Birhanu Werku | Environmental Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Birhanu Werku | Environmental Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer and Researcher at Wollega University, Ethiopia

Birhanu Chalcisa Werku is an accomplished academic, researcher, and administrator serving as Research, Community Engagement, and Industry Linkage Associate Dean at Wollega University, College of Agriculture. With expertise spanning agriculture, ecology, water resources, wetlands, agroforestry, air quality, and environmental health, he has established himself as a versatile scholar contributing both to scientific research and to the development of local communities. His career is marked by impactful publications, interdisciplinary collaborations, and leadership roles that highlight his commitment to advancing sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Birhanu’s academic foundation reflects a clear dedication to rural development, environmental science, and sustainable practices. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Rural Development and Family Science from Hawassa University, where he developed a strong grounding in agricultural systems, rural livelihoods, and community-based approaches to development. He further pursued a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Technology at Jimma University, where his training integrated environmental sustainability with practical problem-solving in water resources, agroecology, and natural resource management. His educational journey equipped him with advanced knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, project design, feasibility assessments, and training needs evaluation, all of which have informed his subsequent academic and professional endeavors.

Experience

Birhanu began his career as a lecturer and later took on leadership responsibilities at Wollega University, where he served as Head of the Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension. In this capacity, he worked to strengthen curriculum development, mentor students, and engage faculty in collaborative research initiatives. His leadership experience expanded when he assumed the role of Associate Dean for Research, Community Engagement, and Industry Linkage, a position that has allowed him to bridge the gap between academia, local communities, and industry stakeholders. In this role, he has been instrumental in designing and overseeing projects that address pressing challenges such as food security, water management, climate resilience, and community capacity building. His work reflects a balance of academic rigor and practical application, ensuring that research outcomes are translated into real-world impact.

Research Focus

Birhanu’s research agenda is broad yet interconnected, addressing key issues in agriculture, environment, and public health. His studies on wetlands and watershed dynamics provide valuable insights into sustainable land use and water resource management. His investigations into agroforestry and indigenous knowledge systems emphasize the importance of traditional practices in ensuring food security and ecological balance. Additionally, his research on air quality and public health highlights the environmental dimensions of human well-being, advancing evidence-based strategies for sustainable urban and rural development. He is also deeply engaged in climate change research, particularly focusing on agricultural emissions and their role in shaping mitigation strategies aligned with global sustainability goals. Collectively, his work demonstrates a consistent effort to link environmental stewardship with social development.

Publication Top Note

Title: Impact of agricultural emissions on Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Agenda: An East African Strategy for Climate Action
Authors: Birhanu Chalcisa Werku et al.
Summary: This study analyzes agricultural emissions in East Africa, proposing sustainable strategies to mitigate climate impacts and advance global climate action.

Conclusion

Birhanu Chalcisa Werku’s career exemplifies the integration of teaching, research, and community engagement. His educational background and professional roles at Wollega University have positioned him as both a scholar and a leader. Through his publications, he has advanced knowledge in areas critical to sustainable development, including wetlands, agroforestry, food safety, and air quality. His interdisciplinary focus connects ecological systems with human development, ensuring that his work remains relevant to both local communities and broader global challenges. By linking academic research with practical application, Birhanu has made significant contributions to the pursuit of sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and public health. His leadership, research productivity, and commitment to community development make him a strong and deserving candidate for recognition through this award.

Xiaoliang Li | Micro Plastic | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xiaoliang Li | Micro Plastic | Best Researcher Award

Associate Chief Physician at The Third People’s of Zhuhai, China

Dr. Xiaoliang Li is an accomplished physician-scientist whose career bridges clinical excellence, research innovation, and academic leadership. Serving as Associate Chief Physician at Zhuhai Third People’s Hospital and Deputy Director of the Clinical Translation Center, he has developed a reputation for advancing preventive medicine and occupational health through rigorous clinical practice, impactful research, and knowledge dissemination. His professional affiliations, leadership roles in national and provincial health committees, and contributions as an editorial reviewer for leading international journals highlight his recognition as a trusted expert. With a strong foundation in preventive medicine and ongoing doctoral research in public health and preventive medicine, Dr. Li continues to integrate clinical expertise with cutting-edge scientific inquiry to address pressing health challenges.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Li’s educational journey demonstrates his consistent commitment to excellence and innovation in medicine and public health. He began his academic career with a Bachelor of Science in Preventive Medicine from Hebei University, where he developed a solid foundation in disease prevention, epidemiology, and occupational health. Building on this, he pursued a Master of Science in Occupational and Environmental Health at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, which allowed him to deepen his expertise in environmental risk factors, workplace hazards, and their long-term health implications. His academic trajectory advanced further with his admission as a Ph.D. candidate in Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where he is investigating novel approaches to environmental and occupational health risks with an emphasis on translational medicine. This combination of progressive academic training has equipped him with the knowledge and research capacity to make sustained contributions to both theoretical and applied aspects of preventive medicine.

Experience

Dr. Li’s professional career is distinguished by a dual focus on clinical practice and research translation. At Zhuhai Third People’s Hospital, he holds the position of Associate Chief Physician, where he integrates evidence-based medicine with patient care in complex occupational and environmental health cases. His leadership extends to serving as Deputy Director of the Clinical Translation Center, a role that emphasizes his capacity to bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical applications. His expertise has been further recognized through appointments to multiple influential committees, including the Medical Ergonomics Committee of the Chinese Ergonomics Society, the Occupational Health and Engineering Evaluation Committee of the Guangdong Occupational Health Association, and the Guangdong Biomedical Engineering Society. In addition, he contributes to policy and practice as an expert in the Guangdong Prisoner Medical Evaluation Expert Database and as a health science popularization expert for the Zhuhai Municipal Health Bureau. Through these roles, he has helped shape policies, standards, and practices that promote both occupational safety and public health.

Research Focus

Dr. Li’s research contributions are at the intersection of occupational health, environmental exposures, and translational medicine. He has been actively engaged in national and regional research grants, serving as both principal investigator and co-investigator. His work under the National Natural Science Foundation of China explores the role of circular RNAs, particularly circCATE, in regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway during bronchial epithelial carcinogenesis in COPD induced by B(a)P exposure. This research provides critical insights into the molecular mechanisms linking environmental pollutants to chronic respiratory diseases. As principal investigator, he has led innovative projects funded by the Zhuhai Science and Technology Bureau, focusing on the role of marine, gut, and skin microbiomes in dermatophytosis among coastal populations. Additionally, his funded projects include occupational hazard characterization in new energy vehicle battery production and studies on pyrethroid exposure related to oxidative stress and male reproductive health. Collectively, these projects reflect his broad yet integrated research focus on the health impacts of environmental and occupational exposures, advancing knowledge that informs prevention, diagnosis, and clinical intervention.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Microplastics in the Lung Tissues Associated with Blood Test Index
Authors: Shuguang Wang, Wenfeng Lu, Qingdong Cao, Changli Tu, Chenghui Zhong, Lan Qiu, Saifeng Li, Han Zhang, Meiqi Lan, Liqiu Qiu, Xiaoliang Li, et al.
Journal: Toxics
Summary: Study reveals microplastics present in human lung tissues, correlating with blood test indicators, highlighting significant health implications from environmental exposure.

Title: Association of Shift-Work, Daytime Napping, and Nighttime Sleep with Cancer Incidence and Cancer-Caused Mortality in Dongfeng-Tongji Cohort Study
Authors: Xiaoliang Li et al.
Journal: Annals of Medicine
Summary: Large cohort study demonstrates associations between shift-work, sleep patterns, and elevated cancer incidence and mortality, emphasizing occupational and lifestyle health risks.

Title: Association of Body Mass Index with Chromosome Damage Levels and Lung Cancer Risk among Males
Authors: Xiaoliang Li et al.
Journal: Scientific Reports
Summary: Research links higher body mass index with increased chromosome damage and lung cancer risk, underscoring biological mechanisms of obesity-related carcinogenesis.

Title: The Interaction of APEX1 Variant with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Increasing Chromosome Damage and Lung Cancer Risk among Male Chinese
Authors: Xiaoliang Li et al.
Journal: Molecular Carcinogenesis
Summary: Study identifies synergistic effects of APEX1 genetic variant and environmental hydrocarbon exposure, heightening chromosome damage and lung cancer susceptibility in males.

Conclusion

Dr. Xiaoliang Li exemplifies the integration of clinical expertise, research innovation, and academic leadership. His career is marked by substantial contributions to preventive medicine, occupational health, and environmental health, with a strong record of high-impact publications, funded projects, and intellectual property. As an educator, mentor, and reviewer for prestigious journals, he continues to influence scientific discourse and policy development. His leadership in national committees and public health initiatives underscores his dedication to improving population health and workplace safety. With his unique combination of clinical practice, translational research, and academic engagement, Dr. Li stands as a highly deserving candidate for this award, reflecting a career dedicated to advancing medical science and public well-being.