Krzysztof Podwysocki | Biological Invasions | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Krzysztof Podwysocki | Biological Invasions | Young Scientist Award 

State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre | Lithuania

Dr. Krzysztof Podwysocki is a biologist specializing in invasion ecology, trophic ecology, and crustacean biology, with a strong research focus on understanding the mechanisms that drive the success of invasive aquatic species. He earned his Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Lodz, Poland, in 2025, where his doctoral work investigated the invasion potential of genetically distinct populations of Dikerogammarus villosus, one of Europe’s most impactful invasive amphipods. Currently based at the Nature Research Centre in Vilnius, Lithuania, he leads the project “Exoskeleton strength as a predictor of interspecific aggression and predation survivability in invasive and native amphipods,” exploring the biomechanical and ecological traits that determine competitive dominance and survival in aquatic ecosystems. His research integrates experimental ecology, functional morphology, and biogeography to examine species interactions, dispersal capacities, and environmental adaptability. Dr. Podwysocki has completed a national project on the morphological and chemical variation of D. villosus mouthparts in relation to diet and invasion history, providing key insights into how feeding morphology underpins ecological success. His collaborative experience includes international research initiatives, such as an FAO-funded project in Ghana assessing decapod diversity, and partnerships with the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun on behavioral and physiological studies of invasive amphipods. His work bridges fundamental and applied invasion biology, contributing to predictive models that inform biodiversity conservation and invasive species management. To date, he has published six research papers in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, accumulating 12 citations with an h-index of 2, reflecting the growing impact of his contributions to aquatic invasion ecology. His innovative approach linking biomechanics, population genetics, and ecological performance offers new perspectives on how structural and physiological traits influence invasion dynamics, interspecific competition, and adaptation in changing environments.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Dr. Darkhan Yerezhep | Environmental Science | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Dr. Darkhan Yerezhep | Environmental Science | Distinguished Scientist Award

Satbayev University, Kazakhstan.

Darkhan Yeseyuly Erezhep is a Kazakh scientist, engineer, and academic leader currently serving as the Head of the Department of Standardization, Certification, and Metrology at KazNITU named after K. I. Satpayev, Kazakhstan. With over 10 years of academic and industrial experience, his expertise spans thermal physics, metrology, quality management, and energy systems. A double PhD holder, Dr. Erezhep is an award-winning educator and a leading voice in advancing Kazakhstan’s technical education and research infrastructure.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Darkhan Yerezhep is a distinguished scholar with dual Ph.D. degrees in Engineering—one in Thermal Physics and Theoretical Heat Engineering from ITMO University, Russia (2020), and another in Technical Physics awarded by the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan (2021). He holds a Master’s degree in Refrigeration and Cryogenic Engineering (2017) and a Bachelor’s degree in Standardization and Metrology (2015), both from ITMO University. Additionally, he pursued a second higher education in Financial Management, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise. Dr. Yerezhep has also earned multiple professional certifications in standardization, scientific mentoring, and quality systems from leading institutions in Kazakhstan and Russia, further demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and applied research.

💼 Experience

Dr. Darkhan Yerezhep currently serves as the Head of Department at KazNITU in Almaty (2023–present), where he has led significant advancements including the development of Master’s and Ph.D. programs, fostering international collaborations, and increasing the department’s research funding tenfold. He also holds roles as Associate Professor and Researcher at KazNITU and the Physicotechnical Institute, and previously served as a Senior Lecturer at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. His earlier career includes work as a Researcher and Design Engineer at ITMO University and Roselectromotor in St. Petersburg. Dr. Yerezhep has extensive teaching and research experience in cryogenics, metrology, quality systems, and technical regulation.

🔬 Research Interests

Thermal physics and thermoelectric systems

Cryogenic engineering

Standardization and metrology

Quality assurance in industrial systems

Energy system efficiency and low-temperature processes

Passionate about integrating SDG goals, inclusive education, and scientific commercialization in engineering research.

🏆 Awards & Honors

🏅 Best University Teacher (2024) – Kazakhstan Ministry of Education

🎓 State Scientific Scholarship for Talented Young Scientists (2024–2025)

Led department to 2nd place in Atameken National Ranking (2024)

Recipient of state and institutional recognition for leadership in education and science.

📚 Selected Publications

🧪 1. Multiple Phase Transitions in Ethanol Thin Films Obtained by Physical Vapor Deposition

Journal: Applied Surface Science
DOI: 10.1016/J.APSUSC.2024.162259
WOSUID: WOS:001402656800001
Co-authors: Aldiyarov A., Sokolov D., Korshikov E., Nurmukan A., Tasmukhanova A., Ramos M.A.
This article explores complex phase behaviors in ethanol thin films created via physical vapor deposition, highlighting unique thermodynamic transitions.

💧 2. Geoinformation and Analytical Support for the Development of Promising Aquifers for Pasture Water Supply in Southern Kazakhstan

Journal: Water
Date: April 2025
DOI: 10.3390/w17091297
Co-authors: Tazhiyev S., Murtazin Y., Sotnikov E., Rakhimova V., Adenova D., Abdizhalel M., Yerezhep D.
This study presents a GIS-based approach to assessing groundwater potential for sustainable livestock support in arid Kazakh regions.

🚀 3. Optimizing Combustion Characteristics of Ammonium Perchlorate Composites with Nickel-Enhanced Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Journal: Aerospace
Date: March 2025
DOI: 10.3390/aerospace12040270
Co-authors: Nurguzhin M., Janikeyev M., Omarbayev M., Yermakhanova A., Meiirbekov M., Zhumakhanov M., Lesbayev A., Yerezhep D., Atamanov M., Tulepov M.
The work investigates improvements in the combustion efficiency of AP-based propellants through the use of nickel-modified additives.

❄️ 4. Криогенная установка для FTIR-спектроскопического исследования поведения углеводородных соединений при атмосферном давлении

Journal: Bulletin of Toraighyrov University. Energetics series
Date: March 28, 2025
DOI: 10.48081/NJKI9829
Co-authors: Кенбай А. А., Алдияров А. У., Ережеп Д. Е.
Title translation: Cryogenic Setup for FTIR Spectroscopic Study of Hydrocarbon Compounds at Atmospheric Pressure
The article describes a cryogenic system designed for FTIR spectroscopy to analyze hydrocarbon behavior under atmospheric conditions.

 

 

 

Dr. Dardo R. LOPEZ | Resilience and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Dardo R. LOPEZ | Resilience and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

INTA- Estación Forestal Villa Dolores (EEA Manfredi), Argentina.

Dardo Rubén López is a Researcher at INTA Forestry Station, specializing in Ecology, Socioecological Resilience, and Sustainability of Rural Socioecosystems. With over 20 years of experience, he has led numerous science and technology projects, both nationally and internationally. His academic journey began with a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the National University of Rosario (Argentina), followed by a Ph.D. in Ecology from UNCo, Bariloche. As a professor in postgraduate programs, he teaches courses on ecosystem ecology, resilience, and socio-ecological system management, shaping future researchers and professionals in sustainable land use.

Profile

Scopus
Orcid
Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Dardo R. López is an Agricultural Engineer from the National University of Rosario, Argentina, with a Ph.D. in Biology specializing in Ecology from the National University of Comahue, Bariloche Regional University Center. His research focuses on ecological processes, environmental sustainability, and agricultural development, contributing to a deeper understanding of ecosystem dynamics and land management.

💼 Experience

Dr. Dardo R. López is a researcher at INTA (National Institute of Agricultural Technology) since 2008, currently serving at a group leader level. From 2008 to 2015, he was a researcher at INTA Bariloche in the Natural Resources Research Area. His expertise lies in ecology, natural resource management, and sustainable agricultural systems. In addition to his research, Dr. López is a dedicated postgraduate professor at several institutions, including the National University of Rosario, where he teaches in Master’s and Doctorate programs, the National University of Comahue, specializing in Grassland Ecology and Agroecology, and the National University of Cuyo, where he focuses on Ecosystem and Disturbance Studies. His work contributes significantly to understanding ecosystem dynamics and sustainable land-use strategies.

🔬 Research Interests

Sustainable Management of Socio-Ecological Landscapes

Integration of biological and socio-productive diversity

Spatiotemporal interventions for ecosystem resilience

Resilience Management & Global Change

Mitigation of socio-environmental disturbances

Adaptation strategies for climate change and land-use shifts

Ecosystem & Landscape Ecology

Ecological dynamics of grasslands and agroecosystems

Biodiversity conservation in managed landscapes

Remote Sensing & GIS Applications

Spatial analysis of socio-ecological systems (SES)

Monitoring land-use changes and environmental impacts

Socioecology & Human-Nature Interactions

Sustainable resource use and rural development

Policy and governance for socio-ecological resilience

🏆 Awards & Achievements

H-index: 17 | i10-index: 27 | Scopus H-index: 10

30 SCI/Scopus-indexed journal publications

4 books published (ISBN)

30 research projects completed

International & national funding grants recipient

Leader in ecological resilience research

📚 Notable Publications

Remote Sensing & Forest Conservation

Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing for Forest Conservation and Management: A Case Study of the Gran Chaco in Central Argentina
Remote Sensing, 2025-02-21
Contributors: Francisco G. Alaggia, Michele Innangi, Laura Cavallero, Dardo Rubén López, Federica Pontieri, Flavio Marzialetti, Ramon Riera-Tatché, Paolo Gamba, Maria Laura Carranza

Avance de la frontera urbana a expensas de bosques nativos en diferentes categorías de protección en el valle de Traslasierra, Córdoba (Argentina)
Boletín de la Sociedad Argentina de Botánica, 2024-03-08 
Contributors: Laura Cavallero, Francisco G. Alaggia, Dardo Rubén López

Ecosystem & Vegetation Studies

Tracking Floristic Archetypes of Patagonian Steppes
Applied Vegetation Science, 2024-01 
Contributors: Marcos Horacio Easdale, Valeria Leticia Martin‐Albarracin, Daiana Vanesa Perri, Dardo Rubén López, Octavio Augusto Bruzzone

Degradation Influences Equilibrium and Non‐Equilibrium Dynamics in Rangelands: Implications in Resilience and Stability
Applied Vegetation Science, 2022-07 
Contributors: Dardo Rubén López, Laura Cavallero, Priscila Willems, Brandon Thomas Bestelmeyer, Miguel Angel Brizuela

Sustainable Land Use & Silvopastoral Systems

Conceptual Framework to Define Management Strategies for Silvopastoral Systems in Native Forests
Ecología Austral, 2022-08 
Contributors: Dardo R. López, Pablo L. Peri, Yamina M. Rosas, María V. Lencinas, Laura Cavallero, Guillermo Martínez Pastur

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Despoina Tounta | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Despoina Tounta | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.

Despoina D. Tounta is a Doctoral Candidate at the Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. With a strong background in environmental science, disaster management, and public health, her research focuses on the interplay between climate change, pandemics, and zoonotic diseases. She has presented her work at international conferences and published in renowned scientific journals.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education

Despoina D. Tounta holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology and Geoenvironment from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, which she earned in 1991. Building on her expertise in environmental sciences, she pursued a Master’s Degree in Environmental, Disaster, and Crisis Management Strategies at the same institution, graduating in 2017. Currently, she is a Ph.D. candidate at the Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, where her research focuses on the impact of climate change and pandemics from zoonotic diseases. Her doctoral thesis, titled “Climate Change and Pandemics from Zoonoses: Emerging Risks for Public Health and Strategies for Prevention in the Cyclades Island Complex,” explores the intersection of environmental changes and public health risks, with an emphasis on developing policies for disaster preparedness and mitigation.

💼 Experience

Despoina D. Tounta has actively contributed to environmental research and disaster management through training, conferences, and presentations. In 1993, she completed specialized training in Remote Sensing at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, focusing on natural environment protection. Her expertise in disaster resilience led her to present at SafeGreece 2017 (SafeAthens), where she discussed seismic risk prevention in public buildings. In 2021, she presented her research at the International CEST Conference, exploring the impact of weather conditions on COVID-19 spread. Continuing her work on environmental health, she spoke at the Climate Crisis Conference in 2022, analyzing the link between air pollution and COVID-19 mortality. Most recently, in 2023, she participated in COMECAP 2023, where she examined the association between solar irradiance, pollution, and COVID-19 cases in Athens, further reinforcing her role in climate and public health research.

🔬 Research Interests

🌍 Climate Change & Public Health – Investigating the link between environmental factors and zoonotic disease outbreaks.

🦠 Epidemics & Pandemics – Studying the spread of infectious diseases and their correlation with weather and pollution.

🏢 Seismic Risk Prevention – Assessing non-structural vulnerability in public buildings.

📡 Remote Sensing & Environmental Monitoring – Applying geospatial tools to analyze climate-related health risks.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

Speaker & Contributor at multiple international conferences on environmental hazards, pandemics, and disaster management.

Recognized Researcher for work on COVID-19, climate change, and public health strategies.

📚 Publications

Human Activities and Zoonotic Epidemics: A Two-Way Relationship – The Case of the COVID-19 Pandemic

📌 Authors: Tounta, D.D.; Nastos, P.T.; Tesseromatis, C.
📌 Journal: Global Sustainability (2022)
📌 Volume: 5, e19
📌 Citations: 3

Could Saliva Play a Role in Controlling the COVID-19 Pandemic?

📌 Authors: Papadopoulou, A.; Tounta, D.; Tesseromatis, C.
📌 Journal: Stomatologija