Aida Bani | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Aida Bani | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Dr, Agricultural University of Tirana,  Albania

Aida Bani is a distinguished agro-environmental expert and professor at the Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania. With over three decades of experience, she has made significant contributions to environmental science, particularly in soil remediation and sustainable land management. She holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences from INPL/INRA, France, and a Doctor of Agricultural Sciences from the Agricultural University of Tirana. Aida’s research focuses on the phytoextraction of heavy metals from contaminated soils, and her teaching encompasses areas like landscape management, GIS technology, and waste treatment. In addition to her academic achievements, Aida has undergone specialized training at institutions such as Mississippi State University and UNESCO-IHE. Her work has been recognized through various certifications, including Environmental Specialist. With her extensive expertise, international research experience, and commitment to sustainable environmental practices, Aida Bani stands out as

Profile:

Education

Aida Bani holds an impressive academic background with a focus on environmental and agricultural sciences. She earned a PhD in Environmental Sciences in 2009 from INPL/INRA in Nancy, France, specializing in the phytoextraction of nickel from ultramafic soils. Additionally, she holds a Doctorate in Agricultural Sciences, awarded in 2006 from the Agricultural University of Tirana, where she explored the intersection of agriculture and environmental sustainability. Aida also completed a Master of Science in Agriculture and Environment from the Agricultural University of Tirana in 2003. Her foundational education includes a degree in Agronomy, completed in 1989, and studies in Biochemistry and Teaching at Aleksander Xhuvani University. Further enhancing her expertise, she has completed several specialized training programs, including seed testing at Mississippi State University and research stages in soil remediation technologies in France and the Netherlands. Aida’s diverse and extensive educational qualifications position her as a leading expert in her field.

 

Research Skills

Aida Bani possesses extensive research skills honed through decades of academic and fieldwork in environmental science, agriculture, and biotechnology. Her expertise includes soil remediation technologies, sustainable landscape management, and phytoremediation of heavy metals in ultramafic soils. Aida’s interdisciplinary research integrates environmental science and agricultural practices to address pressing ecological challenges. She has led numerous research projects at the Agricultural University of Tirana, contributing significantly to the understanding of soil health and environmental sustainability. Her global experience, including research stages in France and the Netherlands, has enriched her research perspective and methodologies. Aida’s proficiency in GIS technology and land management further enhances her ability to conduct comprehensive environmental assessments. Additionally, her training in seed testing and rural development showcases her broad research capabilities, which are critical for addressing agricultural and environmental issues. Overall, Aida’s research skills reflect her deep commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural and environmental solutions through scientific inquiry and innovation.

 

Professional Experiences

Aida Bani has over 30 years of experience in academia and environmental sciences. Currently, she serves as a Professor at the Agricultural University of Tirana, where she teaches courses on landscape management, soil remediation, and GIS technology. Since 2001, she has contributed significantly to environmental research and education, shaping future professionals in the field. Prior to this, she worked as an analyst and administrator at the National Seed Testing Laboratory, where she specialized in seed testing and laboratory management. Aida began her career teaching at the Agricultural Secondary School in Lushnja, solidifying her foundation in agricultural education. Her expertise spans across agro-environmental disciplines, with a strong focus on sustainable land management, soil treatment, and environmental remediation technologies. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with international institutions, including Mississippi State University and UNESCO-IHE, furthering her research and gaining global recognition in the field of environmental sustainability and agricultural sciences.

Award And Recognition

Aida Bani, an accomplished academic and agro-environmental expert, has significantly contributed to the fields of environmental science and agricultural sustainability. With over two decades of experience, she is a Professor Doctor at the Agricultural University of Tirana, where she teaches courses on landscape management, soil remediation, and GIS technology. Aida holds dual doctorates, including a PhD in Environmental Sciences from INPL/INRA in France, focusing on soil phytoremediation. Her research on soil contamination and environmental protection has been widely recognized, and she has participated in international research stages in France and the Netherlands. In addition to her academic achievements, she has been certified as an Environmental Specialist by the Ministry of Agro-environment of Albania and has received advanced training in seed testing and rural development. Aida’s dedication to advancing environmental sustainability through education and research makes her a deserving candidate for prestigious awards that celebrate impactful contributions to science and society.

Conclusion

Aida Bani exemplifies the qualities sought in a candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, she has made significant contributions to the fields of agriculture and environmental science. Her dual doctorates in Environmental Sciences and Agricultural Sciences, coupled with her extensive teaching experience at the Agricultural University of Tirana, highlight her commitment to education and research. Aida’s pioneering work in soil remediation and sustainable land management demonstrates her dedication to addressing critical environmental challenges. Furthermore, her international training and certifications reflect her pursuit of continuous professional development and collaboration on a global scale. Aida’s innovative research initiatives and leadership in the academic community underscore her status as a role model for aspiring women researchers. For these reasons, Aida Bani stands out as an exemplary candidate deserving of recognition through this prestigious award.

Publication Top Notes

  • Element accumulation by the holoparasitic species Cuscuta planiflora from serpentines in Bulgaria
    • Authors: Pavlova, D., Karadjova, I., Bani, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Designing cropping systems for nickel agromining on ultramafic land in Albania
    • Authors: Bani, A., Álvarez-López, V., Prieto-Fernández, A., Echevarria, G., Kidd, P.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Nickel accumulation in plants from the Shebenik Mountain massif, Albania
    • Authors: Bani, A., Gjeta, E., Pavlova, D., Puschenreiter, M., Echevarria, G.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • ANALYSIS OF WATER QUALITY, HEAVY METALS AND NUTRIENT OF KARAVASTA LAGOON USING GIS ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL RISK
    • Authors: Koto, R., Hoxha, L., Bani, A.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2
  • Exploring Ni-accumulation in serpentinophytic taxa of Brassicaceae from Albania and Greece
    • Authors: Bianchi, E., Bani, A., Colzi, I., Gonnelli, C., Selvi, F.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 4
  • Assessing wildfire vulnerability of vegetated serpentine soils in the Balkan peninsula
    • Authors: Hysa, A., Teqja, Z., Bani, A., Libohova, Z., Cerda, A.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 5
  • Hyperaccumulator plant discoveries in the Balkans: accumulation, distribution, and practical applications
    • Authors: Jakovljević, K., Bani, A., Pavlova, D., Morel, J.-L., Echevarria, G.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 11
  • Pollen and Chemical Content of Beebreads from Serpentine Areas in Albania and Bulgaria
    • Authors: Pavlova, D., Atanassova, J., Karadjova, I., Bani, A.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 8
  • Nature-based units as building blocks for resource recovery systems in cities
    • Authors: van Hullebusch, E.D., Bani, A., Carvalho, M., Hartl, M., Zeeman, G.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 10
  • Water quality and biodiversity of Shkumbini River
    • Authors: Bani, A., Shumka, S., Dervishi, O., Kristo, I., Malollari, I.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 1

Rodrigo Alvarez | Sustainable Development | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Rodrigo Alvarez | Sustainable Development | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Rodrigo Alvarez, Pontificia. Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile

Rodrigo Álvarez Véliz is a geographer specializing in sustainable development and urban geography. He holds a professional degree in Geography from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (2021) and is pursuing a master’s degree at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (2023-2024). His research includes qualitative analysis on political geography, sustainable urban development, and alternative space production. Rodrigo has served as a research assistant in various projects and is currently coordinating the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Chile). He has presented at numerous conferences and published works on sustainable development in Latin America. 🌍📚💡

 

Publication profile

Orcid


Education 🎓🌍

Rodrigo Álvarez Véliz is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Geography (2023-2024) at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. He holds a professional degree in Geography from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (2021), graduating with two votes of distinction. He also earned a Bachelor’s in Geography (2015-2020) from the same institution, where he completed his thesis on the historical geography of sustainable development in Latin America and Chile (1968-2010). In 2018, Rodrigo participated in an academic exchange program at the University of São Paulo. 📚✨

 

Professional Experience 🌍📊

Rodrigo Álvarez Véliz has extensive research experience, currently serving as Coordinator for the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Chile) since April 2023, organizing outreach activities and writing documents. He also works as a Research Assistant for the Salmansvar Project at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Previously, Rodrigo contributed to FONDECYT Project N°1191239 (2020-2022), focusing on the political geography of sustainable development. He completed a professional internship at CEDEUS, where he co-authored public policy documents on sustainable urban development in Latin America. ✍️🌱

 

Publication Top Notes  

  • The historical geography of an idea: Sustainable development in Latin America, 1972–2022 🌍 – Journal of Historical Geography (2024) DOI: 10.1016/j.jhg.2024.07.007
  • El desarrollo urbano sustentable en América Latina 1986-2016: Lecciones para la década 2020-2030 🏙️ – Centro para el Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS) (2021) DOI: 10.7764/cedeus.dpp.23
  • Aprendizajes del Programa 21 para el desarrollo urbano sustentable en Chile, 2020-2030 🇨🇱 – Centro para el Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS) (2021) DOI: 10.7764/cedeus.dpp.21

Conclusion

Mr. Rodrigo Alvarez appears to be a well-qualified candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. His work aligns with the core values of sustainable development and his contributions through research and teaching make him an ideal candidate for recognition as a young researcher.