Mulala Simatele | Environmental Science | Best Research Article Award

Prof. Mulala Simatele | Environmental Science
| Best Research Article Award

Prof. Mulala Simatele | University of the Witwatersrand | South Africa

Prof. Mulala Simatele is a distinguished British-Zambian geographer and Full Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, specializing in environmental management and sustainability science. With over three decades of academic and professional experience, he has made transformative contributions to climate change adaptation, natural resource management, and sustainable development policy in Africa and beyond. His work integrates research, teaching, and consultancy, with expertise spanning mining, water resources, food security, biodiversity, waste management, and environmental rehabilitation. Professor Simatele has provided technical guidance to global organizations, governments, and international development agencies, contributing to impactful policy and institutional strategies. A thought leader in environmental systems and sustainability transitions, he continues to mentor future scholars while leading pioneering projects on climate resilience and sustainable resource governance.

Professional Profile 

Scopus

ORCID

Suitability for the Best Research Article Award

Prof. Mulala Simatele research demonstrates exceptional scholarly depth, interdisciplinary rigor, and global relevance, making him a strong contender for the Best Research Article Award. His publications address urgent sustainability challenges, advancing theoretical understanding while offering practical policy frameworks for climate adaptation, environmental rehabilitation, and resource governance. Through impactful collaborations with organizations such as the World Bank, FAO, and DFID, his research has shaped environmental strategies across Africa, South America, and Europe. His work stands out for its integration of human-environment dynamics, critical policy analysis, and innovative approaches to sustainable development. Professor Simatele’s ability to link academic insight with real-world application ensures his scholarship has far-reaching academic, societal, and environmental impact, embodying excellence and leadership in research and knowledge dissemination.

Education 

Prof. Mulala Simatele holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Geography from the University of Sussex, where his research examined the socio-economic and environmental dynamics of urban agriculture in Lusaka. He earned a Master of Science in Development Geography and a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Human and Economic Geography from the University of Gothenburg, focusing on migration, urbanization, and structural reforms. His undergraduate studies at the University of Zambia in Education and Teacher Training provided a strong foundation in pedagogy, research, and community development. His multidisciplinary academic background combines environmental science, development geography, and education, positioning him as a global expert on environmental policy and sustainability. This strong educational foundation underpins his expertise in climate change, natural resource management, and environmental governance.

Work Experience 

Prof. Mulala Simatele has extensive academic, research, and consultancy experience across Africa, Europe, and South America. At the University of the Witwatersrand, he leads the MSc Programme in Environmental Science and supervises postgraduate research at master’s and doctoral levels. He previously served as Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of St Andrews, developing sustainable development programs and advancing interdisciplinary environmental studies. His career includes technical advisory roles with governments and international organizations, contributing to environmental policy, climate change adaptation, and resource management strategies. He has delivered high-impact projects for the World Bank, FAO, DFID, and other agencies, demonstrating leadership in program design, policy analysis, and impact evaluation. Professor Simatele’s career reflects exceptional dedication to advancing environmental education, sustainability science, and global development.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Mulala Simatele has received recognition for his leadership in environmental research, sustainable development, and international collaboration. He has served as a technical advisor to the Scottish Government on climate resilience and low-carbon transitions and has been appointed to advisory and steering committees of major international organizations. His expertise has been sought by global agencies including the World Bank, FAO, and IDRC for his contributions to climate adaptation, policy development, and natural resource governance. Professor Simatele’s academic achievements are marked by impactful publications, invited talks, and contributions to major sustainability initiatives. His mentorship of emerging researchers and leadership in environmental science have earned him international respect, cementing his status as a thought leader and advocate for science-driven environmental solutions.

Research Focus 

Prof. Mulala Simatele research focuses on sustainability science, climate adaptation, and environmental management systems, emphasizing integrated approaches to resource governance and policy innovation. His work examines human-environment interactions across diverse contexts, with a strong emphasis on sustainable mining, biodiversity conservation, waste management, climate-smart agriculture, and water resource governance. He specializes in developing community-based natural resource management models and institutional responses to environmental change, fostering resilience and low-carbon transitions. His research also explores urban and rural environmental systems, environmental rehabilitation, and social-ecological dynamics, generating knowledge that bridges science and policy. Through international collaborations, he advances research that informs climate strategies, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental justice, making significant contributions to addressing global sustainability challenges and promoting equitable, evidence-based environmental decision-making.

Publication Top Notes

  • Adaptation and Coping Mechanisms to Urbanisation and Land Use Change in Selected Residential Areas of Lusaka Urban District.

  •  Year: 2025

  • Adapting to climate change: Women’s livelihood strategies in uMkhanyakude District Municipality.

  •  Year: 2025

  • Enhancing water management in South Africa: the need for efficiency in monitoring and evaluation programmes .

  • Year: 2025

  • Examining multifaceted constraints to just transitioning agenda in Africa: integrating sustainable social and economic perspectives into policy framework .

  • Year: 2025

  • Impact of capacity building through learning, training, and coaching on agricultural innovation .

  • Year: 2025

  • Spatial assessment of climate change, water resource management, adaptation and governance in South Africa .

  • Year: 2025

  • The Effect of Compost and Moringa Leaf Extract Biostimulant on the Phytoremediation of Gold Mine Tailing Storage Facilities in South Africa Using Chrysopogon Zizanioides (L.) Roberty .

  • Year: 2025

Conclusion

Prof. Mulala Simatele distinguished academic career, global consultancy roles, and transformative research in climate change adaptation, natural resource governance, and sustainability science make him highly suitable for the Research for Best Research Article Award. His research offers practical policy relevance, deep scientific insight, and measurable community impact. By amplifying his work’s visibility and integrating measurable impact metrics, he could further solidify his position as a thought leader in environmental research.

Md. Monjarul Alam | Green Technology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Md. Monjarul Alam | Green Technology
| Best Researcher Award

ICE Chancellor at Hamdard University Bangladesh, Bangladesh.

Dr. Monjarul Alam is the Vice-Chancellor of Hamdard University Bangladesh and a distinguished researcher in nanomaterials, biosensors, and electronic engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from Dublin City University, Ireland, and completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at City, University of London, UK. With extensive teaching, research, and leadership experience, Dr. Alam has led several government-funded research projects and authored numerous scholarly articles. His commitment to academic excellence and innovation in nanotechnology and photonics has significantly contributed to science and education in Bangladesh. Recognized with national and international awards, he exemplifies excellence in research leadership. His academic journey and impactful contributions make him highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award.

🌍 Professional Profile:

ORCID

Scopus

Google Scholar 

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award :

Dr. Monjarul Alam’s profound research in nanomaterials, biosensing, and thin-film electronics positions him as an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His postdoctoral work in nanophotonics, Ph.D. on nanomaterials processing, and multiple government-funded projects on biosynthesis of nanoparticles for medical and sensor applications showcase a robust research portfolio. Dr. Alam has demonstrated academic leadership through his role as Vice-Chancellor, while also securing major research grants and publishing impactful findings. His awards, including an Ireland Government Scholarship and national-level presentation accolades, highlight his excellence and global recognition. With a strong record of interdisciplinary innovation and sustained academic output, Dr. Alam embodies the values of research excellence, innovation, and societal impact.

🎓 Education :

Dr. Alam holds a Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering with a specialization in nanomaterials and photonics from Dublin City University, Ireland, supported by an Ireland Government Scholarship. He completed a postdoctoral research program at City, University of London in Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics. His earlier education includes an M.Phil. and an M.Sc. (with thesis) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh, both delivered in English. He earned a First Class B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the same institution. Dr. Alam began his academic journey with top results in both SSC and HSC examinations under the Jessore Board. His rigorous academic foundation underpins his expertise in advanced materials and engineering research.

🏢 Work Experience :

Dr. Monjarul Alam serves as the Vice-Chancellor of Hamdard University Bangladesh, bringing over two decades of experience in academic leadership, research, and engineering education. He previously held positions at Islamic University, Kushtia, contributing significantly to research in nanotechnology and electronics. Dr. Alam has led national research projects funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology and University Grants Commission in Bangladesh. His research includes biosynthesis of nanoparticles, thin film synthesis, and biomedical applications. His postdoctoral research at City, University of London and doctoral work in Ireland enhanced his international academic exposure. Dr. Alam has mentored numerous students, published widely, and advanced institutional research capabilities, combining scholarly excellence with visionary administration.

🏅Awards and Honors

Dr. Alam has received several prestigious awards and fellowships throughout his academic career. These include the Ireland Government Scholarship for his Ph.D. studies in nanomaterials and the Ministry of Science and ICT Fellowship in Bangladesh for his M.Phil. His undergraduate achievements were recognized by the Bangladesh Government Higher Education Authority through a merit-based stipend. Additionally, Dr. Alam earned an Oral Presentation Award at the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Dublin City University. His consistent recognition by national and international bodies reflects the impact and quality of his research. His awarded research projects on biosynthesis of nanoparticles further signify his contribution to scientific innovation and development in applied nanotechnology.

🔬 Research Focus :

Dr. Alam’s research is focused on nanotechnology, specifically the green biosynthesis of nanoparticles for biomedical and sensor applications. His projects investigate silver, copper oxide, and tin oxide nanoparticles, leveraging natural plant extracts for environmentally sustainable synthesis. His work spans thin-film technology, antibacterial coatings, gas sensors, and optoelectronic devices. Dr. Alam emphasizes the interface between nanophotonics, biocompatible materials, and electronic engineering to develop innovative solutions for healthcare and environmental monitoring. His interdisciplinary research integrates materials science, electronics, and biotechnology, aiming to produce cost-effective, high-performance materials. Through collaborations and national research grants, he is advancing the field of functional nanomaterials, contributing both to fundamental science and applied technologies in Bangladesh and beyond.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

🔬 Synthesis and characterization of barium titanate (BaTiO₃) nanoparticle
📅 Year: 2012 | 📑 Cited by: 65

🧵 Plasma treatment of natural jute fibre by RIE 80 plus plasma tool
📅 Year: 2010 | 📑 Cited by: 58

🪡 Application and Advances in Micro-Processing of Natural Fibre (Jute) Based Composites
📅 Year: 2014 | 📑 Cited by: 51

🧪 Numerical simulation of Dean number and curvature effects on magneto-biofluid flow through a curved conduit
📅 Year: 2013 | 📑 Cited by: 47

⚗️ Synthesis and characterization of Ni doped ZnO nanoparticles
📅 Year: 2014 | 📑 Cited by: 30

💧 Moisture Removal from Natural Jute Fibre by Plasma Drying Process
📅 Year: 2012 | 📑 Cited by: 24

🔋 Hybrid organic–inorganic spin-on-glass CuCl films for optoelectronic applications
📅 Year: 2009 | 📑 Cited by: 22

🏺 Effects of sintering temperature and zirconia content on the mechanical and microstructural properties of MgO, TiO₂ and CeO₂ doped alumina–zirconia (ZTA)
📅 Year: 2023 | 📑 Cited by: 18

Musa Turkmen | Agriculture | Biochemistry Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Musa Turkmen | Agriculture | Biochemistry Award

Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Turkey

 Profiles👨‍🎓

🧑‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Musa Türkmen completed his Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering at Mustafa Kemal University in June 2013, followed by a Master's degree in 2015, focusing on antifungal activity of essential oil mixtures. He earned his Doctorate in December 2019, with research on the antifungal effects of essential oil microemulsions against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. His academic journey has equipped him with a strong foundation in plant sciences and pest management.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Musa has progressively advanced in academia, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture, Mustafa Kemal University. His previous roles include Assistant Professor and Research Assistant, where he contributed significantly to the Department of Field Crops and Medicinal Plants. His administrative roles include Director of the Vocational School and Vice Dean of the Faculty, showcasing his leadership capabilities.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research primarily revolves around essential oils and their antifungal properties, with several projects focusing on the cultivation conditions of local plant species and the evaluation of different planting techniques. His projects, including the effects of harvesting times on basil (Ocimum basilicum) yields, underline his commitment to enhancing agricultural practices and plant health.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His research has national significance, addressing key agricultural issues in Turkey, particularly in disease management and sustainable practices. Musa has been involved in several funded projects that aim to improve crop yields and resistance to diseases, thus influencing both academic circles and local farming communities.

📚 Academic Citations

Musa has a growing list of academic publications, reflected in national and international journals, which contributes to his visibility in the scientific community. His work has garnered recognition, including multiple TÜBİTAK awards for international scientific publications.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Musa possesses a solid skill set in research methodologies related to plant sciences, including in vitro and in vivo studies of antifungal properties. His technical expertise is complemented by experience in project management and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

He has been actively involved in teaching various courses at the university level, focusing on agricultural sciences and plant pathology. His role in mentoring students and supervising research projects enhances the educational environment and fosters the next generation of agricultural researchers.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

His ongoing research in medicinal plants and essential oils holds promise for future contributions to sustainable agriculture and biocontrol methods. His legacy will likely include improved agricultural practices and heightened awareness of local plant species.

💪 Strengths for the Award

Research Expertise: Significant contributions to antifungal research and sustainable agricultural practices, Leadership Skills: Effective management of academic programs and research projects, Impactful Publications: Recognition through national and international awards demonstrates his scholarly influence.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement

Broader Collaboration: Expanding collaborative research initiatives with international institutions could enhance his research scope, Public Engagement: Increased outreach to local farming communities to disseminate research findings could amplify his impact.

🏆 Conclusion

In summary, His exemplifies the qualities of a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His early academic pursuits, professional endeavors, significant contributions to research, and commitment to teaching highlight his potential for continued influence in the field of agricultural science. With a strategic focus on collaboration and community engagement, Musa is well-positioned to further his impact in agricultural research and education.

📖Notable Publications