Dr. Fatima Ezzahra BELHARCHA | Corrosion | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fatima Ezzahra BELHARCHA, Ibn Tofail University, Morocco

Fatima Ezzahra Belharcha, born on October 21, 1989, in Marrakech, Morocco, is a distinguished researcher in physical chemistry with a specialization in corrosion inhibition and environmental chemistry. She holds a State Doctorate from Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco, achieved in 2023, following her Master’s degree in Functional Materials and her Bachelor’s in Physical Chemistry of Materials from Caddy Ayyad University. Fatima has actively contributed to preserving cultural heritage through corrosion resistance research, focusing on archaeological conservation. As a patent-holder and a skilled advisor in intellectual property, she offers valuable expertise to SB ENERGIE and serves as an administrator at the Ibn Tofail University’s Center for Analysis and Technology Transfer. Fatima’s commitment to academia and environmental preservation is evident in her ongoing research and teaching efforts, particularly in materials science and conservation.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fatima Ezzahra Belharcha demonstrates remarkable depth in research and innovation within the fields of physical chemistry and materials science, specifically focusing on corrosion protection for historical artifacts and the conservation of iron-wood composites. Her expertise is evidenced through multiple patents aimed at advanced formulations for corrosion inhibition, highlighting her innovative contributions to this niche area in materials preservation. Additionally, Dr. Belharcha has co-authored published research on electrochemical behavior and corrosion resistance, providing insights that blend practical conservation needs with scientific rigor. Her patents, including those for anticorrosion and antifungal compositions, underscore her commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage, while her hands-on roles in academic and professional capacities demonstrate her strong project management and technical expertise.

Education

Fatima Ezzahra Belharcha’s academic journey is marked by her extensive studies in physical chemistry and materials science. She earned her State Doctorate Diploma in 2023 from Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, with a focus on Physical Chemistry and Environment. Prior to this, she completed a Technical Master in Functional Materials in 2014 and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Chemistry of Materials in 2012 from Caddy Ayyad University, Marrakech. Her foundational education began with a Deust in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, and Chemistry in 2011, and she graduated with a Baccalaureate in Experimental Science in 2008. Fatima’s academic background is underpinned by a dedication to understanding environmental conservation through materials science, preparing her for a career centered on impactful research and technological innovation in material corrosion protection.

Experience

Fatima has been an administrator at the Center for Analysis and Technology Transfer at Ibn Tofail University since 2016, where she manages various academic responsibilities, including roles as a Patent Filing Focal Point and as the DRX and FTIR specialist. Her efforts extend to project management, entrepreneurship incubation, and technological expertise transfer. Since 2018, she has contributed as a member of the National Network of Expert-Valuators and has offered her intellectual property and R&D advisory expertise to SB ENERGIE. Recently, she has served as an advisor and researcher with the Centre Technique de Plasturgie et de Caoutchouc. With her cross-functional roles, Fatima brings extensive experience in overseeing critical analysis projects, incubating innovative solutions, and driving intellectual property development in corrosion protection for historical preservation.

Awards and Honors

Fatima Ezzahra Belharcha has earned notable recognition in physical chemistry and materials science, with several patents registered in corrosion inhibition formulations. Her most significant patents include unique anticorrosion and antifungal compositions tailored for the preservation of metal-wood archaeological artifacts. These patents showcase her innovation in developing eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors using polyethylene glycol. She has also presented her research internationally, such as at the Virtual Conference on Chemistry and its Applications in 2020 and at a conference in 2022, focusing on corrosion resistance in archaeological conservation. Her pioneering contributions are recognized nationally, where she has played a vital role in intellectual property advisement and materials conservation, bridging academia and industry.

Research Focus

Fatima’s research is centered on corrosion inhibition and materials conservation, particularly for archaeological and historical artifacts. Her work investigates electrochemical behaviors and corrosion-resistant treatments for metal-wood composites, utilizing polyethylene glycol-based formulations that offer antifungal and visual quality-indicator properties. These formulations play a crucial role in preserving artifacts from corrosion in neutral media. In collaboration with the Centre Technique de Plasturgie et de Caoutchouc and SB ENERGIE, she is also exploring biofongicides and corrosion inhibitors for industrial applications. Fatima’s research aims to advance sustainable conservation techniques, providing essential solutions for heritage preservation while reducing environmental impact.

Publication Top Notes

Title: “Long-term electrochemical and biological study of archaeological iron-wood composite impregnated with 10% PEG-200 solution”
Title: “Electrochemical Behavior and Corrosion Resistance of Steel in Waterlogged Archaeological Wood Impregnation Solutions: Effect of Operating Parameters and Corrosion Products”

Dr. Rômulo Carleial | Zoology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rômulo Carleial, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom

Rômulo Carleial is an evolutionary biologist based at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK. His research spans sexual selection, conservation genetics, and the evolutionary dynamics of phenotypic plasticity. He has a strong academic foundation, having studied in renowned institutions like the University of Oxford and Yale University. Rômulo’s work explores the interplay between genetics and adaptation, contributing to critical conservation efforts. His commitment to science education is evident through his teaching roles in the UK and Brazil. He is passionate about understanding the evolutionary mechanisms that shape biodiversity, aiming to solve ecological challenges.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award:

Rômulo Carleial demonstrates an exceptional profile for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His research spans multiple critical areas, including evolutionary biology, conservation, and genetics, with a focus on sexual selection, genetic plasticity, and conservation biology. His reflective statement highlights a deep engagement with contemporary scientific questions, such as the philosophical implications of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis, showing thought leadership in evolutionary theory.

Education

Rômulo Carleial has a rich educational background, beginning with his B.S. in Biology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. He further pursued his academic journey with an MSc in Ecology and Wildlife Management, where he developed his expertise in evolutionary biology. His DPhil in Zoology from the University of Oxford deepened his understanding of genetics and sexual selection. Additionally, Rômulo gained valuable experience as a visiting researcher at Yale University and Florida International University, honing his skills in evolutionary and conservation science, contributing to his global scientific perspective.

Experience

Rômulo Carleial’s experience is diverse and impactful, with a PDRA position at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK, focusing on conservation genetics. He has served as a tutor at Oxford University, delivering lectures and conducting practical demonstrations. His international teaching experiences include delivering courses in Brazil and the UK, alongside fieldwork supporting biodiversity conservation. Rômulo’s work extends to community outreach, organizing science events and talks to promote evolutionary biology education. His scientific collaborations have led to numerous international presentations, further cementing his reputation in evolutionary and conservation sciences.

Awards and Honors

Rômulo Carleial has received numerous prestigious awards. In 2022, he co-authored a DEFRA grant that secured £438,704 to investigate the genetic basis of AOD. He was also a recipient of CNPq DPhil and MSc international scholarships, which funded his advanced research at Oxford University. These scholarships, along with CAPES Science Without Borders funding, supported his studies and international collaborations. His ability to secure competitive grants and scholarships highlights his research excellence and commitment to advancing evolutionary biology and conservation.

Research Focus

Rômulo Carleial’s research focuses on the intersection of evolutionary biology, conservation, and genetics. His earlier work examined sexual selection and sexual dichromatism, while his current interests lie in understanding how genetics and phenotypic plasticity contribute to adaptive traits in organisms. His research on the genetic basis of plant resistance to pathogens, particularly in oak trees, aims to protect ecosystems from climate change and disease. He is also exploring the philosophical implications of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis, focusing on organismal agency in evolution and its conservation biology impact.

Publications Top Notes

Circadian patterns in male sexual behaviour and female resistance in a polygynandrous bird

A first draft genome of holm oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota), the most representative species of the Mediterranean forest and the Spanish agrosylvopastoral ecosystem “dehesa”