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.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

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

Dr. Abel Tankoano | Food Chemistry | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Abel Tankoano | Food Chemistry | Best Academic Researcher Award

CNRST/IRSAT | Burkina Faso

Dr. Abel Tankoano is a dedicated biochemist and food technology researcher known for his expertise in food safety, microbial biotechnology, and analytical biochemistry. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry–Microbiology/Food Technology, supported by a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Microbial and Cellular Biotechnology, a Master’s degree in Biochemistry–Microbiology with Applied Microbiology, and earlier foundational studies in biochemistry and microbiology. His professional journey includes significant teaching and research contributions at Université Ouaga I Pr Joseph Ki-Zerbo, where he served as a temporary teaching and research assistant and later as a biochemistry laboratory instructor. Since joining the Department of Food Technology at IRSAT/CNRST in 2019, he has specialized in advanced analytical techniques, including UHPLC for aflatoxin quantification, atomic absorption spectrophotometry for mineral and heavy-metal detection, and HPLC for amino acid profiling. His routine involvement in assessing microbiological and physicochemical quality of foodstuffs reflects his commitment to public health and food security. His research interests span food contaminants, microbial safety, bioprocesses, and nutritional quality assessment. Recognized for his impactful contributions to food science research, he continues to advance innovations that support safer and higher-quality food systems. Overall, Dr. Tankoano’s work exemplifies scientific rigor, practical relevance, and long-term dedication to food technology research.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Bamogo, W. M., Kabré, W. J. d’A., Tankoano, A., Traoré, M. A. E., Banhoro, O., Parkouda, C., & Savadogo, A. (2025). “Valorization of mango by-products: fortification of mugudugu using mango peel and kernels.” Food, Nutrition and Health.

Ouedraogo, O., Kabore, K., Tankoano, A., Bayili, G. R., Belem, A. M. G., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2025). “Incorporation of local ingredients (Soumbala, Moringa, Roucou) in the formulation of nitrite-free cooked sausages: an alternative for healthy nutrition.” Journal of Applied Life Sciences International.

Tankoano, A., Somda, N. S., Guira, F., Pare, A., Zeynab, T. R., Ouedraogo, B. T., Safi, A., Kabore, D., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2025). “Hygiene practices and microbial contamination of liquid Gapal sold in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.” Biotechnology Journal International.

Tankoano, A., Kabore, K., Coulibaly-Diakité, M., Somda, N. S., Somé, K. I., Rouamba, A., Kabore, D., Savadogo, A., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2025). “Nutritious raw Soumbala seasoning: an alternative for its valorization and acceptability.” Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology.

Tankoano, A., Kabore, K., Samandoulougou-Kafando, P. M. J., Some, K. I., Coulibaly-Diakité, M., Kabore, D., Savadogo, A., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2024). “Characterization of spice ingredients and raw Soumbala for the formulation of a highly nutritious seasoning.” Cogent Food & Agriculture.

Somda, N. S., Tankoano, A., Metuor-Dabire, A., Kabore, D., Bonkoungou, J. O. I., Kpoda, D. S., Sambe-Ba, B., Dabire, Y., Saba, C. K. S., & Ouoba, I. L. et al. (2023). “A systematic review and meta-analysis of antibiotic resistance of foodborne pathogenic bacteria in West Africa between 2010 and 2020.” Journal of Food Protection.

Bayili, G. R., Coulibaly-Diakite, M., Tankoano, A., Kere-Kando, C., Kabore, T. J., Konfe-Kanwe, M. E. M. P., Rouamba, A., Parkouda, C., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2023). “Physico-chemical, microbiological, and sensorial characteristics of grains, malt, wort, and beer from FKR 19 and FKR 62 N rice varieties grown in Burkina Faso.” Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists.