Fengtai Zhang | Ecosystem Services | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Fengtai Zhang | Ecosystem Services | Best Researcher Award

Vice President of the Institute of Science and Technology at Chongqing University of Technology, China

Professor Fengtai Zhang is a distinguished academic and researcher at Chongqing University of Technology. With a Doctorate from Nanjing University, his expertise spans resource and environmental management, regional green development, and sustainability, particularly focusing on water resource security, green efficiency, and regional tourism development. Over the past decade, he has spearheaded 20 research projects and authored more than 130 scholarly articles, with over 60 published in SCI, SSCI, and EI-indexed journals. His contributions have significantly influenced policies and practices in environmental sustainability and regional development in China.

Profile

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Education

Professor Zhang earned his Ph.D. from Nanjing University, where he specialized in environmental management and sustainability. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his future work in resource efficiency and ecological security. Throughout his academic journey, he has remained committed to interdisciplinary research, integrating environmental science, economics, and geography to address pressing global challenges related to sustainability and resource management.

Experience

With extensive experience in academia and research, Professor Zhang has held a professorial position at Chongqing University of Technology. In addition to teaching and mentoring graduate students, he serves as an editorial board member for multiple academic journals, including the Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences and Resources, Environment, and Sustainability. His collaborative work with various governmental and international research institutions has further strengthened his influence in the field of environmental and regional studies.

Research Interest

Professor Zhang’s research focuses on resource and environmental management, regional green development, and sustainability science. His key areas of interest include water resource security, green efficiency analysis, the spatial and temporal distribution of tourism resources, and sustainable urban-rural development. His studies have provided innovative insights into optimizing resource utilization while balancing economic and environmental interests, particularly in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and China’s southwestern regions.

Awards

Professor Zhang has received numerous awards in recognition of his academic excellence and research contributions. He has been nominated for prestigious national and regional research awards and has received funding from leading institutions such as the National Social Science Foundation of China and the Ministry of Education. His innovative methodologies in evaluating ecological security and resource efficiency have been acknowledged by various academic and governmental bodies.

Selected Publications

Zhang, F.T., Jiang, C.X., Ma, D.L., Yang, X.Y., Xiao, Y.D., Tan, H.M. (2023). Evaluation of tourism ecological security based on DPSIRM-SBM model and its temporal–spatial evolution characteristics. Environment, Development, and Sustainability.

Xiao, Y.P., Ma, D.L., Zhang, F.T. et al. (2023). Spatiotemporal differentiation of carbon emission efficiency and influencing factors: From the perspective of 136 countries. The Science of The Total Environment, 879(10): 163032.

Ma, D.L., An, B.T., Zhang, J.W., Zhang, F.T., Xiao, Y.P., Guo, Z.M. (2023). Spatiotemporal evolution and influencing factors of water resource green efficiency in the cities of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(16): 1-21.

Sun, D.L., Wang, J., Wen, H.J., Ding, K.Y., Gu, Q.Y., Zhang, J.L., Zhang, F.T. (2023). Insights into landslide susceptibility in different karst erosion landforms based on interpretable machine learning. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms.

Yang, G.M., Gui, Q.Q., Liu, J.Y., Zhang, F.T., Cheng, S.Y. (2023). The Relationship between Water Resources Use Efficiency and Scientific and Technological Innovation Level: Case Study of Yangtze River Basin in China. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 5(2): 15-35.

Wang, Z.Y., Zhang, J.Y., Li, H.Y., Zhang, F.T. (2023). Spatiotemporal pattern and multi-scenario simulation of ecological risk in mountainous cities: A case study in Chongqing, China. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195(6).

Ma, D.L., Xiao, Y.P., Zhang, F.T., Zhao, N., Xiao, Y.D., Chuai, X.W. (2022). Spatiotemporal characteristics and influencing factors of agricultural low-carbon economic efficiency in China. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10: 980896.

Conclusion

Professor Fengtai Zhang’s academic career is marked by his commitment to advancing environmental sustainability through rigorous research and practical applications. His interdisciplinary approach has helped bridge the gap between theoretical studies and policy implementation, particularly in resource management and ecological conservation. With numerous publications, research projects, and academic contributions, he continues to shape the future of environmental science and regional development in China and beyond.

João Roberto Fernandes Santos | e-fuels | Best Researcher Award

Mr. João Roberto Fernandes Santos | e-fuels | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at University of Coimbra, Portugal

João Roberto is a dedicated chemical engineer whose career is marked by a profound commitment to sustainable development and innovation. His professional journey is characterized by a blend of academic excellence, practical experience, and a passion for fostering positive environmental change. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Coimbra, focusing on contributing to Portugal’s energy transition towards sustainable development.

Profile

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Education

João’s academic foundation is firmly rooted in chemical engineering. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Coimbra in 2021, followed by a Master’s degree in the same field in 2022. His master’s studies emphasized process engineering, providing him with a deep understanding of chemical processes and their optimization. In 2022, he embarked on his doctoral journey at the University of Coimbra, aiming to address critical challenges in sustainable energy and environmental preservation.

Experience

Throughout his career, João has amassed a diverse range of experiences that bridge academia, industry, and community engagement. In 2018, he undertook a summer internship at CIEPQPF, where he gained practical insights into chemical process research. The following year, he expanded his horizons with an internship at Active Space Technologies, delving into the applications of chemical engineering in aerospace contexts. His participation in the European Innovation Academy in July 2023 as a tutor underscores his dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. João has also contributed to academia as an Invited Assistant Professor at IPC-ESAC during the 2023/24 academic year, demonstrating his commitment to education and knowledge dissemination. His research endeavors include roles as a Research Grant recipient for the Biorural Project at the University of Coimbra (2022-2024) and the Eco2Covid Project at Biomark (2021). Since 2021, he has been an External Evaluation Student Member at A3ES, reflecting his involvement in academic quality assurance. Currently, he holds a Ph.D. Research Grant from FCT, commencing in 2024.

Research Interests

João’s research interests are centered on sustainable development, circular economy, and renewable energy. He is particularly focused on developing innovative solutions that facilitate the transition to sustainable energy systems. His master’s thesis on circular economy at ISA-ESAC, initiated in 2024, reflects his dedication to resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. Additionally, his involvement in projects like Biorural and Eco2Covid highlights his commitment to addressing contemporary environmental challenges through research and practical applications.

Awards

While specific awards are not detailed in the available information, João’s selection as a speaker at prominent events such as Greenfest in Lisbon (November 2023) and Braga (October 2023) indicates recognition of his expertise and contributions to the field of sustainable development. His role as a jury member at the Start Up Zero event in June 2023 further underscores his standing in the professional community.

Publications

Specific publications by João are not listed in the provided information. However, his active engagement in workshops, seminars, and conferences suggests that he has contributed to the dissemination of knowledge in his field. His participation as a speaker and organizer in various events indicates a commitment to sharing research findings and promoting sustainable practices within the chemical engineering community.

Conclusion

João Roberto exemplifies the integration of academic rigor, practical experience, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. His educational background, coupled with diverse professional experiences, positions him as a proactive contributor to Portugal’s energy transition and sustainable development goals. Through his research and community involvement, João continues to drive innovation and advocate for environmentally conscious practices in chemical engineering.