Zaid Thanawala | Sustainability | Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

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.

 

Attila Haris | Ecology | Business Innovator Extraordinaire Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Attila Haris | Ecology | Business Innovator Extraordinaire Award

Dr. Attila Haris | Ecology | Business Innovator Extraordinaire Award

Dr. Attila Haris is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of ecology, climate change, and nature conservation. Over the course of his career, Dr. Haris has dedicated his work to studying the complex relationships between ecosystems, climate change, and biodiversity, contributing immensely to the scientific community’s understanding of these pressing environmental issues. With a background in agricultural engineering and a PhD in Ecology, his expertise spans across several domains, including experimental ecology, population dynamics, and nature conservation. He has published numerous research papers and books that have enriched the scientific literature and influenced conservation practices globally.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Haris holds an MSc in Agricultural Engineering with a focus on Plant Protection and Chemical Engineering from Pannon University, which he completed in 1995. He further advanced his education by earning a PhD in Ecology from the same institution in 2000, specializing in field ecology, experimental ecology, and population dynamics. Throughout his education, Dr. Haris has also participated in specialized training in wastewater management and drinking water management at renowned institutions such as the International Institute of Hydraulics and Facility Engineering. In 2024, he obtained a certification in Sociology and Law from the Budapest Metropolitan Government Office, demonstrating his interdisciplinary approach to environmental and societal issues.

Experience

With over two decades of professional experience, Dr. Haris has made substantial contributions to ecological research and nature conservation. His career has seen him take on various roles, including leadership in managing research teams and executing large-scale projects. Dr. Haris has worked extensively in biodiversity regions, conducting field research and ecological studies in areas such as Anatolian, Alpine, Mediterranean, and Panonian biodiversity zones. Through his experience, he has gained expertise in managing ecological data, conducting faunistic studies, and applying his findings to influence nature conservation practices. His involvement in fieldwork has taken him to several countries, including Lybia, Italy, and Turkey, where he has studied the ecological impact of species and climate change.

Research Interest

Dr. Haris’s research interests focus on understanding the environmental changes caused by climate change and their impact on biodiversity. His particular area of expertise lies in the study of fauna, including the effects of climate change on species populations and the movement of invasive species across various ecosystems. Dr. Haris is currently investigating the changes in fauna due to climate change, focusing on the Hymenoptera: Symphyta group as an indicator species in nature conservation. His ongoing research spans a broad geographical range, with projects in regions like Anatolia, the Caucasus, and Sicily. His work also delves into taxonomy, faunistics, and ecological methodologies that enhance biodiversity assessment and conservation strategies.

Award

Dr. Haris’s pioneering research has earned him numerous accolades within the scientific community. His innovative approach to studying climate change and its impact on biodiversity has led to several awards and recognitions. His work has been published in highly regarded scientific journals and has received acknowledgment from environmental conservation organizations. His innovative studies, particularly his work in faunistic research, have been instrumental in advancing ecological methodologies and developing new tools for biodiversity assessment. This recognition from both academic and professional circles makes Dr. Haris a strong contender for the Business Innovator Extraordinaire Award.

Publications

Dr. Haris has authored over 100 scientific papers and two books, contributing significantly to the fields of ecology, plant protection, and faunistics. Some of his notable publications include:

  1. Haris, A., & Kajati, I. (1997). Quarantine Pests of Wooden Goods – Növényegészségügyi Információk, Budapest. 🏆
  2. Roller, L., & Haris, A. (2008). Sawflies of the Carpathian Basin: History and Current Research. – Natura Somogyiensis, 11, Kaposvár. 📚
  3. Haris, A. (2016). Hymenoptera Research in the Carpathian Basin (Hymenoptera: Aculeata). – Natura Somogyiensis, 29, Kaposvár. 📖
  4. Haris, A. (1993). Taxonomic Notes on Pachynematus clitellatus Lepeletier and Some Related Species (Hymenoptera: Symphyta). – Folia Entomologica Hungarica, 54, 57-60. 🌱
  5. Haris, A. (1999). Contribution to the Knowledge of the Sawfly Fauna of the Aggtelek National Park (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae: Dolerinae, Nematinae). – Somogyi Múzeumok Közleményei, 13, 275-285. 🌍
  6. Haris, A. (2001). Six New Dolerus Species from Japan, Turkey, and the United States (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae). – Folia Entomologica Hungarica, 62, 83-93. 🔬
  7. Haris, A. (2000). Study on the Palaearctic Dolerus Panzer, 1801 Species (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae). – Folia Entomologica Hungarica Supplement, 61, 95-148. 📊

Conclusion

Dr. Attila Haris exemplifies the qualities of a Business Innovator Extraordinaire through his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in ecology, biodiversity, and climate change. His contributions to the field of faunistics and nature conservation have far-reaching implications for global environmental policy and practice. Dr. Haris’s interdisciplinary approach, rigorous research methodology, and passion for ecological conservation make him an ideal candidate for this prestigious award. His innovative work continues to influence both academic research and practical conservation efforts, establishing him as a leader in his field.