Saroja Adhikari | Demography | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Saroja Adhikari | Demography | Young Scientist Award

Post doctoral researcher | Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research | Germany

Dr. Saroja Adhikari is a dedicated demographer and researcher currently contributing to the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock, Germany, as a postdoctoral research scientist. Her academic journey and professional endeavors have consistently focused on understanding demographic changes, fertility trends, and the role of education in population dynamics, particularly in South Asia and lower- and middle-income countries. With a strong foundation in statistics and demography, Dr. Adhikari brings a comprehensive approach to addressing complex demographic challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Adhikari earned her Ph.D. in Demography from the University of Vienna in 2024. Her dissertation explored the intersections of education, fertility intentions, and behaviors across various socio-economic contexts, under the guidance of esteemed scholars like Wolfgang Lutz and Samir KC. Before this, she obtained a Master’s degree in Statistics from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, where her thesis investigated menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent schoolgirls. Her academic foundation is further strengthened by a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Physics, and Mathematics from the same university, reflecting her strong quantitative skills and interdisciplinary knowledge.

Experience

Dr. Adhikari’s research expertise spans over five years of rigorous academic and applied work. Her tenure at MPIDR focuses on forecasting the demographic landscape of South Asia, with a special emphasis on kinship structures and grandparenthood. During her doctoral studies at IIASA, she undertook groundbreaking research on fertility projections for 201 countries and developed innovative methodologies to study the interplay between female education, urbanization, and fertility behaviors. Her experience as a data analyst at DDSD and Grow by Data Service further enriched her analytical capabilities, enabling her to bridge data-driven insights with policy implications.

Research Interests

Dr. Adhikari’s research interests revolve around fertility trends, education’s impact on demographic behaviors, and gender dynamics in population studies. She is particularly interested in how socio-economic factors, such as urbanization and migration, influence fertility patterns and family structures in developing regions. Her work often integrates advanced statistical modeling with interdisciplinary perspectives to address global demographic challenges.

Awards

Dr. Adhikari has been recognized for her academic excellence and impactful research. Her doctoral work received international acclaim, and she has been invited to present her findings at prestigious conferences, including the Population Association of America and the European Population Conference. Her contributions to understanding fertility trends and education’s role in demographic transitions have made her a sought-after speaker in demographic research forums.

Publications

  1. Adhikari, S., Lutz, W., & Kebede, E. (2024). Forecasting Africa’s fertility decline by female education groups. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(46), e2320247121.
    Cited by: Research on the demographic impact of educational policies in Africa.
  2. Adhikari, S., Lutz, W., & KC, S. (2024). Rural/urban fertility differentials and the role of female education in declining birth rates: Comparative analysis in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Asian Population Studies, 1-25.
    Cited by: Studies on rural-urban demographic disparities in the Global South.
  3. KC, S., Dhakad, M., Potančoková, M., et al., including Adhikari, S. (2024). Updating the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) Global Population and Human Capital Projections.
  4. Adhikari, S. (2023). Examining the role of female education on son preference among Nepalese women. IIASA Working Paper.
  5. Ueffing, P., Adhikari, S., et al. (2023). Ukraine’s population future after the Russian invasion – The role of migration for demographic change. Publications Office of the European Union.
  6. Shrestha, N. J., Subedi, K. U., Shakya, S., & Adhikari, S. (2019). Prevalence of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Perinatal Asphyxia in Tertiary Hospital. Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society, 39(2), 109-115.
  7. Shrestha, N., Thapa, M., Subedi, K. U., et al., including Adhikari, S. (2021). Occurrence of Hypocalcaemia in Admitted Neonates in NICU. Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital, 20(2).

Conclusion

Dr. Saroja Adhikari exemplifies a commitment to advancing demographic research with a focus on socio-economic and cultural determinants of population dynamics. Her impactful contributions, recognized through publications and international presentations, position her as a leading voice in the field of demography. With a blend of academic rigor and applied research experience, Dr. Adhikari continues to influence policy and scholarship in global demographic studies.

Dr. Sa’ad Ibrahim – Planetary Sciences – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sa’ad Ibrahim - Planetary Sciences - Best Researcher Award

UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER - United Kingdom

Professional Profiles

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Sa’ad Ibrahim’s journey in academia began with his foundational studies in Geography and Biology. Born and raised in Nigeria, Ibrahim pursued his early education at Kebbi State College of Education, Argungu, where he obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) with upper credit in Biology and Geography from 2000 to 2002. His passion for Geography was evident early on, leading him to further his studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography, graduating with a second class upper division in 2007. His academic excellence continued to shine through as he moved to the United Kingdom for advanced studies, obtaining a Master’s degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) with Merit from the University of Leicester in 2012.

Professional Endeavors

Following his academic achievements, Sa’ad Ibrahim embarked on a professional journey that has seen him make significant contributions to the field of environmental science and geography. His dedication to his discipline led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Geography at the School of Geology, Geography, and Environment, University of Leicester, which he completed between 2014 and 2018. His doctoral research provided him with a deep understanding of environmental systems and the application of GIS in addressing complex geographical challenges.

Currently, Ibrahim is affiliated with the Institute for Environmental Futures at Space Park, University of Leicester, United Kingdom. His role involves both research and teaching, where he applies his extensive knowledge of GIS and environmental geography to advance the field. His expertise in GIS is particularly valuable, given the increasing importance of spatial analysis and mapping in environmental research and policy-making.

Contributions and Research Focus On Planetary Sciences

Sa’ad Ibrahim's research has been pivotal in addressing key environmental issues through the use of advanced geographical and spatial analysis tools. His primary research interests lie in the integration of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) with environmental science to solve real-world problems. His doctoral research focused on the application of GIS in environmental monitoring and management, which has significant implications for sustainable development and environmental conservation.

One of his notable contributions is his work on environmental monitoring systems that utilize GIS to track changes in land use, climate, and natural resources. This research is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and to promote sustainable land use practices. Ibrahim’s work also extends to urban geography, where he investigates the spatial dynamics of urban growth and its environmental impacts, providing insights that are essential for urban planning and policy development.

Accolades and Recognition In Planetary Sciences

Sa’ad Ibrahim's contributions to geography and environmental science have been recognized both nationally and internationally. His academic excellence and impactful research have earned him various accolades, reflecting his standing in the academic community. His scholarly work has been published in numerous reputable journals, showcasing his findings on GIS applications in environmental science and urban geography.

In addition to his research accolades, Ibrahim has been an active participant in various international conferences and workshops, where he has presented his work and collaborated with other experts in the field. His role as a thought leader in environmental geography has been further solidified through his involvement in various research projects and his contributions to the academic curriculum at the University of Leicester.

Impact and Influence

Sa’ad Ibrahim’s work has had a profound impact on the field of geography, particularly in the areas of environmental monitoring and urban geography. His innovative use of GIS has provided new tools and methodologies for researchers and practitioners working to address environmental challenges. His research has influenced policy-making, particularly in the areas of sustainable development and urban planning, where his insights have helped shape strategies for managing environmental resources and urban growth.

Ibrahim’s influence extends beyond academia, as his work is also utilized by governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in environmental conservation and urban development. His ability to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application makes his contributions invaluable to both the scientific community and society at large.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Planetary Sciences

Looking ahead, Sa’ad Ibrahim’s legacy in environmental geography is poised to grow as he continues to push the boundaries of research in GIS and its applications. His future contributions are expected to further enhance our understanding of environmental systems and the role of technology in monitoring and managing these systems. With ongoing advancements in GIS technology, Ibrahim is well-positioned to lead new research initiatives that address emerging environmental challenges.

His commitment to education and mentorship ensures that his knowledge and expertise will continue to inspire and guide future generations of geographers and environmental scientists. As he continues his work at the Institute for Environmental Futures, Sa’ad Ibrahim remains a pivotal figure in the quest for sustainable environmental solutions and innovative geographical research.

Notable Publications

Quantitative datasets reveal marked gender disparities in Earth Sciences faculty rank in Africa 2023

Spatial interaction between weather and socio-demographic factor as influencing variables for COVID-19 spread in Iraq 2023

Improving land use/cover classification accuracy from random forest feature importance selection based on synergistic use of sentinel data and digital elevation model in … 2022

Cited by

All Since 2019
Citations 339 321
h-index 8 8
i10-index 6 6