Bilal jan Haji Muhammad | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bilal jan Haji Muhammad | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

PhD Scholar and Researcher at Northeast normal university | Afghanistan

Dr. Bilal Jan Haji Muhammad is a dedicated GIS and Remote Sensing specialist recognized for his strong interdisciplinary expertise across geospatial sciences, geology, and environmental research. With an academic foundation shaped through advanced studies in Cartography, Geographic Information Systems, and Rural Development, he has built a diverse professional background spanning higher education research, hydrogeological engineering, and geo-material analysis. His experience includes troubleshooting and managing GIS/RS systems, conducting spatial modeling, coordinating with data providers, leading geotechnical investigations, mentoring students, and supporting large-scale infrastructure and environmental projects. Throughout his career, Dr. Bilal Jan Haji Muhammad has developed comprehensive command over remote sensing, Google Earth Engine, geostatistics, deep learning for spatial prediction, and R-based environmental modeling. His research portfolio reflects contributions across land use and land cover modeling, geochemical exploration, forest canopy assessment, tectonic interpretation, petrography, ecological monitoring, surface urban heat island dynamics, vegetation analysis, and geoenvironmental process evaluation. He has published academic work in journals such as the Scottish Geographical Journal, Georeview, Journal of Mountain Area Research, Kuwait Journal of Sciences, and GeoJournal, demonstrating impactful scholarship supported by 6 citations, an h-index of 2, and an i10-index of 0. Dr. Bilal Jan Haji Muhammad has also contributed to international scientific forums as an invited speaker and participant, especially in areas linking remote sensing, surface science, and environmental change. His professional development includes specialized training in modern geo-applications, climate-focused GIS, and advanced geospatial techniques using global platforms. Alongside his academic achievements, he has engaged in significant projects in hydrogeology, deep rock drilling, and dam-related geoengineering, expanding his applied technical capacity. His interests extend to environmental sustainability, land degradation assessment, urban ecological dynamics, and the integration of remote sensing with Earth science diagnostics for informed decision-making. Driven by a commitment to scientific rigor, community engagement, and technological innovation, Dr. Bilal Jan Haji Muhammad continues to advance geospatial research and contribute to sustainable development challenges through high-quality analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful scholarly work.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

1. Muhammad, B. J. H., Ping, W., Mohabbat, M. J., Ahmad, I., & Islam, I. (2025). Modelling and prediction of land use land cover change dynamics based on the land change modeller in Kunar Province, Eastern Afghanistan. Scottish Geographical Journal, 1–24.

2. Ahmad, I., Ping, W., Razzaq, A., Muhammad, B. J. H., & Ali, W. (2024). Assessing urban thermal field variance and surface urban heat island effects: An ecological study in Malakand Division, Pakistan. Georeview, 34(2).

3. Muhammad, B. J. H., Rahmani, N. R., Mohabbat, M. J., Islam, I., Ahmad, I., & Ping, W. (2025). Integration of remote sensing and geochemical analysis of chromite bodies in Logar Ophiolitic Complex, Southeast Afghanistan. Kuwait Journal of Science, 100427.

4. Muhammad, B. J. H., Ping, W., Mohabbat, M. J., Patmal, M. H., & Ahmad, I. (2024). Morpho-tectonic and satellite image interpretation for identifying Gardez Fault in Afghanistan. Journal of Geoscience, Engineering, Environment, and Technology, 9(2), 221–226.

5. Muhammad, B. J. H., Ping, W., Mohabbat, M. J., Islam, I., & Khattak, S. A. (2025). Examining the relationship among land surface temperature (LST), land use/land cover (LULC) and spectral indices in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. GeoJournal, 90(5), 237.

6. Gebreyesus, M. Z., Zhang, H., Ibrahim, H. M., & Muhammad, B. J. H. (2025). Assessment of land degradation recovery measures and its socioeconomic challenges in the southern region of Eritrea. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography, 46(3), 410–426.

7. Muhammad, B. J. H., Ping, W., & Mohabbat, M. J. (2024). Integration of GIS and remote sensing for evaluating forest canopy density index in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Georeview, 34(1), 12.

8. Ping, W., Mohabbat, M. J., Islam, I., & Ahmad, I. (2024). Comparative analysis of mechanical strength and petrographic features of andesite and basalt from Sawabi area, NW Pakistan: Implications for construction engineering. Journal of Mountain Area Research, 9, 92–106.
9. Zerom, M., Hongyan, Z., Ibrahim, H. M., & Muhammad, B. J. H. (2025). Assessing land degradation recovering measures in Southern Region of Eritrea and its socio-economic challenges.

10. Ping, W., & Muhammad, B. J. H. (n.d.). Assessing urban thermal field variance and surface urban heat island effects: An ecological study in Malakand Division. Manuscript version listed online.

Bakhtiyor Karimov | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Bakhtiyor Karimov | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Professor at Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers | Uzbekistan

Prof. Dr. Bakhtiyor Karimov is a renowned ecologist and ichthyologist with over four decades of experience in aquatic ecology, hydrobiology, ecotoxicology, and fisheries. As a full professor at the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers (TIIAME), Uzbekistan, he has contributed extensively to environmental protection and sustainable water management, particularly in the Aral Sea Basin. His multidisciplinary approach bridges academia, field research, and policy. He has collaborated with international organizations including FAO, UNESCO, and the European Union, and has led major research projects that have significantly influenced environmental and ecological frameworks in Central Asia.

Profile:

Orcid | Google Scholor

Education:

Prof. Bakhtiyor Karimov holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the State Lake and River Fisheries Institute, Russia, with a thesis focused on the comparative toxic resistance of fish species. He earned his first degree in Biology and Chemistry from Tashkent State University, he was awarded a Doctor of Science in Biology for his research on ecological and toxicological issues in the Aral Sea Basin. His academic journey further includes appointments as a Senior Research Worker, full Professor, and Academician of the International Academy of Ecology and Life Protection Sciences.

Experience:

Prof. Bakhtiyor Karimov’s professional career spans academia, governmental advisory roles, and international project leadership. He has served in prominent positions such as Head of Hydroecology at the Institute of Water Problems and Director of Laboratories in Hydrobiology and Aquaculture. He worked in Germany under the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowship and coordinated FAO projects across Central Asia. As national scientific supervisor for the EU Horizon “Hydro4U” project, he pioneered ecological innovations in hydropower. He has also advised parliamentary committees and scientific councils, influencing ecological policies and water resource management throughout Uzbekistan.

Research Interests:

Prof. Bakhtiyor Karimov’s primary research interests include aquatic ecology, desert and arid zone aquaculture, ichthyology, water pollution, and biodiversity conservation. His investigations address the ecological impact of climate change, agricultural runoff, and hydropower on freshwater systems. He emphasizes integrative methodologies involving ecotoxicological assessments, habitat restoration, and ecosystem services analysis. With significant expertise in the Aral Sea Basin, he has advanced sustainable fisheries and ecological risk assessments. His work often bridges applied environmental science and policy, and his leadership in bioeconomic curriculum development further demonstrates his commitment to environmental sustainability and education.

Awards and Honors:

Prof. Bakhtiyor Karimov’s exceptional career has been recognized with numerous accolades. He graduated with a Gold Medal from secondary school and received a Distinction Diploma from Tashkent State University. His prestigious fellowships include the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Germany,the Matsumae International Foundation Japan, and the Cariplo Lombardia Foundation Italy. He also received the Humboldt-Alumni Award for his ongoing scientific contributions. He is an elected Academician of IAELPS and a member of prominent ecological and zoological associations, including IUCN SSC, SETAC, and EWRA.

Publications:

Title: Saving freshwater from salts

Citation: 341

Year of Publication: 2016

Title: A global agenda for advancing freshwater biodiversity research

Citation: 200

Year of Publication: 2022

Title: Health risks from large-scale water pollution: trends in Central Asia

Citation: 164

Year of Publication: 2011

Title: Status, trends, and future dynamics of freshwater ecosystems in Europe and Central Asia

Citation: 128

Year of Publication: 2019

Title: Overview of past, current, and future ecosystem and biodiversity trends of inland saline lakes of Europe and Central Asia

Citation: 100

Year of Publication: 2020

Title: One-quarter of freshwater fauna threatened with extinction

Citation: 89

Year of Publication: 2025

Title: Challenges for the sustainable use of water and land resources under a changing climate and increasing salinization in the Jizzakh irrigation zone of Uzbekistan

Citation: 58

Year of Publication: 2020

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Bakhtiyor Karimov stands as a pioneering force in aquatic environmental science. His career reflects a profound commitment to solving ecological challenges through science, education, and policy. His publications in top-tier journals, leadership in global projects, and impact on biodiversity conservation in arid zones make him a compelling nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to ecological restoration, especially in the context of the Aral Sea and Central Asia, highlights his lasting contributions to both regional and global environmental science. Prof. Karimov exemplifies research excellence with real-world impact.