Dimitris Klaoudatos | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof. Dr. Dimitris Klaoudatos | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | University of Thessaly | Greece

Dr. Dimitris Klaoudatos, Associate Professor at the University of Thessaly, Greece (Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment), is an expert in fisheries science, aquaculture, and marine ecology. He holds a BSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries from the Technological Educational Institute of Mesolonghi, a BSc in Marine Biology from the University of Wales, Bangor, and a PhD from Swansea University, specializing in the reproductive ecology, population dynamics, and genetics of decapod crustaceans. Bridging applied and theoretical research, he has contributed extensively to sustainable fisheries and marine resource management through roles in academia, research institutes, and industry, including the Hellenic Center for Marine Research and as Head of Industrial Sales at NIREUS Aquaculture S.A. He has led numerous national and international research projects as principal investigator, with over 50 peer-reviewed publications, 80+ conference presentations, and contributions to books and book chapters. His research emphasizes ecosystem-based fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture, and conservation strategies. An active member of the academic community, he serves on editorial boards, academic committees, and scientific panels, and is regularly involved in organizing workshops and editing scientific journals. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses on fisheries management, Mediterranean aquaculture, and environmental sustainability, with additional training in biostatistics, research methodology, and generative AI applications in research and education. Recognized for his interdisciplinary approach and leadership, Dr. Klaoudatos has significantly advanced the field of aquatic sciences. His work has garnered 607 citations from 580 documents, with an h-index of 14, reflecting the impact and quality of his scholarly contributions.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Hatziioannou, M., Kougiagka, E., & Klaoudatos, D. (2025). Assessing the effects of species, origin, and processing on frog leg meat composition with predictive modeling tools. Fishes, 10(9), 466.

2. Kokkinos, K., Pitropakis, T., Karagyaurova, T., Mosashvili, I., & Klaoudatos, D. (2025). A modified PESTEL- and FCM-driven decision support system to mitigate the extinction of marine species in the Mediterranean Sea. Information, 16(9), 813.

3. Klaoudatos, D., Theocharis, A., Aydin, İ., Pafras, D., Karagianni, K., & Domenikiotis, C. (2025). Forecasting environmental drivers and invasion risk of Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) and Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) in the Pagasitikos Gulf (Greece). Geosciences, 15(9), 361.

4. Aydin, İ., Theocharis, A., & Klaoudatos, D. (2025). Exploring life history traits and catch composition of red mullet (Mullus barbatus, L. 1758) in the commercial trawl fisheries of the Eastern Aegean Sea. Water, 17(17), 2540.

5. Conides, A., Cotou, E., Klaoudatos, D., & Glamuzina, B. (2025). An innovative metal–synthetic hybrid thread for the construction of aquaculture nets. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 13(8), 1384.

 

Gamze Turan | Seaweeds | Best Scholar Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gamze Turan | Seaweeds | Best Scholar Award

Academician at Ege University, Turkey

Doç. Dr. Gamze Turan is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of aquaculture and marine sciences, with a strong focus on seaweed biotechnology, integrated aquaculture systems, and sustainable seafood production. Over the course of her career, she has combined extensive academic expertise with applied industry experience, contributing significantly to the advancement of aquaculture practices, marine biotechnology, and environmental sustainability. Her interdisciplinary research bridges the gap between marine biology, aquaculture, biotechnology, and environmental sciences, making her a recognized leader in the study of seaweeds, algae-based applications, and sustainable aquaculture technologies.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile | ORCID

Education

Dr. Turan has pursued an extensive and multidisciplinary education, beginning with her undergraduate studies in Fisheries Engineering at Ege University, where she built a strong foundation in aquaculture sciences. She expanded her expertise through postgraduate studies in the United States, completing a Master’s degree at the University of Maine in Marine Resources with a focus on aquatic and veterinary sciences. Her doctoral research at Ege University’s Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences centered on seaweeds and their applications in thalassotherapy, demonstrating an early commitment to innovative marine biotechnology. Additionally, she specialized in pharmaceutical botany during her advanced studies at the Faculty of Pharmacy, where her thesis explored the medical and pharmaceutical uses of algae. This unique educational pathway has equipped her with expertise spanning aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Experience

Dr. Gamze Turan is a long-standing faculty member at Ege University’s Faculty of Fisheries, where she teaches, supervises research, and trains students in aquaculture and aquatic plant systems. She also gained industry experience in the United States with Southland Fisheries Corporation and Island Fresh Seafood Inc., strengthening her ability to connect academic research with practical applications. Actively leading and contributing to numerous national and international projects, including EU-funded programs like ANTIFOUL, MICROFEED, MAREX, and Horizon 2020 COST Actions, as well as TÜBİTAK initiatives in Turkey, she has advanced global collaboration in aquaculture, algal biotechnology, and marine sustainability.

Research Focus

Dr. Gamze Turan’s research focuses on aquaculture systems, seaweed cultivation, and marine biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on Ulva species in integrated multitrophic aquaculture. She explores algae’s potential in health, nutrition, and environmental management, including their applications in antimicrobial, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical fields. Her work highlights the extraction of bioactive compounds for thalassotherapy, biodiesel, eco-friendly antifouling agents, and functional food ingredients, while also addressing nutrient control, water purification, and sustainable resource management. By bridging experimental cultivation with applied biotechnology, she has advanced knowledge on algae’s role in sustainability and human well-being.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Turan has been recognized for her academic excellence and impactful contributions to aquaculture and biotechnology. Her research outputs, widely cited in international scientific databases, reflect her influence in advancing marine and aquaculture sciences. She has collaborated with international partners across Europe, South America, and Asia, strengthening global networks in marine biotechnology. Her involvement in high-profile projects and invitations to present at international conferences further underscore her standing as a leading expert in her field.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Seaweed Ulva lactuca in Tilapia Diets
Author: Gamze Turan
Summary: Showed that Ulva lactuca improves growth and feed efficiency in juvenile tilapia, supporting sustainable aquaculture.

Title: Boosting Biomass & Lipids in Haematococcus pluvialis
Author: Gamze Turan
Summary: Optimized cultivation strategies to enhance biomass and lipid yields for biofuels and nutraceutical applications.

Title: Co-Cultivation of Ulva lactuca with Shrimp
Author: Gamze Turan
Summary: Demonstrated that co-cultivating Ulva lactuca improves biofloc quality and water management in shrimp systems.

Title: Depth Effects on Ulva lactuca Growth
Author: Gamze Turan
Summary: Found that cultivation depth affects biomass yield of Ulva lactuca in integrated aquaculture systems.

Title: Suspended Solids & Ulva lactuca in Biofloc
Author: Gamze Turan
Summary: Identified ideal solids levels that support Ulva lactuca growth and enhance sustainability in shrimp culture.

Title: Bioplastics from Seaweeds
Author: Gamze Turan
Summary: Created biodegradable seaweed-based plastics as green alternatives to synthetic packaging materials.

Conclusion

Doç. Dr. Gamze Turan stands out as a pioneering figure in aquaculture and marine biotechnology, whose research has significantly advanced the sustainable cultivation and utilization of seaweeds and algae. Her work bridges aquaculture, biotechnology, and environmental management, offering innovative solutions for global challenges such as sustainable food production, renewable energy, and marine ecosystem conservation. With a distinguished academic record, extensive international collaborations, and impactful scientific contributions, she exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher and educator. Her career achievements make her an exceptional nominee for recognition and awards in the fields of aquaculture, biotechnology, and environmental sciences.

Haijiang Yang | Ecosystem Services | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haijiang Yang | Ecosystem Services | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Lanzhou University, China

Dr. Haijiang Yang is an Associate Professor at the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, with a focus on ecosystem services assessment and modeling, human-environment interactions, and regional sustainable development. His academic contributions span interdisciplinary environmental studies, combining geography, ecology, and socio-economic evaluation to drive science-based policy-making and ecological restoration strategies.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Yang pursued his academic journey through a series of progressive and specialized degrees in geographical and environmental sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Geography from Lanzhou University, where he laid the foundation for his research in ecosystem services and socio-ecological systems. Prior to this, he completed his Master’s degree in Physical Geography at Ningxia University, focusing on land use, soil properties, and regional environmental changes. His undergraduate studies in Geographical Science at Weinan Normal University provided him with a strong grounding in environmental analysis and spatial modeling.

Experience

Dr. Yang’s academic career advanced swiftly through rigorous postdoctoral research and faculty appointments. He served as a Cuiying Postdoctoral Fellow at Lanzhou University, engaging in high-impact studies on ecosystem services in fragile mountainous regions. He was appointed as Associate Professor in the same institution, where he continues to contribute to both teaching and research. Over the past five years, he has led or participated in numerous national and provincial projects, including a National Natural Science Foundation grant investigating spatiotemporal evolution of water supply services and socio-ecological value mechanisms in the Qilian Mountains, and a prestigious China Postdoctoral Fellowship on the coupling effects of climate and land use change.

Research Focus

Dr. Yang’s research focuses on the assessment, valuation, and modeling of ecosystem services in ecologically sensitive areas, particularly in the Qilian Mountains and the broader Yellow River Basin. His work incorporates spatial analysis, socio-ecological modeling, and sustainability science to explore themes such as spillover effects of ecosystem services, cost-benefit sharing, horizontal ecological compensation, and human well-being. He has also investigated land use impacts, biodiversity-climate interactions, and resource efficiency in agricultural and pastoral systems. Through these research areas, he aims to offer scientific support for environmental planning, ecological restoration, and regional sustainable development strategies in China’s western regions.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Assessing Pollinator Abundance and Services in the Qilian Mountains: A Spatial and Temporal Analysis from 1990 to 2020 for Enhanced Agricultural Sustainability and Crop Yield Optimization
Authors: Yang, H.; Gou, X.; Niu, Y.; Shi, W.; Wang, X.; Wei, Y.; Maraseni, T.
Journal: SSRN
Summary: This study investigates changes in pollinator abundance and ecosystem services in the Qilian Mountains from 1990 to 2020. It highlights spatial and temporal patterns and links pollinator dynamics to agricultural sustainability and crop yield improvements. The findings offer policy insights for biodiversity conservation and agroecological planning in mountainous regions.

Title: Increasing Deep Soil Water Uptake During Drought Does Not Indicate Higher Drought Resistance
Authors: Yin, D.; Gou, X.; Liu, J.; Zhang, D.; Wang, K.; Yang, H.
Journal: Journal of Hydrology 
Summary: This research challenges the assumption that deep soil water uptake enhances drought resistance in plants. Using tree-ring and isotopic data, the study reveals that although trees may access deep water during drought, this does not guarantee improved growth or resilience, emphasizing the need to rethink forest management strategies under climate change.

Title: Response of Tree Growth to Drought Variability in Arid Areas: Local Hydroclimate and Large-Scale Precipitation
Authors: Zhang, Y.; Gou, X.; Wang, T.; Zhang, F.; Wang, K.; Yang, H.; Yang, K.
Journal: Environmental Research
Summary: This study examines how local and regional precipitation patterns influence tree growth in arid zones. The results show that local hydroclimatic variability plays a more significant role than large-scale climatic drivers, providing insight into ecosystem sensitivity in drylands.

Title: The Sino-US Trade Friction Would Exacerbate Global Inequalities in Achieving SDGs
Authors: Ma, W.; Li, C.; Kou, J.; Wang, X.; Yang, H.; Xue, B.; Gou, X.
Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
Summary: This article evaluates how Sino-US trade tensions could hinder progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It underscores how economic disputes may disproportionately affect developing regions, amplifying global disparities in environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

Title: Elevation-Dependent Tree Growth Response to Recent Warming and Drought on Eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yin, D.; Gou, X.; Yang, H.; Wang, K.; Liu, J.; Zhang, Y.; Gao, L.
Journal: Climatic Change 
Summary: The study analyzes tree growth patterns in response to warming and drought across elevation gradients in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. It finds that high-elevation forests exhibit stronger growth sensitivity to climatic shifts, highlighting their vulnerability and importance for regional climate adaptation strategies.

Conclusion

Dr. Haijiang Yang stands out as a dynamic and impactful researcher in the domains of ecosystem services, land use sustainability, and regional socio-ecological resilience. Through his deep understanding of geography and environmental systems, he has produced a body of work that informs both academic scholarship and public policy. His leadership in national research projects, high-quality publications in influential journals, and commitment to interdisciplinary integration make him a deserving candidate for recognition as a Best Researcher. His work not only advances scientific frontiers but also addresses some of the most pressing ecological challenges facing China’s mountainous and agricultural regions today.

Yanjun Chai | Ecosystem | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanjun Chai | Ecosystem | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Engineering at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, China

Dr. Chai Yanjun is an accomplished Associate Professor and PhD supervisor at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology. As Deputy Director and Party Branch Secretary in the Department of Environmental Engineering, he plays a pivotal role in both research and academic leadership. With a strong background in agricultural environmental sciences, Dr. Chai has dedicated his career to restoring degraded farmland and advancing sustainable agricultural practices. His prolific research has led to over 50 academic publications, several patents, and numerous national and provincial projects. 🌿📘 His innovations serve not just academia, but also rural revitalization and ecological restoration. He is also actively involved in training the next generation of environmental engineers and researchers.

Professional Profile 

Scopus 

🎓 Education

Dr. Chai Yanjun received his PhD from the prestigious Institute of Agricultural Environment and Sustainable Development, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. 📚🌱 His academic foundation is rooted in understanding the interactions between agricultural systems and environmental sustainability. During his doctoral studies, he focused on farmland pollution, biogas utilization, and nutrient cycling—laying the groundwork for his lifelong research pursuits. His academic training enabled him to bridge theoretical knowledge with field-based application, especially in the realm of sustainable land use and agricultural waste management. His education continues to influence his innovative approach to solving modern agricultural and environmental challenges. 🎓🧪

💼 Experience

With over two decades of academic and field-based experience, Dr. Chai has led more than 20 funded research projects, including major programs under the Zhejiang Province Public Welfare and Natural Science Foundations. 🌾🧠 His collaborations span governmental agencies, academic institutes, and industry, reflecting a dynamic approach to solving environmental problems. He has also played key roles in five national and provincial R&D projects. Currently, as an Associate Professor and Department Deputy Director, he not only teaches and mentors graduate students but also manages academic and strategic initiatives within the department. He has also successfully established two innovation workstations in Quzhou, aimed at rural development and scientific innovation. 🏢🌍

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Chai’s research excellence has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards. 🏆 He has won the Second Prize of Scientific and Technological Progress of Hubei Province, the Second Prize from China Electric Power Engineering, and the First Prize of Achievements from the China Construction Enterprise Management Association. His contributions extend beyond academia, influencing environmental policy and regional development strategies. Furthermore, he was approved to establish two impactful platforms: the Quzhou Doctor Innovation Workstation and the Quzhou Rural Revitalization Expert Workstation, both of which contribute significantly to local innovation and sustainability efforts. 🌟🎖️

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Chai’s research primarily targets the restoration of degraded and polluted farmland, and the resource-efficient use of agricultural waste. 🌾♻️ His work combines soil science, environmental chemistry, and ecological engineering to improve agricultural productivity while reducing environmental impact. A core part of his research involves biogas slurry treatment and the mitigation of nitrogen and phosphorus loss from farmland. He actively works on creating practical, scalable solutions that benefit both farmers and the environment. Through standard development, patented technologies, and rural innovation workstations, he translates academic research into real-world benefits. His research supports China’s sustainability goals and rural revitalization strategy. 🧪🌱

🛠️ Skills

Dr. Chai Yanjun brings a rich and diverse set of interdisciplinary skills to his academic and research endeavors. 👨‍🔬 His expertise in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering allows him to address complex challenges in farmland restoration and pollution control with scientific precision. As a seasoned project leader, he excels in project coordination and strategic planning, guiding multi-institutional collaborations to success. 📊 His deep knowledge of sustainable waste management empowers him to turn agricultural byproducts into valuable resources, supporting both environmental and economic sustainability. ♻️ With multiple patents to his name, Dr. Chai is also a strong innovator, advancing technologies that bridge theory and real-world impact. 🧬 He plays a pivotal role in formulating policies and agricultural standards, ensuring that his work benefits not just academia, but society at large. 📑 In addition to his research contributions, he is a dedicated scholar involved in academic publishing, peer review, and the mentorship of postgraduate students, nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders. ✍️🎓 His leadership in rural revitalization programs further reflects his commitment to sustainable development at the grassroots level. 🏡

Conclusion

Dr. Chai Yanjun is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His work is deeply rooted in addressing real-world environmental and agricultural challenges through science and innovation. With a well-rounded portfolio of publications, patents, projects, and recognition, he embodies the qualities of a top-tier researcher making both academic and societal impact. Minor improvements in international engagement and broader interdisciplinary focus could further elevate his research profile. Nonetheless, his achievements to date already represent excellence deserving of this honor.

Publications Top Notes

“Investigation of high-risk antibiotic resistance bacteria and their associated antibiotic resistance genes in different agricultural soils with biogas slurry from China”

Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials

Year: 2024

Citations: 4

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134775

“Effects of different types of biochar application on dryland yellow-red soil fertility”

Journal: Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao / Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering

Year: 2025

Citations: 0 (as of now)