Richard Kwame Adom | Environmental Management | Excellence in Research

Dr. Richard Kwame Adom | Environmental Management | Excellence in Research

Teaching and Research | University of Witwatersrand | South Africa

Dr. Richard Kwame Adom is a distinguished expert in water governance and environmental management with nearly three decades of teaching and practical experience. His work spans water policy development, climate change adaptation, sustainable development, and food security, focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. As a teaching and research fellow at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, Dr. Adom is widely recognized for his contributions to geography, environmental studies, and integrated water resource management. His collaborations with governments, international organizations, and NGOs have advanced sustainable environmental solutions and resilience to climate change.

Profile

Scholar

Education

Dr. Adom’s academic journey reflects a lifelong dedication to addressing environmental challenges. He earned his Ph.D. in Human and Environmental Geography from the University of Witwatersrand, specializing in water governance and environmental change. His academic foundation includes two master’s degrees: an MPA in Public Management from the University of Fort Hare and an MSc in Economic Geography from the University of Witwatersrand. His undergraduate studies in Geography and Environmental Science and Environmental Management, along with a Diploma in Education, established his strong interdisciplinary expertise.

Experience

Dr. Adom serves as a Teaching and Research Fellow at the University of Witwatersrand. He leads modules on sustainable development, environmental politics, and GIS, while supervising graduate research. His professional experience includes advisory roles for national governments and global organizations like the African Development Bank, FAO, and DFID. His contributions encompass environmental impact assessments, community-based initiatives, and strategic policy development for climate resilience. He previously held teaching and administrative roles at the University of Fort Hare and University of Ghana, enriching his expertise in diverse academic environments.

Research Interests

Dr. Adom’s research focuses on the intersection of climate change, water resource management, and sustainable livelihoods. He examines the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of deforestation, climate funding challenges, and water-energy-food nexus strategies. His work emphasizes actionable policy frameworks and adaptive strategies to enhance resilience in vulnerable communities, particularly in Africa. Dr. Adom’s innovative methodologies in water governance have garnered significant attention and adoption in academic and policy circles.

Awards

Dr. Adom’s academic and professional achievements have been recognized through various honors, including:

  • 2023: Climate Resilience and Governance Excellence Award, Johannesburg.
  • 2022: Leadership in Environmental Research Award, South African Geographical Association.
  • 2020: Research Impact Excellence Award, University of Witwatersrand.
    His contributions have also earned nominations for prestigious awards in environmental policy and governance.

Publications

Dr. Adom has authored numerous impactful publications, including:

  1. “Assessing Social, Economic, and Environmental Challenges of Veld Fires in South Africa” (2025, Journal of Sustainable Forestry, Cited by 24)
  2. “The Complex Task of Evaluating Institutional Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change” (2025, Climate Resilience and Sustainability, Cited by 18)
  3. “Deforestation and Climate Change Implications on Rural Livelihoods in Ghana” (2024, Environmental Management, Cited by 31)
  4. “Exploring Complications of Climate Change Funding in Sub-Saharan Africa” (2024, Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Cited by 15)
  5. “Overcoming Policy Implementation Challenges in South Africa’s Water Sector” (2024, Sustainable Water Resource Management, Cited by 19)
  6. “Enhancing Climate Change Governance in South Africa” (2023, Environmental Policy and Governance, Cited by 21)
  7. “The Threat of Climate Change to Water and Food Security in South Africa” (2022, American Journal of Environment and Climate, Cited by 27)

Conclusion

Dr. Richard Kwame Adom is a visionary academic and practitioner whose work bridges theoretical insights and practical solutions to address pressing environmental challenges. His expertise in climate change adaptation, water governance, and sustainable development has left an indelible mark on the academic and professional fields. As a collaborative leader, his contributions continue to influence policy frameworks and empower communities for a more sustainable future.

FahadAL Dhabaan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

FahadAL Dhabaan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. FahadAL Dhabaan, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia.

Xinhua Wang – Waste Treatment – Best Researcher Award

Xinhua Wang - Waste Treatment - Best Researcher Award

Jiangnan University - China

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Xinhua Wang embarked on his academic journey at Qingdao Technological University, where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering in 2003. This laid the foundation for his pursuit of higher education, leading him to complete his Master's degree in Environmental Engineering at the same institution from 2003 to 2006. Driven by a passion for research and innovation, Wang further honed his expertise by pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at Tongji University, graduating in 2009.

Professional Endeavors

After completing his doctoral studies, Xinhua Wang delved into academia, starting as an Assistant Professor at Jiangnan University in 2009. Over the years, he climbed the academic ranks, serving as an Associate Professor from 2013 to 2018 before attaining the prestigious position of Full Professor in 2019. His academic journey also led him to Nanyang Technological University, where he served as a Visiting Scholar at the Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute from 2014 to 2015, broadening his research horizons and fostering international collaborations.

Contributions and Research Focus On Waste Treatment

Wang's research interests primarily revolve around Membrane Science and Technology, with a particular focus on various aspects such as wastewater treatment and reuse, membrane bioreactor technology, forward osmosis-based technology for wastewater reclamation and energy recovery, membrane fouling and fouling control, and membrane technology for waste activated sludge (WAS) treatment. His contributions in these areas have significantly advanced the understanding and application of membrane technology in environmental engineering.

Accolades and Recognition In Waste Treatment

Xinhua Wang's dedication and contributions to his field have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by numerous accolades and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the Best Young Scholar Award by Jiangnan University in 2023 and the Best Teaching Award in 2022. His excellence in academia was further recognized with the Cultivate Middle-aged and Young Science Leaders of Colleges and Universities of Jiangsu Province award in 2021 and inclusion in the prestigious Six Major Talent Peaks of Jiangsu Province in 2018. Additionally, he received the Excellent Teaching Staff Award by Jiangnan University in 2017, underscoring his commitment to education and mentorship.

Impact and Influence

Xinhua Wang's impact extends beyond his academic achievements to his role as a reviewer for numerous scholarly journals. With expertise spanning various domains of environmental engineering, he has reviewed over 100 papers annually for more than 50 esteemed journals. His insightful critiques and evaluations contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the dissemination of high-quality research within the academic community.

Waste treatment encompasses a diverse range of processes aimed at managing and mitigating the environmental impact of various types of waste. From municipal solid waste to industrial effluents, effective waste treatment strategies are essential for safeguarding human health and preserving ecosystems.

Legacy and Future Contributions To Waste Treatment

As Vice President of the School of Environment and Civil Engineering at Jiangnan University, Xinhua Wang continues to inspire and lead the next generation of researchers and engineers. His legacy lies not only in his significant contributions to membrane science and technology but also in his dedication to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and nurturing talent. With his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation, Wang's future contributions are poised to further propel the field of environmental engineering forward, addressing critical challenges and shaping a sustainable future.

Notable Publications

Fabrication of novel thin-film composite membrane based on ultrathin metal-organic framework interlayer for enhancing forward osmosis performance 2023

Integrating anaerobic acidification with two-stage forward osmosis concentration for simultaneously recovering organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus from municipal wastewater 2023

Photocatalytic thin film composite forward osmosis membrane for mitigating organic fouling in active layer facing draw solution mode 2023

 High propensity of membrane fouling and the underlying mechanisms in a membrane bioreactor during occurrence of sludge bulking 2023