Dr. Fabiano Riva | Forensic science | Best Researcher Award

Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne | Switzerland

Dr. Fabiano Riva is a forensic scientist, educator, and ballistics expert affiliated with the Ecole des Sciences Criminelles at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. With over two decades of experience in firearm identification, wound ballistics, and 3D reconstructions, he bridges academic rigor with field-based innovation. His professional journey spans top-tier institutions, and he currently teaches and collaborates on cutting-edge forensic research projects in Europe.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Extensive Experience in Forensic Ballistics:
Fabiano Riva has a robust background in forensic science, specifically ballistics and wound ballistics. With over two decades of academic and research involvement at renowned institutions like the Université de Lausanne, his career progression from a Master’s Assistant to a scientific collaborator and educator highlights a steady commitment to excellence.
Research Output:
He has contributed to 27 peer-reviewed journal articles, an impressive count within a specialized forensic domain. These publications reflect sustained scholarly engagement.
Academic Contributions:
Fabiano is actively involved in supervising 2–3 MSc theses annually, indicating a consistent contribution to the training of future forensic scientists.
Collaborative Projects and International Recognition:
Participation in at least four internationally funded collaborative projects, along with his ties to top European forensic institutions (ENFSI, AFTE, BKA, NFI), demonstrates global integration and recognition.
Specialization and Innovation:
His specialization in 3D reconstructions and surrogate-based wound ballistics methodologies—which simulate human tissue impacts—positions him at the forefront of innovative forensic techniques.

🎓 Education

Dr. Riva graduated in 2004 from the School of Criminal Sciences, Faculty of Law, University of Lausanne. He earned his PhD in Forensic Science in 2011, where he was awarded for excellence in his dissertation in 2012. His doctoral research focused on objective computational methods in firearms identification.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Riva began his career as a Master’s Assistant in the Firearms Group, where he served until 2011. He then joined the Institute of Legal Medicine in Bern as a ballistician and later moved to the Lausanne branch. He currently performs 3D forensic reconstructions and is responsible for teaching ballistics and firearms investigation to Bachelor’s and Master’s students. His collaborations span several European institutions including the Netherlands Forensic Institute, BKA Wiesbaden, and the State Police in Rome.

🔬 Research Interests On Forensic science

His core research areas include:

Ballistics & Wound Ballistics
Firearms Investigation & Identification
3D Reconstructions in Forensic Science
Surrogate-based modeling using ballistic gel, synthetic bone, and soap

Dr. Riva supervises 2–3 MSc theses per year and has contributed to four major international projects, one of which is currently ongoing.

🏅 Awards

Best Dissertation Award (2012) – Forensic Science, University of Lausanne
Nominated for the Best Researcher Award, FORENSIC SCIENTIST AWARDS 2025, for his contributions to ballistic forensics and innovations in simulation-based wound analysis.

📚 Publications

Dr. Riva has authored 27 peer-reviewed journal articles. Below are selected key publications:

Riva, F. et al. (2021). Evaluation of wound profiles in ballistic gel using high-speed videography. Forensic Science International, Cited by 14.
Riva, F. (2020). 3D ballistic reconstructions using open-source tools. International Journal of Legal Medicine, Cited by 20.
Riva, F. et al. (2018). Gelatin vs. synthetic bone simulants: Comparative wound behavior. Science & Justice, Cited by 18.
Riva, F. et al. (2015). Spent cartridge comparison through automated algorithms. Forensic Science International, Cited by 30.
Riva, F. (2013). Ballistic impacts in forensic simulation environments. International Journal of Legal Medicine, Cited by 22.

For the complete list of publications, visit: Fabiano Riva – ResearchGate

🔚 Conclusion

With a career built at the intersection of science, education, and forensic application, Dr. Fabiano Riva is a leader in the forensic ballistics domain. His commitment to improving objectivity in firearms analysis and modeling of ballistic injuries underscores his dedication to scientific advancement. His international collaborations and academic mentorship continue to inspire and elevate forensic practice globally.

Ms. Ana Bendejacq-Seychelles | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural and Environmental Engineer in PhD thesis | Agroecology, INRAE, Institute Agro Dijon, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté | France

Ana Bendejacq-Seychelles is a dedicated agricultural and environmental engineer currently pursuing her PhD in Agroecology at UMR Agroecology, INRAE Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Dijon, France. Her research focuses on using multi-omic approaches to identify fungal metabolites with phytotoxic effects on the parasitic weed Phelipanche ramosa. Ana is passionate about agroecological solutions to tackle pressing agricultural and ecological challenges.

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Awards

Research Expertise and Focus:
- Her current PhD research on identifying fungal metabolites toxic to the parasitic weed Phelipanche ramosa showcases advanced knowledge in multi-omics approaches, with significant implications for sustainable agriculture and parasitic weed management.
- Published impactful papers in high-quality journals such as Toxins, Pest Management Science, and Applied Energy. These publications highlight her proficiency in untargeted metabolomics, environmental management, and sustainable energy in agricultural systems.
Diverse Academic Background:
- A strong foundation in agroecology, agricultural engineering, and multidisciplinary sciences, evidenced by her Master’s degree and engineering curriculum.
- Hands-on experience with innovative research topics such as the effect of photovoltaic panels on agricultural systems and pollinator pressures in socio-ecological frameworks.

Education 🎓

Ana’s academic journey began with an intensive two-year preparation in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences at Sainte Geneviève High School in Versailles, France, where she graduated with honors. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in Agroecology at the University Bourgogne Franche-Comté (2021–2023), while simultaneously completing a prestigious civil service agricultural engineering program at Agro Dijon.

Experience 📓

Ana has accumulated diverse research experience:

PhD Research (2023–present): Investigating phytotoxic fungal metabolites for parasitic weed control.
Research Internship (2023): Developed lab protocols to study fungal metabolites affecting Phelipanche ramosa.
Environmental Tool Development (2022–2023): Collaborated on a project to evaluate pressures on pollinators and create a dialogue tool for scientists and policymakers.
Solar Agriculture Research (2022): Explored plant growth under photovoltaic panels at the German Aerospace Center.
Educational Projects (2021–2022): Produced a teaching aid on precision agriculture and agroecology.

Research Interests On Genetics🔬

Ana’s primary research interests lie at the intersection of ecology, agriculture, and environmental science. She specializes in exploring the potential of fungal metabolites as natural herbicides, sustainable agricultural practices, and the integration of technology like photovoltaic systems in agroecology.

Awards 🏆

Ana’s academic and extracurricular excellence has been recognized through her participation in prestigious events, including:

Chemistry Olympiads (2017, 2019)
General Mathematics Competition (2018)
Biarritz International Dance Workshop
She was also selected for the AnaEE France 2024 Summer School on machine learning ecology and presented her research at the 17th World Congress of Parasitic Plants in Japan (2024).

Publications 📚

“Image Analysis and Untargeted Metabolomics Reveal Potential Phytotoxins from Fusarium venenatum Against Major Parasitic Weed Phelipanche ramosa”
- Authors: Ana Bendejacq Seychelles, Lisa Martinez, Anaïs Corréard, Jean Chrisologue Totozafy, Christian Steinberg, Jean-Bernard Pouvreau, Carole Reibel, Grégory Mouille, Samuel Mondy, Lucie Poulin, et al.
- Publication Year: 2024 (December 10).
- Citations: None yet, as it was recently published.
- DOI: 10.3390/toxins16120531.
“Combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics to characterize and identify fungal metabolites phytotoxic to Phelipanche ramosa, a parasitic plant of crops”
- Author: Ana Bendejacq Seychelles.
- Publication Year: 2023 (November 28).
- Citations: Not currently cited.
“Phytotoxic fungal secondary metabolites as herbicides”
- Authors: Ana Bendejacq Seychelles, Stéphanie Gibot-Leclerc, Jean-Philippe Guillemin, Gregory Mouille, Christian Steinberg.
- Publication Year: 2023 (October 4).
- Citations: Available but unspecified.
- DOI: 10.1002/ps.7813.

Conclusion 🌟

Ana Bendejacq-Seychelles embodies a blend of scientific rigor and passion for sustainability. With her diverse expertise in agroecology, research, and technology, she is poised to make significant contributions to the agricultural and environmental sectors.

Fabiano Riva | Forensic science | Best Researcher Award