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

Arash Javanshir khoei | Environmental Science | Cross-disciplinary Excellence Award

Arash Javanshir khoei | Environmental Science | Cross-disciplinary Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Arash Javanshir khoei, University of Tehran, Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arash Javanshir Khoei is a distinguished marine biologist and ecologist 🌊🐚 with a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the University of Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris 6 (1999) 🇫🇷. His research focuses on parasitology, heavy metal toxicity, aquatic ecology, and environmental sustainability 🌱🔬. With over three decades of academic and research experience, he has significantly contributed to understanding aquatic ecosystems, pollution effects, and species population dynamics. As a faculty member at the University of Tehran since 2005, he has mentored numerous students and led groundbreaking projects on water purification, microplastics, and sustainable aquaculture 🏞️🐟. His numerous inventions, including water filtration systems and fish food manure, have earned him multiple national awards 🏅. Dr. Khoei has authored impactful publications in high-ranking journals, advancing knowledge in marine science and environmental protection 📚🔍. His expertise and contributions make him a top candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education 

Dr. Arash Javanshir Khoei has an extensive academic background in marine sciences and environmental research 🌍. He earned his Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the University of Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris 6, France (1999) 🇫🇷, where he studied the effects of Digenetic Trematodes on bivalve mollusks in Arcachon Bay 🦠🐚. His M.Sc. in Biological Oceanography (1995) from the same university focused on marine ecosystem dynamics. He completed his B.Sc. in Fisheries and Environment at the University of Tehran (1986) 🇮🇷, laying the foundation for his career in aquatic ecology. His academic journey has been marked by pioneering research in parasitology, water pollution, and marine biodiversity. His expertise spans limnology, fish behavior, and aquatic plant ecosystems, making significant contributions to environmental sustainability 🌿💧. Through interdisciplinary research, Dr. Khoei continues to push the boundaries of marine biology, enhancing the scientific community’s understanding of aquatic environments.

Experience

Dr. Arash Javanshir Khoei has over 30 years of experience in academia and research 🌍🔬. He is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Tehran (2012–present) 🇮🇷, where he teaches courses in oceanography, marine ecology, and environmental science 📖. He previously served as an Assistant Professor at the same university (2005–2012), shaping the next generation of marine scientists 🎓. From 2001 to 2005, he led the Ecology Department at the Ecological Academy of the Caspian Sea, spearheading key environmental research projects 🌱🌊. His early career included roles as a researcher at the Marine Research Centre of the Caspian Sea (1989–1992), investigating marine biodiversity and water quality. With numerous national and international projects, Dr. Khoei has significantly contributed to marine conservation, aquaculture, and pollution control efforts 🏞️🐠. His diverse expertise has led to groundbreaking discoveries in environmental sustainability, heavy metal toxicity, and microplastic pollution 🏆.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Arash Javanshir Khoei has received multiple prestigious awards for his outstanding contributions to marine science and environmental sustainability 🌍🏆. In 2015, he was recognized as a Superior Technology Creator by the Alborz Governorate and a Superior Researcher at the University of Tehran 🏅. His innovative ideas earned him the Superior Idea Award from the Semnan Governorate in 2018. He holds multiple patents, including Fish Food Manure (2013), Bit Trap Filter (2016), and a System for Absorbing Cyclic Compounds in Water (2018) 🔬💧. His research on sustainable water treatment, microplastic pollution, and aquaculture has attracted significant funding, including grants from Iran’s National Science Foundation 🇮🇷. With numerous scientific contributions and technology-driven solutions, Dr. Khoei has become a leading figure in environmental conservation and aquatic research. His relentless dedication to marine ecology makes him a top contender for prestigious research awards 🌊🐚.

Research Focus

Dr. Arash Javanshir Khoei’s research spans marine biology, aquatic ecology, and environmental toxicology 🌊🔬. His early work focused on the effects of Digenetic Trematodes on Bivalve Mollusks, revealing parasite-induced changes in cockle population dynamics 🦠🐚. He has extensively studied heavy metal toxicity in aquatic species, evaluating bioaccumulation and immunotoxic effects of pollutants like lead, mercury, and iron oxide nanoparticles 🌱⚗️. His research also addresses microplastic pollution in the Caspian Sea, emphasizing its impact on marine life 🌍🛑. He pioneered studies on water purification, developing innovative techniques for removing heavy metals, arsenic, and pesticides from aquatic environments 💧♻️. Dr. Khoei’s interdisciplinary research extends to sustainable aquaculture, marine ecosystem dynamics, and environmental biotechnology 🐟🌾. His work contributes to global efforts in pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation, making him a leading expert in marine environmental science 🌿🌊.

Publication Top Notes

  • Investigating the effects of several parameters on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris using Taguchi’s experimental approach
  • Laboratory studies on egg and fecal pellet production of Centropages typicus: effect of age, effect of temperature, individual variability
  • Evaluation of potential immunotoxic effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) on common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
  • Application of physical and biological methods to remove heavy metals, arsenic, and pesticides from water
  • Efficiency of chitosan for the removal of Pb (II), Fe (II), and Cu (II) ions from aqueous solutions
  • Assessment of heavy metals and their relationship with oxidative stress and immune parameters in aquatic species
  • Removal of Hg (II) and Cd (II) ions from aqueous solution using chitosan: kinetics and equilibrium studies
  • An investigation on the accumulation of heavy metals in Avicennia marina from the Persian Gulf
  • Evaluation of bivalve clearance rate (CR) as an indicator of heavy metal toxicity in Anodonta cygnea
  • Toxicity of titanium nano-oxide nanoparticles (TiO2) on the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas

Minli Wang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Minli Wang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr minli Wang, Kunming University of Science and Technology, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Minli Wang is an esteemed scholar in environmental science and engineering, contributing significantly to atmospheric chemistry and water pollution control. With expertise in black carbon hygroscopicity, photochemical reactions, and environmental catalysis, her research has influenced pollution mitigation strategies. She has published in top-tier journals, secured competitive research grants, and played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge on environmental contaminants. As a dedicated academic at Kunming University of Science and Technology, Dr. Wang continues to make remarkable strides in environmental sustainability. Her dedication and research excellence make her a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Minli Wang is a dedicated environmental scientist with a Ph.D. in Environmental Science & Engineering from Nanjing University (2015-2021) 🌿🔬. She earned her M.Sc. from Kunming University of Science and Technology (2012-2015) 🌎🧪 and her B.Sc. from Yunnan Normal University (2008-2012) in Agricultural Building Environment & Energy Engineering 🌾🏡. Her research focuses on pollution control, sustainable energy solutions, and environmental protection. With extensive expertise in tackling complex environmental challenges, Dr. Wang contributes significantly to advancing green technologies and sustainability. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier planet. 📚🎓🌍

Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Minli Wang is a dedicated researcher in environmental chemistry and atmospheric science 🌍⚛️. Since 2024, she has been an Associate Professor at Kunming University of Science and Technology 🏛️🔬, leading research on environmental pollutants and black carbon chemistry. Her work focuses on photochemical reactions and water pollutant degradation, contributing to sustainability efforts. As a project leader and participant in NSFC-funded projects 💰📑, she has investigated black carbon’s photochemical activity and antibiotic degradation mechanisms. With extensive academic and research experience, Dr. Wang continues to make significant advancements in environmental science, driving innovation for a cleaner future. 👩‍🔬💡

Awards & Honors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Minli Wang is a distinguished researcher recognized for her contributions to environmental science and engineering. She received the China Patent Award for her innovative VOCs Photoreactor in 2021 🏅📜. As the Principal Investigator of the NSFC Young Scientist Grant (2023) 🎖️💡 and Yunnan Province Basic Research Project (2023) 🏆🔍, she leads groundbreaking studies in her field. Additionally, she participated in the NSFC Regional Science Fund (2023) 📊🔬. Her recognition at national and provincial levels highlights her impactful research, advancing sustainable solutions and cutting-edge technologies in air pollution control and environmental protection. 🌱🔬

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Minli Wang is an expert in black carbon’s environmental impact, atmospheric chemistry, and water pollution treatment. Her research explores black carbon’s hygroscopicity, analyzing its interactions with organic and inorganic components 🏭☁️. She investigates photochemical reactions to understand pollutant degradation under environmental conditions ☀️🧪. Additionally, she develops advanced catalytic materials for efficient wastewater treatment 💧⚛️. With an interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Wang enhances pollution control strategies, contributing to sustainable environmental solutions 🌱🔍. Her work plays a crucial role in mitigating environmental hazards and improving air and water quality for a healthier future.

Publication Top Notes

Gravimetric and spectroscopic analysis of hygroscopic properties of organic and inorganic components of three representative black carbon 🌿 Cited by: 24, Science of the Total Environment, 771: 145393

An investigation on hygroscopic properties of 15 black carbon (BC)-containing particles from different carbon sources: roles of organic and inorganic components 🌎 Cited by: 17, Atmospheric chemistry and physics, 20: 7941-7954

Comparing Photoactivities of Dissolved Organic Matter Released from Rice Straw-Pyrolyzed Biochar and Composted Rice Straw 🌱 Cited by: 12, Environmental Science & Technology, 56(4): 2803-2815

A review of the effects of environmental photochemical processes of black carbon: Mechanisms, challenges, and perspective 🌐 Cited by: 5, Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 106793: 106793

A bibliographic study reviewing the last decade of hydrochar in environmental application: history, status quo, and trending research paths 📚 Cited by: 8, Biochar, 5(1)

Dr. Anastasiia Snigirova | microplastics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Anastasiia Snigirova | microplastics | Best Researcher Award

senior researcher, Institute of Marine Biology of the NAS of Ukraine, Ukraine

Anastasiya Snigirova is a dedicated researcher from Ukraine, currently serving as a senior researcher at the Institute of Marine Biology of the NAS of Ukraine and as a lecturer at Odessa National Mechnikov University. With a strong commitment to advancing hydrobiology and ecology, Anastasiya has significantly contributed to understanding marine ecosystems and the impacts of microplastics. 🌊🌱

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education

Anastasiya earned her Master of Biology degree from Odessa National Mechnikov University, specializing in Hydrobiology and General Ecology. Her academic foundation has equipped her with the knowledge to tackle pressing ecological challenges. 🎓🔬

Experience

Anastasiya has been a senior researcher since March 2015, focusing on ecosystem resilience assessment. From September 2014 to August 2022, she served as a senior lecturer in Hydrobiology and General Ecology, inspiring students with her expertise and passion for marine biology. 🌍🐟

Research Focus

Her research interests encompass marine ecology, the effects of microplastics in aquatic environments, and biofouling on plastic substrates. Anastasiya aims to develop sustainable practices for managing marine resources and mitigating ecological impacts. 🐠💧

Awards and Honours

Anastasiya is an active member of the International Phycological Society, reflecting her dedication to promoting marine research and collaboration within the scientific community. 🌟🏅

Publication Top Notes

Anastasiya has authored several influential publications, including:

Marine sampling field manual for microplastics (2024), a comprehensive resource for monitoring microplastic pollution in Australian waters.

Biofouling growth on plastic substrates (2022), which explores the ecological impacts of biofouling in marine environments.

Ichthyofauna of the Lower Dniester, the Dniester Estuary and the Adjacent Black Sea Area, with Some Ecological Comments (2022), providing insights into fish populations and ecological dynamics in the region.

Minseok Ryu | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Minseok Ryu | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Minseok Ryu, Arizona State University, United States

Dr. Minseok Ryu is an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University’s School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence since August 2023 👨‍🏫. He earned his Ph.D. in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2020 🎓. His research focuses on optimization and machine learning applications in power systems and privacy-preserving federated learning 🔍⚡. Dr. Ryu has held positions at Argonne National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory 🏢. He has received numerous awards, including the 2024 Alliance Fellowship at Mayo Clinic and ASU and multiple research highlights from the DOE-ASCR 🌟.

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

Minseok Ryu holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, which he completed in May 2020 🎓. Before that, he earned an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from KAIST, Daejeon, Korea, in February 2014 🚀. His academic journey began with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from KAIST, which he obtained in February 2012 ✈️.

Employment

Minseok Ryu is currently an Assistant Professor at the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ (Aug 2023–present) 📚. Previously, he was a Postdoctoral Appointee at the Mathematics and Computer Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL (Aug 2020–Jul 2023) 🔬. He also worked as a Research Assistant with the Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM (May 2019–Aug 2019) 🧪. Additionally, he served as a Post Baccalaureate Research Fellow at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL (Nov 2014–Apr 2015) 🎓.

Honors & Awards

Minseok Ryu has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career. In 2024, he was honored as an Alliance Fellow by the Mayo Clinic and ASU Alliance for Health Care and participated in the Faculty Summer Residency program. His research was highlighted by the Department of Energy’s Advanced Scientific Computing Research (DOE-ASCR) in both 2023 and 2022. Ryu received the Rackham Graduate Student Research Grant in 2016 and multiple fellowships from the University of Michigan in 2015. Additionally, he earned the National Science Foundation Student Award from INFORMS Computing Society. Earlier, he received the National Scholarship from the Korean government (2010-2013) and accolades from KAIST, including the Department Honor and Best Technical Poster Award in 2010. 🎓🔬📊

Presentations

Minseok Ryu has made significant contributions to various fields, presenting his research at numerous esteemed conferences. His work includes heuristic algorithms for geomagnetically induced current blocking devices (Paris, June 2024) 🌍⚡, generating columns (Phoenix, Oct 2023) 📝, and differentially private algorithms for constrained federated learning (Seattle and Amsterdam, 2023) 🔒🤖. He has also focused on privacy-preserving federated learning frameworks (Arlington, Aug 2022; Virtual, June 2022) 🛡️📡. Additionally, he has explored optimal power flow control, transmission expansion planning, and robust optimization in healthcare staffing across various platforms including INFORMS, SIAM, and international symposiums 🌐🧑‍⚕️

Research focus

Minseok Ryu’s research primarily focuses on data-driven optimization and privacy-preserving techniques, particularly in federated learning and power systems. His work spans several areas, including robust optimization under uncertainty, privacy-preserving distributed control, and federated learning frameworks. Key applications include improving nurse staffing models, optimizing electric grids against geomagnetic disturbances, and developing secure frameworks for federated learning in biomedical research. Ryu’s contributions are significant in ensuring privacy and robustness in distributed systems and optimization problems. 🧠🔒💡🔋👩‍⚕️

Publication top notes

Data-Driven Distributionally Robust Appointment Scheduling over Wasserstein Balls

APPFL: Open-Source Software Framework for Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning

A Privacy-Preserving Distributed Control of Optimal Power Flow

An extended formulation of the convex recoloring problem on a tree

Nurse Staffing under Absenteeism: A Distributionally Robust Optimization Approach

Differentially private federated learning via inexact ADMM with multiple local updates

Mitigating the Impacts of Uncertain Geomagnetic Disturbances on Electric Grids: A Distributionally Robust Optimization Approach

Algorithms for Mitigating the Effect of Uncertain Geomagnetic Disturbances in Electric Grids

Development of an Engineering Education Framework for Aerodynamic Shape Optimization

Enabling End-to-End Secure Federated Learning in Biomedical Research on Heterogeneous Computing Environments with APPFLx