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

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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

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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.

 

 

Andrés Robalino-López | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Andrés Robalino-López | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Andrés Robalino-López, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ecuador

Prof. Dr. Andrés Robalino-López is a distinguished academic and researcher at Escuela Politécnica Nacional (EPN), Ecuador, with an extensive background in environmental technologies, innovation, and complex systems. With a PhD earned cum laude from Universidad de Huelva, Spain, he combines academic rigor with practical leadership in research, innovation ecosystems, and entrepreneurship. As a key figure in Ecuador’s academic landscape, he serves as Deputy Dean, program coordinator, and research director. Internationally recognized through affiliations with MIT’s REAP program and the Academy of Sciences of Ecuador, his interdisciplinary contributions span environmental modeling, innovation management, and sustainable development. His research has informed policy, supported national and international projects worth over $500K, and been published in high-impact journals. His commitment to systemic transformation through science, education, and public policy underscores his eligibility for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

Education

Dr. Robalino-López earned his PhD in Environmental Technologies (cum laude) from Universidad de Huelva, Spain (2014), focusing on carbon emissions and sustainable development using system dynamics. He also holds Master’s degrees in Control Engineering (2012) and Environmental Technologies (2011) from the same university. He completed an MBA in Innovation (2022) from Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Ecuador. His engineering foundation was laid at Escuela Politécnica Nacional (2008), where he graduated cum laude in ICT. He has undertaken postgraduate studies in Energy and Environment at Glasgow Caledonian University, UK (2010) and served as a visiting researcher at Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy (2013). His academic training is rounded out by executive programs at MIT, Berkeley, Taiwan, Brazil, and other global institutions, reflecting a strong and continuous commitment to interdisciplinary and global education.

Experience

Prof. Robalino has over a decade of academic and research leadership at Escuela Politécnica Nacional, serving as Full Professor, Deputy Dean, and Program Coordinator for multiple postgraduate and research initiatives. Internationally, he has represented Ecuador in MIT’s REAP program since 2017, leading entrepreneurship and innovation acceleration. His role as Horizon Europe – NCP for EIT and various positions such as Department Chair, Innovation Transfer Coordinator, and External Auditor (CES) underscores his systemic impact. His hands-on engagement in over a dozen research projects and development initiatives—totaling more than $500K in funding—spans renewable energy, sustainability, and technological innovation. He is also a sought-after lecturer, teaching in postgraduate and PhD programs, with additional experience in collaborative research in Spain and Italy. His leadership blends academic depth with policy-level engagement and international collaboration.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Robalino’s contributions have been widely recognized. He was awarded Best Researcher by CEDIA in 2023, following a nomination in 2022. In 2020, he was inducted into the Academy of Sciences of Ecuador, and in 2019, he received commendation from MIT-REAP for contributions to innovation ecosystems in Quito. At a national level, EPN awarded him the Research Production Award (2015). He is a recipient of numerous prestigious fellowships, including the SENESCYT Dissertation Fellowship (2011–2014), Fundación Carolina, AUIP, and Erasmus, supporting studies in Spain, the UK, and Italy. Additionally, he has secured research grants for international residencies and led funded projects across multiple organizations. These accolades highlight not only his academic excellence but also his real-world impact in sustainable development, innovation management, and capacity building in Ecuador and beyond.

Research Focus

Dr. Robalino’s research lies at the intersection of environmental systems, complex system dynamics, innovation ecosystems, and technology management. His doctoral work pioneered carbon emission modeling and environmental sustainability forecasting in Ecuador using system dynamics and decomposition analysis. He has expanded this approach to entrepreneurship ecosystems, policy scenario evaluation, and sustainability indicators. His recent projects focus on organizational innovation, carbon neutrality strategies, and macroeconomic-environmental modeling. He emphasizes the use of interdisciplinary frameworks to inform national energy and sustainability policies, as seen in collaborations with CEDIA, CONQUITO, and MIT-REAP. His work often combines quantitative modeling, foresight methodologies, and system thinking to guide public and private sector strategies. By integrating research with policy, Dr. Robalino creates actionable insights for sustainable and innovation-driven development across Latin America.

Publication Top Notes

  • Studying the relationship between economic growth, CO2 emissions, and the EKC in Venezuela (1980–2025)
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2015), 215 citations
    Groundbreaking analysis on the Environmental Kuznets Curve, combining system dynamics and econometrics.

  • System dynamics modeling for renewable energy and CO2 emissions: A case study of Ecuador
    Energy for Sustainable Development (2014), 175 citations
    Pioneering use of system dynamics to simulate energy policy impacts on emissions.

  • System dynamics modelling and the environmental Kuznets curve in Ecuador (1980–2025)
    Energy Policy (2014), 104 citations
    Introduced scenario-based carbon forecasting in Ecuadorian policy research.

  • CO2 emissions convergence among 10 South American countries. A study of Kaya components
    Carbon Management (2016), 65 citations
    Comparative study highlighting regional energy-environment dynamics.

  • Regional cooperation in environmental protection via e-government
    Environment. Technologies. Resources (2017), 20 citations
    Explores digital governance for sustainable development in Andean nations.