Hicham Fatnassi | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hicham Fatnassi | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hicham Fatnassi,  INRAE, France.

Dr. Hicham Fatnassi is a distinguished environmental physicist and senior agricultural engineer renowned for his pioneering contributions to smart greenhouse systems and sustainable horticulture. Based at INRAE PACA Research Center in France, he brings over two decades of international experience in optimizing protected agriculture. Dr. Fatnassi has advanced the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model microclimates and ventilation strategies in greenhouses, enhancing their productivity and resilience. His collaborative projects span France, the UAE, and North Africa, bridging agricultural science with environmental engineering. He is widely published in high-impact journals and remains at the forefront of climate-smart agriculture, food security, and environmental control. 🌱📊

👤 Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Fatnassi earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Physics with a specialization in greenhouse climate characterization and modeling. His doctoral work was jointly supervised by INRAE Avignon, France, and Ibn Zohr University, Morocco, exemplifying international academic collaboration. During his Ph.D., he developed sophisticated models for understanding the physical dynamics of greenhouse environments, laying the groundwork for his future breakthroughs in agricultural engineering. This interdisciplinary training empowered him to integrate physical sciences with applied horticultural innovation. His academic foundation supports his continued innovation in low-energy, sustainable agricultural practices. 📘🧪

👨‍🔬 Experience

Currently serving as a Doctor Engineer at INRAE (2024–Present), Dr. Fatnassi also worked as a Senior Horticulture Scientist at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai (2021–2023). Prior to this, he spent nearly two decades (2002–2020) at INRAE, France, developing advanced greenhouse systems. Across these roles, he has led projects on solar-integrated greenhouses, pest management models, and adaptive climate systems. His work enables growers in arid and semi-arid regions to harness cutting-edge technologies for climate-resilient agriculture. His roles demonstrate both scientific depth and global perspective. 🌐🧑‍🏫

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Fatnassi’s research centers on greenhouse climate control, CFD modeling, solar energy integration, and sustainable agriculture. He is particularly interested in the interaction between microclimates and crop health, and in leveraging energy-efficient systems to reduce agricultural footprints. His work contributes to Integrated Pest Management (IPM), climate-smart horticulture, and the use of predictive analytics in controlled-environment agriculture. He actively collaborates across disciplines—physics, agronomy, environmental science—to build robust models for eco-efficient crop production. 🌞🍅💡

🏆 Awards & Distinctions

While Dr. Fatnassi’s awards are not explicitly listed, his selection as a senior researcher at INRAE, a globally respected institute, and his role at ICBA reflect his scientific reputation and leadership. His research has influenced policy, greenhouse technology standards, and has earned citations in prestigious journals. Given his impact, he is a strong contender for awards in agricultural innovation, environmental engineering, and sustainable development. 🥇📚

📚 Publication Top Notes

Greenhouse cooling systems: A systematic review of research trends, challenges, and recommendations for improving sustainability

Transforming agriculture for a changing climate: harnessing precision technologies in controlled environment agriculture systems to enhance food security in arid and semi-arid zones

Greenhouse vegetable production from the point of view of climate change

Considering plant activities in greenhouse climate models using computational fluid dynamics: current achievements and future perspectives

Computational fluid dynamics analysis of the effect of the interaction between the airflow of two naturally ventilated neighboring greenhouses on the microclimate

Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Saul Nurick, Dept of Construction Economics and Management, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Dr. Saul David Nurick is a dual-national (South African & Spanish) academic and senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town’s Department of Construction Economics and Management. A multifaceted professional, he holds degrees in Information Systems, Property Studies, and Construction Economics, and earned his PhD in Psychology in 2023. His work resides at the intersection of built environment and human performance, blending technology, sustainability, and behavioural science. Fluent in English with intermediate Spanish, Saul’s diverse cultural and disciplinary background allows him to thrive in global academic and professional contexts.

Profile 👤

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Saul’s academic journey began with a BCom in Information Systems (2004), followed by an honours BSc in Property Studies (2006), and a MPhil in Construction Economics and Management (2012), all from Cape Town. He capped his formal education by completing a PhD in Psychology (2023) at the University of the Witwatersrand, under Professor Andrew Thatcher. His doctoral research—“Impact of Green Building Features and Initiatives on Individual Productivity and Organisational Performance in Office Buildings”—bridges psychology and built environment studies.

Experience 💼

Since 2012, Dr. Saul has lectured extensively at UCT, becoming a permanent staff lecturer in 2014 and senior lecturer in 2018. He convened over a dozen undergraduate and postgraduate courses ranging from property investment mathematics to Masters- and PhD-level research supervision. He’s also served as external examiner at several institutions, including WITS and Henley Business School. Further, he’s a registered MRICS professional member since 2014. This blend of teaching, academic administration, industry affiliation, and rigorous supervision ensures Saul’s work remains both applied and scholarly.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr Nurick’s research focuses on the impacts of green building design on human productivity and organizational outcomes. He investigates how sustainable infrastructure and information systems in office environments affect occupant performance, well‑being, and corporate value. His interests also include property finance, construction economics, and the behavioral dimensions of property information systems. By fusing psychology with built environment disciplines, Dr. Saul contributes to interdisciplinary sustainability discourse and evidence‑driven strategies for healthier workplaces.

Awards 🏅

Dr. Saul is a qualified Professional Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) since August 2014. While specific personal awards weren’t listed, many of his supervised postgraduate theses were finalists or winners in the Greenovate student awards: e.g., Oratile Masia & Mihlali Solombela (3rd place Greenovate, 2024), Paige Waberski & Kiah Wallace (3rd place, 2024), Isobella van der Merwe & Aiden van Wyk (winner, 2023), Realeboga Lekoma & Tshifhiwa Mudau (finalists, 2023). This consistent record attests to Saul’s mentorship excellence.

Publication Top Notes 📚

An Investigation into the Benefits of EDGE Residential Estates in terms of Real-World Savings

Investigating the Drivers and Barriers to Implementing Green Building Features and Initiatives (GBFIs) in South Africa’s Private Housing Sector

An Investigation into the Benefits of EDGE Residential Estates in terms of Real-World Savings

Examining the impact of indoor environmental quality on individual productivity of knowledge workers in green certified buildings

Enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality and the Link to Individual Productivity and Organisational Performance: A Scoping Review

Soumya Bhowmick | Sustainable Businesses | Best Researcher Award

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Mr . Soumya Bhowmick - Sustainable Businesses - Best Researcher Award

Observer Research Foundation | India

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

He embarked on his academic journey with a keen interest in economics, globalization, and sustainable development. He pursued a Bachelor's degree in Economics Honors from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, where he delved into various aspects of economic theory and analysis. During his undergraduate years, he also participated in internships and volunteer activities that enriched his understanding of real-world economic challenges. His academic pursuits continued with a Master's degree in Economics Honors, where he explored topics such as market research and cultural economics. his commitment to academic excellence earned him prestigious fellowships and scholarships, including the Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund and the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees Scholarship.

Professional Endeavors

Building upon his academic foundation, Soumya ventured into the professional world with a focus on research and sustainable development. He joined the Observer Research Foundation in Kolkata as an Associate Fellow, where he specialized in sustainable development and globalization economics. Soumya's role at ORF involved extensive research and analysis, contributing valuable insights to policy discussions and academic debates. Additionally, he pursued further academic enrichment as a doctoral candidate in Sustainable Development at the School of Management, BML Munjal University, Gurugram. his multidisciplinary approach to research and his expertise in sustainable development garnered recognition both nationally and internationally.

 

Contributions and Research Focus in Sustainable Businesses

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Soumya has demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing complex socio-economic challenges. His research focus spans areas such as sustainable development, global governance, and inclusive prosperity. he has actively contributed to academic conferences and seminars, presenting papers on topics ranging from climate change to economic integration. He has also engaged in collaborative projects aimed at driving businesses towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting inclusive growth strategies. his innovative research methodologies and interdisciplinary approach have led to significant contributions in his field.

Accolades and Recognition

His contributions to academia and sustainable development have been widely recognized, earning him accolades and invitations to prestigious events. He has been invited as a speaker and delegate to international conferences, including the World Youth Festival and the BRICS Think Tank International Symposium. Soumya's research papers have been presented at renowned institutions and conferences, highlighting his expertise and influence in the field of economics and sustainable development. His dedication to advancing knowledge and promoting sustainable practices has earned him respect and admiration from peers and scholars alike.

Impact and Influence

His work has had a tangible impact on policy formulation and academic discourse, both at the national and international levels. His research on sustainable development goals, climate change, and global governance has informed decision-making processes and contributed to the development of pragmatic solutions to pressing global challenges. his insights and recommendations have been instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity. His interdisciplinary approach and collaborative efforts have facilitated meaningful dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As he continues his academic and professional journey, his legacy is marked by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. His groundbreaking research and advocacy for sustainable development have laid the foundation for future generations of scholars and practitioners. Soumya's vision for the future encompasses a world where economic prosperity is harmonized with environmental stewardship and social justice. Through his continued efforts in academia, research, and advocacy, Soumya aims to contribute towards building a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable global community.

Citations

Citations   138

h-index      6

i10-index   2

Notable Publications

Umma Kulsum | Strategy Implementation | Best Researcher Award

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 Ms. Umma Kulsum | Strategy Implementation |Best Researcher Award 🏆

Professional Profiles:

Google Scholar Profile

Orcid Profile

ResearchGate Profile

Early Academic Pursuits:🎖️

Umma Kulsum's academic journey began with an exceptional performance in her secondary and higher secondary education, achieving a perfect GPA in both SSC and HSC. Her pursuit of excellence continued at the University of Dhaka, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics with a CGPA of 3.43 out of 4.00. This solid foundation paved the way for her master's studies, where she achieved a commendable thesis GPA of 3.66 out of 4.00 from the same department.

Professional Endeavors:

Armed with a strong educational background, Her demonstrated her proficiency in various tools and programming languages, including Wolfram Mathematica, MATLAB, Fortran, C++, and LaTex. She showcased her skills in mathematical modeling, epidemiology, evolutionary game theory, algorithm analysis, and numerical simulation. Additionally, her expertise extended to graphic designing with proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Her research interests reflect a diverse and impactful spectrum, ranging from vaccination games to age-structured epidemic models, bio-fluids, data analysis, and tumor growth models. Her notable contribution is encapsulated in her publication titled "Modeling and investigating the dilemma of early and delayed vaccination driven by the dynamics of imitation and aspiration" in the prestigious journal Chaos, Solitons & Fractals.

Accolades and Recognition:

Her academic prowess earned her recognition in the form of scholarships, including the Ministry of Education's scholarship for an excellent academic record in Secondary School Certificate and the Government Honors Scholarship based on her outstanding honors result. She was also awarded the National Science and Technology Fellowship, demonstrating her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

Impact and Influence:

Her impact extends beyond academia, as she actively participated in co-curricular activities, organized departmental events, and volunteered at the Dhaka University Research Fair. Her involvement in Women's Mathematics Olympiads and International Day of Mathematics underscores her dedication to promoting mathematics education and fostering a supportive academic environment.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

As an emerging academic, Her legacy lies in her contributions to mathematical epidemiology, multi-agent simulation, and various other interdisciplinary areas. Her participation in workshops and conferences, such as the CIMPA Summer Research School on Mathematical Epidemiology, signifies her commitment to continuous learning and collaboration. With a focus on professional development, she completed a Professional Graphic Design Certified Course and 'Learn LaTex in Two Weeks' Certified Course, showcasing her versatility.