Assist. Prof. Dr. Salman Zare | Desert Mangement and Control | Best Researcher Award
University of Tehran | Iran
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Salman Zare’s academic journey reflects a deep and continuous engagement with environmental sciences, particularly in the domains of rangeland, watershed management, and combating desertification. Beginning with a strong foundation in natural sciences, he advanced his studies in rangeland and watershed management technology, gaining both theoretical and applied knowledge critical for understanding land ecosystems. His undergraduate studies provided him with exposure to the complexities of land and soil management in arid and semi-arid regions, while his graduate training sharpened his expertise in combating desertification—a global environmental challenge with profound ecological and socioeconomic impacts. His doctoral studies further strengthened his specialization, equipping him with advanced research skills and a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of desertification and land degradation. Later, his appointment as a visiting scientist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the field of sand and dust storm control broadened his international perspective and allowed him to collaborate on transboundary environmental issues. This rigorous academic path laid a solid foundation for his career as a leading scientist in land management and environmental sustainability.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Zare’s professional career has been marked by extensive leadership roles, advisory positions, and contributions to both national and international organizations. Serving as Co-Chair of the UNCCD Communities of Learning and Practice for the Asia Region, he played a vital role in fostering regional collaboration to address land degradation and desertification. His position as Scientific Secretary for the Committee on Science and Technology within Iran’s National Working Group on UNCCD enabled him to bridge scientific knowledge with policy implementation at a national scale. In addition, his roles as a scientific adviser to the Desert Affairs Bureau, the International Affairs Bureau, and the Ministry of Interior in sustainable land management highlight his influence on environmental governance. Beyond policy advisory roles, he has also contributed to advancing science and education by leading the Soil Science Laboratory and Wind Erosion Laboratory, where he oversaw critical research activities and mentored emerging scientists. These endeavors collectively demonstrate his commitment to applying science for practical solutions to land degradation while shaping policies at national and international levels.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Zare’s contributions lie at the intersection of research, education, and environmental policy. His research interests encompass land degradation, wind erosion dynamics, dust storm control, and sustainable land management in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. He has developed innovative approaches to understanding and mitigating the impacts of dust storms, which have significant environmental, health, and economic consequences across regions. His research has advanced scientific knowledge on soil degradation and provided practical frameworks for desertification control. In his teaching, he has designed and delivered courses at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, ranging from the fundamentals of soil science to specialized topics such as desert soil management and dust storm dynamics. By mentoring students and conducting applied research, Dr. Zare has nurtured the next generation of environmental scientists while contributing to global scientific discussions on land degradation neutrality and climate adaptation. His work underscores the importance of linking academic research with policy and community-level practices to address environmental challenges.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout his career, Dr. Zare has gained recognition for his expertise and leadership in combating desertification and land degradation. His appointment to high-level roles such as Co-Chair of the UNCCD Communities of Learning and Practice – Asia Region, along with advisory positions in key governmental organizations, reflects the trust placed in his scientific insights and leadership capabilities. He has also been acknowledged through collaborations with international scientific communities, such as his research engagement with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His reputation as a dedicated scientist and educator is further reinforced by his leadership in laboratories that specialize in soil science and wind erosion research. These accolades highlight not only his professional achievements but also his growing influence in shaping sustainable land management strategies at both national and international levels.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Zare’s impact extends beyond academia into policy-making, regional collaboration, and community-level interventions. By serving in advisory capacities within government and international organizations, he has ensured that scientific findings inform policy frameworks and practical measures for combating desertification. His influence is evident in initiatives aimed at controlling dust storms, which pose significant risks to health and livelihoods across regions. As an educator, his guidance has empowered students to pursue research that addresses pressing environmental issues. Moreover, his involvement in UNCCD initiatives has amplified his voice in shaping global discourses on land degradation neutrality and sustainable development. Through his work, he has become a catalyst for integrating science, education, and governance in the pursuit of environmental resilience.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Zare’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable land management and combating desertification through education, research, and policy advocacy. His pioneering efforts in dust storm control and soil science research have set benchmarks for future studies and practical interventions. Moving forward, his international collaborations and leadership roles are expected to further strengthen his contributions to global strategies addressing desertification and land degradation. By combining scientific innovation with practical solutions and policy influence, he is poised to continue shaping the field for years to come. His legacy will be carried not only through his scholarly contributions but also through the policies he has influenced and the generations of students he has inspired.
Notable Publications
Effects of a super absorbent polymer on soil properties and plant growth for use in land reclamation
Authors: ES Abrisham, M Jafari, A Tavili, A Rabii, MA Zare Chahoki, S Zare, T Egan, …
Journal: Arid Land Research and Management
Year: 2018
Effects of seed priming on germination characteristics of Bromus species under salt and drought conditions
Authors: A Tavili, S Zare, SA Moosavi, A Enayati
Journal: American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Year: 2011
Effects of different treatments on seed germination and breaking seed dormancy of Prosopis koelziana and Prosopis juliflora
Authors: S Zare, A Tavili, MJ Darini
Journal: Journal of Forestry Research
Year: 2011
Relativistic self-focusing of intense laser beam in thermal collisionless quantum plasma with ramped density profile
Authors: S Zare, E Yazdani, S Rezaee, A Anvari, R Sadighi-Bonabi
Journal: Physical Review Special Topics – Accelerators and Beams
Year: 2015
Relationship between environmental factors and plant distribution in arid and semiarid area (Case Study: Shahriyar Rangelands, Iran)
Authors: S Zare, M Jafari, A Tavili, H Abbasi, M Rostampour
Journal: American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Year: 2011