Panagiotis Regkouzas | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Panagiotis Regkouzas | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Technical University of Crete | Greece

Dr. Panagiotis Regkouzas is a passionate environmental engineer from Chania, Greece, born on November 21, 1991. With a robust academic and professional foundation, he is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Technical University of Crete. His career is defined by his dedication to sustainable development, specializing in biochar production, wastewater treatment, and the circular economy. Through national and international collaborations, Panagiotis contributes to innovative environmental engineering solutions that promote resource recovery and sustainable agriculture.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Strong Academic Background:

    • PhD in Environmental Engineering with a specialization in biochar production, environmental applications, and wastewater treatment.

    • Dual master’s degrees with focused theses on biochar and wastewater reuse, directly supporting the sustainability and circular economy sectors.

  • Research Productivity & Impact:

    • Author/co-author of several peer-reviewed articles in reputed international journals such as Chemosphere, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, and Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery.

    • Published cutting-edge work on nanobiochar, graphene oxide biochars, and CNT-doped composites, showing innovation and depth in environmental nanotechnology.

  • Active Participation in High-Profile Projects:

    • Involved in European Union-funded projects like Horizon 2020 (PRIMA) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, indicating his role in top-tier international collaborations.

    • Project themes align with global environmental priorities such as circular economy, green technologies, and nature-based solutions.

  • Extensive Conference Participation & Visibility:

    • Regular presenter at international conferences (EGU, IEES, IWA, EURECA-PRO), reflecting academic leadership and scientific communication strength.

    • Frequent contributions in sessions on circular economy, wastewater valorization, and biochar technologies, underlining topic consistency and relevance.

🎓 Education

Panagiotis began his academic journey with a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Crete (2009–2015), where he explored biochar applications for pollutant adsorption. He then pursued a Master of Science (MSc) in Advanced Water and Wastewater Treatment (2015–2017), focusing on valorizing municipal solid waste. His PhD (2017–2024) further delved into advanced biochar materials and their applications in removing emerging contaminants from water. Currently, he continues his research as a postdoctoral scholar in Circular Economy at the same institution.

🧪 Experience

With over 7 years of research and teaching experience at the Technical University of Crete, Panagiotis has worked on diverse projects ranging from biochar production and nanomaterials to wastewater treatment technologies. His roles include university research and teaching assistant, as well as laboratory assistant in courses on water treatment and environmental engineering. In 2024, he expanded his international experience as an Engineering Research Scientist at APS-Ekoinnowacje in Poland, emphasizing sustainable waste management and environmental innovation.

🔬 Research Interests On Materials

Panagiotis’s research interests lie in environmental sustainability with a sharp focus on circular economy principles. He is particularly interested in:

  • Biochar production from waste biomass

  • Adsorption of emerging micro-contaminants

  • Development of nanocomposite biochars

  • Wastewater and sludge treatment

  • Nature-based solutions like constructed wetlands
    His work bridges the gap between environmental engineering and practical, sustainable applications for agriculture and water systems.

🏆 Awards & Nominations

1. Title: Adsorption of selected organic micro-pollutants on sewage sludge biochar
Authors: P. Regkouzas, E. Diamadopoulos
Year: 2019
Citations: 158

2. Title: Ni (II) adsorption on biochars produced from different types of biomass
Authors: R.N. Mourgela, P. Regkouzas, F.M. Pellera, E. Diamadopoulos
Year: 2020
Citations: 14

3. Title: Biochar production from waste biomass: Characterization and evaluation for agronomic and environmental applications
Authors: F.M. Pellera, P. Regkouzas, I. Manolikaki, E. Diamadopoulos
Year: 2021
Citations: 12

4. Title: Production and characterization of graphene oxide-engineered biochars and application for organic micro-pollutant adsorption from aqueous solutions
Authors: P. Regkouzas, L. Sygellou, E. Diamadopoulos
Year: 2023
Citations: 10

5. Title: Effect of compost and compost-derived biochar on the growth of lettuce irrigated with water and treated wastewater
Authors: P. Regkouzas, N. Katie, K. Bontiotis, A. Stefanakis
Year: 2025
Citations: Not listed

6. Title: Assessing Biochar and Compost from the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste on Nutrient Availability and Plant Growth of Lettuce in a Pot Experiment
Authors: P. Regkouzas, I. Manolikaki, E. Diamadopoulos
Year: 2025
Citations: Not listed

7. Title: Effect of compost and compost-derived biochar on lettuce growth in a water and wastewater irrigated pot experiment
Authors: P. Regkouzas, N. Katie, K. Bontiotis, A. Stefanakis
Year: 2025
Citations: Not listed

8. Title: The role of biochar in a circular economy: from agriculture to water and wastewater treatment applications
Authors: P. Regkouzas, I. Asimakoulas, E. Athanasiadou, E. Koukouraki, …
Year: 2024
Citations: Not listed

9. Title: Production of advanced adsorptive materials based on biochar
Author: P. Regkouzas
Year: 2024
Citations: Not listed

10. Title: Global Challenges for a Sustainable Society: EURECA-PRO
Authors: P. Regkouzas, E. Diamadopoulos
Year: 2023
Citations: Not listed

✅ Conclusion

Panagiotis Regkouzas exemplifies the spirit of environmental innovation and sustainable engineering. With a solid foundation in education, a breadth of interdisciplinary experience, and a forward-looking research portfolio, he is a valuable asset to the scientific community and an outstanding nominee for this award. His work paves the way for greener technologies in water treatment, agriculture, and waste valorization, making impactful contributions both locally and globally 🌎🌿.

Meryem Fanidi | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Meryem Fanidi | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Central south university | China

Meryem Fanidi is a dedicated researcher and academic currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Central South University, China. With a strong background in geology, archaeology, and geophysics, she has built an interdisciplinary expertise that bridges historical and modern scientific methodologies. Passionate about environmental geoscience, her work focuses on self-potential modeling and saline intrusion monitoring. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience in research, fieldwork, and academic collaborations, contributing significantly to her field.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Diverse Research Experience – Meryem Fanidi has conducted extensive research in geoscience, archaeology, and hydrogeophysics. Her work spans topics like self-potential modeling, groundwater potential, and the historical analysis of Mediterranean transgressions and regressions.

  2. Strong Publication Record – She has multiple peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals, demonstrating her contributions to her field.

  3. Multidisciplinary Background – Her academic path, covering geology, archaeology, and geophysics, showcases versatility and the ability to integrate knowledge from various scientific domains.

  4. Practical Experience – With internships in mining, hydrocarbon exploration, and archaeological excavation, she has hands-on expertise complementing her theoretical knowledge.

  5. International Exposure – Studying in China and collaborating on global projects indicate adaptability and engagement in an international research community.

  6. Technical and Language Proficiency – Her skills in laboratory techniques, GIS applications, and multilingual communication (English, French, Arabic) enhance her research capabilities.

Education 🎓

Meryem Fanidi has an impressive academic background. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Central South University, specializing in geoscience and info-physics, with a research focus on self-potential modeling and inversion for saline intrusion monitoring. Prior to her Ph.D., she earned a Master’s degree in Archaeology from the National Institute of Sciences of Archaeology and Patrimoine, where she explored Mediterranean history and sea transgressions using geospatial data. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Mohamed V (Rabat), specializing in Hydrology, Oceanology, and Climate. She also holds a high school diploma in Life and Earth Sciences from Jaber Ibn Hayyan Public School & College.

Professional Experience 🌟

Meryem Fanidi has gained valuable hands-on experience through internships and research projects. She has worked in the Paleontology Lab at the University of Mohamed V, conducting stratigraphic analysis of Moroccan dinosaur fossil deposits. Additionally, she contributed to a GIS project at the National Institute of Sciences of Archaeology and Patrimoine, updating Morocco’s archaeological records using ArcGIS. Her field experience includes excavation work at the Cave of Ifri N’Ammar and geological surveys at ONHYM. These experiences have strengthened her skills in geospatial analysis, geological fieldwork, and hydrogeophysics.

Research Interests On Environmental Science 📚

Meryem’s research is centered on environmental geoscience, with a specific focus on self-potential modeling and saline intrusion monitoring. Her previous studies explored the historical changes in Mediterranean transgressions and regressions using geospatial data. She is also interested in hydrology, archaeology, and groundwater potential modeling. Her interdisciplinary research bridges the gap between geological history and modern environmental challenges, making significant contributions to hydrogeophysics and archaeology.

Awards & Achievements 🏆

Meryem has received several accolades for her academic excellence and extracurricular contributions. She was awarded a Master’s scholarship and has earned numerous certificates for her participation in conferences and seminars. Her contributions to academia extend beyond research, as she has also been actively involved in organizing congresses at her university and archaeology institute.

Publications 📚

Meryem Fanidi has made notable contributions to scientific literature. Some of her key publications include:

  • “Modeling and Validating Saltwater Intrusion Dynamics by Self-Potential: A Laboratory Perspective”

    • Authors: Meryem Fanidi, Yi-An Cui, Jing Xie, Ahmed Abdelreheem Khalil, Syed Muzyan Shahzad

    • Publication Year: 2025

  • “Appraisal of Lacustrine Aquifer’s Groundwater Potentiality and Its Hydrogeological Modelling in Southeastern Peshawar, Pakistan: Implications for Environmental Geology, and Geotechnical Engineering”

    • Authors: Syed Muzyan Shahzad, Asim Shahzad, Hammad Tariq Janjuhah, George Kontakiotis, Meryem Fanidi, Muhammad Ishfaque, Sajjad Ahmad Shah, Panayota Makri

    • Publication Year: 2024

  • “Delineation of Groundwater Potential in Southeastern Peshawar Using Lithostratigraphic Properties and Geophysical Techniques”

    • Authors: Asim Shahzad, Hammad Tariq Janjuhah, Syed Muzyan Shahzad, George Kontakiotis, Meryem Fanidi, Panayota Makri

    • Publication Year: 2022

  • “Deep Metallogenic Mechanism in Southeastern China Based on Receiver Function Data”

    • Authors: Jian-xin Liu, Syed Muzyan Shahzad, Ya Sun, Asim Shahzad, Chuan Li, Meryem Fanidi, Ishfaque Muhammad

    • Publication Year: 2022

  • “Numerical Modeling of Marine Self-Potential from a Seafloor Hydrothermal Ore Deposit”

    • Authors: Jing Xie, Yi-an Cui, Meryem Fanidi, Lijuan Zhang, Youjun Guo, Yijian Luo, Jianxin Liu

    • Publication Year: 2021

  • “2.5D Self-Potential Forward Modeling by Natural-Infinite Element Coupling Method”

    • Authors: Jing Xie, Yi-an Cui, Youjun Guo, Lijuan Zhang, Meryem Fanidi, Jianxin Liu

    • Publication Year: 2020

  • “Numerical Modeling of Biogeobattery System from Microbial Degradation of Underground Organic Contaminant”

    • Authors: Jing Xie, Yi-an Cui, Lijuan Zhang, Youjun Guo, Jiaxin Wang, Meryem Fanidi, Jianxin Liu

    • Publication Year: 2020

Conclusion 📝

Meryem Fanidi is a passionate geoscientist whose research and professional experiences have significantly contributed to the fields of geology, hydrogeophysics, and archaeology. Her work in self-potential modeling and groundwater studies showcases her interdisciplinary expertise, making her a valuable asset in environmental geoscience. With her continued dedication to academia, she is poised to make further groundbreaking contributions in her field.

Liang-Wei Cui | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Liang-Wei Cui | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Southwest Forestry University | China

Dr. Liang-Wei Cui is a distinguished professor at the Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China. His research primarily focuses on primate behavior ecology and conservation, as well as mammal biodiversity conservation and monitoring. With decades of experience in zoological studies, he has led several key projects on the conservation of endangered primates, particularly the Black-and-White Snub-Nosed Monkey.

Profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Outstanding Research Contributions: Dr. Cui has an extensive publication record, with multiple high-impact papers on primate behavior, ecology, and conservation in well-respected journals such as the American Journal of Primatology, Ecology and Evolution, and Ecosystem Health and Sustainability. His research addresses critical issues in biodiversity conservation, particularly for endangered species like the Black-and-White Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti).

Strong Research Focus & Impact: His work on mammal biodiversity conservation and monitoring directly contributes to wildlife protection strategies, habitat restoration, and species survival. Projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) demonstrate the significance and credibility of his research.

Collaborative and International Recognition: Dr. Cui collaborates with multiple researchers across institutions, including leading primatologists and conservation scientists. His research includes interdisciplinary studies on habitat fragmentation, provisioning impacts, and climate effects on wildlife, showing a broad and integrative scientific approach.

Long-Term Commitment to Conservation: With over 15 years of experience as a professor at Southwest Forestry University, Dr. Cui has contributed significantly to the academic and scientific community, training future conservationists and zoologists.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Zoology (September 1997 – July 2003)
    Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China

👨‍🏫 Experience

  • Professor (August 2008 – Present)
    Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China

🔬 Research Interests On Ecology

Dr. Cui’s research spans two major areas:

  • Primate Behavior Ecology and Conservation
  • Mammal Biodiversity Conservation and Monitoring

His work primarily focuses on understanding primate behavior, habitat fragmentation, and conservation strategies to mitigate threats to endangered species.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Cui has been recognized for his contributions to primate conservation and biodiversity research, receiving multiple grants and accolades for his work in wildlife preservation and ecological sustainability.

📚 Publications

Dr. Cui has authored several influential research papers in primatology and conservation science. Below are some of his recent publications:

  • A new record of Coelichneumon rufofemoratus (Cameron, 1903) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Eastern Himalayas, with a checklist of all the species of the genus from the Oriental region

    • Authors: Yang, Xia; Huang, Zhi-Pang; Cui, Liang-Wei; Pos, Davide Dal; Reshchikov, Alexey; Xiao, Wen
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: Not available
  • Surviving at the highest and coldest: Nutritional and chemical components of fallback foods for Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys

    • Authors: Pan, Hao; Hou, Rong; Zhang, He; Li, Yanpeng; Huang, Zhipang; Cui, Liangwei; Xiao, Wen
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: Not available
  • Variation in monthly and seasonal elevation use impacts behavioral and dietary flexibility in Rhinopithecus bieti

    • Authors: Kraus, Jacob B.; Huang, Zhi-Pang; Li, Yan-Pang; Cui, Liang-Wei; Wang, Shuang-Jin; Li, Jin-Fa; Liu, Feng; Wang, Yun; Strier, Karen B.; Xiao, Wen
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: Not available
  • Integrative Taxonomy Revealed High Diversity of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) and the Description of Three New Species from Yunnan Province, China

    • Authors: Hongxin Zhou; Xiuyan Li; Chaoying Yuan; Liangwei Cui; Shuo Liu; Dingqi Rao
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: Not available
  • Effects of Environmental Factors on Bird Communities in Different Urbanization Grades: An Empirical Study in Lishui, a Mountainous Area of Eastern China

    • Authors: Zhang, Wenwen; Zhou, Ying; Fang, Xuelan; Zhao, Shengjun; Wu, Yi; Zhang, Haonan; Cui, Liangwei; Cui, Peng
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: Not available
  • Effects of food availability and climate on the activity budget of Shortridge’s langur (Trachypithecus shortridgei) in the Drung Valley, Gaoligong Mountains, China

    • Authors: Zhang, Jia-Yang; Li, Ying-Chun; Yang, Yin; Garber, Paul A.; Han, Ke-Guo; Huang, Zhi-Pang; Cui, Liang-Wei; Xiao, Wen
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: Not available
  • Effects of provisioning on the activity budget and foraging strategies of black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) in the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, Yunnan, China

    • Authors: Li, Hong-Bo; Sun, Jing; Li, Lun-Hong; Zhou, Ying; Fang, Xue-Lan; Li, Bo-Yan; Guo, Long-Jie; Geng, Ying; Wang, Chun-Ping; Huang, Zhi-Pang et al.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: Not available
  • Stepping Stone Strategy: A Cost-Effective Way to Address Habitat Fragmentation of Endangered Wildlife in Montane Forest

    • Authors: Wang, Haohan; Gao, Ying; Li, Yanpeng; Li, Na; Grueter, Cyril C.; Xu, Huiming; Huang, Zhipang; Cui, Liangwei; Xiao, Wen
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: Not available
  • Ontogenetic Development of Sexual Dimorphism in Body Mass of Wild Black-and-White Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti)

    • Authors: Yan-Peng Li; Huang Zhi-Pang; Yin Yang; Xiao-Bin He; Ru-Liang Pan; Xin-Ming He; Gui-Wei Yang; Hua Wu; Liangwei Cui; Wen Xiao
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: Not available
  • Southwest China, the last refuge of continental primates in East Asia

    • Authors: Zhang, He; Lu, Jiqi; Tang, Shiyi; Huang, Zhipang; Cui, Liangwei; Lan, Daoying; Wang, Haitao; Hou, Rong; Xiao, Wen; Guo, Songtao et al.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: Not available

🔚 Conclusion

Dr. Liang-Wei Cui’s research has significantly contributed to the field of primate conservation and biodiversity monitoring. His work on habitat fragmentation, primate ecology, and wildlife protection has influenced conservation policies and strategies in China and beyond. As a dedicated researcher and professor, he continues to mentor young scientists and lead conservation efforts for endangered species. 🌍

Chuanxing Jia | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuanxing Jia | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ecology and Environment | Qufu Normal University | China

📘 Dr. Chuanxing Jia, an associate professor at the School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, specializes in environmental science and engineering. With a focus on ecological sustainability and hazardous waste management, Dr. Jia combines academic rigor and innovative research to address critical environmental challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards

  • Academic Background and Expertise:
    • Dr. Jia has a robust educational foundation in environmental science and engineering, with a Ph.D. from Chongqing University.
    • His expertise spans environmental pollution management, hazardous waste handling, and anaerobic digestion technologies.
  • Research Contributions:
    • Published multiple peer-reviewed papers in respected journals like Journal of Basic Microbiology and Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.
    • Significant contributions as a co-corresponding author and sole corresponding author, showcasing leadership in collaborative research.
  • Funded Research Projects:
    • Successfully secured and led competitive research grants at national and provincial levels.
    • Projects like “Prewarning and Control Technology for Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Solid Waste” emphasize innovation and practical applications in environmental management.

Education

🎓 Doctorate: Environmental Science and Engineering, Chongqing University (2007-2010)
🎓 Master’s Degree: Environmental Engineering, Chongqing University (2004-2007)
🎓 Bachelor’s Degree: Environmental Engineering, Chongqing University (2000-2004)

Dr. Jia’s educational journey has been rooted in Chongqing University, where he built a strong foundation in environmental science and engineering.

Experience

💼 Associate Professor: Qufu Normal University, School of Life Sciences (2015–Present)
💼 Deputy Senior Role: Jining Environmental Protection Bureau, Hazardous Waste and Environmental Emergency Management Center (2011–2015)

Dr. Jia’s diverse professional experience spans academia and governmental roles, focusing on environmental protection and sustainable waste management systems.

Research Interests On 🔬Environmental Science

Dr. Jia’s research centers on:

  • Hazardous waste management using intelligent systems.
  • Microbial resistance mechanisms in anaerobic digestion.
  • Advanced techniques for solid waste recycling and treatment.
  • Ecological restoration and environmental monitoring.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Dr. Jia has been recognized for his contributions to environmental science, including:

  1. Inventor of patents on hazardous waste management and anaerobic digestion technologies.
  2. Contributor to key ecological studies for the South-to-North Water Transfer Project.
  3. Key member of high-profile environmental management initiatives, particularly for the Nansi Lake region.

Publications

1. Comparative Analysis of the Biochar Derived from Antibiotic Fermentation Residue and Corn Straw and its Role in Promoting Anaerobic Digestion

  • Authors: Jia, C., Zhao, H., Wang, N., Gao, P., Wang, R.
  • Publication Year: 2025
  • Citations: 0

2. Novel photic responsive Janus nanoparticles: Interfacial catalysts for efficient preparation of biodiesel

  • Authors: Li, M., Zhang, R., Jia, C., Liu, Y., Ying, A.
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Citations: 2

3. Characterization of medaka (Oryzias latipes) AHRs and the comparison of two model fishes—Medaka vs. zebrafish: The subform-specific sensitivity to dioxin

  • Authors: Zhang, W., Xue, Z., Cao, Q., Ding, N., Wang, R.
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Citations: 0

4. Coal-mining subsidence changed distribution of the microbiomes and their functional genes in a farmland

  • Authors: Gao, P., Fan, K., Zhang, G., Jia, C., Tian, H.
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • Citations: 3

5. Impact of Biochars on the Iron Plaque Formation and the Antimony Accumulation in Rice Seedlings

  • Authors: Zhang, Z., Jia, C., Gan, Y., Wang, S.
  • Publication Year: 2022
  • Citations: 5

6. Bacterial and Archaeal Community Distribution in Oilfield Water Re-injection Facilities and the Influences from Microorganisms in Injected Water

  • Authors: Gao, P., Li, Y., Tian, H., Jia, C., Ma, T.
  • Publication Year: 2022
  • Citations: 7

7. Chemical Forms and Spatial Distribution of Phosphorus in the Sediment of Sihe River

  • Authors: Zhang, Z.-H., Zhang, X.-R., Jia, C.-X., Gan, Y.-D., Wang, S.-L.
  • Publication Year: 2022
  • Citations: 2

8. Bacterial community shift in response to a deep municipal tail wastewater treatment system

  • Authors: Chen, J., Yang, Y., Liu, Y., Jiang, J., Jia, C.
  • Publication Year: 2019
  • Citations: 55

9. Bacterial community shift and antibiotics resistant genes analysis in response to biodegradation of oxytetracycline in dual graphene modified bioelectrode microbial fuel cell

  • Authors: Chen, J., Yang, Y., Liu, Y., Tian, Y., Jia, C.
  • Publication Year: 2019
  • Citations: 95

Conclusion

🌟 Dr. Chuanxing Jia is a dedicated scholar and innovator in environmental science, contributing significantly to hazardous waste management, microbial research, and ecological sustainability. His work bridges academia and practical applications, fostering environmental stewardship for future generations.