Svetlana Fa Nedeljkovic | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award | 2704

Dr. Svetlana Fa Nedeljkovic | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

Senior Research Associate | The University of  Faculty of Sciences University of Novi Sad | Serbia

Dr. Svetlana Fa Nedeljković is a distinguished researcher whose scientific contributions lie at the intersection of reproductive toxicology, developmental biology, endocrine disruption, and epigenetic regulation. Her work advances fundamental understanding of how environmental contaminants particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with cellular signaling, steroidogenesis, reproductive development, and early-life programming of health and disease. With a research portfolio comprising 35 peer-reviewed publications, 578 citations, and an h-index of 17, she has made a sustained and influential impact within the fields of toxicology and environmental health sciences. Her research spans multiple biological systems, including human granulosa cells, endothelial cells, zebrafish models, and rodent reproductive cells, enabling multi-layered insight into mechanisms of toxicity. She has significantly contributed to deciphering how chemicals such as phthalates bisphenol A, atrazine, and hexabromocyclododecane alter intracellular pathways, including linked regulatory cascades. Her findings helped reveal how these pathways subsequently impact steroid hormone synthesis, mitochondrial function, angiogenesis, reproductive competence, and cellular homeostasis. A notable dimension of her work addresses the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease  through epigenetic changes in early fetal tissues. Her studies on methylation patterns in response to maternal exposures have contributed valuable evidence for understanding how early environmental influences shape long-term physiological outcomes. Dr. Nedeljković has also engaged in extensive collaborative research across international projects focusing on reproductive biology, ecotoxicology, chemical risk assessment, and artificial intelligence based toxicological modeling. Her work integrates in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and systems-level approaches to build mechanistic frameworks for predicting human health risks. Through her broad and methodologically diverse contributions, Dr. Nedeljković continues to advance cutting edge research aimed at protecting reproductive health and improving scientific foundations for chemical safety evaluation.

Profiles:  Scopus | ORCID 

Featured Publications

Tesic, B., Fa Nedeljkovic, S., Markovic Filipovic, J., Samardzija Nenadov, D., Pogrmic-Majkic, K., & Andric, N. Early-life exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate impairs reproduction in adult female zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Tesic, B., Samardzija Nenadov, D., Tomanic, T., Fa Nedeljkovic, S., Milatovic, S., Stanic, B., Pogrmic-Majkic, K., & Andric, N. DEHP decreases steroidogenesis through the cAMP and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in FSH-stimulated human granulosa cells.

Stanic, B., Milošević, N., Sukur, N., Samardzija Nenadov, D., Fa Nedeljkovic, S., Škrbić, S., & Andric, N.  An in silico toxicogenomic approach in constructing the aflatoxin B1-mediated regulatory network of hub genes in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Zemenu Tadesse Adimas | HR Technology and Digital Transformation | Editorial Board Member

Mr. Zemenu Tadesse Adimas | HR Technology and Digital Transformation | Editorial Board Member

Lecturer And Researcher | The University of  Bahir Dar University | Ethiopia

Mr. Zemenu Tadesse Adimas is an emerging researcher in the fields of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, with a strong scholarly focus on food product development, formulation, and natural preservation strategies. His academic background in Food Technology and Food Process Engineering has provided a solid foundation for exploring innovative, sustainable, and science-driven approaches to enhancing food quality and safety. He is particularly interested in the utilization of natural preservatives, improvement of indigenous foods, and optimization of storage technologies to reduce post-harvest losses. His research contributions span various critical topics in food science, including shelf-life extension, food processing, bioactive compounds, and the integration of traditional and modern preservation methods. His published works demonstrate both depth and breadth, covering microbial stability, physicochemical property optimization, sensory quality enhancement, hermetic storage systems, and the use of plant-based bioactive compounds for grain protection. These publications appear in reputable international journals such as Cogent Food & Agriculture, Applied Food Research, Heliyon, and the Poly Journal of Engineering and Technology. A notable portion of his work examines the effects of processing conditions such as temperature, time, and formulation ratios on the quality attributes of food and beverage products. His studies on cinnamon extract for juice preservation, roasting parameters for plant beverages, and flour blending for biscuit production showcase his commitment to developing practical, scalable solutions for industry and community-level food systems. His scientific interests also extend to post-harvest technology, where he has investigated hermetic storage methods to minimize losses in staple crops such as maize and wheat. Through systematic experimental design, analytical evaluation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, he contributes to improving food security and promoting value-added food innovations. Across his research portfolio, Zemenu emphasizes evidence-based problem solving, sustainability, and the enhancement of traditional knowledge through modern food science techniques.

Featured Publications

Abera, B. D., Adimas, Z. T., Adimas, M. A., Alemayehu, A. J., & Geletu, M. G. Effect of blending ratios of roasted and unroasted lupine flour on the physicochemical properties, antinutritional factors, and organoleptic qualities of wheat–lupine composite bread. Applied Food Research.

Alemayehu, A. J., Adimas, Z. T., & Abera, B. D. The effect of sugar concentration and storage time on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties of ginger drink. Applied Food Research.

Adimas, Z. T., & Abera, B. D. Effect of roasting time and temperature on the physicochemical and sensory properties of plant beverage from groundnut. Applied Food Research.

Adimas, Z. T., Adimas, M. A., & Abera, B. D.  Plant-based bioactive compounds for grain storage: A comprehensive review. Cogent Food & Agriculture.

Enyew Zereffa | Employee Engagement | Editorial Board Member | 2306

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Enyew Zereffa | Employee Engagement | Editorial Board Member

Professor of Inorganic Chemistry | The University of Adama Science and Technology University | Ethiopia

Dr. Enyew Amare Zereffa is an accomplished chemist whose scholarly work spans inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology. With a strong academic foundation built through advanced degrees in chemistry, he has developed a research career distinguished by innovation, scientific rigor, and impactful contributions to applied chemical sciences. His publication record reflects sustained excellence, comprising 53 peer-reviewed documents, accumulating 1,345 citations, and resulting in an h-index of 18, underscoring the visibility and influence of his work within the scientific community. Central to Dr. Zereffa’s research portfolio is the design, synthesis, and characterization of inorganic materials, particularly nanomaterials and ceramic systems with applications in energy storage, catalysis, water purification, environmental remediation, and biomedical fields. His investigations into ceramic microfilters, nanocomposite structures, and modified metal oxides have contributed to advancements in sustainable technologies and low-cost materials development. These contributions support critical societal needs such as improved water quality, enhanced materials performance, and environmentally conscious industrial processes. His scientific interests bridge fundamental chemistry and applied engineering, emphasizing materials synthesis techniques, solid-state chemistry, surface chemistry, and advanced characterization methods. Dr. Zereffa’s work also demonstrates a strong commitment to problem-solving within local and global contexts, including projects on zinc oxide-based sunscreens, antibacterial nanocomposites, and energy-generating dye-sensitized solar cells. Through collaborations and funded research initiatives, he has driven forward interdisciplinary studies that connect chemistry, materials science, environmental engineering, and nanoscience. As an active contributor to scholarly dissemination, he engages in manuscript reviewing, editorial duties, and academic evaluation, ensuring quality and integrity in scientific publishing. His sustained output, impactful citations, and engagement with emerging research themes position him as a leading figure in contemporary inorganic and materials chemistry research.

Featured Publications

Derbe, T., Gindose, T. G., Sani, T., & Zereffa, E. A. Synthesis of zeolite-A/Fe₃O₄/biochar/MOF-5 composite for the defluoridation of drinking water.

Derbe, T., Sani, T., & Zereffa, E. A. Synthesis of a zeolite-A/MOF-5 composite for the defluoridation of groundwater.

Zereffa, E. A., Segne, T. A., Ananda Murthy, H. C., Gupta, N. K., Orshiso, Aqueous extract phyto-mediated synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO-bentonite nanocomposites: Physical analysis and investigation of antibacterial activity.

Gindose, T. G., Gebreslassie, G., Derbe, T., Ashebr, T. G., Daba, Y. T., Mtunzi, T. B. Charge separation enhancement of triple-phase Ag₃PO₄–AgI–ZnO heterojunction for dye photodegradation.

Abdoul Karim Saidou | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abdoul Karim Saidou | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | Best Researcher Award

Political science | The University of  Thomas Sankara | Burkina Faso

Dr. Saidou Abdoul Karim is a distinguished political scientist whose research advances critical understanding of governance, democracy, and security in West Africa. His scholarly contributions explore the complex interactions between political regimes, public policy, and state-building in contexts marked by transition, insecurity, and reform. His research is characterized by a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, bridging political science, sociology of public action, and international relations to examine how African states govern through crises and transformation. Central to his work is the analysis of public policy dynamics, particularly in the areas of security and political reform. He investigates how political regimes shape policy agendas, how institutional instruments influence decision making, and how democratic processes are affected by conflict and instability. His studies frequently focus on Burkina Faso, Niger, and the broader Sahel, addressing the tensions between democracy, governance, and security. His research also engages with the regional dimension of African politics, especially through the role of  in promoting democratic norms and managing security challenges. His numerous peer reviewed publications in leading international journals, such as Democratization, Journal of Modern African Studies, Africa Spectrum, and Afrique Contemporaine, reflect a deep engagement with questions of legitimacy, participation, and power. His writings on the securitization of migration, youth involvement in security policies, gender quotas, and the instrumentalization of democracy contribute to a richer understanding of political change in African societies. His book chapters and collaborative works extend his analysis to regional peace and security mechanisms, the political dimensions of diaspora participation, and the governance of armed conflicts. By combining theoretical innovation with empirical depth, his research provides essential insights into how African states and societies negotiate democracy and security. His work stands as a key contribution to contemporary debates on governance, policy reform, and the political future of the Sahel and West Africa.

Featured Publications

Saidou, A. K., & Bagayoko, S. From euphoria to disenchantment: Temporality and the changing local perceptions of international interventions in Mali. Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding.

Naré, R. H., & Saidou, A. K. Understanding public policy through the lens of political regimes: The case of episodic change in agriculture policy in Burkina Faso  Africa Spectrum.

Saidou, A. K., & Honig, L.  Legitimising regimes and legalising self-defence groups: The case of Burkina Faso’s VDPs. The Journal of Modern African Studies

Saidou, A. K.  L’Afrique face au dilemme des deux analyse constructiviste de la politique étrangère à partir des cas du Niger et du Burkina Faso. Canadian Journal of Political Science.

Saidou, A. K., & Bertrand, E. Security as a campaign issue: Programmatic mobilization in Burkina Faso’s elections.

Anslem Adunimay | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Anslem Adunimay | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | Best Researcher Award

Research fellow | The University of Johannesburg | Cameroon

Dr. Anslem Wongibeh Adunimay is a distinguished scholar in international relations and political science, specializing in peace, conflict, and security studies in Africa. His research focuses on the intersections of mediation, governance, leadership, and sustainable development, providing critical insights into the dynamics shaping regional stability and international cooperation. With 35 citations, an h-index of 3, and an i10-index of 1, his academic contributions demonstrate growing influence and engagement within the global research community. His scholarly works encompass a broad thematic range, including regional peace building mechanisms, gender-based violence prevention, conflict transformation, and the role of artificial intelligence in sustainable development. His publication, “Unexplored Tool for Sustainable Development: Can Artificial Intelligence Promote Good Health and Well-being in Sub-Saharan Africa?” in The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, exemplifies his innovative approach to linking technology and governance. In collaboration with other scholars, Adunimay has co-authored influential papers such as “Addressing Sexual Gender-Based Violence in the Great Lakes Region” and “A Convoluted Post-Cold War World: Effects of the Russo-Ukrainian War on Africa’s International Relations”, which highlight his commitment to interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research. His book chapters in Routledge and Jacana Media publications critically assess themes like xenophobia, regional integration, and the African Union’s evolving peace and security framework. Beyond academic journals, he has authored policy briefs and opinion essays addressing secessionist movements, diplomatic tensions, and governance challenges in Africa, demonstrating his ability to bridge academic research with real-world policymaking. Dr. Adunimay’s ongoing projects explore regional security cooperation, national dialogue as a peacebuilding mechanism, climate justice, and the socio-political implications of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Through his prolific writing and editorial engagement, he contributes significantly to contemporary debates on African peace, democracy, and sustainable governance within a rapidly changing global order.

Featured Publications

Adunimay, A. W., & Ojo, T. A. Western centric medicine for and its contradictions: Can African alternate solutions be the cure? Frontiers in Political Science.

Adunimay, A. W. The role of regional organisations in peacebuilding: The case of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. International Journal of African Renaissance Studies.

Niyitunga, E. B., & Adunimay, A. W. A convoluted post-Cold War world: Effects of Russo-Ukrainian war on Africa’s international relations. Journal of African Foreign Affairs,

Anslem, W. A., & Ojo, T. A. When xenophobes turn their faces on foreigners: Whom to blame the government or the natives. In Xenophobia and nativism in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Adunimay, A. W. Secessionist movements and their implications for security in Africa: The case of Southern Cameroons.

Jae Park | Wastewater Treatment | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jae Park | Wastewater Treatment | Best Researcher Award

Professor Emiritus | The University of Univ. of  Wisconsin-Madison | United States

Professor Jae Kwang Park is a leading researcher in Civil and Environmental Engineering, whose scholarly work has significantly advanced the understanding of environmental pollution control, contaminant transport, and sustainable waste and water management systems. His research has focused extensively on the mechanisms governing pollutant dispersion, sorption, and permeation in aquatic and subsurface environments. By integrating principles of hydrodynamics, environmental chemistry, and material science, he has provided deep insights into the fate and transport of organic and inorganic contaminants across engineered and natural barriers. His studies on pollutant dispersion in estuarine systems, for instance, have produced foundational models for analyzing tidal mixing, stratified flow behavior, and mass transport processes that are crucial to understanding pollutant migration in coastal waters.In the field of wastewater and solid waste management, his contributions include the development of advanced treatment technologies using ozonation, photocatalytic oxidation, and membrane filtration to remove persistent organic pollutants. His work on the permeation of volatile organic compounds through geomembranes, polymeric pipes, and landfill liners has been pivotal in assessing the long-term performance of containment systems, directly influencing design standards and environmental protection regulations. He has also explored the use of recycled and synthetic materials, such as shredded tires and geomembranes, for the mitigation of contaminant movement in landfills, bridging the gap between waste reuse and environmental safety.Professor Park’s interdisciplinary research extends to understanding microbiologically influenced corrosion, pyrolysis kinetics of rubber materials, and thermodynamic modeling of sorption in polymers, reflecting his commitment to solving multifaceted environmental engineering challenges through innovative methodologies. His body of work demonstrates both theoretical depth and practical relevance, providing valuable tools for environmental monitoring, infrastructure safety, and pollution prevention.

Profiles:  Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Park, J. K., & Park, J. H. Advanced treatment of wastewater using ozone. Korean Society of Civil Engineers.

Park, J. K., & James, A. Tidal variation of salt flux and dispersion in a polluted estuary. Water Science and Technology.

Park, J. K., & James, A. Modeling of pollutant dispersion in stratified oscillatory flows. Journal of Environmental Engineering.

Park, J. K., & James, A.  Time-varying turbulent mixing in a stratified estuary and the application to a Lagrangian 2-D model. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science.

Park, J. K., & James, A.  A unified method of estimating longitudinal dispersion in estuaries. Water Science and Technology.