Faizan Ahmad | Geoinformatics | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Faizan Ahmad | Geoinformatics | Research Excellence Award

Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University | Pakistan

Mr. Faizan Ahmad is a GIS and remote sensing researcher with expertise in spatial analysis, land-use change detection, habitat suitability modeling, and applied conservation science. His research integrates satellite imagery, geospatial data processing, and statistical modeling techniques (GLM/MaxEnt) to address biodiversity conservation and environmental risk assessment. He has authored a peer-reviewed article in the Journal for Nature Conservation focusing on Indian pangolin habitat dynamics in western Pakistan and has an additional manuscript under review in Ecology and Evolution examining habitat preferences and illegal wildlife trade routes. His professional profile reflects strong applied GIS capabilities supporting evidence-based environmental planning and conservation policy.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Featured Publications

Xia Zhang | Remote Sensing | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Xia Zhang | Remote Sensing | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Xia Zhang | Aerospace Information Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Prof. Xia Zhang is a distinguished Chinese scientist specializing in hyperspectral remote sensing, soil monitoring, and planetary science. She earned her Ph.D. in Cartography and GIS from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, following earlier degrees in Remote Sensing and GIS from Beijing Normal University and Agricultural Meteorology from Nanjing Institute of Meteorology. Currently a Professor at the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, she has devoted her career to advancing quantitative inversion algorithms for monitoring soil properties and developing mineral detection methods for celestial bodies. Her pioneering research has provided reliable systems for monitoring soil heavy metals, organic matter, and texture, as well as mapping lunar minerals and Martian water-bearing materials. Prof. Zhang has published numerous SCI papers, authored books, secured patents, and contributed to China’s major satellite and lunar exploration projects. Her work bridges earth sciences and space exploration, making significant contributions to both environmental sustainability and planetary understanding.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Xia Zhang has pursued a strong academic journey in the field of geospatial sciences, remote sensing, and meteorology, which laid the foundation for her distinguished career in research and innovation. She earned her Ph.D. in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems from the Institute of Remote Sensing Applications at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where she specialized in advanced applications of remote sensing and geographic technologies. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed a Master’s degree in Remote Sensing and GIS from Beijing Normal University, gaining in-depth expertise in spatial data analysis and earth observation techniques. Her academic path began with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Meteorology from the Nanjing Institute of Meteorology, where she developed a strong background in environmental monitoring, climate science, and agricultural systems. This comprehensive educational foundation enabled her to integrate meteorology, remote sensing, and geoinformatics, leading to her impactful contributions in soil monitoring, environmental sustainability, and planetary exploration.

Employment

Prof. Xia Zhang has built a distinguished professional career dedicated to hyperspectral remote sensing and earth observation research within the Chinese Academy of Sciences. She currently serves as a Professor at the Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Laboratory, Aerospace Information Research Institute, where she continues to advance scientific innovations in soil monitoring and planetary exploration. Previously, she held the position of Professor at the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth, where she contributed significantly to the development of quantitative inversion algorithms and environmental applications. Her academic journey includes long-term service at the Institute of Remote Sensing Applications, beginning as a Research Assistant at the Open Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, later advancing to Assistant Professor and subsequently to Associate Professor, where she honed her expertise in satellite imaging and hyperspectral analysis. Through these progressive roles, Prof. Zhang has demonstrated remarkable leadership, consistent scientific contributions, and a strong commitment to advancing China’s capabilities in remote sensing technologies and global environmental studies.

Research Focus

Prof. Xia Zhang’s research primarily focuses on hyperspectral remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and precision soil assessment, placing her work at the intersection of geospatial sciences, agricultural sustainability, and planetary exploration. Her studies emphasize the development of advanced algorithms for soil property estimation, including soil organic matter, heavy metals, pH, moisture, and texture, using multi-source satellite and field spectroscopy data. By integrating hyperspectral and multispectral imagery from platforms such as GF-5, Zhuhai-1, Sentinel-2, and ZY1, she has contributed to innovative approaches for improving soil quality monitoring and land cover classification. Her expertise extends to addressing environmental complexities, mitigating data distortions, and applying machine learning and deep learning models for enhanced accuracy in spectral analysis. Beyond earth-focused applications, her research also explores mineral mapping on extraterrestrial surfaces, such as the Moon and Mars, deepening scientific understanding of planetary evolution. Overall, her contributions span soil science, environmental sustainability, and planetary remote sensing.

Publication Top Notes

Soil zinc content estimation using GF-5 hyperspectral image with mitigation of soil moisture influence
Year: 2025

Prediction and monitoring of soil pH using field reflectance spectroscopy and time-series Sentinel-2 remote sensing imagery
Year: 2025
Citations: 1

A mixed convolution and distance covariance matrix network for fine classification of corn straw cover types with fused hyperspectral and multispectral data
Year: 2024

Estimation of soil organic matter content by combining Zhuhai-1 hyperspectral and Sentinel-2A multispectral images
Year: 2024
Citations: 5

Evaluation of Soil As Concentration Estimation Method Based on Spectral Indices
Year: 2024
Citations: 3

Removal of environmental influences for estimating soil texture fractions based on ZY1 satellite hyperspectral images
Year: 2024
Citations: 9

Generating surface soil moisture at the 30 m resolution in grape-growing areas based on stacked ensemble learning
Year: 2024
Citations: 3

Conclusion

Prof. Xia Zhang stands out as an accomplished researcher whose innovations in hyperspectral remote sensing and planetary science strongly align with the goals of the Research for Women Researcher Award. With her solid track record in impactful publications, patents, and contributions to major scientific missions, she is highly suitable for this recognition, representing excellence, innovation, and leadership in women’s research.

 

Fikre Belay Tekulu | Geography | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Fikre Belay Tekulu | Geography | Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor at Adigrat University College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ethiopia

Dr. Fikre Belay Tekulu (PhD) is an Assistant Professor at Adigrat University, Ethiopia 📍. He specializes in Urban and Regional Development Planning 🏙️ and has held various academic and leadership roles, including Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities 📘. With over two decades of experience in teaching, research, and community engagement 📚, he has published extensively on urbanization, war impacts, and environmental planning 🌍. He is a dedicated scholar and educator with a passion for data analysis, field research, and academic mentorship 👨‍🏫. Dr. Fikre is fluent in Tigrigna, Amharic, and English 🌐.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Background

Dr. Fikre holds a PhD in Urban and Regional Development Planning from Punjabi University, India 🎓. He earned his MA in Urban Management from the Ethiopian Civil Service University 🏛️ and a BED in Geography from Mekelle University 🗺️. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to urban studies and sustainable development 🏘️. Through his multidisciplinary education, he gained expertise in planning, spatial analysis, and urban policy. His education has laid a strong foundation for his contributions in both academia and practice 📖. These qualifications have positioned him as a leader in geography and development planning education in Ethiopia 🌍.

Professional Background

Dr. Fikre has over 20 years of progressive academic and professional experience 💼. He began as a teacher and deputy director at Agazi Secondary School 🏫 and served as Head of Geography at Axum University. At Adigrat University, he became Assistant Professor and Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities 📘. He also worked as a higher expert on zonal information. His leadership includes project management, curriculum development, and academic research coordination 📊. He’s participated in national development planning, capacity building, and disaster recovery projects, especially in Tigray Region 🏞️, combining teaching and hands-on community service.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Fikre has earned multiple accolades 🎖️, including the Popular Scientist Award (2023) 🧪. He has received numerous certificates of recognition as an external examiner for master’s theses 📝 at Mekelle and Aksum Universities. His outstanding peer review contributions earned him a Certified Peer Reviewer Excellence Award in 2024 🌐. He also actively participated in prestigious symposiums and training sessions globally and locally 🏅. Notably, he received a Master Class Certificate for Teaching Online in 2025 and has evaluated community service projects with distinction 🌟, marking his influence across academic, research, and development platforms.

Research Focus

Dr. Fikre’s research focuses on urbanization, regional development, post-war recovery, and environmental planning 🏗️. He has investigated urban sprawl, flood impacts, war damage on infrastructure, and public health systems 🧱. His work employs GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial modeling 📍. Recently, he has co-led studies on war impacts on health, education, and cultural heritage in Tigray. He is also engaged in climate-related research like soil erosion mapping using Google Earth Engine 🌍. His research blends theory with community impact, aiming for evidence-based planning and sustainable development 🧭. His goal is to inform policy through rigorous interdisciplinary research 📊.

Publication Top Notes

📘 The Effect of War on Basic Infrastructures of Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia
📅 Year: 2024 | 📊 Cited by: 5 | 🏚️⚙️🧱

📘 Application of the Overlay Weighted Model to Determine the Best Locations for Expansion of Adigrat Town
📅 Year: 2015 | 📊 Cited by: 5 | 🏘️📌🗺️

📘 The Effect of War on Educational Institutions of Eastern Tigray Zone, Tigray State, Ethiopia
📅 Year: 2023 | 📊 Cited by: 4 | 🎓🏫📉

📘 An Assessment on the Economic Benefit of Cactus Crop in the Case of Ganta Afeshum District, Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia
📅 Year: 2015 | 📊 Cited by: 1 | 🌵💰🌍

Effect of War on Health Institutions of Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia

Economic Impacts of the War on IDPs and the Effects of Humanitarian Interventions: A Case Study of IDP Centers in Adigrat City

The War in Tigray and Its Immediate Impact on Cultural Heritage in Eastern Tigray

Urbanization Level and Tempo (Speed) in Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia

Geoinformatics of soil loss using GEE in Tigray regional state of Ethiopia.

Causes and Trends of Urban Sprawl in Adigrat City, Tigray, Ethiopia

The Impact of War and Humanitarian Interventions on Educational Services for IDPs in Adigrat City Centers

Conclusion

Dr. Fikre Belay Tekulu is a distinguished academic and researcher with a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Development Planning, supported by robust qualifications in Geography and Urban Management. His extensive research portfolio spans critical areas such as urbanization, environmental sustainability, disaster recovery, and the socio-economic impacts of war, making substantial contributions to regional and global scholarship. With numerous peer-reviewed publications, leadership roles including Dean at Adigrat University, and active involvement in community and national development projects, Dr. Fikre exemplifies academic excellence and social commitment. His continued pursuit of professional development, combined with multiple recognitions—such as the Popular Scientist Award—solidify his status as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

PHILLIP OPIO | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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PHILLIP OPIO | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr PHILLIP OPIO, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda

Dr. Akiiki Kazooba holds a PhD in Space Physics from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, with a pending book submission. He earned his Master’s degree in Physics (Space Physics) from Makerere University and a Bachelor’s in Science with Education (Physics and Mathematics) from Kyambogo University. Currently serving as a Lecturer and Head of Department for Physical Sciences at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU), Dr. Kazooba oversees academic guidance, research programs, and departmental budgeting. His responsibilities include teaching, supervising staff, and coordinating research efforts for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. 🌌

Publication profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Michaela Cellina, currently pursuing a PhD in Space Physics at Mbarara University of Science and Technology since 2021, has a robust academic background. She completed her Master of Science in Physics, specializing in space physics, at Makerere University in 2014, following her Bachelor of Science with Education in Physics and Mathematics from Kyambogo University in 2009. Dr. Cellina also holds a Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation from Makerere University, obtained in October 2009. Her research interests span cosmic phenomena and the application of physics in space exploration 🌌.

Research Interest

My primary research interest lies in ionospheric studies of low-latitude regions, focusing on understanding dynamic interactions and phenomena within the ionosphere. Specifically, I investigate the impact of solar variability, geomagnetic storms, and the equatorial electrojet on ionospheric dynamics and electron density profiles. Additionally, I aim to explore coupling mechanisms between the neutral atmosphere and ionosphere, and the effects of anthropogenic activities on ionospheric variability. Through my research 🛰️, I aim to deepen our understanding of ionospheric dynamics in low-latitude regions, contributing to improved space weather forecasting, satellite communications, and navigation systems.

Presentations

Dr. PHILLIP OPIO presented significant research findings on ionospheric heights in East Africa at various academic forums. At the 6th annual PhD symposium at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in June 2022, the validation of a 350 km effective ionospheric height for Equatorial and low latitude regions was discussed. This was followed by a presentation on ionospheric observations using ionosondes at Muni University’s Space Weather and Upper Atmospheric data analysis training workshop in Arua, Uganda, in September 2023. Additionally, a new method for determining ionospheric shell height using GNSS receivers was presented at Mountains of the Moon University’s 2nd International Research Conference in an effort to 🌍 advance knowledge in atmospheric science and space weather monitoring.

Research focus

Based on the research publication titled “Characterization of the effective height of the ionosphere using GPS data over East Africa, a low latitude region” by Opio, P., Andima, G., and Jurua, E., published in Advances in Space Research (2023), the primary research focus revolves around ionospheric studies, particularly in the African sector. Their work emphasizes the latitudinal variation of the ionosphere using GPS Total Electron Content (TEC) data. This research contributes to understanding how ionospheric heights vary in low latitude regions like East Africa, crucial for satellite communications, GPS accuracy, and space weather monitoring. 🌍🛰️

Publication top notes

Characterization of the effective height of the ionosphere using GPS data over East Africa, a low latitude region

Latitudinal variation of the ionosphere in the African sector using GPS TEC data

 

 

Han Gao | Radar Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Han Gao | Radar Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Han Gao, China University of Petroleum (East China),China

Dr. Han Gao is an accomplished researcher at the College of Oceanography and Space Informatics, China University of Petroleum (East China). Specializing in radar remote sensing and microwave vision theory, his expertise extends to time series PolSAR data processing and remote sensing monitoring of flood disasters. Proficient in MATLAB, Python, and C++, he has developed innovative methods in crop classification and flood disaster monitoring, with significant applications in various Chinese provinces. Dr. Gao’s work has been published in top-tier journals like IEEE TGRS and RSE, earning substantial citations and recognition. 📡💻🛰️

Publication Profile

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Han Gao pursued his academic journey at Central South University, where he obtained a Ph.D. in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing from the College of Geosciences and Info-physics in June 2022. Prior to his doctorate, he completed a Master’s degree in Geomatics Engineering in June 2018, following his Bachelor’s degree in the same field in June 2015. His extensive education has laid a solid foundation for his research in remote sensing and geosciences. 📡💻🛰️

 

Research Focus 🌍🔬

Dr. Han Gao’s research primarily focuses on advanced remote sensing techniques, particularly in radar remote sensing and microwave vision theory. He has developed innovative methods for crop classification using time-series dual-polarization SAR datasets, integrating data from various sources like GF-3 PolSAR and Sentinel-2A. His work extends to flood disaster monitoring and the development of adaptive filters for PolSAR data. Dr. Gao’s research also includes forest height estimation and phase optimization for DS-InSAR. His significant contributions are published in high-impact journals, highlighting his expertise in agricultural and ecological remote sensing. 🌾📡🌳

 

Publication Top Notes

  1. A novel crop classification method based on ppfSVM classifier with time-series alignment kernel from dual-polarization SAR datasets – H Gao, C Wang, G Wang, H Fu, J Zhu – Remote Sensing of Environment 264, 112628 – 32 citations – 2021 📅📈
  2. A new crop classification method based on the time-varying feature curves of time series dual-polarization Sentinel-1 data sets – H Gao, C Wang, G Wang, Q Li, J Zhu – IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters 17 (7), 1183-1187 – 30 citations – 2019 📅📈
  3. A crop classification method integrating GF-3 PolSAR and Sentinel-2A optical data in the Dongting Lake Basin – H Gao, C Wang, G Wang, J Zhu, Y Tang, P Shen, Z Zhu – Sensors 18 (9), 3139 – 28 citations – 2018 📅📈
  4. An adaptive nonlocal mean filter for PolSAR data with shape-adaptive patches matching – P Shen, C Wang, H Gao, J Zhu – Sensors 18 (7), 2215 – 21 citations – 2018 📅📈
  5. Forest height estimation using PolInSAR optimal normal matrix constraint and cross-iteration method – C Wu, C Wang, P Shen, J Zhu, H Fu, H Gao – IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters 16 (8), 1245-1249 – 16 citations – 2019 📅📈
  6. TSPol-ASLIC: Adaptive superpixel generation with local iterative clustering for time-series quad-and dual-polarization SAR data – H Gao, C Wang, D Xiang, J Ye, G Wang – IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing 60, 1-15 – 13 citations – 2021 📅📈
  7. A phase optimization method for DS-InSAR based on SKP decomposition from quad-polarized data – G Wang, B Xu, Z Li, H Fu, H Gao, J Wan, C Wang – IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters 19, 1-5 – 13 citations – 2021 📅📈
  8. Fusion of spatially heterogeneous GNSS and InSAR deformation data using a multiresolution segmentation algorithm and its application in the inversion of slip distribution – H Yan, W Dai, H Liu, H Gao, WR Neely, W Xu – Remote Sensing 14 (14), 3293 – 5 citations – 2022 📅📈