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.

SHASHI BHUSHAN | Forestry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. SHASHI BHUSHAN | Forestry | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at RLSY college, Patliputra University, Patna, India.

Dr. Shashi Bhushan is an Assistant Professor of Geography at Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav College, Patliputra University, India. He earned his Ph.D. from JNU, focusing on forest degradation and rural livelihoods in Bihar. With over a decade of teaching and research, he specializes in natural resource management, environmental studies, and climate change adaptation. Dr. Bhushan has extensive experience using GIS, remote sensing, and statistical tools for socio-economic fieldwork. His collaborative projects span international institutions, and he has published in leading journals on forestry and sustainability. He is a recognized expert in forest ecology, sustainable development, and disaster risk reduction.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Shashi Bhushan

Dr. Shashi Bhushan is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his decade-long dedication to advancing knowledge in natural resource management, forest ecology, and climate change adaptation. His interdisciplinary approach skillfully integrates GIS, remote sensing, and socio-economic analyses to tackle critical environmental issues such as forest degradation and disaster risk reduction. His research is both regionally impactful—focusing on vulnerable rural livelihoods in Bihar—and globally recognized, demonstrated by invited lectures in Iceland and Russia and presentations at international forums like the World Forestry Congress. Dr. Bhushan’s commitment to applied research that informs sustainable development policies and resilience strategies highlights his merit for this award.

🎓 Education and Experience

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Geography, Centre for the Study of Regional Development, JNU, New Delhi

  • 📜 M.Phil. (Natural Resource Management) & M.A. (Regional Development), JNU

  • 🎓 B.A. Geography (Hons), Magadh University (Top Merit Rank)

  • 👨‍🏫 Assistant Professor, Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav College, Patliputra University

  • 👨‍🏫 Former Assistant Professor, Kalindi College, University of Delhi

  • 👨‍💻 Teaching Assistant, Jawaharlal Nehru University

  • 🌐 Over 10 years of research and academic experience

🚀 Professional Development

Dr. Bhushan has actively contributed to national and international research collaborations, including partnerships with universities in Romania and India. He has played instrumental roles in disaster management and sustainability projects such as the Kalindi College Disaster Management Plan and NAHEP sustainability initiatives. Invited lectures in Iceland and Russia showcase his global recognition. He is proficient in GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS), remote sensing (ERDAS), and advanced statistical analysis (SPSS, R, STATA). His fieldwork in Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary underpins his practical expertise. Dr. Bhushan continuously expands his knowledge through workshops, conferences, and cross-disciplinary projects focused on environmental planning and climate resilience.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Bhushan’s research centers on natural resource management, with a strong emphasis on forest ecology, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction. His work investigates forest degradation impacts on rural livelihoods, especially in Bihar’s Kaimur region. He explores socio-economic and ecological dynamics, including caste roles in forest use and gender’s contribution to ecological sustainability. Urban forestry, green highways, and sustainable tourism are also key themes. By integrating GIS and remote sensing with socio-economic methods, his studies address sustainable development challenges and environmental planning. His research aims to inform policy frameworks that promote resilience, conservation, and equitable resource access.

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • 🥇 Best Presentation Award, Lübeck University of Applied Sciences, Germany

  • 🌍 Presented Ph.D. research at XXVI World Forestry Congress, FAO-UN, Durban

  • 🎖️ Invited Lectures in Iceland and Russia

  • 📚 Multiple publications in high-impact international journals

  • 🎓 Recognized for academic excellence during undergraduate studies at Magadh University

Publication top Notes

🌳 1. Assessing the Socio-Spatial Effects of Forest Degradation in Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar, India

📘 Published in: Trees, Forests and People
📅 Date: May 2025
🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100882
📚 ISSN: 2666-7193
✍️ Authors: Shashi Bhushan, Sucharita Sen
🔍 Summary:
This study investigates the socio-spatial impacts of forest degradation within the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, focusing on how deforestation and resource depletion affect local communities. Using GIS and community-based assessments, the paper identifies spatial patterns of forest loss and their intersection with livelihood zones, revealing the marginalization of forest-dependent populations. It emphasizes the need for integrated landscape management to reconcile conservation with human development.

🌲 2. Evaluating Local Livelihoods, Sustainable Forest Management, and the Potential for Ecotourism Development in Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, India

📘 Published in: Frontiers in Forests and Global Change
📅 Date: December 24, 2024
🔗 DOI: 10.3389/ffgc.2024.1491917
📚 ISSN: 2624-893X
✍️ Authors: Shashi Bhushan, Iulian Dincă, Shalini Shikha
🔍 Summary:
This paper explores the dynamic interplay between local livelihoods, forest governance, and the potential of ecotourism in the sanctuary. It highlights the dependency of tribal and rural populations on forest resources and critiques current forest management practices. The authors propose community-based ecotourism as a strategy for conservation and socio-economic upliftment, suggesting policy pathways for sustainable resource use that align with local aspirations and biodiversity conservation.

Conclusion

Dr. Shashi Bhushan exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher Award recipient through his innovative and impactful research on natural resource management and climate resilience. His ability to integrate advanced spatial tools with socio-economic insights, coupled with his international collaborations and policy-relevant findings, makes him a highly deserving candidate who significantly contributes to environmental science and sustainable development.