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.

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.

Qiuhua Bao | Ecology | Best Paper Award

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Ms. Qiuhua Bao | Ecology | Best Paper Award

Associate Professor at Inner Mongolia Agricultural University | China

Ms. Qiuhua Bao is an accomplished associate researcher and master’s supervisor at the Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, China. She holds advanced degrees in dairy biotechnology and microbiology and has over 18 years of professional experience in academic research, teaching, and supervision of graduate students. Her research primarily focuses on dairy microbiology and biotechnology, with special emphasis on lactic acid bacteria, probiotics, and stress adaptation mechanisms in dairy microorganisms. Ms. Bao has published more than 90 research papers, including 31 as first or corresponding author, and her work has been widely cited, with 1,160 citations across 1,005 documents, 46 indexed publications, and an h-index of 20. She has obtained 12 invention patents, co-authored several textbooks and monographs, and served as principal investigator on multiple national and provincial research projects. Her research skills include transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, flow cytometry, multi-omics approaches, and functional assessment of probiotic strains. Over her career, she has received recognition for her contributions to dairy biotechnology and microbial research. In conclusion, Ms. Qiuhua Bao is a leading scientist whose work integrates innovation, practical applications, and scholarly excellence, significantly advancing the understanding of dairy microbiology and lactic acid bacteria.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Bao, Q., Yuan, B., Liu, X., Li, J., Gao, R., Zhao, X., & Kwok, L.-Y. (2025). Evaluation of Lentilactobacillus kefiri NM119–2 as a novel probiotic in fermented milk: Functional properties and metabolic impact. Food Research International, 221, 117314.

Bao, Q., Gao, R., Bo, X., Yuan, B., Wang, H., Zhao, X., Li, J., & Kwok, L.-Y. (2025). Unraveling novel acid tolerance mechanisms in Lactococcus lactis through physiological and multi-omics analyses. LWT – Food Science and Technology, 232, 118387.

Bao, Q., Yuan, B., Ma, X., et al. (2025). Osmotic and cold stress-induced viable but non-culturable state in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Zhang: A transcriptome analysis. International Dairy Journal, 166(2), 106228.

Bao, Q., et al. (2025). Metabolomics analysis of Lactococcus lactis IMAU51121 under acid stress. Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology.

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.

Mehdi Bibak | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehdi Bibak | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Persian Gulf University | Iran

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehdi Bibak is a dedicated environmental scientist and faculty member at Persian Gulf University, Iran, specializing in marine ecology and pollution assessment. He holds a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology, with a strong academic foundation in environmental monitoring, bioremediation, and ecological risk analysis. Over his academic journey, Dr. Bibak has authored 22 scientific documents cited by 134 publications, achieving an h-index of 9, reflecting the impact and consistency of his research. His professional experience spans over a decade of teaching, research supervision, and leadership in projects addressing heavy metal contamination, nutrient reduction, and sustainable ecosystem management in the Persian Gulf region. His research interests encompass marine pollution modeling, biosorption using algae, and environmental data analytics based on entropy and information-theoretic approaches. Dr. Bibak’s research skills include advanced analytical techniques for metal quantification, data-driven ecological modeling, and interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental and marine sciences. He has published in reputed Scopus- and SCI-indexed journals such as Deep Sea Research Part II and Environmental Science and Pollution Research. Recognized for his scholarly excellence and contributions to marine environmental protection, Dr. Bibak’s ongoing work continues to support regional sustainability goals and inspire future researchers dedicated to preserving aquatic ecosystems.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Bibak, M., Sattari, M., Agharokh, A., Tahmasebi, S., & Imanpour Namin, J. (2018). Assessing some heavy metals pollutions in sediments of the northern Persian Gulf (Bushehr province). Environmental Health Engineering and Management Journal, 5(3), 175–179.

Raeisi, H., Daliri, M., Paighambari, S. Y., Shabani, M. J., Bibak, M., & Davoodi, R. (2011). Length-weight relationships, condition factors and relative weight of five fish species of Bushehr waters, Northern Persian Gulf. African Journal of Biotechnology, 10(82), 19181–19186.

Bibak, M., Sattari, M., Tahmasebi, S., Kafaei, R., Sorial, G. A., & Ramavandi, B. (2021). Trace and major elements concentration in fish and associated sediment–seawater, northern shores of the Persian Gulf. Biological Trace Element Research, 199(7), 2717–2729.

Sattari, M., Bibak, M., Bakhshalizadeh, S., & Forouhar Vajargah, M. (2020). Element accumulations in liver and kidney tissues of some bony fish species in the Southwest Caspian Sea. Journal of Cell and Molecular Research, 12(1), 33–40.

Agharokh, A., Taleshi, M. S., Bibak, M., Rasta, M., Torabi Jafroudi, H., … (2022). Assessing the relationship between the abundance of microplastics in sediments, surface waters, and fish in the Iran southern shores. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(13), 18546–18558.

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.

Rui Cao | Plant-Animal Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rui Cao | Plant-Animal Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Huaiyin Normal University, China

Dr. Rui Cao is a dedicated ecologist specializing in the interactions between global climate change and flora-fauna dynamics. His research primarily focuses on the effects of environmental factors such as warming, water table decline, and sea-level rise on alpine meadows, peatlands, and coastal ecosystems. With a strong publication record in SCI-indexed journals, Dr. Cao has contributed significantly to understanding how plant and insect performance, soil microbial communities, and greenhouse gas emissions respond to changing environmental conditions. His interdisciplinary approach integrates plant ecology, soil science, and microbial ecology, which positions him well for advancing ecological science in the context of global climate challenges. He actively leads research projects funded by prestigious national and regional foundations in China, demonstrating his ability to secure competitive grants. Alongside his research, Dr. Cao teaches general biology and botany courses, shaping the next generation of life scientists at Huaiyin Normal University.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓

Dr. Rui Cao completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Life Sciences at the College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, in 2012. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Ecology at the same institution, under the supervision of Prof. Shucun Sun, and successfully earned his doctorate in 2017. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Cao focused on the ecological responses of alpine and peatland ecosystems to environmental stressors, gaining expertise in field experimentation, ecosystem monitoring, and species interactions. His academic training at Nanjing University, a top research university in China, provided him with a strong foundation in ecological theory and quantitative research methods. The rigorous research environment equipped him with skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing, enabling him to publish extensively in peer-reviewed journals. His education has been complemented by postdoctoral research experience, which further broadened his knowledge and research capabilities.

Professional Experience 💼

Since August 2018, Dr. Rui Cao has served as a Lecturer at Huaiyin Normal University, where he teaches courses in General Biology and Botany while leading ecological research projects. Prior to this role, he was an Assistant Researcher at the Nanjing Institute of Soil Science, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, from December 2017 to August 2018. This position allowed him to deepen his expertise in soil ecology and biogeochemical processes. Throughout his career, Dr. Cao has been the principal investigator on several research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and regional science foundations. His professional activities involve extensive fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to research, Dr. Cao actively contributes to academic development by mentoring students and participating in university initiatives, establishing himself as both a committed researcher and educator in the field of life sciences.

Research Interest 🔬

Dr. Rui Cao’s research interests lie at the intersection of climate change ecology, plant-insect interactions, wetland and peatland dynamics, and microbial community ecology. He is particularly interested in how environmental changes—such as global warming, water table fluctuations, and anthropogenic stressors—affect plant productivity, herbivore performance, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil biodiversity. Much of his research has focused on ecologically sensitive regions like the Tibetan Plateau and Zoige peatlands, making his findings critical for understanding climate vulnerability. Dr. Cao is also passionate about the biogeochemical processes underlying ecosystem health, particularly in high-altitude meadows, salt marshes, and freshwater littoral zones. His work often uses long-term field experiments and integrates ecological modeling, gas flux analysis, and community structure assessments. He seeks to uncover mechanistic pathways that explain ecosystem responses to climate variability, thereby informing conservation and policy strategies. His interdisciplinary lens positions him to contribute meaningfully to global ecological resilience research.

Research Skill🔎

Dr. Rui Cao possesses a wide array of research skills that make him a versatile and impactful scientist in the field of ecology. His expertise includes field experimentation, biodiversity assessment, soil gas flux monitoring (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O), vegetation and invertebrate sampling, and microbial community profiling through molecular techniques. He is adept at conducting long-term ecological monitoring studies, as demonstrated in his peatland and alpine meadow experiments, which span multiple years. Dr. Cao is also proficient in data analysis using statistical software such as R, SPSS, and CANOCO for multivariate ecological modeling. His fieldwork involves setting up experimental plots in remote, high-altitude locations, and he is skilled at measuring plant traits, herbivore behavior, and soil physicochemical properties. Additionally, his collaborations with microbiologists and environmental chemists allow him to integrate microbial ecology and biogeochemical cycling into ecosystem research. These multidisciplinary skills make him a strong asset for both research and teaching.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Rui Cao’s excellence in research and academic leadership has been recognized through several prestigious awards and honors. In 2020, he was selected for the Jiangsu High-Level Double Innovation Doctor Program, a highly competitive initiative that supports outstanding young scholars in science and innovation. In 2019, he received the Third Prize for “Outstanding New Teacher” at Huaiyin Normal University, acknowledging his dedication to teaching and mentorship. During his graduate studies, he was awarded the National Postgraduate Scholarship by the Ministry of Education of China in 2013, signifying his academic excellence and research potential. These accolades reflect not only his scientific achievements but also his growing influence as an educator and mentor. The recognition by provincial and national institutions underscores his ability to contribute significantly to both research innovation and higher education. His continued involvement in funded projects and scholarly publications demonstrates a sustained trajectory of excellence.

Conclusion📝

Dr. Rui Cao is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly within the fields of climate change ecology, soil and plant science, and peatland ecosystem dynamics. His record of funded projects, consistent publication output, and interdisciplinary research excellence make him a strong contender.

To strengthen future candidacy for global research honors, it is recommended that he:

  • Increase international collaborations and visibility,

  • Take on more leadership roles in academic societies,

  • Highlight citation and impact metrics,

  • Continue producing high-impact publications in global journals.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Cao, R., Chen, H., Cai, J., Hang, C., Zhang, Z., Miao, Y., & Xie, P. (2025). Effects of plant functional group removal on caterpillars (Gynaephora alpherakii) performance and plant production in an alpine meadow. Basic and Applied Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2025.01.009

  • Cao, R., Chen, H., Zheng, K., Nong, D., Jiang, M., Zhang, Z., Wu, X., & Xie, P. (2025). Effects of climate warming on the performance of Gynaephora alpherakii (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) larvae in a Tibetan alpine meadow. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70978

  • Cao, R., Chen, H., Zheng, K., Nong, D., Jiang, M., Zhang, Z., Wu, X., & Xie, P. (2024). Effects of climate warming on the performance of Gynaephora alpherakii (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) larvae in a Tibetan alpine meadow [Preprint]. https://doi.org/10.22541/au.172803593.36596963/v1