Mohamed Elhag | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Mohamed Elhag | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Professor of Remote Sensing at Aerospace Information Research Institute, China

Professional Profile

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Summary

Professor Mohamed Elhag is an esteemed academic and environmental researcher specializing in remote sensing, geospatial technologies, and natural resources management. He currently serves as a Tenure Track Professor in the Department of Water Resources at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he holds research fellow and visiting professor positions in Greece, China, and Oman, demonstrating a strong international academic footprint. His multi-decade career reflects extensive contributions to the fields of environmental science, water management, and geoinformation technologies.

Educational Details

Professor Elhag earned his Ph.D. in Water Resource Management from the University of Thessaly, Greece (2012), focusing on GIS, remote sensing, and spatial decision support systems. He holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Management (2008) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management (2007) from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAICh), Greece. Earlier, he completed an M.Sc. in Plant Ecology (2008) and a B.Sc. in Special Botany (1999) from Cairo University, Egypt, in addition to postgraduate training in environmental studies and economics from the Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University.

Professional Experience

With over two decades of professional experience, Professor Elhag has served in leading academic and research roles across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. At King Abdulaziz University, he has progressed from Assistant Professor to Full Professor since 2013. He also serves as a Research Fellow at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and CIHEAM/MAICh, and as Visiting Professor at the German University of Technology in Oman. Earlier roles include appointments at the University of Thessaly and the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania. His work encompasses teaching, research leadership, and project coordination in ecological mapping, climate impact assessment, and sustainable land use.

Research Interests

Professor Elhag’s research is centered on geo-information technologies, remote sensing, and environmental management, particularly in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. His interests span a broad spectrum including water resource modeling, land use dynamics, soil erosion, vegetation mapping, habitat conservation, hyperspectral and microwave remote sensing, and spatial statistical modeling for decision support in natural resource governance.

Author Metrics

According to Google Scholar, Professor Elhag has amassed 1,785 citations, with an h-index of 21 and i10-index of 53 (as of 2024). His research output includes over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and international conference presentations. His work is widely published in high-impact journals such as Earth Systems and Environment, Sustainability, Arabian Journal of Geosciences, and Desalination and Water Treatment, reflecting significant academic influence across environmental science disciplines.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Professor Elhag has been actively engaged in national and international research initiatives. He has been the principal investigator or co-PI on several funded projects by King Abdulaziz University and the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. His commitment to academic excellence and cross-border scientific collaboration has earned him recognition within professional societies such as the Arab Water Council, Saudi Biological Society, and Water Sciences and Technology Association, as well as affiliations with numerous international environmental research programs.

Publicaiton Top Notes

1. Assessment of Surface Deformation Patterns Using InSAR Data: Implications for Human Impacts in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia
2. Understanding Drought: Agricultural and Socioeconomic Effects in Tekeze Watershed, Northern Ethiopia
3. Assessment of Machine Learning Techniques in Mapping Land Use/Land Cover Changes in a Semi-Arid Environment

  • Authors: Noamen Baccari, Mohamed Hafedh Hamza, Tarek Slama, Anis Sebei, Sarra Ouerghi, Rania Elsheikh, Naoufel Rebai, Mohamed Elhag

  • Journal: Earth Systems and Environment

  • Publication Date: January 2025

  • DOI: 10.1007/s41748-025-00620-3

  • Access: ResearchGateresearchgate.net

4. Assessment of Coastal Zone Vulnerability in Context of Sea-Level Rise and Inundation Risk in Qatar
5. Comparative Assessment of Process-Based Models for Simulating the Hydrological Response of the Himalayan River Basin

Conclusion

Professor Mohamed Elhag exemplifies what the Best Researcher Award aims to recognize: outstanding scholarly excellence, global academic leadership, innovation in high-impact research, and contributions to solving real-world environmental challenges. His output, citation record, interdisciplinary focus, and international presence make him a deserving candidate. With minor expansion into science communication and strategic collaborations, his profile could be even more impactful.

 

Wenfu Peng -Vegetation dynamic monitoring- Best Researcher Award

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Wenfu Peng -Vegetation dynamic monitoring

Prof Dr. Wenfu Peng  distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Vegetation dynamic monitoring. In 2002, he embarked on a postgraduate journey, undertaking Master’s studies at the College of Resources and Environment at Sichuan Normal University. Building on this foundation, he pursued a Doctorate, completing his PhD from the State Key Laboratory of Geological Disaster Prevention and Geological Environmental Protection at Chengdu University of Technology in 2009. Throughout his academic trajectory, he demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing his understanding of geography and related disciplines.

Eduvation

He began his educational journey in 1985, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography from the Department of Geography at Sichuan Normal University, where he dedicated himself to the study of geographic principles and phenomena. After a brief hiatus, from 1992 to 1995, he continued his academic pursuits at Southwest University (formerly Southwest Normal University), further expanding his knowledge in the field.
Professional Profiles:

 

Academic Positions:

Since July 2005, he has held the esteemed position of Professor at the School of Geography and Resource Science at Sichuan Normal University, where he has made significant contributions to academia. His expertise encompasses a range of teaching activities, primarily focusing on postgraduate courses such as “Understanding and Analysis of Remote Sensing Image Science.” Additionally, he imparts his knowledge to undergraduate students through courses like “GIS Spatial Analysis,” “GIS Principles,” “Territorial Planning,” and other related subjects. Throughout his tenure, he has been dedicated to fostering a comprehensive understanding of geographical and spatial sciences among his students, leaving an indelible mark on the academic landscape.

Research Overview:

Throughout the years, he has actively engaged in a multitude of research projects, showcasing his commitment to advancing knowledge in various domains. From 2014 to 2017, he spearheaded the National Natural Science Foundation of China Project titled “Maintenance Mechanism of Land Ecological Security in Chengdu Plain based on LUCC Disturbance” (Project No. 41371125), delving into the intricate dynamics of land use and ecological security. Subsequently, from 2018 to 2020, he directed his efforts towards the Humanities and Social Science Planning Project of the Ministry of Education (Project No. 17YJA850007), contributing valuable insights to the intersection of social sciences and education.

In the earlier years, his involvement in key projects at Sichuan Normal University included the 2013-2015 Key Cultivation Project, “Ecological Security Research of Chengdu Plain Based on LUCC” (Project No. 13ZDL03), and the 2014-2015 Sichuan Provincial Department of Education Project, “Research on Ecotourism Development Model of West Sichuan Plateau Based on GIS” (Project No. LYC13-11). His diverse expertise also extended to national initiatives, such as the National Science and Technology Major Project’s special topic on “Water Pollution Control and Treatment” (Project No. 2009ZX07106-004-01-02), specifically focusing on the spatial and temporal distribution of water resources and salinity in the Bosten Lake Basin. Additionally, his contributions were integral to the National Science and Technology Support Program’s topic on “Research on Rural Housing Planning, Design, and Construction Standards” (Project No. 2008BAJ08B09-5), concentrating on the formulation of standards for village and township rural community planning. His extensive involvement in these projects reflects his dedication to advancing scientific understanding and addressing critical issues in various fields.

Awards

In recognition of his notable contributions to the field, he was honored with the third prize of the Sichuan Science and Technology Progress Award in 2011 for his exemplary project titled “Research on Urban Land Use Change and Its Ecological Environment Effect Based on RS & GIS.” Beyond his research endeavors, he actively engages in social contributions by serving as a review expert for various international journals, demonstrating his commitment to advancing scholarly discourse and maintaining rigorous standards within the academic community.

Moreover, he has assumed significant roles in shaping academic and scientific landscapes. His responsibilities include serving as an evaluation expert for the Degree Center of the Ministry of Education, China, contributing to the assessment of educational standards. Additionally, he has lent his expertise as a science and technology plan evaluation expert for the Provincial Department of Science and Technology in Sichuan Province, playing a pivotal role in evaluating and shaping regional scientific initiatives. Further showcasing his multifaceted involvement, he serves as a technical expert for territorial ecological restoration support at the Provincial Department of Natural Resources, Sichuan Province, underscoring his commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological well-being. Through these diverse roles, he continues to make a meaningful impact in academia, research, and the broader scientific community.

Publication

1.Quantifying urban expansion and its driving forces in Chengdu, western China  – 2023                                                                  Wang, G., Peng, W., Zhang, L., …Shi, J., Wang, L.

2. Quantifying the impacts of natural and human factors on changes in NPP using an optimal parameters-based geographical detector -2023

3.Vegetation EVI changes and response to natural factors and human activities based on geographically and temporally weighted regression-2023

4. Assessment of Land Ecological Security from 2000 to 2020 in the Chengdu Plain Region of China                                    Zhang, L., Peng, W., Zhang, J. – 2023

5. Estimate of population density and diagnosis of main factors of spatial heterogeneity in the metropolitan scale,     western China  Wang, G., Peng, W., Zhang, L. -2023

6. Spatiotemporal variations and driving mechanisms of vegetation coverage in the Wumeng Mountainous Area, China

Syarawi Sharoni – Remote Sensing – Network Analytics Academic Achievement Award

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Syarawi Sharoni – Remote Sensing

Dr. Syarawi Sharoni  distinguished academic and researcher in the field Remote Sensing .  He is a lecturer at the Geophysics Department within the School of Physics at Universiti Sains Malaysia. With a profound passion for Earth science, he possesses a strong background in oceanography and microwave remote sensing. His research primarily revolves around exploring Earth’s extreme natural phenomena through the utilization of satellite-based platforms. Currently, he is particularly focused on observing colossal tropical cyclone events on a global scale. Leveraging his extensive experience and expertise in MATLAB programming, coupled with proficiency in machine learning, he adeptly handles high-volume data and employs unique processing techniques in his investigations.

Eduvation

In 2010, he embarked on his academic journey at Selangor Matriculation College, achieving a perfect score of 4.00 out of 4.00 in the Foundation of Physical Science. This solid foundation paved the way for his pursuit of higher education, leading him to Universiti Sains Malaysia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Geophysics in 2014 with an impressive GPA of 3.44 out of 4.00.

Driven by a passion for exploring the depths of the ocean, he continued his academic endeavors at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. In 2016, he completed a Master of Research in Ocean Sciences, achieving a second-class classification for his exemplary work in the field.

Undeterred by the challenges of academia, he further honed his expertise in remote sensing, specializing in Scale B1 with minor corrections, during his doctoral studies at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. In 2022, he successfully earned his Ph.D. in Remote Sensing, showcasing his dedication and commitment to advancing knowledge in this specialized field. These academic achievements collectively reflect his unwavering pursuit of excellence and his contributions to the realms of geophysics, ocean sciences, and remote sensing.

Professional Profiles:

Professional Experience

He began his professional journey in 2013 as a trainee at the Geoscience Division of the Mineral and Geoscience Department in Malaysia. Following this initial experience, he transitioned to the private sector, where he served as an Imaging Geophysicist in the Imaging and Engineering Department at Petroleum Geo-Service (PGS)(M) Sdn.

Bhd. from 2014 to 2015. In 2017, he further enriched his career by taking on the role of a tutor within the School of Physics at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Demonstrating a commitment to both practical applications and academic pursuits, he currently holds the position of Senior Lecturer in the Geophysics Group at the School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, a role he has been dedicated to since 2022. This professional journey underscores his diverse experience, encompassing training, industry work, and academic contributions in the field of geophysics.

Fellowships / Awards  

He has been affiliated with Universiti Sains Malaysia as a fellow from 2015 to 2022, during which he was granted funding for both his Master’s and Ph.D. studies. This period of academic engagement and support culminated in significant achievements, including the receipt of a Silver Medal in the Graduate Research Exhibition (GREx) in 2021. His academic journey commenced earlier with a scholarship from the Government of Malaysia, which supported his Bachelor of Science studies from 2011 to 2014.

Notably, he demonstrated academic excellence during his undergraduate years by earning a place on the Dean’s List in two semesters. Additionally, his commitment to the field was recognized in 2013 when he secured the 3rd Place in the GeoQuiz Petroleum & Geoscience Conference Exhibition. This rich academic and research background illustrates his dedication to advancing knowledge and achieving excellence in geophysics.

Supervisions                                                                                                                                                                      

In his role as a Senior Lecturer within the Geophysics Group at the School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, he is actively involved in supervising various research projects at different academic levels. Currently, Duan Liyuan is pursuing a Ph.D., focusing on the high-precision InSAR monitoring and identification of large-scale geological disasters. Another Ph.D. candidate, Khan Muhammad, is engaged in advanced quantitative interpretation and seismic attributes analysis for reservoir characterization and fracture prediction. At the master’s level, Nik Raisyha is working on a project that involves the tropical cyclone characterization from microwave remote sensing observation.

In addition to supervising postgraduate research, he guides undergraduate students on diverse projects. Among the ongoing Bachelor of Science projects, Vikna and Kah Ching are investigating the influence of the Madden Julian Oscillation on the South China Sea Region. Another team, Nelly Anuar and Aishah Alimi, is exploring the impact of the Indian Ocean Dipole on the same region, while Asilah Abdul Hannan and Nurul Izzah Mustafa have successfully completed their project on the variations of tropical cyclone activity in the South China Sea in 2023. Furthermore, Nurin Nadhirah Hairi Zahril and Syasya Aqilah Abdul Razak have also completed their investigation on the influence of ENSO activity on sea level variations in the marginal South China Sea in 2023. This diverse range of research projects underscores his commitment to fostering a comprehensive understanding of geophysics and related phenomena across different academic levels.

publications

Alphonse Kayiranga | Geoinformatics applications

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Dr. Alphonse Kayiranga | Geoinformatics applications

Academician/Research Scholar

Congratulations , Dr. Alphonse Kayiranga | Geoinformatics applications on winning the esteemed Best Researcher Award  from sciencefather! Your dedication, innovative research, and scholarly contributions have truly made a significant impact in your field. Your commitment to advancing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of research is commendable. Here’s to your continued success in shaping the future of academia and making invaluable contributions to your field. Well done!

 

Professional Profiles:

Education:

  • Skilled in remote sensing and geo-informatics applications in ecohydrology and landscape
    monitoring and management. Currently working on modeling land and atmosphere
    interactions, specifically modelling the eco-hydro-climate characteristics using different
    process-based models; Remote sensing, in-situ observations and reanalyzed datasets; and
    Geo-Informatics techniques. Skilled also in computer programming using various language
    and machine learning such as Python, R for data science and Google earth engine (GEE).
  • Since July 2022-Present (December 2023): Special research assistant (post-doctoral)
    position at Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    (XIEG-CAS). State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology. Responsibility:
    Conducting Eco-hydrological research in Aral Sea basin.
  • Since September 2018- July 2022: PhD of research in Institute of Geographic Sciences and
    Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGSNRR-CAS), Key
    Laboratory of Resource and Environmental Information System. During this PhD,  He have
    specialized in modelling the ecohydro-climate characteristics using different process-based
    models. My PhD thesis topic was: Impacts of the changes in regional climate and land use
    on forest dynamics and ecosystem services in the greater Mekong subregion. Awarded a
    doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cartography and GIS.

publications

  • Understanding grain virtual water flux dynamics and drivers from a socio-ecohydrological perspective: A case study of landlocked developing countries of Africa
  • Anthropogenic activities dominated tropical forest carbon balance in two contrary ways over the Greater Mekong Subregion in the 21st century
  • Virtual water transfers in Africa: Assessing topical condition of water scarcity, water savings, and policy implications
  • Spatiotemporal Variation in Gross Primary Productivity and Their Responses to Climate in the Great Lakes Region of Sub-Saharan Africa during 2001–2020

The implementation of genetic algorithm for the identification of DNAPL sources

  • Spatiotemporal variations of forest ecohydrological characteristics in the Lancang-Mekong region during 1992-2016 and 2020-2099 under different climate scenarios
  • Evaluation the WRF model with different land surface schemes: Heat wave event simulations and its relation to pacific variability over Coastal region, Karachi, Pakistan