Fengxiang Zhu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Dr. Fengxiang Zhu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Institute of Environment, Resource, Soil and Fertilizer, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Prof. Dr. Fengxiang Zhu is a distinguished researcher in Microbiology and Agricultural Resource Utilization, currently serving at the Institute of Environment, Resource, Soil and Fertilizer, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences. A graduate of Zhejiang University’s School of Life Sciences, he has devoted his career to sustainable agriculture, waste resource utilization, and environmental protection. Recognized as a Zhejiang Province “151” Talent Project (Second Level) scholar and a National Green and Low-Carbon Science and Technology Service Expert in Animal Husbandry, he has made pioneering contributions to livestock waste recycling and pollution reduction. Prof. Zhu serves as Vice Leader of the Livestock Waste Resource Utilization Group in Zhejiang’s Agricultural Technology Extension Service Team and holds key roles in several national and provincial environmental committees. Since the “11th Five-Year Plan,” he has led more than 10 major provincial and ministerial-level research projects focused on eco-friendly agricultural innovation and resource efficiency. As first or corresponding author, he has published 8 SCI-indexed papers, contributing to the advancement of microbial applications and agricultural sustainability. His impactful research has been recognized with one first-class, one second-class, and one third-class Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Progress Awards. Prof. Zhu holds 18 authorized national invention patents, alongside one European Union and one U.S. patent, reflecting his global influence in environmental biotechnology. He has also led the development and implementation of three Zhejiang Provincial local standards promoting eco-innovation and sustainable agricultural practices. His work has been cited widely in the field, earning him an h-index of 9 with over 300 citations, underscoring his leadership in agricultural microbiology and environmental resource utilization.

Profile: Scopus 

Blagovesta Midyurova | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Blagovesta Midyurova | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof. Dr. Blagovesta Midyurova |  Burgas State University | Bulgaria

Assoc Prof. Dr. Medyurova Blagovesta Nikolaeva is a dedicated associate professor at the University “Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov” in Burgas. She has built a strong academic career spanning from her early days as a chemist to her current role as a faculty leader in the Natural Sciences, Ecology, and Environmental Protection department. Her passion for environmental science is evident in both her teaching and research activities. She is known among colleagues and students alike for her thoughtful mentorship and clear, engaging lectures. Her continuous pursuit of excellence and the practical application of scientific knowledge reflects her commitment to fostering the next generation of environmental scientists.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Assoc Prof. Dr. Medyurova pursued solid academic training through her Master’s in Technology of Materials and Material Science at her alma mater, followed by a PhD in Water Treatment Technology in the same institution. Her studies provided a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of material science and environmental remediation. This rigorous academic preparation equipped her with the analytical skills and deep knowledge necessary for her work in environmental protection. Her doctoral work, in particular, integrated interdisciplinary approaches and modern water treatment technologies, laying the groundwork for her subsequent research and scholarly contributions in the field.

Experience

Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov,” Medyurova demonstrated her ability to combine laboratory expertise with practical environmental applications. she advanced to the role of associate professor, where she continues to balance teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. Her involvement in organizing academic events and serving on faculty committees has further amplified her impact within the university community. These roles have expanded her leadership skills and provided opportunities to shape academic programs, ensure quality standards, and support peer review and decision-making processes in the Natural Sciences faculty.

Research Interest

Medyurova’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental protection, water treatment, and microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. Her work focuses on improving MFC components—particularly cathodes and proton exchange membranes—to enhance sustainable energy production and wastewater treatment. She is also involved in international collaborative projects aimed at integrated land use management in Black Sea estuaries and innovative phosphorus recovery from waste sludge. These efforts underscore her commitment to developing eco-friendly technologies that address pressing environmental challenges and contribute to circular economy strategies.

Award

Assoc Prof. Dr. Medyurova has been recognized for her scientific excellence and innovation. She earned Best Oral Presentation by a Young Scientist for her work on power generation using modified cathodes in air-cathode microbial fuel cells, awarded during a national environmental engineering conference. She received the Crystal Prize from the conference’s Programme Committee for her paper on conductive layers in air cathodes. International recognition came with the Grand Prix Qualité et Développement Durable at a colloquium in Fez, Morocco, highlighting her improvements to MFC proton exchange membranes and cathodes. These honors reflect both her strong presentation skills and her ability to produce impactful, sustainable research outcomes.

Publication Top Notes

Temperature Effect on Particulate Matter Concentrations PM₁₀ during the Heating Season in Burgas
Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology,  First author: F. B. Hasan, co-author: Blagovesta Midyurova.

Comparison of Experimental and Predicted by Modelling Data of Hydrocarbon Emissions from a Primary Clarifier of a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology,  Authors: I. Chobanov, Blagovesta Midyurova, R. Kutsarov.

Investigation of Microbial Fuel Cell Operation with Modified Air-Cathode
Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology,  Authors: Blagovesta Midyurova, Ralitza Koleva, B. Bonev, Valentin Nenov.

Characterisation and Performance of Sediment Bioelectrochemical System with Ceramic Separator
Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology, Authors: Blagovesta Midyurova, B. Bonev, Valentin Nenov.

Improvement of MFC’s Proton Exchange Membranes and Cathodes
Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology, Authors: Blagovesta Midyurova, Valentin Nenov, Murat Ates, Nesimi Uludag

Conclusion

Assoc Prof. Dr. Medyurova Blagovesta Nikolaeva exemplifies a scholar whose work bridges rigorous scientific research and real-world environmental solutions. Her academic trajectory—from strong educational foundations and progressive roles in teaching and research to multiple awards and international projects—reflects a sustained commitment to innovation. Her expertise in microbial fuel cell advancement and environmental technologies continues to influence both her academic peers and broader environmental science initiatives. Her bilingual and multilingual communication abilities further enhance her collaborative potential. A nomination recognizing her achievement would celebrate her tangible impact in advancing sustainable science and her role as an inspiring academic leader.