Delagnon Assou | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Delagnon Assou | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

University of Lomé | Togo

Dr. Delagnon Assou is a highly productive researcher in biodiversity conservation, ecology, wildlife trade, fisheries science, and socio-ecological systems of West Africa, with a strong interdisciplinary focus spanning terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems. The research portfolio comprises 25 scholarly documents, accumulating 213 citations across 149 citing documents, and an h-index of 9, reflecting consistent academic impact. The body of work addresses ichthyological diversity, lagoon and river ecosystem dynamics, ethnozoology, mammal and primate ecology, wildlife exploitation, and conservation challenges under increasing human pressure. Key contributions include influential studies on West African coastal lagoon systems, fisheries and livelihoods, migratory birds, benthic macroinvertebrates, rodents, ungulates, primates, reptiles, and large carnivores, alongside major assessments of wildlife trade, animal welfare, and CITES-listed species. Publications appear in well-regarded international journals such as Nature Conservation, Ecology and Evolution, Animals, Animal Conservation, African Journal of Ecology, Tropical Zoology, Mammalia, Diversity, ZooKeys, and Ibis, as well as authoritative resources including the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The research output demonstrates methodological breadth—combining field surveys, camera trapping, ethnozoological approaches, socio-economic analysis, and ecological modeling—and provides evidence-based insights that support biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and policy-relevant decision-making in tropical ecosystems.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

250

200

150

100

 

0

Citations
213

Documents
25

h-index
9

Citations

Documents

h-index


View Scopus Profile

Featured Publications

Maria Carmela Grano | Heritage Sciences and Ancient Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maria Carmela Grano | Heritage Sciences and Ancient Technologies | Best Researcher Award

CNR - Istituto di Scienze del Patrimonio Culturale | Italy

Dr. Maria Carmela Grano is an accomplished researcher specializing in cultural heritage conservation, preventive conservation, and sustainable landscape management. She has authored 7 scholarly documents with 30 citations across 23 publications and holds an h-index of 3, reflecting her growing impact in the field of heritage science. Currently affiliated with the CNR - Institute of Heritage Science (ISPC), she contributes to European projects such as E-RIHS ERIC and ARCHE, focusing on digitalization, preventive conservation, and co-governance of cultural assets. Her work emphasizes the integration of environmental monitoring, GIS-based heritage mapping, and stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable cultural tourism. Dr. Grano has organized and contributed to numerous international conferences, including the Bilateral Italo-French Heritage Science meetings, and her publications explore topics like historical water mills, fluvial dynamics, and adaptive reuse of cultural landscapes. She has received several research fellowships and collaborated with organizations such as UNESCO Giovani and FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano). Through her interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Grano continues to advance innovative strategies for heritage preservation, combining science, community participation, and policy development to safeguard cultural assets in the context of climate and digital transitions.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Grano, M. C. (2025). Historic water mills as regenerative ecosystems: Integrating technologies, community engagement and sustainable landscape management. Cities, 162(C), 105982. ISSN 0264-2751.

Grano, M. C., Sileo, M., Innella, C., Vitulli, R., & Masini, N. (2024). Conservazione preventiva, programmata e partecipata dei beni culturali in ottica circolare: Casi studio e sfide aperte nel progetto Basilicata Heritage Smart Lab. Il Capitale Culturale, 29, 107–121. ISSN 2039-2362.

Genovese, L., Alberti, L., Colosi, F., Grano, M. C., Greco, S., Sfameni, C., Bellia, A., & Lazzari, M. (2024). Cooperation solutions for the local sustainable development of heritage communities: Role and contributions of the Faro Italia Network. In Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems. Springer.

Grano, M. C., & Scoccimarro, M. (2023). How can preventive conservation be communicated and explained to visitors and users? News in Conservation, 98, 56–61.

Quaranta, E., Pujol, T., & Grano, M. C. (2023). The repowering of vertical axis water mills preserving their cultural heritage: Techno-economic analysis with water wheels and Turgo turbines. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development. Emerald Publishing.

Di Stefano, A., Vitulli, R., & Grano, M. C. (2021). Piano di sviluppo regionale sui settori delle industrie culturali e creative e del turismo. Basilicata Creativa.

Grano, M. C. (2021). Le chiese rupestri di Murgia Timone a Matera: Dalla conoscenza alla conservazione programmata: La diagnostica come strumento di prevenzione. In F. Castelfranchi & M. Lazzari (Eds.), Il Parco della storia dell’uomo di Matera. Chiese rupestri e Villaggio neolitico di Murgia Timone (pp. 125–159). Doconline. ISBN 978-88-946344-0-2.

Grano, M. C. (2020b). Gualchiere, mulini idraulici e cisterne: L’uso dell’acqua e le trasformazioni del paesaggio in Basilicata. Agri Centuriati: An International Journal of Landscape Archaeology, 17, 47–57. ISSN 1724-904X.

Grano, M. C. (2020a). Palombari, cisterne e pozzi per l’approvvigionamento idrico nei Sassi di Matera (Basilicata). Il Capitale Culturale, 21, 377–389.

Grano, M. C. (2018). Archive sources and field surveys used to analyse horizontal-wheeled watermills, their position and technology in the Basilicata Region of Southern Italy. International Molinology, 97, 13–19.

Grano, M. C., Lazzari, M., Danese, M., & Verrastro, V. (2018). ASTER BASILICATAE: Atlante cartografico storico-territoriale della Basilicata per la ricostruzione diacronica del paesaggio naturale e storico rurale. In Atti del XXXII Convegno Geografico Italiano (pp. 167–176).

 

Saeid Mehdizadeh | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Saeid Mehdizadeh | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Urmia University | Iran

Author Profile

Orcid

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Saeid Mehdizadeh began his academic journey at Urmia University in Iran, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Water Engineering Sciences in 2008, followed by a Master's degree in the same field in 2010. His academic performance was consistently outstanding, with GPAs reflecting his dedication and deep understanding of water engineering sciences. He continued his education at Urmia University, where he obtained his PhD in Water Engineering Sciences in 2017, with a remarkable GPA of 19.18/20. His early academic endeavors laid a strong foundation for his future research and professional success.

🛠️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Mehdizadeh's professional journey is marked by his contributions to the field of water engineering, with a focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and optimization algorithms. His work is centered on hydrology, hydrological modeling, drought and flood prediction, river streamflow, rainfall, evaporation, and evapotranspiration. His expertise in these areas has led him to publish numerous influential papers in high-impact journals. Additionally, he has played a significant role in peer review, serving as an outstanding reviewer for prestigious journals like the Journal of Cleaner Production, and as a guest editor for a special issue of the Water Journal.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Mehdizadeh's research contributions are extensive and impactful, particularly in the application of advanced machine learning models and hybrid techniques to solve complex hydrological problems. His work on the development of wavelet-based hybrid models and the integration of artificial intelligence with time series analysis has provided significant advancements in the modeling of environmental phenomena such as soil temperature, streamflow, and drought. His research is not only theoretical but also practical, offering solutions to real-world problems related to water resources management.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Mehdizadeh has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field. In June 2018, he was recognized as an outstanding reviewer by the Journal of Cleaner Production, a testament to his expertise and dedication to maintaining high standards in scientific research. His role as a guest editor for the Water Journal further highlights his leadership in the academic community, where he has curated and overseen research on drought monitoring and modeling using advanced machine learning models.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Mehdizadeh's work has had a profound impact on the field of water engineering and beyond. His research has influenced the way hydrological models are developed and applied, particularly in the context of environmental management and climate change adaptation. His contributions to the understanding and prediction of hydrological phenomena have been widely recognized and cited by peers, underscoring his influence in both academic and practical domains.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Mehdizadeh continues to advance his research, his legacy in the field of water engineering is firmly established. His work on machine learning and artificial intelligence in hydrology sets the stage for future innovations and applications that will further enhance our ability to manage and protect water resources. His ongoing contributions are expected to continue shaping the future of water engineering, with a lasting impact on both the scientific community and society at large.

 

Publications 📚


  • 📄Deep Learning Hybrid Models with Multivariate Variational Mode Decomposition for Estimating Daily Solar Radiation
    Authors: Shahab S. Band, Sultan Noman Qasem, Rasoul Ameri, Hao-Ting Pai, Brij B. Gupta, Saeid Mehdizadeh, Amir Mosavi
    Journal: Alexandria Engineering Journal
    Year: 2024

  • 📄Development of Wavelet-Based Hybrid Models to Enhance Daily Soil Temperature Modeling: Application of Entropy and τ-Kendall Pre-Processing Techniques
    Authors: Saeid Mehdizadeh, Farshad Ahmadi, Ali Kouzehkalani Sales
    Journal: Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment
    Year: 2023

  • 📄Improving the Performance of Random Forest for Estimating Monthly Reservoir Inflow via Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and Wavelet Analysis
    Authors: Farshad Ahmadi, Saeid Mehdizadeh, Vahid Nourani
    Journal: Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment
    Year: 2022

  • 📄Establishing Coupled Models for Estimating Daily Dew Point Temperature Using Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithms
    Authors: Saeid Mehdizadeh, Babak Mohammadi, Farshad Ahmadi
    Journal: Hydrology
    Year: 2022

  • 📄A Novel Hybrid Dragonfly Optimization Algorithm for Agricultural Drought Prediction
    Authors: Pouya Aghelpour, Babak Mohammadi, Saeid Mehdizadeh, Hadigheh Bahrami-Pichaghchi, Zheng Duan
    Journal: Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment
    Year: 2021

 

Javid Dar | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Javid Ahmad Dar | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

SRM University - AP | India

Author Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Javid Dar embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kashmir, where he delved into subjects like Botany, Chemistry, and Fruit Preservation. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a Master of Science in Environmental Science & Sustainable Development from Barkatullah University. Subsequently, he earned a Master of Philosophy in Environmental Science from Awadhesh Pratap Singh University. Dr. Dar culminated his academic pursuits with a Ph.D. in Ecology & Environmental Sciences from Pondicherry University, where he laid the foundation for his future contributions in the field.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Javid Dar's professional journey is characterized by a series of impactful roles in academia and research. He served as a Contractual Lecturer in Environmental Sciences at Women’s Government Degree College, Jammu & Kashmir, where he honed his teaching skills and fostered the intellectual growth of his students. Subsequently, he delved into research, holding positions such as Postdoctoral Fellow at prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Science and Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University. His research experience encompasses diverse areas including Forest Ecology, Ecosystem Restoration, and Carbon Sequestration.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Dar's research interests revolve around understanding and mitigating environmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. His contributions span a wide array of topics such as Forest Dynamics, Soil Carbon Efflux, and Biodiversity Conservation. Through his pioneering work, he has shed light on crucial ecological phenomena, elucidating the intricate relationships between species diversity, ecosystem functioning, and environmental sustainability. His research outputs, including numerous publications in esteemed journals, underscore his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing pressing environmental issues.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Javid Dar's scholarly achievements have been duly recognized through various awards and fellowships. Notable among these are the International Travel Award from the 6th Eco-Summit in Gold Coast, Australia, and the National Post-Doctoral Fellowship from DST-SERB, India. His research presentations have been acclaimed for their depth and insight, earning him accolades such as the Best Oral Presentation at prestigious conferences like the Eco-Summit and NABS.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Dar's contributions extend beyond the confines of academia, impacting both scholarly discourse and environmental policy. His research findings have provided valuable insights into ecosystem dynamics and have implications for conservation and sustainable resource management. By actively engaging in conferences, workshops, and online courses, he has not only enriched his own understanding but has also inspired countless individuals to pursue excellence in environmental science and conservation.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Javid Dar continues to tread the path of academic and research excellence, his legacy as a visionary scientist committed to environmental stewardship becomes increasingly apparent. His future contributions hold the promise of further unraveling the complexities of ecological systems and devising innovative strategies for mitigating environmental degradation. With his unwavering dedication and scholarly acumen, Dr. Dar is poised to leave an indelible mark on the field of environmental science and engineering, shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

Notable Publications

Linking carbon storage with land use dynamics in a coastal Ramsar wetland 2024

Phylogenetic community patterns suggest Central Indian tropical dry forests are structured by montane climate refuges 2023

Sacred groves of Central India: Diversity status, carbon storage, and conservation strategies 2022 (1)

Invasive shrub Lantana camara L. alters the flora and soils in tropical dry deciduous forests of Central India 2022 (1)

Co-limitation towards lower latitudes shapes global forest diversity gradients 2022 (19)

 

 

Elysée Noromalala Rasoamanana | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Elysée Noromalala Rasoamanana | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

University of Antananarivo | Madagascar 

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Elysée Noromalala Rasoamanana pursued a Master's and a PhD in Plant Sciences at the University of Antananarivo, Madagascar. Dr. Rasoamanana's academic journey laid the foundation for expertise in plant biology and ecology.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Rasoamanana has held various roles, including researcher, lecturer, and environmental consultant. Dr. Rasoamanana's experiences span from academia to practical fieldwork, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Rasoamanana's research focuses on understanding the ecology and conservation of Madagascar's unique flora, particularly baobab trees. Dr. Rasoamanana's work delves into the reproductive mechanisms, population dynamics, and ecological interactions of these iconic species.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Rasoamanana has received several prestigious fellowships and grants, recognizing his contributions to ecological research and conservation efforts in Madagascar. These include awards from organizations like the British Ecological Society and the International Primatological Society.

Impact and Influence

Through  research and outreach activities, Dr. Rasoamanana has raised awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental practices in Madagascar. Dr. Rasoamanana's work has influenced policies and practices for the protection of endangered plant species.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Rasoamanana's legacy lies in his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering environmental stewardship in Madagascar. Dr. Rasoamanana's future contributions are poised to further enrich our understanding of plant ecology and contribute to conservation efforts worldwide.

Notable Publications

Structure of the pistil and pollen tube growth in Adansonia L. species: Implications for fertilization efficiency 2019 (4)

Morphologie pollinique de la flore de la Réserve Spéciale d’Ankarana, Madagascar 2019

Chemical characterization of floral scents in the six endemic baobab species (Adansonia sp.) of Madagascar 2015 (5)

Pollen wall ultrastructure of the genus Adansonia L. species 2014 (8)

Sphingidae as likely pollinators of Madagascar's baobabs | Les Sphingidae, probables pollinisateurs des baobabs malgaches 2011 (12)