Dr. Lilita Ābele | Circular Economy | Pioneer Researcher Award

Dr. Lilita Ābele , Riga Technical University , Latvia.

Dr. Lilita Ābele 🎓, is a distinguished Latvian researcher and academic with a strong background in social sciences, environmental studies, and engineering 🌍🔬. Currently serving as Senior Lecturer and Senior Scientific Expert at RTU Liepaja Academy, she also leads the Circular Economy Center ♻️🏢. With a PhD in Social Sciences from Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies 🎓 (2024), she is a recognized expert by the Latvian Science Council 🏛️ for 2025–2028. Her work spans multiple fields, contributing to sustainability, environmental research, and economic development 💡🌱.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education and Experience 

• 🎓 2024 – PhD in Social Sciences, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

• 📚 2003–2010 – Doctoral studies in Management Science, University of Latvia

• 🎓 2003 – Master’s in Environmental Sciences, University of Latvia

• 🎓 2001 – Bachelor of Social Sciences, University of Latvia

• 👩‍🏫 2001–2025 – Lecturer, RTU Liepaja Academy / University of Liepaja

• 🔬 2012–2018 – Head, DIF Environmental Research Centre

• 👩‍💼 2014–2025 – Director, Professional Master’s Program “Ecotechnology”

• ♻️ 2018–2025 – Head, Circular Economy Center

• 👥 2013–2025 – Vice Chairman, DIC Council

• 🧪 2024–2025 – Senior Scientific Expert

• 📈 2019–2025 – Researcher at RTU LA DIC

Summary Suitability

Dr. Lilita Ābele is a prime candidate for the Pioneer Researcher Award, recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to sustainable development, circular economy, and interdisciplinary integration across environmental sciences, social sciences, and engineering ♻️🌍📊. With over two decades of academic leadership and scientific inquiry, she has pioneered initiatives that merge economic growth with ecological responsibility, transforming theory into impactful practice.

Professional Development

Dr. Lilita Ābele professional development is rooted in interdisciplinary growth across academia and applied research 🔬📘. Over more than two decades, she has blended environmental science, economics, and civil engineering in teaching and leadership roles 🎓🏗️. As Director of the “Ecotechnology” Master’s Program and Head of the Circular Economy Center ♻️📚, she has pioneered sustainable development education in Latvia. Her research at RTU LA DIC and leadership in national councils 👩‍🔬🇱🇻 reflect her commitment to innovation and sustainability. Recognized for her expertise, she continuously integrates policy, science, and community needs in her evolving academic journey 🌱🧭.

🔹 Research Focus 

Dr. Lilita Ābele research focuses on sustainability, circular economy, and eco-innovation ♻️🔬. With a multidisciplinary lens, she bridges social sciences, environmental policy, and engineering to address pressing global challenges 🌍📊. Her work explores how economic development can harmonize with environmental stewardship 🌱📈. As a recognized expert in Earth sciences, environmental sciences, civil engineering, and economics 🏗️🌿, she contributes to sustainable infrastructure and community-based solutions. Through applied research, academic leadership, and national science council involvement 🇱🇻💡, Lilita promotes transformative practices toward greener economies and healthier ecosystems 🚀🌾.

🔹 Awards and Honors 

• 🏅 Expert Rights by Latvian Science Council (2025–2028) in:

  • Social Sciences – Economics and Entrepreneurship 💼📘

  • Engineering and Technology – Civil and Transport Engineering 🏗️🚉

  • Natural Sciences – Earth Sciences, Physical Geography & Environmental Sciences 🌍📊

• 📊 Hirsch Index (Scopus): 5 – Recognized scientific impact 📈📖

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣ Assessment of Knowledge and Habits for Planning Dematerialization of Municipalities

• 📅 Date: 2023-10-01

• 📖 Type: Conference Paper

• 📍 Conference: SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference – EXPO Proceedings

• 📘 DOI: 10.5593/sgem2023/5.1/s21.43

• 📚 ISSN: 1314-2704

• 👥 Contributors: Lilita Abele, Elita Jermolajeva, Linda Alksne

2️⃣ Creativity as a Tool for Regional Ecological and Environmental Economic Development

• 📅 Date: 2023-10-01

• 📖 Type: Conference Paper

• 📍 Conference: SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference – EXPO Proceedings

• 📘 DOI: 10.5593/sgem2023/5.1/s21.45

• 📚 ISSN: 1314-2704

• 👥 Contributors: Karlis Markus, Baiba Rivza, Lilita Abele

3️⃣ Green Competitiveness and Digitization in Latvia Municipalities

• 📅 Date: 2023-10-01

• 📖 Type: Conference Paper

• 📍 Conference: SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference – EXPO Proceedings

• 📘 DOI: 10.5593/sgem2023/5.1/s20.18

• 📚 ISSN: 1314-2704

• 👥 Contributors: Lilita Abele, Baiba Rivza, Peteris Rivza, Karlis Markus

4️⃣ Methodology for Evaluating Components in the Production of Green Concrete

• 📅 Date: 2022-12-27

• 📖 Type: Conference Paper

• 📍 Conference: 22nd SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference
  Nano, Bio, Green and Space – Technologies For a Sustainable Future

• 📘 DOI: 10.5593/sgem2022v/6.2/s26.56

• 📚 ISSN: 1314-2704

• 👥 Contributors: Lilita Abele, Anna Muhina

5️⃣ Use of Wood Ash from Centralised Heat Recovery

• 📅 Date: 2022-12-27

• 📖 Type: Conference Paper

• 📍 Conference: 22nd SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference
  Energy and Clean Technologies

• 📘 DOI: 10.5593/sgem2022v/4.2/s18.18

• 📚 ISSN: 1314-2704

• 👥 Contributors: Lilita Abele, Martins Tidens

6️⃣ Sustainable Packaging Material for Cotton Pads Production in Latvia

• 📅 Date: 2022-11-15

• 📖 Type: Conference Paper

• 📍 Conference: SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference – EXPO Proceedings

• 📘 DOI: 10.5593/sgem2022/4.1/s17.20

• 📚 ISSN: 1314-2704

• 👥 Contributors: Anastasija Otava, Lilita Abele

Conclusion

Dr. Lilita Ābele’s career embodies the essence of a pioneering researcher—visionary, interdisciplinary, and socially impactful. Her contributions transcend academic boundaries, promoting circular economy practices, eco-conscious innovation, and sustainable policymaking. As a recognized leader in research and education, she is not only shaping scientific thought but also driving real-world transformation. For these reasons, she is eminently deserving of the Pioneer Researcher Award 🏅🌍💡.