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

Prof. Belgin Coşge Şenkal | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Belgin Coşge Şenkal , Biochemistry , Yozgat Bozok University , Turkey

Professor Belgin Coşge Şenkal is a distinguished academic in the field of agricultural sciences, specializing in arable crops and plant breeding. She is currently a faculty member at Bozok University’s Faculty of Agriculture in Yozgat, Turkey. Throughout her career, Professor Şenkal has made significant contributions to the study of medicinal plants and aromatic plants, oil crops, and plant breeding. Her research has garnered substantial recognition, with over 1,400 citations, reflecting her influence in the scientific community.

Professional Profile :

Orcid

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Professor Belgin Coşge Şenkal is a highly accomplished academician and researcher in the field of agricultural sciences, with a specialization in plant breeding, medicinal plants and aromatic plants, and oil crops. Her extensive research has been instrumental in advancing knowledge in these critical areas of agronomy, particularly under the ecological conditions of Turkey. Based on her strong publication record, high citation impact, dedicated mentorship, and contributions to sustainable agricultural practices, Professor Belgin Coşge Şenkal is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award.” Her pioneering work in medicinal and aromatic plants, oil crops, and plant breeding has had a significant influence on modern agricultural practices and natural product research. She exemplifies the qualities of a visionary and impactful researcher, making her a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

🎓Education:

Professor Şenkal’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree from Ankara University’s Faculty of Agriculture in 1994.She then pursued a Master’s degree at the same institution, completing her thesis in 1996 on the selection of genetically male-sterile sunflower lines and their impact on seed yield. In 2001, she earned her Ph.D. with a dissertation focusing on the effects of natural pollination on the yield and yield components of genetically male-sterile sunflower hybrids.

🏢Work Experience:

Professor Şenkal has held various academic positions, including Assistant Professor and Associate Professor roles at Abant Izzet Baysal University. In 2016, she was appointed as a Professor at Bozok University, where she continues to teach and conduct research. Her mentorship has guided numerous graduate students, supervising over 20 theses on topics ranging from the effects of salicylic acid on coriander growth to the impact of different sowing times on camelina yield.

🏅Awards:

Specific details about Professor Şenkal’s awards and honors are not readily available in the provided information. However, her extensive publication record, significant citation count, and progression to a full professorship indicate a high level of recognition and respect in her field. Her involvement in numerous research projects and her role in supervising graduate students further underscore her contributions to agricultural sciences.

🔬Research Focus:

Professor Şenkal’s research primarily revolves around medicinal plants and aromatic plants, oil crops, plant breeding, essential oils, and biological activity. She has investigated the effects of various treatments on plant growth and yield, such as the impact of salicylic acid on coriander and the influence of different phosphorus doses on essential oil content. Her work aims to enhance the understanding and cultivation of these plants, contributing to advancements in agricultural practices.

Publication Top Notes:

Evaluation of antioxidant, antimicrobial, enzyme inhibition activity, and cell viability capacity of Hypericum heterophyllum Vent., an endemic species in Turkey’s Flora

Investigation of the Usability of Biodiesel Produced from Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Gürbüz Registered Variety Crude Oil in Diesel Engines

The Impact of Morpho- and Onto-Genetic Variation on Essential Oil Profile of Hypericum heterophyllum Vent., an Endemic Species in Turkey’s Flora

Impacts of essential oil and extracts obtained from coriander cultivars (Coriandrum sativum L.) on some important pathogenic bacteria

Biological activities of different plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family

Fatty Acid Composition of Seed Oil from Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium Subsp. strumarium) Grown in Turkey

Evaluation of Seedling Development and Physical Characteristics, Viability and Germination of Seeds in Some Lamiaceae Taxa

Farklı fosfor dozlarının kişniş (Coriandrum sativum L.) bitkisinde verim, verim özellikleri ve uçucu yağ oranı üzerine etkileri

Phytochemical composition of wild lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) from the flora of Bulgaria

Hypericum taxa of Turkey’s flora and intra-population variation of morpho-agronomic traits in H. heterophyllum Vent., an endemic species

Determination of essential oil components, mineral matter, and heavy metal content of Salvia virgata Jacq. grown in culture conditions

The Effect of Cuttings Stages on Components and Content of Essential Oils from Salvia viridis L.