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. Zhiliang Li | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhiliang Li | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhiliang Li | Environmental Science – Researcher at Jiangsu University, China

Dr. Zhiliang Li is an emerging scholar in the field of environmental engineering, affiliated with Jiangsu University in Zhenjiang, China. He is known for his research in environmental nanotechnology, soil and groundwater remediation, and treatment of heavy metal contamination. With a growing publication record, international collaborations, and a solid citation base, Dr. Li has demonstrated a commitment to addressing pressing global environmental challenges through innovative scientific solutions. His work aims to make long-term improvements in pollution management and ecological restoration using advanced remediation technologies.

Profile Verified:

ORCID | Scopus

Education:

Dr. Li has undergone comprehensive academic training in environmental sciences and engineering. Though detailed educational credentials are not publicly disclosed, his successful publication history in high-impact journals strongly indicates completion of advanced graduate and doctoral-level studies. His work reflects a deep understanding of environmental chemistry, material science, and microbiological processes in contaminated ecosystems—skills typically acquired through a rigorous academic path.

Experience:

Dr. Li holds a research position at Jiangsu University, where he actively contributes to both laboratory and field-scale studies. His experience spans experimental design, materials synthesis, water and soil analysis, and field demonstrations for remediation technologies. He collaborates with a wide network of co-authors, including established international scientists, and has co-authored multiple high-impact articles across reputed journals. His role often involves cross-disciplinary research on nanomaterials, microbiological interactions, and long-term environmental monitoring.

Research Interests:

Dr. Li’s primary research interests include:

  • Soil and groundwater remediation

  • Environmental nanotechnology and nanoparticle application

  • Heavy metal immobilization (lead, arsenic, cadmium, zinc, etc.)

  • Use of apatite-based and chlorapatite particles for contamination control

  • Water and wastewater treatment

  • Microbial interactions in geochemical transformations

His research aims to mitigate the risks posed by potentially toxic elements and contribute toward safer, more sustainable environmental practices.

Awards:

While no specific awards are listed in the public databases, Dr. Li’s consistent publication in internationally respected journals and his increasing citation count underscore his recognition in the academic community. His eligibility for the Best Researcher Award is supported by his scholarly contributions, collaborations with senior scientists, and participation in impactful research projects.

Selected Publications:

  1. 🧪 “Extracellular metabolites relieve the inhibitory effect of ferrous ions on microbial reduction of schwertmannite” – Chemical Geology, 2025 – Cited by: 0
  2. 🌱 “Application of apatite particles for remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater: A review and perspectives” – Science of The Total Environment, 2023 – Cited by: 11
  3. 🛠️ “Field demonstration of on-site immobilization of arsenic and lead in soil using a ternary amending agent” – Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2022 – Cited by: 21
  4. 🌍 “Evaluation of three common alkaline agents for immobilization of multi-metals in a field-contaminated acidic soil” – Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2021 – Cited by: 19
  5. ⚗️ “Field assessment of carboxymethyl cellulose bridged chlorapatite microparticles for immobilization of lead in soil” – Science of The Total Environment, 2021 – Cited by: 25
  6. 🧬 “Simultaneous immobilization of multi-metals in a field-contaminated acidic soil using carboxymethyl cellulose-bridged nano-chlorapatite and calcium oxide” – Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2021 – Cited by: 33
  7. 💧 “Enhanced removal of zinc and cadmium from water using carboxymethyl cellulose-bridged chlorapatite nanoparticles” – Chemosphere, 2021 – Cited by: 44

Conclusion:

In summary, Dr. Zhiliang Li has established himself as a promising environmental researcher with a solid foundation in soil and water remediation. His innovative work on applying nanotechnology to tackle contamination issues is timely and socially relevant. While early in his career, he has produced a respectable body of peer-reviewed research, contributed to field-based remediation projects, and collaborated across disciplines and countries. These qualities position him as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With continued support and recognition, Dr. Li is expected to make further impactful contributions to environmental sustainability and public health protection.

 

 

 

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.

 

Vivian Chu | Sustainability policy and collaborative governance | Best Researcher Award

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Dr.Vivian Chu | Sustainability policy and collaborative governance | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer The University of Hong Kong  Hong Kong  

Dr. Vivian Ho Yee Chu is a dedicated Lecturer and Deputy Director at The University of Hong Kong’s Centre for Civil Society and Governance. Her work focuses on sustainability leadership, governance, and environmental management. She actively supports the MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership and Governance and contributes to academic publications on commoning, collaborative governance, rural revitalization, and sustainability assessment.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Chu holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from The University of Hong Kong, where she researched policy entrepreneurship and transboundary externalities in the Greater Pearl River Delta region. She also earned an MSc in Environment, Science and Society from University College London and a BSc in Geography from the same institution.

Experience 🧑‍🏫

Since October 2022, Dr. Chu has been a Lecturer at The University of Hong Kong. She is also the Deputy Director of the MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership and Governance program. Previously, she served as an Assistant Lecturer, Post-doctoral Fellow, and Senior Research Assistant at the same institution. Dr. Chu has been involved in various teaching, research, and coordination roles, significantly contributing to the development of sustainability impact assessments and academic publications.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Chu’s research interests encompass sustainability impact assessment, collaborative governance, rural revitalization, and commoning. She is particularly focused on the creation of robust social-ecological systems and the role of policy brokers and learning in rural sustainability.

Awards 🏆

  • ESG Professional Certificate for International Sustainable Business (ISB) Specialist Level II (2023)
  • Fellow of Advance HE, the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and learning support in higher education (2021)
  • Certificate of Distinction for outstanding oral presentation at the 15th Annual Research Postgraduate Conference (2015)
  • Professional Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2020)
  • Certificate of Completion on Mental Health First Aid Standard Course (2013)
  • Certificate of Teaching and Learning Stage 1 (2012)

Publications 📚

  1. Williams, J.M., Chu, V. H. Y.*, Lam, W. F., Law, W. W. Y. (2024). “Nested Institutions for Nested Problems: Commoning for Rural Revitalisation in the Peri-Urban Setting.” International Journal of the Commons (In copyediting).
  2. Chu, V. H. Y., Lam, W. F., Law, W. W. Y., Yiu, S. (2023). “Sustainability Impact Assessment: Framework and Report on HSBC Rural Sustainability,” Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong.
  3. Chu, V.H.Y., Lam, W.F., Williams, J.M. (2023). “Building robustness for rural revitalisation: A social-ecological systems perspective,” Journal of Rural Studies, 101, 103042. [Cited by: 4 articles]
  4. Chu V.H.Y., Law W.W.Y., Williams J.M. (2022). “Advocacy coalitions in rural revitalisation: the roles of policy brokers and policy learning,” Environmental Science and Policy, 136: 9-18. [Cited by: 7 articles]
  5. Williams J.M., Chu V.H.Y*., Lam W.F., Law W.W.Y. (2021). “Revitalising Rural Communities,” SpringerBriefs on Case Studies of Sustainable Development, Singapore: Springer. (*corresponding author). [Cited by: 10 articles]
  6. Chu V.H.Y., Lee A.K.Y. (2019). “Institutional obstacles and opportunities for policy entrepreneurship in cross-border environmental management: a case study in China’s Greater Pearl River Delta region,” Asian Geographer, 36:2, 165-183. [Cited by: 5 articles]
  7. Lee, F., Chu, V.H.Y. (2017). “Policy entrepreneurship, policy diffusion and transboundary environmental regulation: Evidence from Southern China,” Mondes en Développement, 177:1,13-27. [Cited by: 3 articles]