Lemekezani Chilora | Agriculture economics | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Lemekezani Chilora | Agriculture economics | Young Scientist Award

Research Analayst,  MwAPATA Institute Malawi

Lemekezani K. Chilora is an accomplished Agricultural and Resource Economist with expertise in research, data analysis, and project management. He holds an MSc in Agriculture and Applied Economics and a BSc in Agricultural Economics from LUANAR. Currently a Research Analyst II at MwAPATA Institute, he conducts research, trains research assistants, develops data collection tools, and authors manuscripts and policy briefs. He has consulted for IITA, AGCOM, IFPRI, and other organizations. Previously, he worked as a lecturer at MUBAS and a monitoring and evaluation officer at CISANET. His research focuses on agricultural policy, food security, and rural development.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

PhD (Agriculture and Resource Economics) – LUANAR (2026, Ongoing). MSc (Agriculture and Applied Economics) – LUANAR (2020). BSc (Agricultural Economics) – LUANAR (2016)

💼 Experience

MwAPATA Institute (2020 – Present) – Research Analyst II: Leads data collection, analysis, research, and policy development. CISANET (2020) – Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (Intern): Supported project implementation, strategic planning, and communications. Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (2019-2020) – Lecturer: Taught research, business planning, and community development. Japanese Tobacco International (2016-2017) – Graduate Trainee: Focused on tobacco production, forestry management, and research.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Principal Investigator (2023-2025): Research on input subsidies and food accessibility, funded by AERC ($30,000). STAAARS+ Fellow (Cornell University & PRCI): Research on gender differences in sustainable agriculture adoption. Principal Investigator (MSc Thesis, AERC Grant – $2,500): Research on child nutrition determinants in Malawi. Principal Investigator (IFPRI Grant – $3,000): Research on child nutrition under the Bunda Grants Scheme.

🔬 Research Focus

Lemekezani’s research focuses on agricultural policy, food security, rural livelihoods, and economic sustainability. His studies explore the effectiveness of input subsidies, gender disparities in agricultural intensification, and child nutrition determinants. He applies data-driven methodologies to assess policy impacts and provide evidence-based recommendations for improving food systems and rural economies in Malawi and beyond.

🔹 Conclusion

Mr. Chilora’s strong academic background, diverse professional experience, and involvement in significant research projects position him as a promising candidate for a Young Scientist Award. To enhance his eligibility, focusing on publishing his research findings in peer-reviewed journals, seeking international research collaborations, and taking on leadership roles in professional organizations would be beneficial. These steps would strengthen his profile and align with the typical criteria considered for such awards.

Publication 

  • Exploring Adoption Effects of Subsidies and Soil Fertility Management in Malawi (2021) – M Khonje, C Nyondo, L Chilora, J Mangisoni, WJ Burke, J Ricker-Gilbert – Citation: 15

  • Trends in Tobacco Production and Prices in Malawi (2021) – A Wineman, L Chilora, TS Jayne – Citation: 9

  • Challenges and Opportunities for Small-Scale Aquaculture Development in Malawi (2021) – MG Munthali, L Chilora, Z Nyirenda, D Salonga, A Wineman, M Muyanga – Citation: 9

  • The Economic Cost-benefit Analysis of Black Soldier Fly as an Alternative Animal and Fish Feed Ingredient in Malawi (2023) – MG Munthali, C Lemekezani, G Mike, B William J, B Eric, K Jeremiah, … – Citation: 8

  • Lessons Learnt: Promises, Achievements, Shortcomings and Pitfalls of Inputs Subsidy Programs in Malawi (2021) – C Nyondo, M Khonje, J Mangisoni, WJ Burke, J Ricker-Gilbert, LK Chilora – Citation: 5*

  • Determinants of Children’s Nutritional Status in Malawi (2020) – LK Chilora, J Duchoslav – Citation: 2

  • Productivity and Profitability of Small-Scale Aquaculture in Malawi (2024) – MG Munthali, L Chilora, A Wineman, B Nankwenya, L Chiwaula, … – Citation: 1

  • Characteristics of the Small-Scale Aquaculture Sector in Malawi (2023) – MG Munthali, L Chilora, Z Nyirenda, D Saonga, A Wineman, M Muyanga – Citation: 1

  • Does the Choice of Tilapia Species in Smallholder Farms Impact Household Income and Dietary Diversity in Malawi? (2025) – LK Chilora, M Munthali, A Wineman, MG Khonje – Citation: N/A

  • Agricultural Diversification Strategies and Rural Household Food Security and Income in Malawi (2025) – A Gondwe, LK Chilora, L Chiwaula, J Goeb – Citation: N/A

  • What Promotes Gender Equity in Land Rental Markets? Evidence from Malawi (2024) – H Phiri, M Maggie G., M Malata, L Chilora, M Kennedy, M Muyanga – Citation: N/A

  • Drivers of Agricultural Growth in Malawi (2024) – A Gondwe, LK Chilora, L Chiwaula, WJ Burke – Citation: N/A

  • Pre-disaster Preparedness and Post-disaster Response Measures in the District Councils of Southern Malawi (2024) – A Gondwe, B Nankwenya, LK Chilora, J Goeb – Citation: N/A

 

Andrea Lucchesi | Environmental economics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Andrea Lucchesi | Environmental economics | Best Researcher Award

Professor, University of Sao Paulo Brazil

Andrea Lucchesi is a Professor of Economics and Quantitative Methods at the School of Arts, Sciences, and Humanities (EACH), University of São Paulo (USP). His research spans climate change economics, environmental economics, public policy evaluation, and innovation. He is a member of the World Economic Forum Expert Network. Lucchesi has taught courses at both graduate and undergraduate levels, including Climate Change Economics and Public Policy Evaluation. He has been actively involved in research addressing sustainable development, environmental policies, and economic evaluations in Brazil and internationally.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Andrea Lucchesi earned a PhD in Economics from the University of São Paulo (FEA/USP) in 2013. During his academic journey, he also served as a PhD Visiting Scholar at the University of Birmingham, UK (2011-2012). Prior to his PhD, he completed an M.A. in Economics at the Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC/SP) in 2008. His strong academic background has contributed to his expertise in economics, focusing particularly on environmental sustainability, public policy, and climate change.

💼 Experience 

Lucchesi’s academic career spans over a decade, with his current role as a Professor of Economics and Quantitative Methods at USP. He has taught various courses, including Climate Change Economics and Public Policy Evaluation, at both graduate and undergraduate levels. His professional experience also includes research on climate change, sustainable agriculture, and environmental policy, notably as part of several major research projects. Lucchesi has authored multiple articles and book chapters on environmental economics, cost-benefit analysis, and public policy. He actively collaborates on projects funded by leading institutions, including UNESCO and CNPq, focusing on environmental sustainability and public policy improvement.

🏆 Awards and Honors 

Andrea Lucchesi has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. In 2017, he was awarded the Early Career Research Award from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). He has also received multiple research grants, including funding from the Lemann Fund, University of Illinois, and Harvard Business School. Lucchesi was recognized for his significant contributions to environmental sustainability, particularly through his work on the Araguaia Biodiversity Corridor. Additionally, he has been acknowledged by the World Economic Forum as an expert in the field of environmental economics.

🔬 Research Focus

Lucchesi’s research primarily focuses on climate change economics, environmental economics, and the evaluation of public policies. He conducts cost-benefit analyses for large-scale environmental projects, such as biodiversity conservation and sustainable agribusiness. His recent studies include evaluating the impact of carbon pricing and environmental sustainability labels on food products in Brazil. Lucchesi also investigates the role of conditional cash transfers in rural development and examines GHG emissions from maritime fleets. His work aims to integrate environmental sustainability with public policy and economic growth, using advanced quantitative methods to influence policy decisions and drive sustainable practices.

🏆Conclusion 

Andrea Lucchesi’s impressive body of work and his leadership in advancing environmental economics position him as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic excellence, research innovation, and dedication to addressing global environmental challenges are noteworthy. While there are opportunities to broaden his interdisciplinary approach and geographical focus, Lucchesi’s contributions have already had a substantial influence on policy and research within the field. His ongoing projects and global collaborations are likely to continue yielding significant outcomes, making him a strong contender for this prestigious recognition.

Publication:

  1. Title: Araguaia biodiversity corridor cost benefit analysis: Large scale restoration and sustainable agribusiness in Amazon and Cerrado
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Lucchesi, A., Khanna, M., Pereda, P.C., Dornelas, V.S., Lallement, T.
    Citations: 0

 

  1. Title: Cost and environmental impact assessment of mandatory speed reduction of maritime fleets
    Year: 2023
    Authors: Marques, C.H., Pereda, P.C., Lucchesi, A., Pereira, N.N., Caprace, J.-D.
    Citations: 9

 

  1. Title: Alternative frameworks for cost-effectiveness analysis of environmental policies in maritime transport
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Pereda, P.C., Lucchesi, A.
    Citations: 1

 

  1. Title: Evaluating the impact of the selection process of principal in Brazilian public schools | Avaliação do impacto do processo de seleção de diretores em escolas públicas brasileiras
    Year: 2019
    Authors: Pereda, P., Lucchesi, A., Mendes, K., Bresolin, A.
    Citations: 2

 

  1. Title: Neutral carbon tax and environmental targets in Brazil
    Year: 2019
    Authors: Pereda, P.C., Lucchesi, A., Garcia, C.P., Palialol, B.T.
    Citations: 16

 

  1. Title: Economic evaluation of massive restoration in Brazil: How to achieve the iNDC-Brazil target
    Year: 2019
    Authors: Lucchesi, A., Pereda, P.C., Christofoletti, M.A.M., Gusson, E., Da Cunha, G.C.
    Citations: 0

 

  1. Title: Long-term effects of structural changes in the Brazilian electricity matrix
    Year: 2017
    Authors: Lucchesi, A., Pereda, P.C., Garcia, C.P., Palialol, B.T.
    Citations: 5

 

  1. Title: Economic growth and the environment
    Year: 2014
    Authors: Cole, M.A., Lucchesi, A.
    Citations: 2

 

Richard Tol | Environmental Economics | Best Researcher Award

Prof.  Richard Tol | Environmental Economics | Best Researcher Award 

Professor. University of Sussex,  United Kingdom

Richard Simon Jozef Tol, born on December 2, 1969, in Hoorn, Netherlands, is a distinguished economist specializing in climate change and sustainability. He is a Professor of Economics at the University of Sussex and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with decades of experience in environmental and energy economics. Tol has held academic positions worldwide, contributing extensively to global policy dialogues on climate change. As a lead author for the IPCC, he was part of the team awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. He is a prolific researcher with high international rankings in economics and environmental sciences.

Profile

Scopus

orcid

Scholar

🎓 Education

Ph.D. in Econometrics: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (1992-1997), focusing on decision analysis for climate change. M.Sc. in Econometrics: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (1988-1992), specializing in time series and decision analysis.

💼 Experience

Professor of Economics, University of Sussex (2012–Present). Professor of Economics of Climate Change, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2008–Present). Research Professor, Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin (2006–2011). Adjunct Professor, Carnegie Mellon University and Trinity College Dublin. Visiting Scholar: Princeton University, University College London, and University of Victoria.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Member: Academia Europaea (2010–). Contributor: Nobel Peace Prize (2007, with IPCC and Albert Gore Jr.). GTAP Research Fellow (2007-2010) for contributions in environmental economics. IDEAS/RePEc ranking: Top 100 economists globally (2024). Research.com recognition in economics (#21) and environmental sciences (#54).

🔬 Research Focus

Richard Tol’s research centers on climate change economics, focusing on energy systems, sustainability, and global policy impacts. He utilizes econometric models to analyze environmental and energy issues, contributing to IPCC reports and sustainable economic strategies. His work spans carbon pricing, adaptation, and decision-making under uncertainty.

Conclusion

Professor Richard Tol’s extensive contributions to climate change economics, his leadership roles in academia, and his high research impact make him a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work exemplifies excellence in integrating economics with global environmental challenges, making him highly deserving of this recognition. By further broadening his interdisciplinary reach and public engagement, his influence could extend even further in shaping global sustainability efforts.

Publications 📚

  • Indicators for Social and Economic Coping Capacity—Moving Toward a Working Definition of Adaptive Capacity
    Authors: G Yohe, RSJ Tol
    Year: 2002

 

  • The Economic Effects of Climate Change
    Author: RSJ Tol
    Year: 2009

 

  • Considering the Energy, Water and Food Nexus: Towards an Integrated Modelling Approach
    Authors: M Bazilian, H Rogner, M Howells, S Hermann, D Arent, D Gielen, et al.
    Year: 2011

 

  • Coastal Flood Damage and Adaptation Costs Under 21st Century Sea-Level Rise
    Authors: J Hinkel, D Lincke, AT Vafeidis, M Perrette, RJ Nicholls, RSJ Tol, et al.
    Year: 2014

 

  • The Marginal Damage Costs of Carbon Dioxide Emissions: An Assessment of the Uncertainties
    Author: RSJ Tol
    Year: 2005

 

  • Estimates of the Damage Costs of Climate Change. Part 1: Benchmark Estimates
    Author: RSJ Tol
    Year: 2002

 

  • The Economic Impacts of Climate Change
    Author: RSJ Tol
    Year: 2018

 

  • Weathering Climate Change: Some Simple Rules to Guide Adaptation Decisions
    Authors: S Fankhauser, JB Smith, RSJ Tol
    Year: 1999

 

  • Sea-Level Rise and Its Possible Impacts Given a ‘Beyond 4°C World’ in the Twenty-First Century
    Authors: RJ Nicholls, N Marinova, JA Lowe, S Brown, P Vellinga, D De Gusmao, et al.
    Year: 2011

 

  • Estimates of the Damage Costs of Climate Change, Part II. Dynamic Estimates
    Author: RSJ Tol
    Year: 2002

 

  • Impact of Climate on Tourist Demand
    Authors: W Lise, RSJ Tol
    Year: 2002

 

  • Climate Change and International Tourism: A Simulation Study
    Authors: JM Hamilton, DJ Maddison, RSJ Tol
    Year: 2005

 

  • The Social Cost of Carbon: Trends, Outliers, and Catastrophes
    Author: RSJ Tol
    Year: 2008