Josephine Mwafuka | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Josephine Mwafuka | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

assistant professor at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Josephine Mwafuka (nee Ngirazi) is a dynamic development practitioner with over 17 years of experience in research, innovation, and project management. Her expertise spans Land and Water Resources Management, Agriculture, Food/Nutrition Security, Climate Change, and Natural Resources Management. Currently an Innovation Manager at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, Josephine has demonstrated leadership in building innovation ecosystems and driving research commercialization. Her extensive background includes roles as a research assistant, agriculture tutor, and field officer, with significant contributions to sustainable development projects, food security, and WASH interventions.

profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Josephine Mwafuka is pursuing a DPhil in Land and Water Resources Management at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe, with research focusing on sustainable water and land management. She is also studying for a Master’s in Intellectual Property at Africa University, Zimbabwe (2024-2025). She earned her MSc in Integrated Water Resources Management from the University of Zimbabwe, where her dissertation explored the institutional dynamics affecting smallholder irrigation productivity. Josephine also holds a BSc (Hons) in Natural Resources Management and Agriculture from Midlands State University, specializing in land and water resources management. Her education has provided a solid foundation in sustainable development, water quality management, and research methodologies, supported by professional courses such as the Mawazo Fellowship Programme and an advanced international training program in climate change mitigation. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges.

Experience 🧑‍🔬

Josephine Mwafuka has over 17 years of professional experience in various roles related to sustainable development. Currently, she serves as the Innovation Manager at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, Zimbabwe, where she manages innovation ecosystems, fosters industry-academia partnerships, and oversees intellectual property commercialization. Before this, she was a Research Assistant at Tugwi Mukosi Multidisciplinary Research Institute, focusing on commercializing university research outputs and coordinating research activities across multiple faculties. Earlier, Josephine worked with organizations such as Welthungerhilfe (German Agro Action) and the Natural Farming Network, where she implemented agricultural and natural resources interventions to improve food security and livelihoods. She has also held teaching roles in agriculture and environmental management, contributing to capacity building for both students and communities. Her extensive experience demonstrates her versatility in project management, research, and sustainable development.

Research Interests 🔬

Josephine Mwafuka’s research focuses on sustainable development, particularly in land and water resources management, agriculture, and climate change. Her current DPhil research at Midlands State University explores the spatiotemporal dynamics of sediment fluxes around Tugwi Mukosi, Zimbabwe’s largest inland dam, aiming to optimize water resource management for irrigation and environmental sustainability. Josephine’s work often integrates multidisciplinary approaches, combining field research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement to address challenges like soil erosion, irrigation efficiency, and food security. She has a deep interest in the institutional arrangements that govern natural resource management, exploring how these frameworks affect smallholder farmers’ productivity. Josephine also investigates innovative technological solutions for water conservation and climate change adaptation, with an emphasis on creating sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.

Awards 🏆

Josephine Mwafuka has been recognized for her significant contributions to sustainable development and research. She is a current participant in the prestigious Mawazo Fellowship Programme (2023-2024), which supports women researchers in Africa focusing on innovative research solutions. She has also completed the Advanced International Training Programme on Climate Change – Mitigation and Adaptation (2021), a selective program aimed at building global leadership in climate action. Throughout her career, Josephine has been acknowledged for her ability to foster collaborations between academia and industry, contributing to real-world solutions in the areas of agriculture, water resources management, and food security. Her commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of marginalized communities has garnered respect in both academic and development circles. These accolades underscore her dedication to impactful research and innovation.

Conclusion 🎯

Josephine Mwafuka’s dedication to sustainable development, innovation, and knowledge sharing demonstrates her suitability for the Best Researcher Award. Her strengths in fostering impactful collaborations and leading projects with real-world applications make her a strong contender for this prestigious recognition. With further emphasis on international collaborations and academic publications, Josephine could continue to elevate her status as a leader in her field.

Publications 📚

Josephine Mwafuka has contributed to the following publication:

  • Title: Institutional fragmentation and smallholder irrigation performance: a case of Mkoba and Silalatshani Irrigation Schemes, Zimbabwe
  • Journal: Water International (Taylor & Francis)
  • Published on: 2024-10-11
  • Roles: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Writing – original draft
  • Contributors: Collen Mabiza, Saimon Madyiwa, Krasposy Kujinga, Tavengwa Chitata, Josephine Mwafuka

 

KECHNIT Djamel | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Mr. KECHNIT Djamel | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at CRREBaC ( Congo basin water ressources researchcenter ), Algeria

KECHNIT Djamel is a dedicated researcher and PhD student specializing in water resources. His research, centered around the Congo River Basin, focuses on the use of remote sensing and in-situ measurements to optimize river navigation and manage water resources more effectively. With an educational background in hydraulics engineering and extensive professional experience, he has contributed to several key projects related to hydraulic networks, water supply systems, and irrigation. His academic contributions are significant, with two peer-reviewed journal articles and multiple conference presentations on innovative approaches in hydrology.

Publication profile

Google Scholar

ORCID

Educational Background

KECHNIT Djamel is currently pursuing a PhD in Water Resources at the University of Kinshasa, DRC, with an expected completion date in September 2024. His dissertation focuses on the “Application of Remote Sensing and In Situ Measurement for the Determination of an Optimal Scenario of Navigation in the Congo River Basin,” under the guidance of Professor Raphael Tshimanga and co-advisors from Algeria and the UK. Prior to his PhD, he earned a Master’s degree in Hydraulics from the National Higher School of Hydraulics (ENSH) in Algeria in 2018. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hydraulics Engineering from the same institution, which laid the groundwork for his specialization in water resources. His strong academic background in hydraulics and water management has equipped him with the skills necessary for impactful research in the field.

Work Experience

Djamel has extensive professional experience as a hydraulic engineer, contributing to several key projects in Algeria. From October 2018 to August 2021, he worked with ZERARGA HOCINE ARCHITECTS, where he completed the rehabilitation of various road and utility networks, including the drinking water supply network for Bouchaoui Hospital and irrigation network projects in Oran. Earlier, from October 2017 to May 2021, he served at ARTELIA EAU & ENVIRONNEMENT, where he focused on hydraulic modeling for water supply systems. His professional roles have honed his practical skills and knowledge in hydraulics, enabling him to apply theoretical principles to real-world challenges. Djamel’s engineering background complements his academic research, allowing him to approach problems from both theoretical and practical perspectives in the field of water resources management.

Research Focus

KECHNIT Djamel’s research focuses on the application of remote sensing and in-situ measurements for the effective management of water resources, particularly in large and data-scarce river systems like the Congo River Basin. His dissertation explores optimal navigation scenarios by integrating remote sensing data with field measurements. Djamel is particularly interested in assessing uncertainties in remote sensing-based discharge models and utilizing entropy-based approaches for bathymetry and discharge estimation. His work aims to improve water management practices and contribute to sustainable development in the region. By addressing challenges related to data scarcity and environmental variability, Djamel seeks to enhance the scientific understanding of hydrological processes and develop practical solutions for water resource management. His interdisciplinary approach blends engineering, hydrology, and remote sensing, making his research highly relevant in addressing contemporary water-related challenges.

Conclusion

KECHNIT Djamel is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his innovative research, robust academic record, and impactful professional experience in hydraulic engineering. His work on remote sensing applications for large river systems, particularly in the under-researched Congo Basin, has the potential to transform water management in data-scarce regions. While expanding his research scope and publication volume would further strengthen his candidacy, his existing contributions position him as a leading figure in his field.

Publication Top Notes

Assessing uncertainties of a remote sensing-based discharge reflectance model for applications to large rivers of the Congo Basin

Authors: D. Kechnit, R. M. Tshimanga, A. Ammari, M. A. Trigg

Citations: 1-13

Year: 2024

Bathymetry and discharge estimation in large and data-scarce rivers using an entropy-based approach

Authors: D. Kechnit, R. M. Tshimanga, A. Ammari, M. A. Trigg, A. B. Carr, F. Bahmanpouri, …

Citations: 1-15

Year: 2024

Contribution à la conception d’un SIG dynamique: cas de la ville de Kolea (w. Tipaza)

Authors: D. Kechnit

Citations: Not specified

Year: 2018

SIG et télégestion dans la gestion des réseaux d’eau potable cas de la ville d’Ain Taya (w. Alger)

Authors: D. Kechnit

Citations: Not specified

Year: 2017

 

Timothy Husting | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Timothy Husting | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Timothy Husting, Fraunhofer IGD, Germany

Based on Timothy Husting’s academic and professional background, he appears to be a suitable candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Below is a conclusion with each title paragraph format:

Publication profile

Orcid

Academic and Professional Education

Timothy completed his Master’s degree in Environmental Science from the Technical University of Braunschweig with a thesis focused on the statistical modeling of carbon flux using machine learning, achieving an impressive grade of 1.3. His Bachelor’s degree, also from the same institution, centered on the water balance and export of dissolved organic carbon in a raised bog grassland, where he earned a grade of 1.7. Currently, he is engaged in digital peatland research at the Fraunhofer Institute for Geographical Data Processing (IGD), showcasing his dedication to advancing environmental science.

Practical Experience

Timothy has extensive experience as a research assistant at the Thünen-Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture, where he contributed to the “Organic soils” research group. His work included field campaigns, sample preparation, and data processing, demonstrating his hands-on expertise in climate-smart agricultural practices.

Other Activities

His volunteer work, ranging from a food bank in Greifswald to organizing social events, reflects his commitment to community service. Additionally, Timothy’s involvement in the study group Ecology in Braunschweig and organizing Social Day events highlights his leadership and collaborative skills.

Further Education

Timothy’s commitment to continuous learning is evident through his further education efforts, including a drone pilot license, workshops in project management, and specialized GIS training for environmental engineers. These qualifications enhance his research capabilities and project management skills.

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional life, Timothy enjoys sports such as jogging, basketball, soccer, and snowboarding. He also engages in cooking, music, and board games, indicating a well-rounded personality and strong work-life balance.

Conclusion

Timothy Husting’s comprehensive academic background, extensive practical experience, community service, technical proficiency, multilingual abilities, and commitment to continuous learning make him an exemplary candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. His dedication to environmental science, particularly in the areas of carbon flux modeling and peatland research, positions him as a promising young scientist with the potential to make significant contributions to the field.

 

Publication Top Notes

André Rodrigues | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. André Rodrigues | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. André Rodrigues, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil

André Ferreira Rodrigues is an Assistant Professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, specializing in hydraulic engineering and water resources. He holds a Ph.D. (2022), M.S. (2019), and B.S. (2017) in Water Resources from the Federal University of Lavras, guided by Prof. Dr. Carlos Rogério de Mello. Dr. Rodrigues has an impressive citation count of 201 and an H-index of 9 on ResearchGate. His research focuses on forest hydrology, soil moisture, and carbon dynamics in forest ecosystems, with numerous publications in prestigious journals.

Publication profile

Google Scholar

📚 Education

André Ferreira Rodrigues, Ph.D., serves as an Assistant Professor in the Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Department at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. He completed his Ph.D. (2019-2022) and M.S. (2017-2019) in Water Resources from the Federal University of Lavras, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Carlos Rogério de Mello. His academic journey began with a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from the same institution (2012-2017). 🌿🌊

🏫 Professional Experience

Since 2022, Dr. Rodrigues has been an Assistant Professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Prior to this, he served as a Research Associate at the Federal University of Lavras. 🧑‍🏫🔬

🏆 Awards and Honors

he received the Best Student Award from the Federal University of Lavras, recognizing his exceptional academic performance. 🎓🌟

🌿 Research Focus

André Ferreira Rodrigues’ research primarily focuses on environmental engineering, with a strong emphasis on water resources and forest ecosystems. His work investigates soil moisture dynamics, drought impacts, and rainfall interception in tropical forests, often utilizing advanced machine learning algorithms for spatiotemporal modeling. He also explores carbon and nitrogen cycles, biotic and abiotic factors affecting forest hydrology, and long-term ecological trends in secondary forests. His research aims to enhance the understanding of forest-water interactions and their implications for environmental sustainability. 🌳💧📊

 

Publication Top Notes

  • 🌳 “Stemflow in a neotropical forest remnant: vegetative determinants, spatial distribution and correlation with soil moisture”
    Cited by: 29 | Year: 2018
  • 🌿 “Spatiotemporal modelling of soil moisture in an Atlantic forest through machine learning algorithms”
    Cited by: 28 | Year: 2021
  • 🌲 “Long-term ecological trends of small secondary forests of the Atlantic forest hotspot: A 30-year study case”
    Cited by: 24 | Year: 2021
  • 🌞 “A review of recent developments on drought characterization, propagation, and influential factors”
    Cited by: 19 | Year: 2023
  • “Modeling canopy interception under drought conditions: The relevance of evaporation and extra sources of energy”
    Cited by: 16 | Year: 2021
  • 💻 “Recursos educativos digitais: um serviço público”
    Cited by: 15 | Year: 2010
  • 🌧️ “Throughfall spatial variability in a neotropical forest: Have we correctly accounted for time stability?”
    Cited by: 12 | Year: 2022
  • 💧 “Water balance of an Atlantic forest remnant under a prolonged drought period”
    Cited by: 10 | Year: 2021
  • 🌱 “The inverted forest: Aboveground and notably large belowground carbon stocks and their drivers in Brazilian savannas”
    Cited by: 8 | Year: 2023
  • 🌿 “Evapotranspiration under Drought Conditions: The Case Study of a Seasonally Dry Atlantic Forest”
    Cited by: 8 | Year: 2022
  • 🌧️ “Rainfall water quality under different forest stands”
    Cited by: 8 | Year: 2019
  • 🌲 “Spatial and temporal patterns in carbon and nitrogen inputs by net precipitation in Atlantic forest, Brazil”
    Cited by: 7 | Year: 2022

 

Ragab Ragab | Water Resources Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Ragab Ragab | Water Resources Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Ragab Ragab, UK Centre for Ecology and HydrologyUnited Kingdom

Prof. Dr. Ragab Ragab is a distinguished figure in hydrology and agriculture, with over three decades of expertise. Currently a Fellow at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, he served as Principal Research Scientist for many years. With a PhD from Katholieke University of Leuven, Belgium, his accolades include multiple ICID Awards of Excellence and recognition in prestigious biographical publications. As President of ICID, he forged crucial partnerships and led groundbreaking research projects worldwide. Notably, he spearheaded initiatives like “Water 4 Crops” and “SWUP-MED,” addressing water scarcity and sustainable agriculture. His dedication to scientific advancement and international collaboration epitomizes excellence in the field. 🌱🏆

 

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

In 1982, Prof. Dr. Ragab Ragab attained his Ph.D. from the Rural Engineering Department at Katholieke University of Leuven (KUL) in Belgium, marking a pivotal milestone in his academic journey. 🎓 This accomplishment laid the foundation for his illustrious career in environmental science and hydrology, providing him with the expertise and knowledge that would shape his future contributions to the field. The rigorous academic pursuit at KUL equipped him with the necessary tools to tackle complex challenges in water management and agricultural sustainability, setting him on a path towards becoming a leading authority in his field. 🌱

 

Employment

Prof. Dr. Ragab Ragab’s career spans decades of influential contributions to environmental science and academia. Since 2019, he has held the prestigious position of Fellow at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) in Oxfordshire, UK, showcasing his enduring dedication to research and innovation. Prior to this, Ragab served as a Principal Research Scientist at the same institution for an impressive 30 years, reaching a level comparable to that of a UK Professor. Concurrently, he has been an Adjunct Professor at Alexandria University since 2006, nurturing future generations of scientists. His international impact includes stints as Visiting and Associate Professor at institutions in Sweden and Egypt, respectively. 🌍🔬

 

Achievement Awards

Prof. Dr. Ragab Ragab’s outstanding achievements have been recognized globally, underscoring his profound impact on environmental science and hydrology. 🏆 His accolades include prestigious awards such as the Egypt State Recognition and Merit Award in 1987, acknowledging his scientific prowess. Ragab’s contributions were further celebrated in esteemed publications like “The Marquis Who’s Who in the World” and “The Marquis Who’s Who in Science and Engineering.” 📘 Additionally, his dedication to advancing irrigation and drainage earned him multiple ICID Awards of Excellence, highlighting his pivotal role in ensuring global food security. 🌍 The culmination of his efforts was marked by his presidency at ICID, solidifying his legacy as a leader in the field. 🌟

 

Research Focus

Prof. Ragab Ragab’s research focuses primarily on agricultural water management, irrigation, and drainage systems. 🌾 His work delves into the optimization of water resources for crop production, addressing challenges such as water scarcity and efficient irrigation techniques. He also contributes significantly to the field of biosaline agriculture, exploring innovative methods to adapt to climate change and ensure food security in saline environments. Through his publications and editorial contributions, Prof. Ragab advocates for sustainable practices and technological advancements in agriculture, paving the way for resilient farming systems worldwide. 🚜 His expertise and dedication underscore his commitment to addressing pressing agricultural challenges in an ever-changing world.

 

Publication Top Notes 

  1. Research on the status of the irrigation and drainage network in Iran based on the viewpoint of water users and experts using SWOT analysis by Sarai Tabrizi, M., Afshani, M., Teimoori, M., Ragab, R. (2024) 🌱 [Cited by: 0]
  2. Estimating ETO and scheduling crop irrigation using Blaney–Criddle equation when only air-temperature data are available and solving the issue of missing meteorological data in Egypt by Abdelraouf, R.E., El-Shawadfy, M.A., Bakry, A.B., Ragab, R., Belopukhov, S.L. (2024) 🌾 [Cited by: 0]
  3. Misconceptions and misunderstandings in agricultural water management: Time for revisiting, reflection and rethinking by Ragab, R. (2024) 💧 [Cited by: 0]
  4. Innovation and research in agriculture water management to achieve sustainable development goals by Ragab, R. (2023) 🌍 [Cited by: 0]
  5. Micro irrigation in the era of technology: Innovation and digital transformation by Ragab, R., Depre, N. (2023) 💡 [Cited by: 0]
  6. SALTMED model as a tool for water, crop, field, and N-fertilizers management by Ragab, R. (2023) 📚 [Cited by: 1]
  7. Using saline water in biosaline agriculture for food security by Choukr-Allah, R., Ragab, R. (2023) 🌾 [Cited by: 0]
  8. Biosaline Agriculture as a Climate Change Adaptation for Food Security by Choukr-Allah, R., Ragab, R. (2023) 🌿 [Cited by: 1]
  9. Preface by Choukr-Allah, R., Ragab, R. (2023) 📘 [Cited by: 0]
  10. Water productivity of barley crop under laser land leveling technique and minimum tillage by Mansour, N.E., El-Sayed, A., Sabra, D.M., Abdelraouf, R.E., Ragab, R. (2023) 💧 [Cited by: 0]