Weiping Liu | Environmental Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr.  Weiping Liu | Environmental Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Zhejiang Shuren University, China

Prof. Weiping Liu is a distinguished environmental scientist and chemist currently serving as Dean of the Interdisciplinary Research Academy at Zhejiang Shuren University, China. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry and Environmental Science from Zhejiang University and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan. His academic career spans over four decades, including prominent roles at Zhejiang University and Zhejiang University of Technology.

Profile:

Education:

  • B.S. in Chemistry, Zhejiang University, China (1982)

  • M.S. in Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, China (1989)

  • Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan (2007)

Professional Experience:

  • Dean, Interdisciplinary Research Academy, Zhejiang Shuren University (2020–present)

  • Dean, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University (2009–2018)

  • Director, Institute of Environmental Health, Zhejiang University (2018–2021)

  • Distinguished Professor, Zhejiang University (2009–2024)

  • Director, Research Center of Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology (2005–2009)

  • Visiting Scientist/Professor at institutions in Italy, USA, and Japan (1990–2007)

  • Various academic roles at Zhejiang University, rising from Teaching Assistant to Professor (1982–2005)

Research Focus:

Environmental Science, Environmental Health, Agricultural Chemistry, and Resource Sciences.

Honors and Awards:

  • Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), USA (2012)

  • Chemist Award of the Year, American Chemical Society (ACS), USA (2003)

  • National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, China (2002)

  • Outstanding Young Scientist Award, China (1990)

  • Outstanding Scientist in Environmental Science, National EPA, China (1995)

  • JSPS Senior Fellowship, Japan (1999)

  • Multiple distinguished teaching and contribution awards in China.

International Experience:

  • Visiting roles at the University of California, Riverside (USA), University of Sassari (Italy), Kyushu University (Japan), and others.

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 33,859

  • Citations Since 2020: 15,356

  • h-index: 97

  • h-index Since 2020: 63

  • i10-index: 506

  • i10-index Since 2020: 368

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Weakly Coordinating Directing Groups for Ruthenium (II)‐Catalyzed C H Activation
    S De Sarkar, W Liu, SI Kozhushkov, L Ackermann
    Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis, 356 (7), 1461-1479, 775 (2014)

  2. Enantioselectivity in Environmental Safety of Current Chiral Insecticides
    W Liu, J Gan, D Schlenk, WA Jury
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 102 (3), 701-706, 601 (2005)

  3. Manganese-Catalyzed C–H Activation
    W Liu, L Ackermann
    Acs Catalysis, 6 (6), 3743-3752, 580 (2016)

  4. Oxidative Stress Response and Gene Expression with Atrazine Exposure in Adult Female Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
    Y Jin, X Zhang, L Shu, L Chen, L Sun, H Qian, W Liu, Z Fu
    Chemosphere, 78 (7), 846-852, 502 (2010)

  5. Fast and Highly Efficient Removal of Dyes under Alkaline Conditions Using Magnetic Chitosan-Fe (III) Hydrogel
    C Shen, Y Shen, Y Wen, H Wang, W Liu
    Water Research, 45 (16), 5200-5210, 357 (2011)

  6. Oxidative Removal of Bisphenol A by Manganese Dioxide: Efficacy, Products, and Pathways
    K Lin, W Liu, J Gan
    Environmental Science & Technology, 43 (10), 3860-3864, 352 (2009)

  7. Fe-g-C3N4/Graphitized Mesoporous Carbon Composite as an Effective Fenton-Like Catalyst in a Wide pH Range
    J Ma, Q Yang, Y Wen, W Liu
    Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 201, 232-240, 321 (2017)

  8. Status of Metal Accumulation in Farmland Soils Across China: From Distribution to Risk Assessment
    L Niu, F Yang, C Xu, H Yang, W Liu
    Environmental Pollution, 176, 55-62, 319 (2013)

  9. Action Mechanisms of Acetolactate Synthase-Inhibiting Herbicides
    Q Zhou, W Liu, Y Zhang, KK Liu
    Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 89 (2), 89-96, 316 (2007)

  10. Status of Phthalate Esters Contamination in Agricultural Soils Across China and Associated Health Risks
    L Niu, Y Xu, C Xu, L Yun, W Liu
    Environmental Pollution, 195, 16-23, 304 (2014)

  11. Combined Effect of Copper and Cadmium on Chlorella vulgaris Growth and Photosynthesis-Related Gene Transcription
    H Qian, J Li, L Sun, W Chen, GD Sheng, W Liu, Z Fu
    Aquatic Toxicology, 94 (1), 56-61, 303 (2009)

  12. Effects of Copper Sulfate, Hydrogen Peroxide and N-Phenyl-2-Naphthylamine on Oxidative Stress and the Expression of Genes Involved in Photosynthesis and Microcystin Disposition in
    H Qian, S Yu, Z Sun, X Xie, W Liu, Z Fu
    Aquatic Toxicology, 99 (3), 405-412, 263 (2010)

  13. Enantioselectivity in Environmental Risk Assessment of Modern Chiral Pesticides
    J Ye, M Zhao, J Liu, W Liu
    Environmental Pollution, 158 (7), 2371-2383, 259 (2010)

  14. Cypermethrin Has the Potential to Induce Hepatic Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
    Y Jin, S Zheng, Y Pu, L Shu, L Sun, W Liu, Z Fu
    Chemosphere, 82 (3), 398-404, 249 (2011)

  15. Allelochemical Stress Causes Oxidative Damage and Inhibition of Photosynthesis in Chlorella vulgaris
    H Qian, X Xu, W Chen, H Jiang, Y Jin, W Liu, Z Fu
    Chemosphere, 75 (3), 368-375, 241 (2009)

  16. Particle Size-Specific Distributions and Preliminary Exposure Assessments of Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Office Air Particulate Matter
    F Yang, J Ding, W Huang, W Xie, W Liu
    Environmental Science & Technology, 48 (1), 63-70, 234 (2014)

  17. Distribution and Persistence of Pyrethroids in Runoff Sediments
    J Gan, SJ Lee, WP Liu, DL Haver, JN Kabashima
    Journal of Environmental Quality, 34 (3), 836-841, 225 (2005)

  18. Effect of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on the Transcription of Genes Related to the Innate Immune System in the Early Developmental Stage of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
    Y Jin, R Chen, W Liu, Z Fu
    Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 28 (5-6), 854-861, 221 (2010)

  19. Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Supported TiO2: Dispersing Effect of SiO2
    Y Xu, W Zheng, W Liu
    Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 122 (1), 57-60, 202 (1999)

  20. Cobalt Complexes as an Emerging Class of Catalysts for Homogeneous Hydrogenations
    W Liu, B Sahoo, K Junge, M Beller
    Accounts of Chemical Research, 51 (8), 1858-1869, 200 (2018)

 

Lelethu Mdoda | Climate change | Best Researcher Award

Dr Lelethu Mdoda | Climate change | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at  University of KwaZulu-Natal,  South Africa

Dr. Lelethu Mdoda is a Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, specializing in Agricultural Economics. He earned his PhD at 25 from the University of Fort Hare, focusing on market participation and value chain integration among smallholder farmers in South Africa.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • PhD in Agriculture – Agricultural Economics (2017) – University of Fort Hare
    • Thesis: Market participation and value chain integration among smallholder farmers in Eastern Cape
  • MSc in Agriculture – Agricultural Economics (2015) – University of Fort Hare
    • Dissertation: Farmers’ awareness of climate change and its effects on productivity
  • BSc in Agriculture – Agricultural Economics/Economics (2013) – University of Fort Hare

🔬 Research Focus & Expertise:

Dr. Mdoda specializes in agricultural policy, climate change adaptation, smallholder economies, food security, and rural development. His expertise extends to agribusiness, value chains, sustainability, and resource economics. He has extensive experience in applied econometric modeling, data analysis, and market research.

📚 Professional Career & Contributions:

  • Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Published over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles
  • NRF Rating: Y2
  • Active in mentoring, research, and project management

🌍 Professional Memberships & Leadership:

  • President of the African Farm Management Association (AFMA)
  • Member of AEASA, IAAE, and IFAMA

🏆 Awards & Recognitions:

  • DAAD German Scholarship (2016)
  • NRF Bursary for MSc (2015)
  • Best Agricultural Student Award (2007)
  • Travel Grants from IFAMA (2016, 2017)

🤝 Community Engagement & Projects:

  • Founder & Executive Director of #HaySureLesner Foundation – Youth mentorship, drug abuse awareness, and career guidance
  • Nguni Project – Market coordination for livestock farming
  • Keiskamahoek Market Day – Supporting smallholder farmers with market access
  • WRC Project – Enhancing smallholder irrigation farming in Eastern Cape

Publication Top Notes:

  • Factors affecting the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by livestock farmers in the Eastern Cape province
    L Mdoda, L Mdiya
    Cogent Social Science 8 (1), 2026017 (43 citations, 2022)

  • Factors affecting subsistence farming in rural areas of Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province
    S Qange, L Mdoda
    South African Journal of Agricultural Extension 48 (2), 92-105 (43 citations, 2020)

  • The direct and indirect economic contribution of small-scale black agriculture in South Africa
    M Aliber, L Mdoda
    Agrekon 54 (2), 18-37 (36 citations, 2015)

  • RETRACTED: Factors impacting sugarcane production by small-scale farmers in KwaZulu-Natal Province-South Africa
    Z Thibane, S Soni, L Phali, L Mdoda
    Heliyon 9 (1) (30 citations, 2023)

  • Analysis of profitability of smallholder irrigated food plots in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
    L Mdoda, A Obi
    Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development 3 (53), 225–232 (23 citations, 2019)

  • Socio-economic factors affecting home gardens as a livelihood strategy in rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
    L Mdiya, L Mdoda
    South African Journal of Agricultural Extension 49 (3), 1-15 (21 citations, 2021)

  • Adoption drivers of improved open-pollinated (OPVs) maize varieties by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
    M Sigigaba, L Mdoda, A Mditshwa
    Sustainability (20 citations, 2021)

  • Profit efficiency in family-owned crop farms in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: A translog profit function approach
    N Mujuru, A Obi, S Mishi, L Mdoda
    Agriculture & Food Security 11 (20), 2-9 (18 citations, 2022)

  • Determinants of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies adoption by smallholder food crop farmers in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Free State
    A Makamane, J Van Niekerk, O Loki, L Mdoda
    South African Journal of Agricultural Extension 51 (4), 52-74 (14 citations, 2023)

  • Use of information systems (Mobile phone app) for enhancing smallholder farmers’ productivity in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: Implications on food security
    L Mdoda, M Christian, I Agbugba
    Journal of the Knowledge Economy 15 (1), 1993-2009 (13 citations, 2024)

 

Anwar Adem | Land | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Anwar Adem |  Land  |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources at  Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Dr. Anwar Adem holds a B.Sc. in Meteorology from Arba Minch University and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Hydrology and Integrated Water Management from Bahir Dar University. His expertise extends to hydrology, GIS, remote sensing, data science, and machine learning. Dr. Adem has contributed significantly to meteorology and water resource engineering, with extensive experience through various roles including a meteorologist at the National Meteorological Institute of Ethiopia and a senior water resource engineer at Competence Design and Supervision Works Enterprise.

Profile:

🔬 Research and Innovations:

Dr. Adem’s research focuses on climatological and hydrological studies, water quality monitoring, land and water management, and GIS applications. Key projects include:

  • 2024: Hydro(Agro)-Meteorological Drought Monitoring (French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs)
  • 2024: SESWME Project for Soil and Water Management (German Ministry of Research and Education)
  • 2023: Effects of Soil and Water Conservation Practices (Global Minds Research Fellowship, University of Ghent)

📈 Citation Index:

  • SCI: 383 Citations, h-index 9
  • Scopus: 538 Citations, h-index 12
  • ResearchGate: 820 Citations, h-index 14
  • Google Scholar: 890 Citations, h-index 14

🏆 Awards and Fellowships:

  • MOPGA Visiting Fellowship Award
  • Coimbra Group Research Fellowship
  • Global Minds Research Fellowship
  • USAID – ILSSI Project Fellowship
  • CARE Ethiopian Fund for SWEEP Project

Publication Top Notes:

  • Assessment of Soil Erosion Using RUSLE, GIS, and Remote Sensing in NW Ethiopia
    M Zerihun, MS Mohammedyasin, D Sewnet, AA Adem, M Lakew
    Geoderma Regional, 12, 83-90 (2018)
    188 Citations
  • Comparison of Rainfall Estimations by TRMM 3B42, MPEG, and CFSR with Ground-Observed Data for the Lake Tana Basin in Ethiopia
    AW Worqlul, B Maathuis, AA Adem, SS Demissie, S Langan, …
    Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 18 (12), 4871-4881 (2014)
    166 Citations
  • Impact of Climate Change on Streamflow Hydrology in Headwater Catchments of the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
    AW Worqlul, YT Dile, EK Ayana, J Jeong, AA Adem, T Gerik
    Water, 10 (2), 120 (2018)
    105 Citations
  • Identification of Erosion Hotspot Area Using GIS and MCE Technique for Koga Watershed in the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
    TT Assefa, MK Jha, SA Tilahun, E Yetbarek, AA Adem, A Wale
    American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 11 (4), 245 (2015)
    59 Citations
  • Climate Change Impact on Sediment Yield in the Upper Gilgel Abay Catchment, Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
    AA Adem, SA Tilahun, EK Ayana, AW Worqlul, TT Assefa, SB Dessu, …
    Landscape Dynamics, Soils and Hydrological Processes in Varied Climates, 615-644 (2016)
    47 Citations
  • Evaluating InVEST Model for Estimating Soil Loss and Sediment Export in Data Scarce Regions of the Abbay (Upper Blue Nile) Basin: Implications for Land Managers
    T Gashaw, A Bantider, G Zeleke, T Alamirew, W Jemberu, AW Worqlul, …
    Environmental Challenges, 5, 100381 (2021)
    42 Citations
  • Climate Change Projections in the Upper Gilgel Abay River Catchment, Blue Nile Basin Ethiopia
    AA Adem, AM Melesse, SA Tilahun, SG Setegn, EK Ayana, A Wale, …
    Nile River Basin: Ecohydrological Challenges, Climate Change and … (2014)
    40 Citations
  • Climate Change Impact on Stream Flow in the Upper Gilgel Abay Catchment, Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
    AA Adem, SA Tilahun, EK Ayana, AW Worqlul, TT Assefa, SB Dessu, …
    Landscape Dynamics, Soils and Hydrological Processes in Varied Climates, 645-673 (2016)
    33 Citations
  • Identification of Soil Erosion Hot-Spot Areas for Prioritization of Conservation Measures Using the SWAT Model in Ribb Watershed, Ethiopia
    BF Admas, T Gashaw, AA Adem, AW Worqlul, YT Dile, E Molla
    Resources, Environment and Sustainability, 8, 100059 (2022)
    26 Citations
  • Predicting Reference Evaporation for the Ethiopian Highlands
    AA Adem, DW Aynalem, SA Tilahun, TS Steenhuis
    Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 9 (11), 1244-1269 (2017)
    24 Citations
  • Exclosures Improve Degraded Landscapes in the Sub-Humid Ethiopian Highlands: The Ferenj Wuha Watershed
    AA Adem, W Mekuria, Y Belay, SA Tilahun, TS Steenhuis
    Journal of Environmental Management, 270, 110802 (2020)
    22 Citations
  • Spatial and Temporal Variability of Soil Loss in Gully Erosion in Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
    A Bogale, D Aynalem, A Adem, W Mekuria, S Tilahun
    Applied Water Science, 10 (5), 1-8 (2020)
    18 Citations
  • Hydrogeology of Volcanic Highlands Affects Prioritization of Land Management Practices
    AA Adem, GG Addis, DW Aynalem, SA Tilahun, W Mekuria, M Azeze, …
    Water, 12 (10), 2702 (2020)
    16 Citations
  • Assessing Digital Soil Inventories for Predicting Streamflow in the Headwaters of the Blue Nile
    AA Adem, YT Dile, AW Worqlul, EK Ayana, SA Tilahun, TS Steenhuis
    Hydrology, 7 (1), 8 (2020)
    15 Citations
  • Assessment of Soil Erosion Using RUSLE, GIS, and Remote Sensing in NW Ethiopia
    M Zerihun, MS Mohammedyasin, D Sewnet, AA Adem, M Lakew
    Geoderma Regional, 12, 83–90 (2018)
    14 Citations
  • Comparison of TRMM, MPEG, and CFSR Rainfall Estimation with the Ground Observed Data for the Lake Tana Basin, Ethiopia
    AW Worqlul, B Maathuis, AA Adem, SS Demissie, S Langan, …
    Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discuss, 11, 8013-8038 (2014)
    13 Citations
  • Ecological Status as the Basis for the Holistic Environmental Flow Assessment of a Tropical Highland River in Ethiopia
    WB Abebe, SA Tilahun, MM Moges, A Wondie, MG Dersseh, WW Assefa, …
    Water, 13 (14), 1913 (2021)
    10 Citations