Mona Maze | Environmental Studies | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mona Maze | Environmental Studies | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Agricultural Research Center | Egypt

Dr. Mona Maze is an Assistant Professor at the Agricultural Research Center, Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate in Egypt, and an accomplished scholar in agricultural sciences with expertise in climate change, plant nutrition, data-driven agriculture, and digital innovation for sustainable farming. She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Nutrition from the Technical University of Munich, where she developed predictive models for wheat performance under water stress and climate change, building on an M.Sc. in Plant Ecology from Cairo University and a B.Sc. in Science from Ain Shams University, further strengthened by advanced training in computer science, machine learning, and spatial data science. Her professional career spans Egypt and Germany, including roles at the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, where she advanced renewable energy and sustainability projects, and leadership in national and USAID-funded projects that integrate artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and big data into agricultural systems. She has spearheaded initiatives such as Egypt’s Digital Dynamic Agricultural Map and web-based decision support tools for irrigation, fertilization, and crop protection, in collaboration with leading organizations including Microsoft and ESRI. Dr. Maze’s research focuses on climate change impacts on agriculture, greenhouse gas mitigation, precision farming, and the integration of AI with ecological modeling, contributing significantly to Egypt’s greenhouse gas inventory and advancing climate-smart agriculture practices. With a distinguished record of publications, international collaborations, and technology-driven solutions that enhance resilience and productivity, she exemplifies innovative leadership at the intersection of environmental science and digital transformation, making her a strong candidate for recognition.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Publications

Maze, M., Attaher, S., Taqi, M. O., Elsawy, R., Gad El-Moula, M. M. H., Hashem, F. A., & Moussa, A. S. (2025). Enhanced agricultural land use/land cover classification in the Nile Delta using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data and machine learning. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 209, 282–296.

Maze, M., Attaher, S., Taqi, M. O., Elsawy, R., Gad El-Moula, M. M. H., Hashem, F. A., & Moussa, A. S. (2025, February 17). Exploring diverse AI models for enhanced land use and land cover classification in the Nile Delta, Egypt using Sentinel-based data [Preprint]. Preprints.

Salah, M., Maze, M., & Tonbol, K. (2024). Intersecting vulnerabilities: Climate justice, gender inequality, and COVID-19’s impact on rural women in Egypt. Multidisciplinary Adaptive Climate Insights, 1(2), 1041–1058.

Maze, M., Taqi, M. O., Tolba, R., Abdel-Wareth, A. A. A., & Lohakare, J. (2024). Estimation of methane greenhouse gas emissions from livestock in Egypt during 1989 to 2021. Scientific Reports, 14, 12345.

Hijazi, O., Schoo, D., Schweiger, A., Maze, M., & Bernhardt, H. (2023). Comparative life cycle assessment of FarmBot technology with conventional and organic agriculture. In Proceedings of the 2023 ASABE Annual International Meeting (Paper No. 2300749). American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

Anna Vatsanidou | Environmental Assessment | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Anna Vatsanidou | Environmental Assessment | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece

Dr. Anna Vatsanidou is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agricultural Development, Agri-Food and Natural Resources Management, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). She is an accomplished agriculturist with extensive expertise in precision and sustainable agriculture, environmental impact assessment, and life cycle analysis of agri-food systems. Her academic path and professional journey reflect a strong commitment to advancing agri-food sustainability and contributing to innovative solutions for global agricultural challenges.

Professional Profiles

ORCID | Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Vatsanidou holds a Master’s degree in Integrated Agricultural Production Systems and a Doctorate in Environmental Assessment from the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment at the University of Thessaly. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her specialized expertise in evaluating environmental impacts within agricultural and food production systems. During this period, she gained a deep understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, system optimization, and the application of environmental models to assess agricultural inputs and outputs. Her multidisciplinary training combines agronomy, environmental sciences, and technological innovation, equipping her with the tools to address complex challenges in modern agriculture.

Experience

Dr. Vatsanidou has developed a distinguished career spanning academia, research institutes, and both public and private organizations. She began as an agronomist in public agencies, gaining valuable experience in agricultural systems and their operational challenges. Expanding into the private sector, she focused on applied agricultural practices and project implementation. At the Benaki Phytopathological Institute, she served as project manager, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and advancing research outcomes into practical strategies. Her academic pathway includes serving as a PhD Researcher at CERTH’s Institute of Bio-Economics and Agrotechnology, specializing in environmental impact assessment. She has also collaborated as an external fellow with the Agricultural University of Athens and the University of Thessaly. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at NKUA, teaching, mentoring, and leading projects in precision agriculture and sustainability.

Research Focus

Dr. Vatsanidou’s research is centered on the evaluation and development of precision agricultural techniques, environmental footprint analysis, and sustainable production systems. A core component of her work is the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate environmental impacts across the agri-food chain, from primary production to processing. Her studies address key challenges in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable resource management, and environmental protection, with an emphasis on balancing productivity with ecological sustainability. She has made significant contributions to precision farming technologies for crop protection, environmental assessment of emission reduction technologies, and the integration of innovative tools such as imaging recognition and digital algorithms in agriculture. Her research supports the global transition towards agriculture 4.0 and 5.0 by incorporating digitalization, automation, and sustainable practices into farming systems.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Freshness Prediction for Apples & Lettuces
Authors: Chrysanthos Maraveas; George Kalitsios; Marianna I. Kotzabasaki; Dimitrios V. Giannopoulos; Kosmas Dimitropoulos; Anna Vatsanidou
Summary: Presents a mobile app that combines imaging recognition with advanced algorithms to predict fruit and vegetable freshness in real time. The tool helps reduce food waste and ensures better quality monitoring along the supply chain.

Title: Life Cycle Assessment of Insect vs. Conventional Feed
Authors: Anna Vatsanidou; Styliani Konstantinidi; Eleftherios Bonos; Ioannis Skoufos
Summary: Compares the environmental impact of conventional and insect-based protein feeds using life cycle assessment (LCA). Findings highlight insect-based proteins as a sustainable alternative for animal production.

Title: Biopolymer Nanopesticides for Degradation
Authors: Chrysanthos Maraveas; Giasemi K. Angeli; Anna Vatsanidou; Marianna I. Kotzabasaki
Summary: Reviews the design of biopolymer-based nanopesticides aimed at improving pesticide degradation. Emphasizes eco-friendly nanotechnology solutions to enhance crop protection while reducing environmental risks.

Title: Cybersecurity in Agriculture 4.0 & 5.0
Authors: Chrysanthos Maraveas; Muttukrishnan Rajarajan; Konstantinos G. Arvanitis; Anna Vatsanidou
Summary: Analyzes cybersecurity challenges in digital agriculture, covering precision farming and smart technologies. Proposes risk mitigation measures to protect agricultural data, devices, and infrastructures.

Title: Emission Reduction in Livestock Systems
Authors: Vasileios Anestis; Anna Vatsanidou; Thomas Bartzanas
Summary: Examines emission reduction strategies in livestock systems. Evaluates their effectiveness, environmental benefits, and potential adoption, supporting sustainable practices in animal production.

Conclusion

Dr. Anna Vatsanidou is an innovative and impactful researcher whose work bridges the fields of agriculture, environmental science, and digital technology. Her commitment to sustainability, leadership in major international projects, and contributions to both academic scholarship and practical applications mark her as an outstanding candidate for recognition. Through her teaching, research, and collaborations, she continues to advance sustainable agricultural development while shaping the next generation of agricultural scientists. Her work exemplifies excellence in addressing the pressing challenges of food security, environmental stewardship, and technological innovation in the agri-food sector.

Anubhava Srivastava | Ecosystem | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Anubhava Srivastava | Ecosystem | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Sharda University, India

Dr. Anubhava Srivastava is an accomplished academic and researcher in Computer Science, currently serving as Assistant Professor at Sharda University. With a Ph.D. from RGIPT, Jais, his research bridges artificial intelligence, machine learning, geoinformatics, and remote sensing. His innovative doctoral thesis focused on LU/LC mapping and classification using AI/ML on Google Earth Engine. Dr. Srivastava’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary applications of data science, from precision agriculture to environmental monitoring. He has published extensively in SCI/Scopus journals and international conferences, authored book chapters with Springer and Elsevier, and holds patents related to IoT applications. A GATE qualifier, he has also completed numerous professional certifications through Coursera. With an H-index of 9 (Google Scholar), his work is well-cited and widely recognized. Passionate about sustainability and digital innovation, Dr. Srivastava’s contributions make him a leading voice in AI-driven geospatial solutions for real-world problems.

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus 

ORCID 

Google Scholar

🎓 Education 

Dr. Srivastava holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT), Jais, completed in 2023 with a CPI of 8.67. His doctoral thesis focused on LU/LC classification using AI/ML techniques and Google Earth Engine. He earned his M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow, in 2015,  Prior to that, he completed his B.Tech in Computer Science in 2012 with 71.84%. His early education includes a Higher Secondary Certificate (57.60%) and a Secondary Certificate (71.32%) from GIC Sultanpur. His academic training spans critical subjects such as database systems, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing algorithms. Dr. Srivastava’s educational background is a blend of foundational computer science and advanced AI-geoinformatics, equipping him to tackle complex, data-driven challenges in environmental science, spatial computing, and smart systems.

🏗 Experience 

Dr. Srivastava has over 9 years of academic experience. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Sharda University, Greater Noida (since May 2023), in the Department of Computer Science. Prior to that, he was with Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (2022–2023) and Rajarshi Rananjay Sinh Institute of Management & Technology, Amethi (2015–2022). His responsibilities have included mentoring postgraduate and undergraduate students, supervising research projects, and teaching cutting-edge courses in AI, machine learning, remote sensing, and databases. Dr. Srivastava has also guided students in developing projects using Google Earth Engine, satellite data, and real-time geospatial analytics. His teaching philosophy emphasizes practical application, data literacy, and sustainability. His contributions extend beyond academics through research collaborations, IEEE conference participation, and involvement in AI-based solutions for socio-economic development and smart agriculture. His interdisciplinary experience bridges academia, technology, and field-based environmental intelligence.

🏆 Awards & Honors 

Dr. Srivastava has made significant strides in both academia and applied research. His design patents—on RFID-based animal tracking and irrigation water supply management—highlight his innovation in IoT for environmental and agricultural applications. He has earned repeated recognition through his publications in high-impact SCI and Scopus journals such as Science of the Total Environment and Applied System Innovation. With an H-index of 9 on Google Scholar and 8 on Scopus, his scholarly work on AI, remote sensing, and GIS is widely cited. He has qualified the prestigious GATE exam thrice (2013, 2016, 2017). Dr. Srivastava’s work has been presented in multiple IEEE and Springer conferences, showcasing his leadership in AI-powered geospatial research. He also contributed chapters to international volumes with Elsevier, CRC Press, and Springer. His recognition as a thought leader in environmental computation, digital literacy, and rural innovation places him among promising young researchers in India.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Anubhava Srivastava’s research lies at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and geospatial data analytics. His Ph.D. work involved LU/LC classification and environmental change detection using AI/ML techniques over Google Earth Engine. He focuses on developing intelligent systems that analyze temporal and spatial patterns of land, forest, and urban landscapes. His recent publications address critical challenges such as forest degradation, fire detection, and digital literacy through geoinformatics. His research integrates NDVI, vegetation indices, satellite image classification, and climate change modeling using Sentinel-2 and Landsat datasets. Beyond environmental domains, his contributions also include cybersecurity in P2P networks, real-time earthquake monitoring, and structural health analysis using 3D point clouds. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, he aims to support SDGs by designing AI-based frameworks that enable informed policymaking, sustainable agriculture, and urban resilience. His long-term goal is to expand geospatial intelligence applications through ethical and scalable AI innovations.

🛠 Skills 

Dr. Srivastava brings a comprehensive skillset in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and remote sensing. He is proficient in using Google Earth Engine, Python, MATLAB, and GIS tools for environmental data modeling and visualization. His technical expertise includes supervised and unsupervised classification algorithms, NDVI-based analysis, satellite data processing, API integration, and cloud-native development. He is also adept in computer networks, particularly P2P security protocols, demonstrated in his M.Tech thesis and conference papers. He has authored secure overlays like Heal Gossip and FCCC for environmental and communication systems. Dr. Srivastava’s coursework and certifications from Coursera further validate his mastery in web development, AI, GIS mapping, and cloud computing. His interpersonal and academic skills include research mentorship, technical writing, and effective presentation in reputed conferences. He actively collaborates across disciplines, enhancing his role as a researcher, mentor, and digital innovation advocate.

Publications Top Notes

Review of structural health monitoring techniques in pipeline and wind turbine industries

Authors: VB Sharma, K Singh, R Gupta, A Joshi, R Dubey, V Gupta, S Bharadwaj, A Srivastava

Citations: 44

Year: 2021

Mapping vegetation and measuring the performance of machine learning algorithm in LULC classification in the large area using Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 datasets of Dehradun

Authors: A Srivastava, S Bharadwaj, R Dubey, VB Sharma, S Biswas

Citations: 35

Year: 2022

Exploring forest transformation by analyzing spatial-temporal attributes of vegetation using vegetation indices

Authors: A Srivastava, S Umrao, S Biswas

Citations: 18

Year: 2023

A probabilistic Gossip-based secure protocol for unstructured P2P networks

Authors: A Srivastava, P Ahmad

Citations: 18

Year: 2016

Determination of optimal location for setting up cell phone tower in city environment using LiDAR data

Authors: S Bharadwaj, R Dubey, MI Zafar, A Srivastava, VB Sharma, V Bhushan

Citations: 16

Year: 2020

Analyzing land cover changes over Landsat-7 data using Google Earth Engine

Authors: A Srivastava, S Biswas

Citations: 14

Year: 2023

GIS mapping of short-term noisy event of Diwali night in Lucknow city

Authors: R Dubey, S Bharadwaj, MI Zafar, V Mahajan, A Srivastava, S Biswas

Citations: 14

Year: 2022

Comparison of Sentinel and Landsat datasets over Lucknow region using gradient tree boost supervised classifier

Authors: A Srivastava, R Dubey, S Biswas

Citations: 13

Year: 2023

FCCC: Forest cover change calculator user interface for identifying fire incidents in forest region using satellite data

Authors: A Srivastava, S Umrao, S Biswas, R Dubey, MI Zafar

Citations: 11

Year: 2023

GIS based road traffic noise mapping and assessment of health hazards for a developing urban intersection

Authors: MI Zafar, R Dubey, S Bharadwaj, A Kumar, KK Paswan, A Srivastava

Citations: 9

Year: 2023

AI-driven environmental monitoring using Google Earth Engine

Authors: A Srivastava, H Sharma

Citations: 5

Year: 2024

A method for extracting deformation features from terrestrial laser scanner 3D point clouds data in RGIPT building

Authors: VB Sharma, R Dubey, A Bhatt, S Bharadwaj, A Srivastava, S Biswas

Citations: 4

Year: 2022

Conclusion✅

Juan Pablo Seco Pon| Biodiversity and conservation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Juan Pablo Seco Pon| Biodiversity and conservation | Best Researcher Award

Investigador Independiente CONICET at CONICET, Argentina, Argentina 

Dr. Juan Pablo Seco Pon is an Argentine marine biologist and independent researcher at CONICET, dedicated to the conservation of seabirds and marine ecosystems. Based in Mar del Plata, Argentina, he holds a PhD in Biological Sciences and has been at the forefront of research and policy advising in marine biodiversity for nearly two decades. He actively contributes to both national and international scientific bodies, including the FAO and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. Through his leadership in major interdisciplinary projects, he has developed socio-ecological tools and conservation strategies to reduce incidental seabird mortality in fisheries. A prolific researcher and principal investigator in numerous initiatives, he has shaped environmental management practices and contributed to marine conservation policy in Argentina and beyond. Dr. Seco Pon is also a passionate advocate for sustainable development and ecosystem-based management. 🌊🪶📚🌍

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus 

ORCID 

🎓 Education 

Dr. Seco Pon completed both his undergraduate and doctoral education at the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata in Argentina. In 2006, he earned his Licenciatura en Ciencias Biológicas, laying the groundwork for his specialization in marine and coastal ecosystems. He advanced his studies with a Doctorate in Biological Sciences in 2014 from the same institution, with a research focus on seabird ecology, conservation strategies, and human-wildlife interactions. His academic path reflects a clear dedication to environmental science, particularly the sustainable management of marine biodiversity. His education provided him with a robust interdisciplinary foundation in ecology, conservation biology, and field research methods. His doctoral training also included work with top-tier research groups and interaction with governmental and international environmental organizations. 🎓📘🧬🌱

🏗 Experience 

Dr. Seco Pon has held key research roles across Argentina’s top scientific institutions. He currently serves as an Independent Researcher at CONICET, working within the Ecología y Conservación de Aves Marinas y Costeras group. His earlier experience includes a research role at the Centro de Investigaciones Puerto Deseado (UNPA). Internationally recognized, he was Vice-Coordinator for the Working Group on Seabird Bycatch under the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) between 2017 and 2023. Nationally, he has served on multiple advisory panels for seabird conservation under Argentina’s Ministry of Science and Consejo Federal Pesquero. His management and advisory contributions reflect an extensive commitment to integrating science into policy. 🌐🧪🔬🌊

🏆 Awards & Honors 

Dr. Juan Pablo Seco Pon has received notable recognition through his appointments and leadership roles rather than formal individual awards. He has been consistently entrusted with the position of Principal Investigator on high-impact national and international research projects from 2022 to 2025, reflecting his expertise and scientific leadership. His selection as Vice-Coordinator of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group under the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) showcases his international standing and influence in global conservation efforts. He has also led and co-directed major conservation programs supported by Argentina’s Ministry of Science, the Pampa Azul initiative, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These roles highlight a strong record of peer recognition, institutional trust, and impactful scientific contributions, cementing his reputation as a key figure in seabird and marine ecosystem conservation. 🏅🌎📑

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Seco Pon’s research centers on the ecology and conservation of marine and coastal birds, with a major focus on minimizing incidental mortality caused by fisheries. His interdisciplinary approach combines field ecology, policy-oriented science, and socio-ecological modeling to design effective conservation strategies. He investigates seabirds as biomonitors of environmental health, develops mitigation tools for more sustainable fishing practices, and explores human-wildlife conflict to support better compliance with environmental regulations. His work is highly applied, contributing directly to public policy, biodiversity conservation, and the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems in Argentina. Through his projects, Dr. Seco Pon has played a key role in translating science into actionable environmental management, influencing both national and international conservation practices. 🌐🪶⚖️🐟

🛠 Skills 

Dr. Seco Pon possesses a versatile and impactful skill set that bridges science, management, and policy. He is highly experienced in field research and ecological monitoring, particularly in seabird biology and marine wildlife assessment. As a seasoned project leader, he oversees complex, multi-institutional research initiatives and technical evaluations. His proficiency in data analysis and socio-ecological modeling enables him to assess human impacts on marine species and ecosystems effectively. He plays a prominent advisory role in national fisheries and biodiversity programs and has secured and managed substantial research funding from FAO, CONICET, and other major science agencies. His capacity for international collaboration is evident in his work with organizations such as ACAP and FAO, while his science communication skills ensure that his research influences both policymakers and the public. Overall, his expertise supports the implementation of real-world solutions in marine conservation. 🧩📊🧭🤝

Publications Top Notes

  1. Incidental Mortality of Black‐Browed Albatross and White‐Chinned Petrel in Argentine Longline Fisheries: A Comprehensive Estimation Addressing Spatial and Temporal Stratification and Cryptic Mortality

    • Year: 2025 (April)

    • Source: Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems

    • DOI: 10.1002/aqc.70127

  2. Floating marine debris in two pelagic ecosystems of the southwestern Atlantic off Argentina

    • Year: 2024 (March 8)

    • Source: Marine and Fishery Sciences (MAFIS)

    • DOI: 10.47193/mafis.3742024010704

  3. Risk-taking behavior by a cavity-nesting parrot breeding at northern Patagonia, Argentina

    • Year: 2024 (March 2)

    • Source: Ecología Austral

    • DOI: 10.25260/EA.24.34.1.0.2233

  4. Effect of environmental variability on seabird assemblages across the Brazil–Malvinas Confluence during the austral winter

    • Year: 2024 (February)

    • Source: Marine Biology

    • DOI: 10.1007/s00227-023-04371-5

  5. Is there a symbiotic cleaning association between ocean sunfish and pelagic seabirds in the Patagonian Shelf?

    • Year: 2023 (July)

    • Source: Symbiosis

    • DOI: 10.1007/s13199-023-00933-9

  6. Where are you from? Isotopic tracing of juvenile Olrog’s Gulls from Mar Chiquita during the wintering season

    • Year: 2023 (April 3)

    • Source: Emu – Austral Ornithology

    • DOI: 10.1080/01584197.2023.2186895

  7. Conservation approach in a coastal reserve in Argentina to promote the responsible disposal of litter derived from recreational fisheries

    • Year: 2021 (November)

    • Source: Ocean & Coastal Management

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105899

  8. First evidence of anthropogenic debris in nests of the Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) from a small semi-desert Argentinean coastal ecosystem

    • Year: 2021 (September)

    • Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112650

  9. Is there sexual segregation in habitat selection by Black-browed Albatrosses wintering in the south-west Atlantic?

    • Year: 2021 (July 3)

    • Source: Emu – Austral Ornithology

    • DOI: 10.1080/01584197.2020.1869910

  10. Chlorpyrifos and persistent organic pollutants in feathers of the near threatened Olrog’s Gull in southeastern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

    • Year: 2021 (March)

    • Source: Environmental Pollution

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115918

 

Conclusion✅