Éva Ács | Hydrobiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Éva Ács | Hydrobiology | Best Researcher Award

Research Professor at Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary

Dr. Éva Ács is a research professor at Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary, specializing in aquatic ecology with particular expertise in benthic diatoms, phytobenthos, and water quality assessment. With an established career in research, teaching, and consultancy, she has played a pivotal role in advancing algology, aquatic monitoring, and applied water management. Her contributions span taxonomy, ecology, and applied environmental sciences, positioning her as a leading figure in both national and international research networks. She has collaborated widely with academic institutions, environmental authorities, and international organizations, contributing to innovations that directly support ecological monitoring and sustainable water resource management.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile | ORCID

Education

Dr. Ács pursued higher education in the natural sciences, where her interest in aquatic ecosystems and microscopic algae laid the foundation for her career. Her academic formation centered on algology, aquatic ecology, and diatom taxonomy, equipping her with both theoretical insights and practical methodologies essential for water quality assessment. Her scholarly development was strongly influenced by interdisciplinary training, where she combined morphology and molecular approaches to study diatoms. Throughout her academic journey, she strengthened her expertise in phytobenthos research and bioindication methods, which later became central to her scientific contributions. Her education was not only a preparation for research but also a gateway to mentoring and teaching the next generation of scientists, a responsibility she continues to uphold.

Professional Experience

As a research professor at Ludovika University of Public Service, Dr. Ács has combined academic teaching with extensive research activity. She has contributed to numerous national and international projects, including the Széchenyi Plan Plus program and the National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security. Her expertise has also been sought in consultancy projects supporting river basin management and ecological monitoring, such as the development of modular sensor systems for water quality assessment and investigations into the effects of cavitation on aquatic organisms. Her professional journey reflects a balance between theoretical ecology and applied science, ensuring that her work benefits both academic advancement and real-world water management. Additionally, she has provided guidance as a mentor and educator, building research capacity in aquatic ecology and algology within Hungary and beyond.

Research Focus

The central theme of Dr. Ács’s research is aquatic ecology, with a focus on benthic diatoms and phytobenthos. Her studies have advanced understanding of diatom taxonomy, morphology, and molecular identification, which are critical for accurate ecological monitoring. She has significantly contributed to the development of ecological quality assessment methods for surface waters, particularly in the framework of the European Union’s Water Framework Directive. Her research integrates algal ecology with applied water management, offering practical bioindication tools for environmental authorities. In addition, she has engaged in international collaborations, including research with NASA on the Licancabur Project, which investigated extreme environments and diatom diversity. Her innovative approach bridges fundamental science and applied solutions, strengthening the role of ecological monitoring in conservation and water policy.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Intermittency as an Environmental Filter: Diatom Traits and Water Quality Indicators in a Hydrodynamic Context
Authors: Alexander G. Rusanov; Zsuzsa Trábert; Keve T. Kiss; János L. Korponai; Mikhail Y. Kolobov; Tibor Bíró; Edit Vadkerti; Éva Ács
Summary: Examines how hydrological intermittency filters diatom traits and water quality indicators. Highlights their value for bioassessment in variable aquatic systems.

Title: Integration of Morphology‐Based and Molecular Techniques to Study the Most Significant Diatom Order (Thalassiosirales) of Phytoplankton in the River Danube
Authors: Éva Ács; János László Korponai; Keve Tihamér Kiss; Tibor Bíró; Mónika Duleba; István Grigorszky; József Szekeres; Edit Vadkerti; Imre Somlyai
Summary: Combines morphology and molecular methods to study Thalassiosirales in the Danube. Improves taxonomy and ecological monitoring accuracy.

Title: Proficiency Testing and Cross-Laboratory Method Comparison to Support Standardisation of Diatom DNA Metabarcoding for Freshwater Biomonitoring
Authors: Valentin Vasselon; Sinziana F. Rivera; Éva Ács; Salomé F.P. Almeida; Karl B. Andree; Laure Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil; Bonnie Bailet; Ana Baričević; Kevin K. Beentjes; Juliane Bettig et al.
Summary: Presents cross-laboratory tests for diatom DNA metabarcoding. Supports standardization and strengthens freshwater biomonitoring practices.

Title: Diatom Metacommunity Structuring in a Large Lake: Geomorphic, Water Chemistry and Dispersal Effects on Diatom Guilds in Lake Ladoga (North-Western Russia)
Authors: Alexander G. Rusanov; Evgeny A. Kurashov; Anna M. Rasulova; Tibor Bíró; Edit Vadkerti; Éva Ács
Summary: Analyzes geomorphic, chemical, and dispersal effects on diatoms in Lake Ladoga. Reveals guild-specific ecological responses in large lakes.

Conclusion

Dr. Éva Ács exemplifies the integration of academic excellence, applied research, and international collaboration. Her pioneering work in benthic diatom ecology, taxonomy, and ecological assessment has provided essential tools for water quality monitoring and environmental management. With an impressive publication record, extensive project leadership, and commitment to mentoring, she has influenced both policy and practice in aquatic ecology. Her editorial contributions and professional memberships further demonstrate her dedication to strengthening the scientific community. In recognition of her achievements and her impact on both fundamental and applied aquatic sciences, Dr. Ács is a distinguished nominee for the Best Researcher Award  of the Zoology Honour Awards.

Robert Gammariello | Marine Biology | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Robert Gammariello | Marine Biology | Young Scientist Award

Post-doctoral researcher at Loma Linda University , United States

Robert Thomas Gammariello, Jr. is a passionate marine biologist and Ph.D. candidate at Loma Linda University, with a research focus on the physiology and conservation of sea turtles, particularly hawksbill hatchlings. Drawing from a robust academic foundation in marine and conservation biology from UCLA, Robert blends empirical fieldwork with physiological analysis to address conservation challenges. He has collaborated with organizations like ProTECTOR Inc. in Honduras and served as assistant to the President of the International Sea Turtle Society. With a commitment to community outreach and education, he has volunteered extensively at the Aquarium of the Pacific. His goal is to bridge the gap between scientific research and conservation policy, using evidence-based findings to reduce sea turtle mortality. Robert’s interdisciplinary work has been presented internationally and has earned him multiple academic awards. His skills span dissection, GIS, R programming, and marine ecology, making him a rising voice in marine conservation biology.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile | Goolge Scholar

Education

Robert Gammariello is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology at Loma Linda University, focusing on sea turtle ecophysiology and conservation. His dissertation explores the spectral thresholds, color preferences, and ocular anatomy of hawksbill turtle hatchlings. Prior to this, he completed a B.S. in Marine Biology with a Minor in Conservation Biology at UCLA.  His coursework encompassed a diverse suite of scientific disciplines, including ecophysiology, oceanography, GIS for natural sciences, and vertebrate ecology. His undergraduate research contributions included work on climate change during the end-Triassic extinction event using isotope paleothermometry under NASA’s Planetary Data System Fellowship. Throughout both institutions, Robert maintained academic excellence and was active in several honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board. This well-rounded academic background has equipped him with the tools to explore marine species behavior in relation to environmental change and to contribute to applied conservation science.

Experience

Robert has an extensive background in marine biology and science education. As a Ph.D. student at Loma Linda University he conducts independent research and serves as a teaching assistant in courses like Marine Biology and Biodiversity. In  he acted as Assistant to the President of the International Sea Turtle Society, organizing the 42nd Symposium in Thailand. Earlier, he worked with ProTECTOR Inc. in Honduras, leading community-based research on sea turtle conservation. Robert volunteered at the Aquarium of the Pacific, educating the public about marine life. At UCLA, he was a teaching assistant across multiple biology courses, while simultaneously contributing to NASA’s research efforts on paleo-temperature reconstruction through isotope analysis. His experiences blend research, education, conservation policy, and public outreach—giving him a unique skill set to impact marine biodiversity conservation on both scientific and community fronts.

Award and Honor

Robert Gammariello has earned numerous academic accolades. At Loma Linda University, he received the Paul Buchheim Award twice and multiple Lathrop Recognitions, acknowledging research excellence. He was also awarded a University Grant. During his undergraduate years at UCLA, Robert made the Dean’s Honor List six times and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. He was a Mortar Board Academic Committee Co-Chair Beyond academia, he achieved the prestigious Eagle Scout rank from the Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, he was a recipient of the NASA Planetary Data System Fellowship, Boyd Lyon Sea Turtle Fund Scholarship, and the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians Conservation Grant. These honors reflect his consistent dedication to scientific rigor, leadership, and contributions to marine biology and conservation.

Research Focus

Robert’s research bridges the disciplines of physiology and conservation biology, with a focus on understanding how sensory ecology influences sea turtle behavior. His doctoral work investigates the spectral light detection, color preferences, and visual anatomy of hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) hatchlings, aiming to inform lighting policy in nesting beaches to reduce hatchling mortality. He examines how light wavelength and intensity influence seafinding behaviors, offering critical insights into human-wildlife interactions in coastal habitats. His early research with NASA included paleoclimate reconstructions using isotope thermometry to analyze extinction events, which laid the foundation for his analytical skills. Now, his conservation-based physiological approach helps develop evidence-based management strategies for marine turtles. Robert’s fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and international presentations position him at the forefront of ecological conservation science, where he is actively shaping conservation policy through physiological research and collaborative field outreach.

Research Skill

Robert is skilled in marine ecological research, dissection techniques, and microscopic slide preparation. Technically proficient, he utilizes R scripts for data analysis and ArcGIS for geospatial ecological modeling. His communication skills are honed through over 500 volunteer hours in public education at the Aquarium of the Pacific, and through teaching assistant roles at Loma Linda University and UCLA. He’s experienced in developing test questions, leading lab sessions, and grading scientific assessments across numerous biology courses. His interdisciplinary approach draws from ecology, physiology, and geobiology, and he has experience with carbonate isotope analysis, particularly in paleoclimate studies. Robert also holds a PADI Open Water Dive Certification and is proficient in American Sign Language (ASL), which enhances his outreach capabilities. With a balance of fieldwork, laboratory precision, and teaching, Robert is equipped to contribute meaningfully to both academic science and applied conservation.

Publication Top Notes

Title: The role of temperature in the initiation of the end-Triassic mass extinction
Authors: V.A. Petryshyn, S.E. Greene, A. Farnsworth, D.J. Lunt, A. Kelley, R. Gammariello, et al.
Journal: Earth-Science Reviews, Volume 208, Article 103266
Year: 2020
Citations: 20

Title: ProTECTOR, Inc. National report of activities for the 2018 Research Season
Authors: S.G. Dunbar, M.K. Wright, E.C. Hyatt, R.T. Gammariello, D.S. Baumbach, et al.
Published: Organizational Technical Report
Year: 2019
Citations: 1

Title: Thresholds of visible light detection in hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) hatchlings
Authors: R.T. Gammariello, S.G. Dunbar
Journal: Regional Studies in Marine Science, Article 104337
Year: 2025
Citations: Not yet cited (newly published)

Title: role of temperature in the initiation of the end-Triassic mass extinction (alternate author arrangement)
Authors: A. Farnsworth, A. Kelley, R. Gammariello, Y. Ibarra, A. Tripati
Journal: Earth-Science Reviews, Volume 208
Year: 2020
Citations: Likely same as entry #1 (part of same study)

Title: Color preferences of Eretmochelys imbricata hatchlings
Authors: R. Gammariello, C. Gerke, L. Salinas, S.G. Dunbar
Conference: 39th International Sea Turtle Symposium
Year: 2019
Citations: Not tracked (conference abstract)

Title: Community-based evidence accrual for characterization of Guanaja, Honduras as an active nesting site for Caribbean sea turtle populations
Authors: E. Hyatt, R. Gammariello, C. Gerke, L. Salinas, S.G. Dunbar
Conference: 39th International Sea Turtle Symposium
Year: 2019
Citations: Not tracked (conference abstract)

Conclusion

Robert Gammariello is a promising early-career researcher whose academic rigor, conservation impact, and community involvement make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions have advanced knowledge in marine physiology and informed practical conservation strategies for endangered species. With his trajectory of international collaboration and educational outreach, he is well-positioned for future leadership in marine biology and environmental stewardship.

Uwe Waller | Aquaculture Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Uwe Waller | Aquaculture Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Retired Professor at Universita of Applied Sciences, Saarland, Germany, Germany

Prof. Dr. Uwe Waller, born in Berlin in 1955, is a distinguished German biologist and academic, renowned for pioneering sustainable aquaculture systems. A former professor at the University of Applied Sciences Saarbrücken (htw saar), Waller specialized in sustainable biological process engineering, with a focus on integrated recirculating aquaculture systems, photobioreactors, and renewable energy. His work has bridged environmental engineering and biology, offering innovative blueprints for sustainable food production. Even after his retirement in 2021, he continues to lecture internationally and volunteers with the Senior Expert Service in Bonn to support global aquaculture development. His influence stretches across Germany, Scandinavia, and Southeast Asia. With decades of groundbreaking research, academic leadership, and interdisciplinary cooperation, Waller remains a visionary in sustainable marine science.

Professional Profiles📖

ORCID

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. Uwe Waller began his academic journey in biology, culminating in the prestigious title of “Dr. rer. nat.” — Doctor of Natural Sciences — in Germany. He earned his Diplom Biologe degree (equivalent to MSc in Biology), specializing in aquatic systems physiology and ecology. His doctoral work focused on the physiological performance and brackish water tolerance of silver carp in Northern Germany. This foundational expertise laid the groundwork for a prolific career in aquatic biology and environmental process engineering. Over time, Waller enriched his academic foundation with interdisciplinary knowledge in engineering, energy systems, and process control, enabling him to lead complex research on sustainable aquaculture. His deep theoretical understanding, combined with hands-on technological applications, allowed him to train students and professionals in both natural and applied sciences, especially in environmental and renewable energy systems.

🧪 Experience

Prof. Dr. Uwe Waller served as a professor at htw saar, where he taught and led programs in biology, aquaculture technology, and renewable energy systems. He was instrumental in developing the university’s environmental engineering bachelor’s program, integrating mathematical, structural, and ecological components. His core teaching spanned general aquaculture, biology of aquaculture species, and microalgae process technology. He also led the Renewable Energy/Energy Systems course, focusing on climate-resilient engineering. Internationally, Waller contributed to Master’s and PhD programs across Germany, Norway, Denmark, and Scotland, and conducted teaching modules in Southeast Asia, including Viet Nam, Thailand, Cambodia, and China. After his retirement in 2021, he continued lecturing abroad and consulting via the Senior Expert Service. Waller’s career merges academia, technology, and global outreach, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to sustainable aquatic and energy systems.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Prof. Dr. Uwe Waller has received numerous accolades throughout his esteemed career. Notably, in 2001, he was awarded the Technologiepreis der Region K.E.R.N., recognizing his innovative contributions to aquaculture technology and renewable energy integration. His work was nationally highlighted in 2012 by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) as a blueprint for sustainable aquaculture. Beyond formal awards, Waller’s interdisciplinary projects and patents in aquaculture systems and photobioreactors have gained high regard in both academic and industrial circles. His ongoing volunteer work with the Senior Expert Service in Bonn also reflects the recognition and trust placed in his expertise on a global scale. His teaching and scientific cooperation with prestigious universities and research institutions further underscore the respect and admiration he commands in the field of sustainable marine technologies.

🔬 Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Waller’s research centers on sustainable aquaculture systems with a multidisciplinary approach integrating biology, engineering, and environmental science. He developed recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for fish and prawns, emphasizing low energy consumption and minimal water usage. His work also explores microalgae cultivation in photobioreactors, contributing to circular systems that recycle nutrients and energy. With an eye on climate change and resource conservation, Waller innovated integrated systems that support secondary recycling processes, benefiting both aquatic organisms and the environment. He further advanced automation and remote control technologies in aquaculture, enhancing system efficiency. His concept development for sustainable ocean aquaculture includes floating marine systems and closed-loop nutrient cycling. Collaborating with international universities and institutions, Waller’s forward-thinking designs aim to meet global food demands while protecting aquatic ecosystems.

🛠️  Research Skills

Prof. Dr. Uwe Waller possesses a rare blend of scientific, technical, and pedagogical skills. His core competencies include aquaculture system engineering, biological process optimization, and microalgae cultivation in advanced photobioreactors. With strong knowledge in renewable energy, Waller integrates solar and other green technologies into aquaculture. His expertise in automation, remote sensing, and control systems allows for efficient management of closed-loop aquatic farms. As an academic, he excels in curriculum development, interdisciplinary teaching, and international education collaboration. Waller is also proficient in experimental design, data analysis, and technical writing, with an extensive publication record. He holds patents in aquaculture system designs and water purification technologies. His fluency in both biological systems and engineering frameworks makes him an exceptional leader in sustainable marine innovation. Additionally, his dedication to mentoring and international consultancy showcases his soft skills in leadership and cross-cultural communication.

✅ Conclusion 

Prof. Dr. Uwe Waller is eminently qualified for the Best Researcher Award. His decades-long commitment to advancing sustainable aquaculture technologies, his innovative engineering of biological systems, and his dedication to global knowledge transfer mark him as a truly impactful and inspirational researcher. His continued engagement in the field, even after formal retirement, exemplifies the essence of academic passion and lifelong contribution. Acknowledging his work with this award would not only honor his achievements but also highlight the importance of environmentally responsible science in the 21st century.

Publications Top Notes📚

A Critical Assessment of the Process and Logic Behind Fish Production in Marine Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
Journal: Fishes, 2024, 9(11), 431.
DOI: 10.3390/fishes9110431

Virtual Sensing of Nitrite: A Novel Control for Safe Denitrification in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RASs)
Journal: Fishes, 2024, 9(10), 398.
DOI: 10.3390/fishes9100398

Development of Denitrification in Semi-Automated Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors Operated in a Marine Recirculating Aquaculture System
Journal: Aquaculture International, 2019.
DOI: 10.1007/s10499-019-00402-5

Optimization of Culturing Conditions and Selection of Species for the Use of Halophytes as Biofilter for Nutrient-Rich Saline Water
Journal: Agricultural Water Management, 2015.
DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2014.11.001

Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture in a Zero-Exchange Recirculation Aquaculture System for Marine Fish and Hydroponic Halophyte Production
Journal: Aquaculture International, 2015.

Culture of Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi) in a Marine Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) with Artificial Seawater
Journal: Aquacultural Engineering, 2014.
DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaeng.2013.09.004

Potential and Limitations of Ozone for the Removal of Ammonia, Nitrite, and Yellow Substances in Marine Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
Journal: Aquacultural Engineering, 2011.

The Toxicity of Ozone-Produced Oxidants to the Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Journal: Aquaculture, 2010.

The Control of Water Quality and Hygienic Conditions in Aquaculture Recirculation Systems (RAS): The Use of Foam Fractionation and Ozone
Conference Paper:

Toxicity of Ozone Produced Oxidants to Juveniles of Two Different Mariculture Species, Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific White Shrimp) and Psetta maxima (Turbot)
Conference Paper: 2008.

Effect of Ciliates on Nitrification and Nitrifying Bacteria in Baltic Sea Sediments
Journal: Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2007.

Environmental Impacts of Aquaculture
Book Chapter: 2000.

The Reaction of Young Coho Oncorhynchus kisutch to Declining Oxygen Levels During Long-Term Exposure
Journal: Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 2000.
Growth of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) Under Hypoxic and Oscillating Oxygen Conditions
Journal: Aquaculture, 1999.