Abdelaziz El Houari | Life and Environmental Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Abdelaziz El Houari | Life and Environmental Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Scientist| Danone Research and Innovation France

Dr. Abdelaziz El Houari is a Senior Scientist specializing in Microbiology and Molecular Biology, with a focus on anaerobic microbiology, microbial ecology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology. He has a wealth of experience in managing research projects, developing innovative approaches in microbiome science, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. His expertise spans various microbiological techniques, molecular analysis, and bioinformatics tools. Based in France, he currently leads projects at Danone Research & Innovation in Paris-Saclay, contributing to the identification and characterization of probiotic strains and enhancing scientific communications.

Profile

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🎓 Education 

Dr. El Houari holds a PhD in Life and Environmental Sciences from the University of Pau and Pays de l’Adour, France (2015–2018). He also earned a Master’s degree in Biotechnologies and Sustainable Development from Cady Ayyad University in Morocco (2012–2014), and a License/Dissertation in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Ibn Zohr University, Morocco (2011–2012). His academic journey has equipped him with robust knowledge in microbiology and biotechnology, especially in anaerobic microbiota and molecular biology.

💼 Experience 

Dr. El Houari’s professional journey includes his current role as a Senior Scientist at Danone Research & Innovation (since 2023), focusing on probiotic strain characterization and omics data analysis. Prior to that, he worked as a Senior Research Scientist at 4D Pharma PLC (2022–2023), contributing to the development of Live Biotherapeutic products. He also served as a Research Officer at Bangor University (2020–2022), studying landfill biomass-degrading microbiomes. Additionally, Dr. El Houari has worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Poitiers (2019).

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Dr. El Houari has received several recognitions, including a prestigious Early Career Research Award from the Science and Engineering Research Board (2017) and a Research Excellence Award (2015). His contributions to research were further acknowledged through funding for workshops and conference travel grants, such as the DST Travel Grant (2012). He has also been involved in the development of intellectual property and has won several best paper presentation awards.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. El Houari’s research interests revolve around anaerobic microbiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. He specializes in microbial community characterization, probiotic strain discovery, and the functional exploration of complex microbiomes. His work on microbial degradation processes, especially in relation to landfill biomass and wastewater treatment, has contributed to advancements in environmental and industrial microbiology. His studies on the human gut microbiota and its interactions with various molecules are paving the way for biotechnological applications in pharmaceuticals and agri-food industries.

📝 Conclusion

Dr. Abdelaziz El Houari stands out as a highly skilled and innovative researcher with profound contributions to microbiology, bioinformatics, and microbial ecology. His leadership in complex research projects, along with his dedication to scientific advancement and education, makes him an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By broadening his outreach and exploring additional funding and interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. El Houari could further amplify his impact on global microbiome research

Publication

  1. Title: Lutispora saccharofermentans sp. nov., a mesophilic, non-spore-forming bacterium isolated from a lab-scale methanogenic landfill bioreactor digesting anaerobic sludge, and emendation of the genus Lutispora to include species which are non-spore-forming and mesophilic
    Year: 2023
    Journal: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
    DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005683
    Contributors: Abdelaziz El Houari, Morgan Carpenter, Daniel Chaplin, Peter Golyshin, James E. McDonald

 

  1. Title: Development of an in vitro Model of Human Gut Microbiota for Screening the Reciprocal Interactions With Antibiotics, Drugs, and Xenobiotics
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology
    DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.828359
    Contributors: Abdelaziz El Houari

 

  1. Title: In vitro sensitivity of 30 anaerobic bacterial strains of the human intestinal core microbiota to antibiotics: Culture and LC-MS/MS approaches
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Anaerobe
    DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2020.102314
    Contributors: Abdelaziz El Houari

 

  1. Title: Microbial Communities and Sulfate-Reducing Microorganisms Abundance and Diversity in Municipal Anaerobic Sewage Sludge Digesters from a Wastewater Treatment Plant (Marrakech, Morocco)
    Year: 2020
    Journal: Processes
    DOI: 10.3390/pr8101284
    Contributors: Abdelaziz El Houari

 

  1. Title: Desulfobulbus oligotrophicus sp. nov., a sulfate-reducing and propionate-oxidizing bacterium isolated from a municipal anaerobic sewage sludge digester
    Year: 2017
    Journal: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
    DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.001615
    Contributors: Abdelaziz El Houari

 

Nzalalemba Serge Kubanza | Waste Management | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Nzalalemba Serge Kubanza | Waste Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr Nzalalemba Serge Kubanza, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Dr. Serge Kubanza is a prominent academic and researcher in the fields of geography, environmental studies, and waste management. He currently serves as a Lecturer and Postgraduate Coordinator at the University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies. Dr. Kubanza’s expertise extends to academic misconduct and plagiarism, evidenced by his role on the university’s Academic Misconduct and Plagiarism Committee. His notable research contributions include work on solid waste management, environmental justice, and climate change, impacting policy and practice in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Publication Profile

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Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic and Research Experience:
    • Current Positions: Dr. Kubanza is a lecturer and postgraduate coordinator at the University of the Witwatersrand, roles that reflect a strong commitment to academia and research mentorship.
    • Previous Positions: His extensive experience includes postdoctoral research, sessional lectures, and roles in various research institutions, which highlights his diverse and in-depth research background.
    • Research Publications: Dr. Kubanza has a substantial publication record with numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference presentations, demonstrating a high level of scholarly output and engagement.
  2. Research Focus and Impact:
    • Specialization: His research primarily focuses on solid waste management, climate change, and environmental justice in Sub-Saharan Africa, which are crucial and timely issues.
    • Collaborations: He has collaborated with international researchers and institutions, indicating a broad and impactful research network.
    • Recent Publications: His recent articles cover important topics such as climate change risks and sustainable waste management, reflecting ongoing contributions to pressing global challenges.
  3. Professional and Academic Involvement:
    • Reviewer Roles: He serves as a reviewer for various respected journals, showcasing his expertise and recognition in his field.
    • Conference Organization: His role in organizing and speaking at conferences and workshops underscores his leadership and influence in academic circles.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Research Scope:
    • While Dr. Kubanza has a strong focus on waste management and environmental issues, expanding his research to cover additional aspects of environmental science or interdisciplinary areas could enhance his research profile further.
  2. Research Dissemination:
    • Although he has numerous publications, ensuring that findings reach a broader audience through various channels, such as policy briefs or public engagement activities, could increase the societal impact of his research.
  3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
    • Increasing collaboration with researchers from diverse disciplines might lead to more innovative and comprehensive solutions to complex environmental problems.

 

Education

Dr. Kubanza holds a Ph.D. from the University of the Witwatersrand (2016), a Master’s degree in Architecture and Planning from the same institution (2010), an Honours Degree from the University of Kinshasa (2006), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Kinshasa (2004). His academic journey reflects a robust foundation in environmental studies, urban planning, and socio-environmental issues, culminating in significant contributions to his field.

Experience

Dr. Kubanza’s diverse experience includes roles as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Sessional Lecturer, and Projects Officer in various institutions. He has worked with global organizations like CIVICUS and the UN Liaison Office, gaining valuable insights into civil society and development challenges. His experience spans academic, research, and practical roles, including the organization of workshops and conferences on climate change adaptation and waste management, showcasing his commitment to addressing critical environmental issues.

Research Focus

Dr. Kubanza’s research focuses on solid waste management, environmental justice, and climate change adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa. He investigates the role of local authorities and community participation in waste management, exploring sustainable practices and governance challenges. His work aims to enhance environmental policies and practices, particularly in low-income communities, contributing to more equitable and effective waste management solutions and climate resilience strategies.

Publications

Exploring Wetland Change in the Gauteng Province, South Africa 🌿 – Environmental Research

Challenges of Solid Waste Management in Low-Income Communities in South Africa 🗑️ – South African Geographical Journal

Climate Change Risks in Southern Africa in the 21st Century 🌍 – Climate Risk Management Journal

Enhancing Climate Change Governance in South Africa 🌱 – International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management

Community Perceptions on the Impacts of Solid Waste Management on Health 🚮 – Development Southern Africa

Role of Local Authorities and Community Participation in Solid Waste Management 🌐 – Local Environment

The Role of Community Participation in Solid Waste Management 🏘️ – South African Geographical Journal

Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries ♻️ – Journal of Environmental Planning and Management

Solid Waste Management and Environmental Injustice in Poor Communities 🚧 – Journal of Environmental Management and Sustainable Development

Municipal Solid Waste Management in South Africa: Waste-to-Energy Technologies 🔋 – Local Environment

Conclusion

Dr. Nzalalemba Serge Kubanza exhibits several key strengths that make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His extensive academic and research experience, coupled with his focus on significant environmental issues, demonstrates a high level of expertise and commitment to advancing knowledge in his field. His involvement in international collaborations and conference organization further highlights his impact on the academic community.