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.

Niguse Hagazi | Forestry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Niguse Hagazi | Forestry | Best Researcher Award

World Agroforestry (ICRAF), CIFOR-ICRAF Ethiopia Office, Ethiopia

Niguse Hagazi is an Ethiopian researcher and the Ethiopian Country Director/representative for CIFOR-ICRAF. With over 15 years of experience in national and international research, Niguse has made significant contributions to the fields of forestry, landscape restoration, agroforestry, natural resource management, and climate change. His work has been instrumental in supporting the Ethiopian government in developing key strategies, including the Ethiopian National Drylands Restoration Strategy. Niguse’s expertise spans project coordination, research execution, fundraising, and capacity building in the environmental and agricultural sectors.

Profile

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Education 🎓

Niguse Hagazi is a PhD candidate at the Institute of Geography, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany. He holds an MSc in Tropical Land Resources Management, which he earned in 2008 from Mekelle University in Ethiopia. His academic journey began with a BSc in Forestry Sciences from Wendo-Genet College of Forestry, part of Hawassa University, Ethiopia, which he completed in 2002. Niguse’s educational background reflects a strong focus on environmental and land resource management, laying a solid foundation for his current research endeavors in geography.

Experience 💼

Niguse Hagazi is the Ethiopian Country Director and a researcher at the CIFOR-ICRAF Ethiopia Office, a position he has held since May 2017. His role involves overseeing research initiatives and leading efforts to improve sustainable land management practices. Prior to this, he worked as a consultant for the World Agroforestry Centre at the Ethiopia Office from April 2014 to 2017, where he contributed to various agroforestry projects. Niguse’s extensive research career also includes a decade-long tenure as a researcher at the Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) from June 2003 to March 2013, where he focused on agricultural innovation and resource management in Ethiopia.

Research Interests 🔬

Niguse Hagazi’s research interests focus on forestry, landscape restoration, agroforestry, natural resources management, conservation agriculture, and climate-smart agricultural practices. He is particularly engaged in enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems and landscapes through sustainable practices and the development of tree and agroforestry-based value chains.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Niguse Hagazi has been recognized for his extensive contributions to environmental and agricultural research, particularly in the fields of forestry and landscape restoration. His work has significantly impacted national and international environmental policies and practices.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Yigremachew Seyoum et al., 2015: Enhancing the Role of the Forestry Sector in Building Climate Resilient Green Economy in Ethiopia. Cited by 5 articles. link

Hagazi, N. et al., 2023: A Guide to Landscape Restoration Initiatives. Cited by 10 articles. link

Zewdie S et al., 2023: Towards an integrated wildfire management system in Ethiopia. Cited by 3 articles. link

N Hagazi et al., 2023: Biomass estimation models for Acacia saligna trees. Cited by 2 articles. link

Seid, H. et al., 2023: Adaptation and growth performance of five avocado cultivars in Ethiopia. Cited by 4 articles. link