Raj Shekhar Bose is a postdoctoral researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy e.V. (ATB) in Potsdam, Germany, specializing in Mircobiome Biotechnology . With a Ph.D. in Environmental Biotechnology (IIT Kharagpur, 2023) M.Tech in Environmental Biotechnology (Jadavpur University, 2015) B.Tech in Biotechnology (West Bengal University of Technology, 2013) his research focuses on integrated waste valorization through anaerobic digestion and lactic acid fermentation . His work explores biorefinery processes for defatted rice bran , activated carbon applications in digestion systems, and biochar synthesis for wastewater treatment. Key projects include optimizing organic loading rates and mitigating ammonia inhibition in biogas production. Current efforts with BIOADVAN investigate advanced biomass treatment technologies. Publications demonstrate expertise in life cycle assessment , methane yield enhancement , and integrated process sustainability . Collaborations span institutions like Ionian University and Fraunhofer Institute, with emphasis on environmental impact reduction (67-71% improvement) and energy cost savings (80% reduction in biorefinery systems).
Xu Renkou serves as Director of the Soil Chemistry and Environmental Protection Laboratory at the Nanjing Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Head of the Soil Interface Processes and Effects Team at the State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture. He holds doctoral supervisor status and serves as Deputy Director of the Soil Chemistry Committee of the Chinese Society of Soil Science while acting as Scientific Advisor to the International Foundation for Science (IFS). His research focuses on surface electrochemical properties of variable-charge soils, soil acidification mechanisms, aluminum chemistry, and heavy metal behavior at soil/water interfaces. Current investigations examine interactions between charged surfaces in soil (colloids, organic matter, microorganisms, plant roots), clay mineral evolution during soil formation, acidification control methods, and biochar applications for soil improvement. His group actively pursues six major projects including National Natural Science Foundation key projects on root-soil interactions and red soil acidification control. Xu's publication record includes over 200 Chinese and English papers with more than 80 SCI-indexed articles in top journals like Soil Biology & Biochemistry and Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. His research demonstrates consistent innovation in understanding adsorption mechanisms of organic acids on variable-charge soils, aluminum-organic acid interactions, particle surface diffusion layer effects on acidification, and heavy metal remediation technologies. His work bridges fundamental surface chemistry with practical soil restoration applications. Scientific recognition includes the 2010 Zhu Liyuehua Outstanding Teacher Award from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His group has mentored numerous award-winning students including multiple recipients of Chinese Academy of Sciences President Scholarships and Jiangsu Province Outstanding Master's Thesis Awards. Key projects include National Natural Science Foundation key projects on root-soil interactions 973 Project on red soil acidification control principles Academy Knowledge Innovation Project on tropical soil electrochemistry Multiple NSFC general projects on nanoparticle interactions and paddy soil evolution The research team maintains strong international collaborations with scientists in Canada, Australia, Russia, United States, and India, conducting joint research on surface chemistry and soil acidification. Their laboratory develops patented soil remediation technologies including acidic soil green improvers and biochar-based solutions.
Dr. Daniel Evans is a Senior Lecturer in Soil Formation at Cranfield University's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences. His research focuses on soil- parent material interactions , threats to soil health from anthropogenic and natural perturbations , and bioengineering techniques to accelerate soil formation for urban green infrastructure . Lead researcher on soil carbon sequestration and soil erosion Course Director for the UK's first Level 7 Soil Scientist Apprenticeship and MSc in Soil Science Key roles in European Geoscience Union and British Society of Soil Science Research interests span three core areas: (1) soil-parent material dynamics including OC exchange and stabilization; (2) threats to soil parent material from erosion and pollution; and (3) urban soil engineering through plant-based bioengineering. His work addresses climate change mitigation , sustainable agriculture , and global land management challenges. Recent publications emphasize deep soil carbon storage in weathered bedrock, erosion feedback systems , and Maya-inspired urban planning . Articles show a growing focus on UAV-RADAR applications for soil monitoring and interdisciplinary approaches to soil sustainability. Scientific awards include 2024 Arne Richter Award for Outstanding Early Career Science (EGU) 2019 British Society of Soil Science 'Outstanding Contribution to Soil Science' prize Advising includes PhD students Paul Chaibva and Hamza Othman. Grants span BBSRC , NERC , STFC , and GCRF projects. He also leads science communication initiatives through TEDx, Glastonbury Festival lectures, and media appearances.
Dr. Silvia Fiore is a Full Professor at Politecnico di Torino, Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI). She is an active member of the Interdepartmental Center CWC - CleanWaterCenter@PoliTo and serves on multiple PhD teaching committees for Civil and Environmental Engineering programs (2020-2025). Her academic profile spans research, teaching, and international collaborations including a Visiting Researcher position at McGill University (2016). Her research interests focus on environmental sustainability, circular economy, waste management, and water treatment. Key areas include treatment and recovery of municipal and industrial waste (e-waste, agro-industrial waste, end-of-life batteries), water potabilization, wastewater reuse, and environmental assessment of urban water systems. She employs methodologies such as Life Cycle Analysis, Carbon Footprinting, and technical-economic assessments of full-scale applications. Professor Fiore's recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on circular economy applications, particularly in lithium-ion battery recycling, agricultural waste valorization, and sustainable materials management. Her work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, addressing critical environmental challenges through innovative engineering solutions. Scientific Recognition: Effective member of International Waste Working Group (IWWG), Germany (since 2010) Effective member of GEAM (Associazione Georisorse e Ambiente), Italy (since 2010) Learning to Teach (L2T) Open Badge from Politecnico di Torino (2023) Evaluator for national research programs (PRIN, FIRB, SIR, Rita Levi Montalcini) since 2012 Professor Fiore supervises multiple PhD students working on circular economy applications, battery recycling, and sustainable waste management. She teaches courses including 'Circular economy and environmental sustainability' and 'Battery systems for automotive and stationary applications' across multiple degree programs. Her research portfolio includes numerous competitive and commercial projects, including the EU-funded LEAD project (2025-2029) on anaerobic digestion and BEST4Hy on hydrogen technology recycling.
Dr. Kagan Kerman is a Professor in the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough. His research focuses on analytical detection of biological events on surfaces, emphasizing nanoparticle-biomolecule conjugates for biosensing. Key techniques include electrochemical (voltammetry) and spectroscopic (localized surface plasmon resonance) methods applied to nucleic acids, cells, and environmental contaminants. His work spans interdisciplinary fields such as surface science, molecular biology, and nanotechnology. Dr. Kerman’s lab is located in EV 506, with his office in EV548. Notable students include Mengying Wu (D90 project on Zidovudine detection) and Zixin Yu (selenate detection research). Recent advancements include wearable biosensors, smartphone-integrated devices, and hydrogel-based anthrax detection platforms. His research addresses critical applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and neurodegenerative disease biomarker detection. Laboratory infrastructure supports state-of-the-art electrochemical analysis, microfluidic systems, and nanomaterial synthesis. Current projects emphasize multi-analyte sensing, sustainable nanomaterials, and real-time health monitoring solutions.
Professor Bernadette McCabe is Director of the Centre for Agricultural Engineering (CAE) at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and Research Program Team Leader for Energy and Bioresource Recycling. She leads Australia’s National Team for IEA Bioenergy Task 37 (Energy from Biogas) and is a member of the ARC College of Experts. With over 25 years in academic and industry research, her work focuses on converting agricultural and food-industry waste into valuable resources like biogas, recycled water, and biofertilizers. She collaborates with industries to enhance profitability through sustainable waste management, addressing livestock, cropping, and water utility sectors. Education : BSc(Hons) in Agriculture, University of Sydney (1992) PhD in Agricultural Bioengineering, University of Western Sydney (1999) Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning, USQ (2007) Research Interests : Biogas production from agro-industrial waste Anaerobic digestion optimization Greenhouse gas mitigation strategies Biosolids and digestate management Circular economy applications in agriculture Grants & Projects : Recycling and Renewable Energy Commercialisation Hub (2023) Nutrients in a Circular Economy (NiCE) ARC Hub (2022) Wastes to Profits: Regional Agri-Food Waste Valorisation (2021) Pilot-scale digestate-derived bioproducts (2020) Awards : Advance Queensland Mid-Career Research Fellowship (2017) ALTC Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2011) Labs/Teams : Leadership in CAE’s Energy and Bioresource Recycling program Collaborations with IEA Bioenergy, CSIRO, and industry partners
Angela Hofmann is a Senior Lecturer and Professor of Process Engineering at the Management Center Innsbruck, part of the University of Innsbruck. She leads the Josef Ressel Center for the production of powdered activated carbon from municipal residues and serves on strategic boards for renewable energy in Tyrol. Her roles span academia, research, and industry collaboration, focusing on sustainable energy systems and biomass valorization. Dr. Hofmann holds a Dr. techn. in Process Engineering from the Technical University of Vienna (2018) and advanced qualifications in project management, mediation, and environmental technology. Her teaching emphasizes process engineering, renewable energy systems, and synthetic biofuels. Her research centers on thermochemical biomass conversion, gasification technologies, activated carbon production from waste, and circular economy applications. Notable projects include the PowerBox gasification system, Tirol 2050 energy scenarios, and investigations into biochar properties and wastewater treatment applications. Dr. Hofmann has supervised over 40 theses and contributed to peer-reviewed journals and conferences. She actively participates in professional societies, including the German association of higher education and the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Francis Rayns is an Associate Professor (Research) at the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University. His research focuses on sustainable soil management, particularly the use of green manures, waste materials (compost, digestate, biochar), and alternatives to plastics in agriculture. He actively promotes citizen science to improve agricultural practices and has collaborated on projects addressing agroforestry, urban soil remediation, and plastic reduction in farming. Education: PhD in Biotechnology (Somatic embryogenesis) from De Montfort University and BSc in Applied Biology from University College North Wales. Notable projects include UNDERTREES (agroforestry ecosystem services), REPAS (citizen science for plastic reduction), and SOIL NEXUS (urban soil care). He leads research on peat-free growing media, crop rotation impacts, and biodegradable alternatives to plastics. Publications span topics like soil microbial health, biostimulant efficacy, and historical trends in crop mineral content. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to solve agricultural challenges, blending environmental science with practical farming solutions.
Rafael Santos is an Associate Professor in Environmental Engineering at the University of Guelph's School of Engineering since 2017. He holds a PhD from KU Leuven (Belgium) and is a registered Professional Engineer of Ontario. Research focuses on CO 2 capture/utilization, solid waste valorization, environmental remediation, and process intensification Professional affiliations include PEO, ACS, AWMA, CSChE, RSC, and AIChE Particle Technology Forum Research Themes: Transforming industrial/agricultural wastes into carbon sinks and valuable products Developing energy-efficient reactor technologies (ultrasound, tubular reactors, hot-stage processing) Commercialization through GeoRewind™ with Twitter/Instagram presence Applying enhanced rock weathering to Southern Ontario agriculture and mining Scientific Recognition : NSERC Discovery Grant & Launch Supplement (2019-2024) Scialog Fellow (2020-present) Editorial roles in 4 journals He supervises 23 graduate students/visitors via projects spanning carbon capture, waste valorization, reactor design, and environmental monitoring. Teaching includes core courses like Fluid Mechanics and specialized graduate programs in Geochemical Modeling.
Dr. Tao Lyu is a Senior Lecturer in Green Technologies at the Cranfield Water Science Institute, Cranfield University, where he has been employed since April 2020. He serves as the course director for the Environmental Engineering MSc at the JSU-CU Institute. His research is centered on nature-based solutions and green technologies for sustainable water and wastewater management. PhD in Environmental Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark (2016) Research Fellow, Nottingham Trent University (2017–2019) Module Leader, BSc Environmental Sciences (2019) Senior Lecturer, Cranfield University (2020–present) Dr. Lyu’s research spans environmental engineering, chemistry, and nanoscience, with a focus on nature-based solutions such as constructed wetlands and microalgae technologies, and green technologies like nanobubble systems. His work targets micropollutant and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation , eutrophication and harmful algal bloom (HAB) control , sediment and soil remediation , and nutrient cycling . He integrates advanced nanomaterials and biotechnological approaches to develop sustainable water treatment solutions. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on nature-based solutions , nanobubble technology , and micropollutant removal . Key trends include the application of nanobubbles in anaerobic digestion, wastewater treatment, and disinfection; the use of constructed wetlands for PFAS and antibiotic removal; and the development of novel materials for heavy metal and nutrient recovery. The research combines experimental, computational, and field-based approaches, often in collaboration with water utilities and environmental agencies. Dr. Lyu has secured significant research funding from EPSRC, BBSRC, RAEng, The Royal Society, and industry partners including Sanofi S.A. and multiple UK water utilities. EPSRC (EP/Y003101/1) BBSRC (BB/Y008332/1) RAEng (TSP2021\100376 & TSP-2324-6\136) Royal Society (RG\R1\241357) Environment Agency Water utilities (e.g., Northumbrian Water, Severn Trent) Dr. Lyu currently supervises nine PhD students and three MSc(Res) students , and has successfully guided over 10 MSc thesis projects and five group projects. He coordinates the PFAS working group for BBSRC-EBNet and serves on the editorial boards of two international journals. His lab focuses on developing scalable, chemical-free environmental technologies with real-world applications in pharmaceutical wastewater, agriculture, and urban water systems.
Professor Jeremiah D.G. Murphy is a Chair in Civil Engineering at University College Cork (UCC), leading the SFI-funded MaREI Centre since 2015. His work focuses on circular economy, energy systems, and environmental sustainability, with a strong emphasis on biomethane and biogas research. He has secured over €65M in funding and authored ~200 peer-reviewed papers, achieving an h-index of 65. He represents Ireland at the International Energy Agency Bioenergy and was re-elected to lead its Biogas Task (2016–2021). Education & Awards : Awarded Engineers Ireland Excellence Award (2015), Marine Industry Award (2017), and Irish Academy of Engineers Fellowship (2019). Holds an adjunct professorship at the University of Southern Queensland. Research Interests : Circular bioenergy systems, anaerobic digestion optimization, renewable gas production, and interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability. His team explores cascading systems integrating biological, thermochemical, and electrical processes to enhance energy efficiency. Grants & Projects : Led MaREI through 6 international reviews and secured Phase II funding (2019–2024). Key projects include biomethane from seaweed, power-to-gas systems, and lifecycle analyses of biofuels. Collaborates with industry partners like Gas Networks Ireland and Bord Gais. Labs & Teams : Head of a 20-member research group at MaREI, focusing on circular economy and energy transition technologies. Active in policy-informing research and industrial partnerships to scale renewable gas solutions.
Danielle Bellmer is a Professor at Oklahoma State University within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and the Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center . Her work spans teaching and research in food process engineering, biofuels, and value-added product development. Doctor of Philosophy, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (Purdue University, 1996) Bachelor of Science, Biological Engineering (Michigan State University, 1992) Dr. Bellmer's research focuses on probiotic encapsulation , biofuel production from agricultural waste , and edible film development . She has explored microbial protein delivery, biochar applications, and sustainable food waste conversion. Her recent publications (2024-2025) emphasize probiotic stability in baked goods , sugar alternative impacts , and consumer acceptance studies . Earlier work (2014-2018) addresses biomass gasification , thermal decomposition , and biochar utilization . She has secured grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture , Department of Transportation , and National Science Foundation for projects on bioplastic degradation, probiotic functionality, and sustainable food industry leadership. Dr. Bellmer supervises doctoral research and teaches courses including Microbial Applications in Biosystems Engineering , Food Rheology , and Introduction to Biosystems Engineering . She offers graduate research supervision and oversees internships in agricultural sciences.
Dr. Fawad Ali is an Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellow at Griffith University's Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, specializing in environmental sustainability and management. His research focuses on sustainable crop production systems with particular expertise in tropical fruits, rice, and coffee breeding. Education: PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics, Southern Cross University (2016-2021) MSC (Hons) in Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (2010-2012) BSC (Hons) in Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (2006-2010) Dr. Ali's research spans plant breeding, quantitative genetics, and environmental remediation, with emphasis on developing sustainable agricultural systems that address food security and environmental challenges. His work integrates molecular biology, field trials, and computational approaches to improve crop resilience and quality. His publication record reveals strong focus areas in environmental remediation (particularly arsenic and heavy metal contamination), tropical fruit breeding (papaya and citrus), and stress-responsive crop improvement. Recent work demonstrates innovative approaches combining microbial solutions with plant systems for pollution mitigation. Awards & Recognition: Best Poster Award at TropAg 2019 Qualified Person (QP) certification for Intellectual Property and Plant Breeding Rights (IP Australia, 2022-2025) Dr. Ali actively supervises doctoral research, currently serving as Associate Supervisor for genomic platform development in Australian papaya. His funded research includes the $646,000 Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship project 'Invigorating the Coffee Industry in Tropical North Queensland' and the 'National Papaya Breeding and Evaluation Program' ($1.5M). He collaborates extensively with industry partners to translate research into practical agricultural solutions, particularly in specialty coffee and tropical fruit production. His laboratory work encompasses plant tissue culture, molecular biology techniques, field-based breeding trials, and environmental remediation experiments, with strong emphasis on industry-relevant outcomes and consumer preferences.
Patrizia Savi is a Tenured Associate Professor at the Polytechnic University of Turin within the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications. She actively participates in the Power Electronics Innovation Center (PEIC) and serves as a Senior Member of IEEE and the International Union of Radio Science . Teaching: She has been the Titolare del corso for 'Campi Elettromagnetici' (Electromagnetic Fields) since 2019-2021 at the Polytechnic University of Turin. Key Collaborations: Works with researchers across Italy and international institutions on projects involving GNSS-R for environmental monitoring. Research Interests: Her work focuses on GNSS Reflectometry for soil moisture retrieval, carbon-based composites (graphene, biochar, nanotubes) for microwave applications, and graphene tunable devices including biosensors. She also explores electromagnetic shielding using sustainable materials. Recent Publication Trends: Recent work emphasizes machine learning integration with GNSS-R data, biochar composite shielding in construction materials, and graphene-based biosensors for glucose and HRP detection. Key applications span climate action , environmental monitoring , and medical diagnostics . Scientific Awards: IEEE Fellow (2016-) IEEE Senior Member (2016-) International Union of Radio Science Senior Member (2024-) Advising: Supervises PhD students Simone Gaetano Ballaera and Fabio Peinetti , focusing on graphene sensors and tunable devices.
Yves ANDRES is the Head of the Department of Energy and Environmental Systems (DSEE) at IMT Atlantique's Nantes campus. His work focuses on sustainable environmental engineering solutions, particularly in air quality management, bio-based materials, and renewable energy systems. He leads interdisciplinary research addressing indoor environmental quality, waste valorization, and eco-efficient technologies. Research Interests: Dr. ANDRES specializes in optimizing bio-based insulation materials, indoor air purification systems, anaerobic digestion of organic waste, and eco-friendly wastewater treatment. His team develops innovative methods for converting agricultural byproducts into energy (e.g., bioethanol, biohydrogen) and advanced filtration technologies to mitigate airborne contaminants. Recent projects explore mold resistance in building materials and the environmental impact of material aging processes. Key Contributions: His work bridges fundamental research and industrial applications, with a focus on sustainable transitions. Notable areas include: Development of multifunctional air filters using graphene-enhanced ceramics Optimization of floating treatment wetlands for nitrogen removal Standardization of VOC/SVOC emission testing protocols Dr. ANDRES actively collaborates with industry partners to implement small-scale anaerobic digestion systems and promotes circular economy principles in building material design. His research emphasizes both technical innovation and policy-oriented sustainability assessments.
