Weiming Cheng | Planetary Geomorphology | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Weiming Cheng | Planetary Geomorphology | Research Excellence Award

Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS | China

Prof. Weiming Cheng is an internationally recognized scientist in digital and planetary geomorphology, with seminal contributions spanning Earth surface processes, lunar and Martian geomorphology, and geospatial information science. His research integrates multi-source remote sensing, GIS, DEM analysis, machine learning, and planetary data to model geomorphic structures, hazards, and surface evolution at regional to global scales. He pioneered hierarchical digital geomorphology classification systems and led the creation of the first national digital geomorphology database and comprehensive geomorphologic atlases. His work has significantly advanced planetary crater mapping, ecological geomorphology, and hazard susceptibility modeling, with broad applications in national surveys, environmental assessment, and planetary exploration missions.

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Yanqing Xin | Mars Exploration | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yanqing Xin | Mars Exploration | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yanqing Xin, Shandong Unvisity, China

Dr. Yanqing Xin is a Senior Experimentalist and Master’s Supervisor at the Space Science and Technology Institute, Shandong University (Weihai Campus), specializing in Martian mineralogy and planetary exploration. With a Ph.D. in Geophysics and an extensive background in microelectronics, Dr. Xin leads innovative research on Martian mineral synthesis, in-situ data analysis, and the development of new technologies for space exploration. His work is highly regarded internationally, contributing to key Mars missions like Perseverance and Tianwen. His significant contributions have earned him recognition in top journals, advancing planetary science and deep-space exploration. 🚀🔬🌍

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Yanqing Xin completed his Ph.D. in Geophysics (expected Dec 2024) at Shandong University, specializing in Martian mineral characterization. Prior to this, he earned an M.Eng. in Microelectronics & Solid-State Electronics (Jun 2010) and a B.Eng. in Electronic Science & Technology (Jul 2007) from Shandong University and Harbin Institute of Technology, respectively. His interdisciplinary education combines planetary science, material engineering, and electronics, equipping him with the expertise to make significant advancements in space exploration, particularly focusing on spectroscopic analysis and the development of new technologies for Mars exploration. 📚🎓🔭

🛠 Experience

Dr. Yanqing Xin has extensive experience in planetary science, focusing on Martian mineralogy and exploration technology development. As a Senior Experimentalist at Shandong University, he leads innovative research on the spectral characterization of Martian minerals, with a focus on iron-manganese oxides and phyllosilicates. He has contributed to major Mars missions, including NASA’s Perseverance Rover and China’s Tianwen mission, analyzing in-situ data to study Martian mineral evolution. His expertise also extends to multimodal characterization technologies for deep-space exploration. Additionally, he has led several national-level research projects and collaborated on cross-disciplinary studies. 🌍🚀🔬

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Yanqing Xin has received numerous accolades for his groundbreaking work in planetary science and space exploration. His article on manganese oxide spectroscopy was awarded Top Cited Article 2022–2023 in recognition of its significant impact on Mars exploration. Dr. Xin’s work has been featured in high-impact journals like the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets and Remote Sensing. His leadership in national and international research projects, coupled with his technical innovations, has earned him recognition within the NSFC and Shandong University, reinforcing his reputation as a leader in planetary science. 🏅🏆🌟

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Yanqing Xin’s research primarily focuses on the laboratory synthesis and spectral characterization of Martian minerals. His work investigates the formation and alteration of minerals on Mars, with a specific emphasis on iron-manganese oxides and phyllosilicates using XRD-Raman coupling techniques and electron probe microanalysis. He also conducts in-situ data analysis of Mars exploration missions, exploring aqueous alteration processes and mineral phase transitions. Additionally, Dr. Xin is advancing multimodal characterization technologies to enhance the payload design for deep-space exploration, optimizing mission success in planetary environments. 🌍🔬🪐

Publication Top Notes

  • Mineralogical Diversity in the Upper Fan Campaign at Jezero Crater, Mars – Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets (2025-04) 📖 DOI: 10.1029/2024JE008750 🌍

  • Detection of Allophane by the Zhurong Rover Indicates Water-Limited Alteration at Utopia Planitia, Mars – Earth and Planetary Science Letters (2024-08) 📖 DOI: 10.1016/j.epsl.2024.118769 🌌

  • Spectroscopy of Magnesium Sulfate Double Salts and Their Implications for Mars Exploration – Remote Sensing (2024-04-30) 📖 DOI: 10.3390/rs16091592 🌠

  • A Signal-Based Auto-Focusing Method Available for Raman Spectroscopy Acquisitions in Deep Space Exploration – Remote Sensing (2024-02-27) 📖 DOI: 10.3390/rs16050820 🚀

  • Enhancing the Temperature Coefficient of Resistance of Pt Thin Film Resistance-Temperature-Detector by Short-Time Annealing – Ceramics International (2023-04) 📖 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.12.122 🔬

  • A Systematic Spectroscopic Study of Laboratory Synthesized Manganese Oxides Relevant to Mars – Journal of Raman Spectroscopy (2022-03) 📖 DOI: 10.1002/jrs.6231 🌌

    • Cited by: 45+

  • Raman Spectroscopic and Geochemical Studies of Primary and Secondary Minerals in Martian Meteorite Northwest Africa 10720 – Journal of Raman Spectroscopy (2022-03) 📖 DOI: 10.1002/jrs.6254 🌙

    • Cited by: 20+

Glen Cousquer | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Glen Cousquer | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Glen Cousquer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Dr. Glen Cousquer is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an expert in Human Geography, focusing on animal welfare in mountain tourism. He earned his PhD from the University of Edinburgh and has extensive teaching experience across the One Health and Conservation Medicine programs. A recipient of multiple teaching awards, he has published widely on topics including working equine welfare and nature connection. His research interests span action research, animal ethics, and wildlife medicine, with 399 citations to his work. Dr. Cousquer actively supervises MSc and doctoral students, fostering interdisciplinary research.

Publication profile

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Education

Dr. Cousquer has a robust academic background, holding a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Edinburgh, with a focus on Animal Welfare in Mountain Tourism. His educational accolades include multiple MSc degrees in Educational Research and Outdoor Education, showcasing a commitment to interdisciplinary study.

Teaching and Education 

Dr. Cousquer is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has received 34 EUSA Teaching Award nominations, demonstrating his dedication to quality education. He serves as the Course Organizer for several online MSc programs, integrating diverse disciplines and promoting higher-level skills development.

Research Interests

Dr. Cousquer’s research interests are broad and impactful, encompassing nature connection, working equine welfare, mountain tourism, and animal ethics. His work has significantly contributed to the development of a new field in tourism research and has informed various curricula.

Research Grants

Dr. Cousquer has successfully secured funding for various research initiatives, including a recent bid exploring qualitative research paradigms and One Health. His ability to coordinate transdisciplinary teams highlights his leadership and collaborative skills.

Research Supervision Experience

He has supervised 25 MSc dissertation students, ensuring academic rigor and mentorship, and has been involved in various undergraduate research projects, further demonstrating his commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers.

Conclusion

Dr. Glen Cousquer’s comprehensive academic background, dedication to teaching, significant research contributions, and collaborative efforts in securing grants position him as a leading candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances knowledge in his field but also influences educational practices and policies, making a profound impact on both academia and society.

Publication Top Notes

  • Ophthalmological findings in free‐living tawny owls (Strix aluco) examined at a wildlife veterinary hospital   – Cited by 53 – 2005
  • A survey of blood lead levels in mute swans Cygnus olor   – Cited by 45 – 2003
  • Ethical responsibilities towards expedition pack animals   – Cited by 32 – 2012
  • Veterinary care of rabbits with myiasis   – Cited by 31 – 2006
  • Advancing One Health: updated core competencies   – Cited by 25 – 2023
  • Ingluvitis and oesophagitis in wild finches   – Cited by 25 – 2005
  • Professionalism in mountain tourism and the claims to professional status of the International Mountain Leader   – Cited by 23 – 2013
  • First aid and emergency care for the avian casualty   – Cited by 19 – 2005
  • Veterinary care of the racing pigeon   – Cited by 16 – 2007
  • Metabolic bone disease in wild collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto)   – Cited by 15 – 2007