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.

 

Nadeem Zaidkilani | Biotechnology | Best Zoology Research Award

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Mr. Nadeem Zaidkilani | Biotechnology | Best Research Award

  PhD Researcher In AI at Rovira I Virgili University, Palestine

Nadeem Zaidkilani is a Palestinian computer science and software engineering professional with extensive experience in business analysis, software design, and quality assurance. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Birzeit University in 2005 and later pursued a master’s in Software Engineering from the same institution in 2019. Over the years, he has worked in various roles, including Senior Application Specialist at Paltel and Text Mining Engineer, contributing to the enhancement of electronic systems, business portals, and document management solutions. His expertise extends to deep learning, image processing, computer vision, and natural language processing (NLP). Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering and Mathematics at URV University, Spain, focusing on medical image analysis using artificial intelligence. With strong programming skills in Python, Java, and C++, Nadeem continues to explore AI-driven solutions for healthcare and other domains, leveraging advanced technologies for innovative problem-solving.

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus

Education 🎓

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science (2005) – Birzeit University 🏅
    Nadeem’s undergraduate studies laid the foundation for his expertise in programming, database management, and software development. He gained proficiency in Java, C++, and web technologies, leading to early career opportunities in software engineering.

  • Master’s Degree in Software Engineering (2019) – Birzeit University 🎖️
    His master’s research focused on automatic classification of app reviews for requirements engineering, specifically analyzing user needs for healthcare applications. He mastered agile methodologies, system architecture, and business process modeling.

  • Ph.D. in Computer Engineering & Mathematics (Ongoing) – URV University, Spain 🎓
    Currently, Nadeem is researching computer vision and deep learning for medical image analysis, employing AI-based techniques to enhance diagnostics. His work integrates advanced machine learning, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and medical imaging technologies to improve healthcare solutions.

Work Experience💼

  • Part-Time Lecturer (2024–Present) – Al-Zaytoonah University of Science and Technology 🎤
    Teaching Python, C++, and HCI, focusing on Agile and Scrum methodologies for UI/UX design.

  • Text Mining Engineer (2023–2024) 🔍
    Developed a biomedical literature classification system using Python, MySQL, INDRA, and PubMed, enhancing researcher workflows.

  • Senior Application Specialist (2012–2022) – Paltel 📡
    Managed portals, electronic payment systems, document management, and vendor systems to optimize business operations.

  • Senior Software Developer (2009–2012) – Hulul Company 💻
    Led the development of donor management and archiving systems, using JEE, Struts 2, and JavaScript.

  • IT Manager (2007–2009) – Ministry of Finance 📊
    Supervised IT projects, project timelines, and reporting structures.

  • Junior Developer (2005–2007) – Palestinian Authority Tax System 💾
    Contributed to tax management software using J2EE, XML, and Oracle 10g.

Awards and Honors 🏆

  • Scholarship for Ph.D. Studies – Received a merit-based scholarship at URV University, Spain, for his research in AI-driven medical image analysis.
  • Best Master’s Research Award – Recognized for his Automatic Classification of App Reviews for Requirements Engineering, focusing on user needs in healthcare applications.
  • AI Research Grant – Secured funding for text mining in biomedical research, supporting advancements in NLP and knowledge extraction.
  • Outstanding Contribution Award (Paltel, 2020) – Honored for enhancing Paltel’s electronic systems, particularly in E-Pay, EDMS, and Business Portals.
  •  Top Software Engineer Recognition – Acknowledged by Hulul Company for leading the development of high-impact enterprise applications.

Skills 💡

  • Nadeem Zaidkilani possesses a diverse and extensive technical skill set, making him proficient in various aspects of software engineering, artificial intelligence, and research. He is well-versed in programming languages such as Python 🐍, Java ☕, C++ 🚀, and JavaScript 🌐, allowing him to develop robust applications across multiple domains. His expertise in machine learning and AI includes frameworks like TensorFlow 🤖, Keras 🧠, PyTorch 🔥, and OpenCV 👀, enabling him to implement deep learning models for image processing and AI-driven applications.
  • In the field of data science and natural language processing (NLP), Nadeem utilizes Scikit-learn 📈, Pandas 🐼, NLTK 🗣️, and SpaCy 🧩 for analyzing datasets, extracting insights, and automating text processing. His software development expertise spans JEE 🌍, Struts 2 🏗️, Hibernate 🏛️, and Spring Boot 🌱, allowing him to build scalable enterprise applications. Additionally, he has hands-on experience in database management, using MySQL 🗄️, PostgreSQL 🛢️, and Oracle DB 🔗 for efficient data storage and retrieval.
  • As an advocate of Agile and Scrum methodologies, Nadeem integrates Jira 📋, Confluence 📑, and Kanban 🚦 to streamline project management and ensure efficient team collaboration. His knowledge in cloud and DevOps technologies includes Docker 🐳, Kubernetes ☁️, and GitHub Actions 🔄, facilitating automated deployment and scalable infrastructure. Moreover, he leverages scientific research tools such as PubMed 🏥, INDRA 🔬, and LaTeX 📖 to support his research in biomedical AI and text mining, further strengthening his role as a technology-driven researcher and innovator. 🚀

Research Focus 🔬

  • Nadeem Zaidkilani’s research focuses on the intersection of computer vision, deep learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging, aiming to develop innovative solutions for healthcare and technology-driven applications. His expertise in medical image analysis enables him to build deep learning-based diagnostic tools for detecting anomalies in MRI, CT, and X-ray images, improving early disease detection and patient outcomes. Additionally, he applies natural language processing (NLP) techniques to biomedical literature, leveraging text mining to extract and classify critical health-related insights, which aids in medical research and decision-making.
  • In the realm of deep learning and AI, Nadeem implements convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformer-based models for image segmentation, feature extraction, and classification, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of automated diagnostic systems. His work in E-health applications focuses on integrating AI-driven solutions into healthcare systems, enabling automated diagnostics and decision support for medical practitioners.
  • Beyond healthcare, Nadeem’s expertise extends to software engineering and business analysis, where he integrates AI technologies into enterprise systems, E-Services, EDMS (Electronic Document Management Systems), and fintech solutions. His research contributes to the development of intelligent, data-driven applications that bridge the gap between AI, healthcare, and enterprise automation, driving innovation in both the medical and technological domains

Conclusion✅

Nadeem Zaidkilani is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award due to his multi-disciplinary expertise in AI, computer vision, and biomedical informatics. His work in deep learning for medical imaging and text mining for biomedical applications highlights his innovative approach to solving real-world challenges. Enhancing publication output and interdisciplinary collaborations will further solidify his position as a leading researcher in his domain.

Publications Top Notes📚

  • “CoAtUNet: A Symmetric Encoder-Decoder with Hybrid Transformers for Semantic Segmentation of Breast Ultrasound Images”

    • Authors: N. Zaidkilani, M.Á. García, D.S. Puig
    • Journal: Neurocomputing
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0

  • “Arabic Topic Classification Corpus of the Nakba Short Stories”

    • Authors: O. Hamed, N. Zaidkilani
    • Conference: Proceedings of the First International Workshop on Nakba Narratives as Language Resources
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: Not specified

  • “Exploring Author Style in Nakba Short Stories: A Comparative Study of Transformer-Based Models”

    • Authors: O. Hamed, N. Zaidkilani
    • Conference: Proceedings of the First International Workshop on Nakba Narratives as Language Resources
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: Not specified