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

Amal Zaher | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Amal Zaher | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Amal Zaher, Beni-suef University, Egypt

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amal Zaher Shehata is an accomplished academic and researcher in Environmental and Chemical Engineering, affiliated with the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences (PSAS), Beni-Suef University, Egypt. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering, she has led transformative research on wastewater treatment, nanomaterials, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Zaher has authored numerous impactful publications in high-ranking journals, particularly focusing on advanced oxidation processes, layered double hydroxides, and photocatalysis. She has supervised 16 postgraduate theses (14 M.Sc. and 2 Ph.D.), contributed to funded national and international research projects, and actively participates in quality assurance and curriculum development. In addition to her academic duties, she serves as Director of the Training Committee at PSAS and is a reviewer for respected journals such as RSC and Fuel. Her research contributions and dedication to environmental advancement make her a distinguished candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Amal Zaher holds a B.Sc. Honors (2000), M.Sc. (2006), and Ph.D. (2012) in Chemical Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, Egypt. Her master’s thesis focused on “A New Technology for Treatment of Oil-Polluted Wastewater,” while her doctoral research, titled “Advanced Process for Oily Water Treatment: Statistical Optimization,” advanced the field of environmental process engineering through data-driven techniques. Her academic journey reflects deep expertise in water and wastewater treatment, catalysis, and nanotechnology. She has since expanded her specialization to include interdisciplinary applications in environmental science, particularly within industrial and sustainable development contexts. Her strong academic background underpins her effective teaching, supervision, and pioneering research efforts at Beni-Suef University.

Experience

Dr. Zaher began her career as a freelance engineer (2000–2002) and later served as a safety and occupational health specialist (2002–2016) at the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration, Minia, Egypt. In academia, she served as Assistant Professor (2013–2022) and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2022 at the Environmental Science and Industrial Development Department, PSAS Faculty, Beni-Suef University. She also directed the faculty’s Training Unit (2016–2018) and currently leads the Training Committee. Dr. Zaher has taught various undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Biogas Technology, Environmental Management Systems, Green Chemistry, and Clean Water Technology. Her leadership extends to academic program development, quality assurance, and supervision of graduate students. With over two decades of diverse professional experience, she effectively bridges the gap between engineering practice and academic innovation.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Amal Zaher has received recognition as a dedicated researcher and academic leader. Her H-index of 10 and 355+ citations (as of May 2025, Scopus ID: 8922238500) reflect her research influence in environmental nanotechnology and water treatment. She is a peer reviewer for internationally acclaimed journals, including RSC and Fuel, and has contributed to global conferences and symposia, both as an attendee and organizer. Notably, she has coordinated institutional programs on occupational safety and environmental sustainability, reinforcing her impact in academic development. She is also an active member of the Arab Federation for Specialized Women and the Institute for Engineering Research and Publication. Her participation in funded research projects, including international collaborations with institutions in the USA, highlights her global research footprint and scholarly contributions deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Research Focus

Dr. Zaher’s research centers on sustainable environmental technologies, with a focus on advanced water and wastewater treatment methods. Her core expertise includes photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, nanomaterials (e.g., LDH, MOFs), and adsorption techniques for removing pharmaceuticals, dyes, and heavy metals. She applies experimental and computational techniques to optimize processes for treating oily wastewater and enhancing solar desalination systems. Dr. Zaher also explores the reuse and recycling of nanomaterials in water purification, with attention to green synthesis approaches. Her interdisciplinary work integrates chemical engineering, environmental science, and material chemistry to create scalable, eco-friendly solutions to water pollution. Ongoing collaborations and publications on nanostructures and electrochemical sensing technologies further underscore her commitment to environmental innovation and sustainable development.

Publication Top Notes

  1. 2006Using Advanced Oxidation Process for Oily Water Clean-Up, National Conference, Las Vegas, USA.

  2. 2012Optimization of a Simulated Photo-Fenton Process, 9th International Conference on Modeling Simulation and Visualization Methods.

  3. Influences of tungsten incorporation… toward urea elimination, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 45(15), 8082-8093.

  4. Zn/Fe LDH as a clay-like adsorbent for oxytetracycline removal, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(11), 12256-12269.

  5. Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol Wastewater, Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 63(11), 4439-4445.

  6. Tungsten incorporation in nickel doped carbon nanofibers…, Fuel, 280, 118654.

  7. La-doped Zn-Fe LDH for tetracycline adsorption, Journal of Molecular Liquids, 322, 114546.

  8. LDH Nanocubes Synthesized with Zeolite Templates, Nanomaterials, 11(12), 3315.

  9. Zn–Fe LDH nanostructures for dye removal, Scientific Reports, 11(1).

  10. Photocatalytic degradation with ZnO nanoparticles, Journal of International Society for Science and Engineering.

  11. Recycling of Zn–Al LDH after levofloxacin adsorption, RSC Advances, 10(46), 27633-27651.

  12. Enhanced Solar Desalination Units, Conference Proceedings.

  13. Book Chapter (2024)Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Sensing of Heavy Metals, Springer.

  14. Book Chapter (2025)Nanofibres for Medical Applications, Elsevier.

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amal Zaher exemplifies excellence in environmental engineering research and education. Her substantial contributions to water treatment technologies, advanced nanomaterials, and green chemistry underscore her standing as a thought leader and innovator. With a proven track record of impactful publications, active supervision, and international collaboration, she is an outstanding nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Her work not only addresses pressing environmental challenges but also promotes sustainable solutions that benefit both science and society.

Liming Ge | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Liming Ge | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Liming Ge, Shanghai Jiaotong University, China

Liming Ge is a dedicated PhD candidate at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, following a Master’s from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, where he ranked first in his major with a GPA of 3.8/4.0. His research focuses on low carbon development, highlighted in papers published in prominent journals. Liming has earned several academic honors, including national scholarships and multiple prizes in competitions related to energy economics and mathematical modeling. He actively participated in a significant National Social Science Foundation project, utilizing advanced data analysis techniques. 🌱📊🎓

Publication profile

Scopus

Education

Pursuing excellence in academia, the individual completed a Master’s degree at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology from September 2017 to July 2020, achieving a remarkable GPA of 3.8/4.0 and ranking first in their major. They received prestigious accolades, including the National Scholarship and the First-level Scholarship of the School. Currently a PhD candidate at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (2020-2024), they maintain a GPA of 3.45/4.0 and were honored as an Outstanding Graduate of Shanghai and an Outstanding Student Leader at their previous university. 🎓🌟🏆

Honors

In 2021, He was honored with the Special Prize at the Seventh National College Students Competition on Energy Economics and secured the Third Prize at the Seventh National Academic Conference for Postgraduates in Economics. In 2019, He achieved the Third Prize in both the Fifth National College Students Competition on Energy Economics and the Ninth MathorCup College Mathematical Modeling Competition. My accolades also include the Second Prize at the Sixteenth “Challenge Cup” College Students Extracurricular Academic Technology Works Competition and the “SAIC Education Cup” in 2018. He received several Third Prizes in various mathematical modeling competitions, showcasing my dedication and talent in these fields! 🏆📊✨

Academic Conferences

In 2021, several notable academic events showcased emerging research in economics across China. The Third China Regional Economist Scholars Forum and the Third China Development Economics Preface Academic Symposium were held in Shanghai and Beijing, respectively, fostering discussions on regional and developmental economic issues. Additionally, the Third Jintai Young Scholars Forum and the Third China Energy Environment and Climate Change Economists Forum facilitated dialogues on industrial economics and environmental challenges. Other significant gatherings included the Seventh Annual Academic Conference of Graduate Students in Economics and the Green and Low Carbon Development Seminar. The Camphor Economics “Cloud Seminar” also contributed to this vibrant academic landscape. 📊🌍✨

Projects

In 2021, He participated in a Major Project of the National Social Science Foundation of China focused on promoting green development in energy supply and consumption. He contributed to the chapter on industrial cohesion effects and governance, utilizing Matlab, Stata, and ArcGIS for data analysis and empirical investigations. Additionally, He worked on the Humanities and Social Sciences Climbing Foundation project at the University of Shanghai, analyzing total factor energy productivity across Chinese cities. In 2018, Her helped compile a monograph on the sustainable development of resource-based cities, and in 2017, He wrote two papers for a project on smog control and economic transformation. 🌱📊✍️

Research focus

Based on the provided articles, Ge, L.’s research focuses on the intersection of environmental sustainability and economic development, particularly in urban contexts. Key themes include green technology innovation, the role of government governance in fostering sustainable cities, and the impact of foreign direct investment on environmental outcomes. Ge’s work examines how policy frameworks and corporate practices affect green initiatives, exploring aspects like tax incentives, corporate governance, and low-carbon development strategies. This multidisciplinary approach highlights the importance of integrating economic policies with environmental goals to promote sustainable urban transformations. 🌍💡📈

Publication top notes

The role of digital infrastructure construction on green city transformation: Does government governance matters?

The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Green Technology Innovation: Evidence from the Threshold Effect of Absorptive Capacity

 

 

 

 

Josep Llorca-Bofí | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Josep Llorca-Bofí | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Josep Llorca-Bofí, Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics, Germany

Dr. Josep Llorca-Bofí appears to be a strong candidate for the Researcher of the Year Award due to his extensive contributions and achievements in the fields of architectural design and acoustics. Here’s an analysis of his qualifications and impact:

Publication profile

google scholar

Research Contributions

  1. Innovative Research Focus: Dr. Llorca-Bofí’s research integrates architectural design with acoustic analysis, exploring how sound influences space perception and design. His work includes leading a research group on “Person-focused Analysis of Architectural Design” and developing methodologies for virtual reality models and urban soundscapes.
  2. Significant Publications: His publications cover a range of topics, from urban soundscapes to virtual acoustic environments. Key papers include:
    • “Multi-detailed 3D architectural framework for sound perception research in virtual reality” (2021).
    • “Urban opportunities and conflicts around street musicians” (2020).
    • “Learning room acoustics by design: A project-based experience” (2019).
  3. Awards and Fellowships: He has received notable awards, including the Ramon y Cajal fellowship, which supports his tenure-track position and research in Spain, and the Doctoral Extraordinary Award from UPC.

Professional Experience

  1. Teaching and Mentoring: Dr. Llorca-Bofí has a rich teaching portfolio, including courses on acoustic design principles and virtual reality in architecture. He also supervises Ph.D. candidates and various theses in both architecture and engineering.
  2. Leadership and Collaboration: His role as a Junior Principal Investigator at RWTH Aachen University and his leadership in various research and academic settings showcase his influence and collaboration across institutions.

Contributions to the Field

  1. Funding and Grants: He has successfully secured funding for significant projects, such as the support for organ installation at the Sagrada Familia and his Ramon y Cajal fellowship, highlighting his ability to attract substantial research resources.
  2. Professional Engagement: Dr. Llorca-Bofí has chaired sessions at major international conferences, demonstrating his recognition and leadership in the field.

Conclusion

Dr. Josep Llorca-Bofí’s innovative research, significant publications, prestigious awards, and impactful teaching and mentoring make him an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances the understanding of acoustics in architecture but also integrates this knowledge into practical applications and educational frameworks.

Publication top notes

Student motivation assessment using and learning virtual and gamified urban environments

Learning room acoustics by design: A project-based experience

Programming virtual interactions for gamified educational proposes of urban spaces

Multi-detailed 3D architectural framework for sound perception research in virtual reality

Bipolar laddering assessments applied to urban acoustics education

Urban opportunities and conflicts around street musicians: the relationship between the configuration of public space and outdoor acoustics in Ciutat Vella, Barcelona

Urban sound auralization and visualization framework—Case study at IHTApark