Ileana Cristina Covaliu-Mierla | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Ileana Cristina Covaliu-Mierla | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Director of Doctoral School, Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering at Politehnica University of Bucharest | Romania

Prof. Dr. Ileana Cristina Covaliu-Mierlă is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of biotechnical systems engineering, environmental sciences, and applied chemistry. With extensive expertise in nanotechnology, wastewater treatment, and biotechnology, she has contributed significantly to advancing sustainable environmental solutions. Currently serving as Director of the Doctoral School of Biotechnical Systems Engineering at the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, she is recognized for her leadership in research, teaching, and innovation. Her career reflects a strong commitment to education, international collaboration, and scientific excellence, earning her numerous distinctions and awards in her field.

Professional Profiles

Scopus | ORCID

Education

Prof. Covaliu-Mierlă pursued her academic training at the University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, specializing in chemistry, biotechnical systems, and environmental engineering. She earned her PhD in Chemistry, focusing on nanostructured composites with biomedical applications. Later, she completed postdoctoral studies on hybrid nanomaterials with biomedical potential and conducted research in bionanotechnology applications for wastewater treatment. Her earlier academic journey included a Master’s degree in nanostructured composites and an Engineering diploma in environmental protection within the chemical and petrochemical industries. This rigorous academic foundation provided her with a solid background in chemistry, nanotechnology, and biotechnology, enabling her to integrate science with practical environmental solutions.

Professional Experience

Prof. Covaliu-Mierlă has over two decades of academic and research experience at the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest. She advanced through roles as Lecturer, Associate Professor, Professor, PhD Supervisor, and now serves as Director of the Doctoral School of Biotechnical Systems Engineering. She also contributes nationally as a member of the National Council for the Certification of Titles, Diplomas, and University Certificates (CNATDCU). In these roles, she has guided doctoral students, conducted impactful research, and designed innovative solutions in biotechnology and environmental engineering. Her teaching expertise spans environmental analysis, biotechnology, ecological protection, and sustainable industries.

Research Interest

Her research interests lie at the intersection of biotechnology, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering. She is particularly passionate about developing nanostructured and hybrid materials for wastewater treatment and biomedical applications. Prof. Covaliu-Mierlă explores sustainable technologies for depollution, with a focus on photocatalysis, bioengineering, and eco-friendly nanomaterials. Her work also covers environmental quality analysis, food biotechnology, and advanced separation techniques. By integrating cutting-edge nanotechnology with ecological approaches, she contributes to solving pressing global challenges such as water pollution, industrial waste management, and public health. Her interdisciplinary perspective makes her research highly relevant for both academia and industry.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Covaliu-Mierlă has been honored with numerous national and international awards recognizing her innovation and scientific contributions. She has received multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals at EUROINVENT exhibitions for groundbreaking wastewater treatment technologies and nanotechnology applications. Her research achievements have also been acknowledged by leading academic institutions and professional associations, including awards from UMF Carol-Davila, INMA Institute, and international scientific bodies. She has received diplomas of excellence for her role as a postdoctoral researcher, coordinator of award-winning student projects, and distinguished speaker at scientific conferences. These recognitions highlight her outstanding dedication to advancing environmental and biotechnical sciences.

Research Skills

Prof. Covaliu-Mierlă possesses advanced research skills in nanomaterials synthesis, wastewater treatment technologies, and biochemical processes in environmental engineering. She is highly experienced in spectrophotometric analyses (UV-Vis, FT-IR), X-ray diffraction, and morphological characterization using TEM and SEM. Her expertise extends to separation and purification technologies, as well as modern analytical techniques applied to food products and environmental quality. She demonstrates strong project management abilities, having led several nationally funded research projects. Additionally, her proficiency in multiple programming languages and scientific software supports her analytical work, while her leadership in research teams underscores her capacity to mentor and inspire innovation.

Publications

Prof. Covaliu-Mierlă is the author and co-author of several specialty books, scientific articles, and research studies. Her publications cover topics in biochemistry, ecology, nanotechnology, and environmental protection. Notable works include books on environmental biotechnology, ecological protection, and analytical techniques for water quality assessment. She has presented her findings at numerous international conferences, earning recognition for oral communications and research excellence. Her contributions to peer-reviewed journals emphasize the practical applications of nanotechnology and biotechnology in sustainable environmental solutions. Through her publications, she disseminates knowledge that bridges theory with practice, inspiring future research in science, technology, and environmental innovation.

Novel adsorbent based on banana peel waste for removal of heavy metal ions from synthetic solutions. (2021). Materials.

Magnetite oxide nanomaterial used for lead ions removal from industrial wastewater. (2021). Materials.

BIOGAS – A solution for treating animal waste resulting from zootechnical activities. (2024). UPB Scientific Bulletin, Series B: Chemistry and Materials Science.

Biodegradation of anionic and cationic surfactants using bacterial strains from activated sludge. (2021). International Journal of Conservation Science.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Ileana Cristina Covaliu-Mierlă exemplifies academic excellence, research innovation, and professional leadership in environmental engineering and biotechnology. Her career reflects a harmonious balance between teaching, research, and practical application, with a focus on addressing environmental challenges through nanotechnology and sustainable solutions. Recognized internationally for her pioneering contributions, she continues to mentor future generations of scientists while advancing cutting-edge research. Her work has a lasting impact on environmental protection, biotechnical systems, and sustainable industries, making her a respected figure in the global scientific community.

Juergen Junk | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Juergen Junk | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Head of research group at University of Trier, Luxembourg

Dr. Juergen Junk is an accomplished environmental meteorologist and geographer with a distinguished career in climate research and agro-environmental systems. As the Head of Group at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, he leads critical projects aimed at understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change. With extensive experience in research and academia, Dr. Junk has supervised numerous PhD and MSc theses, contributed to national climate strategies, and secured several significant research grants. His work bridges the gap between climate science and practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. 🌍🌱🔬

Profile:

Educational Background:

Juergen Junk holds a Diploma in Physical Geography from the University of Trier, completed in 1999 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. A. Helbig. He further specialized in Environmental Meteorology, graduating in 2013 from the University of Trier.

Professional Experience:

Since 2021, Juergen Junk has been the Head of Group at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), ERIN Department, Agro-environmental Systems in Belvaux, Luxembourg. Before this, he served as a Senior Researcher at the same institute from 2016 to 2021. His career includes significant roles such as Senior Researcher at the Centre de Recherche Gabriel Lippmann in Belvaux, Luxembourg (2007-2014), and Research Associate in Environmental Meteorology at the University of Trier (1999-2007). Since 2015, he has continued his role as a Senior Researcher at LIST.

Research Interests:

Juergen Junk’s research focuses on climate change impacts, environmental meteorology, and agro-environmental systems. He has a keen interest in studying the interaction between climate change and agricultural ecosystems, including the effects on pests and their natural enemies, air pollution, and thermal stress on human health. He is also involved in high-resolution climate change projections and the analysis of nanoparticles in the near-surface atmosphere.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Buchholz, S., A. Krein, J. Junk, A. C. Gutleb, L. Pfister and L. Hoffmann (2011). “Modeling, measuring, and characterizing airborne particles: Case studies from southwestern Luxembourg.” Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 41(23): 2077-2096.
  • Buchholz, S., A. Krein, J. Junk, G. Heinemann and L. Hoffmann (2013). “Simulation of Urban-Scale Air Pollution Patterns in Luxembourg: Contributing Sources and Emission Scenarios.” Environmental Modeling & Assessment, 18: 271-283.
  • den Outer, P. N., H. Slaper, J. Kaurola, A. Lindfors, A. Kazantzidis, A. F. Bais, U. Feister, J. Junk, M. Janouch and W. Josefsson (2010). “Reconstructing of erythemal ultraviolet radiation levels in Europe for the past 4 decades.” Journal of Geophysical Research, 115(D10).
  • Eickermann, M., M. Beyer, K. Goergen, L. Hoffmann and J. Junk (2014). “Shifted migration of the rape stem weevil (Ceutorhynchus napi) linked to climate change.” European Journal of Entomology, 111(2): 243-250.
  • Eickermann, M., J. Junk, L. Hoffmann and M. Beyer (2015). “Forecasting the breaching of the control threshold for Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus in oilseed rape.” Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 17(1): 71-76.
  • Eickermann, M., J. Junk and C. Rapisarda (2023). “Climate Change and Insects.” Insects.
  • El Jarroudi, M., L. Kouadio, J. Junk and C. H. Bock (2020). “Improved Prediction of Leaf Emergence for Efficacious Crop Protection: Assessing Field Variability in Phyllotherms for Upper Leaves in Winter Wheat and Winter Barley.” Agronomy, 10(11): 1825.
  • El Jarroudi, M., L. Kouadio, J. Junk, H. Maraite, B. Tychon and P. Delfosse (2022). “Assessing the Interplay between Weather and Septoria Leaf Blotch Severity on Lower Leaves on the Disease Risk on Upper Leaves in Winter Wheat.” Journal of Fungi, 8(11).
  • Emmerling, C., A. Krein and J. Junk (2020). “Meta-Analysis of Strategies to Reduce NH3 Emissions from Slurries in European Agriculture and Consequences for Greenhouse Gas Emissions.” Agronomy, 10: 10.
  • Goergen, K., J. Beersma, L. Hoffmann and J. Junk (2013). “ENSEMBLES-based assessment of regional climate effects in Luxembourg and their impact on vegetation.” Climatic Change, 119(3): 761-773.