Laxmi Raj Joshi | Biodiversity | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Laxmi Raj Joshi, National Trust for Nature Conservation, Nepal.

Mr. Laxmi Raj Joshi is a Nepalese conservationist with extensive expertise in biodiversity research, human-wildlife coexistence, and community engagement. Currently serving as a Senior Conservation Officer at the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), Nepal, he oversees wildlife research and conservation awareness programs. He holds an MSc in Science from Tribhuvan University, specializing in subalpine-nival gradient plant distribution. Passionate about conservation, he has supervised diverse research projects and contributed to international collaborations. He is also a recipient of multiple scholarships and awards, reflecting his dedication to addressing climate change and biodiversity challenges .

Publication profile

Scopus

Orcid

Googlescholar

Education and Experience

Education

2023-ongoing: Master’s in Applied Ecology, University of Inland Norway (INN)
2013: Master’s in Science (Distinction), Tribhuvan University, Nepal
2008: Bachelor’s in Science, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Professional Experience

Senior Conservation Officer, NTNC, Nepal (2024–present)
Conservation Officer, NTNC, Nepal (2016–2023)
Research Officer, Southasia Institute of Advanced Studies (2014–2015)
Teaching Assistant, Sanothimi Multiple Campus, TU (2013–2015)
Researcher, Himalayan Climate Initiatives (2012–2013)
Executive Editor, Hamro Sampada National Monthly (2008–2013)

Suitability For The Award

Mr. Laxmi Raj Joshi, a Senior Conservation Officer at the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), Nepal, is a distinguished researcher and conservation expert who has made outstanding contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. His dedication to addressing key environmental challenges and promoting human-wildlife coexistence positions him as an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Mr. Joshi’s innovative approach to wildlife research, community engagement, and conservation science has garnered recognition in both national and international academic circles.

Professional Development

Mr. Joshi is a skilled conservationist actively involved in leading wildlife research, community engagement, and conservation awareness programs at NTNC. He has successfully designed over a dozen projects focused on species conservation, human-wildlife coexistence (HWC), and combating illegal wildlife trade (IWT). An experienced academic supervisor, he has supported students from international and national institutions in conducting impactful research. His expertise spans topics like climate change adaptation, biodiversity dynamics, and sustainable community development, reflecting his commitment to tackling pressing global environmental challenges

Research Focus

Mr. Laxmi Raj Joshi’s research focuses on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and human-wildlife coexistence. His studies explore the dynamics of species conservation, invasive plants, and wildlife-habitat interactions, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. He actively leads programs addressing challenges like illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and human-wildlife conflicts, ensuring conservation awareness and livelihood support for affected communities. His work integrates science and community engagement, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future

Publications Top Notes

Distribution and impact of invasive alien plant species in Bardia National Park, western Nepal
Environmental Conservation 47 (3), 197-205, 2020
Cited by: 49
Adapting in the shadow of Annapurna: a climate tipping point
Journal of Ethnobiology 35 (3), 449-471, 2015
Cited by: 49
Characterisation of biomass resources in Nepal and assessment of potential for increased charcoal production
Journal of Environmental Management 223, 358-370, 2018
Cited by: 25
Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. Sapindaceae
Ethnobotany of the Himalayas, 1775-1783, 2021
Cited by: 24
Fire and forage quality: Postfire regrowth quality and pyric herbivory in subtropical grasslands of Nepal
Ecology and Evolution 12 (4), e8794, 2022
Cited by: 20
Ecological factors associated with hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) habitat use and conservation threats in the Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal
Global Ecology and Conservation 43, e02437, 2023
Cited by: 7
Flora of Kailash sacred landscape Nepal: An annotated checklist
Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 2021
Cited by: 6
Justicia adhatoda L. Acanthaceae
Ethnobotany of the Himalayas, 1163-1171, 2021
Cited by: 5

Abdullah Almakrab | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abdullah Almakrab, Royal Comssion for AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

Abdullah Almakrab, Ph.D., P.E., is a highly accomplished civil engineer with over a decade of experience managing and executing large-scale projects. Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he has led infrastructure projects including mega and giga developments, highways, bridges, and structural engineering initiatives. Currently serving as a Technical Manager for the Royal Commission for AlUla, he has a proven track record in delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget, with a focus on sustainability, safety, and quality. Abdullah is also recognized for his research and contributions to civil engineering.

Education and Experience

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – University of Idaho (2021)

Master of Science in Civil Engineering – University of Idaho (2017)

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering – University of Idaho (2016)

Technical Manager – Royal Commission for AlUla (2022 – Present)

Civil Engineer – Germer Construction, Inc. (2021)

Senior Civil Inspector – Saudi Aramco (2010 – 2011)

Project Control Coordinator – Al-Suwaidi Industrial Services Co. Ltd. (2007 – 2010)

Suitability For The Award

Dr. Abdullah Almakrab is a seasoned engineering expert with over a decade of experience in civil engineering, specializing in large-scale and complex projects. His commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability aligns with the core values of impactful research and development in the field. His diverse portfolio, which includes significant contributions to engineering design, project management, and technical oversight, establishes him as a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Development

Abdullah Almakrab, Ph.D., P.E., has a rich history of professional growth, having earned certifications like Saudi Aramco Quality Control Inspector and Lead Auditor. He is proficient in various technical tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SAP 2000, allowing him to effectively oversee complex civil engineering projects. His continuous learning is demonstrated by his completion of specialized courses in soil mechanics, bridge design, and advanced structural analysis at the University of Idaho. His drive for excellence has consistently contributed to the successful execution of projects with a focus on sustainability and safety.

Research Focus

Abdullah’s research primarily revolves around civil and structural engineering, with a focus on innovative construction materials and project sustainability. He has conducted extensive studies on alkali-silica reactions in concrete, providing mitigation strategies to enhance material longevity in harsh environments. He has also contributed to high-strength reinforced concrete beam behavior studies. His passion for research is reflected in publications that have influenced modern construction practices. Abdullah’s commitment to improving construction techniques has helped shape sustainable civil engineering projects globally.

Awards and Honors

Certified Saudi Aramco Quality Control Inspector
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – University of Idaho (2021)
Recognition from Saudi Aramco South and West Province Team for QA/QC contributions
Published Research in International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials
Member of Saudi Council of Engineers, SEA, ACI, ASCE

Publications

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete structures: Mechanisms, effects and evaluation test methods adopted in the United States – Fanijo, E.O., Kolawole, J.T., Almakrab, A. – 2021 – Cited by 63
Influence of Shear Span-to-Effective Depth Ratio on Behavior of High-Strength Reinforced Concrete Beams – Arowojolu, O., Ibrahim, A., Almakrab, A., Saras, N., Nielsen, R. – 2021 – Cited by 10
Improving the outlier detection method in concrete mix design by combining the isolation forest and local outlier factor – Alsini, R., Almakrab, A., Ibrahim, A., Ma, X. – 2021 – Cited by 28