Dhekra Ben Amara | Circular Economy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Dhekra Ben Amara | Circular Economy | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Qingdao Hengxing University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Dhekra Ben Amara is an accomplished Associate Professor at Qingdao Hengxing University of Science and Technology, China, and a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science at Henan University, with expertise in Agricultural and Environmental Economics. She earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and Management from Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China; an M.Sc. in Economy of Agriculture, Agri-food, and Environment; and an Engineering degree in Agricultural and Agri-food Economics and Management from the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, in addition to a Diploma in Biology–Geology Engineering Studies from the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis. Dr. Ben Amara’s academic journey reflects her deep commitment to sustainability science, eco-innovation, and green growth. Her research focuses on the intersections of climate change, circular economy, environmental policy, and green finance, using advanced econometric modeling to identify pathways for sustainable development. She has published extensively in leading journals, including Journal of Cleaner Production, Sustainable Development, Environment, Development and Sustainability, and Journal of Environmental Management. Beyond research, she has contributed to international projects such as the China–Tunisia collaboration on biomass valorization and bio-circular economy models. Her professional achievements include serving as a Reviewing Editor with Springer Nature Reviewer Communities and receiving multiple honors, such as the Best Researcher Award in Environmental Science and the Outstanding Graduate Award from Northeast Forestry University. Demonstrating strong academic influence and research productivity, Dr. Ben Amara has achieved 246 citations, 12 indexed documents, and an h-index of 8.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Ben Amara, D., & Chen, H. (2020). A mediation–moderation model of environmental and eco-innovation orientation for sustainable business growth. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(14), 16916–16928.

2. Ben Amara, D., & Chen, H. (2022). Driving factors for eco-innovation orientation: Meeting sustainable growth in Tunisian agribusiness. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 18(2), 713–732.

3. Ben Amara, D., & Qiao, J. (2023). From economic growth to inclusive green growth: How do carbon emissions, eco-innovation, and international collaboration develop economic growth and tackle climate change? Journal of Cleaner Production, 425, 138986.

4. Ben Amara, D., & Chen, H. (2020). Investigating the effect of multidimensional network capability and eco-innovation orientation for sustainable performance. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 22(6), 1297–1309. 0

5. Ben Amara, D., & Chen, H. (2021). The impact of participative decision-making on eco-innovation capability: The mediating role of motivational eco-innovation factors. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 23(5), 6966–6986.

Hailu Shiferaw Desta | Greening Impacts | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hailu Shiferaw Desta | Greening Impacts | Best Researcher Award

Hailu Shiferaw Desta | Water and Land Resource Center | Ethiopia

Dr. Hailu Shiferaw Desta is an accomplished Ecosystem Specialist at the Water and Land Resource Center, Addis Ababa University, recognized for his expertise in environment and natural resource management. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography specializing in Environment and Natural Resource Management from Addis Ababa University, an M.Sc. in Environment focusing on GIS and Remote Sensing from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, an M.Sc. in Biology with a focus on Plant Ecology, and a B.Sc. in Biology from Addis Ababa University. With extensive experience in academia and applied research, he has played leading roles in national and international projects such as the R4D Woody Weeds, Payment for Ecosystem Services, Landscape Restoration, Basin Development and Transformation (BRIGHT), and Green Transition initiatives. His collaborations with global institutions including the World Resources Institute, International Institute of Sustainable Development, and CABI International have advanced the use of geospatial technologies, nature-based solutions, and sustainable land management practices across Ethiopia. Dr. Hailu’s research focuses on land use dynamics, ecosystem services, climate adaptation, and invasive species management, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and environmental governance. He has authored more than thirty publications in prestigious journals such as Nature-Based Solutions, Scientific Reports, Science of The Total Environment, and Ecological Indicators, with his findings influencing restoration strategies and conservation policies. A dedicated mentor and trainer, he has conducted numerous capacity-building programs in GIS, spatial analysis, and environmental planning for professionals and institutions. His work integrates science, innovation, and community engagement to enhance ecosystem resilience and promote sustainable development. With 1,811 citations, an h-index of 18, and an i10-index of 21, Dr. Hailu Shiferaw Desta stands as a leading scholar and practitioner in environmental research and sustainability.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publication

1. Linders, T. E. W., Schaffner, U., Eschen, R., Abebe, A., Choge, S. K., Nigatu, L., et al. (2019). Direct and indirect effects of invasive species: Biodiversity loss is a major mechanism by which an invasive tree affects ecosystem functioning. Journal of Ecology, 107(6), 2660–2672.

2. Shiferaw, H., Teketay, D., Nemomissa, S., & Assefa, F. (2004). Some biological characteristics that foster the invasion of Prosopis juliflora (SW.) DC at Middle Awash Rift Valley Area, north-eastern Ethiopia. Journal of Arid Environments, 58(2), 135–154.

3. Shiferaw, H., Bewket, W., Alamirew, T., Zeleke, G., Teketay, D., Bekele, K., et al. (2019). Implications of land use/land cover dynamics and Prosopis invasion on ecosystem service values in Afar Region, Ethiopia. Science of the Total Environment, 675, 354–366.

4. Shiferaw, H., Bewket, W., & Eckert, S. (2019). Performances of machine learning algorithms for mapping fractional cover of an invasive plant species in a dryland ecosystem. Ecology and Evolution, 9, 2562–2574.

 

Nursaya Makayeva | Carbon Capture and Storage | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nursaya Makayeva | Carbon Capture and Storage | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher | Institute of Combustion Problems | Kazakhstan

Nursaya Makayeva is a dynamic educator and analytical chemist from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, specializing in research and development, quality control, and advanced analytical methods. With several years of experience in academic and research settings, she has contributed significantly to the fields of catalysis, methane decomposition, and sustainable energy solutions. Her expertise bridges both teaching and applied research, making her a valuable contributor to the scientific community.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Nursaya Makayeva pursued her higher education at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, where she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. She continued her academic journey by enrolling in a doctoral program, deepening her expertise in catalysis and advanced chemical processes. Alongside her formal academic qualifications, she gained practical research experience through internships at the Center of Physico-Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis of Al-Farabi KazNU and at the Republican Center for Structural Research in Tbilisi, Georgia. These opportunities enriched her academic foundation by combining theoretical learning with hands-on laboratory practice.

Experience

Her professional career combines teaching, research, and practical application. As an educator, she designed engaging curricula and provided academic support that fostered student growth. In research, she served as a junior researcher at institutions such as the Institute of Combustion Problems and the Center of Physico-Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, focusing on experimental design, catalytic systems, and advanced laboratory analysis. Skilled in techniques like chromatography, voltammetry, and TPR-H2, she applied these methods to produce reliable scientific outcomes. Her collaborations with senior researchers, contributions to R&D projects, and participation in international conferences further highlight her growing role in the global scientific community.

Research Focus

Nursaya’s primary research interests lie in catalysis, hydrogen production, and carbon utilization, with a particular emphasis on methane decomposition processes. Her studies explore the development and optimization of catalysts, including mono- and bimetallic systems, for efficient energy conversion. She has also investigated the effects of preparation methods and the incorporation of rare earth oxides, such as cerium, on catalyst performance. Her recent contributions extend to sustainable solutions in carbon dioxide utilization, where she has co-authored review studies on catalytic, photocatalytic, and electrocatalytic processes for CO₂ conversion. By addressing the intersection of renewable energy, environmental protection, and advanced materials, her research supports global efforts toward cleaner energy systems and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Advancements in catalytic, photocatalytic, and electrocatalytic CO₂ conversion processes: Current trends and future outlook
Year: 2024

Title: Effects of cerium oxide on the activity of Fe-Ni/Al₂O₃ catalyst in the decomposition of methane
Year: 2024

Title: Electrochemical synthesis of Fe-containing composite for decomposition of methane into COx-free hydrogen and nano-carbon
Year: 2022

Title: Effect of Preparation Method on the Activity of Fe₂O₃-NiO/γ-Al₂O₃ Catalyst in Decomposition of Methane
Year: 2022

Conclusion

Nursaya Makayeva exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader in chemistry, combining strong academic foundations with impactful research and practical applications. Her dedication to advancing catalytic science, her ability to merge teaching with high-quality research, and her collaborative approach to scientific problem-solving highlight her as a deserving candidate for recognition. Through her contributions to methane decomposition, hydrogen production, and carbon dioxide utilization, she has positioned herself at the forefront of sustainable energy research. Her growing body of publications, active participation in international collaborations, and innovative patent demonstrate her potential to continue shaping the field of chemistry with lasting impact.

Ahmed ElMahalawy | Spotlights | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed ElMahalawy | Spotlights | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed ElMahalawy, Suez Canal University, Egypt

Ahmed Mohamed El-Sayed Mohamed El-Mahalawy is an accomplished Associate Professor of Physics at the Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Egypt. With deep expertise in experimental solid-state physics, particularly organic thin films for optoelectronic and solar cell applications, Dr. El-Mahalawy has established himself as a significant contributor to materials science and photodetector technology. His career spans extensive academic teaching, impactful research, and participation in global conferences and workshops, all of which underscore his commitment to scientific innovation and education.

🔹Professional Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. El-Mahalawy’s academic foundation is rooted in the Suez Canal University, where he earned his BSc in 2010, MSc in 2015, and PhD experimental solid-state physics. His doctoral work titled “Study of Some Physical Properties of Copper (II) Acetylacetonate Thin Films and Their Optoelectronic Applications” reflects his early focus on exploring materials for future energy and sensor technologies. His master’s thesis investigated 1,4,5,8 Naphthalene Tetracarboxylic Dianhydride Thin Films, while his undergraduate project examined spectroscopic properties of doped polyvinyl alcohol films. These research efforts laid a strong foundation for his current trajectory in optoelectronics and nanomaterials.

👨‍🏫 Experience

Since joining Suez Canal University, Dr. El-Mahalawy has served across multiple instructional roles, beginning as a teaching assistant and ascending to Associate Professor in 2024. He has taught an expansive range of courses, including Experimental Physics, Semiconductor Physics, Advanced Solid State Physics, Electronic and Optical Properties of Nanomaterials, and Biophysics. He has also contributed to postgraduate and diploma-level programs, particularly within the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport. His teaching excellence is complemented by his participation in curriculum design, digital education tools, and quality management in higher education.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. El-Mahalawy’s research interests are centered around thin-film materials, organic-inorganic hybrid systems, nanostructured semiconductors, and optoelectronic devices. His investigations primarily target the development of next-generation photodetectors, solar cells, and functional electronic materials. He is particularly interested in doping effects, plasma treatments, and material characterizations that lead to optimized optical and electronic properties.

📚Publications Top Notes

🔹Unveiling of novel synthesized coumarin derivative for efficient self-driven hybrid organic/inorganic photodetector applications

Authors: A.R. Wassel, E.R. El-Sawy, A.M. El-Mahalawy
Summary: Synthesized coumarin-based compound enhances hybrid photodetector performance with self-powered and efficient photoresponse.

🔹Exploration of doping-dependent structural, optical, and electrical properties of thermally evaporated CdSe thin films for improved photodetection performance

Authors: A.R. Wassel, S.A. Mansour, F.M. Mohamed, A.M. El-Mahalawy
Summary: Cd doping improves CdSe thin films’ structure and optoelectronic behavior for better photodetectors.

🔹 Exploitation of plasma treatment-assisted monocarboxylic cobalt phthalocyanine nanorod growth for high-efficiency photodetection applications

Authors: A.M. El-Mahalawy, M.A. Abd El‑Ghaffar, W. Abbas, A.R. Wassel
Summary: Plasma-guided nanorod growth enhances photodetector sensitivity, morphology, and overall optoelectronic performance.

🔹Controllability of optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of synthesized Cd-doped MgFe₂O₄ nanostructure

Authors: S.E. Ali, A.A. Marzouk, H. Abdel-Khalek, A.M. El-Mahalawy
Summary: Cd-doped MgFe₂O₄ nanostructures exhibit tunable properties for sensing and magnetic device applications.

🔹Appreciably optimization of PVA/PVP nanocomposite blend for enhanced optoelectronics properties and multifunctional applications

Authors: A.M. El-Mahalawy, M.M. Abdrabou, S.A. Mansour, F.M. Ali
Summary: Optimized PVA/PVP blend shows improved conductivity, flexibility, and stability for flexible electronic devices.

🏆 Conclusion

Dr. Ahmed El-Mahalawy exemplifies the integration of scholarly rigor and practical innovation. Through his contributions to photodetector design, material optimization, and physics education, he has built a distinguished academic profile marked by high-impact publications and international engagement. His ongoing commitment to advancing optoelectronic material science, combined with his mentorship of students and leadership in academic development, make him an outstanding nominee for recognition in scientific excellence awards. His work not only advances fundamental knowledge but also contributes directly to emerging technologies in sustainable electronics and sensor design.