Prof. Dr Thomas Crowther | Ecology and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Thomas Crowther | Ecology and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor of Global Ecosystem Ecology at ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Dr. Thomas W. Crowther is a globally recognized ecologist and Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, renowned for his pioneering research in global ecosystem ecology, biodiversity, and climate restoration. With a Ph.D. from Cardiff University and postdoctoral experience at Yale and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, he has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles—including 19 in Science, Nature, and Cell—amassing a remarkable H-index of 67. Dr. Crowther is the founder of Restor.eco, a global platform supporting ecological restoration, and the SEED Biocomplexity Index, aimed at standardizing biodiversity assessment. His leadership extends to advisory roles with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, World Economic Forum, and Elon Musk’s XPrize for carbon capture. Backed by over $28 million in research funding, he is also a prominent science communicator, with impactful TED Talks and media contributions in TIME, CNN, and The Guardian. Widely awarded, including the British Ecological Society Founders’ Prize and World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leader honor, Dr. Crowther stands out as a transformative force in ecological science and sustainability. 🌍

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education of Dr. Thomas W. Crowther

Dr. Thomas W. Crowther holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from Cardiff University, which he completed between 2008 and 2012. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his future work in global ecosystem ecology, with a focus on soil biodiversity and climate change. Following his Ph.D., he pursued two prestigious postdoctoral fellowships—first at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (2012–2015), where he expanded his research on global forest dynamics, and then as a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (2015–2017), where he further refined his focus on ecological networks and restoration science. His strong academic training across leading institutions in the UK, the United States, and the Netherlands has shaped his interdisciplinary and globally relevant approach to ecological research.

💼 Professional Experience of Dr. Thomas W. Crowther

Dr. Thomas W. Crowther has built an impressive professional career at the intersection of academic research, ecological leadership, and global sustainability. Since 2017, he has served as an Assistant Professor of Global Ecosystem Ecology at ETH Zurich, where he leads cutting-edge research on biodiversity, soil ecology, and climate restoration. Prior to this, he held a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (2015–2017), and a prestigious postdoctoral position at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (2012–2015). He is also the founder of Restor.eco, a digital platform empowering ecological restoration efforts worldwide, and the SEED Biocomplexity Index, a tool for globally standardized biodiversity assessments. In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Crowther serves on high-level advisory boards including the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the World Economic Forum’s 1T.org, and the XPrize for carbon capture, reflecting his influence in shaping both policy and practice in global environmental stewardship.

🔬 Research Interests of Dr. Thomas W. Crowther

Dr. Thomas W. Crowther’s research interests lie at the forefront of global ecosystem ecology, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity, soil ecology, forest restoration, and climate change mitigation. His work seeks to understand the distribution and function of life on Earth—from soil microbes to forest canopies—and how these systems interact with global biogeochemical cycles. He is particularly focused on quantifying carbon storage potential, mapping biodiversity patterns at a planetary scale, and exploring nature-based solutions for addressing climate and environmental challenges. Dr. Crowther integrates large-scale data synthesis with ecological theory to inform policy and drive global restoration initiatives. Through projects like Restor.eco and the Global Forest Biodiversity Initiative, he aims to bridge the gap between scientific research, digital innovation, and real-world environmental action.

🏅 Awards and Honors of Dr. Thomas W. Crowther

Dr. Thomas W. Crowther has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to ecology and environmental sustainability. In 2019, he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, acknowledging his influence on global environmental policy and action. He received the British Ecological Society Founders’ Prize the same year for outstanding contributions by an early-career scientist. In 2017, he was honored with the Early Career Award from the Ecological Society of America’s Soil Ecology Section. His entrepreneurial impact was recognized with the Dandelion Entrepreneurship Award in 2021, and his platform Restor.eco was selected as a finalist for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious environmental accolades. These awards collectively highlight Dr. Crowther’s exceptional scientific leadership, innovation, and commitment to restoring planetary health.

✅ Conclusion 

Dr. Thomas W. Crowther embodies the spirit of the Best Researcher Award—a rare synthesis of academic brilliance, global impact, scientific entrepreneurship, and sustainability leadership. His groundbreaking contributions to forest ecology, soil biodiversity, and restoration science—combined with a powerful public voice—make him not just suitable, but outstandingly deserving of this recognition. His work is not only reshaping science but also mobilizing global action toward a more ecologically resilient future. 🌱🌍

Publications Top Noted📚

  1. The global tree restoration potential
    Authors: J.F. Bastin, Y. Finegold, C. Garcia, D. Mollicone, M. Rezende, D. Routh, … T.W. Crowther
    Journal: Science 365 (6448), 76–79
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 2267

  2. Scientists’ warning to humanity: Microorganisms and climate change
    Authors: R. Cavicchioli, W.J. Ripple, K.N. Timmis, F. Azam, L.R. Bakken, M. Baylis, … T.W. Crowther
    Journal: Nature Reviews Microbiology 17 (9), 569–586
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 2013

  3. Positive biodiversity-productivity relationship predominant in global forests
    Authors: J. Liang, T.W. Crowther, N. Picard, S. Wiser, M. Zhou, G. Alberti, E.D. Schulze, …
    Journal: Science 354 (6309), aaf8957
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 1497

  4. Quantifying global soil carbon losses in response to warming
    Authors: T.W. Crowther, K.E.O. Todd-Brown, C.W. Rowe, W.R. Wieder, J.C. Carey, …
    Journal: Nature 540 (7631), 104–108
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 1337

  5. Mapping tree density at a global scale
    Authors: T.W. Crowther, H.B. Glick, K.R. Covey, C. Bettigole, D.S. Maynard, S.M. Thomas, …
    Journal: Nature 525 (7568), 201–205
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 1175

  6. Soil nematode abundance and functional group composition at a global scale
    Authors: J. Van Den Hoogen, S. Geisen, D. Routh, H. Ferris, W. Traunspurger, … T.W. Crowther
    Journal: Nature 572 (7768), 194–198
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 1061

  7. Magnitude of urban heat islands largely explained by climate and population
    Authors: G. Manoli, S. Fatichi, M. Schläpfer, K. Yu, T.W. Crowther, N. Meili, P. Burlando, …
    Journal: Nature 573 (7772), 55–60
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 1024

  8. The global soil community and its influence on biogeochemistry
    Authors: T.W. Crowther, J. Van den Hoogen, J. Wan, M.A. Mayes, A.D. Keiser, L. Mo, …
    Journal: Science 365 (6455), eaav0550
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 997

  9. Managing uncertainty in soil carbon feedbacks to climate change
    Authors: M.A. Bradford, W.R. Wieder, G.B. Bonan, N. Fierer, P.A. Raymond, …
    Journal: Nature Climate Change 6 (8), 751–758
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 796

  10. Climatic controls of decomposition drive the global biogeography of forest tree symbioses
    Authors: B.S. Steidinger, T.W. Crowther, J. Liang, M.E. Van Nuland, G.D.A. Werner, …
    Journal: Nature 569, 404–408
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 628

Qinyu Ge | Environmental Hypotheses | Best Researcher Award

Qinyu Ge | Environmental Hypotheses | Best Researcher Award

Prof Qinyu Ge, Southeast University, China

Prof. Qinyu Ge 🎓🔬 earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Southeast University in 2006. As a dedicated researcher at Southeast University, his work focuses on sample treatment and library preparation for high-throughput DNA sequencing 🧬, including spatial transcriptomics and whole-genome methylation studies. His expertise extends to designing DNA microarrays for cell-free nucleic acid, methylation, and DNA polymorphism detection 🧪. Prof. Ge has published extensively on topics like environmental DNA integrity, non-invasive embryo biomarkers, single-cell analysis, and deep learning in genomics 🤖📊, contributing significantly to biomedical research advancements globally 🌍.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Qinyu Ge 🎓 is a distinguished scholar who earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Southeast University in 2006 🏫. Since then, he has devoted his academic career to the same institution, making remarkable contributions to biomedical research 🔬. His work has advanced the field through innovative studies and impactful publications 📚. Prof. Ge’s dedication to scientific excellence and education has played a key role in shaping the future of biomedical engineering 🌟. His commitment to research and mentoring young scholars continues to inspire the next generation of scientists 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬.

Research Interests

Prof. Qinyu Ge’s research focuses on innovative techniques in sample treatment and library preparation for high-throughput DNA sequencing. His work explores key areas such as spatial transcriptomics, providing insights into gene expression within tissue architecture 🧬, whole genome methylation studies to understand epigenetic modifications 🧪, and advanced DNA microarray design for precise genetic analysis 🔬. Through his contributions, Prof. Ge aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of genomic technologies, supporting breakthroughs in biomedical research and personalized medicine 🌍. His expertise continues to drive advancements in the rapidly evolving field of genomics and molecular biology.

Applications

Prof. Qinyu Ge is a leading expert in genomic technologies, making significant strides in cell-free nucleic acid analysis, methylation detection, and DNA polymorphism studies. 🧬🔬 His pioneering research has been instrumental in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of genetic diagnostics, contributing to early disease detection and personalized medicine. 💡🧫 Through innovative approaches, Prof. Ge’s work bridges the gap between molecular biology and clinical applications, driving advancements in genomics and biotechnology. 🚀🌍 His dedication to scientific excellence continues to inspire breakthroughs, shaping the future of genetic research and healthcare. 📊🧪

Research Focus

Prof. Qinyu Ge’s research focuses on molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics 🧬🧪. His work explores transcriptomic analysis, environmental DNA (eDNA) applications, and non-invasive biomarkers for medical diagnostics 🧫🔬. He contributes to single-cell data analysis, DNA data storage, and the use of deep learning in predicting transcription factor binding sites 🤖📊. His studies cover areas like embryo selection, prostate cell typing, and neuroscience, including links to Parkinson’s disease 🧠🧍. By integrating advanced sequencing techniques with AI-based models, Prof. Ge enhances our understanding of gene expression, disease mechanisms, and biological data analysis. 🌍📈

Publication Top Notes

Acquisition and transcriptomic analysis of tissue micro-regions using a capillary-based method

Environmental DNA integrity index is sensitive for species biomass estimation in freshwater

The biological characteristics of long cell-free DNA in spent embryos culture medium as noninvasive biomarker in in-vitro embryo selection

Performance analysis of markers for prostate cell typing in single-cell data

Advances and Challenges in Random Access Techniques for In Vitro DNA Data Storage

Spatial transcriptomic profiling of isolated microregions in tissue sections utilizing laser-induced forward transfer

Transcriptome Study of rd1Mouse Brain and Association with Parkinson’s Disease

Effect of Different Staining Methods on Brain Cryosections

Prediction of Transcription Factor Binding Sites on Cell-Free DNA Based on Deep Learning

Deep-Cloud: A Deep Neural Network-Based Approach for Analyzing Differentially Expressed Genes of RNA-seq Data

 

Malyasri Bhattacharya | Ecology and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Malyasri Bhattacharya | Ecology and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Ms Malyasri Bhattacharya, Wildlife Institute of India, India

Malyasri Bhattacharya is a dedicated wildlife researcher pursuing her PhD in Wildlife Sciences at the Wildlife Institute of India, focusing on the breeding ecology and social dynamics of vultures in Himachal Pradesh. With a Master’s in Zoology from the University of Calcutta, she has received prestigious awards, including the Carolus Linnaeus Award for her master’s project. Malyasri has served as a Senior Research Fellow, studying critically endangered vultures, and has contributed to several publications in prominent journals. Her commitment to wildlife conservation is evident through her research and community awareness programs. 🦅📚🌍

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

Currently pursuing a PhD in Wildlife Sciences at the Wildlife Institute of India, focusing on the breeding ecology and social dynamics of vultures in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Previously, earned a Master’s in Zoology from the University of Calcutta (74.4%), where she researched the breeding of freshwater angelfishes. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Zoology from the University of Calcutta (68.625%), completing a project on the fauna of Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary. Her academic journey showcases a strong commitment to wildlife research and conservation. 🌍🦅📚🎓

Awards and Honors

Recognized for outstanding academic achievements, the individual received the First Prize for presentation at the Annual Research Seminar held by the Wildlife Institute of India 🏆. This accolade highlights their dedication to wildlife research and communication. Additionally, they were honored with the Carolus Linnaeus Award in 2016 for the best Master’s Project from the Department of Zoology at Asutosh College, Kolkata 🎓🌿. These prestigious awards reflect a strong commitment to excellence in zoological studies and contribute significantly to the conservation and understanding of wildlife 🌍✨.

Experience

From September 2020 to March 2024, a Senior Research Fellow at the Wildlife Institute of India focused on the ecology of critically endangered vultures in Himachal Pradesh. This role involved literature reviews, tagging White-Rumped Vultures, and surveying nesting and feeding sites while promoting awareness among locals. Prior to that, an internship in early 2020 provided foundational research experience in vulture ecology. A Project Biologist from November 2019 to June 2020, worked on establishing climate-resilient landscapes in Sikkim through GIS modeling and field surveys. Earlier roles included volunteering for Lesser Florican census surveys and conservation projects for Black-necked Cranes. 🦅🌱📊

Research focus

M. Bhattacharya’s research focuses on avian and mammalian responses to environmental changes, particularly in the context of habitat conservation and biodiversity in India. Their work includes the impacts of long-established wind farms on wildlife, with specific studies on the Eurasian otter and black-necked cranes in Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, they have documented new records of species like the Tawny Fish-Owl, highlighting the importance of conserving sacred groves. Bhattacharya’s contributions significantly enhance our understanding of species distribution and habitat requirements in response to anthropogenic pressures. 🦉🌳🌍🐾

Publication top notes

Responses of birds and mammals to long-established wind farms in India

Photographic Records of Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra Linnaeus, 1758) from Nyamjang Chu River, Arunachal Pradesh, India

DAMMING A CRANE HABITAT: HABITAT CONSERVATION OF BLACK-NECKED CRANES WINTERING IN ZEMITHANG VALLEY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH, INDIA1

Tawny Fish-Owl (Ketupa flavipes Hodgson, 1836): A new record from a sacred grove in Zemithang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawny Fish-owl Ketupa flavipes Hodgson, 1836 (Aves: Strigiformes: Strigidae): recent record from Arunachal Pradesh, India