Dan Uchimura | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Dan Uchimura | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Dan Uchimura|Kajima Corporation | Japan

Dan Uchimura is an emerging professional in nuclear power plant structural design, currently serving as a designer in the Kajima Corporation Nuclear Power Department. With a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Waseda University, he has swiftly transitioned from academia to industry, applying his expertise in structural systems, safety analysis, and computational modeling. During his graduate studies in Tokyo, he focused on enhancing the resilience and sustainability of energy facilities, developing technical skills in MATLAB, Python, and Excel to simulate structural integrity under extreme conditions. Since joining Kajima, Dan has contributed to the planning and design of nuclear power facilities while spearheading research on integrating non-destructive inspection techniques—especially infrared thermography—into plant systems to detect structural anomalies without operational interruptions. Known for his analytical thinking, precision, and interdisciplinary approach, he collaborates with engineers, material scientists, and safety analysts to deliver reliable, innovative design solutions aligned with stringent safety regulations. His research interests center on advancing inspection technologies, modeling structural behavior under thermal and seismic loads, and exploring AI-driven predictive maintenance systems to enhance safety and efficiency in nuclear infrastructure. Though early in his career, Dan has already earned recognition for his innovative contributions, including commendations for his thesis on resilient energy infrastructure and praise from senior engineers for merging theoretical concepts with practical design solutions.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publication 

Uchimura, D. (2024). Application of infrared thermography for non-destructive structural inspection in nuclear power facilities. Journal of Structural Engineering and Technology.

Uchimura, D. (2023). Resilient architectural design framework for nuclear power plants. International Journal of Sustainable Energy Infrastructure.

Uchimura, D. (2023). Computational modeling of seismic loads in nuclear plant structures. Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering.

 

Shangshang Wu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shangshang Wu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Tianjin university | China

Wu Shangshang is a mechanical engineer pursuing her Ph.D. at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University in China, where she also completed her B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Her research focuses on underwater gliders, emphasizing hydrodynamic identification, motion behavior analysis, and front-end data processing for acoustic communication. Since her master’s studies, she has worked as a graduate researcher, contributing to both experimental sea trials and theoretical modeling, and has published journal articles and conference papers in marine robotics, acoustics, and signal processing. Wu’s doctoral work advances model-based and data-driven methods to improve hydrodynamic prediction and control under uncertain underwater conditions, supporting the development of reliable seabed vehicles and underwater communication systems. She collaborates closely with colleagues at Tianjin University, including researchers such as Guangwei Lv and Shaoqiong Yang, and her early contributions are gaining citations. Her interests also include neural network–based hybrid modeling, online estimation, and mitigating the effects of environmental factors like sea currents and noise on underwater navigation and sensor performance. While no specific awards are publicly documented, Wu shows strong potential in combining experimental insights with computational techniques to enhance the design, control, and stability of underwater gliders.

Profile : Scopus| ORCID  

Featured Publications

AuthorLastName, A. A., & AuthorLastName, B. B. Model and data-driven hydrodynamic identification and prediction for underwater gliders. Physics of Fluids.

AuthorLastName, A. A., & AuthorLastName, B. B. An enhanced variational mode decomposition method for processing hydrodynamic data of underwater gliders. Measurement.

AuthorLastName, A. A., & AuthorLastName, B. B. Multi-body modelling and analysis of the motion platform for underwater acoustic dynamic communication. Applied Mathematical Modelling.

John Devar | Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgery | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. John Devar | Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgery | Best Researcher Award

University of Witwatersrand | South Africa

Assoc. John Wesley Samuel Devar is a distinguished Senior Consultant Surgeon at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and a Lecturer at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits), specializing in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery. He has demonstrated unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, surgical education, and mentorship, contributing significantly to the development of HPB surgery services in South Africa. Known for his patient-centered care, meticulous surgical skill, and innovative teaching rooted in Socratic dialogue, he integrates evidence-based medicine with local clinical realities to prepare the next generation of surgeons. Dr. Devar completed his MBBCH at Wits, followed by surgical specialization through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa and later a Gastroenterology Fellowship. He is currently in the thesis phase of his PhD at Wits. His career began as a General Surgical Registrar in the Pietermaritzburg/Durban Complex, progressing to Consultant at Addington Hospital before joining Chris Hani Baragwanath as a GIT Surgical Fellow and Lecturer. As a Senior Consultant, he has led specialized HPB surgical services, supervised postgraduate training, shaped curricula, and driven surgical innovations at one of the largest hospitals in the Southern Hemisphere. His research focuses on improving outcomes in liver, pancreatic, and biliary surgeries, developing structured training models, and contextualizing global evidence for South African practice. Recognized for his mentorship and educational contributions, including roles with the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, he has earned accolades for advancing surgical education and inspiring future surgical leaders.

Profile :  Scopus 

Featured Publications

Devar, J. W. S., et al. (2021). Outcomes of ERCP training implementation in a South African tertiary hospital. South African Journal of Surgery.

Devar, J. W. S., et al. (2020). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy training outcomes among surgical residents. World Journal of Surgery.

Devar, J. W. S., et al. (2019). Structured mentorship improves postgraduate surgical outcomes: A South African perspective. BMC Medical Education.

Murat KUL | Sport Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Murat KUL | Sport Science | Best Researcher Award 

Professor | Bayburt Universty | Turkey 

Prof. Murat Kul is a distinguished academic and researcher in physical education and sports sciences, currently serving as a Professor at Bayburt University’s Faculty of Sport Sciences. With extensive experience, he has made significant contributions to sports education, coaching, and athletic training methodologies, blending practical teaching with rigorous research. His expertise spans leadership in sports, athlete psychology, ethical coaching, and the integration of traditional and modern training techniques. He completed his Bachelor’s in Physical Education and Sports Teaching, a second undergraduate degree in Business Administration, a Master’s in Physical Education and Sports Education focusing on teacher performance, a Ph.D. examining school leadership and teacher experiences, and an associate degree in Emergency and Disaster Management, reflecting a holistic approach to sports, management, and leadership. Professionally, he began as a Research Assistant, progressed through academic roles, and now coordinates programs and supervises over  doctoral theses at Bayburt University. His research interests include sports pedagogy, athlete psychology, coaching effectiveness, ethical leadership, traditional sports, and training methodologies aimed at optimizing performance and motivation. He has been widely recognized for mentoring students, leading national and international projects, and advancing sports sciences through innovative research and teaching. Prof. Kul has 9 documents, cited by 21 documents, with an h-index of 3, establishing him as a thought leader in Turkey and internationally.

Profile:  Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications 

Kul, M. Life-kinetic exercises’ effects on reaction time, cognitive flexibility, and attention. Bayburt University Thesis. Cited by 2 articles.

Kul, M. Organizational commitment and emotional states of sports federation personnel. Bayburt University Research. Cited by 3 articles.

Kul, M. Ethical leadership and exercise addiction among athletes. Bartın University Research. Cited by 4 articles.

 

 

kirti upadhyay | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. kirti upadhyay | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Ms. kirti upadhyay | King George’s Medical University KGMU | India

Kirti Upadhyay is a dedicated Ph.D. Scholar at the Cytogenetics Lab, Centre for Advanced Research, King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. She has a strong passion for genetic research and molecular biology, focusing on chromosomal abnormalities and their clinical applications. With a solid foundation in life sciences, she is advancing her expertise through active participation in training workshops and conferences, enhancing her skills in cytogenetic and molecular biology techniques. Kirti holds a B.Sc. in Life Sciences from Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University and an M.Sc. in Zoology from Maharishi University of Information Technology, Lucknow. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Cytogenetics at KGMU, where she is involved in projects related to molecular diagnostics and genetic research. Her education has been complemented by specialized training in cancer biology, gene cloning, forensic science, basic life support, and advanced statistical analysis. Kirti has gained practical experience in karyotyping, FISH, PCR, cell culture, ELISA, microarrays, and chromatography. She has attended several national and international conferences, which broadened her understanding of genetics and precision medicine. Her research interests include chromosomal abnormalities, molecular markers, cancer genetics, and hematological disorders, with a focus on applying genomic tools for early diagnosis and personalized treatment. Kirti has been recognized for her contributions through certifications, nominations, and active participation in scientific events, demonstrating her commitment to advancing genetic research and improving diagnostic strategies.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publication 

 

Jingyi Gao | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Jingyi Gao | University of Virginia | United States

Ms. Jingyi Gao | University of Virginia | United States

Jingyi Gao is a Ph.D. candidate in Systems and Information Engineering at the University of Virginia with a 3.75 GPA, focusing on time series prediction, Bayesian probabilistic modeling, and federated learning. She holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics from the Johns Hopkins University (GPA 3.9) and dual bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics–Computer Science and Economics from the University of California, San Diego. Jingyi has extensive teaching experience, serving as a teaching assistant at UVA where she has instructed over 1,000 students across multiple courses in statistical modeling, data mining, AI, and big data systems, and previously supported courses at Johns Hopkins and UC San Diego. She has mentored underrepresented students through the Data Justice Academy and completed research internships at the University of Pittsburgh and Tencent, developing machine learning models for stress detection, healthcare data analysis, and cloud resource forecasting. Jingyi has authored several publications, including work accepted by Pattern Recognition and under review at AAAI and IISE Transactions. Her recent projects involve designing deep latent variable models for ergonomic risk assessment, developing real-time adaptive prediction frameworks for occupational health monitoring, creating federated learning approaches for multi-output Gaussian processes, and modeling behavioral regularity and predictability from multidimensional sensing signals. Combining expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data-driven decision systems, Jingyi aims to advance human-centered intelligent systems through interpretable and privacy-preserving predictive modeling.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Gao, J., Rahman, A., Lim, S., & Chung, S. TimeSets: A real-time adaptive prediction framework for multivariate time series (Manuscript under review at the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence).

Gao, J., Lim, S., & Chung, S. Gait-based hand load estimation via deep latent variable models with auxiliary information (Manuscript under review at IISE Transactions).

Gao, J., & Chung, S. Federated automatic latent variable selection in multi-output Gaussian processes (Accepted for publication in Pattern Recognition)*.

Gao, J., Yan, R., & Doryab, A. Modeling regularity and predictability in human behavior from multidimensional sensing signals and personal characteristics. Proceedings of the International Conference on Machine Learning and Applications (ICMLA). Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Chen, T., Chen, Y., Gao, J., Gao, P., Moon, J. H., Ren, J., … & Woolf, T. B. Machine learning to summarize and provide context for sleep and eating schedules. bioRxiv.

UKBE SIRAYDER | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Ukbe Sırayder | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation | Nuh Naci Yazgan University | Turkey

Dr. Ukbe Sırayder is an academic and researcher specializing in physical therapy and rehabilitation, with expertise in cardiorespiratory and pulmonary rehabilitation.they have advanced from Research Assistant to Associate Professor (Doktor Öğretim Üyesi) at Nuh Naci Yazgan University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. Dr. Şırayder earned a Ph.D. in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation from Hacettepe University, following a master’s degree in the same field and a second master’s in Public Law, complementing a Bachelor of Law from Erciyes University. Their professional experience includes teaching courses in pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise physiology, and clinical practice, conducting research projects such as a multidisciplinary home-care study after total knee arthroplasty, and serving in administrative roles including Head of Department (Therapy and Rehabilitation) and Deputy Head of Medical Services & Technical Departments. Their research explores pulmonary and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, functional capacity, inspiratory muscle training, and respiratory health in post-COVID-19 patients, scoliosis surgery patients, and occupationally exposed populations. Though formal awards are not listed, Dr. Şırayder has received recognition through full-tuition appointment, leadership roles, and frequent acceptance of research in international journals and conferences. Key publications include studies on blue/red light exposure and cognitive performance and on long-term COVID-19 impacts on respiratory function, highlighting their growing impact in rehabilitation research.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Sırayder, U., Orunoğlu, M., & Yılmaz, O. (2025). Acute effects of blue and red light exposure on cognitive performance, exercise capacity, perceived effort, and dynamic balance: A randomized crossover study. Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, 23(4), 389–398.

Sırayder, U., İnal İnce, D., Kepenek Varol, B., & Açık, C. (2022). Long-term characteristics of severe COVID-19: Respiratory function, functional capacity, and quality of life. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(10), 6304.

Hamideh HASSANNEZHADDIVKOLAEI | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs.Hamideh Hassannezhaddivkolaei | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mrs.Hamideh Hassannezhaddivkolaei | University of Murcia | Spain

Mrs. Hamideh Hassannezhaddivkolaei is an Iranian researcher and Ph.D. candidate in Biodiversity and Environmental Management at the University of Murcia, Spain. Passionate about plant systematics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, she combines over five years of teaching experience with advanced research skills. Her work focuses on understanding plant biodiversity through genomic approaches, including chloroplast genome sequencing of mosses such as Tortula acaulon, and contributing to conservation biology. She is skilled in laboratory techniques like DNA extraction, PCR, and RAPD markers, and proficient in bioinformatics tools such as BLAST, Geneious, MEGA, SPAdes, and R. Hamideh holds an M.Sc. in Plant Biology (Systematics–Ecology) and a B.Sc. in General Biology from the University of Mazandaran, Iran, where her thesis on the biosystematics of Glycyrrhiza species earned an A+ distinction. She has taught biology and science at Allameh Helli Free Academic Institute and Mehre Ofogh Koshan Private School in Iran, developing engaging lessons and fostering environmental awareness among students. Multilingual in Persian, English, and intermediate Spanish, she actively participates in international collaborations. Her research interests span plant systematics, phylogenetics, and molecular evolution, aiming to elucidate evolutionary relationships and genetic diversity, particularly in bryophytes and angiosperms of the Hyrcanian forests and Mediterranean ecosystems. She integrates bioinformatics pipelines (FastQC, Trimmomatic, IRSCOP, Chlorobox) with statistical approaches in R to analyze genomic data. Recognized for her innovative teaching and research excellence, Hamideh has received commendations for Olympiad training, presented at national conferences, and earned a place in the competitive Ph.D. program at the University of Murcia. Her ultimate goal is to combine genomics and conservation strategies to preserve endangered plant species and address climate change impacts on biodiversity.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Hasannejad Divkolaei, H. (2014). Palynology [Book]. University of Mazandaran Press.
Cited by 5 articles.

Hasannejad Divkolaei, H., & Mahmoudi Otaghvari, A. (2016). Biosystematics investigation of genus Glycyrrhiza using RAPD molecular marker. Journal of Plant Cell Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, 17(7–8), 307–316.
Cited by 12 articles.

Mahmoudi Otaghvari, A., Hassannejad Div-kolaei, H., & Kazemitabar, S. K. (2016). Impact of climate change on Iran’s agricultural bottlenecks. In Proceedings of the National Conference (Sari, Iran).
Cited by 3 articles.

Hasannejad Divkolaei, H., Talibzadeh, A., & Ghorbanzadeh, A. (2020). New irrigation technologies in agriculture. In Proceedings of the 5th National Conference (Mazandaran, Iran).
Cited by 2 articles.

Hassannejad DivKolaei, H., Fadaie, F., Mahmoudi Otaghvari, A., & Kazemitabar, S. K. (2019). Numerical taxonomy of Glycyrrhiza in the Hyrcanian region. Rostaniha, 19(2), 176–183.
Cited by 8 articles.

Sobhani, G., Shahidi, S. A., Ghorbani, A., Hasan-saraei, S., Sobhani, S., & Hasannejad Divkolaei, H. (2021). Comparing the properties of improved breads with omega-3. Journal of Cereal Science.
Cited by 6 articles.

 

Fadime GÜVEN | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Fadime GÜVEN | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Ataturk University |Turkey

Dr.  Fadime Güven is a board-certified radiologist and academic researcher with over two decades of clinical and academic experience in diagnostic imaging. She is currently serving as an Associate Professor at Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey. Her expertise spans breast imaging, neuroradiology, oncologic imaging, and advanced MRI techniques such as DWI, DTI, and fMRI. Alongside her clinical practice, she has been actively involved in teaching diagnostic radiology to undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as supervising residents and PhD candidates. Dr. Güven is recognized for her numerous invited talks at national radiology congresses, where she has shared her expertise in breast and neuroimaging. Her scholarly work includes several publications in high-impact journals, focusing on advanced imaging applications and rare breast pathologies. She continues to play a pivotal role in advancing medical imaging research, improving diagnostic accuracy, and shaping future radiologists through her academic and clinical leadership.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr.  Güven completed her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree at Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, where she developed a strong foundation in medical sciences and patient care. She pursued her specialization in diagnostic radiology through a residency program at Atatürk University School of Medicine, gaining hands-on expertise in various imaging modalities. To complement her radiological knowledge with a deeper understanding of anatomical sciences, she undertook a Ph.D. in Anatomy at Atatürk University. Her dissertation, titled “Circle of Willis Variations Detected by Time of Flight Magnetic Resonance Imaging Angiography in Eastern Anatolia Region”, reflected her interdisciplinary approach, combining neuroanatomy and advanced MRI applications. This robust academic background provided her with the skills to explore imaging from both anatomical and clinical perspectives, strengthening her ability to develop novel approaches in diagnostic imaging. Her education has laid the groundwork for her successful career as a radiologist, researcher, and academic mentor.

Experience

Dr.  Güven’s professional journey is marked by a strong combination of clinical expertise, academic teaching, and innovative research. She began her career as a radiology resident at Atatürk University School of Medicine, where she trained in diagnostic imaging techniques and built her foundation in radiology practice. She later advanced to faculty positions at Atatürk University, where she has served as both Assistant Professor and Associate Professor of Radiology. In her academic role, she has been deeply engaged in teaching medical students, training radiology residents, and supervising PhD candidates in advanced research projects. Her clinical and research expertise focuses on breast imaging, neuroradiology, oncologic imaging, and the application of advanced MRI methods. Additionally, she has been invited to present at professional radiology congresses, where she has delivered lectures on rare breast lesions and advanced breast MRI approaches. Her combined teaching, clinical, and research experience underscores her leadership in academic radiology.

Research Interest

Dr.  Güven’s research interests are rooted in advancing diagnostic imaging and improving its clinical applications. She has focused extensively on neuroradiology, exploring cerebral vascular structures and neurological disorders with advanced MRI technologies. In the field of breast imaging, she has studied both common and rare breast pathologies, with a particular focus on improving diagnostic accuracy through MRI and ultrasonography. Her work extends to oncologic imaging, where she examines the role of advanced imaging in cancer detection, staging, and monitoring. She is especially skilled in applying advanced MRI techniques such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and functional MRI (fMRI). Her research bridges clinical challenges with imaging innovations, resulting in improved diagnostic methods and patient care. Through her numerous publications and conference presentations, Dr. Güven contributes significantly to the global radiology community, shaping new approaches to imaging that enhance both academic knowledge and clinical practice.

Awards & Recognition

Dr.  Güven has been recognized for her contributions to radiology through multiple invited talks, professional memberships, and academic achievements. She has delivered lectures at prestigious meetings organized by the Turkish Society of Magnetic Resonance and the Turkish Society of Radiology, where she has spoken on advanced breast imaging, rare lesions, and diagnostic approaches in MRI. Her respected expertise has also earned her membership in leading professional organizations, including the Turkish Society of Radiology, Turkish Society of Magnetic Resonance, European Society of Radiology, and the Medical Society of Ultrasonography. These affiliations highlight her active involvement in both national and international radiology communities. Her work has contributed significantly to both clinical practice and academic radiology, making her a sought-after expert in her field. Beyond her teaching and research roles, her recognition by professional societies emphasizes her leadership and influence in shaping the future of radiological sciences.

Publications

Dr.  Güven has published several important research articles in peer-reviewed international journals, contributing to advancements in diagnostic radiology. Selected publications include:

  1. Comparison of the Efficacy of Systemic Versus Local Steroid Treatment in Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: A Cohort Study — Journal of Surgical Research.

  2. Primary high-grade diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the breast — British Journal of Hospital Medicine.

  3. The Value of Superb Microvascular Imaging in Detecting Hepatic Artery Occlusion in Liver Transplantation: A Preliminary Study — Ultrasound Quarterly.

  4. A very rare mass of breast, renal cell carcinoma metastasis; mammography-sonography findings with histopathologic correlation — Breast Journal.

Conclusion

Dr. Fadime Güven demonstrates strong credentials as a researcher and academic radiologist. Her long-standing contributions in diagnostic imaging, recognized expertise in breast and neuroimaging, international memberships, and consistent scholarly output make her a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With further emphasis on international collaborations, grant leadership, and advanced technology integration, her profile can become even stronger at the global level.

GUILHERME MARQUES | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Guilherme Marques | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul | Brazil

Guilherme Fernandes Marques is an accomplished scholar and practitioner in the field of water resources management. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Instituto de Pesquisas Hidráulicas (IPH), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil, With a career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as a leading expert in hydro-economics, water governance, climate adaptation, and integrated water resources planning. Beyond academia, he actively participates in policymaking and governance, serving as associate editor of the Sustainable Water Resources Management Journal (Springer Nature), president of the regulatory board of AGESAN-RS, and member of the Gravataí River watershed committee. His career bridges teaching, research, consulting, and capacity building across Brazil and internationally. With professional collaborations in the United States, Canada, France, Chile, Kenya, and beyond, Prof. Marques continues to pioneer methods, policies, and frameworks aimed at advancing water security and sustainable development.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

Prof. Marques holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Davis, where his research focused on the economic representation of agricultural activities in water resources systems engineering, funded by a CNPq fellowship. He also earned an M.Sc. in Hydraulics and Sanitary Engineering from the University of São Paulo (EESC/USP), supported by a CAPES fellowship, with a thesis on evaluating water availability and land use potential in the Juramento River Basin. His foundational academic training was completed at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), where he obtained his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering. Complementing these degrees, he pursued specialized training in environmental law and conservation at EESC/USP and UNESP. This combination of engineering, economics, and environmental governance education provided him with a unique multidisciplinary expertise, equipping him to address water-related challenges through integrated and adaptive approaches.

Experience

Prof. Marques has extensive experience in academia, consulting, and policy development. At UFRGS/IPH, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on water management, systems analysis, and water economics while leading the Water Planning Research Group (WARP). His professional expertise extends beyond the classroom, with decades of consulting experience for the World Bank on projects addressing water security, hydropower optimization, drought preparedness, and governance reforms in Brazil. He coordinated international projects in Brazil, Kenya, Chile, and the United States, applying advanced hydro-economic models to real-world challenges. His roles included developing integrated frameworks for water charges and basin plans, conducting climate adaptation studies, and facilitating multi-stakeholder negotiation processes. Additionally, he has served as president of AGESAN-RS’s regulatory board, contributing to improved sanitation governance, and as a member of watershed committees, ensuring stakeholder participation in water governance. His diverse roles highlight his ability to combine scientific expertise with practical policy applications, impacting both local and international water management systems.

Research Interests

Prof. Marques is passionate about solving “wicked problems” in water systems, focusing on hydro-economics, optimization, and interdisciplinary water governance. His research interests include water economics, valuation of environmental assets, conjunctive use of surface and groundwater, hydropower optimization, reservoir operations, and environmental flows. He also studies the water–energy–food nexus, analyzing trade-offs and synergies that support sustainable development and climate change adaptation. His work integrates theory with applied decision-making tools, often using optimization models and scenario analysis to prepare for uncertainty and extreme events. He has worked extensively on projects funded by CNPq, CAPES, FAPEMIG, FAPERGS, IAI, and NSF, contributing to methodological advances and practical solutions in multiple countries. Through his leadership at the WARP research group, he has built interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge academia, public agencies, and international organizations, generating insights that influence both scientific research and governance practices in water resources and climate resilience.

Awards & Recognitions

Throughout his career, Prof. Marques has received recognition for his academic, professional, and consulting contributions. His doctoral studies at UC Davis were supported by a prestigious CNPq fellowship from Brazil, while his master’s research was funded by CAPES. He has successfully led and secured competitive funding from Brazilian and international agencies, including CNPq, CAPES, FAPEMIG, FAPERGS, the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). His applied research for the World Bank in Brazil has been instrumental in shaping water governance reforms, basin planning, and water charges systems, which have been recognized as valuable contributions toward improving water security and resilience. In addition, his active role as associate editor for Sustainable Water Resources Management and reviewer for high-impact journals demonstrates professional recognition from the global scientific community. His leadership roles in AGESAN-RS and watershed committees underscore his commitment to applied governance and public service in water management.

Publications

Prof. Marques has published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing to the advancement of water governance, hydro-economics, and environmental sustainability. Selected recent publications include:

Nhampossa, J.A.; Marques, G.F.; et al. Strategies for integrating small and large scale water storage infrastructure in watersheds: Trade-offs under competing economic uses. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management.
Cited by 32 articles.

Dalcin, A.P.; Marques, G.F.; et al. The Economic Value of Hydrometeorological Information in Hydropower Operations. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management.
Cited by 29 articles.

Riediger, P.I.; Marques, G.F.; et al. Improving sanitation strategies through wastewater reuse and water supply at the watershed scale: A Brazilian view. Water Policy.
Cited by 36 articles.

Marques, G.F.; Formiga-Johnsson, R.M.; et al. Integrating water charges and watershed management for decision-making. Sustainable Water Resources Management.
Cited by 41 articles.

Conclusion

Prof. Guilherme Fernandes Marques is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His career demonstrates a rare balance between academic rigor, real-world application, and policy relevance. His long-standing dedication to water security, hydro-economic optimization, and sustainable resource governance has had a transformative impact both in Brazil and internationally. With further expansion of international collaborations and interdisciplinary outreach, he has the potential to become a leading global authority in water resources research. Overall, his profile strongly merits recognition with this award.