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.

 

Muhammad Nawaz – Geo Artificial Intelligence Award – Best Researcher Award

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Muhammad Nawaz – Geo Artificial Intelligence Award – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Nawaz distinguished academic and researcher in the field Geo  Artificial Intelligence. He has held various academic positions spanning nearly four decades. Beginning his career as a secondary science teacher at the Institute of Academic Service in Lahore, Pakistan, from 1986 to 1990, he then transitioned into roles within the field of geography and GIS. His journey in academia led him to serve as a Subject Specialist in Geography for the Ministry of Education, Government of Punjab, Pakistan, from 1990 to 1993. Subsequently, he embarked on a career in higher education, holding positions such as Lecturer in Geography at Punjab University from 1993 to 1999, followed by roles as Assistant Professor and later as Associate Professor in GIS, along with various administrative responsibilities including Associate Head and Coordinator of the M.Sc. GIS Program at Punjab University from 1999 to 2006. He expanded his international experience by serving as a Lecturer in Environmental Science eLearning at the School of Environment, Charles Darwin University (CDU), Australia, from 2007 to 2012, and then as a Lecturer/Coordinator of the Tertiary Enabling Program (Environment & Geoscience) at CDU from 2012 to 2015. Since 2015, he has been contributing his expertise as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography at the National University of Singapore. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to education and has made significant contributions to the fields of geography, environmental science, and geoscience education.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

He holds a diverse range of qualifications reflecting his dedication to academic excellence and professional development. His educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, with majors in Geology and Chemistry, from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Pakistan, in 1986. Building upon this foundation, he pursued a Master’s degree in Geography from Punjab University, Pakistan, in 1990. Continuing his academic pursuits, he obtained a Master of Science in Geoinformatics from the University of Twente – ITC, Netherlands, in 1998, further specializing in the field. In 2010, he achieved a significant milestone by earning his Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science from Charles Darwin University (CDU), Australia, showcasing his commitment to advanced research and scholarship. Recognizing the importance of pedagogical skills in higher education, he completed a Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from CDU in 2012. This extensive educational background underscores his expertise and dedication to his field, enabling him to make significant contributions to academia and research throughout his career.

Teaching Experience

With an extensive background in teaching, he has been actively engaged in educating students in various facets of geography and environmental science since 2015 at the Department of Geography, National University of Singapore. His teaching portfolio encompasses a wide array of courses catering to different aspects of spatial data handling, GIS applications, environmental modeling, earth surface processes, energy futures, and terrestrial and coastal environments.

In courses such as Spatial Data Handling (GE6211), GIS Application (GE5226), and Environment Modelling (GE4212), he imparts knowledge on topics ranging from spatial data mining, big data analytics, and spatial uncertainty to ecological models, epidemic dynamics, and environmental modeling with GIS and remote sensing.

Moreover, his expertise extends to courses like Earth Surface Processes, Landform, and Ecosystem (GE3256), Energy Futures, Environment, and Sustainability (GE3254), and Planet Earth (XD3103), where he delves into subjects such as geomorphological processes, climate change, global energy resources, and the geological evolution of Earth.

Additionally, he plays a pivotal role in educating students on water and environmental issues in courses like Water and Environment (GE2229) and Terrestrial and Coastal Environments (GE2220), covering topics such as catchment hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, coastal processes, and landforms.

Furthermore, he contributes to courses like The Biophysical Environment of Singapore (GES1004/GESS1002), providing insights into Singapore’s geology, weather, climate, soil erosion, and coastal processes, tailored to the local context.

Through his teaching endeavors, he enriches students’ understanding of geographical and environmental concepts, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address contemporary challenges in these fields.

Recent Teaching, Research and Service Awards

He has been consistently recognized for his outstanding contributions in teaching, research, and service within the academic community. In 2023, he received the Annual Digital Education Award (ADEA 2023) from the National University of Singapore, acknowledging his innovative approaches to digital education. Additionally, he was honored with the NUS Safety & Health Commitment Award (NUSSHA 2023) by the Office of Risk and Management Compliance (ORMC) for his dedication to ensuring safety and health standards in academic environments.

In 2022, his commitment to teaching excellence was recognized with the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA 2022) from the Faculty of Arts and Social Science at the National University of Singapore. Furthermore, his research efforts were acknowledged with the Encouragement (Research) Award (PUPP 2022) from the Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources & Planning, China, highlighting his significant contributions to the field.

Moreover, in 2021, he was honored with the Service Award and Certificate of Accomplishment (COA 2021) from the Office of Human Resources at the National University of Singapore, underscoring his exemplary service to the university community.

These awards reflect his dedication, expertise, and impact across various domains of academia, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service roles.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

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