Mitra Salimi | Sustainability | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Mitra Salimi | Sustainability | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Mitra Salimi | Sustainability | Doctoral researcher at University of Jyvaskyla | Finland

Sustainability has been the central focus of Ms. Mitra Salimi’s academic and professional journey, reflecting her commitment to integrating sustainable practices into marketing, consumer behavior, and business strategy. Ms. Mitra Salimi is a marketing researcher specializing in consumer behavior, brand management, and business sustainability, combining rigorous academic research with practical impact to guide organizations toward more environmentally and socially responsible operations. She earned her Doctor of Science in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Jyväskylä under the supervision of Prof. Outi Uusitalo and Dr. Outi Niininen, where her research emphasizes the role of leadership in advancing sustainability and planetary well-being. Prior to her doctoral studies, Ms. Mitra Salimi completed an Executive MBA at the University of Tehran, ranking first among Iranian universities, with a thesis exploring the congruence between self-concept and brand personality and its effect on brand emotional attachment, highlighting the connection between consumer psychology and sustainable brand engagement. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language Translation from Imam Khomeini International University, demonstrating her multilingual and cross-cultural research competencies. Professionally, Ms. Mitra Salimi has contributed as a data analyst to the interdisciplinary BIODIFUL project, funded by the Academy of Finland, where her work examines how organizational leadership influences sustainability-oriented decision-making and consumer-centric strategies, bridging the gap between theory and actionable business insights. Her research interests encompass consumer behavior, brand management, business and customer analytics, customer relationship management, and the integration of sustainability into marketing strategies, enabling her to provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance both ethical responsibility and business performance. Ms. Mitra Salimi possesses a wide range of research skills including statistical analysis, social media sentiment analysis, survey design, brand evaluation, and data-driven behavioral modeling, allowing her to assess consumer perceptions of sustainable practices and identify actionable strategies for corporate responsibility. She has contributed to numerous publications and academic conferences, presenting cutting-edge research on consumers’ responses to brand transgressions, social media exposure of greenwashing, the role of NGOs in corporate accountability, biodiversity-friendly consumer behavior, and the application of artificial intelligence to sustainable marketing. Her work has been recognized in multiple international forums and is often cited for its relevance to contemporary sustainability challenges in marketing. Ms. Mitra Salimi’s awards and honors include recognition for academic excellence, leadership in research projects, and contributions to sustainability-oriented marketing scholarship. Overall, Ms. Mitra Salimi represents a dynamic intersection of research, practical business insight, and sustainability advocacy, continuing to advance knowledge in how companies can meet evolving consumer expectations while promoting environmental stewardship and social responsibility, ensuring that sustainability remains at the core of both marketing theory and practice.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Salimi, M., Uusitalo, O., Niininen, O., & Munnukka, J. (2023). To forgive or not? Consumers’ responses to brand transgression.
  2. Salimi, M., Tuscolano, F., Uusitalo, O., & Niininen, O. (2024). The role of social media in exposing greenwashing: Consumer sentiments and discussions.
  3. Salimi, M., Staebler, S., & Wijnen, A. (2025). The power of NGOs: How to make society aware of corporate wrongdoings.
  4. Uusitalo, O., Rouhiainen, H., & Salimi, M. (2024). Values, risk, and biodiversity-friendly action: Perceived consumer effectiveness matters.
  5. Rouhiainen, H., Salimi, M., & Uusitalo, O. (2024). Kohti luontokatoa ehkäisevää kuluttajakäyttäytymistä: Miten riskikäsitys ja havainto toiminnan vaikuttavuudesta edistävät kuluttajan toimintaa.
  6. Do, J., Salimi, M., Baumeister, S., Sarja, M., Uusitalo, O., & Wilska, T. (2023). Consumption and planetary well-being.
  7. Do, J., Uusitalo, O., Skippari, M., & Salimi, M. (2022). Leveraging sustainable marketing with artificial intelligence: Definition and agenda for research.
  8. Salimi, M., & Khanlari, A. (2018). Congruence Between Self-concept and Brand Personality, its Effect on Brand Emotional Attachment.

Dr. Pankaj Chauhan | Climate change | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Pankaj Chauhan | Climate change | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Pankaj Chauhan | Climate change – Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, India

Dr. Pankaj Chauhan is an accomplished environmental scientist with over two decades of experience in the fields of glaciology, hydrology, climate science, and geospatial technologies. Currently serving as Scientist-C and Assistant Professor at a premier Himalayan research institute, his work focuses on the Himalayan region’s environmental resilience. Dr. Chauhan integrates advanced tools such as machine learning, IoT, and remote sensing to understand complex natural systems and their responses to climate change. His research is instrumental in informing disaster risk reduction, sustainable water resource management, and climate adaptation strategies in ecologically fragile regions.

Profile Verified:

Orcid | Scopus

Education:

Dr. Chauhan’s academic background is a unique blend of geosciences and information technology. He holds a Ph.D. in Hydrology, awarded for his hydro-geomorphological study of the Tons watershed. He earned dual M.Sc. degrees in Geo-informatics and Information Technology, along with a Master’s in Geography and a Postgraduate Diploma in Software Engineering. This interdisciplinary education has been foundational in enabling his contributions to environmental modeling, geospatial analysis, and climate resilience research.

Experience:

Dr. Chauhan has held multiple academic and research positions, progressing from GIS Analyst at the Survey of India to Junior and Senior Research Fellow at the Forest Survey of India. He later served as Technical Officer and Postdoctoral Fellow before becoming Scientist-B and now Scientist-C. He has contributed significantly to national and international projects related to Himalayan hydrology and disaster prediction. He is also a government advisor on floodplain management and a member of multiple expert and technical evaluation committees. His mentorship includes supervision of over 25 students and facilitation of 20+ training programs.

Research Interests:

Dr. Chauhan’s research spans glaciology, hydrometeorology, climate variability, natural hazard modeling, and watershed management. He applies geospatial techniques and artificial intelligence to study glacial meltwater, streamflow forecasting, sediment transport, and environmental degradation. His work is deeply rooted in the Himalayan context, but its implications extend to broader mountain and climate-sensitive regions worldwide. He emphasizes integrative approaches that bridge traditional earth sciences with modern computational methods.

Awards:

Dr. Chauhan’s scientific excellence has been recognized through several prestigious fellowships and awards:

  • 📘 In 2025, Dr. Chauhan co-authored a pioneering study titled Geospatial and AHP based identification of potential zones for groundwater recharge in Haridwar District of India, published in Frontiers in Environmental Science, applying advanced geospatial tools and the AHP model to map recharge zones crucial for sustainable water planning.
    🌊 A notable publication from 2024 in Artificial Intelligence in Geosciences, Forecast future disasters using hydro-meteorological datasets in the Yamuna River Basin, employed Markov Chain and LSTM models to predict disaster patterns, marking a significant fusion of hydrology with machine learning.
    💧 Also in 2024, he contributed to Identification of groundwater recharge potential zones in Advances in Space Research, a critical work integrating multi-criteria decision analysis and geospatial tools to assess recharge areas in Uttarakhand’s vulnerable districts.
    🧪 In 2024, his collaborative research titled Evaluation of Surface Water Quality in the Betwa River Basin appeared in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, offering insights into water quality through multivariate analysis and WQI models, supporting informed river basin management.
    🌧️ His 2023 publication, A Climatic Surprise – Slope Instability Triggered by Heavy Rain, in the Journal of the Geological Society of India, presented a case study on rainfall-induced landslides, emphasizing the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan terrain to climatic shifts.
    🦷 Broadening his interdisciplinary impact, in 2023 Dr. Chauhan co-authored Enhanced osseointegration of drug-eluting nanotubular dental implants in Bioactive Materials, demonstrating bioengineering applications of nanotech, which garnered interest beyond environmental sciences.
    ❄️ Finally, in 2023, he contributed to Supraglacial geomorphology of Companion Glacier in Frontiers in Earth Science, detailing glacier surface evolution in the Central Himalaya — vital for glaciological studies and climate change monitoring.

Publications:

Here are seven selected, high-impact publications by Dr. Chauhan:

  • 🔬 2024 – Forecast future disasters using hydro-meteorological datasets, Artificial Intelligence in Geosciences – Cited by: 12
  • 🌊 2023 – Discharge and sediment flux from glacierized basins, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment – Cited by: 17
  • ❄️ 2023 – Streamflow prediction in a hilly catchment using deep learning, Hydrology and Earth System Sciences – Cited by: 21
  • 💧 2024 – Surface water quality assessment using multivariate statistics, Environmental Science and Pollution Research – Cited by: 9
  • 📉 2025 – Groundwater recharge zones using geospatial models, Advances in Space Research – Cited by: 7
  • 🌦️ 2021 – Forest evapotranspiration and extreme rainfall, Environmental Research Letters – Cited by: 38
  • 📡 2022 – Watershed vulnerability analysis using remote sensing, Geocarto International – Cited by: 25

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Pankaj Chauhan is a model candidate for the Outstanding Scientist Award. His interdisciplinary approach, innovative use of technology in earth sciences, and policy-relevant research make him a leader in his field. With a strong publication record, international collaborations, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists, he exemplifies excellence in research and service. Honoring him with this award would not only recognize his past contributions but also support his ongoing efforts toward climate resilience and environmental sustainability in the Himalayan region and beyond.

 

 

 

Zaid Thanawala | Sustainability | Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

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Mr. Zaid Thanawala | Sustainability | Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

Mr. Zaid Thanawala | Sustainability – Senior Sustainability Scientist at Amazon, United States

Zaid Thanawala is a renowned sustainability scientist with a proven track record in innovative solutions aimed at decarbonization and energy efficiency. He is currently serving as a Senior Sustainability Scientist at Amazon, where he leads the development of AI-powered tools for life cycle assessments (LCAs) and decarbonization models. His work is not only limited to technological advancements but also extends to strategic initiatives that help large corporations meet their sustainability targets. With expertise in sustainable systems, energy technologies, and chemical engineering, Zaid has played an instrumental role in integrating sustainability into business operations, contributing to global efforts towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy.

Profile:

Google Scholar

Education:


Zaid Thanawala’s academic journey reflects his commitment to sustainability and scientific innovation. He holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Systems from the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he achieved a perfect CGPA of 4/4, securing a full scholarship. Prior to that, he completed his Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Technologies at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, with a CGPA of 3.67/4 and a part scholarship. Zaid also earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Thadomal Shahani Engineering College in Mumbai, India, where he graduated with a CGPA of 7.3/10. His rigorous academic background laid the foundation for his pioneering work in sustainability science and innovation.

Experience:


Zaid Thanawala’s professional experience spans across leading corporations and institutions, where he has significantly impacted sustainability strategies. At Amazon, he leads several initiatives, including the development of automated life cycle assessment tools and forecasting models for renewable energy needs, saving valuable resources and optimizing sustainability efforts. Previously, Zaid worked as a Sustainability Data Analyst at Salesforce, where he managed the company’s carbon footprint reporting and helped procure renewable energy to meet the company’s public commitments. He also held the position of Sustainability Engineer at Owens-Illinois, where he contributed to the development of a life cycle assessment tool for glass manufacturing and played a key role in the company’s decarbonization efforts. His experience across diverse industries has given him a unique ability to innovate and lead sustainability initiatives at scale.

Research Interests:


Zaid Thanawala’s research interests lie at the intersection of sustainable systems, renewable energy, and data-driven environmental solutions. He is particularly focused on the development of advanced life cycle assessment (LCA) tools and predictive models for decarbonization, with an emphasis on automating these processes to increase efficiency and reduce resource consumption. His research extends to the integration of artificial intelligence in sustainability, where he applies machine learning algorithms to enhance forecasting accuracy for energy needs and carbon emissions. Zaid is also interested in the application of circular economy principles in product life cycles, specifically the recycling and reuse of materials like lithium-ion batteries, which are key to reducing environmental impacts in electronics and energy storage systems.

Awards:


Zaid Thanawala’s work has been widely recognized for its innovation and impact on the sustainability field. While he has not received specific individual awards, his leadership in creating and implementing sustainability strategies has contributed to the recognition of the companies he works for, including Amazon and Salesforce. His work on AI-powered LCA tools and forecasting models for renewable energy procurement has been instrumental in achieving significant corporate sustainability milestones. Zaid’s ability to lead high-impact sustainability initiatives has positioned him as a thought leader and innovator in the field.

Publications:

  1. “A Thin-Film Silicon/Silicon Hetero-Junction Hybrid Solar Cell for Photoelectrochemical Water-Reduction Applications” ☀️ (2016) – Published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, cited by 24 articles.
  2. “Measure of Primary Data as a Quality Indicator in Life Cycle Assessments” 📊 (2025) – Published in International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research.
  3. “The Application of AI for Solving Critical Challenges within LCAs” 🤖 (2025) – Published in International Journal on Science and Technology.
  4. “Importance of Product Carbon Footprints in Sustainable Procurement” 🌍 (2024) – Published in International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation.
  5. “Understanding the Potential for Renewable Energy in Supply Chain Decarbonization” 🔋 (2024) – Published in International Journal of Social Science Exceptional Research.
  6. “Enabling Sustainable Product Development through the Use of AI and Life Cycle Assessment” 🔄 (2024) – Published in International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering.
  7. “The Importance of Including Water Footprints in Life Cycle Assessments” 💧 (2023) – Published in International Scientific Journal of Engineering and Management.

Conclusion:


Zaid Thanawala exemplifies the qualities of an innovative sustainability scientist, consistently driving technological advancements that contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. His expertise in life cycle assessments, renewable energy forecasting, and decarbonization strategies has had a measurable impact on major global companies, helping them meet their sustainability targets. Zaid’s ability to blend cutting-edge technology with real-world applications in sustainability makes him an outstanding candidate for the “Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award.” His research and contributions continue to inspire progress in the fields of sustainable systems and renewable energy, offering promising solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.