Francisco Matus | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Francisco Matus | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Francisco Matus | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award | Full professor | Universidad de La Frontera | Chile

Prof. Dr. Francisco Matus is a distinguished agronomist-soil scientist whose academic training began with an Agronomist degree from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, followed by an M.Sc. in Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, and a Ph.D. in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Wageningen University. He has held senior academic appointments including full professor and Director of the Laboratory of Conservation and Dynamics of Volcanic Soils at Universidad de La Frontera in Temuco, Chile. His professional experience includes postdoctoral research at Carleton University (Canada) and leadership of doctoral programmes in Natural Resources Sciences, supplemented by advisory roles in national committees on soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, and climate-soil interactions. His research interests focus on pedogenesis, biogeochemistry, soil carbon and nitrogen cycles, and nutrient dynamics in volcanic soils and extreme ecosystems (including high-altitude and Antarctic environments). His technical skills include isotope-based soil-plant studies, experimental design and precision agriculture statistics, crop-soil modelling, and the application of advanced soil physical-chemical methods. He has received honours such as an invitation to the Intergovernmental Technical Panel of Soil Experts (FAO) and keynote recognition at international soil-biogeochemistry conferences, and he serves on editorial boards of major journals in soil science and nutrient cycling. In conclusion, Francisco Matus’s sustained record of leadership in research, high-impact publication, international collaboration and professional service positions him as a global authority in soil biogeochemistry and conservation, with strong potential to advance sustainable soil management, carbon sequestration and nutrient-cycling research at the international forefront.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Matus, F. J. (2021). Fine silt and clay content is the main factor defining maximal C and N accumulations in soils: A meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 6438.

  2. Matus, F., Rumpel, C., Neculman-Cerdá, R., Panichini, M., & Mora, M. L. (2014). Soil carbon storage and stabilisation in andic soils: A review. Catena, 120, 102-110.

  3. Merino, C., Nannipieri, P., & Matus, F. (2015). Soil carbon controlled by plant, microorganism and mineralogy interactions. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.

  4. Merino, C., Godoy, R., & Matus, F. (2016). Soil enzymes and biological activity at different levels of organic matter stability. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.

  5. Orrego, R., Ávila, A., Meza, F., & Matus, F. (2014). Using a crop simulation model to select the optimal climate grid cell resolution: A study case in Araucanía Region. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.

  6. Matus, F. (2014). Producing isotopically enriched plant, soil solution and rhizosphere soil materials over a few hours. Communication in Soil Science and Plant Analysis.

  7. Hidalgo-Moreno, C., Paz-Pellat, F., Báez, A., Etchevers, J. D., Velázquez, A. S., & Matus, F. (2022). Patrones de la distribución del carbono orgánico por fracciones de partículas primarias del suelo. Revista Terra Latinoamericana.

 

Valdir Fernandes | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

Prof. Valdir Fernandes | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Valdir Fernandes | Environmental Science | Professor | Universidade Technological Federal do Parana | Brazil

Prof. Valdir Fernandes is a highly respected scholar recognized for his multidisciplinary contributions to the fields of environmental engineering, sustainability, and technology and society studies. With a strong academic foundation and a career marked by innovation, research leadership, and community engagement, he has established himself as a leading voice in advancing sustainable practices and interdisciplinary knowledge integration. His professional trajectory demonstrates a commitment to addressing complex environmental challenges while fostering academic excellence through teaching, research, and policy-oriented initiatives. As a senior professor at Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, he continues to influence research directions, mentor emerging scholars, and build collaborations that bridge scientific knowledge with societal needs.

Professional Profile 

Education

Prof. Valdir Fernandes pursued his undergraduate studies in social sciences, which provided him with a strong grounding in human behavior, institutions, and governance. This foundation proved crucial in later integrating social and environmental perspectives in his research. He advanced his studies with a master’s degree in environmental engineering, focusing on the intersection between industrial development, environmental policies, and public governance. Building upon this expertise, he earned a doctoral degree in environmental engineering from a prestigious Brazilian university, where his work explored environmental management and sustainable production systems. He later engaged in postdoctoral research at the University of São Paulo, further enriching his expertise in sustainability, health, and interdisciplinary environmental studies.

Experience

Prof. Valdir Fernandes has extensive academic and administrative experience that demonstrates his ability to lead, innovate, and inspire. At Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, he has served as a professor in graduate programs related to technology, society, and environmental sustainability, designing and teaching courses that integrate scientific methodology with sustainability and policy studies. His career has also encompassed significant leadership roles, including service as Pro-Rector of Research and Graduate Studies, where he guided research development and program evaluations across multiple academic units. Beyond his university commitments, he has actively collaborated with CAPES, contributing as a consultant, coordinator, and evaluator in environmental and interdisciplinary sciences. His extensive involvement in councils, committees, and advisory boards illustrates his ability to shape academic policy, strengthen program quality, and advance national and international standards in higher education and research.

Research Interest

The research interests of Prof. Valdir Fernandes lie at the intersection of environmental engineering, sustainability, and interdisciplinary social sciences. He has worked extensively on sustainability assessment methodologies, urban sustainability, environmental governance, and the integration of social responsibility into organizational and production systems. His focus on interdisciplinarity allows him to connect engineering solutions with policy frameworks and societal values, enabling practical approaches to sustainability challenges. He is particularly engaged in advancing research that evaluates the long-term impacts of human activities on ecosystems and communities, with an emphasis on technological innovation, sustainability indicators, and participatory decision-making. Through his publications and collaborative projects, he has consistently promoted the idea that sustainable development requires a balance between technical efficiency, social justice, and environmental stewardship.

Award

Prof. Valdir Fernandes has received distinguished recognition for his scholarly and societal contributions. He has been honored with national awards, including acknowledgment by legislative institutions for his academic service. His most notable recognition is the Prêmio Jabuti in the category of education and pedagogy for his influential book on interdisciplinarity in teaching and research. This prestigious award highlights his ability to contribute to both scientific and educational advancement, demonstrating the transformative impact of his work in shaping knowledge, practices, and public policy. These recognitions reflect his reputation as a thought leader and his enduring commitment to advancing sustainability and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Selected Publications

  • The Environmental Dimension in Productive Organizations: A Study of the Economy of Communion (Published 2007, Citations: 95)

  • Industry, Environment, and Public Policies in Santa Catarina (Published 2003, Citations: 64)

  • Practices of Interdisciplinarity in Teaching and Research (Published 2015, Citations: 120)

  • Sustainability and Interdisciplinary Approaches in Technology and Society (Published 2019, Citations: 48)

Conclusion

Prof. Valdir Fernandes stands out as a distinguished academic whose research, leadership, and dedication to sustainability have earned him respect and recognition at both national and international levels. His scholarly work reflects a unique ability to integrate engineering, social sciences, and policy perspectives into a coherent framework for addressing environmental and technological challenges. His leadership roles in academic institutions and national research organizations underscore his commitment to improving the quality of education and research, while his publications highlight his significant intellectual contributions. With a proven record of achievements, influential awards, and ongoing engagement in advancing sustainability and interdisciplinary approaches, Prof. Valdir Fernandes is a deserving nominee for this award. His future potential lies in expanding global collaborations, furthering interdisciplinary innovation, and continuing to mentor the next generation of scholars and practitioners committed to sustainable development.