Dr. Lydie Stella Koutika | Environment management | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Lydie Stella Koutika | Environment management | Women Researcher Award

CRDPI/ SCES, Congo, Republic of the

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Lydie-Stella Koutika was born on December 28, 1966, in Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo. She pursued her higher education with a keen interest in geosciences, particularly soil science. Her academic journey led her to France, where she enrolled in a Ph.D. program at the Centre de Pédologie Biologique, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy. Affiliated with Université Henri Poincaré Nancy I, she focused her doctoral research on the dynamics of organic matter in relation to soil chemical and structural properties under rainforests and pastures. This early work laid the foundation for her lifelong contributions to soil science and sustainable land management.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Koutika has built a formidable career dedicated to understanding and improving soil health in tropical environments. She has worked extensively in research institutions, leveraging her expertise to study soil organic matter, carbon sequestration, and sustainable land-use practices. Her research primarily revolves around the interplay between soil properties and vegetation management in tropical ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of maintaining soil fertility for long-term agricultural and environmental sustainability.

📝 Contributions and Research Focus

A significant portion of Dr. Koutika’s work centers on soil organic matter dynamics, carbon sequestration, and the impact of land-use changes on soil properties. She has conducted numerous studies on how different agricultural and forestry practices affect soil health, particularly in tropical regions. Her research provides valuable insights into sustainable land-use strategies that balance agricultural productivity with environmental conservation. She has also collaborated with international research teams to develop innovative approaches for improving soil management in regions facing deforestation and land degradation challenges.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Koutika’s contributions to soil science have been widely recognized in academic and professional circles. She has received multiple honors for her research excellence and has been invited to present her findings at international conferences. Her work is frequently cited in leading scientific journals, underscoring her influence in the field. Additionally, her affiliations with prestigious research institutions highlight her standing as a respected authority in soil science and geosciences.

🌱 Impact and Influence

Beyond academia, Dr. Koutika’s work has significant practical implications for policymakers, farmers, and environmentalists. Her research informs sustainable agricultural practices, guiding efforts to enhance soil fertility while minimizing environmental degradation. She actively engages in knowledge-sharing initiatives, mentoring young researchers and contributing to capacity-building efforts in soil science and sustainable land management.

💡 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a pioneering soil scientist, Dr. Koutika continues to push the boundaries of research in soil organic matter and sustainable land-use strategies. Her ongoing work aims to address critical global challenges such as climate change, food security, and ecosystem restoration. By fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and advocating for evidence-based policies, she is shaping the future of soil science and environmental sustainability. Her legacy as a dedicated researcher and mentor will undoubtedly inspire future generations of scientists committed to preserving our planet’s natural resources.

📝Notable Publication

Sharing Soil Knowledge of the Congolese Coastal Plains within International Research Partnerships

Author: Lydie-Stella Koutika

Journal: Soil Advances

Year: 2025

Role of Stockyard Litter Amendment in the Short-Term Restoration of Soil Microbial Efficiency in a Lowland Paddy

Authors: Bernard Y. Koffi, Armand W. Koné, Brahima Koné, Abigael N. Otinga, Lydie-Stella Koutika, Dominique Masse

Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

Year: 2024

Soil Quality Evaluation in Mono and Mixed Eucalypt Plantation

Authors: Arthur Prudencio de Araujo Pereira, Maurício Roberto Cherubin, Ademir S. F. de Araujo, Maiele C. Santana, Erika Medeiros, Diogo Paes da Costa, Adijailton José de Souza, Antonio Yan Viana Lima, Danilo Ferreira da Silva, Paula A. C. Estrada, et al.

Journal: Sustainability

Year: 2024

Sustaining Forest Plantations for the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Authors: Lydie-Stella Koutika, Rosalie Matondo, André Mabiala-Ngoma, Viviane Sogni Tchichelle, Mélanie Toto, Jean-Claude Madzoumbou, Juste Armand Akana, Hugues Y. Gomat, François Mankessi, Armel Thongo Mbou, et al.

Journal: Sustainability

Year: 2022

Boosting C Sequestration and Land Restoration through Forest Management in Tropical Ecosystems: A Mini-Review

Author: Lydie-Stella Koutika

Journal: Ecologies

Year: 2022

Mr. MD SHORIFUL ISLAM | Sustainability |Best Researcher Award

Mr. MD SHORIFUL ISLAM | Sustainability |Best Researcher Award

Zhengzhou University, China

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Md. Shoriful Isla’s academic journey began in his homeland of Bangladesh, where he developed a strong foundation in the field of finance and economics. His commitment to education led him to pursue a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) and MBA (Master of Business Administration), where he excelled in core subjects related to finance, economics, and accounting. Throughout his academic career, Shoriful showed a keen interest in understanding the complexities of business operations, economic trends, and financial management.

His thirst for knowledge and academic excellence laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in higher education. After completing his MBA, Shoriful set his sights on contributing to the world of finance through both teaching and research. Motivated by a desire to create a meaningful impact, he pursued advanced studies and began preparing for a career in academia, with a particular focus on social finance, microfinance, and sustainability.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Shoriful Isla’s professional journey has been nothing short of impressive. He began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at the School of Business at Northern University Bangladesh, where he not only taught finance, economics, and accounting courses but also played a key role in shaping the careers of many students. As Coordinator of the Internship and Placement Program (IPP), Shoriful was instrumental in guiding students towards professional success. His efforts included helping students find relevant placements, organizing workshops and career-oriented seminars, and conducting training programs to ensure their readiness for the job market.

In his subsequent role as the Coordinator of the MBA Program at Northern University Bangladesh, Shoriful continued to nurture future business leaders, teaching advanced finance courses while maintaining his focus on equipping students with the skills necessary for today’s competitive business environment.

However, his pursuit of academic excellence did not end with his role as an educator. Shoriful also sought to extend his influence in the global academic community. This led him to pursue a PhD as a Research Fellow at Zhengzhou University in China, where he currently conducts cutting-edge research. His focus lies in areas such as social entrepreneurship financing, social finance, microfinance, and sustainability, with an emphasis on addressing real-world economic challenges.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

As an academic researcher, Shoriful Isla is making significant strides in understanding the intersections of finance and social impact. His research focuses on exploring innovative solutions for social finance, microfinance, and sustainable entrepreneurship. Shoriful aims to develop strategies that enable businesses to integrate social and environmental concerns into their financial models, aligning them with sustainable development goals.

Through his thesis work, Shoriful is pushing the boundaries of existing research in social finance and sustainability. By addressing the unique challenges faced by microfinance institutions and social entrepreneurs, his research seeks to provide actionable insights that can empower these organizations to create lasting positive change in communities.

Shoriful’s ongoing research at Zhengzhou University is positioned to contribute valuable knowledge to the field, particularly in relation to financing mechanisms for social ventures and their potential for long-term impact.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Throughout his career, Shoriful Isla has received recognition for his academic contributions, both in teaching and research. His dedication to his students has earned him the respect of his peers, as he has consistently gone above and beyond to foster an environment of learning and personal growth. As a result, he has built a reputation as a passionate educator and mentor who is deeply committed to student success.

In addition to his teaching accolades, Shoriful’s research on social finance has gained attention from both academic institutions and industry leaders. His work has been presented at various international conferences, contributing to the global dialogue on sustainable finance and social entrepreneurship. His commitment to addressing pressing societal issues through research has positioned him as a leading figure in the field of social finance.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Shoriful Isla’s work has had a profound impact on the academic community and beyond. Through his teaching, research, and involvement in professional development programs, he has influenced the careers of numerous students, many of whom have gone on to pursue successful careers in finance, business, and entrepreneurship.

His focus on social finance and sustainability is contributing to a global shift towards more responsible and inclusive business practices. By emphasizing the importance of ethical finance and the role it plays in promoting sustainable development, Shoriful’s work is helping to shape the future of finance in a more socially conscious direction.

His academic research, particularly on microfinance and social entrepreneurship, has the potential to inspire new policies and initiatives that could have a far-reaching impact on communities in need. By developing frameworks that promote financial inclusion and sustainability, Shoriful is helping to create a more equitable world.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

As Shoriful Isla continues his journey in academia, his legacy is one of dedication to the advancement of knowledge and social impact. His research will likely continue to influence the field of social finance, providing new insights that will drive innovation in sustainable entrepreneurship.

Looking to the future, Shoriful is poised to become a leading expert in social finance, microfinance, and sustainability. He plans to continue his academic career with a focus on publishing his research and collaborating with global institutions to tackle pressing social and economic issues. Through his work, Shoriful will continue to contribute to the development of policies and financial strategies that promote both economic growth and social welfare.

In the coming years, his efforts are likely to result in transformative contributions that will not only shape the future of finance but also leave a lasting impact on communities around the world. With his commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Shoriful Isla’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of scholars, entrepreneurs, and professionals to create positive change in the world.

📝Notable Publications

 Financial factors influencing investment willingness in environment-friendly business: Empirical study on an emerging economy

Authors: Fairtown Zhou Ayoungman, Md. Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Masukujjaman, Abid Hossain Shawon, Abdullah Al Mahmud

Journal: Innovation and Green Development

Year: 2025

Institutional Capital, Ancestral Hall, and the Reshaping of Ancient Rule: an Empirical Analysis of the New Energy of Chinese Heritage Elements in Rural Revitalization

Authors: Zhang, Frank Lee; Ayoungman, Fairtown Zhou; Islam, Md. Shoriful

Journal: Journal of the Knowledge Economy

Year: 202

 Butterfly Change of Commercial Enterprise into Social Enterprise: Based on Mechanism and Case Study of Institutional Capital

Authors: Frank Lee Zhang, Md. Shoriful Islam, Fairtown Zhou Ayoungman, Yuchen Wang

Journal: Journal of Social Entrepreneurship

Year: 2023

Prof Rongliang Jia | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Prof Rongliang Jia | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China 

Profile 

Scopus

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Rongliang Jia’s journey into the world of ecological and environmental sciences began with a deep-rooted passion for understanding the natural world, especially the fragile ecosystems of deserts and sandy areas. Born in 1980, Jia exhibited a strong interest in the natural sciences from a young age, leading him to pursue higher education in fields related to ecology and environmental studies. His academic pursuits laid the foundation for his future contributions, as he immersed himself in studying the dynamics of desert ecosystems. His dedication and intellectual curiosity culminated in his doctoral studies, where he began focusing on the physiological and ecological theories of plant resistance, particularly in challenging environments like archaeological sites and mining areas.

In 2009, Jia’s early academic excellence was recognized when he received the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences “ZhuYuehua Outstanding Doctoral Student Award.” This award not only acknowledged his academic achievements but also set the stage for his future endeavors in scientific research and ecological restoration.

🌍 Professional Endeavors

After completing his doctoral studies, Rongliang Jia embarked on a professional career that saw him rise through the ranks to become the Associate Station Director, Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor at the Ningxia Shapotou Desert Ecosystem National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, part of the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This institute, formerly known as the Institute of Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research, provided Jia with a platform to explore the complexities of desert ecosystems.

Jia’s professional career has been marked by a focus on the natural ecological systems of deserts and sandy areas. He has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of biological soil crusts (BSCs), which are critical components of desert ecosystems. His work has revolved around analyzing the composition, structure, and functional evolution of BSCs at different temporal and spatial scales, with the ultimate goal of addressing key theoretical and technical challenges in using BSCs for ecological protection and sustainable development.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Rongliang Jia has made significant contributions to the field of desert ecology, particularly in the study of biological soil crusts. His research has provided valuable insights into the species composition, structure, distribution patterns, and ecological functions of BSCs in both natural and artificial-natural composite ecosystems in northern China. One of his key achievements has been the establishment of a preliminary biological soil crust database, which serves as a crucial resource for researchers and policymakers alike.

Jia’s research has also delved into the impact of major disturbance factors, such as sand burial, on the diversity and ecological functions of BSCs. His pioneering work demonstrated that sand burial is a major driving factor influencing the succession of BSCs in desert areas. By revealing the physiological and ecological adaptation mechanisms of BSCs to sand burial disturbances, Jia has contributed to a better understanding of how these ecosystems can be restored and protected.

Moreover, Jia has explored the effects of wind on mosses in desert crusts, uncovering the role of wind as a key environmental factor in determining the microhabitat distribution of crustal mosses. His research has also utilized remote sensing technology to analyze the distribution and spatiotemporal changes of BSCs and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) during the succession of sand-binding vegetation, leading to the development of an ecological hydrological model to predict the impact of precipitation changes on desert ecosystem structure.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Rongliang Jia has received numerous accolades and recognition for his outstanding contributions to ecological research and environmental protection. In 2015, he was awarded the Chinese Academy of Sciences “Western Youth Scholar – A Class” support, a testament to his leadership and expertise in desert ecology. The same year, he was recognized as an “Advanced Individual in Science Popularization” by Zhongwei City, highlighting his commitment to educating the public about ecological issues.

Jia’s work has also been acknowledged at the provincial level. In 2017, he was selected for the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region “Domestic Talent Introduction 312 Plan” and received the second prize for outstanding scientific research achievements in higher education institutions in Gansu Province. His contributions were further recognized in 2018 when he was awarded the first prize for scientific and technological progress by the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

Jia’s influence extends beyond China, as he has been invited for academic exchanges and collaborations at renowned institutions worldwide, including the University of Haifa, Tel Aviv University, and the European Geosciences Union, among others.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Rongliang Jia’s research has had a profound impact on the field of desert ecology, particularly in the understanding and management of biological soil crusts. His work has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also informed practical applications in ecological restoration and environmental protection. By quantifying the response patterns of BSCs to sand burial and wind disturbances, Jia has provided valuable insights into the resilience and stability of desert ecosystems.

His research on the effects of sand burial on greenhouse gas emissions from soil covered by BSCs has significant implications for understanding the role of deserts in the global carbon cycle. Jia’s findings that sand burial can exacerbate the greenhouse effect in arid sandy areas underscore the importance of managing desert ecosystems to mitigate climate change.

📜 Legacy and Future Contributions

Rongliang Jia’s legacy lies in his pioneering research on biological soil crusts and desert ecosystems. His work has paved the way for future research and has provided a foundation for the development of effective strategies for ecological restoration and protection in arid regions. As a key member of the “Ecological Restoration and Reconstruction in Desert Areas” innovation team under the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, Jia continues to contribute to the advancement of desert ecology and the sustainable development of these fragile environments.

Looking ahead, Jia’s future contributions are likely to focus on further unraveling the complexities of desert ecosystems, with an emphasis on developing innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. His dedication to ecological research and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists ensure that his influence will continue to be felt for years to come.

Publications 

Changes in Microbial Composition During the Succession of Biological Soil Crusts in Alpine Hulun Buir Sandy Land, China

Journal: Microbial Ecology

Year: 2024

 Vascular Plants and Biocrusts Ameliorate Soil Properties Serving to Increase the Stability of the Great Wall of China

Journal: Science of the Total Environment

Year: 2024

 Unveiling Hidden Bacterial Players: A Closer Look at the Succession Characteristics and Co-occurrence Patterns of Abundant, Intermediate, and Rare Bacteria in Biological Soil Crusts

Journal: Microbial Ecology

Year: 2024

Vascular Plant Communities and Biocrusts Act as Controlling Factors in Mitigating Soil Erosion on the Great Wall in a Semi-humid Area of Northwestern China

Journal: Science of the Total Environment

Year: 2024

 Vegetation Restoration in Dryland with Shrub Serves as a Carbon Sink: Evidence from a 13-year Observation at the Tengger Desert of Northern China

Journal: Land Degradation and Development

Year: 2024