Amadou Abdourhamane Toure | Environmental Science | Excellence in Research

Mr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré| Environmental Science | Excellence in Research

Teacher-Researcher at Université Abdou Moumouni Niger

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré is an accomplished environmental geoscientist whose research focuses on soil degradation, wind erosion, and water quality in the Sahel region. With extensive academic and leadership experience at the University Abdou Moumouni, he has led over 20 interdisciplinary research projects, many of which involved international collaboration aimed at tackling climate-related challenges. His publication record includes peer-reviewed articles in respected journals such as Catena and British Journal of Applied Science & Technology. Beyond academia, Dr. Touré actively mentors graduate students and promotes scientific education at the secondary level. He also plays a leading role in long-term environmental monitoring programs and regional research networks. While increasing high-impact publications and global scientific engagement would further enhance his profile, his contributions to both science and society are already substantial. Dr. Touré’s proven leadership, dedication to sustainable development, and commitment to research excellence make him a strong candidate for the Excellence in Research.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré possesses a strong academic background rooted in environmental geosciences, with a specialization in soil degradation, wind erosion, and hydrology. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Geosciences, where his research focused on the dynamics of wind erosion and land degradation in the Sahel, contributing valuable insights into sustainable land management. His academic journey is marked by a strong integration of field-based research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and applied environmental science. As a university educator, he has supervised three doctoral theses and over thirty Master’s dissertations, demonstrating his dedication to training the next generation of scientists. Dr. Touré currently coordinates the Master’s program in Environmental Sciences at the Faculty of Science and Technology, University Abdou Moumouni in Niamey. His educational background, combined with his hands-on teaching and mentorship experience, highlights his commitment to both academic excellence and capacity building in environmental science across West Africa.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré has amassed extensive professional experience as a researcher, academic leader, and scientific coordinator in the field of environmental geosciences. He has served as Head of the Department of Geology and President of the Scientific Committee at the University Abdou Moumouni, where he played a pivotal role in academic development and research strategy. From 2017 to 2023, he held successive leadership roles including Deputy Head and Head of Department, and has coordinated the Master’s program in Environmental Sciences since 2018. He has also been actively involved in organizing major scientific events, such as chairing the first Faculty Science Days in 2023. In addition to academic duties, Dr. Touré is a Principal Investigator for long-term environmental monitoring programs and a collaborator on over 20 national and international research projects. His work bridges academia, research policy, and community impact, making him a key contributor to environmental resilience and sustainable development in the Sahel.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental geosciences, climate change, and sustainable natural resource management. His primary focus is on understanding and mitigating soil degradation, wind erosion, and land desertification in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly within the Sahel. He is also deeply engaged in surface water quality assessment, investigating both the biological and physico-chemical parameters to evaluate ecological health and public health risks. Dr. Touré’s interdisciplinary approach incorporates remote sensing, field-based monitoring, and hydrological modeling to explore the impacts of climate variability and land use change on ecosystems. His interest extends to resilience of agropastoral systems, aiming to strengthen communities’ adaptation to environmental stressors. With over two decades of experience, he has contributed to regional and international projects that address environmental challenges, making his research highly relevant to sustainable development, climate adaptation policies, and the conservation of fragile ecosystems in West Africa.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré has earned widespread recognition for his outstanding contributions to environmental research and academic leadership in the Sahel region. While specific named awards or honors are not detailed in his curriculum vitae, his repeated appointments to high-level roles—such as President of the Scientific Committee, Head of the Department of Geology, and Coordinator of the Master’s Program in Environmental Sciences—reflect the trust and esteem of the academic community. His selection as Principal Investigator for major international research initiatives, such as INDAAF and AMMA-CATCH, and his leadership in organizing scientific conferences highlight his stature in the field. Dr. Touré has also served as an evaluator for multiple scientific journals and academic committees, further underscoring his peer recognition. His impactful work across research, education, and capacity building positions him as a leading figure deserving of national and international honors in environmental science, sustainable development, and academic excellence.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that span fieldwork, data analysis, project coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He is highly skilled in environmental monitoring techniques, particularly in assessing wind erosion, soil degradation, and surface water quality using both field-based measurements and remote sensing tools. As Principal Investigator for long-term research stations such as INDAAF and AMMA-CATCH, he has developed strong expertise in managing large-scale environmental datasets and ensuring data integrity. Dr. Touré is proficient in designing and implementing multi-institutional research projects, having co-led more than 20 regional and international initiatives. He excels in formulating research proposals, securing funding, and managing research teams across academic and governmental institutions. His ability to integrate environmental science with climate resilience and sustainable development practices reflects his strategic and solution-oriented research mindset. Furthermore, his mentoring of graduate students showcases his strengths in academic supervision, research communication, and capacity building.

Conclusion💡

Dr. Amadou Abdourhamane Touré is a highly deserving candidate for the Excellence in Research due to his outstanding contributions to environmental geosciences, climate resilience, and sustainable land and water management in the Sahel region. His leadership in coordinating multi-institutional research projects, mentoring graduate students, and advancing scientific understanding of soil degradation and hydrological change demonstrates a deep commitment to both academic excellence and societal impact. Dr. Touré’s work directly supports the goals of sustainable development and climate adaptation, making tangible differences in vulnerable communities. With his strong foundation, international collaborations, and growing influence in policy-relevant science, he holds exceptional potential to lead future research initiatives and shape environmental resilience strategies across Africa and beyond.

Publications Top Noted✍️

  • Title: Performance of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) Mission for Monitoring Small Lakes in West Africa
    Authors: Félix Girard, Laurent Kergoat, Ibrahim Mainassara, Maxime Wubda, Edwige D. Nikièma, Amadou Abdourhamane Touré, Julien Renou, Maxime Vayre, Nicolas Taburet, Nicolas Picot, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Journal: IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing
    DOI: 10.1109/JSTARS.2025.3570859

  • Title: Wind Erosion Dynamics Associated With Land Use on Sandy Soils Under Heavy Anthropogenic Pressure (Southwestern Niger)
    Authors: Issoufou Ide, Amadou Abdourhamane Toure, Jean Louis Rajot, Béatrice Marticorena, Salifou Noma Adamou, Caroline Pierre, Bouba Hassane, Zibo Garba
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Land Degradation & Development
    DOI: 10.1002/ldr.70037

  • Title: Comparison of Methods to Derive the Height‐Area Relationship of Shallow Lakes in West Africa Using Remote Sensing
    Authors: F. Girard, L. Kergoat, H. Nikiema, M. Wubda, R. Yonaba, T. Fowé, A. Abdourhamane Touré, I. Mainassara, M. de Fleury, M. Grippa
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Water Resources Research
    DOI: 10.1029/2024WR037411

  • Title: Wind Erosion Dynamics Associated With Land Use on Sandy Soils Under Heavy Anthropogenic Pressure (Southwestern Niger)
    Authors: Issoufou IDE, Amadou Abdourhamane Touré, Jean-Louis Rajot, Noma Adamou Salifou, Bouba HASSANE
    Year: 2024 (Preprint)
    DOI: 10.22541/au.173533899.95869818/v1

  • Title: Potential for Wind Farming in West Africa from an Analysis of Daily Peak Wind Speeds and a Review of Low-Level Jet Dynamics
    Authors: Yanni Gunnell, Michel Mietton, Amadou Abdourhamane Touré, Kenji Fujiki
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2023.113836

 

Rui Liu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rui Liu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Member at China Institute of Geo-Environment Monitoring, China

Dr. Rui Liu, a hydrogeologist and environmental scientist, specializes in groundwater pollution prevention, water resources protection, and environmental geochemistry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering and a doctorate in Hydrogeology from the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan). His research explores organic carbon dynamics, ammonium transport, and the impact of clay aquitards on groundwater quality, with findings published in top-tier journals like Science of the Total Environment and Environmental Pollution. Dr. Liu has contributed to significant national projects on aquitard evolution and environmental geology in the Jianghan Plain. He is proficient in advanced analytical techniques and modeling tools and has presented his work internationally, notably at the Goldschmidt Conference in Spain. With strong technical expertise, a track record of impactful publications, and practical experience, Dr. Liu demonstrates a commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges and advancing sustainable water resource management.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Rui Liu has a distinguished educational background that forms the foundation of his expertise in hydrogeology and environmental geochemistry. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering in 2016 from the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), where he gained a strong grounding in hydrological processes and water resource management. Pursuing his passion for groundwater research, he embarked on a combined master’s and doctoral program in Hydrogeology at the same institution, earning his Ph.D. in 2021. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Liu focused on the geochemical interactions within aquitards and their environmental implications, producing high-impact research. He also enhanced his global perspective through participation in the Goldschmidt Conference in Spain, where he presented his findings to an international audience. This comprehensive education, combining technical skills, research excellence, and international exposure, has equipped Dr. Liu with the knowledge and capabilities to address complex environmental challenges.

Professional Experience

Dr. Rui Liu has a robust professional background in hydrogeology, with significant contributions to groundwater pollution prevention and water resources protection. His expertise encompasses advanced geochemical modeling, field investigations, and the use of high-precision analytical instruments like IC, GC, and TOC. Dr. Liu has played a pivotal role in national research projects, such as studying the water-rock interactions in aquitard evolution and environmental geological investigations in the Jianghan Plain. His work has produced practical insights into clay aquitard dynamics, organic carbon distribution, and ammonium transport, directly influencing sustainable water management strategies. Dr. Liu’s experience extends to developing and applying innovative online geochemical simulation devices, further showcasing his technical ingenuity. He has also presented his findings at esteemed forums like the Goldschmidt Conference in Spain, highlighting his ability to engage with the international research community. Dr. Liu’s professional journey exemplifies his dedication to addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Research Interest

Dr. Rui Liu’s research interests lie at the intersection of hydrogeology, environmental geochemistry, and groundwater management, with a particular focus on groundwater pollution prevention and sustainable water resource protection. His work delves into the complex dynamics of water-rock interactions, organic carbon cycling, and the geochemical processes within aquitards. Dr. Liu is particularly interested in understanding how aquitards influence groundwater quality, including the transfer and transformation of organic carbon and ammonium. His research also explores innovative approaches to mitigate groundwater contamination and improve resource sustainability. Dr. Liu integrates field investigations, advanced geochemical modeling, and state-of-the-art analytical techniques to address these challenges. His multidisciplinary approach has yielded insights into the environmental significance of clayey sediments and their role in aquifer systems. With a commitment to advancing the understanding of critical zone processes, Dr. Liu’s research contributes to developing effective solutions for global water resource challenges.

Award and Honor

Dr. Rui Liu has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to hydrogeology and environmental geochemistry through various accolades and honors. During his academic and professional journey, he was selected to present his pioneering research at the prestigious Goldschmidt Conference in Spain, a testament to the global significance of his work on aquitards and groundwater quality. His innovative studies on water-rock interactions and organic carbon dynamics have earned him recognition within the scientific community, with several publications in high-impact journals like Science of the Total Environment and Environmental Pollution. Dr. Liu has also played a vital role in nationally funded research projects, underscoring his expertise and leadership in the field. These accomplishments reflect not only his technical proficiency and academic excellence but also his commitment to addressing critical environmental issues, positioning him as a distinguished researcher in the domain of sustainable water resource management.

Conclusion

Rui Liu is a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award,” with exceptional academic credentials, significant scientific contributions, and expertise in hydrogeology and environmental geochemistry. His work addresses pressing environmental challenges, supported by high-quality publications and impactful research projects. Expanding his interdisciplinary and public engagement efforts could elevate his profile further.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Enrichment of geogenic ammonium in quaternary alluvial–lacustrine aquifer systems: evidence from carbon isotopes and DOM characteristics
    Authors: Y Du, Y Deng, T Ma, Y Xu, Y Tao, Y Huang, R Liu, Y Wang
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 102
  • Title: The effect of temperature and moisture on the source of N2O and contributions from ammonia oxidizers in an agricultural soil
    Authors: R Liu, HL Hayden, H Suter, H Hu, SK Lam, J He, PM Mele, D Chen
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 101
  • Title: Construction of a highly active secretory expression system via an engineered dual promoter and a highly efficient signal peptide in Bacillus subtilis
    Authors: C Guan, W Cui, J Cheng, R Liu, Z Liu, L Zhou, Z Zhou
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 101
  • Title: Nitrification is a primary driver of nitrous oxide production in laboratory microcosms from different land-use soils
    Authors: R Liu, H Hu, H Suter, HL Hayden, J He, P Mele, D Chen
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 85
  • Title: The effect of nitrification inhibitors in reducing nitrification and the ammonia oxidizer population in three contrasting soils
    Authors: R Liu, H Suter, J He, D Chen
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 82
  • Title: Influence of temperature and moisture on the relative contributions of heterotrophic and autotrophic nitrification to gross nitrification in an acid cropping soil
    Authors: R Liu, H Suter, J He, H Hayden, D Chen
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 64
  • Title: How nitrification-related N2O is associated with soil ammonia oxidizers in two contrasting soils in China?
    Authors: L Yang, G Zhu, X Ju, R Liu
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 39
  • Title: Co-incorporating leguminous green manure and rice straw drives the synergistic release of carbon and nitrogen, increases hydrolase activities, and changes the composition of microbial communities
    Authors: G Zhou, D Chang, S Gao, T Liang, R Liu, W Cao
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 34
  • Title: Effects of Fe oxides on organic carbon variation in the evolution of clayey aquitard and environmental significance
    Authors: R Liu, T Ma, W Qiu, Y Du, Y Liu
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 30
  • Title: Effects of the nitrification inhibitor acetylene on nitrous oxide emissions and ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms of different agricultural soils under laboratory incubation
    Authors: R Liu, HL Hayden, H Hu, J He, D Chen
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 30
  • Title: Effects of nitrification inhibitors on gross N nitrification rate, ammonia oxidizers, and N2O production under different temperatures in two pasture soils
    Authors: T Lan, H Suter, R Liu, S Yuan, D Chen
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 27
  • Title: Nitrate production is mainly heterotrophic in an acid dairy soil with high organic content in Australia
    Authors: R Liu, H Suter, H Hayden, J He, D Chen
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 27
  • Title: Distribution and hydrogeochemical behavior of arsenic enriched groundwater in the sedimentary aquifer comparison between Datong Basin (China) and Kushtia District (Bangladesh)
    Authors: ME Huq, C Su, S Fahad, J Li, MS Sarven, R Liu
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 25

Parvaneh Sobhani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Parvaneh Sobhani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

Dr. Parvaneh Sobhani is a postdoctoral researcher specializing in Environmental Science and Engineering, with a focus on land use and regional planning. She completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Environmental Engineering and Natural Resource Management at Hamadan University and the University of Alborz, respectively, earning top honors. Dr. Sobhani’s doctoral research at Shahid Beheshti University focused on evaluating the sustainability of ecotourism in protected areas of Tehran. She has contributed significantly to studies on environmental assessment, eco-tourism development, and the impact of climate change on tourism in conservation areas. With numerous publications in prestigious journals, her work explores ecological capacity, the environmental impacts of development, and strategies for sustainable tourism. In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Sobhani has extensive technical training in GIS, spatial decision-making, and environmental risk assessment. She is committed to advancing research on sustainable environmental management and conservation practices.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Parvaneh Sobhani has a strong educational background in Environmental Engineering and Natural Resource Management. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Hamadan University, where she graduated with top honors. Following this, she pursued her Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management at the University of Alborz, further developing her expertise in environmental science and land management. Dr. Sobhani then completed her Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering at Shahid Beheshti University, where she focused on the sustainability of ecotourism in protected areas of Tehran. Her doctoral research combined environmental assessment, land use planning, and conservation strategies, contributing to the development of sustainable tourism practices in ecological sites. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Sobhani has also gained significant experience in GIS, spatial decision-making, and environmental risk management, which have become key components of her research and academic career.

Professional Experience

Dr. Parvaneh Sobhani has extensive professional experience in the fields of environmental engineering, natural resource management, and sustainability. She has worked as an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at several prestigious universities, where she has taught and mentored students in subjects related to environmental science, land management, and ecological conservation. Dr. Sobhani has also been actively involved in research, focusing on environmental sustainability, ecotourism, and the management of protected areas. Her expertise includes using GIS and spatial analysis tools for environmental assessment and land use planning. She has contributed to multiple projects in collaboration with government agencies and international organizations, providing consultancy on sustainable land management, environmental risk assessment, and the implementation of conservation policies. Additionally, Dr. Sobhani has authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, further solidifying her role as a thought leader in her field. Her professional experience also includes organizing environmental workshops and conferences.

Research Interest

Dr. Parvaneh Sobhani’s research interests are centered around environmental sustainability, natural resource management, and the integration of ecotourism with conservation practices. She focuses on developing innovative strategies for the sustainable use of natural resources, particularly in protected areas and sensitive ecosystems. Her work emphasizes the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis to environmental assessment and land use planning, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Dr. Sobhani also explores the role of community engagement in environmental governance, studying how local populations can be involved in conservation efforts while benefiting from sustainable development. She has a keen interest in the ecological impacts of tourism and how ecotourism can be leveraged as a tool for both conservation and economic development. Additionally, her research touches on climate change mitigation, with a focus on the restoration of degraded ecosystems and the development of resilient environmental policies.

Award and Honor

Dr. Parvaneh Sobhani has received several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability and research. She was awarded the Environmental Leadership Award for her innovative approaches to integrating conservation practices with community development, particularly in protected areas. Dr. Sobhani’s research has also earned her recognition in the form of research excellence awards, acknowledging her significant contributions to sustainable resource management and the application of GIS in environmental assessment. Her leadership in promoting ecotourism as a tool for conservation has garnered national recognition, with her receiving an Ecotourism Excellence Award. She has been invited to serve on various advisory boards and research panels, reflecting her expertise in the fields of environmental science and sustainability. Dr. Sobhani’s commitment to addressing climate change through practical and community-centered solutions has earned her accolades from environmental organizations and academic institutions around the world.

Conclusion

Parvaneh Sobhani Pajooh is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award based on her exceptional academic qualifications, a substantial body of research, and significant contributions to environmental science and sustainable development. Her work is critical in addressing the environmental challenges of our time, especially in the context of ecotourism and climate change adaptation. While there are areas for potential growth, her foundational work and continued contributions position her as a leading researcher in her field.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Estimation of ecotourism carrying capacity for sustainable development of protected areas in Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, SMM Sadeghi, MV Marcu
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 46
  • Title: Simulation and impact assessment of future land use and land cover changes in two protected areas in Tehran, Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, H Mostafavi
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 41
  • Title: Habitat integrity in protected areas threatened by LULC changes and fragmentation: A case study in Tehran province, Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, S Barghjelveh, SMM Sadeghi, MV Marcu
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 39
  • Title: Evaluating the ecological security of ecotourism in protected area based on the DPSIR model
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, ID Wolf, A Deljouei, MV Marcu
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 30
  • Title: Evaluating ecotourism sustainability indicators for protected areas in Tehran, Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, SMM Sadeghi, MV Marcu, ID Wolf
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 28
  • Title: Relationship analysis of local community participation in sustainable ecotourism development in protected areas, Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, SMM Sadeghi, ID Wolf, A Deljouei
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 26
  • Title: Assessing changes in land use/land cover and ecological risk to conserve protected areas in urban–rural contexts
    Authors: ID Wolf, P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 15
  • Title: Assessment of the ecological footprint associated with consumption resources and urbanization development in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran
    Authors: A Mir, P Sobhani, R Sayahnia
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 14
  • Title: Strategies to Manage Ecotourism Sustainably: Insights from a SWOT-ANP Analysis and IUCN Guidelines
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, ID Wolf, MV Marcu, M Lück, SMM Sadeghi
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 11
  • Title: Natural features and management areas of Khamir and Gheshm mangrove forests
    Authors: P Sobhani, A Danehkar
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 10
  • Title: Investigating tourism climate conditions in Iran’s mangrove forests using Tourism Comfort Climate Index (TCI) and Holiday Climate Index (HCI)
    Authors: P Sobhani, A Danehkar
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 10
  • Title: Assessing spatial and temporal changes of natural capital in a typical semi-arid protected area based on an ecological footprint model
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, SMM Sadeghi, ID Wolf, Y Esmaeilzadeh
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 10
  • Title: Evaluation of Promoting Conservation Hunting Areas (Case Study: Hamedan Alvand No-Hunting Area)
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Goshtasb, B Nezami, A Jahani
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 8
  • Title: Land potential for ecotourism development and assessing landscape ecology in areas on protection of Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, SMM Sadeghi, ID Wolf
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 7
  • Title: Tracing the Impact Pathways of COVID-19 on Tourism and Developing Strategies for Resilience and Adaptation in Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Veisi, H Esmaeilzadeh, SMM Sadeghi, MV Marcu, ID Wolf
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 7