Sang-Eun Oh | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Sang-Eun Oh | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Kangwon National University | South Korea

Prof. Dr. Sang-Eun Oh is a leading environmental engineer and biotechnologist at the Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, South Korea, where he serves as Professor and Director of the Environmental Research Center. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering from Gwang-Ju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in 2002, following M.S. and B.S. degrees in Environmental Engineering from Chung-Nam National University. Dr. Sang-Eun Oh gained international research experience as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at The Pennsylvania State University, USA, before joining Kangwon National University in 2006. His research focuses on microbial fuel cells, bioenergy production, wastewater treatment, eco-toxicological monitoring using sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms, and sustainable environmental biotechnology. Over his career, he has led more than 27 completed and three ongoing national and international projects, including pioneering work in microbial electrochemical systems, livestock waste treatment, and hydroponic cultivation technologies. Dr. Sang-Eun Oh has authored 182 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Biodegradation, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Chemosphere, and Sustainability, and holds 26 patents for innovative environmental technologies. He has collaborated with global leaders including Bruce E. Logan’s laboratory at Penn State University, advancing bioenergy generation, green hydrogen production, and microbial bio electrochemical systems. His outstanding contributions have earned him prestigious awards including the Minister of Environment Award, Best Environmental Technology Award, and multiple Best Paper Awards. Recognized for his scientific rigor, innovation, and leadership in clean technology and sustainable environmental solutions, Dr. Sang-Eun Oh exemplifies excellence and is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Min, B., Kim, J. R., Oh, S. E., Regan, J. M., & Logan, B. E. (2005). Electricity generation from swine wastewater using microbial fuel cells. Water Research, 39(20), 4961–4968.

  2. Rahimnejad, M., Adhami, A., Darvari, S., Zirepour, A., & Oh, S. E. (2015). Microbial fuel cell as new technology for bioelectricity generation: A review. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 54(3), 745–756.

  3. Oh, S. E., Min, B., & Logan, B. E. (2004). Cathode performance as a factor in electricity generation in microbial fuel cells. Environmental Science & Technology, 38(18), 4900–4904.

  4. Kim, J. R., Cheng, S., Oh, S. E., & Logan, B. E. (2007). Power generation using different cation, anion, and ultrafiltration membranes in microbial fuel cells. Environmental Science & Technology, 41(3), 1004–1009.

  5. Oh, S. E., & Logan, B. E. (2005). Hydrogen and electricity production from a food processing wastewater using fermentation and microbial fuel cell technologies. Water Research, 39(19), 4673–4682.

  6. Logan, B. E., Oh, S. E., Kim, I. S., & Van Ginkel, S. (2002). Biological hydrogen production measured in batch anaerobic respirometers. Environmental Science & Technology, 36(11), 2530–2535.

  7. Oh, S. E., & Logan, B. E. (2006). Proton exchange membrane and electrode surface areas as factors that affect power generation in microbial fuel cells. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 70(2), 162–169.

  8. Oh, S. E., Van Ginkel, S., & Logan, B. E. (2003). The relative effectiveness of pH control and heat treatment for enhancing biohydrogen gas production. Environmental Science & Technology, 37(22), 5186–5190.

Biman Gati Gupta | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Biman Gati Gupta | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Elitte College of Engineering, Kolkata | India

Dr. Biman Gati Gupta, PhD, C.Engg, BCEEM, FEWRI, FASCE, is a distinguished civil and environmental engineer with over four decades of professional experience spanning academia, consultancy, and international development. As a Fellow of multiple prestigious institutions including the Institute of Engineers (India), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI), he has made remarkable contributions to sustainable infrastructure development, environmental management, and water resource conservation. His professional journey reflects a rare blend of engineering innovation, leadership, and commitment to public welfare.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Biman Gati Gupta earned his Ph.D. in Ecological Studies and Engineering from the University of Kalyani, complemented by a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management from the same institution. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from B.E. College, Shibpur (now IIEST, Shibpur), under the University of Calcutta. He further enhanced his expertise with certifications in Project Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, Financial Management from the Management Development Institute, New Delhi, and Climate Change & Public Health from Imperial College, London. His educational foundation demonstrates both technical depth and multidisciplinary engagement with management and environmental sciences.

Experience

With a career of more than 44 years, Dr. Biman Gati Gupta has held diverse roles in civil construction, water and wastewater treatment, power plant engineering, consultancy, and academia. His career began as a Site Engineer and later progressed into design engineering with Geo. Miller & Co. Pvt. Ltd. and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, followed by major responsibilities in NTPC Ltd. He served for nearly three decades at the West Bengal Consultancy Organization, advancing from Senior Consultant to Vice President, where he managed large-scale industrial and environmental projects. His international roles include serving as a World Bank Consultant for rural development and minor irrigation projects in West Bengal. Most recently, he has contributed as Professor and Head of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Elitte College of Engineering, shaping the next generation of engineers.

Research Interests

Dr. Biman Gati Gupta’s research interests focus on environmental management, wastewater treatment, sustainable water resources, and the ecological impact of industrial effluents. His work emphasizes applied solutions such as membrane-based ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis systems for water conservation. He has also contributed to the development of integrated project reports addressing industrial water supply, sewage disposal, and environmental mitigation measures. His scholarship combines practical engineering with ecological sustainability, bridging the gap between industry and environmental stewardship.

Awards

Dr. Biman Gati Gupta’s pioneering work has earned him numerous recognitions, including being conferred Fellowships from the Institute of Engineers (India), ASCE, and EWRI. He was Board Certified as an Eminent Environmental Scientist and Engineer by AAEES (USA). His outstanding contribution to groundwater conservation research was honored with the prestigious Srimati Sarala Bala Sanyal Memorial Gold Award for Best Paper, published in IEI Series A (Springer). His leadership roles include serving as Treasurer of ASCE India Section and as a trustee and council member of the Royal Society of Textile Institute, UK.

Publications

Dr. Biman Gati Gupta has authored one book chapter on wastewater treatment, three books on environmental management, and eleven peer-reviewed research articles in internationally recognized journals, including Springer, Elsevier, and Sage. He has also prepared twenty-six technical project reports and presented his research at both international and national platforms.

Example Research Article:

  • Title: Heavy metal contamination from textile wastewater and its health impacts: a case study from West Bengal with sustainable remediation approaches

  • Journal: Scientific Reports

  • Published on: August 12, 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Biman Gati Gupta is a highly accomplished researcher, engineer, and academic leader whose career embodies excellence in civil and environmental engineering. His contributions to wastewater treatment, water conservation, and sustainable infrastructure have been recognized globally, reflecting his capacity to address complex engineering challenges with innovative, practical solutions. His distinguished professional record, combined with impactful research and leadership in international collaborations, make him a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Asha Lata Singh | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Asha Lata Singh | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Banaras Hindu University | India

Dr. Asha Lata Singh is an Associate Professor at the Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, specializing in Environmental Microbiology. With over 31 years of teaching/research experience, she focuses on bioremediation, coal beneficiation, and wastewater treatment using microbial solutions. A recipient of the Women Research Award 2024, she has guided 5 Ph.D. students and published extensively in reputed journals.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Extensive Research Experience (31+ Years)
    • Specialization in Environmental Microbiology, particularly in bioremediation, coal beneficiation, and wastewater treatment—areas of global environmental significance.
    • Demonstrated expertise in microbial detoxification of pollutants, aligning with sustainability goals.
  2. Strong Publication Record (40+ Papers)
    • Publications in reputed journals (Chemosphere, Geomicrobiology Journal, Energy & Fuels, etc.) with recent works (2024–2025), indicating active contributions.
    • Collaborative international research (South Korea, Croatia) enhancing global impact.
  3. Successful Supervision & Mentorship
    • Guided 5 Ph.D. students (now in academia/industry, including postdocs at UC Davis) and 4 ongoing Ph.D. candidates, showcasing leadership.
    • Supervised 106 dissertations, reflecting dedication to nurturing future scientists.
  4. Active Grants & Projects
    • PI for multiple funded projects (e.g., SERB-DST, CMPDI-Ministry of Coal) totaling ~₹1.15 crores (2023), demonstrating competitive research capability.
    • Focus on clean energy (coal biomethanization, desulfurization) and industrial waste remediation, addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Education 🎓

  • M.Sc. in Botany (Specialization: Environmental Microbiology)
  • Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology
  • Affiliation: Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India

Experience 💼

  • 31+ years in teaching/research at BHU.
  • Administrative Roles: 15 years as Warden/Administrative Warden.
  • International Collaborations: Worked with researchers from South Korea (Hanyang University) and Croatia (University of Zagreb).

Research Interests On Environmental Science 🔍

  • Biomethanization of coal 🏭
  • Microbial removal of heavy metals from industrial effluents 💧
  • Textile effluent treatment using bacteria 🧪
  • Coal desulfurization & demineralization for clean fuel ⚡

Awards & Honors 🏆

  • Women Research Award 2024 (Science Father).
  • Chitralekha Bhattacharya Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.
  • Life Member: International Society of Environmental Botanists (2023), Indian Botanical Society (2023).

Publications 📚 (Selected)

  1. Srivastava A., Singh A.L., Kumar A., Kumar A. (2025)
    Bioremediation of chromium (VI) from mining-contaminated soil using Klebsiella Sp. (BH-A1): environmental implications.
    DOI: 10.1007/s10653-025-02448-2
  2. Kumar A., Singh Asha Lata, Kumar A., Singh Prakash K. (2025)
    Biodesulphurization of High Sulfur Tertiary Coal of Assam: An Eco-Friendly Approach Towards Clean Coal Production.
    Conference: Innovations in Coal & Mineral Characterization for Sustainable Resource Utilization, Kolkata, India.
  3. Kumar A., Singh Asha Lata, Rajak P.K., Kumar A., Singh Prakash K. (2024)
    Beneficiation of high sulfur tertiary coal of Assam with Burkholderia sp. GR 8-02: An eco-friendly Approach Towards Clean Coal Production.
    Geomicrobiology Journal, 41(1).
  4. Yadav M., Singh Asha Lata (2024)
    Decolourization and detoxification of Reactive Red 195 Azo dye by Staphylococcus caprae isolated from textile effluent.
    Folia Microbiologica. DOI: 10.1007/s12223-024-01175-y
  5. Rai S., Singh Asha Lata, Singh P.K. (2024)
    Demineralization of coal from Johilla coalfield using neutrophilic native bacteria: A novel technique to obtain REE from coal.
    Journal of the Geological Society of India, 100(4):486-494.
  6. Rai S., Singh Asha Lata, Singh P.K., Kumar S., Donald H. (2023)
    Optimization of extrinsic parameters for demineralization of coal with Cronobacter sp. using the Taguchi method.
    International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization. DOI: 10.1080/19392699.2023.2297195
  7. Singh Asha Lata, Chaudhary S., Kumar S., Singh A., Yadav A. (2022)
    Biodegradation of Reactive Yellow-145 azo dye using bacterial consortium: A deterministic analysis based on degradable metabolite, phytotoxicity and genotoxicity study.
    Chemosphere. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134504
  8. Singh Asha Lata (2022)
    Emission and mitigation of greenhouse gases from paddy field: Environmental implications.
    In: Traditional Farming and Climate (R.A. Singh) (Accepted).
  9. Kumar A., Singh Asha Lata, Kumar R., Rajak P.K., Singh Prakash K. (2022)
    Desulfurization of dibenzothiophene by different bacterial strains: An eco-friendly approach to obtain clean fuel from coal.
    Geomicrobiology Journal. DOI: 10.1080/01490451.2022.2035020
  10. Singh V., Kumar A., Rajak P.K., Kumar A., Singh Asha Lata, Singh K.N., Naik A.S., Singh P.K. (2021)
    Selected Major, Minor and Trace Elements in Lignite Deposits of Saurashtra Basin, Gujarat: Their Association, Distribution and Environmental Implications.
    Journal of Scientific Research, 65(1):65-72.
  11. Rajak P.K., Singh V.K., Singh Asha Lata, Kumar N., Kumar O.P., Singh V., Kumar A., Rai A., Rai S., Naik A.S., Singh P.K. (2020)
    Study of minerals and selected environmentally sensitive elements in Kapurdi lignites of Barmer Basin, Rajasthan, Western India: Implications to environment.
    Geosciences Journal, 24(4):441−458.
  12. Yadav A., Singh R.P., Singh Asha Lata, Singh M. (2020)
    Identification of genes involved in phosphate solubilization and drought stress tolerance in chickpea symbiont Mesorhizobium ciceri Ca181.
    Archives of Microbiology.

Conclusion 🌿

Dr. Asha Lata Singh is a pioneer in environmental microbiology, bridging gaps between laboratory research and industrial applications. Her work on clean coal technology and bioremediation addresses critical environmental challenges, earning her global recognition. With ongoing projects and collaborations, she continues to inspire sustainable scientific solutions.

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. 🌍