Amarachi Paschaline Onyena | Biodiversity And Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Amarachi Paschaline Onyena | Biodiversity And Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | Nigeria Maritime University | Nigeria

Dr. Amarachi Paschaline Onyena’s research spans marine biology and aquatic environmental science, with a core focus on water sediment quality assessment, benthic macroinvertebrate ecology, ecotoxicology, molecular characterization, and environmental risk evaluation. Her work examines how pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and microplastics influence aquatic ecosystems, using integrated approaches that combine biomonitoring tools, molecular techniques, and analytical assessments to understand contamination pathways, ecological stress responses, and indicators of ecosystem degradation. She contributes extensive research on mangrove ecosystem dynamics, sediment biogeochemistry, and the role of macrobenthic communities as sensitive bioindicators of environmental change. Through field investigations, experimental analyses, and systematic reviews across diverse Nigerian aquatic environments, she provides evidence-based insights for pollution mitigation, microplastic monitoring, and sustainable aquatic resource governance. Her involvement in environmental risk assessments, consultancy-based evaluations, and collaborative marine studies supports policy development for coastal sustainability and blue-economy advancement. Contributions to global platforms, including work for the United Nations World Ocean Assessment, reflect her commitment to translating scientific findings into practical frameworks for ocean governance. With 590 citations, 29 indexed documents, and an h-index of 12, her growing research impact highlights her role in advancing marine pollution science, improving environmental monitoring frameworks, and promoting evidence-based strategies for resilient coastal and marine ecosystems.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publication

Onyena, A. P., & Sam, K. (2020). A review of the threat of oil exploitation to mangrove ecosystem: Insights from Niger Delta, Nigeria. Global Ecology and Conservation, 22, e00961.

Onyena, A. P., Aniche, D. C., Ogbolu, B. O., Rakib, M. R. J., Uddin, J., & Walker, T. R. (2021). Governance strategies for mitigating microplastic pollution in the marine environment: A review. Microplastics, 1(1), 15–46.

Rakib, M. R. J., Rahman, M. A., Onyena, A. P., Kumar, R., Sarker, A., Hossain, M. B., … (2022). A comprehensive review of heavy metal pollution in the coastal areas of Bangladesh: Abundance, bioaccumulation, health implications, and challenges. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(45), 67532–67558.

Chris, D. I., Onyena, A. P., & Sam, K. (2023). Evaluation of human health and ecological risk of heavy metals in water, sediment and shellfishes in typical artisanal oil mining areas of Nigeria. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(33), 80055–80069.

Sam, K., Onyena, A. P., Zabbey, N., Odoh, C. K., Nwipie, G. N., Nkeeh, D. K., Osuji, L. C., … (2023). Prospects of emerging PAH sources and remediation technologies: Insights from Africa. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(14), 39451–39473.

The nominee’s work advances environmental sustainability by providing evidence-based insights into pollution risks affecting coastal and marine ecosystems. Their research supports stronger policies, healthier communities, and long-term ecosystem resilience.

Qianqian Wang | Wildlife Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Qianqian Wang | Wildlife Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Engineer | China Conservation and Research Center | China

Dr. Qingqing Wang is a conservation biologist at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Chengdu, specializing in wildlife ecology, biodiversity monitoring, and molecular biology. Her research integrates field-based ecological surveys with molecular analyses to strengthen conservation strategies for endangered species and ecosystems. Dr. Wang has led and contributed to major biodiversity studies, including camera-trapping surveys revealing mammalian diversity in the Tibetan mountains and species identification and spatial mapping within the Giant Panda National Park. She has also advanced molecular research on aquatic organisms such as the Oriental river prawn and Chinese mitten crab, uncovering gene expression patterns linked to lipid metabolism, stress response, and environmental adaptation. Her publications in high-impact journals such as Global Ecology and Conservation, Animals, and Journal of Crustacean Biology highlight her interdisciplinary expertise and commitment to conservation science. Widely recognized for her academic excellence and research innovation, Dr. Wang has received numerous distinctions including the National Scholarship for Doctoral Students, the Research and Innovation Award for Graduate Students, and the Best Poster Award at the Ecology PhD Student Forum. Through her leadership in biodiversity research and her contributions to ecological understanding and conservation policy, Dr. Wang continues to advance sustainable management and protection of China’s rich biological heritage.

Profile : ORCID

Featured publications

Wang, Q., Yang, B., Chang, J., Wang, X., Chen, X., Li, S., Renzeng, J., Gongqiu, D., & Zhang, L. (2025). The population ecological characteristics of Gongshan Muntjac (Muntiacus gongshanensis) in southeastern Tibet based on camera‐trap technology. Ecology and Evolution, 15(7).

Wang, Q., Yang, B., Zhu, R., Wang, X., Li, S., & Zhang, L. (2024). Unveiling the biodiversity and conservation significance of Medog: A camera-trapping survey on mammals in the southeastern Tibetan mountains. Animals, 14(15), 2188.

Wang, Q., Cai, C., Zhang, J., Shui, D., Cui, G., Wang, Z., Ren, S., Wu, P., & Ye, Y. (2023). Gene cloning, expression pattern, and response to dietary total lipids and phospholipids of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in the Oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense De Haan, 1849 (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae). Journal of Crustacean Biology, 43(2).

Wang, Q., Cai, C., Zhang, J., Shui, D., Cui, G., Wang, Z., Ren, R., Wu, P., & Ye, Y. (2022, July 28). Gene cloning, expression pattern, and response to dietary total lipids and phospholipids of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in the Oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense. Preprint.

Wang, Q., Cai, C., Shui, D., Ren, S., Chen, W., Cao, X., Wu, P., Li, T., & Ye, Y. (2018). Identification and characterization of two novel peritrophic membrane (PM) genes in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis that exhibit activity against high-pH stress and Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. Aquaculture Research, 50(2), 473–484.

Dr. Qianqian Wang’s research bridges wildlife ecology and molecular biology to advance biodiversity conservation and sustainable aquaculture. Through pioneering camera‐trap monitoring and gene function studies, her work enhances understanding of ecosystem dynamics and species adaptation supporting global conservation strategies and sustainable resource management.

Tanmay Sanyal | Biodiversity and Conservation | Zoology Honour Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tanmay Sanyal | Biodiversity and Conservation | Zoology Honour Award

Assistant Professor | Krishnagar Government College | India 

Dr. Tanmay Sanyal’s research integrates zoology, ecology, and environmental science, with a strong emphasis on Fish and Fisheries, Aquatic Toxicology, Limnology, and Biodiversity Conservation. His investigations into the bioaccumulation of heavy metals, particularly chromium, in aquatic organisms have significantly advanced understanding of the ecological and physiological effects of industrial pollutants on freshwater ecosystems. Through his studies, he has explored mechanisms of toxicity, metabolic alterations, and adaptive responses in aquatic fauna, offering critical insights into ecosystem resilience and pollution management. Beyond toxicology, his research encompasses ecological monitoring, water quality assessment, and the sustainable management of fishery resources. Dr. Sanyal’s interdisciplinary approach bridges environmental chemistry, zoology, and sustainability studies, addressing global challenges related to water pollution, biodiversity loss, and environmental health while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on clean water, life below water, and sustainable communities. He has published extensively in high-impact international journals, including Computers in Biology and Medicine, Journal of Advanced Research, and Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, along with numerous book chapters on environmental management and sustainable development. His scholarly contributions have deepened scientific understanding of aquatic ecosystems, informed environmental policy, and supported conservation efforts. Through his research, Dr. Sanyal continues to promote environmental stewardship, advocating for evidence-based strategies to mitigate pollution, enhance sustainability, and preserve aquatic biodiversity for future generations.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Hui, N., Sanyal, T., & Das, R. (2024). A brief review on solar photovoltaic: A key to sustainable development. In Book of Environmental Sustainability and Development (Chapter 8).

Singh, D., Amitabh, A., Kumar, A., Maurya, A. K., & Naveen, J. (2024). Design and performance evaluation of pyramid, hexagonal and conical forms as solar panels. In Advances in Sustainable Energy Systems (pp. xx–xx). Springer.

Sharma, H. R., Gupta, R. K., Rastogi, P., Singh, N., & Naveen, J. (2024). Design, analysis, and optimization of 2D 3-blade Savonius vertical axis wind turbine. In Advances in Sustainable Energy Systems (pp. xx–xx). Springer.

Dutta, S., Mukherjee, P., Mitra, A., Guha, B., Ganguly, B. B., & Sanyal, T. (2024). Diaphonization: Enhancing efforts toward achieving SDGs 10, 14, and 15. In Book of Environmental Sustainability and Development (Chapter 13).

Das, S. K., Sen, K., Sanyal, T., Saha, A., & Madhu, N. R. (2024). Flavonoids: A promising neuroprotectant and its salutary effects on age-related neurodegenerative disorders. In Neuroprotective Phytochemicals: Advances and Perspectives (pp. xx–xx). Springer.

Dr. Tanmay Sanyal’s research bridges environmental science, zoology, and sustainable technology, focusing on renewable energy, pollution mitigation, and aquatic ecosystem conservation. His interdisciplinary work advances sustainability, environmental resilience, and human well-being in line with the UN SDGs.

Marília Marques da Silva | Biodiversity | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Marília Marques da Silva | Biodiversity | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brazil

Marília Marques da Silva is a dedicated and dynamic early-career researcher whose scholarly contributions to mesocarnivore ecology are both scientifically relevant and socially impactful. Her ability to integrate field ecology, statistical modeling, and conservation planning demonstrates the hallmarks of a future leader in biodiversity research. Her academic trajectory is grounded in excellence, with clear upward momentum evidenced by her international experiences and collaborations. While she is still building her publication record, the quality and focus of her work signal strong potential for impactful future contributions.

Professional Profiles

ORCID Profile | Google Scholar

Education

Marília Marques da Silva holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA). She earned her Master’s degree in Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation from the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), where she is currently pursuing her PhD in the same field. Her academic journey includes enriching international experiences through research internships at the Universidad de Málaga (Spain) during her undergraduate studies and at CIBIO – Universidade do Porto (Portugal) during her Master’s. Additionally, she has obtained an MBA in Project Management, demonstrating a strong interdisciplinary background that bridges science and strategic planning.

Experience

Marília has developed extensive field and analytical experience through her work on in situ and ex situ conservation projects, particularly focused on Neotropical mammals. Her Master’s research analyzed how environmental and anthropogenic variables influence mesocarnivore occupancy in the Atlantic Forest, while her PhD expands on this by examining coexistence mechanisms in forested landscapes. She has also participated in consultancy projects, including wildlife monitoring and rescue operations, in collaboration with environmental firms. These diverse roles have strengthened her expertise in fieldwork coordination, species monitoring, and ecological data analysis.

Award and Honor

While formal awards are not listed yet, Marília’s contributions have been recognized through research publications, including a peer-reviewed article in Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation (Elsevier/Scopus). She has published a book chapter based on her ecological fieldwork and is actively engaged in international collaborations with institutions in Europe and Brazil, including IPE, CENAP, and Pro-Carnívoros. Her growing academic visibility and research outputs highlight her as a promising early-career scientist in the field of tropical mammal conservation.

Research Focus

Marília’s research centers on the ecology and conservation of Neotropical meso- and large mammals, particularly in human-modified landscapes. Her work investigates the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances on mammalian distribution and behavior, using occupancy models, camera trap data, and ecological theory to inform conservation efforts. By exploring species interactions, resource use, and habitat partitioning, she aims to propose effective strategies that reconcile biodiversity preservation with sustainable development in threatened ecosystems like the Atlantic Forest.

Research Skill

Marília combines technical and soft skills that enhance her contribution to ecological research and conservation. Her competencies include field survey design, camera trapping, biodiversity monitoring, occupancy modeling, and spatial ecology. She is skilled in data analysis using statistical software and in managing collaborative research projects. Her academic foundation is supported by project management skills gained through her MBA. She also communicates effectively in multilingual environments, and her ability to work across international teams further enriches her professional profile.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Heterogeneity in mesocarnivore occupancy highlights the complexity of biodiversity changes in a threatened ecoregion
Authors: M. Marques, M. Magioli, P. Monterroso, G. Curveira-Santos, C.R. Cassano
Journal: Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Nengwen Xiao | Biodiversity and conservation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Nengwen Xiao | Biodiversity and conservation | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Director at Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, China

Dr. Nengwen Xiao is an accomplished environmental scientist and deputy director at the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences. With a prolific academic and professional background, he has made substantial contributions to ecology, biodiversity conservation, and environmental monitoring. Dr. Xiao has been instrumental in developing technical protocols for biodiversity surveys across China and has overseen more than 50 research projects, many of them national-level. He serves as a doctoral supervisor, editor, and a key figure in various ecological committees. His interdisciplinary work bridges ecosystem services, environmental DNA/RNA, and urban ecology, contributing over 160 scientific papers and 24 books to the global research community. With strong industry ties and 35 consultancy projects, he blends science with practical applications. His innovation is further reflected in 10 patents and his leadership in national conservation policies.

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus

ORCID 

🎓 Education

Dr. Xiao earned his doctoral degree in ecology from the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2002–2005). He subsequently completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at the Ecological Environment Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2005–2007), focusing on environmental systems and biodiversity. His academic journey is marked by rigorous training in ecological science, conservation biology, and advanced monitoring techniques. The depth of his training positioned him as an expert in integrating traditional biodiversity studies with emerging molecular tools like eDNA and eRNA. Over the years, he has continuously enriched his expertise through collaborative research and doctoral supervision at institutions such as Tongji University. His solid academic foundation laid the groundwork for his leadership roles in ecological conservation, environmental technology, and national biodiversity policy-making.

💼 Professional Experience

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Nengwen Xiao currently serves as Deputy Director at the Institute of Ecology, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences. He has led 50+ national and local research projects and guided policy-making at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment as Technical Director for Biodiversity Assessment. He is a doctoral supervisor and also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Applied and Environmental Biology. Dr. Xiao holds leadership roles in the Chinese Society of Ecology and the Chinese Society of Environmental Sciences. His experience spans research, education, policy advising, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making him an authority in ecological monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem services. His professional journey reflects a consistent focus on integrating research with environmental governance, and he remains at the forefront of innovations in ecological assessment and monitoring.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Xiao has received multiple honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to environmental science and ecology in China. As a recognized leader in biodiversity and ecosystem assessment, his work has influenced both academic and governmental approaches to conservation. He has earned several national science and technology awards and is regularly invited to high-level policy discussions. His 160+ publications, including more than 50 SCI-indexed papers, have garnered over 1,000 citations in SCI, 1,600+ in Scopus, and 1,400+ on ResearchGate, highlighting the global impact of his research. His books, patents, and editorial appointments further illustrate his commitment to scientific excellence. Additionally, his role as Director and Deputy Director in professional ecological committees signifies his recognition as a national authority in the field.

🧪 Research Focus

Dr. Xiao’s research is primarily centered on biodiversity assessment, environmental DNA/RNA monitoring, urban ecology, and ecosystem services. He is at the forefront of integrating molecular tools with traditional ecological methods to improve environmental monitoring accuracy. His contributions to national biodiversity conservation plans have involved organizing and directing large-scale surveys in priority conservation areas and watersheds. He is deeply involved in establishing technical standards for ecological assessment at the county level. His current focus includes applying eDNA technologies to monitor aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in rapidly urbanizing regions. His interdisciplinary research bridges science, policy, and environmental management, addressing pressing issues like habitat degradation, species monitoring, and ecosystem service valuation. Through collaboration and leadership, he continues to pioneer sustainable solutions that support ecological resilience in China and beyond.

🧠 Skills 

Dr. Xiao brings a wide array of technical and leadership skills. His core strengths include biodiversity survey techniques, environmental DNA/RNA analysis, ecological modeling, and GIS-based urban ecology mapping. He is also proficient in scientific writing, research management, and policy development. His ability to translate complex ecological data into actionable strategies has benefited government agencies and academic institutions alike. His project management capabilities are demonstrated by his leadership in over 50 research and 35 consultancy projects. He has deep editorial experience and peer-review expertise, and his communication skills are evident in his role as a doctoral supervisor and mentor. His patent achievements highlight his innovation in environmental monitoring tools. His policy advising and committee roles show his strength in scientific diplomacy and environmental governance, making him a multi-faceted leader in the global environmental science community.

Publications Top Notes

Study on Fish Diversity and Drivers Based on Environmental DNA in Chishui River, China
Citations: 0
Year: 2025

Benthic macroinvertebrate diversity and community pattern in Chaobai River Basin, Beijing
Citations: 0
Year: 2025

Exploring Diversity and Distribution Characteristics of Amphibians in Chaohu Lake Based on Environmental DNA
Citations: 1
Year: 2024

The Impact of Different Prevention and Control Measures on the Nematode Community in Tobacco Fields
Citations: 0
Year: 2024

Different Adaption Strategies of Abundant and Rare Microbial Communities in Sediment and Water of East Dongting Lake
Citations: 0
Year: 2024

Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Fractional Vegetation Cover and Its Response to Urbanization in Beijing
Citations: 5
Year: 2024

Biotic and abiotic factors interplay in structuring the dynamics of microbial co-occurrence patterns in tropical mountainsides
Citations: 9
Year: 2024

Nutrient enrichment decreased the Cross-Taxon congruence across bacteria, fungi, and zoobenthos in sediment
Citations: 2
Year: 2024

Chromosome-level genome of putative autohexaploid Actinidia deliciosa provides insights into polyploidisation and evolution
 Citations: 7
 Year: 2024

Conclusion✅