Ricardo Amils | Manglares | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Ricardo Amils | Manglares | Best Researcher Award

Professor Emeritus of Microbiology | Autonomous University of Madrid | Spain

Prof Dr. Ricardo Amils is a renowned microbiologist and emeritus professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. He has dedicated over five decades to research in geomicrobiology, microbial ecology, and extreme environments, gaining international recognition for his work on Río Tinto, an astrobiologically significant environment. His leadership in astrobiology and interdisciplinary research has made him a key figure in exploring the microbiology of extreme environments.

Profile 👤

Orcid

Strengths for the Award 🏆

Amils has a solid academic foundation, having earned his degrees in Chemistry and a PhD in Science. His educational background from prestigious institutions adds credibility to his profile.

With over 385 publications in peer-reviewed journals and a total citation count exceeding 9,000 in Scopus, his contributions to scientific literature are substantial.

His high h-index (49 in Scopus, 58 in ResearchGate) reflects his influence in the field, indicating that many of his works are frequently cited by other researchers.

He has a rich history of research in geomicrobiology, microbial ecology, and extreme environments. His work on Río Tinto and its astrobiological significance demonstrates innovative applications of microbial studies to broader scientific questions, including potential life on Mars.

As an Emeritus Professor, he has supervised 12 PhD theses in the last decade, fostering the next generation of scientists. His involvement in various research projects further showcases his leadership capabilities.

He has received notable awards, including a NASA Group Achievement Award for his collaboration in Mars research, underscoring his contributions to space exploration and astrobiology.

His participation in significant projects like the Mars Express Mission and various European Space Agency committees highlights his international recognition and collaboration in high-profile scientific endeavors.

Education 🎓

Degree in Chemistry from Universidad de Barcelona (1969)

PhD in Science from Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (1973)

His academic foundation in chemistry and microbiology laid the groundwork for his career, which took him to esteemed institutions like Dartmouth Medical School and Columbia University for postdoctoral research in biochemistry.

Experience 🧬

Ricardo’s career includes significant contributions as a research associate in the USA, a permanent scientist at CSIC, and a professor of microbiology at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. He has served as the director of the Molecular Biology Department and co-founded the Astrobiology Center (INTA-CSIC), where he led groundbreaking projects on astrobiology, exploring Earth’s extreme environments as analogs for Mars.

Research Interests 🔬

Ricardo’s research focuses on geomicrobiology, extreme environments, and molecular ecology. He has explored microbial life in extreme acidic conditions, particularly in the Río Tinto basin, and studied its potential as an analog for Martian environments. His work advances our understanding of life in extreme conditions, contributing significantly to the fields of astrobiology and microbial ecology.

Awards 🏆

  • NASA Group Achievement Award (2006) for his work on the Mars Analog Research and Technology Experiment.
  • Torre de Nerva Award (2007) for his contributions to understanding the geomicrobiology of the Tinto basin. These prestigious awards highlight Ricardo’s outstanding contributions to space research and Earth’s extreme environments.

Publications 📚

Halotolerant Endophytic Bacteria Priestia flexa 7BS3110 with Hg2+ Tolerance Isolated from Avicennia germinans in a Caribbean Mangrove from Colombia

    • Authors: Zamira E. Soto-Varela, Christian J. Orozco-Sánchez, Hernando José Bolívar-Anillo, José M. Martínez, Nuria Rodríguez, Natalia Consuegra-Padilla, Alfredo Robledo-Meza, Ricardo Amils
    • Year: 2024
    • DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12091857

Draft genome sequence of the deep-subsurface Ciceribacter sp. strain T2.26MG-112.2, a second Rhizobiaceae isolated from the Iberian Pyrite Belt at 492.6 mbs

    • Authors: José M. Martínez, R. García, T. Leandro, R. Amils, Julia A. Maresca
    • Year: 2024
    • DOI: 10.1128/mra.00502-23

Association of Acidotolerant Cyanobacteria to Microbial Mats below pH 1 in Acidic Mineral Precipitates in Río Tinto River in Spain

    • Authors: Felipe Gómez, Nuria Rodriguez, José Antonio Rodríguez-Manfredi, Cristina Escudero, Ignacio Carrasco-Ropero, Jose M. Martinez, Marco Ferrari, Simone De Angelis, Alessandro Frigeri, Maite Fernández-Sampedro, et al.
    • Year: 2024
    • DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040829

Geochemical and Limnological Characterization of the Corta Atalaya Pit Lake (Riotinto Mines, Spain)

    • Authors: Esther Santofimia, Blanca Rincón-Tomás, Enrique López-Pamo, Francisco Javier González, Ricardo Amils
    • Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.3390/materproc2023015066

Harnessing Symbiotic Mixotrophic Microalgal–Bacterial Biofilms for N and P Elimination

    • Authors: Mahshid Sedghi, John Fagan, Soheil Sedghi, Frithjof C. Küpper, Ricardo Amils
    • Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.3390/phycology3040031

Biodegradation of Choline NTF2 by Pantoea agglomerans in Different Osmolarity. Characterization and Environmental Implications of the Produced Exopolysaccharide

    • Authors: Concepción Abrusci, Ricardo Amils, Enrique Sánchez-León
    • Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.3390/polym15193974

Dark Fermentation in the Dark Biosphere: The Case of Citrobacter sp. T1.2D-12

    • Authors: Violeta Gallego-Rodríguez, Adrián Martínez-Bonilla, Nuria Rodríguez, Ricardo Amils
    • Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.3390/fermentation9100887

Vitamin B12 Auxotrophy in Isolates from the Deep Subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt

    • Authors: Guillermo Mateos, Adrián Martínez-Bonilla, José M. Martínez, Ricardo Amils
    • Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.3390/genes14071339

Rio Tinto as a niche for acidophilus enzymes of industrial relevance

    • Authors: Abdelali Daddaoua, Consolación Álvarez, Monika Oggerin, Nuria Rodriguez, Estrella Duque, Ricardo Amils, Jean Armengaud, Ana Segura, Juan Luis Ramos
    • Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14192

Conclusion 🔍

Ricardo Amils is a highly qualified candidate for the “Best Researcher Award“. His extensive research background, significant contributions to scientific literature, and leadership in academia reflect a profound commitment to advancing knowledge in microbiology and astrobiology. While there are areas for potential improvement, particularly in interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement, his track record of impactful research and mentorship positions him as a leading figure in his field. Thus, he is well-deserving of the recognition that the award represents.

Boyu Liao | Marine Pollution | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Boyu Liao | Marine Pollution | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | Dalian Maritime University | China

Boyu Liao (Simon) is a highly accomplished legal scholar with expertise in international law. He holds a Ph.D. in International Law from Wuhan University and has studied both law and languages, focusing on international relations and legal frameworks. Simon’s academic journey includes experience as an exchange student in France, which enriched his language skills and international perspective. With extensive experience in legal research, contract drafting, and arbitration, Simon is dedicated to advancing his career in law, particularly in areas such as civil law, data protection, and international sanctions.

Profile 🌍

Scopus

Strengths for the Award 🏆

Boyu Liao holds a Ph.D. in International Law from Wuhan University, one of China’s prestigious universities. His education also includes an LL.M. from the China Foreign Affairs University, highlighting a specialization in international legal frameworks.

His published papers cover significant areas like tort law, GDPR, and EU economic sanctions, showcasing expertise in international law and human rights protection. His PhD thesis on “Legal Issues of U.S. Secondary Sanctions” is timely and relevant, given current global sanctions regimes.

Boyu has been recognized multiple times for his academic excellence, winning prestigious scholarships such as the First Prize Scholarship from CFAU and the Zhang Wenjin Scholarship. This demonstrates his exceptional research capabilities and commitment.

His experience as a paralegal at reputable law firms like King & Wood, and an assistant to a judge at the Supreme People’s Court of China, shows his practical engagement with the legal field, especially in civil, contract, and international private law.

His time as an exchange student in France, fluency in French and English, and certification of B1 French proficiency, suggest he has strong cross-cultural competence, which is valuable in global legal research.

Education 🎓

Simon earned his Ph.D. in International Law from Wuhan University (2017-2020), where his research focused on legal issues like U.S. secondary sanctions. He completed his LL.M. in International Law at China Foreign Affairs University (2015-2017), and he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law (L.L.B.) from Wuhan University (2009-2013). During his undergraduate studies, he also pursued a minor in French at WTO Studies School and spent a year as an exchange student at Université de Lille 2 Droit et Santé in France. His global academic background has equipped him with a rich understanding of both legal systems and languages.

Experience 💼

Simon has gathered a wealth of practical legal experience. He worked as a paralegal at Tiantong Law Firm (2018) and King & Wood Law Firm (2016), focusing on civil law, contract law, and international private law. He also served as a judge assistant at the Supreme People’s Court of China (2017), where he conducted legal research and contributed to trial preparation. His hands-on experience in various legal settings has honed his expertise in contract drafting, legal consultation, and arbitration.

Research Interests 📖

Simon’s research interests lie primarily in international law, civil law, and data protection. He has explored complex legal topics such as contributory negligence, the protection of data subject rights under GDPR, and the legal implications of EU economic sanctions. His work reflects a commitment to understanding and analyzing global legal frameworks, especially in areas that intersect with international relations and economic policies.

Awards🎖️

Simon has been recognized for his academic and legal achievements through several prestigious awards. He received the First Prize Scholarship at China Foreign Affairs University (2015-2017), the Zhang Wenjin Scholarship (2016), and the Third Prize in the Fourth BAC National University Commercial Arbitration Essay Contest (2016). These accolades highlight his dedication to legal scholarship and his potential as a future leader in the legal field.

Publications 📚

Impact of the amended Chinese Marine Environmental Protection Law on the law enforcement action of the Coast Guard — With a focus on the discharge of ballast water after Japan’s releasing of nuclear wastewater into the sea

    • Author(s): Liao, B.
    • Publication Year: 2025

The impact of the monetary gold principle on the determination of jurisdiction in the mixed maritime disputes

    • Author(s): Liao, B., Chang, Y.-C., Khan, M.I.
    • Publication Year: 2023

Conclusion 🌟

Boyu Liao has a solid foundation for the “Best Researcher Award“, with significant strengths in legal research, academic achievements, and international exposure. His expertise in international law and practical legal experience make him a strong candidate. However, improving his language skills and broadening his research scope could enhance his profile further. Based on the provided information, Boyu Liao is a suitable candidate, though addressing the areas for improvement will further solidify his candidacy for such awards.

Zacharie SOHOU | Marine Ecosystem Services Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Zacharie SOHOU | Marine Ecosystem Services Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

Biologist Oceanographer | Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin (IRHOB) & University of Abomey-Calavi | Benin

Strengths for the Award 🌟

Professor Zacharie Sohou is a distinguished oceanographer and fisheries expert with over three decades of dedicated research and leadership in marine and coastal management. His prolific career includes directing the Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin (IRHOB) and serving as the National Coordinator for multiple pivotal marine biodiversity initiatives across Africa. His expertise spans from the sustainable management of demersal fish stocks in the South Atlantic to championing marine mammal research. With a robust portfolio of over 15 influential publications, including studies on shrimp population dynamics and climate resilience in fisheries, Professor Sohou is a leader in the field who bridges the gap between scientific research and practical marine conservation. His extensive participation in international forums, including the United Nations Conferences on the Oceans and FAO’s fisheries assessments, underscores his global influence and commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges. His multilingual proficiency and command of advanced data analysis tools further amplify his impact, making him a highly deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” 🌍📊🐟

Short Bio 📜

Professor Zacharie Sohou is a distinguished Beninese oceanographer and fisheries expert, currently serving as the Director of the Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin (IRHOB) under the Centre Béninois de la Recherche Scientifique et de l’Innovation (CBRSI). With a career dedicated to marine biodiversity, fisheries management, and oceanographic research, he is a Senior Lecturer at the Zoology Department of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Abomey-Calavi University. Professor Sohou plays a pivotal role in numerous international marine initiatives, including his contributions as the National Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Focal Point for the Marine Biodiversity Convention, Vice-Chair for IOCAFRICA, and National Coordinator for several key marine conservation projects.

Profile 👤

Orcid

Education 🎓

Professor Sohou’s academic journey began with an Engineer – Master of Science degree in Industrial Fisheries from the Technic Institute of Fisheries in Astrakhan, Russia, in 1989. He further advanced his expertise with a certification in Statistics Applied to Fisheries (Biostatistics) from the University of Moncton and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Canada in 1995. In 2010, he earned his Ph.D. in Oceanography-Fisheries from the Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) in Moscow, Russia, solidifying his expertise in marine sciences.

Experience 💼

Throughout his career, Professor Sohou has held various prominent roles in marine and coastal management. As Director of IRHOB, he oversees research and innovation in marine and fisheries sciences in Benin. He is actively involved in international marine biodiversity conventions and regional working groups, such as his role as Chairman of the Demersal Resources Regional Working Group South Atlantic CECAF/FAO. He has served as a consultant and expert on numerous projects, including the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGPE), regional fish stock assessments, and oceanographic data management initiatives.

Research Interest 🔍

Professor Sohou’s research interests span marine biodiversity, fisheries management, and the sustainable use of coastal and oceanic resources. He is deeply involved in the study of marine litter distribution, the impact of climate change on fisheries, and the dynamics of marine ecosystems. His work often focuses on practical applications that improve fisheries management and conservation efforts in West Africa, including the study of shrimp populations, fish stock assessments, and the environmental factors influencing marine biodiversity.

Awards 🏆

Professor Sohou’s dedication to marine sciences and fisheries management has earned him recognition and nominations in various international forums. His contributions to marine conservation and sustainable management of marine resources have been acknowledged through nominations for awards such as the Digital D4D Award by the Royal Museum of Central Africa.

Publications 📚

“Growth and reproduction of the shrimp population in a lagoon system in southern Benin (West Africa).” DOI: 10.1163/15685403-bja10354 — This study explores the reproductive patterns of shrimp species in Benin, contributing to sustainable fisheries management.

“Distribution model of shrimp species in Lake Nokoué, southern Benin, West Africa.” DOI: 10.1163/15685403-bja10304 — This publication models the habitat preferences of shrimp, aiding in conservation efforts.

“Addressing data gaps in marine litter distribution: Citizen science observation of plastics in coastal ecosystems by high-school students.” DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1126895 — A study highlighting the role of citizen science in monitoring marine litter.

“First record of Polymixia nobilis Lowe, 1836 in Benin continental shelf (Gulf of Guinea).” DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7311177 — This research identifies a new species on the Benin continental shelf, expanding the region’s known biodiversity.

“Characterization of a West African Coastal Lagoon System: Case of Lake Nokoué with Its Inlet (Cotonou, South Benin).” DOI: 10.3390/ecologies3040033 — This paper characterizes the physical and ecological properties of a critical lagoon system.

“Prediction of the distribution of shrimp species found in southern Benin through the Lake Nokoué-Ocean complex.” DOI: 10.37722/JAMBE.2022201 — A predictive model of shrimp species distribution that assists in resource management strategies.

📌 Conclusion

Professor Zacharie Sohou’s extensive experience, impactful research, and leadership in marine and fisheries science have positioned him as a key figure in the sustainable management of marine resources in West Africa. His contributions to international marine biodiversity initiatives and his dedication to educating the next generation of scientists continue to inspire advancements in oceanography and fisheries management.