Irina Pilvere | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Irina Pilvere | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies | Latvia

Professor Irina Pilvere of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is a distinguished researcher in agricultural economics, rural development, and the bioeconomy, with a strong international research presence supported by 101 Scopus-indexed publications, 240 citations from 196 Scopus documents, and an h-index of 8 (Scopus). Her overall scientific output includes 342 publications, among them eight monographs and more than 230 internationally reviewed papers, reflecting her broad scholarly influence across the agricultural and environmental sciences. She has made substantial contributions to 25 international and 99 national research projects, advancing research in sustainable agriculture, land-use efficiency, renewable energy policy, food system resilience, and the EU Common Agricultural Policy. Her recent collaborative research with Aina Muska and Aleksejs Nipers on assessing agricultural green competitiveness across EU Member States introduces a comprehensive Green Competitiveness Index based on environmental indicators aligned with European Green Deal targets, strengthening sustainability evaluation frameworks and supporting evidence-based policymaking. Prof. Irina Pilvere’s broader research achievements include developing economic and sectoral modelling tools such as the LASAM model; conducting sustainability assessments; performing policy evaluations; and producing forward-looking projections for livestock, dairy, and crop sectors. Her publications appear in high-impact journals and leading international conference proceedings, including Agriculture, Environmental Sciences Europe, and Emerging Science Journal. Her scholarly work is widely cited and recognised for shaping agricultural policy discourse, enhancing rural development strategies, and supporting innovation pathways in the European bioeconomy. Through extensive collaborations and research leadership, she continues to contribute meaningfully to advancing sustainable, resilient, and competitive agricultural systems.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

  1. Grinberga-Zalite, G., Pilvere, I., Muska, A., & Kruzmetra, Z. (2021). Resilience of meat supply chains during and after COVID-19 crisis. Emerging Science Journal, 5(1), 57–66.

  2. Pilvere, I., Nipers, A., & Pilvere, A. (2022). Evaluation of the European Green Deal policy in the context of agricultural support payments in Latvia. Agriculture, 12(12), Article 2028.

  3. Rubins, M., & Pilvere, I. (2017). Development of renewable energy policy in Latvia. Economic Science for Rural Development Conference Proceedings, 17.

  4. Nipers, A., Pilvere, I., Valdovska, A., & Proskina, L. (2016). Assessment of key aspects of technologies and cow farming for milk production in Latvia. Engineering for Rural Development, 15, 175–181.

  5. Pilvere, I., Nipers, A., Krievina, A., Upite, I., & Kotovs, D. (2022). LASAM model: An important tool in the decision support system for policymakers and farmers. Agriculture, 12(5), Article 705.

Muhammad Umair | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Muhammad Umair | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

National Textile University | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Umair is a Fulbright Postdoc Researcher at NCSU, USA (2025–2026), an Assistant Professor (on leave) at National Textile University (NTU), Pakistan, and a Professional Engineer (PE). Recognized as a Top 2% Highly Cited Researcher (Elsevier, 2023), he specializes in advanced textiles, composites, and protective materials. With 15+ years of industrial and academic experience, he has supervised 3 PhD, 28 MS, and 35 BS students and secured ₨234M (≈$850K) in research grants.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Muhammad Umair exemplifies exceptional merit for the Best Researcher Award through his comprehensive portfolio of academic, industrial, and research achievements. As a Fulbright Postdoctoral Researcher at North Carolina State University (2025–2026), his global academic presence is already firmly established. Notably, he was named among the top 2% highly cited researchers in 2023 by Elsevier and Stanford University, a recognition that highlights his impact and influence in the field of textile engineering and composite materials.

He holds a Ph.D. in Textile Engineering with specialization in 3D woven fiber-reinforced polymeric composites and has accumulated 15 years of professional experience, encompassing 4 years in industry and 11 years in academia, including research and administration. His supervision record is commendable, with 3 PhDs, 28 MS, and 35 BS students either supervised or co-supervised, demonstrating his commitment to academic mentorship.

Education 🎓

  • PhD Textile Engineering (2018, NTU, Pakistan | CGPA: 3.53/4)

  • M.Sc. Textile Engineering (2014, NTU | CGPA: 3.60/4)

  • B.Sc. Textile Engineering (2009, NTU | CGPA: 3.20/4)

Experience 💼

  • Fulbright Postdoc Researcher, NCSU, USA (2025–2026)

  • Assistant Professor/Director, National Center for Composite Materials (NC²M), NTU (2018–2024)

  • Industrial Expert, Crescent Textile Mills (2010–2013)

  • Graduate Programs Coordinator, NTU (2022–2024)

Research Interests On Engineering 🔍

  • 2D/3D woven composites (H/I/T/O shapes, turbine blades)

  • Thermal protection textiles (heat/cold comfort)

  • Natural/high-performance fiber composites

  • Mechanical characterization & statistical modeling

Awards & Honors 🏆

  • Top 2% Highly Cited Researcher (Elsevier, 2023)

  • Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship (2025)

  • Permanent Member, International Association of Engineers (IAENG)

  • National Patent (#144198, IPO-Pakistan, 2024)

Publications 📚

  • Title: Extraction and characterization of novel fibers from Vernonia elaeagnifolia as a potential textile fiber
    Authors: K Shaker, RMWU Khan, M Jabbar, M Umair, A Tariq, M Kashif, Y Nawab
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 73

  • Title: Investigating the mechanical behavior of composites made from textile industry waste
    Authors: M Umar, K Shaker, S Ahmad, Y Nawab, M Umair, M Maqsood
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 67

  • Title: Effect of woven fabric structure on the air permeability and moisture management properties
    Authors: M Umair, T Hussain, K Shaker, Y Nawab, M Maqsood, M Jabbar
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 62

  • Title: Impact of hydrophobic treatment of jute on moisture regain and mechanical properties of composite material
    Authors: A Ali, K Shaker, Y Nawab, M Ashraf, A Basit, S Shahid, M Umair
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 56

  • Title: Structural textile design: interlacing and interlooping
    Authors: Y Nawab, STA Hamdani, K Shaker
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 52

  • Title: Textile engineering: an introduction
    Authors: Y Nawab, K Shaker
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 47

  • Title: Cellulosic fillers extracted from Argyreia speciose waste: a potential reinforcement for composites to enhance properties
    Authors: K Shaker, M Umair, S Shahid, M Jabbar, RMW Ullah Khan, M Zeeshan, et al.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 47

  • Title: Fibers for technical textiles
    Authors: S Ahmad, T Ullah, Ziauddin
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 46

  • Title: Optimization of 3D woven preform for improved mechanical performance
    Authors: M Kashif, STA Hamdani, Y Nawab, MA Asghar, M Umair, K Shaker
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 45

  • Title: Mechanical Behaviour of Hybrid Composites Developed from Textile Waste
    Authors: Z Masood, S Ahmad, M Umair, K Shaker, Y Nawab, M Karahan
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 44

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Umair is a leading researcher in advanced textiles and composites, bridging academia and industry. His work on 3D woven structures, sustainable materials, and protective gear has global impact, supported by prestigious grants and collaborations. His upcoming Fulbright research at NCSU aims to innovate 3D woven composites for automotive/sports industries.