Ayesha Zulfiqar | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ayesha Zulfiqar | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | University of Jhang | Pakistan

Ms. Ayesha Zulfiqar, Lecturer at the Department of Zoology, University of Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan, is an emerging scholar and conservationist with expertise in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and zoological sciences. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Forestry with a specialization in Wildlife and Protected Areas at Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China (2021–2025), after completing an M.Phil. in Zoology from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (2020) and a BS (Hons.) Zoology from Government College University Faisalabad (2018). Her professional experience includes lecturing at the University of Jhang since 2021, serving as Alumni Liaison Officer at Northeast Forestry University, and prior teaching at Chenab College Jhang. Her research interests span the conservation of endangered species such as cranes, Indian pangolin, flare-horned markhor, houbara bustard, and grey wolf, with emphasis on landscape ecology, habitat assessment, and community-based awareness for sustainable biodiversity protection. She possesses advanced research skills in ecological modeling, R-based data analysis, GIS mapping, and non-invasive field techniques, particularly fecal sampling of elusive species. Ms. Zulfiqar has successfully led multiple national and international research projects funded by organizations including the Pakistan Science Foundation, International Crane Foundation, and IDEA WILD, and she has published extensively in peer-reviewed, indexed journals such as Biology, North-Western Journal of Zoology, Pakistan Journal of Zoology, and Brazilian Journal of Biology, along with contributing refereed conference papers and Elsevier book chapters. Recognized for her academic excellence and leadership, she has received numerous honors including the CSC Scholarship for Ph.D., Outstanding Volunteer Award (NEFU, 2024), Social Practice Award (2024), and research grants exceeding PKR 4.9 million. With her strong academic foundation, research productivity, and international collaborations, Ms. Ayesha Zulfiqar is well-positioned to make significant contributions to global wildlife conservation and biodiversity management, while mentoring future scientists and advancing Pakistan’s role in ecological research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Zulfiqar, A., Sun, X., Wu, Q., Rehman, A., Khan, N., & Khan, M. N. (2025). Comparative analysis of perceived threat threshold from various drivers to cranes along Indus Flyway, Punjab, Pakistan. Biology, 14(9), 1275.

  2. Zulfiqar, A., Wenyou, D., Sikandar, A., Ahmad, N., Wu, Q., Mahmood, T., Eza, N. U., Rehman, A., Zhang, H., & Sun, X. (2025). Migratory cranes’ ecology and habitat use in District Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. North-Western Journal of Zoology, 21(2).

  3. Ahmad, T., Razzaq, A., Shahzadi, H., Rehman, F. U., Li, B., Ullah, S., Saqib, O., … & Zulfiqar, A. (2024). Nidification and breeding success of Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis) in District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 56(4), 1819. Citations: 3

  4. Abid, I., Zulfiqar, A., Ahmad, T., Sikandar, A., Hussain, S., & Raza, T. (2024). Assessment of cyclical spreading and ecological extortions to the avian species in District Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan. Lahore Garrison University Journal of Life Sciences, 8(1), 134–151.

  5. Nazir, R., Ahmad, T., Gondal, M. A., Razzaq, A., Zulfiqar, A., Li, B., Dinislam, K., … & Shehzad, M. (2024). Evaluation of changes in ecosystem services due to the conflict between local community and red fox. Pakistan Journal of Zoology.

Amadou Abdourhamane Toure | Environmental Science | Excellence in Research

Mr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré| Environmental Science | Excellence in Research

Teacher-Researcher at Université Abdou Moumouni Niger

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré is an accomplished environmental geoscientist whose research focuses on soil degradation, wind erosion, and water quality in the Sahel region. With extensive academic and leadership experience at the University Abdou Moumouni, he has led over 20 interdisciplinary research projects, many of which involved international collaboration aimed at tackling climate-related challenges. His publication record includes peer-reviewed articles in respected journals such as Catena and British Journal of Applied Science & Technology. Beyond academia, Dr. Touré actively mentors graduate students and promotes scientific education at the secondary level. He also plays a leading role in long-term environmental monitoring programs and regional research networks. While increasing high-impact publications and global scientific engagement would further enhance his profile, his contributions to both science and society are already substantial. Dr. Touré’s proven leadership, dedication to sustainable development, and commitment to research excellence make him a strong candidate for the Excellence in Research.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré possesses a strong academic background rooted in environmental geosciences, with a specialization in soil degradation, wind erosion, and hydrology. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Geosciences, where his research focused on the dynamics of wind erosion and land degradation in the Sahel, contributing valuable insights into sustainable land management. His academic journey is marked by a strong integration of field-based research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and applied environmental science. As a university educator, he has supervised three doctoral theses and over thirty Master’s dissertations, demonstrating his dedication to training the next generation of scientists. Dr. Touré currently coordinates the Master’s program in Environmental Sciences at the Faculty of Science and Technology, University Abdou Moumouni in Niamey. His educational background, combined with his hands-on teaching and mentorship experience, highlights his commitment to both academic excellence and capacity building in environmental science across West Africa.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré has amassed extensive professional experience as a researcher, academic leader, and scientific coordinator in the field of environmental geosciences. He has served as Head of the Department of Geology and President of the Scientific Committee at the University Abdou Moumouni, where he played a pivotal role in academic development and research strategy. From 2017 to 2023, he held successive leadership roles including Deputy Head and Head of Department, and has coordinated the Master’s program in Environmental Sciences since 2018. He has also been actively involved in organizing major scientific events, such as chairing the first Faculty Science Days in 2023. In addition to academic duties, Dr. Touré is a Principal Investigator for long-term environmental monitoring programs and a collaborator on over 20 national and international research projects. His work bridges academia, research policy, and community impact, making him a key contributor to environmental resilience and sustainable development in the Sahel.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental geosciences, climate change, and sustainable natural resource management. His primary focus is on understanding and mitigating soil degradation, wind erosion, and land desertification in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly within the Sahel. He is also deeply engaged in surface water quality assessment, investigating both the biological and physico-chemical parameters to evaluate ecological health and public health risks. Dr. Touré’s interdisciplinary approach incorporates remote sensing, field-based monitoring, and hydrological modeling to explore the impacts of climate variability and land use change on ecosystems. His interest extends to resilience of agropastoral systems, aiming to strengthen communities’ adaptation to environmental stressors. With over two decades of experience, he has contributed to regional and international projects that address environmental challenges, making his research highly relevant to sustainable development, climate adaptation policies, and the conservation of fragile ecosystems in West Africa.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré has earned widespread recognition for his outstanding contributions to environmental research and academic leadership in the Sahel region. While specific named awards or honors are not detailed in his curriculum vitae, his repeated appointments to high-level roles—such as President of the Scientific Committee, Head of the Department of Geology, and Coordinator of the Master’s Program in Environmental Sciences—reflect the trust and esteem of the academic community. His selection as Principal Investigator for major international research initiatives, such as INDAAF and AMMA-CATCH, and his leadership in organizing scientific conferences highlight his stature in the field. Dr. Touré has also served as an evaluator for multiple scientific journals and academic committees, further underscoring his peer recognition. His impactful work across research, education, and capacity building positions him as a leading figure deserving of national and international honors in environmental science, sustainable development, and academic excellence.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that span fieldwork, data analysis, project coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He is highly skilled in environmental monitoring techniques, particularly in assessing wind erosion, soil degradation, and surface water quality using both field-based measurements and remote sensing tools. As Principal Investigator for long-term research stations such as INDAAF and AMMA-CATCH, he has developed strong expertise in managing large-scale environmental datasets and ensuring data integrity. Dr. Touré is proficient in designing and implementing multi-institutional research projects, having co-led more than 20 regional and international initiatives. He excels in formulating research proposals, securing funding, and managing research teams across academic and governmental institutions. His ability to integrate environmental science with climate resilience and sustainable development practices reflects his strategic and solution-oriented research mindset. Furthermore, his mentoring of graduate students showcases his strengths in academic supervision, research communication, and capacity building.

Conclusion💡

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré is a highly deserving candidate for the Excellence in Research due to his outstanding contributions to environmental geosciences, climate resilience, and sustainable land and water management in the Sahel region. His leadership in coordinating multi-institutional research projects, mentoring graduate students, and advancing scientific understanding of soil degradation and hydrological change demonstrates a deep commitment to both academic excellence and societal impact. Dr. Touré’s work directly supports the goals of sustainable development and climate adaptation, making tangible differences in vulnerable communities. With his strong foundation, international collaborations, and growing influence in policy-relevant science, he holds exceptional potential to lead future research initiatives and shape environmental resilience strategies across Africa and beyond.

Publications Top Noted✍️

  • Title: Performance of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) Mission for Monitoring Small Lakes in West Africa
    Authors: Félix Girard, Laurent Kergoat, Ibrahim Mainassara, Maxime Wubda, Edwige D. Nikièma, Amadou Abdourhamane Touré, Julien Renou, Maxime Vayre, Nicolas Taburet, Nicolas Picot, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Journal: IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing
    DOI: 10.1109/JSTARS.2025.3570859

  • Title: Wind Erosion Dynamics Associated With Land Use on Sandy Soils Under Heavy Anthropogenic Pressure (Southwestern Niger)
    Authors: Issoufou Ide, Amadou Abdourhamane Toure, Jean Louis Rajot, Béatrice Marticorena, Salifou Noma Adamou, Caroline Pierre, Bouba Hassane, Zibo Garba
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Land Degradation & Development
    DOI: 10.1002/ldr.70037

  • Title: Comparison of Methods to Derive the Height‐Area Relationship of Shallow Lakes in West Africa Using Remote Sensing
    Authors: F. Girard, L. Kergoat, H. Nikiema, M. Wubda, R. Yonaba, T. Fowé, A. Abdourhamane Touré, I. Mainassara, M. de Fleury, M. Grippa
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Water Resources Research
    DOI: 10.1029/2024WR037411

  • Title: Wind Erosion Dynamics Associated With Land Use on Sandy Soils Under Heavy Anthropogenic Pressure (Southwestern Niger)
    Authors: Issoufou IDE, Amadou Abdourhamane Touré, Jean-Louis Rajot, Noma Adamou Salifou, Bouba HASSANE
    Year: 2024 (Preprint)
    DOI: 10.22541/au.173533899.95869818/v1

  • Title: Potential for Wind Farming in West Africa from an Analysis of Daily Peak Wind Speeds and a Review of Low-Level Jet Dynamics
    Authors: Yanni Gunnell, Michel Mietton, Amadou Abdourhamane Touré, Kenji Fujiki
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2023.113836

 

Karim Solaimani | Environmental Sciences| Best Researcher Award

🌟Prof. Karim Solaimani, Environmental Sciences, Best Researcher Award🏆

  Professor at Sari Agricaltural Sciences & Natural Resoueces University, Iran

Karim Solaimani is a distinguished Professor with expertise in Remote Sensing Hydrology and Environmental Sciences. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Glasgow, U.K., he has established himself as a leading authority in the field. His academic journey reflects a commitment to advancing knowledge in various aspects of earth and environmental sciences.

Education:

Dr. Solaimani earned his Ph.D. in Remote Sensing Hydrology & Environmental Sciences from the prestigious University of Glasgow, U.K. His educational background laid the foundation for his extensive research contributions in the realm of earth sciences.

Author Metrics:

His author metrics, including the Orcid Profile, Scopus Profile reflect his commitment to transparency and academic integrity. These metrics serve as a testament to the scholarly impact and reach of his work.

  • Citations: 1,449 citations across 1,312 documents, indicating the impact and reach of Dr. Solaimani’s work.
  • Documents: Authored 57 documents, contributing to the scholarly literature in his field.
  • h-index: The h-index, a measure of both productivity and citation impact, is 18 for Dr. Solaimani.

Research Focus:

His primary research focus encompasses Remote Sensing & GIS, Flood, Climate Change, Land Use Changes Management, and Water Resources. Dr. Solaimani’s work delves into the applications of cutting-edge technologies to address critical environmental challenges.

Professional Journey:

With an affiliation to Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University in Iran, Dr. Solaimani has cultivated a remarkable professional journey. His career includes significant contributions in academia, research supervision, and the execution of numerous research projects.

Honors & Awards:

Acknowledged for his outstanding contributions, Dr. Solaimani received the prestigious titles of Iran’s National Top Researcher in 2008 and Iran’s National Top Educational Professor in 2023. These accolades underscore his impactful role in both research and education.

Publications Top Noted & Contributions:

Dr. Solaimani boasts an impressive record of 225 articles, indexed in reputable databases such as ISI, Scopus, and ISC. Additionally, he has authored nine books, further contributing to the dissemination of knowledge in his areas of expertise.

Title: A new approach to landslide assessment using Depth-Number fractal model

  • Journal: ECOPERSIA
  • Year: 2023
  • Contributor: Karim Solaimani
  • Brief Summary: This article introduces a novel Depth-Number fractal model for landslide assessment, presenting an innovative approach in the field.

Title: Evaluation of effective criteria on flood risk based on network analysis process and GIS in Vazroud basin of Mazandaran province

  • Journal: Ecohydrology
  • Year: 2023
  • Contributor: Karim Solaimani
  • Brief Summary: The article explores the criteria influencing flood risk through a combination of network analysis and GIS in the Vazroud basin of Mazandaran province.

Title: Monitoring and Forecasting of Spatiotemporal Changes in Land Use and the Growth of Kermanshah Township Using Remote Sensing and the CA-Markov Model

  • Journal: Urban Structure and Function Studies
  • Year: 2023
  • Contributor: Karim Solaimani
  • Brief Summary: The article focuses on monitoring and forecasting spatiotemporal changes in land use and the growth of Kermanshah Township, employing Remote Sensing and the CA-Markov Model.

Title: Desalination plant feasibility and site selection on the southern Caspian Sea coasts using SAW and TOPSIS multi-criteria analysis

  • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
  • Year: 2023-09
  • DOI: 10.1007/s13762-023-05044-y
  • Contributors: S. M. Banihashemi; K. Solaimani; D. Yousefi Kebria
  • Brief Summary: This collaborative work assesses the feasibility and site selection for a desalination plant on the southern Caspian Sea coasts using SAW and TOPSIS multi-criteria analysis.

Title: Investigating Alterations in the underground water level of Ravansar- Sanjabi Plain under CIMP5 climate scenarios

  • Journal: Desert Ecosystem Engineering
  • Year: 2023
  • Contributor: Karim Solaimani
  • Brief Summary: This article investigates changes in the underground water level in Ravansar-Sanjabi Plain under different climate scenarios, providing insights into potential impacts.

Research Timeline:

Throughout his research timeline, Dr. Solaimani has successfully supervised 39 Ph.D. students and 102 M.Sc. students. His involvement in 42 research projects underscores his dedication to advancing scientific understanding and addressing real-world challenges.

In summary, Dr. Karim Solaimani’s journey is marked by academic excellence, impactful research, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists. His multidisciplinary approach to environmental sciences has positioned him as a key figure in the field, contributing significantly to the global discourse on pressing environmental issues.