Xiaofeng Ding | Water Quality | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Xiaofeng Ding | Water Quality | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Student at Guangdong University of Technology | China

Mr. Xiaofeng Ding is a passionate and emerging researcher in the field of environmental engineering with a specialization in advanced computational approaches to address water quality challenges. His research bridges artificial intelligence with environmental sustainability, demonstrating a clear vision for solving critical ecological issues through innovative and data-driven methodologies.

Professional Profile 

Education Details

He is pursuing his Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering at the School of Ecological Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology. His academic foundation is complemented by strong technical expertise in computational modeling, programming, and data analytics, which he effectively applies to environmental problem-solving.

Professional Experience

Mr. Ding has gained valuable research experience by contributing to projects supported by regional and national science foundations, focusing on water quality modeling and prediction. His work includes the development of deep learning models with practical applications for river basin management and water quality monitoring. He has collaborated with senior researchers and contributed to publications in internationally recognized journals, highlighting his ability to integrate technical proficiency with real-world environmental applications.

Research Interests

His core research interests lie in water quality prediction, environmental engineering, hydrology, and the integration of machine learning and deep learning models into environmental studies. His recent work on hybrid deep learning models has demonstrated improved accuracy in forecasting water quality trends, providing a robust foundation for early-warning systems and sustainable water resource management.

Awards and Honors

Mr. Ding’s contributions to scientific research are reflected in his peer-reviewed publication in a leading international journal, where he presented a novel hybrid time-series prediction model. His involvement in research projects supported by major funding agencies further showcases the recognition of his potential as a promising young researcher in the field of environmental science and artificial intelligence applications.

Publications Top Noted

Time Series Prediction of Water Quality Based on NGO-CNN-GRU Model—A Case Study of Xijiang River, China.

Year: 2025

Conclusion

Mr. Xiaofeng Ding stands out as a highly motivated and innovative young researcher whose work at the intersection of environmental engineering and artificial intelligence contributes significantly to water quality management and sustainability. With his strong research foundation and demonstrated potential, he is a deserving candidate for consideration for the Best Researcher Award.

 

Kai song | Water Resource Transformation | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Kai Song | Water Resource Transformation | Young Scientist Award

Lecturer at Taiyuan University of Scicence and Technology | China

Dr. Kai Song is a dedicated and emerging researcher at Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, specializing in semiconductor optoelectronic materials, photocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalytic water splitting. With a strong foundation in nanomaterials and clean energy research, Dr. Song has significantly contributed to the development of innovative photoanodes and surface modification strategies to enhance solar-driven water purification and hydrogen production technologies. His research reflects deep scientific insight, consistent productivity, and growing international recognition.

Professional Profile 

Scopus

Google Scholar

Education Details

Dr. Kai Song holds a robust academic foundation in materials science and engineering, specializing in semiconductor optoelectronic materials. His formal education and training have been dedicated to advanced material synthesis, photocatalysis, and nanotechnology—establishing the groundwork for his contributions in photoelectrochemical systems and environmental remediation technologies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Song currently serves as a researcher and faculty member at Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, where he leads and participates in multiple national and institutional research projects. With hands-on roles in prominent NSFC-funded programs, he has actively contributed to the development of photoanodes, heterojunction structures, and nanomaterials for water splitting and pollutant degradation. His most recent leadership role is as Principal Investigator of a university-funded research project focused on band engineering for photoelectrocatalysis, demonstrating both scientific and managerial excellence.

Research Interests

Dr. Song’s research interests lie at the intersection of photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and environmental materials. His work centers around the synthesis and optimization of semiconductor nanomaterials, development of heterojunction systems, and innovation in in-situ cation exchange strategies for enhanced charge separation and surface reactivity. He aims to address critical challenges in solar water splitting, hydrogen production, and water pollutant degradation, aligning his research with sustainable energy and environmental goals.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Song has published over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles in top-tier international journals, with a total citation count of 1069, h-index of 19, and i10-index of 24, reflecting significant impact in his field. He has contributed as a lead author and co-author in journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Chem. Rev., and J. Mater. Chem. A. Though specific awards were not listed in the application, his active involvement in high-impact research projects and publishing record demonstrates a consistent trajectory of excellence and recognition in the scientific community.

Publications Top Noted

  1. In-situ surface reconstruction of BiVO₄/CuFe₂O₄ photoanode for efficient and robust solar water oxidation
    Chemical Engineering Journal, 2025.
    Citations: 5

  2. Surface Nd Sites Boost Charge Transfer of Fe₂O₃ Photoanodes for Enhanced Solar Water Oxidation
    ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2025.

  3. Atomic adsorption mechanism and initial growth of 2D GaN on graphene, h-BN and MoS₂: A first principles study
    Surfaces and Interfaces, 2025.

  4. Toward Efficient Utilization of Photogenerated Charge Carriers in Photoelectrochemical Systems: Engineering Strategies from the Atomic Level to Configuration
    Journal Name, 2025. (Assuming name is missing—please update)

Conclusion

Dr. Kai Song stands out as a young and dynamic researcher with a clear vision for scientific advancement in sustainable technologies. His interdisciplinary expertise in material science, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering is evident in his prolific publication record and participation in nationally funded projects. With strong academic credentials, growing leadership in independent research, and a commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovation, Dr. Song is a highly deserving candidate for the Young Scientist Award. His research not only contributes to academic advancement but also holds tangible promise for environmental sustainability and clean energy solutions.

 

 

Malik Muhammad Akhtar | Groundwater Hydrology | Groundwater Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar | Groundwater Hydrology | Groundwater Research Excellence Award

Associate Professor at BUITEMS, Pakistan

Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar is an accomplished hydrologist and environmental scientist with over 19 years of experience in groundwater research, hydrological modeling, and water resource management. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at BUITEMS in Quetta, Pakistan, he holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and a Postdoctoral fellowship in Hydraulic Engineering from China. His research spans critical areas such as groundwater flow modeling, aquifer vulnerability assessment, pollutant transport, and GIS-based identification of recharge zones, particularly in regions like Lahore and Quetta. Dr. Akhtar has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, holds an H-index of 17, and has led or contributed to 20 national and international research projects. He is actively involved in groundwater policy advisory as a technical expert in the Balochistan Water Task Force and serves as an Academic Editor for PLOS ONE. With a strong track record in research, academic leadership, international collaboration, and practical impact in groundwater science, Dr. Akhtar exemplifies the caliber of a candidate deserving of the Groundwater Research Excellence Award.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar has a robust academic background in environmental and water sciences. He earned his PhD in Environmental Engineering from the China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, under the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), where he conducted advanced research in hydrology and water resource management. Following this, he completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Hydraulic Engineering at the same institution, funded by the Hubei Provincial Government, focusing on hydrological modeling and groundwater systems. In addition, he is currently serving as a Guest Researcher at the Climate Change and Policies Research Center at Boğaziçi University, Turkey, under a research fellowship awarded by Türkiye Bursları. His academic qualifications are complemented by his designation as an HEC-approved PhD supervisor in Pakistan, reflecting his commitment to mentoring and research excellence.

Professional Experience

Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar brings extensive professional experience in academia, research, and consultancy within the fields of environmental science and water resource management. He currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at BUITEMS, Quetta, Pakistan, a position he has held since December 2021. He has also served in leadership roles, including Chairperson of the department, demonstrating his administrative and academic capabilities. His earlier roles include Assistant Professor at BUITEMS and Postdoctoral Researcher at the China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, where he focused on hydrological and groundwater modeling. Dr. Akhtar has also worked as a Research Officer at K-tron Research Incorporated in Islamabad. In addition to his academic roles, he is an active consultant for various international organizations such as the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Islamic Relief Pakistan, and Leads Pakistan. His work spans project management, scientific research, and policy advisory, making him a well-rounded professional in the environmental and water sciences sector.

Research Interest

Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar’s research interests lie at the intersection of hydrology, environmental engineering, and sustainable water resource management. He focuses extensively on groundwater modeling, aquifer vulnerability assessment, water budgeting, and pollutant transport analysis using tools such as MODFLOW, MT3D, and GIS-based DRASTIC models. His work also encompasses climate change vulnerability and adaptation strategies, drought and flood risk assessment, and the identification of groundwater recharge zones. Dr. Akhtar is particularly interested in the application of remote sensing and GIS technologies for natural resource management and has conducted significant research in complex hydrological settings such as the Indus Basin in Pakistan and river basins in China. His interdisciplinary approach aims to develop practical, science-based solutions to pressing water and environmental challenges, particularly in urban planning, land management, and water governance in arid and semi-arid regions.

Award and Honor

Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his academic excellence, research contributions, and professional service in the field of environmental science and water resources. He was awarded a prestigious PhD scholarship by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and later secured postdoctoral research fellowships along with provincial project funding from the Hubei Government in China. In 2023, he received a competitive research grant from Türkiye Bursları to serve as a Guest Researcher at Boğaziçi University, Turkey. His research excellence has also been acknowledged through multiple national research grants from organizations such as the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), and other national bodies. Dr. Akhtar is a recognized PhD supervisor approved by HEC and serves as an Academic Editor for the internationally reputed journal PLOS ONE. Additionally, he was appointed as a Technical Expert in the Balochistan Water Task Force, reflecting his significant contributions to regional water policy and governance.

Conclusion

Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar is a strong and well-rounded candidate for the Best Researcher Award.His sustained research productivity, international collaborations, high-impact journal publications, and relevance to critical environmental and water issues in South Asia and beyond make him highly deserving of recognition.

Publications Top Noted

1. Title: Geochemical evolution, geostatistical mapping and machine learning predictive modeling of groundwater fluoride: a case study of western Balochistan, Quetta
Authors: Durrani, Taimoor Shah; Akhtar, Malik Muhammad; Kakar, Kaleem Ullah; Habibullah, Habibullah; Khan, Changaiz
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

2.  Title: Spatio-temporal analysis of PM2.5 and its association with elevation by using remote sensing: the scenario of Quetta, Pakistan
Authors: Ehtasham, Laraib; Akhtar, Malik Muhammad; Tariq, Salman; Mian, Ishaq Ahmad
Year: 2025
Citations: 0