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

bushra maryam | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

bushra maryam | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Tianjin University, China

Dr. Bushra Maryam is an emerging environmental scientist with a profound passion for nanotechnology and sustainable innovation. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences at Tianjin University, China, under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Xianhua Liu. Her work bridges nanomaterials and ecological safety, focusing on lanthanide-doped upconverted nanocomposites for environmental and energy applications. With academic roots from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan, her career reflects a strong blend of academic excellence and applied scientific inquiry. Dr. Maryam has made impactful contributions to areas like microplastic detection, photocatalytic hydrogen generation, and nano-ecotoxicology, publishing in top-tier journals like Nature Communications, Environmental Pollution, and Sustainable Energy & Fuels. Her work is characterized by scientific rigor, innovation, and a clear commitment to environmental sustainability. Recognized with the prestigious Peiyang Future Scholars Scholarship, Dr. Maryam stands as a promising voice in the future of environmental science and nanotechnology.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Maryam’s academic journey began at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, where she earned her B.Sc. (2006–2010) and M.Sc. (2011–2013) in Environmental Sciences. Her undergraduate thesis focused on developing Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems for the refrigerator industry, while her M.Sc. research investigated bioethanol production using Bacillus cellulosilyticus. These early projects demonstrated her strong foundation in industrial and bio-environmental issues. In 2020, she commenced her Ph.D. at Tianjin University, China, specializing in the design and application of lanthanide-doped upconverted nanocomposites for environmental monitoring and energy generation. Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Xianhua Liu, her doctoral work has yielded cutting-edge research in photocatalysis, nanoplastics tracking, and eco-toxicological applications. This academic path reflects her continuous dedication to addressing global environmental challenges through interdisciplinary scientific research.

Experience

Dr. Bushra Maryam has a balanced portfolio of teaching, research, and industry-oriented experiences. From 2015 to 2019, she worked as a Senior Science Instructor at City Public High School in Pakistan, where she mentored young science students and integrated environmental topics into educational frameworks. Prior to that, she served as a Research Fellow (2011–2013) at the Food and Biotechnology Research Center under Pakistan’s Ministry of Science and Technology, contributing to industrial biotechnology projects. She also undertook a research project at Haier Industries in 2010, focusing on occupational health and safety. These professional engagements enriched her practical insights into environmental applications, bio-resource management, and safety compliance. Her multidisciplinary exposure has fueled her transition into a research-intensive career that now tackles global-scale environmental and sustainability concerns through scientific innovation.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Bushra Maryam has been honored with the Peiyang Future Scholars Scholarship by Tianjin University, a recognition awarded to high-potential international doctoral researchers in China. This prestigious scholarship affirms her outstanding academic performance and research promise in the environmental sciences. Additionally, she has actively participated in several high-impact scientific gatherings, including the International Conference on Advances in Energy Resources and Environment Engineering (ICAESEE 2022) and the 14th Global Chinese Scholars Symposium (GCCES-2022). Earlier in her career, she engaged with national forums such as the World Environment Day Seminar (2012) and the International Conference on Toxicology (2012) hosted by UVAS. These accolades and involvements reflect not only her scholarly capabilities but also her commitment to public engagement, scientific exchange, and sustainable advocacy.

Research Focus

Dr. Maryam’s research revolves around the development, innovation, and environmental application of heterogeneous functional nanomaterials. Her core interest lies in utilizing lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles for monitoring micro- and nanoplastics, hydrogen production, and eco-toxicological studies. She has successfully demonstrated the use of luminous polystyrene nanoparticles to trace nanoplastics in plants and nematodes and has explored photocatalytic hydrogen generation from ammonia borane using novel heterostructures. Her work bridges nanoscience with ecological safety, offering tools to visualize invisible environmental pollutants while promoting clean energy solutions. With a deep focus on sustainability, she explores how advanced nanomaterials can mitigate environmental threats, monitor contamination, and enhance water purification. Her interdisciplinary research integrates materials science, environmental toxicology, renewable energy, and molecular detection—positioning her as a transformative figure in environmental nanotechnology.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Environmental Science: Nano (2025)
    Luminous polystyrene upconverted nanoparticles to visualize the traces of nanoplastics in a vegetable plant.
    🔗 [DOI:10.1039/D4EN01052C]

  2. Sustainable Energy & Fuels (2024)
    Near-infrared driven photocatalytic hydrogen production from ammonia borane hydrolysis using heterostructure-upconverted nanoparticles.
    🔗 [DOI:10.1039/D4SE01047G]

  3. Sensors (Under Review)
    Luminous upconverted nanoparticles as high-sensitivity optical probes for visualizing nano- and microplastics in Caenorhabditis elegans.

  4. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research (2023)
    Self-supported Pt@Ni₂P for controllable hydrogen release from ammonia-borane hydrolysis.
    🔗 [DOI:10.1021/acs.iecr.3c01055]

  5. Nature Communications (2024)
    Microplastic detection and remediation through efficient interfacial solar evaporation for immaculate water production.
    🔗 [DOI:10.1038/s41467-024-50421-x]

  6. Environmental Pollution (2024)
    Polystyrene nanoplastics distinctly impact cadmium uptake and toxicity in Arabidopsis thaliana.
    🔗 [DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124373]

  7. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2024)
    Water-enabled electricity generation on film structures: From materials to applications.
    🔗 [DOI:10.1016/j.rser.2024.114461]

  8. Science of The Total Environment (2024)
    Microfluidic sensors for the detection of emerging contaminants in water: A review.

 

 

Hassan ESMAEILZADEH | Environmental Hypotheses | Environmental Impact Award

Hassan ESMAEILZADEH | Environmental Hypotheses | Environmental Impact Award

Dr Hassan ESMAEILZADEH, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran

Dr. Hassan Esmaeilzadeh is an esteemed Assistant Professor at the Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran 🌍. With extensive expertise in sustainable ecotourism, climate change, spatial planning, and land use changes, he has significantly contributed to urban and environmental research 🏙️📊. He has held multiple academic and research positions, including at Payam Noor University and the Ministry of Interior of Iran 🏛️. As a consultant for Tehran Municipality and various urban planning organizations, Dr. Esmaeilzadeh plays a key role in sustainable city development 🌱🏗️. A prolific author, he has published numerous books, research articles, and project reports 📖✍️. His dedication has earned him prestigious awards, including recognition as Distinguished Ph.D. Student of Iran 🎓🏅. His leadership in research and executive roles showcases his impact on Iran’s environmental and urban policies 🏆🌍.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Hassan Esmaeilzadeh has an exceptional academic background, ranking first in Iran’s national master’s entrance exam (2001, 2003) 🥇📚. He completed his M.A. at Tarbiat Modares University (2003) and was recognized as the top student 🏅. His Ph.D. in Environmental Planning and Design from Shahid Beheshti University solidified his expertise in sustainability and spatial planning 🌱🏙️. As a Ph.D. scholar at Istanbul University, Turkey (2006-2007), he expanded his research on urban and rural development globally 🌍🎓. His education has enabled him to bridge theoretical frameworks with practical solutions for environmental and urban planning challenges 🌏📝.

Experience

Dr. Esmaeilzadeh has over 20 years of experience in academia, research, and consultancy 🏛️. Since 2012, he has been an Assistant Professor at Shahid Beheshti University 📚🎓. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at Payame Noor University (2010-2012) and Islamic Azad University (2008-2012) 📖. Beyond academia, he was a researcher at Iran’s Urban and Rural Research Center (2007-2008) and Sustainable Global City Company (2007-2015) 🏙️🌍. His executive roles include Managing Director of Staya International Company (2008-2013) and consulting for Tehran Municipality since 2012 🏗️. He has also been a consultant for Iran’s Housing Foundation and Tehran City Beautification Organization 🌆🏡. His vast research projects on environmental sustainability, governance, and urban planning have shaped Iran’s policy frameworks 🌍🏛️.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Esmaeilzadeh’s dedication to research excellence has earned him numerous accolades 🏆🎖️. He ranked 1st in the national master’s entrance exam (2001, 2003) 🥇 and was the top M.A. student at Tarbiat Modares University (2003) 📚. He was honored as the top Ph.D. student at Shahid Beheshti University (2010) and Distinguished Ph.D. Student of Iran by the Ministry of Sciences (2009) 🎓🏅. Recognized as an elite researcher, he received the Top Student Award of Shahid Beheshti University (2008) 🌟. His research grants from major institutions, including the Tehran Municipality Research Center, Iranian Railways, and Salehyyeh Municipality, further highlight his impactful contributions 📑💡. His editorial roles in international and Persian journals solidify his influence in environmental and urban studies 📝📖.

Research Focus

Dr. Esmaeilzadeh’s research spans sustainable urban planning, ecotourism, climate change adaptation, and spatial planning 🌱🏙️. He specializes in analyzing land use and land cover (LULC) changes, urban sustainability, and environmental risk assessments 📊🌎. His projects have evaluated ecotourism sustainability using the DPSIR model, water security in Lake Urmia, and future land-use changes in protected areas 🔍🌍. As a consultant for Tehran Municipality, he has led studies on urban governance, spatial development, and resilience planning 🏗️📜. His policy-driven research provides scientific insights for environmental decision-making 💡🏛️. Through his publications, books, and executive roles, he contributes to advancing sustainable urban and environmental policies worldwide 📚🌿.

Publication Top Notes

Zeyang Wei | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Zeyang Wei | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Zeyang Wei, Tsinghua University, China

Dr. Zeyang Wei 🎓🌱 is a Ph.D. candidate at Tsinghua University’s School of Environment (2020-2025), specializing in environmental impact assessment, agent-based modeling, and environmental zoning management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Renmin University of China in Agricultural Economics & Rural Development 🌍📊. His research explores industrial restructuring, pollution reduction, and carbon mitigation, with publications in top journals. He has presented at international conferences 🌏🎤 and serves as a teaching assistant. Recognized with the Tsinghua University Comprehensive Scholarship 🏆, he contributes significantly to environmental science through modeling and policy analysis. 📑🔬

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Zeyang Wei 🎓 is a Ph.D. candidate at Tsinghua University, Beijing (2020-2025), specializing in environmental impact assessment, agent-based modeling for industries, and environmental zoning management 🌍📊. Under the guidance of Prof. Yi Liu, he explores sustainable industrial strategies. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Renmin University of China (2016-2020) in Agricultural Economics & Rural Development 🌾📈. His undergraduate thesis focused on the environmental and economic assessment of industrial investment transfer from Beijing to the BTH region. Passionate about sustainable development, Dr. Wei integrates economic and environmental perspectives to drive impactful research for a greener future 🌱🏭.

Experience

Dr. Zeyang Wei has led multiple research projects focusing on environmental noise, computing, and pollution control 🌱📊. From October 2020 to June 2021, he analyzed community responses to environmental noise, applying statistical analysis 📉. In mid-2021, he explored environmental computing, summarizing its development and applications 🖥️📄. Between December 2021 and June 2023, he researched pollution reduction and carbon mitigation strategies across industries 🌍⚡. His Ph.D. thesis (2021–present) involves developing an agent-based model to assess industrial firms’ environmental impacts under integrated zoning policies 🏭🔬. His expertise spans industry analysis, research methodology, and academic writing ✍️📚.

Research Focus

Z. Wei’s research focuses on environmental regulation 🌍📜, industrial restructuring 🏭🔄, and computational environmental science 💻🌱. Their work explores the effectiveness of China’s integrated environmental zoning in reshaping industries, agent-based modeling for environmental studies, and the evolution of environmental computing. They also examine how emission permit regulations impact local industries and how social noise perception influences mitigation behavior. By integrating policy analysis, computational modeling, and environmental impact assessment, Wei contributes to sustainable development and environmental management. Their interdisciplinary approach bridges environmental science, industrial policy, and digital innovation for greener and more efficient industries. 🔬📊🌏

Presentation

Dr. Zeyang Wei’s research focuses on environmental economics 🌍📊, particularly the impact of discharge permits on the economic and emission performance of industrial firms 🏭💰. Using an agent-based modeling approach 🤖📈, his work explores how regulatory policies influence pollution control and sustainable industrial development. By integrating economic analysis with environmental assessment, he aims to optimize strategies for balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility ⚖️🌱. His findings provide insights for policy-makers and industry leaders to enhance eco-friendly practices while maintaining profitability. His expertise lies at the intersection of industrial sustainability, environmental policy, and economic modeling 🔬📉.

Achievements & Academic Service

Dr. Zeyang Wei is affiliated with the Faculty of Resources and Environmental Science at Hubei University in Wuhan, China. His research focuses on remote sensing and image analysis, particularly in areas such as attribute profiles, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and crop classification. His work aims to enhance the accuracy of image classification and improve the understanding of crop characteristics through advanced image processing techniques.

Publication Top Notes

Does the China’s integrated environmental zoning regulation serve an effective approach for industrial restructuring?

Conclusion

Dr. Zeyang Wei is a distinguished researcher known for his excellence in academia, pioneering innovative modeling techniques, and making significant contributions to his field 🏆📊. His groundbreaking research has advanced knowledge and inspired new methodologies in scientific studies 🔬📖. With a strong commitment to innovation and academic excellence, Dr. Wei has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to solve complex problems and push the boundaries of research 🚀💡. His dedication and outstanding achievements make him an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏅👏. His work continues to influence and shape the future of research and development. 🌍🔍