Narayan Ghimire | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Awards

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Dr. Narayan Ghimire | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Awards

Dr. Narayan Ghimire, Central Department of Botany, Nepal

Dr. Narayan Prasad Ghimire is a highly regarded Assistant Professor at the Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. With a Ph.D. in Ecology, he brings over 15 years of research and teaching experience, particularly in plant science, limnology, and high-altitude ecology. His academic journey has been enriched by collaborations with global institutions such as Padua University and programs like EVK2-CNR and ADB-funded ClicHER. His work spans water quality monitoring in Sagarmatha National Park to climate-change-induced hydro-ecological dynamics in the Himalayas. Dr. Ghimire has served as a thematic expert for the UNFCC and held critical roles in environmental impact assessments for Nepal’s major hydropower projects. A published researcher, he continues to lead innovative studies on wetlands, floristic diversity, and medicinal plants. His dedication to environmental preservation and sustainable development has earned him multiple research grants and scholarships, establishing him as a leading figure in ecological sciences in South Asia.

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🌟 Assessment of Dr. Narayan Prasad Ghimire for the “Research for Best Researcher Award”

Dr. Narayan Prasad Ghimire, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, is an exceptionally well-qualified candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His academic trajectory—culminating in a PhD in Ecology under international collaboration—demonstrates a strong foundation in ecological and environmental sciences. His doctoral research focused on the hydro-ecological dynamics of Nepal’s mountain basins, a highly significant area in the context of climate change and biodiversity conservation.

With over 15 years of consistent research experience, Dr. Ghimire has contributed to several national and international projects, often in the capacity of Principal Investigator or Biological Expert. His work on high-altitude ecology, aquatic biodiversity, environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and wetland conservation has had far-reaching implications for sustainable development and policy-making in Nepal. Notably, he has played key roles in hydropower EIA studies, the USAID-funded PAANI project, and national GHG inventory preparation under the UNFCCC framework. These contributions reflect not only his scientific expertise but also his ability to bridge research with environmental governance.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Ghimire holds a Ph.D. in Ecology, earned through a joint academic initiative between Tribhuvan University, Nepal, and Padua University, Italy, under the mentorship of renowned ecologists Prof. Dr. Pramod Kumar Jha and Prof. Dr. G.U. Caravello. He received his Master’s degree in Botany with First Division from Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Botany (2003–2005), following a Bachelor’s in Botany from Tribhuvan Multiple Campus (2001–2003). His academic foundation is grounded in a deep understanding of biodiversity, environmental monitoring, and ecological systems, which he later honed through international research exchanges and field studies across Nepal’s diverse eco-regions. Dr. Ghimire’s academic achievements were complemented by scholarships and research funding from prestigious institutions including the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), the EVK2-CNR partnership, and the Erasmus Mundus Mobility with Asia (EMMA) program, Padua University. His educational background reflects a strong commitment to environmental science and intercontinental academic collaboration.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. Ghimire’s professional career is rich and diverse, anchored in academic instruction and pioneering research. Since 2017, he has served as Assistant Professor at Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Botany, where he teaches and mentors in the fields of ecology, limnology, and phycology. He has held influential roles as a biological and environmental expert in several national hydropower and biodiversity projects, working with the Nepal Electricity Authority, USAID-PAANI, and ERMC. Between 2008 and 2014, he conducted in-depth water quality research in Sagarmatha National Park with EVK2-CNR. He also led the Climate Change and Hydro-Ecological Responses project funded by NAST and ADB. His consultancy experience includes biodiversity impact assessments, transmission line EIAs, and wildlife hazard studies for aviation safety. Additionally, he has contributed as a thematic expert to Nepal’s GHG Inventory Report for the UNFCC. Dr. Ghimire’s integrated approach to education, fieldwork, and policy makes him a distinguished leader in environmental science.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Ghimire has been the recipient of numerous prestigious grants and awards. In 2006, he received a research grant from the Cornell Nepal Study Program to conduct his Master’s dissertation on the wetlands of Palpa District. His pivotal research on Himalayan water resources under tourism pressure from 2007 to 2010 was funded by the EVK2-CNR project. He was awarded a Ph.D. scholarship from NAST, covering his studies from 2009 to 2012. In 2012, he secured an international mobility grant through the EMMA exchange program for research at Padua University, Italy. Over the years, Dr. Ghimire has led or collaborated on multiple national priority research projects funded by NAST, the University Grants Commission, and Tribhuvan University’s Rector’s Office. These honors reflect his commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges through cutting-edge research and capacity-building. His recognitions not only celebrate his individual achievements but also underscore his contributions to Nepal’s environmental policy and sustainability efforts.

🌍 Research Skills On Environmental Science 

Dr. Ghimire possesses a robust portfolio of research skills in ecosystem analysis, ecological monitoring, limnology, phycology, biodiversity mapping, and climate impact assessments. His expertise spans qualitative and quantitative ecological data analysis, bathymetric lake mapping, hydro-ecological modeling, and environmental impact studies. He has extensive field experience in both high-altitude regions and lowland ecosystems, particularly in Sagarmatha National Park and the Chure Region. His ability to design, lead, and implement interdisciplinary research projects has been critical in evaluating the impacts of climate change on glaciated basins and wetlands. As a co-principal investigator, he has contributed to the conservation of endangered medicinal herbs and assessment of wetlands across varying altitudinal gradients. Dr. Ghimire is also skilled in drafting technical reports and environmental protocols for development projects. His multi-institutional collaborations and cross-sectoral research have made him a reliable expert for government bodies, development partners, and academic institutions focused on sustainable ecosystem management.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Solid waste and water quality management models for Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone, Nepal
    Authors: EC Manfredi, B Flury, G Viviano, S Thakuri, SN Khanal, PK Jha, …
    Citation: 111 | Year: 2010

  • Water quality of high-altitude lakes in the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Nepal
    Authors: NP Ghimire, PK Jha, G Caravello
    Citation: 35 | Year: 2013

  • Physico-chemical parameters of high-altitude rivers in the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Nepal
    Authors: NP Ghimire, PK Jha, G Caravello
    Citation: 29 | Year: 2013

  • Seasonal variation of algal diversity with reference to water quality in Jagadishpur Reservoir, Nepal
    Authors: S Pokhrel, NP Ghimire, SK Rai
    Citation: 19 | Year: 2021

  • Algal explorations in Nepal
    Authors: SK Rai, N Ghimire
    Citation: 16 | Year: 2020

  • Bacterial contamination in the surface waterbodies in Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone, Nepal
    Authors: NP Ghimire, GU Caravello, PK Jha
    Citation: 15 | Year: 2013

  • Historical and projected variations of precipitation and temperature and their extremes in relation to climatic indices over the Gandaki River Basin, Central Himalaya
    Authors: KP Sigdel, NP Ghimire, B Pandeya, B Dawadi
    Citation: 13 | Year: 2022

  • Characterizations of water quality in west-Seti and Tamor river basins, Nepal
    Authors: NP Ghimire, N Adhikari, RR Pant, S Thakuri
    Citation: 12 | Year: 2021

  • Diversity of aquatic plants and macroinvertebrates and their spatial patterns in a Himalayan Watershed, Central Nepal
    Authors: KD Upadhyay, J Mainali, NP Ghimire
    Citation: 11 | Year: 2022

  • Seasonal variations of algal diversity in response to water quality at Beeshazari Lake, tropical lowland, Nepal
    Authors: D Roka, SK Rai, NP Ghimire
    Citation: 11 | Year: 2022

Lesley Macheka | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lesley Macheka | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lesley Macheka, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST), Zimbabwe

Lesley Macheka is an accomplished researcher and senior academic with over 20 years of experience, specializing in climate change, food systems, and food safety. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Innovation and Industrialization at Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST) and is also the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. Macheka holds a PhD in Food Logistics and Quality Management from Wageningen University and Research, and his work has contributed significantly to Zimbabwe’s national development strategy, particularly in the areas of climate change adaptation and food security. His commitment to scientific research and policy advocacy has earned him numerous accolades, and his leadership skills are demonstrated through his successful supervision of a research team. Macheka’s expertise encompasses climate change, indigenous food systems, and food safety management, with a focus on sustainable agricultural practices and health outcomes.

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Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Lesley Macheka stands out as a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to her extensive experience, impressive academic credentials, and substantial contributions to impactful research. With a solid 20 years in the field, Macheka has demonstrated excellence both in her work and in mentoring others, evident from her current supervision of a motivated team of 30 professionals. Her dedication to advancing knowledge is further supported by the 12 research grants she has successfully secured over the past five years, showcasing her ability to attract funding for significant research endeavors.

Macheka’s research focus on critical issues like climate change, indigenous food systems, food safety, and quality management is not only relevant but also addresses pressing global challenges, particularly in the context of Zimbabwe. Her publications—32 peer-reviewed papers in prestigious journals—highlight her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in these areas. Her recent work, such as studies on climate change impacts on food systems and nutrition, demonstrates a deep understanding of both local and global challenges and aligns well with sustainable development goals (SDGs).

🎓 Education

Lesley Macheka holds a Doctorate in Food Logistics and Quality Management (2018) from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands, where he developed expertise in food systems and sustainability. He also holds a Master of Science in Food Quality Management (2010) from the same institution. His educational background is further complemented by a Bachelor of Science Honours in Biological Sciences (2003) from the University of Zimbabwe. Macheka’s academic journey has provided him with a strong foundation in food science, climate change, and health, which underpins his research focus and his contributions to the field. His continuous pursuit of knowledge is evident in the multiple advanced certifications he holds, including Climate Change and Health (2024) and Sustainable Food Systems (2023). Macheka’s education, coupled with practical experience, enables him to integrate scientific principles into innovative solutions for global food systems challenges.

💼 Professional Experience 

Lesley Macheka’s career spans over two decades, marked by leadership roles and significant contributions to academia and research. Since 2023, Macheka has served as the Executive Director for Innovation and Industrialization at Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST), driving initiatives to integrate research with industrial applications. Additionally, he is the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, leading academic growth and innovation. Prior to this, he held the position of Director of Innovation and Industrialisation at MUAST from 2019 to 2023. Macheka’s professional trajectory includes a prominent tenure as a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Chinhoyi University of Technology (2011-2019), where he pioneered food science research initiatives. Earlier in his career, Macheka worked with the Grain Marketing Board as a Senior Quality Assurance Officer and as a Research and Advisory Officer at the Plant Protection Research Institute. His diverse career reflects a strong commitment to advancing scientific research and sustainable food systems.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Lesley Macheka’s work has garnered multiple awards and recognitions, particularly in the fields of climate change, food systems, and public health. Over the past five years, he has secured 12 research grants and published over 30 peer-reviewed scientific articles. His research in climate change, food security, and indigenous food systems has been highly influential, aligning with national priorities and global sustainable development goals (SDGs). Macheka’s exceptional contributions to academia and research earned him the position of Associate Professor in Food Science in July 2024. His work continues to impact the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe, influencing policies and practices related to climate-smart food systems. Recognized as a leader in the academic community, Macheka also received accolades for his research on the nutritional and microbial quality of indigenous foods and the resilience of smallholder farmers in the face of climate change. His influence extends beyond research into community development and innovation.

🌍 Research Skills On Climate Change

Lesley Macheka possesses a deep expertise in research, particularly in climate change, food systems, and food safety management. His skills span across multiple areas, including conducting large-scale surveys, managing multidisciplinary research teams, and analyzing complex data sets. Macheka is proficient in research grant acquisition, having secured over 12 grants in the past five years, supporting various research initiatives in Zimbabwe. His work focuses on climate-smart food systems, sustainable agriculture, and the nexus between climate change and food security. Macheka is also adept at using innovative research methodologies, such as soil property analysis and the study of indigenous food systems, to address real-world challenges. His interdisciplinary approach blends food science, environmental sustainability, and health outcomes, providing actionable solutions for communities. Macheka is committed to contributing to scientific knowledge and policy formulation through his ongoing research endeavors.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Barriers, benefits and motivation factors for the implementation of food safety management system in the food sector in Harare Province, Zimbabwe
    • Authors: L Macheka, FA Manditsera, RT Ngadze, J Mubaiwa, LK Nyanga
    • Citation: Food Control 34 (1), 126-131
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 192
  • Safety of wild harvested and reared edible insects: A review
    • Authors: TR Murefu, L Macheka, R Musundire, FA Manditsera
    • Citation: Food Control 101, 209-224
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 184
  • Exploration of logistics and quality control activities in view of context characteristics and postharvest losses in fresh produce chains: A case study for tomatoes
    • Authors: L Macheka, E Spelt, JGAJ van der Vorst, PA Luning
    • Citation: Food Control 77, 221-234
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 61
  • Nutritional and bioactive compounds composition of Eulepida mashona, an edible beetle in Zimbabwe
    • Authors: R Musundire, CJ Zvidzai, C Chidewe, RT Ngadze, L Macheka, …
    • Citation: Journal of Insects as Food and Feed 2 (3), 179-187
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 33
  • Identification of determinants of postharvest losses in Zimbabwean tomato supply chains as basis for dedicated interventions
    • Authors: L Macheka, EJH Spelt, EJ Bakker, JGAJ van der Vorst, PA Luning
    • Citation: Food Control 87, 135-144
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 31
  • Examining the influence of social media eWOM on consumers’ purchase intentions of commercialised indigenous fruits (IFs) products in FMCGs retailers
    • Authors: B Nyagadza, G Mazuruse, K Simango, L Chikazhe, T Tsokota, L Macheka
    • Citation: Sustainable Technology and Entrepreneurship 2 (3), 100040
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 30
  • Impact of climate change‑induced natural disasters on intangible cultural heritage related to food: a review
    • Authors: VP Dembedza, P Chopera, J Mapara, L Macheka
    • Citation: Journal of Ethnic Foods 9 (32), 1-11
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 25
  • Identifying causes of mechanical defects and critical control points in fruit supply chains: an overview of a banana supply chain
    • Authors: L Macheka, RT Ngadze, FA Manditsera, J Mubaiwa, R Musundire
    • Citation: International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation 3 (2), 109-122
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 24
  • The impact of food fortification on stunting in Zimbabwe: does gender of the household head matter?
    • Authors: T Kairiza, G Kembo, A Pallegedara, L Macheka
    • Citation: Nutrition Journal 19 (22), 1-12
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 23
  • Contribution of edible insects to improved food and nutrition security: a review
    • Authors: F Matiza Ruzengwe, SP Nyarugwe, FA Manditsera, J Mubaiwa, S Cottin, …
    • Citation: International Journal of Food Science & Technology 57 (10), 6257-6269
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 18

Dr. Consuelo Sendino | Environmental Science

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Dr. Consuelo Sendino | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Consuelo Sendino, CSIC, MNCN, Spain

Consuelo Sendino is an accomplished scientist and curator specializing in geology, palaeontology, and environmental sciences. She holds a PhD in Palaeontology from the University Complutense of Madrid, with a remarkable career spanning over three decades. She is currently a senior specialist at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN), CSIC, contributing significantly to various projects in the fields of digital curation and biodiversity research. Her work focuses on invertebrates, specifically bryozoans, sponges, and historical collections, and she has led numerous initiatives aimed at advancing scientific understanding through digital technology and collaboration with international museums.

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Research for Best Researcher Award: Summary of Suitability for Award – Consuelo Sendino

Consuelo Sendino’s outstanding academic credentials and distinguished career in paleontology and geology, marked by a Ph.D. from the University Complutense of Madrid and numerous prestigious research positions, make her an exemplary candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her extensive research and curatorial work, particularly in the areas of bryozoans, sponges, and worms, has contributed significantly to the field of natural history, as evidenced by her role in leading various international projects, including the Synthesys Project and the Bryozoa Identification Tool. Her involvement in AI-driven projects for stromatoporoid identification further exemplifies her innovative approach to combining technology with paleontological research.

Her dedication to advancing scientific understanding is further demonstrated by her leadership in digitizing historical collections and the creation of valuable resources such as QR labels for Bryozoan collections. She has made her work accessible to the global scientific community through collaborative projects with museums across Europe, as well as her extensive publication record, including influential contributions to high-impact journals.

🎓 Education

Consuelo Sendino’s education has been centered on geology and environmental sciences. She earned her PhD in Palaeontology from the University Complutense of Madrid in 2008, where she graduated cum laude. Her educational journey includes a Master’s in Environmental Management (2000) and a Master’s Thesis in Geology (2003), both from the same institution. She also holds a Licenciatura in Geology (1989). Additionally, Sendino has pursued several advanced diplomas in computing architecture and Oracle, expanding her interdisciplinary expertise.

💼 Professional Experience

Consuelo Sendino has had an extensive and influential career in geological sciences and museum curation. She currently serves as Técnico Superior Especializado at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, where she focuses on the digitalization of collections and the Natural History Portal. Her previous roles include senior curator of invertebrates and historical collections at MNCN, where she also led a European project on bryozoa identification. Sendino has coordinated various museum projects and contributed significantly to the development of digital tools for natural history collections.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Consuelo Sendino has been recognized for her scientific and curatorial contributions through multiple awards and grants. She was awarded the 2024 Encourage Award by the Association of Women Geoscientists (AWG). Her work has also earned funding through various bids and grants, such as the Earth Sciences bid for attending global conferences and research projects. Sendino’s commitment to advancing scientific research has been acknowledged by organizations like the Geological Society of London, where she holds a leadership role within the History of Geology Group.

🌍 Research Skills On Environmental Science

Consuelo Sendino’s research skills are focused on palaeontology, environmental management, and digital curation. She has spearheaded projects on bryozoan identification, including a European collaboration on Mediterranean and North Atlantic species. Additionally, Sendino is at the forefront of using AI for stromatoporoid identification. Her research extends to the digitalization of fossil collections, and her work on the Lyell Project and other curatorial efforts has made a significant impact on scientific accessibility and public understanding of natural history.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Latitudinal distribution of bryozoan-rich sediments in the Ordovician
    Authors: PD Taylor, C Sendino
    Citation: Bulletin of Geosciences, 85(4), 565-572
    Year: 2010
  • Keratose sponges in ancient carbonates–A problem of interpretation
    Authors: F Neuweiler, S Kershaw, F Boulvain, M Matysik, C Sendino, …
    Citation: Sedimentology, 70(3), 927-968
    Year: 2023
  • Fossil fakes and their recognition
    Authors: C Corbacho, J. & Sendino
    Citation: Deposits Magazine, 30, 35-40
    Year: 2012
  • The aperture and its closure in an Ordovician conulariid
    Authors: C Sendino, K Zágoršek, Z Vyhlasová
    Citation: Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, 56(3), 659-663
    Year: 2011
  • A rugose coral–bryozoan association from the Lower Devonian of NW Spain
    Authors: C Sendino, JLS Andrés, MA Wilson
    Citation: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 530, 271-280
    Year: 2019
  • Asymmetry in an Ordovician conulariid cnidarian
    Authors: C Sendino, K Zágoršek, PD Taylor
    Citation: Lethaia, 45(3), 423-431
    Year: 2012
  • Endolithic biota of belemnites from the Early Cretaceous Speeton Clay Formation of North Yorkshire, UK
    Authors: C Taylor, P. Barnbrook, J. & Sendino
    Citation: Proceedings of the Yorkshire Geological Society, 59(4), 227-245
    Year: 2013
  • The collection of conulariids of the Natural History Museum of London
    Authors: C Sendino, J Darrell
    Citation: The Geological Curator, 9, 3-20
    Year: 2009
  • KE EMu and the future for natural history collections
    Author: MC Sendino
    Citation: Collections, 5(2), 149-158
    Year: 2009
  • Revisión de la colección de Conulariidae de The Natural History Museum de Londres (Reino Unido)
    Author: C Sendino
    Citation: PhD. Universidad Complutense de Madrid
    Year: 2007