Manuel Toledo Padrón | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Manuel Toledo Padrón | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

University of Cordoba | Spain

Manuel is a young and internationally recognized researcher specializing in odour emissions from organic waste and wastewater treatment. His scientific career began in 2015 with a competitive F.P.I. pre-doctoral contract at the University of Córdoba, where he launched a pioneering research line on odour impact assessment in waste management. During his doctoral studies, he published six JCR-indexed papers, presented at multiple international congresses, and undertook two research stays abroad, advancing knowledge on sulphur compound behaviour in air-sampling materials. His work represented a significant step forward in odour quantification and minimisation, essential for sustainable waste treatment. In 2018, he continued as a postdoctoral researcher at Córdoba, contributing to odour mitigation strategies in co-composting plants, with three additional JCR publications. A subsequent postdoctoral stay at Ghent University focused on biofiltration of volatile organic compounds and novel analytical methods for water odorant detection, resulting in two high-impact articles. Since 2021, Manuel has been a Juan de la Cierva postdoctoral researcher at the University of Valladolid and a member of the Institute of Sustainable Processes (ISP), focusing on odour prevention in sewage networks and treatment plants. He has participated in national and international projects, research contracts with companies, and teaching innovation initiatives, while supervising degree, master’s, and doctoral theses. With 21 scientific publications, 16 conference participations, editorial roles, and prestigious awards—including the extraordinary thesis prize and the Abbás Ibn Firnás award—Manuel has established himself as a leading researcher. His medium- and long-term goals center on advancing sustainable odour and GHG mitigation strategies for environmental protection and industrial application.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Odour prevention strategies in wastewater treatment and composting plants: A review  – Journal of Environmental Management, 2025.

  • Activated sludge process versus rotating biological contactors in WWTPs: Evaluating the influence of operation and sludge bacterial content on their odor impact  – Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 2022.

  • Optimization of activated sludge recycling and oxidized ammonium recycling as odour control strategies in wastewater treatment plants  – Journal of Water Process Engineering, 2022.

  • Enhanced removal of hydrophobic volatile organic compounds in biofilters and biotrickling filters: A review on the use of surfactants and the addition of hydrophilic compounds  – Chemosphere, 2021.

  • Study of the Tagus River and Entrepeñas reservoir ecosystem around the Trillo nuclear power plant using chemometric analysis: Influence on water, sediments, algae and fish  – Chemosphere, 2021.

  • Biofiltration of butyric acid: Monitoring odor abatement and microbial communities – Environmental Research, 2020.

  • Co-composting of chicken manure, alperujo, olive leaves/pruning and cereal straw at full-scale: Compost quality assessment and odour emission  – Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 2020.

 

Muyaka Kamamba | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Muyaka Kamamba | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Muyaka Kamamba, Blue and Green Water Guardians, Zambia

Muyaka Kamamba is a dynamic environmental scientist and engineer passionate about advancing integrated water resources management (IWRM). Currently serving as Executive Director of Blue and Green Water Guardian, he has led impactful projects blending forestry, hydrology, and geospatial sciences. With a BSc in Forestry from Copperbelt University and an MSc in IWRM from the University of Zambia, Muyaka integrates cutting-edge GIS/RS technologies into climate and water systems research. He has collaborated with global institutions like FAO and G20, and contributed to sustainability assessments, small dam safety studies, and forest-water nexus modeling. His work bridges science and community resilience, making him a committed force in environmental governance and sustainable development.

Profile

Orcid

Suitability Summary for Muyaka Kamamba – Research for Best Researcher Award

Muyaka Kamamba stands out as a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his extensive expertise and impactful contributions in the field of integrated water resources management, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Holding advanced degrees in forestry and integrated water resource management, complemented by specialization in GIS and remote sensing, Muyaka effectively combines scientific rigor with practical applications. His leadership as Executive Director at Blue and Green Water Guardian underscores his commitment to environmental stewardship and applied research.

His research portfolio highlights the critical forest–water–climate nexus in Zambia’s major river basins, employing cutting-edge geospatial technologies and hydrological modeling to address pressing environmental challenges such as water availability, climate resilience, and deforestation. Muyaka’s engagement in key projects — including collaborations with FAO-UNZA and participation in internationally recognized programs — demonstrates a capacity to bridge science with policy and community impact, making his work both relevant and transformative.

🎓 Education

Muyaka Kamamba holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the Copperbelt University, Zambia. He further pursued his Master of Science in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS), from the University of Zambia. Additionally, he obtained a Diploma in Agronomy from the International Centre for Agriculture, enriching his expertise in soil science and crop management. This interdisciplinary academic background enables him to approach environmental challenges through a comprehensive lens, balancing ecological, hydrological, and agricultural aspects. His academic training has provided a strong foundation for his applied research, which spans forest-water-climate dynamics, irrigation engineering, and smallholder sustainability. He has also participated in numerous international training sessions and research programs, including G20-sponsored remote sensing sessions and summer schools on water sustainability, demonstrating his commitment to continual learning and global knowledge exchange in environmental science.

💼 Professional Experience

Muyaka Kamamba brings a rich blend of practical, research, and leadership experience in environmental science. As Executive Director of Blue and Green Water Guardian, he spearheads initiatives targeting water-forest conservation and sustainable agriculture. His professional journey includes consultancy roles in irrigation engineering, project management, and sales support, with a strong scientific research component. From 2022 to 2024, he served as a Research Fellow under ORTARCHI-UNZA, investigating forest–water dynamics in the Kafue Basin. He has collaborated with FAO, contributing to the Zambezi Headwaters study using geospatial technologies and local community engagement. In 2023, he joined the SEED Summer School as a Research Student, analyzing dam sustainability under experts from Italy and Zambia. He is also affiliated with the IWRM Centre and is a member of international scientific networks. His professional footprint illustrates a seamless integration of fieldwork, modeling, and participatory development.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Muyaka Kamamba has earned growing recognition in the field of environmental science. He serves on the Editorial Board of the International Soil Scientist Awards and the Environmental Scientist Awards, where his expertise in geospatial and hydrological modeling is valued. Though early in his publication and citation journey, his impactful contributions to interdisciplinary research in forest–water–climate linkages have positioned him as a promising candidate for prestigious recognitions like the Best Researcher Award and Young Scientist Award. His involvement in global initiatives, including G20-sponsored remote sensing training and FAO-supported hydrological assessments, underscores his commitment to high-quality, internationally relevant research. Through his leadership at Blue and Green Water Guardian, he has amplified community-level water and forestry management efforts, earning accolades within Zambia’s environmental science circles. His reputation continues to grow through active participation in global academic platforms such as ResearchGate, IAHR, and the Agriculture, Nutrition & Health (ANH) Academy.

🌍 Research Skills On Environmental Science

Muyaka Kamamba exhibits advanced research skills in hydrology, forestry, GIS, and climate adaptation. He specializes in using remote sensing tools and hydrological models to study the impacts of land-use changes on water cycles. His work addresses complex systems like the forest–water–climate nexus, integrating biophysical data, local field observations, and policy dimensions. Skilled in software such as QGIS, ArcGIS, and SWAT+, he is adept at basin-scale simulations and sustainability risk assessments. His research explores alternative energy to wood biomass, sustainable financing models for water infrastructure, and dam resilience. He also conducts socio-hydrological studies that emphasize stakeholder engagement and local knowledge integration. Through collaborations with academic institutions and international bodies like FAO and UNZA, he has honed a multidisciplinary approach, making him a critical thinker and systems-level analyst. His capacity to deliver actionable insights from data to policy makes him a valuable contributor to sustainable development and environmental science.

📖 Publication Top Notes

Forest-Water Nexus: An Evapotranspiration Assessment of the Kafue River Sub-Basin Using Remote Sensing
  • Authors: Muyaka Kamamba, Henry Zimba, Henry Sichingubula, Imasiku Nyambe
  • Journal: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C

Claudia Silva | Agricultural |Research Excellence Award

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Dr Claudia Silva | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award🏆

Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy at Department of Pharmacy Tartous University, Syria 🎓

Cláudia Inês da Silva has a robust academic and professional background, with extensive experience in ecology, biodiversity, and conservation. Her work spans various disciplines within biological sciences, including a strong focus on pollinator-plant interaction networks, management and conservation of solitary bees, and ecosystem services. With multiple postdoctoral positions and leadership roles in international and national organizations, she has demonstrated a consistent commitment to advancing ecological research and promoting sustainable practices.

Professional Profile 

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Cláudia’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN) in 2000, where she researched the reproductive and morpho-anatomical aspects of Cattleya walkeriana (Orchidaceae). She continued her education with a Specialization in Environmental Science from UNIFRAN in 2002, focusing on the interactions between eusocial bees and flowers in cerrado remnants. Cláudia then pursued a Master’s degree in Agronomy – Plant Production at Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM) in 2004, studying the morpho-anatomy and reproductive biology of Tecoma stans. She earned her Ph.D. in Ecology and Conservation of Natural Resources from Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU) in 2009, with a sandwich period at Universidad de Sevilla, Spain, examining the spatio-temporal distribution of floral resources used by Xylocopa species and their interactions with cerrado plants.

Work Experience 🏛️

Cláudia has held numerous prestigious positions throughout her career. She completed postdoctoral research at various institutions, including FFCLRP – USP (2009-2014), Departamento de Ecologia do IBUSP (2015-2019), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (2019-2022), and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. She served as a National Visiting Professor at the Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, from 2013 to 2015, and coordinated the Online Pollinic Catalog Network (RCPo) from 2015 to 2020. As a Visiting Researcher at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos – Sorocaba Campus, from 2019 to 2022, and currently as a Project Coordinator at CISE – Intelligent Consulting in Ecosystem Services, Cláudia has demonstrated leadership in her field. She also holds the positions of Vice-President of the Latin American Association of Paleobotany and Palynology (ALPP) and Vice-Coordinator of RCPol.

Skills 🛠️

Cláudia possesses a diverse set of skills crucial to her field of expertise. Her proficiency includes ecological and conservation sciences, biodiversity assessment, trophic ecology, and the management and conservation of solitary bees. She is also highly skilled in palynoecology and palynotaxonomy, and her work in ecosystem services and sustainability highlights her comprehensive approach to addressing environmental challenges.

🎓 Teaching & Mentorship:

Cláudia’s teaching experience includes serving as a National Visiting Professor at the Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, from 2013 to 2015. Her role in academia has allowed her to impart her extensive knowledge and expertise to students and researchers.

🏆 Awards & Honors:

Throughout her career, Cláudia has received recognition for her outstanding contributions to ecological research and conservation. Her achievements reflect her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and applying it to practical environmental solutions.

🌍 Scientific Collaborations & Memberships:

Cláudia is actively involved in several professional organizations. She serves as the Vice-President of the Latin American Association of Paleobotany and Palynology (ALPP) and the Vice-Coordinator of RCPol, reflecting her influence and leadership in the field of palynology and ecology.

 

Research Focus 🔬

Cláudia’s research encompasses a broad range of topics within ecology and conservation. Her focus includes the spatio-temporal distribution of floral resources, interactions between pollinators and plants, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. She also explores the management of solitary bees and advances in palynology, contributing valuable insights into sustainable environmental practices.

 

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