Viswanadha Srirama Rajasekhar Pullabhotla | Catalysis | Research Excellence Award

 

Prof. Viswanadha Srirama Rajasekhar Pullabhotla | Catalysis | Research Excellence Award

University of Zululand | South Africa

Professor V.S.R. Rajasekhar Pullabhotla is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Zululand with extensive academic, industrial, and research experience. Trained in chemistry and chemical sciences, he has worked across chemical industries, national research organizations, and higher education institutions. He leads the Catalysis Research Group at UNIZULU, with research interests spanning heterogeneous catalysis, advanced oxidation processes, wastewater treatment, bioflocculation, and nanomaterials. He has authored over 121 peer-reviewed publications, eight monographs, and holds two registered patents. Recognized as an NRF-rated C2 scientist, his work significantly advances sustainable chemistry and environmental remediation.

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Featured Publications

Jinjian Ding | Emerging Contaminants |Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jinjian Ding | Emerging Contaminants | Research Excellence Award

Zhejiang Shuren University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jinjian Ding is an Associate Researcher at the Institute of Interdisciplinary Sciences, Zhejiang Shuren University, with a strong academic background in environmental science and interdisciplinary research. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Zhejiang University (2011–2016) after completing his B.Sc. in Environmental Science at Zhejiang University of Technology (2007–2011). Following his doctoral studies, he carried out postdoctoral research at the Taizhou Institute of Zhejiang University (2016–2019), where he was actively involved in energy and environmental engineering research. His professional career includes roles as Assistant Researcher at the Taizhou Institute of Zhejiang University, Lecturer at the College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, and Associate Researcher at the same institution before joining Zhejiang Shuren University in 2023. His research interests broadly focus on environmental science, energy and environmental engineering, quality and safety engineering, pollution control, and interdisciplinary environmental applications. Dr. Ding has contributed to multiple research projects, published scholarly works, and participated in academic collaborations, earning recognition through research grants and institutional awards. Through his teaching, research, and interdisciplinary engagement, he continues to advance sustainable environmental solutions and contribute meaningfully to higher education and scientific innovation.

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Noel Isack Kaaya | Geochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Noel Isack Kaaya | Geochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, Tanzania

Mr. Noel Isack Kaaya is an accomplished chemist and researcher with extensive expertise in hazardous chemical management, environmental monitoring, and analytical toxicology. He holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Dodoma and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam, which laid the foundation for his strong scientific and analytical capabilities. With over a decade of professional experience at the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, he has played a key role in conducting laboratory analyses related to environmental pollution, occupational safety, health risk assessment, and the detection of illicit substances. His research interests span acid mine drainage, soil contamination, geogenic pollutants, carcinogenic risk assessment, and the application of advanced analytical techniques to address environmental and public health challenges. He has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and has been recognized for his commitment to scientific integrity and service to environmental protection. Driven by a passion for improving chemical safety and promoting evidence-based environmental management, he continues to advance his expertise through research, collaboration, and capacity building. His career reflects dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to safeguarding communities through scientific excellence.

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Featured Publications

Kaaya, N.I., Vegi, M.R., & Macheyeki, A.S. (2026). “Acid mine drainage, soil pollution, and carcinogenic risk of geogenic contaminants in artisanal and small-scale gold mining areas of Geita, Tanzania.” Environmental Geochemistry and Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-025-02909-8

Kaaya, N.I., Vegi, M.R., & Macheyeki, A.S. (2025). “Graphene-based adsorbents for selective recovery of rare earth elements from mining wastes: A review.” FlatChem. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flatc.2025.100954

Kaaya, N.I., Vegi, M.R., & Macheyeki, A.S. (2025). “Health risks of geogenic contaminants in gold mining areas in Geita, Tanzania.” Journal of Trace Elements and Minerals. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100222

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Metwally | Environmental Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Metwally | Environmental Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Metwally | National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries | Egypt

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Metwally is an accomplished researcher in marine environmental science with strong expertise in pollution studies, water treatment, biodiversity, and ecological assessment. He holds a BSc and PhD in Science from Mansoura University and an MSc from Alexandria University, complemented by advanced international training through the GAME program at IFM-Geomar in Germany, a UNESCO-IHE course in the Netherlands, a research fellowship at the University of Pavia in Italy, and a postdoctoral research grant at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the USA. Since 2008, he has contributed significantly to the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, where he has developed extensive experience in environmental monitoring, emergent contaminants, aquatic ecosystem health, and advanced laboratory techniques. His work bridges applied research and environmental protection, focusing on improving water quality, understanding pollution pathways, and promoting sustainable marine resource management. Throughout his career, he has been recognized through competitive fellowships and international research opportunities that highlight his scientific impact. With a commitment to advancing marine environmental science, Dr. El-Metwally continues to contribute knowledge that supports conservation efforts, ecological sustainability, and innovative solutions to modern environmental challenges.

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Featured Publications

Sallam, A., El-Metwally, M., Sabry, M.A., & Elsbaey, M. (2021). Cladamide: a new ceramide from the endophytic fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides. Natural Product Research.

El-Metwally, M.E.A., Darwish, D.H., & Dar, M.A. (2021). Spatial distribution and contamination assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of Lake Burullus, Egypt. Arabian Journal of Geosciences.

El-Sayed, W.M.M., Elshaer, M.M., Ibrahim, H.A.H., & El-Metwally, M.E.A. (2020). Antimicrobial agents from sea urchin (Diadema setosum) collected from the Red Sea, Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.

El-Metwally, M.E.A., Othman, A.I., & El-Moselhy, K.M. (2019). Distribution and assessment of heavy metals in the coastal area of the Red Sea, Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.

Elsbaey, M., Sallam, A., El-Metwally, M., Nagata, M., Tanaka, C., Shimizu, K., & Miyamoto, T. (2019). Melanogenesis inhibitors from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus amstelodami. Chemistry & Biodiversity.

Al Prol, A.E., El-Metwally, M.E.A., & Amer, A. (2019). Sargassum latifolium as eco-friendly materials for treatment of toxic nickel (II) and lead (II) ions from aqueous solution. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.

Mahmoud, M.A.M., Dar, M.A., Hussein, H.N.M., El-Metwally, M.E.A., Maaty, M.M., Omar, M.Y., Seraj, M.R., & Mohammed, T.A.A. (2019). Survivorship and growth rates for some transplanted coral reef-building species and their potential for coral reef rehabilitation in the Red Sea. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.