Efthalia Karkou | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Efthalia Karkou | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate at  Technical University of Crete, Greece.

Efthalia Karkou is an emerging researcher in the field of sustainable engineering and process management, currently pursuing her PhD at the Technical University of Crete, Greece. With a strong academic background in chemical engineering, her research integrates innovative technologies and sustainability principles to address contemporary environmental challenges in the process industry. Efthalia has contributed significantly to various projects focusing on circular water use, resource recovery, and environmental impact.

Publication Profile

Scopus 

Education

Efthalia Karkou holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Engineering and Climate Change from the Technical University of Crete. She is currently working on her PhD in Production Engineering & Management at the same university, focusing on “Holistic, Circular and Smart Water Management Strategies in the Process Industry.” Prior to that, she completed an Integrated Master’s in Chemical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens, where she specialized in chemical process engineering and environmental science.

Experience

Efthalia Karkou has been involved in multiple prestigious research projects, including XTRACT and AquaSPICE, where she focuses on modeling industrial processes and simulating digital twins for process industries. She has worked as a researcher in several EU-funded initiatives and has experience in academic research, project management, and teamwork. Additionally, Efthalia has demonstrated leadership skills by managing research teams and guiding undergraduate students through their projects.

Research Focus

Efthalia’s research is centered on sustainable water management strategies in industrial settings, with a particular emphasis on circular water use and resource recovery. Her work aims to integrate smart and holistic solutions in water and energy systems, contributing to environmental sustainability. She has developed mathematical models for innovative industrial processes, and her projects focus on the optimization of energy and water management in the context of climate change.

Awards and Honors 

Efthalia Karkou has received recognition for her research contributions in sustainable engineering. While still early in her career, her work in the projects she has contributed to has been highly praised by peers. Her academic achievements, combined with her leadership in multidisciplinary research teams, have positioned her as a promising researcher in her field. Efthalia’s commitment to sustainability and technological innovation continues to gain attention, making her a key figure in the advancement of circular economy principles.

Conclusion

Efthalia Karkou is undoubtedly a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, with her interdisciplinary research at the intersection of sustainability, process engineering, and circular economy. Her innovative approach to solving complex environmental issues, combined with her leadership, technical skills, and academic contributions, positions her as an outstanding young researcher in the field of sustainable engineering and process industry management.

Publication Top Notes  

Process innovations and circular strategies for closing the water loop in a process industry
Authors: Karkou, E., Angelis-Dimakis, A., Parlapiano, M., Fatone, F., Arampatzis, G.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
Year: 2024
Citation: 0

Industrial circular water use practices through the application of a conceptual water efficiency framework in the process industry
Authors: Karkou, E., Teo, C.J., Savvakis, N., Poinapen, J., Arampatzis, G.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
Year: 2024
Citation: 0

Life cycle environmental impact assessment of slaughterhouse wastewater treatment
Authors: Teo, C.J., Karkou, E., Vlad, O., Arampatzis, G., Angelis-Dimakis, A.
Journal: Chemical Engineering Research and Design
Year: 2023
Citation: 5

Design and optimization of edible coating and osmotic dehydration processes for the development of high-value fruits and vegetables with extended shelf-life
Authors: Karkou, E., Oikonomopoulou, V., Papadaki, S., Krokida, M.
Journal: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Year: 2021
Citation: 0

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.