Dr. Karim Al Souki | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Karim Al Souki | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Karim Al Souki , Environmental Chemistry , Jan Evangelista Purkyne University , Czech Republic

Dr. Karim Al Souki is a postdoctoral researcher and assistant professor at the Faculty of Environment, Jan Evangelista Purkyne University (UJEP), Czechia. With a Ph.D. in Earth and Universe Sciences from Lille 1 University, France, his academic journey reflects a strong foundation in plant biology and environmental sciences. Dr. Al Souki’s research spans phytoremediation, bioremediation, biochar utilization, and climate change mitigation through sustainable phytotechnology. He is a key contributor to international projects funded by NATO, Erasmus+, and Interreg, focusing on ecosystem restoration, water management, and environmental biotechnology. As an educator, he has taught courses across Europe on subjects such as environmental biotechnology, phytotechnology, and bio-economy. Dr. Al Souki’s interdisciplinary approach blends ecological theory with applied environmental solutions, making significant contributions to marginal land restoration and water pollution mitigation. His work promotes sustainability, ecological awareness, and environmental resilience through innovation and education.

Professional Profile : 

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

With a Ph.D. in Earth and Universe Sciences from Lille 1 University (France), and two Master’s degrees in Phyto-ecology and Plant Biology from Lebanese University, Dr. Karim Al Souki demonstrates a solid and multidisciplinary academic foundation. Dr. Karim Al Souki  leads and contributes to cutting-edge projects on phytoremediation, biochar technology, and environmental biotechnology—directly addressing climate change, pollution mitigation, and sustainable soil management. His research covers analytical techniques (FTIR, TGA, stable isotopes, DNA extraction), linking practical fieldwork with lab-based precision, ensuring both academic rigor and societal relevance. His role as project supervisor in initiatives like IDEAL and NATO-SPS illustrates leadership in shaping future environmental policies and technologies. Dr. Karim Al Souki is an ideal candidate for the “Best Researcher Award”, given his consistent, interdisciplinary contributions to environmental sciences. His research directly supports global sustainability goals through practical, innovative, and scalable solutions. Furthermore, his educational outreach, cross-border collaborations, and commitment to solving real-world ecological problems distinguish him as a researcher of international repute. This award would recognize and further empower his impactful scientific journey.

🎓Education:

Dr. Al Souki pursued his academic studies in biology and environmental sciences. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in General Biology (2008–2010), followed by a Master 1 in Plant Biology and Environment (2010–2011), and a Master 2 in Phyto-ecology, Resources, and Security Applications (2011–2012), all from Lebanese University, Lebanon. He then completed his Ph.D. in Earth and Universe Sciences at LGCgE, ISA-Lille, Lille 1 University of Sciences and Technologies, France (2014–2017). His academic foundation combines ecological sciences, environmental applications, and molecular understanding of plant-soil interactions. This educational pathway equipped him with the necessary tools to integrate ecological theory with practical environmental solutions. His training in Europe and the Middle East enabled him to adopt a multidisciplinary perspective and work in cross-cultural academic and research environments. His education has laid the groundwork for his specialization in environmental biotechnology, phytoremediation, and biochar applications.

🏢Work Experience:

Since October 2018, Dr. Karim Al Souki has been serving as a Post-doctoral researcher and Assistant Professor at UJEP, Czechia, where he teaches and conducts advanced research in environmental sciences. His prior experience includes teaching roles at ESME Sudria (France) and private institutions in Lille, where he lectured in phytoecology, molecular biology, and environmental science. He has supervised and contributed to numerous EU- and NATO-funded projects related to phytotechnology, biochar, soil-plant interactions, and wastewater treatment. His pedagogical contributions span multiple European universities and platforms, such as Erasmus, COIL, and ISA-Lille. He has taught subjects including Bioremediation, Bio-economy, Environmental Biotechnology, and Climate Change. Dr. Al Souki’s interdisciplinary teaching and research experience enable him to link theoretical knowledge with field-based applications, fostering student engagement and scientific problem-solving skills relevant to contemporary ecological challenges.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Karim Al Souki has been recognized for his impactful research and cross-border educational initiatives. He is the Principal Investigator or Supervisor on several prestigious projects funded by international agencies such as NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme, Interreg (IDEAL project), and Erasmus+, highlighting his leadership in environmental science and sustainability education. He received the UJEP Internal Grant Agency funding multiple times (2021–2023), supporting his innovative work on biochar and Miscanthus x giganteus in soil restoration. He was awarded the Usti nad Labem region grant for young researchers for his study on quinoa in polluted soils. His consistent success in securing competitive research grants attests to the scientific merit and societal relevance of his projects. These accolades recognize his commitment to ecosystem services, educational outreach, and environmental restoration, and affirm his role as a rising figure in applied environmental sciences and international academic collaboration.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Al Souki’s research centers on phytotechnology, bioremediation, biochar characterization, and ecosystem service enhancement in marginal and contaminated soils. He specializes in using Miscanthus x giganteus and quinoa to rehabilitate former military lands and toxic-element-polluted environments. His research integrates stable isotope analysis, DNA-based microbial community profiling, and plant physiological assessments to explore rhizospheric interactions, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. His work on biochar, especially its physico-chemical and ecotoxicological properties, supports sustainable agricultural and water reuse practices. His active projects include NATO-funded studies on climate change mitigation and EU-supported educational modules for water sustainability in the Elbe/Labe basin. His interdisciplinary approach links environmental microbiology, plant ecophysiology, and green chemistry, targeting real-world environmental problems with practical, nature-based solutions. His goal is to bridge science and education to improve soil health, water quality, and resilience against climate change.

Publication Top Notes:

1. An overview of potentially toxic element pollution in soil around lead–zinc mining areas

2. A comprehensive evaluation of the environmental and health risks associated with the potential utilization of chars produced from tires, electro-waste plastics and biomass

3. Characterizations of ash derived from the crops’ waste biomass for soil improvement and assisted phytoremediation

4. A 6-year review status on soil pollution in coal mining areas from Europe

5. Extracted rapeseed meal biochar combined with digestate as a soil amendment: Effect on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) biomass yield and concentration of bioavailable element fraction in the soil

6. Miscanthus x giganteus stress tolerance and phytoremediation capacities in highly diesel contaminated soils

7. The influence of diesel contaminated soil on Miscanthus x giganteus biomass thermal utilization and pyrolysis products composition

8. Evaluation of Miscanthus × giganteus Tolerance to Trace Element Stress: Field Experiment with Soils Possessing Gradient Cd, Pb, and Zn Concentrations

9. Efficient Wastewater Treatment and Removal of Bisphenol A and Diclofenac in Mesocosm Flow Constructed Wetlands Using Granulated Cork as Emerged Substrate

10. Utilization of Biochar for Eliminating Residual Pharmaceuticals from Wastewater Used in Agricultural Irrigation: Application to Ryegrass

 

 

 

 

Prof. Zhilong Cao | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Chemistry Awards

Prof. Zhilong Cao | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zhilong Cao , Green Chemistry , Deputy Director at Beijing University of Technology, China

Dr. Zhilong Cao is a Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor at Beijing University of Technology, specializing in advanced materials and technologies for sustainable asphalt pavements. With a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Wuhan University of Technology, he focuses on the development of low-carbon, green, and smart functional materials aimed at extending pavement life and promoting high-quality recycling. Since joining Beijing University of Technology in 2022, he has led several national and industrial research projects, particularly in asphalt modification and regeneration. His contributions have earned him prestigious recognitions, including the Outstanding Talent Award. Dr. Cao is driven by innovation and sustainability, exploring smart infrastructure solutions that align with global environmental goals. His research has practical implications in urban infrastructure development, especially in road and airport pavement systems. Dedicated to fostering future talent, he also mentors Master’s and Ph.D. students while actively collaborating with industry stakeholders to bridge academic research with real-world applications.

Professional Profile :         

Orcid

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Prof. Zhilong Cao is a highly suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award”, given his impactful contributions in the field of sustainable pavement engineering. With a strong academic background in Materials Science and Engineering, and holding a Ph.D. from Wuhan University of Technology, he has shown exemplary leadership in the development of low-carbon, smart, and green construction materials. As a Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor at Beijing University of Technology, he has spearheaded nationally funded research projects, including grants from the NSFC and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, focusing on advanced asphalt regeneration and modification technologies. His research not only addresses academic challenges but also meets urgent industrial and environmental needs. His honors, such as the Outstanding Talent Award and Best Ph.D. Thesis Award, further reflect his merit and potential. He actively mentors future researchers and collaborates with industry, making his work both impactful and translational.

🎓Education:

Dr. Zhilong Cao completed both his Ph.D. (2018–2021) and M.S. (2015–2018) in Materials Science and Engineering from Wuhan University of Technology, one of China’s premier institutions for engineering and material innovation. During his graduate years, he conducted cutting-edge research on asphalt materials, focusing on functional modifications and sustainability. His doctoral work received wide acclaim, earning him the Outstanding Ph.D. Graduate and Thesis Award. His academic training emphasized a strong integration of theoretical knowledge and experimental practices in materials science, particularly with applications in transportation engineering. He developed specialized expertise in pavement materials, polymer modification, and asphalt regeneration technologies. His strong academic foundation and passion for materials innovation led him to a faculty position at Beijing University of Technology, where he now mentors graduate students and leads significant research initiatives. Dr. Cao’s educational path reflects both academic excellence and a clear vision toward sustainable infrastructure development.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Zhilong Cao began his academic career as a graduate student at Wuhan University of Technology, where he earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering. Following the completion of his doctorate in 2021, he joined Beijing University of Technology in January 2022 as a Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor in the Department of Road and Rail Engineering. In this role, he leads research projects on green pavement materials and mentors Master’s and Doctoral students. His academic responsibilities include developing new course materials, overseeing lab-based research, and fostering collaborations with industry to apply advanced materials in real-world contexts. He has secured multiple prestigious research grants, including from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation. Dr. Cao’s professional experience demonstrates a strong trajectory from promising researcher to established academic leader, with a focus on sustainable infrastructure technologies and innovative material development.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Zhilong Cao has received several prestigious awards in recognition of his outstanding contributions to research and academic excellence. In 2023, he was honored with the Outstanding Talent Award by Beijing University of Technology for his innovative work in the field of sustainable pavement engineering. During his Ph.D. at Wuhan University of Technology, he earned the Outstanding Ph.D. Graduate Award and the Thesis Award in 2021, reflecting the significance and impact of his doctoral research. These accolades underscore Dr. Cao’s commitment to excellence in both academic research and practical innovation. His ability to bridge theoretical insights with applied engineering solutions has made him a recognized name in his field. These honors not only mark his personal achievements but also highlight his leadership potential in driving forward environmentally friendly and high-performance pavement technologies. Dr. Cao continues to strive for innovation and sustainability in the infrastructure materials sector.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Zhilong Cao’s research is centered on sustainable and intelligent solutions for modern pavement infrastructure. His work explores low-carbon construction and maintenance materials, particularly for asphalt pavements, aiming to reduce environmental impact while improving performance. A key area of interest is the regeneration and recycling of SBS-modified asphalt, especially for aging road surfaces and airport runways. He also investigates green and smart functional materials that respond to environmental stimuli, enhancing pavement durability and functionality. Dr. Cao’s research extends to polyurethane-modified asphalts and innovative crosslinking networks for performance recovery in aged pavements. His interdisciplinary approach bridges materials science with transportation engineering, aligning his work with global sustainability goals. Through national projects and industry collaborations, he contributes to next-generation infrastructure technologies that emphasize longevity, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. His research has both academic and practical implications, improving the resilience and sustainability of urban transportation systems.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Investigation on Active Rejuvenation Mechanism of Aged SBS Modified Bitumen: Insights from Experiments and Molecular Dynamics

2. Laboratory Evaluation of Ultraviolet Aging Performance of Regenerated SBS Modified Bitumen Based on Active Flexible Rejuvenators with Different Molecular Structures

3. Creep Recovery Behavior of Fresh, Aged, and Rejuvenated SBS-Modified Asphalt under High Shear Stresses​

4. Effect of Organic Coal Gangue Powder with Terminal Active Isocyanate Groups on the Performance of Asphalt and Its Mixture​

5. VOCs Inhibited Asphalt Mixtures for Green Pavement: Emission Reduction Behavior, Environmental Health Impact and Road Performance

6. Environmentally Friendly End-Capped Polyurethane for Enhancing Asphalt-Granite Adhesion