Assoc. Prof. Dr. Belete Berhanu | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Belete Berhanu | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Addis Ababa University | Ethiopia

Associate Professor Belete Berhanu is a distinguished water resources engineer with extensive expertise in hydrology, watershed management, and integrated water resources management. He earned his Ph.D. in Water Resources Engineering and Management with a specialization in Surface Water Hydrology from Addis Ababa University, following an M.Tech in Hydrology from IIT Roorkee, India, and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering from Alemaya University of Agriculture. With over a decade of academic and research experience, he has contributed significantly to flood forecasting, climate-smart agriculture, and hydrological modeling, collaborating with international institutions including FAO, IWMI, IHE Delft, University of Maryland, USC, and FIU. His research interests encompass hydrological modeling, remote sensing applications, decision support systems, water accounting, and sustainable water management in the context of the Nile Basin and African watersheds. He is an active member of professional organizations such as the Ethiopian Water Professional Association and the Environmentalist for Development Association. Professor Berhanu has led several high-impact projects, including flood forecasting systems, climate-resilient water management, and the integration of hydrological models with remote sensing data. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing water resource science and capacity-building, making him a leading candidate for recognition in research excellence and innovation.

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Berhanu, B., Seleshi, Y., & Melesse, A. M. (2014). Surface water and groundwater resources of Ethiopia: Potentials and challenges of water resources development. In Nile River Basin: Ecohydrological challenges, climate change and … (p. 259).

Berhanu, B., Melesse, A. M., & Seleshi, Y. (2013). GIS-based hydrological zones and soil geo-database of Ethiopia. Catena, 104, 21–31.

Berhanu, B., Seleshi, Y., Demisse, S. S., & Melesse, A. M. (2015). Flow regime classification and hydrological characterization: A case study of Ethiopian rivers. Water, 7(6), 3149–3165.

Mamo, S., Berhanu, B., & Melesse, A. M. (2019). Historical flood events and hydrological extremes in Ethiopia. In Extreme hydrology and climate variability (pp. 379–384).

Berhanu, E. B. B. (2018). Identification of surface water storing sites using topographic wetness index (TWI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Journal of Natural Resources and Development, 8, 91–100.

Prof. Charles Kede | Innovative Leadership | Best Scholar Award

Prof. Charles Kede | Innovative Leadership | Best Scholar Award

University of Douala | Cameroon

Prof. Kede Charles Melea is a Physical and Theoretical Chemist whose scholarly work focuses on adsorption phenomena, nano-adsorbents, industrial chemical risk, and the interface between surface chemistry and environmental pollution. He earned his PhD (2008-2015) on the adsorption of Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions from wastewater using clay and activated carbons derived from cocoa pod husk, examining the effect of natural organic matters; prior degrees include a Master’s in Physical and Theoretical Chemistry (2005-06) on acetic acid adsorption by activated carbons and zeolites, a Master’s in Chemistry, and a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from University of Yaoundé I. His career includes teaching and research in process engineering at the National Higher Polytechnic School, University of Douala. Prof. Melea has published papers in peer-reviewed journals (on adsorption isotherms, kinetics, effect of interfering substances, development of low-cost adsorbents etc.), and has supervised graduate students in these areas. His work has been recognized for its contribution to environmental cleanup technologies, and has potential applications in wastewater treatment in Cameroon and similar settings. In summary, Prof. Melea combines rigorous theoretical work with practical materials development, contributing both to academic chemistry and environmental engineering.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Simultaneous removal of methylene blue and nickel ions in aqueous solution using natural clay

Removal of methylene (MB) blue by African hazelnut shell modified by zero valent iron and silver bimetallic nanoparticles

Removal of methyl orange (MO) by chitosan modified by zero valent iron

Calcareous-support nanoscale Zero-valent iron: New findings on adsorption of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution

Adsorptive Removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions onto a Cameroonian natural clay

Adsorption of Eriochrome Black T (EBT) Onto Activated Carbons Obtained from Cola Anomala, Nut Shells by Chemical Activation with Phosphoric Acid (H3PO4)

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yasser Ebrahimian GHajari |Development and management of geoinformatics and geospatial technologies | Best Researcher Award | 4018

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yasser Ebrahimian GHajari |Development and management of geoinformatics and geospatial technologies | Best Researcher Award 

Babol Noshirvani University of Technology | Iran

Author Profile

Scopus 

Early Academic Pursuits

From the beginning of his academic journey, Yasser Ebrahimian Ghajari demonstrated exceptional intellectual ability and a strong commitment to the advancement of surveying and geomatics sciences. His early education in Surveying Engineering provided him with a solid technical foundation, which he refined further through advanced studies in Civil Engineering with a focus on GIS, and eventually through doctoral-level specialization in Surveying Engineering. Consistently excelling among his peers, he cultivated a reputation as a determined scholar capable of blending theory with practical applications. His academic trajectory was marked by groundbreaking research in spatial modeling, geoinformatics, and GIS-based applications, all of which established the groundwork for a future career of leadership, innovation, and scholarly contribution.

Professional Endeavors

Yasser’s professional career has been shaped by a balance of academic service, engineering practice, and leadership in national organizations. He has held faculty and leadership positions in universities, guiding academic programs in surveying and GIS while mentoring the next generation of engineers and researchers. Parallel to his academic career, he has actively contributed to Iran’s engineering ecosystem by serving as a board member, secretary, and chair of multiple commissions within the Mazandaran Province Engineering Organization. His consultancy and managerial roles in surveying, GIS, and technology projects have extended his influence into civil, environmental, and infrastructure sectors, where he has overseen the development of regional databases, geospatial solutions, and advanced GIS infrastructures. His professional journey demonstrates the rare combination of a visionary academic and a practitioner dedicated to real-world impact.

Contributions and Research Focus

A prolific researcher and project leader, Yasser has directed or supervised over seventy knowledge-based projects across Iran, addressing a wide range of fields including hydrology, urban development, disaster management, agriculture, remote sensing, and GNSS technologies. His contributions span the integration of UAV photogrammetry, artificial intelligence, and machine learning into geomatics applications, as well as the development of innovative GIS-based solutions for crisis management and environmental monitoring. Through his publications in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences, he has advanced the global discourse on geospatial sciences while simultaneously applying his expertise to solve national challenges. His focus on smart, AI-driven applications reflects a forward-looking vision that ensures geomatics technologies remain relevant in addressing emerging societal needs.

Accolades and Recognition

Yasser’s dedication and contributions have earned him numerous accolades and honors, reinforcing his stature as a leading figure in geomatics sciences. He has been repeatedly recognized as a top researcher within his faculty and university, acknowledged for bridging academia, industry, and societal needs. His translation of pivotal scientific works into Persian reflects his commitment to knowledge dissemination and capacity building within Iran. Beyond academic recognition, his role as a certified expert for the judiciary and as a member of influential councils such as the High Council of Mapping and the National Elite Foundation further highlight his credibility and leadership. Invitations as a keynote speaker, committee member, and reviewer for prestigious journals demonstrate that his expertise commands respect both nationally and internationally.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Yasser’s work is visible across multiple layers of society, from technological development to policy formulation. His leadership in drafting strategic roadmaps for national geomatics technologies and his involvement in committees for cadastre systems, disaster management, and spatial planning reflect a rare ability to translate technical knowledge into governance and national policy. His projects in urban planning, environmental monitoring, and natural disaster management have provided decision-makers with reliable geospatial tools to address pressing challenges. Furthermore, his mentorship of students, researchers, and professionals has cultivated a culture of innovation and excellence, thereby ensuring that his influence extends well beyond his personal achievements.

Legacy and Future Contributions

The legacy that Yasser continues to build is anchored in his ability to combine academic rigor, technological innovation, and leadership in professional organizations. His efforts have advanced geomatics as both a scientific discipline and a practical tool for national development. Looking ahead, he is poised to continue driving the integration of AI, cloud-based infrastructures, and smart applications into the future of geomatics. His ongoing contributions promise to further shape policies, strengthen national technological capacities, and inspire global collaborations. By bridging the gap between research and implementation, he leaves a lasting mark on both the academic community and the broader society, paving the way for sustainable growth and innovation.

Notable Publications

Title: Combining artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms to model nitrate contamination in groundwater

Authors: Vahid Gholami; Hossein Sahour; Mohammad Reza Khaleghi; Yasser Ebrahimian Ghajari; Soheil Sahour 
Journal: Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards 
Year: 2024

Conclusion

In summary, Yasser Ebrahimian Ghajari exemplifies the qualities of a distinguished scholar, visionary leader, and dedicated professional. From his early academic achievements to his extensive professional endeavors and impactful contributions, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to innovate, influence, and inspire. His recognitions and leadership roles underscore his authority in geomatics sciences, while his ongoing projects and vision for the future highlight his enduring commitment to progress. As he continues to expand his contributions, his legacy will serve as a benchmark for excellence in integrating science, technology, and leadership for societal advancement.