Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat,Tanta University, Faculty of Science, Geology Department, Egypt

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat is a distinguished micropaleontologist specializing in diatom research, environmental studies, and Quaternary geology. He earned his Ph.D. in 1991 from a channel system between Köln University, Germany, and Tanta University, Egypt. With over 35 years of research experience, his work focuses on diatom applications in paleoecology, climate change assessment, and geoarchaeology. He has led multiple research projects funded by the Polish National Science Centre and National Natural Sciences Foundation of China. Currently, he is a Professor at Tanta University, Egypt, contributing extensively to micropaleontology, biostratigraphy, and past climate studies. 🌊🔬

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Academic Qualifications

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat holds a Ph.D. (1991) from a channel system between Köln University, Germany, and Tanta University, Egypt, specializing in micropaleontology (diatoms), environmental studies, and Quaternary geology. His doctoral research focused on the Quaternary diatomite of the Fayoum Depression, Western Desert, Egypt. He earned his M.Sc. (1987) in micropaleontology, stratigraphy, and Cenozoic geology from Tanta University, where he studied Eocene limestones at Gebel Mokattam and Mishgigah. He completed his B.Sc. (1982) in geology from Tanta University. His expertise spans diatom analysis, climate change studies, and biostratigraphy, significantly contributing to geological and paleoenvironmental research. 🏔️🔬

🏛️ Professional Employment

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat has an extensive academic career in geology and micropaleontology. He began as a Demonstrator of Geology and Paleontology at Tanta University, Egypt (1982–1987), later serving as an Assistant Lecturer (1987–1988). He worked as a Research Scientist at the University of Köln, Germany (1988–1991). Returning to Tanta University, he became a Lecturer (1991–1997), then Associate Professor (1997–2003). Since February 2003, he has been a Professor of Micropaleontology (Diatoms) and Environmental Geology, contributing significantly to research in diatom applications, paleoenvironmental studies, and climate change. 🔬📖

Research and Experiences

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat has over 35 years of expertise in diatom systematics and their applications in environmental studies. His research focuses on using diatom analysis to assess environmental and climatic changes, human impacts, and paleoecological reconstructions in European and Egyptian aquatic ecosystems, including archaeological sites. He also specializes in microfossils such as phytoliths, ostracoda, foraminifera, and calcareous nanofossils. His recent projects include climate reconstructions in Poland, the Nile Climate Change Project, and studies on Holocene climate dynamics in Faiyum Oasis, Egypt, funded by institutions like the Polish National Science Centre and NSFC. 🌿📜

🦠🔬 Research Focus

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat specializes in micropaleontology, particularly diatoms, ostracods, foraminifera, and calcareous nannofossils. His research explores paleoecology, biostratigraphy, paleoclimatology, paleoceanography, and geoarchaeology, focusing on environmental and climate change during the Holocene. He has studied Egyptian Delta lakes, Faiyum Oasis, and Sinai to reconstruct past ecosystems. His interdisciplinary work integrates fossil diatom analysis, palynology, and remote sensing to assess historical climate fluctuations and human-environment interactions. His studies have broad applications in environmental geology, sedimentology, and archaeological site analysis, particularly in Europe and North Africa. 🌿🌊🏺

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣ Distribution of diatom assemblages and their relationship to environmental variables in the surface sediments of three northern Egyptian lakes – Cited by 79 (2005) 🌊🔬
2️⃣ Environmental change in Northern Egyptian Delta lakes during the late Holocene, based on diatom analysis – Cited by 77 (2007) 🌍📊
3️⃣ Maastrichtian-Early Eocene ostracodes from west-central Sinai, Egypt-taxonomy, biostratigraphy, paleoecology and paleobiogeography – Cited by 47 (2008) 🦠🗿
4️⃣ Distribution and origin of diatoms in the bottom sediments of the Suez Canal lakes and adjacent areas, Egypt – Cited by 44 (2002) 🌿🌊
5️⃣ Holocene lake sediments from the Faiyum Oasis in Egypt: a record of environmental and climate change – Cited by 42 (2018) 📜⏳
6️⃣ Distribution and paleoecological significance of fossil diatom assemblages from the Holocene sediments of Lake Manzala, Egypt – Cited by 30 (2000) 🏞️🔍
7️⃣ Calcareous nannoplankton and diatoms from the Eocene/Pliocene sediments, Fayoum Depression, Egypt – Cited by 27 (1995) 🦠🦴
8️⃣ Some Upper Cretaceous macroinvertebrates from Gebel El-Hamra and Gebel Um Heriba, Mitla Pass, western-central Sinai, Egypt – Cited by 25 (1992) 🐚🗺️
9️⃣ Diatoms from the Quaternary sediments of the Nile Delta, Egypt, and their palaeoecological significance – Cited by 24 (1995) 🌊📖
🔟 Holocene diatom assemblages and their palaeoenvironmental interpretations in Fayoum Depression, Western Desert, Egypt – Cited by 21 (2015) 📜🔬

Conclusion

Highly Suitable for the Best Researcher Award based on his extensive research experience, international collaborations, significant scientific contributions, and impact in the fields of micropaleontology, paleoenvironmental studies, and climate change.

Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Programme Manager, Zoological Society of London Nepal Office, Nepal

Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa is a dedicated conservation ecologist with over 10 years of experience managing biodiversity conservation projects in Nepal. His work has focused on preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices to create resilient ecosystems. He excels in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and local communities to achieve significant positive impacts on conservation. In his leisure time, he enjoys observing environmental changes outdoors, often accompanied by his family.

Publication Profile

Strengths for the Award:

Extensive Experience in Conservation Ecology: Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa has over a decade of experience in biodiversity conservation, with a focus on managing large-scale conservation projects in Nepal. His ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and local communities to achieve measurable impacts on biodiversity is a significant strength.
Strong Academic Background: Dr. Thapa holds a PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, with research focused on managing subtropical monsoon grasslands for the preservation of flagship species like tigers. His academic credentials are further strengthened by his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Environmental Science.
Notable Achievements and Contributions: He has successfully managed and executed donor-funded projects, developed project proposals aligned with national and international conservation policies, and contributed to post-disaster management efforts. His work on the Hariyo Ban Programme and various projects in Bardia-Banke Complex are noteworthy.
Publications and Research Contributions: Dr. Thapa has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in respected journals. His research on grassland management, pyric herbivory, and human-tiger conflicts demonstrates his ability to address complex ecological challenges.
Professional Recognition and Awards: Dr. Thapa has received prestigious grants, including the National Geographic Society’s Explorer Grant and Early Career Grant. His professional affiliations with IUCN and contributions to species monitoring and deer specialist groups underscore his recognition in the field.

Areas for Improvement:

Diversification of Research Focus: While Dr. Thapa’s work on grassland management and flagship species is highly commendable, expanding his research focus to include a broader range of ecosystems and species could further enhance his impact and expertise.
Global Collaboration and Networking: Although Dr. Thapa has strong ties to conservation efforts in Nepal, increasing his involvement in international collaborations could broaden his influence and allow for the exchange of innovative ideas and practices.
Leadership in Policy Advocacy: Dr. Thapa could further develop his role in conservation policy advocacy, both at national and international levels. Engaging more actively in policy-making processes and contributing to global conservation frameworks could amplify his contributions.

Conclusion:

Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa is a highly qualified and dedicated conservation ecologist whose extensive experience, strong academic background, and significant contributions to biodiversity conservation make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work in Nepal, particularly in managing complex conservation projects and addressing human-wildlife conflicts, showcases his ability to tackle pressing ecological challenges. While there is room for further development in terms of research diversification, global collaboration, and policy advocacy, Dr. Thapa’s achievements and commitment to conservation make him deserving of recognition.

Education 🎓

Dr. Thapa completed his PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands (2017-2023). His PhD thesis, “Deer for the Tiger: Managing Subtropical Monsoon Grasslands for the Preservation of Flagship Species,” highlights his research dedication. He also holds an M.Sc. in Environment Science with a focus on Natural Resource Management (2002-2004) and a B.Sc. in Environment Science (1997-2001) from Kathmandu University, Nepal.

Experience 🌱

Dr. Thapa has held several significant roles in the field of conservation. He is currently a Programme Manager at the Zoological Society of London Nepal Office, where he oversees the planning, implementation, and monitoring of various projects. He has also served as a Senior Conservation Officer and Conservation Officer at the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), where he contributed to project design, execution, and liaising with national and international stakeholders. His earlier roles included managing field offices and community empowerment in the Western Terai Landscape Complex Project.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Thapa’s research is centered around wildlife ecology, grassland management, and the conservation of flagship species like the tiger. His work involves integrating the landscape of fear concept into grassland management, investigating the effects of mowing and nutrient input on grazing lawns, and studying postfire regrowth quality in subtropical grasslands. His research aims to balance the needs of wildlife with sustainable habitat management practices.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Thapa has been recognized for his contributions to conservation with several awards, including the National Geographic Society’s Explorer Grant (2020) and Early Career Grant (2017). He also received a Netherlands Fellowship to participate in Project Identification, Development, and Management Training at Maastricht School of Management in 2008.

Publications

Integration of the landscape of fear concept in grassland management: An experimental study on subtropical monsoon grasslands in Bardia National Park, Nepal

Fire and forage quality: Postfire regrowth quality and pyric herbivory in subtropical grasslands of Nepal

Data underlying the publication: Forage quality in grazing lawns and tall grasslands in the subtropical region of Nepal and implications for wild herbivores.

Fire and forage quality: post-fire regrowth quality and pyric herbivory in subtropical grasslands of Nepal.

Forage quality in grazing lawns and tall grasslands in the subtropical region of Nepal and implications for wild herbivores

Abdelfattah Zalat | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat | Environment | Best Researcher Award