scholarly journey includes a study leave at Freie Universität Berlin under the supervision of leading experts in water conflicts and environmental sociology, where he also taught applied statistics and SPSS for doctoral students. Dr. Bijani has served in a wide range of influential academic roles, including faculty positions at the Islamic Azad University Boroujerd Branch and Ramin University of Ahwaz, research affairs director, head of department, portal committee director, vice-chancellor of national agricultural academic networks, head of the College of Agriculture library, and board member or council member in numerous national scientific, technical, agricultural extension, and water resource organizations. His research interests span agricultural extension productivity, ICT in agriculture, rural development, social studies in agriculture and natural resources, water conflict analysis, environmental decision-making, e-learning, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and statistical applications in social sciences. He is widely recognized for his professional mastery of SPSS, Word, PowerPoint, and extension teaching methods, holding editorial and guest editor roles in various scholarly journals. Dr. Bijani is also author of major academic works including Learning of Triple Knowledge (Knowledge for Knowing, Knowledge for Doing, Knowledge for Being) and Introduction on Analyzing and Measuring Agricultural Extension Productivity, illustrating his long-standing dedication to advancing agricultural education, sustainability, and human–environment interaction.

Profile : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications : 

Human ecological analysis of conflict toward using natural resources: Evidence from Iran. (2025). Environmental Challenges.

Digital markets, local products: Psychological drivers of buying nomadic local foods online. (2025). Foods.

Mapping socio-institutional studies of biodiversity governance and climate change justice in wetland ecosystems. (2025).

Assessment of sustainability trend of apicultural industry: Evidence from beekeepers in Iran. (2025). Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology.

Comparing predictive power of planned behavior and social cognition theories on students’ pro-environmental behaviors: The case of University of Zanjan, Iran. (2025). Journal of Cleaner Production.

Toward tenure security: The relationship between women’s land ownership, formal land title documents and their empowerment. (2025). Land Use Policy.

 

Morteza Jafarsalehi | Ecology | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Morteza Jafarsalehi | Ecology | Editorial Board Member

Ph.D. Student at Kashan University of Medical sciences | Iran

Dr. Morteza Jafarsalehi is an environmental health engineering professional with a strong interdisciplinary background bridging environmental biotechnology, wastewater treatment innovation, and sustainable engineering solutions, recognized for his extensive experience across hospital environmental management, wastewater system design, and advanced academic research. His academic journey includes foundational and advanced studies in environmental health engineering, culminating in research focused on nutrient removal using enhanced anaerobic baffled reactor–anammox configurations and earlier work on carbon dioxide biofixation from flue gases through Spirulina microalgae cultivation in photobioreactors, supported by additional projects evaluating phosphorus removal and microalgal biomass production. He has authored publications addressing CO₂ removal using microalgae, phosphorus recovery in wastewater, carbon capture from residential combustion gases, biogas optimization in wastewater treatment facilities through co-digestion strategies, and cleaner biomass combustion practices for NOx mitigation, reflecting his commitment to environmentally sustainable technologies. Professionally, he has maintained a long-term role as an Environmental Health Officer at a major hospital, supervising critical systems including wastewater treatment operations, sterile services, ventilation systems, hazardous waste handling, infection control measures, and environmental risk management, alongside responsibilities in procurement and training. In parallel, he has contributed as a wastewater treatment designer involved in packaged treatment plants, anaerobic baffled reactors, septic systems, and grease traps. His earlier engineering roles included sewer planning, hydraulic calculations, pipeline pressurization, field surveying, and software-based sewer network modeling. His research and professional interests span CO₂ biofixation, carbon capture and storage, high-rate anaerobic systems, enhanced biomethane generation, energy–environment integration, autonomy in wastewater treatment plants, and sustainable management of desalination brine. His profile reflects a blend of scientific depth, engineering practice, and environmental stewardship dedicated to advancing cleaner technologies.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications : 

Jafarsalehi, M. (in press). Primary measures for cleaner biomass combustion to reduce NOx: A narrative review on solid biomass fuels, NOx sources, small-scale boilers, auxiliary equipment, fuel management and fuel quality improvement. Fuel.

Jawad Hussain | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Jawad Hussain | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad | Pakistan

Mr. Jawad Hussain is a Pakistani researcher and nature enthusiast specializing in Plant Ecology, Phytogeography, Endemism, Ethnobotany, and Conservation, with an exceptional academic record and research experience that spans ecological modeling, biodiversity assessment, and environmental sustainability. He holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Plant Sciences from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad—Pakistan’s top-ranked research institution—where his thesis focused on the ethno-ecological studies and species distribution modeling of selected medicinal endemic plants from Northern Pakistan, reflecting his deep commitment to plant conservation and ecological balance. His scientific work integrates ecosystem ecology, species distribution modeling (SDM), GIS mapping, phytoremediation, vegetation and population ecology, and climate change assessment, advancing the understanding of biotic-abiotic interactions and their influence on species survival under changing climatic scenarios. Jawad has contributed to several impactful publications in high-impact journals such as Journal of Environmental Management, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, and Biology Bulletin Reviews, with research highlighting endangered species modeling, invasive species monitoring, and sustainable forest management. He has also worked extensively under the PSF-NSFC collaborative project focusing on ecological and molecular assessments of prioritized endemic plants, emphasizing the need for scientific-based conservation strategies. Skilled in advanced analytical tools including R, Python, Google Earth Engine, GIS, SEM, and multivariate statistical modeling, Jawad brings a strong quantitative dimension to plant ecological research. His broad field and laboratory experience across regions like Swat, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and Dir underscores his dedication to biodiversity documentation and conservation in mountainous ecosystems. With honors including a Silver Medal and Position Holder Award, and multiple international conference presentations, Jawad Hussain exemplifies a new generation of dedicated young scientists committed to advancing global ecological research, plant diversity conservation, and sustainable environmental stewardship.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Khan, M. S., Khan, S. M., Abdullah, Liu, J., Wu, Z. Y., Hussain, J., Zeb, S. A., … & Ali, S. (2025). Ecological assessment of Iris hookeriana across subalpine and alpine regions of the Hindu-Himalayas. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 8, 1539025.

Shah, M., Khan, S. M., Manan, F., Hussain, J., Din, Z. U., Shah, I., Arshad, M., … & Ahmad, I. (2025). Role of the plant nurseries in spread of invasive alien plant species in Pakistan’s subtropical region; A threat for urban greening. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 105, 128688.

Hussain, J., Khan, S. M., Khan, M. S., Saqib, Z., Ahmad, Z., Shah, M., Mohammad, N., … & Liu, J. (2025). Distribution modelling and future prediction of a threatened species—Heracleum candicans Wall. ex DC.; Within the framework of biotic and abiotic interactions. Journal of Environmental Management, 387, 125818.

Abdullah, A., Khan, S. M., Afza, R., Kipkoech, A., Zeb, S. A., Haq, Z., Manan, F., Ahmad, Z., Khan, M. S., Hussain, J., & Balslev, H. (2025). Phosphorus dynamics in Nannorrhops ritchieana (Mazri) forests across different climatic zones of Pakistan: A framework for sustainability and management. Wild, 2(4), 41.

Ali, N., Ullah, S., Maula, F., Saba, M., Ali, A., & Hussain, J. (2025). First report of Singerocybe alboinfundibuliformis from Pakistan based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies. Biology Bulletin Reviews, 15(2), 300–305.

Hiroto Yamamoto | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Hiroto Yamamoto | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D Student at Department of Natural Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo | Japan

Mr. Hiroto Yamamoto is a dedicated marine scientist currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to the advancement of fisheries science and marine technology. He earned his Master’s degree in Fishery Science from the Graduate School of Kindai University, where he developed a deep interest in the intersection of aquatic biology, fishery management, and technological innovation in marine research. As a researcher, Mr. Yamamoto focuses on exploring advanced methodologies for understanding and conserving marine megafauna, particularly through the integration of modern imaging techniques and quantitative analysis. His publication “Estimating Whale Shark, Rhincodon typus, Length Using Multi-Stereo-Image Measurement” highlights his contribution to the field of marine biology and his expertise in applying digital and imaging technologies to enhance accuracy in aquatic species assessment. His work demonstrates how innovative image-based approaches can provide non-invasive, reliable, and scalable solutions for monitoring large marine organisms, which are often challenging to study in natural habitats. By combining field-based observation with computational modeling, he aims to contribute toward sustainable ocean resource management and the broader goals of marine biodiversity conservation. Based at the University of Tokyo’s Kashiwa Campus in Chiba, Hiroto Yamamoto continues to expand his research portfolio through interdisciplinary collaborations and cutting-edge techniques in marine ecosystem analysis. His forward-looking research vision reflects a deep passion for understanding the dynamics of ocean life and advancing the scientific foundation for global marine sustainability.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publications

Yamamoto, H., Sasaki, A., Kanna, T., Mitsunaga, Y., & Torisawa, S. (2025, October 10). Estimating whale shark (Rhincodon typus) length using multi-stereo-image measurement. Fishes, 10(10), 513.

Fabricio Leandro Damasceno | Ecology | Best Scholar Award

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Mr. Fabricio Leandro Damasceno | Ecology | Best Scholar Award

PhD at Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro | Brazil

Mr. Fabricio Leandro Damasceno is an emerging environmental scholar and PhD student at the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, specializing in ecology, environmental geoscience, and geochemistry. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in geological and environmental sciences, with advanced training in the application of geotechnologies for ecological monitoring and environmental analysis. Professionally, he has contributed to multiple research initiatives addressing marine and coastal ecosystem health, particularly in southeastern Brazil, focusing on Guanabara, Sepetiba, and Ilha Grande Bays. His research interests center on ecological quality assessment, environmental pollution, biogeochemical processes, and the use of living benthic foraminifera as bioindicators for ecosystem evaluation. Equipped with strong research skills in geochemical analysis, biomonitoring, isotopic modeling, and ecological data interpretation, he effectively integrates field observations with laboratory-based methods to provide holistic environmental insights. Damasceno’s works published in high-impact journals such as Environmental Pollution, Chemosphere, and Marine Environmental Research demonstrate his innovative approach to environmental diagnostics. He has been recognized for his scholarly contributions and collaboration in advancing ecological assessment frameworks in Brazil. Overall, his research and academic achievements reflect a deep commitment to sustainable coastal management and the development of reliable tools for environmental decision-making.

Profile : Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Nunes, M., Martins, M. V. A., Frontalini, F., Bouchet, V. M. P., Francescangeli, F., & Damasceno, F. L. (2023). Inferring the ecological quality status based on living benthic foraminiferal indices in transitional areas of the Guanabara Bay (SE Brazil). Environmental Pollution, 320, 121003.

Damasceno, F. L., Martins, M. V. A., Frontalini, F., Pawlowski, J., Cermakova, K., & others. (2024). Assessment of the ecological quality status of the Sepetiba Bay (SE Brazil): When metabarcoding meets morphology on foraminifera. Marine Environmental Research, 195, 106340.

Damasceno, F. L., Martins, M. V. A., Senez-Mello, T. M., Santos, L. G. C., & others. (2024). Potential ecological risk by metals in Sepetiba Bay (SE Brazil): Exporting metals to the oceanic region. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 141, 104934.

Senez-Mello, T. M., Martins, M. V. A., de Lima Ferreira, P. A., Figueira, R., & Damasceno, F. L. (2024). Assessment of anthropogenic pollution in Guanabara Bay (SE Brazil) through biogeochemical data and stable isotope mixing models. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31(22), 32972–32997.

Ferreira, F. L. D., & da Silva, T. P. (2019). Avaliação morfotectônica com base em assimetria de bacias de drenagem em um setor da depressão topográfica do Rio Pomba (Palma/MG–RJ). Revista Multidisciplinar Mundo Livre (UFF-Campos), 5(2).

Azad Teimori | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Azad Teimori | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

 

Academic Staff st Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman | Iran 

Prof. Dr. Azad Teimori is a distinguished ichthyologist with extensive expertise in fish taxonomy, systematics, evolution, and biodiversity, focusing on both freshwater and marine species, particularly killifishes. He earned his advanced degrees in biology and ichthyology, establishing a strong foundation in molecular and morphological approaches to phylogeny, speciation, and adaptive responses to environmental extremes. Over his career, he has gained extensive professional experience in field sampling, laboratory breeding, microscopy, molecular biology, and phylogenetic analyses, contributing significantly to understanding fish diversity, historical biogeography, and conservation in Iran and neighboring regions. His research interests span fish morphology, otolith analysis, scale structure, evolutionary processes, climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems, and documenting new species. Dr. Teimori possesses strong research skills in both experimental and analytical methods, integrating molecular and morphological datasets to elucidate evolutionary relationships. He has authored numerous books, book chapters, and 92 peer-reviewed articles, which have been cited 1,347 times by 558 documents, earning him an h-index of 20. Recognized with multiple national and international awards, his work provides foundational insights for biodiversity conservation, species identification, and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems, making him a leading authority in ichthyology and a key contributor to global fish research.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Esmaeili, H. R., Coad, B. W., Gholamifard, A., Nazari, N., & Teimori, A. (2010). Annotated checklist of the freshwater fishes of Iran. Zoosystematica Rossica, 19(2), 361–386.

Esmaeili, H. R., Teimori, A., Abbasi, K., & Coad, B. W. (2014). Alien and invasive freshwater fish species in Iran: Diversity, environmental impacts and management. Iranian Journal of Ichthyology, 1(2), 61–72.

Reichenbacher, B., Kamrani, E., Esmaeili, H. R., & Teimori, A. (2009). The endangered cyprinodont Aphanius ginaonis (Holly, 1929) from southern Iran is a valid species: Evidence from otolith morphology. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 86(4), 507–521.

Teimori, A., Esmaeili, H. R., Erpenbeck, D., & Reichenbacher, B. (2014). A new and unique species of the genus Aphanius Nardo, 1827 (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae) from southern Iran: A case of regressive evolution. Zoologischer Anzeiger – A Journal of Comparative Zoology, 253(4), 327–337.

Teimori, A., Schulz-Mirbach, T., Esmaeili, H. R., & Reichenbacher, B. (2012). Geographical differentiation of Aphanius dispar (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae) from southern Iran. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research, 50(4), 289–304.

Shakil Zeb | Ecology | Best Scholar Award

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Mr. Shakil Zeb | Ecology | Best Scholar Award

PhD Scholar at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad | Pakistan

Mr. Shakil Zeb, a promising scholar at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan, specializes in plant ecology, conservation, and riparian vegetation studies. He earned his M.Phil. in Plant Sciences (2020) and M.Sc. in Botany (2017) from Quaid-i-Azam University, and holds additional degrees in Education from Allama Iqbal Open University. His research experience spans field data collection, plant identification, herbarium specimen processing, soil analysis, GIS mapping, and statistical analysis using PCORD and CANCOO, alongside laboratory expertise in PCR, atomic absorption spectrometry, and nanodrop systems. With 6 published documents, cited 40 times across 39 citing documents, and an h-index of 3, he has contributed to studies on riparian vegetation classification, ethnobotany, wild edible mushrooms, and carbon sequestration in the Hindukush-Himalaya region. Mr. Zeb has actively participated in international symposia, poster presentations, workshops, and volunteer initiatives, demonstrating strong leadership, communication, and academic engagement. He has received multiple recognitions for research contributions, academic excellence, and community involvement. His expertise and interdisciplinary skills indicate strong potential for producing high-impact publications, expanding international collaborations, and advancing applied research in ecology. With a commitment to conservation and sustainable resource management, Mr. Shakil Zeb is poised to become a leading researcher and mentor, contributing significantly to ecological science and environmental sustainability at both national and global levels.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Zeb, S. A., Khan, S. M., Ahmad, Z., & Abdullah. (2021). Phytogeographic elements and vegetation along the river Panjkora—Classification and ordination studies from the Hindu Kush Mountains range. The Botanical Review, 87(4), 518–542.

Ahmad, Z., Khan, S. M., Afza, R., Ullah, A., Zeb, S. A., Issayeva, K. S., & Bekzatqyzy, I. S. (2023). Angiosperms distribution under the influence of microclimatic factors across a polluted ecosystem. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 9, 100223.

Muhammad Shakeel Khan, F. M. S. A., Shujaul Mulk Khan, S. M.*, Abdullah, & Liu, J. (2025). Ecological assessment of Iris hookeriana across subalpine and alpine regions of the Hindu-Himalayas. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 8, 1–15.

Abdullah. (2021). Phytogeographic elements and vegetation along the River Panjkora—Classification and ordination studies from the Hindu Kush Mountains range. Botanical Review, 1–25.

Bashir ud Din, N. Z. S. A. Z., Hadi, F., Zahoor ul Haq, Z., Ahmed, M., Abbas, M., … & Zeb, S. A. (2020). Ethno botanical perspective of medicinal plants in Mulkhow Valley District Upper Chitral, Pakistan. Academic Journal of Plant Sciences, 13(1), 15–22.

Romina Sayahnia | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Romina Sayahnia | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Shahid Beheshti University | Iran

Assistant Professor Dr. Romina Sayahnia is a distinguished scholar in the field of ecology and environmental planning, currently serving at the Department of Environmental Planning and Design, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Planning (2012) from the University of Tehran, where her dissertation focused on ecological capability evaluation for urban development, preceded by an M.Sc. in Environmental Planning, Management and Education (2002) and a B.Sc. in Green Space and Landscape Engineering (1998), both completed with top distinction. With nearly two decades of professional academic experience, she has made impactful contributions to sustainable urban development, ecological modeling, and resilience studies. Her research interests include carrying capacity analysis, spatial planning, GIS/RS applications, environmental modeling, and resilience frameworks, with practical applications in both urban and natural ecosystems. Dr. Sayahnia has developed strong research skills in ecological capability modeling, spatial analysis, and interdisciplinary environmental planning, applying these in 10 completed or ongoing research projects and five consultancy or industry projects. She has published 19 documents, which have received 170 citations from 161 different documents, reflecting her growing recognition in the international research community. A committed academic leader, she is an active member of the Iranian Association for Environmental Assessment (IAEA) and engages with professional and community initiatives to advance environmental sustainability. Though not yet decorated with international awards, her consistent scholarly achievements and professional service mark her as an emerging leader in her field. In conclusion, Dr. Sayahnia’s academic excellence, impactful publications, and commitment to ecological resilience and sustainable planning establish her as a highly deserving candidate for international recognition and awards in ecology and environmental sciences.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Mokhtari, Z., Barghjelveh, S., Sayahnia, R., Karami, P., Qureshi, S., & Russo, A. (2022). Spatial pattern of the green heat sink using patch-and network-based analysis: Implication for urban temperature alleviation. Sustainable Cities and Society, 83, 103964.

Ebrahimi, E., Sayahnia, R., Ranjbaran, Y., Vaissi, S., & Ahmadzadeh, F. (2021). Dynamics of threatened mammalian distribution in Iran’s protected areas under climate change. Mammalian Biology, 101(6), 759–774.

Mir, A., Sobhani, P., & Sayahnia, R. (2022). Assessment of the ecological footprint associated with consumption resources and urbanization development in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran. Results in Engineering, 16, 100673.

Mahmoudi, H., Sayahnia, R., Esmaeilzadeh, H., & Azadi, H. (2018). Integrating resilience assessment in environmental impact assessment. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 14(5), 567–570.

Ebrahimi, E., Ranjbaran, Y., Sayahnia, R., & Ahmadzadeh, F. (2022). Assessing the climate change effects on the distribution pattern of the Azerbaijan Mountain Newt (Neurergus crocatus). Ecological Complexity, 50, 100997.

Prince Owusu | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Prince Owusu | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology College of Agriculture and Natural Resources | Ghana

Mr. Prince Owusu is an emerging ecologist and natural resources scholar from Ghana with a strong academic and professional background in environmental governance, sustainability, and forest management. He earned a BSc in Natural Resources Management (Silviculture and Forest Management option) in 2023 and an MPhil in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance in 2025, both from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Professionally, he has worked with leading organizations including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), UNESCO, the Forestry Commission of Ghana, CIAT in partnership with Mondelez, and the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance under the European Forest Institute. His research interests span ecological economics, environmental governance, climate change, ecosystem services, rural livelihoods, and landscape restoration, with special attention to socio-economic dimensions of conservation. He possesses advanced research skills in data collection, SPSS and R-based statistical analysis, GIS applications, and technical report writing. Owusu has published in reputable outlets such as Journal of Sustainable Forestry (Taylor & Francis), Scientific African (Elsevier), and Journal of Sustainability Science (Springer). His academic excellence has been recognized through multiple awards including Best Thesis Presenter at KNUST and the Aspire Leaders Program Award (Harvard Business School). With proven leadership, outreach, and research capacity, he is poised to make significant contributions to ecology and sustainable development globally.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publications

Owusu, P., Asare, B. W., Aikins, B., Dogbe, P. Y., & Asaah, D. W. (2025, December). Willingness to pay for urban heat island mitigation through increased tree coverage: A contingent valuation study in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. City and Environment Interactions, 18, 100242.

Lucian-Ionel Cioca | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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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