Mr. Khurram Shehzad | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Ph. D Scholar | Huazhong Agricultural University | China

Mr. Khurram Shehzad is a dedicated researcher in the field of environmental science, with a particular focus on soil and water pollution, heavy metal remediation, and ecological restoration. His research integrates soil microbiology, soil invertebrate ecology, and mechanistic toxicology to understand how ecosystems respond to environmental stressors and how sustainable strategies can restore soil fertility. He has made significant contributions to understanding the roles of organosilicon and functional nanomaterials in mitigating heavy metal toxicity and improving plant resilience under cadmium and arsenic stress. His studies employ multidisciplinary approaches combining omics technologies, biochemical assays, and imaging-based techniques to unravel the molecular, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms underlying pollutant-induced stress responses. Additionally, he explores the functional roles of arthropods in soil reclamation and ecosystem restoration, linking biodiversity to soil health and agricultural sustainability. On Scopus, Khurram Shehzad’s work has garnered 3,679 citations across 105 documents with an h-index of 27, reflecting his high impact in environmental sciences. Similarly, his Google Scholar profile shows growing recognition with 38 citations since 2020, an h-index of 4, and an i10-index of 1, highlighting his emerging contributions to mechanistic toxicology and soil remediation research. His work is shaping innovative approaches to environmental restoration and the development of sustainable agricultural and ecological practices.

Profiles : Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications :

Yahya, M., Afzal, M., Majeed, M. Z., Sarwar, I., Shehzad, K., Luqman, M., & Sher, M. S. (2020). Differential impact of land-use, season and soil characteristics on the abundance of edaphic springtails (Insecta: Collembola) and mites (Arachnida: Acari). Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 52(4), 1483.
Wang, Z., Tu, S., Shehzad, K., Hou, J., Xiong, S., & Cao, M. (2025). Comparative study of organosilicon and inorganic silicon in reducing cadmium accumulation in wheat: Insights into rhizosphere microbial communities and molecular regulation. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 492, 138061.
Shehzad, K., Tu, S., Majeed, M. Z., Lei, B., & Zhang, J. (2024). Arthropods in soil reclamation and bioremediation: Functional roles, mechanisms and future perspective. Journal of Environmental Management, 370, 122820.
Majeed, M. Z., Raza, A. B. M., Afzal, M., Salah-ud-Din, H., Sarwar, I., Yahya, M., & Shehzad, K. (2018). Differential impact of different land-use types on the population density and community assemblages of edaphic macroinvertebrates in District Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 50(3).
Majeed, M. Z., Sarwar, I., Afzal, M., Khalid, M. R., Yahya, M., & Shehzad, K. (2019). Differential composition of edaphic arthropods in different land-use types of District Sargodha (Punjab, Pakistan) and their relationship with soil physico-chemical properties. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 50(3).

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 :

Orcid

Scopus

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