Mr. Birhanu Werku | Ecology | Young Researcher Award

lecturer and researcher at Wollega University, Ethiopia

Mr. Birhanu Chalcisa Werku is an accomplished young academic and researcher from Ethiopia with over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and community engagement. Currently serving as the Associate Dean for Research, Community Engagement, and Industry Linkage at Wollega University, College of Agriculture, he is known for his multi-disciplinary approach that connects environmental science, sustainable agriculture, rural development, and public health. Born on June 28, 1993, Birhanu has rapidly risen to leadership roles in academia, demonstrating exceptional skill in research management, communication, and innovation. His scholarly output spans across various domains including wetland dynamics, agroforestry, air quality, and sustainable development. Passionate about bridging research with societal needs, Birhanu combines theoretical insights with practical solutions, influencing policy and improving community resilience. With a strong commitment to excellence, mentorship, and sustainable impact, he continues to be a rising voice in East African academic circles.

Professional Profile

Education

Mr. Werku holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Technology from Jimma University (2013–2015), where he specialized in ecological and sustainability issues in Ethiopia. Prior to that, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Rural Development and Family Science at Hawassa University (2007–2009), laying a strong foundation in agriculture, family welfare, and rural transformation. His educational background combines technical knowledge with social sciences, giving him a well-rounded view of developmental challenges in Africa. This academic preparation has allowed him to integrate environmental science with rural development in his career. He also consistently engages in self-learning and capacity building, staying current with scientific and analytical tools such as GIS, statistical modeling, and bibliometric analysis.

Professional Experience

Since 2018, Birhanu has served in several strategic academic roles at Wollega University, including Head of the Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, and now as the Associate Dean for Research and Community Engagement. His professional journey has included mentoring students, leading outreach programs, and coordinating multidisciplinary research projects that address real-world challenges in agriculture and ecology. He is also a university lecturer known for delivering quality education with innovative, student-centered teaching methods. Birhanu’s work bridges academia and grassroots development, collaborating with local farmers, communities, and policymakers to translate research into action. His administrative leadership reflects deep commitment to institutional development and academic excellence.

Research Interests

Mr. Birhanu’s research interests span environmental science, sustainable agriculture, wetland ecology, water and sanitation, air quality, and indigenous knowledge systems. He is particularly passionate about exploring the intersection of environment and development, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as clean water (SDG 6), climate action (SDG 13), and food security (SDG 2). His work often addresses agricultural emissions, urban environmental change, and community resilience in East African ecosystems. He also investigates traditional agroforestry systems and their role in sustainable land use, and examines health risks associated with poor food safety practices. His research contributes both to scientific knowledge and to solutions that improve livelihoods and protect ecosystems.

Research Skills

Mr. Werku possesses a wide range of research skills including qualitative and quantitative data analysis, GIS and geospatial techniques, bibliometric mapping, and social network analysis. He has experience designing field-based studies, conducting environmental impact assessments, and analyzing land use patterns. He also excels at writing scientific papers, managing projects, and training others in research methodologies. His ability to work across disciplines enables him to conduct integrated research on ecology, agriculture, health, and sustainability. Furthermore, he has excellent academic writing and publication skills, evidenced by his extensive list of peer-reviewed publications in international journals. His proficiency with digital research tools and software makes him a valuable collaborator in both academic and applied research settings.

Awards and Honors

While formal awards are not specifically listed, Mr. Birhanu has earned strong endorsements from senior academics, including associate professors and assistant professors at Jimma University and Frontieri Consulting. These recommendations highlight his exceptional performance, adaptability, and leadership in academia. His appointment to leadership roles at a young age, including his current post as Associate Dean, reflects the high regard in which he is held by peers and institutions. Additionally, his multiple first-author publications in 2022–2025 in globally indexed journals are a form of academic recognition that speaks volumes about his impact. With continued support and greater international exposure, Birhanu is poised to receive major research fellowships and academic honors in the near future.

Conclusion

Birhanu Chalcisa Werku is a highly eligible and promising candidate for the Young Researcher Award, thanks to his:

Early-career leadership,
Strong publication record,
Societally relevant research in East Africa,
and commitment to community and environmental well-being.

He demonstrates the intellectual drive, interdisciplinary expertise, and social responsibility that this award seeks to recognize. Minor enhancements in international visibility and academic English writing could make his profile even more competitive in global forums.

Publications Top Noted

Werku, B.C., 2025. Impact of agricultural emissions on goal 13 of the sustainable development agenda: in East African strategy for climate action. Environmental Sciences Europe.
✅ Cited by: 2 sources

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.