Reza Chamani | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Reza Chamani | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

Post Doctoral Researcher at Tarbiat Modares University in Iran

Dr. Reza Chamani is a dedicated researcher in Watershed Management Sciences & Engineering, currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran. With a passion for hydrological sustainability, Dr. Chamani’s work focuses on watershed health, climate resilience, and ecological security. He earned his Ph.D. from TMU, where he developed models to assess the effect of hydrologic service changes on watershed health. Over the past decade, he has been actively involved in the implementation, assessment, and design of watershed structures across South Khorasan. His research contributions include over 15 publications in reputed journals and affiliations with professional bodies like the Iran Watershed Association and the World Association for Soil and Water Conservation (WASWC). Dr. Chamani brings academic rigor, practical field experience, and visionary research on land degradation neutrality, making him a strong candidate for international recognition in sustainable water resource management.

Professional Profile

Education 

Dr. Reza Chamani holds a distinguished academic background in watershed and environmental management. He completed his Ph.D. in 2023 in Watershed Management Sciences & Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), where his research focused on evaluating the impact of hydrologic service changes resulting from watershed management measures on watershed health. He is currently pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship at TMU, continuing his work on implementing land degradation neutrality-based action plans for Iran’s second-order priority watersheds. Prior to this, he earned his Master’s degree in 2015 from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, studying the role of land use management in climate change adaptation, in collaboration with the University of Jena, Germany. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in 2010 from Zabol University, with a focus on pasture and watershed management. His education spans interdisciplinary and international experiences, setting a solid foundation for his applied research in sustainable watershed practices.

Experience

Dr. Reza Chamani brings a wealth of practical and research-based experience in watershed management. Between 2017 and 2019, he actively contributed to Iran’s Department of Natural Resources and Watershed Management in South Khorasan, where he participated in detailed design, planning, and implementation of dam and watershed rehabilitation projects across the Noferst and Bisheh watersheds. His hands-on involvement included detailed structure measurements and preparing regional status reports. At the academic level, Dr. Chamani has collaborated with national and international researchers and served under the supervision of eminent scientists like Prof. Dr. S.H. Sadeghi and Prof. Dr. Mehdi Vafakhah. His experience bridges fieldwork and scientific inquiry, making his contributions especially valuable to sustainable land and water resource projects. As a Postdoctoral Researcher, he now works on strategic watershed health plans, integrating policy-relevant models and global frameworks like Land Degradation Neutrality. His dual expertise in practice and theory amplifies the applicability and impact of his research.

Research Focus 

Dr. Chamani’s research focuses on the interdisciplinary study of watershed health, climate resilience, and sustainable water resource management. He applies cutting-edge models like the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) framework, and the Reliability–Resilience–Vulnerability (RRV) model, to assess watershed performance under environmental stressors such as drought and climate change. His current postdoctoral research targets land degradation neutrality-based planning for Iran’s second-order priority watersheds, a concept promoted by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Dr. Chamani also investigates the hydrological impacts of land use changes, evaluates ecological security through spatial modeling, and forecasts watershed behavior using GIS and remote sensing. His work is applied in scope, offering insights for policy development, infrastructure design, and adaptive land-use planning. Collaborating across institutions and disciplines, he aims to ensure that watershed interventions are both environmentally sustainable and socially responsible, contributing meaningfully to regional climate adaptation strategies and global sustainability goals.

Publication Top Notes

1. Watershed health and ecological security zoning throughout Iran

Authors: SH Sadeghi, R Chamani, MZ Silabi, M Tavosi, A Katebikord, …
Journal: Science of The Total Environment, Vol. 905, Article 167123
Cited by: 29 | Year: 2023
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive national-scale ecological zoning of Iran based on watershed health and ecological security. Using a multi-criteria decision-making approach, it identifies critical zones requiring immediate management interventions.

2. Changes in reliability–resilience–vulnerability-based watershed health under climate change scenarios in the Efin Watershed, Iran

Authors: R Chamani, M Vafakhah, SH Sadeghi
Journal: Natural Hazards, 116(2), 2457–2476
Cited by: 19 | Year: 2023
Summary: The paper evaluates watershed health in Efin under climate change using reliability, resilience, and vulnerability (RRV) indices. It highlights future risks and offers guidance for sustainable watershed management.

3. Assessment of the effect of climate change on the health status of Atrak watershed in Northeastern of Iran

Authors: R Chamani, M Vafakhah, M Tavosi, S Zare
Journal: Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 15(24), 1745
Cited by: 13 | Year: 2022
Summary: Investigates the impact of climate projections on the Atrak Watershed’s ecological health using scenario-based modeling. Findings suggest serious degradation under high-emission pathways.

4. Reliability, resilience, and vulnerability of Chalous Watershed based on drought index

Authors: R Chamani, SH Sadeghi, M Vafakhah, M Naghdi
Journal: Watershed Engineering and Management, 14(1), 65–75
Cited by: 9 | Year: 2022
Summary: This study evaluates the Chalous watershed’s response to drought conditions using RRV indices. Results provide insight into its adaptive capacity and inform drought mitigation strategies.

5. Flood‐oriented watershed health and ecological security conceptual modeling using pressure, state, and response (PSR) approach for the Sharghonj Watershed, South Khorasan

Authors: R Chamani, SH Sadeghi, S Zare, H Shekohideh, A Mumzaei, H Amini, …
Journal: Natural Resource Modeling, 37(1), e12385
Cited by: 7 | Year: 2024
Summary: Introduces a PSR-based conceptual model for assessing flood-induced impacts on watershed health. Emphasizes the need for proactive watershed and disaster management.

6. Effect of drought on temporal-spatial changes of the Efin Watershed health

Authors: R Chamani, M Vafakhah, SHR Sadeghi
Journal: Watershed Engineering and Management, 15(1), 1–12
Cited by: 7 | Year: 2023
Summary: Analyzes spatial and temporal drought effects on Efin Watershed health, proposing adaptive water management strategies.

7. Evaluation and variability of flood-oriented health of Shiraz Darwazeh Quran Watershed from watershed management structures

Authors: SH Sadeghi, M Tavoosi, S Zare, V Beiranvandi, H Shekohideh, …
Journal: Watershed Engineering and Management
Cited by: 6 | Year: 2022
Summary: Evaluates the effectiveness of structural measures on flood-related watershed health using empirical data and modeling.

8. Hydrological response to future climate changes in Chehelchay Watershed in Golestan Province

Authors: R Chamani, M Azari, S Kralisch
Journal: Watershed Engineering and Management, 12(1), 72–85
Cited by: 6 | Year: 2020
Summary: Assesses the impact of climate change on hydrological patterns in Chehelchay Watershed using SWAT model simulations.

9. Flood-oriented watershed health and ecological security conceptual modeling using PSR approach for the Sharghonj watershed, South Khorasan Province, Iran

Authors: R Chamani, SH Sadeghi, S Zare, H Shekohideh, A Mumzaei, H Amini, …
Journal: Natural Resource Modeling, Article e12385
Cited by: 5 | Year: 2023
Summary: Duplicate entry of #5 with minor variation in title. Focus remains on flood-driven ecological health modeling using the PSR framework.

10. Health variability based on SPI and estimating median and mean health indices in watersheds and townships of Kermanshah Province, Iran

Authors: SH Sadeghi, R Chamani, M Kalehhouei, K Haji
Journal: Environment, Development and Sustainability, 1–21
Cited by: 4 | Year: 2024
Summary: Uses the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) to evaluate watershed health across Kermanshah, providing a new method for spatial health estimation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Reza Chamani is not only a qualified but also a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative, data-driven contributions to watershed health, resilience modeling, and ecological security have significantly advanced both the scientific understanding and applied practices in watershed management in Iran and beyond. With a forward-looking research agenda and demonstrated scientific rigor, Dr. Chamani exemplifies the qualities of a modern environmental scientist and is a strong candidate to be honored with this distinction.

Congxi Fang | Atmospheric Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Congxi Fang | Atmospheric Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Researcher, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.

Dr. Congxi Fang is an Assistant Researcher at the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He specializes in paleoclimatology, dendroclimatology, and climate-induced disasters in high mountain regions. Holding a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. Fang has led and contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed studies, including publications in Nature Communications and PNAS. His research focuses on the historical and future dynamics of meteorological and geological disasters, particularly in the Asian monsoon region. Dr. Fang’s work has significantly advanced the understanding of the ENSO-monsoon relationship and its impact on extreme weather events. He collaborates with institutions like the Institute of Earth Environment and Xi’an Jiaotong University, contributing to the reconstruction of climate records spanning millennia. Dr. Fang’s dedication to climate science positions him as a leading figure in his field.

Profiles

Scopus

Orcid

Education

Dr. Congxi Fang earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he specialized in paleoclimatology and dendroclimatology. His doctoral research focused on reconstructing historical climate patterns using tree-ring data and other proxies, providing insights into the Asian monsoon system’s variability over centuries. During his academic tenure, Dr. Fang developed expertise in analyzing paleoclimate records, contributing to a deeper understanding of climate dynamics in high-altitude regions. His educational background laid the foundation for his current research endeavors, which involve interdisciplinary approaches to studying climate change and its associated hazards. Dr. Fang’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in his extensive publication record and ongoing collaborations with leading research institutions.

Experience

Dr. Congxi Fang serves as an Assistant Researcher at the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences. In this role, he leads research projects focusing on historical meteorological disaster analysis, future disaster prediction, and the evolution of meteorological and geological disasters in high mountain regions of Asia. Dr. Fang has completed three major research projects and has published 37 SCI-indexed papers. His work involves reconstructing past climate events to understand current trends and predict future scenarios, particularly concerning the Asian monsoon and ENSO phenomena. Dr. Fang collaborates with institutions such as the Institute of Earth Environment and Xi’an Jiaotong University, contributing to multidisciplinary studies that inform disaster risk management and climate policy. His experience encompasses fieldwork, data analysis, and modeling, making him a valuable asset in the field of climate science.

Research Focus

Dr. Congxi Fang’s research centers on climate changes, paleoclimatology, and meteorological disasters, with a particular emphasis on high mountain regions in Asia. He investigates the historical patterns of climate variability, utilizing tree-ring data and other proxies to reconstruct past climate events. Dr. Fang’s work sheds light on the ENSO-monsoon relationship and its influence on extreme weather occurrences, such as heavy rainfall and droughts. His studies aim to understand the long-term evolution of meteorological and geological disasters, providing insights into future disaster prediction and risk assessment. By collaborating with various research institutions, Dr. Fang contributes to multidisciplinary approaches that enhance the understanding of climate dynamics and inform strategies for disaster mitigation and climate adaptation.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Climate Change in Southeast Tibet and Its Potential Impacts on Cryospheric Disasters
    Atmosphere, 2025-05-05
    DOI: 10.3390/atmos16050547
    Summary: This study examines the effects of climate change in Southeast Tibet, focusing on its implications for cryospheric disasters such as glacial lake outburst floods. The research highlights the increasing risks associated with warming temperatures and melting glaciers in the region.

  2. Recent Centennial Drought on the Tibetan Plateau is Outstanding Within the Past 3500 Years
    Nature Communications, 2025-02-03
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56687-z
    Summary: This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of drought patterns on the Tibetan Plateau, revealing that recent droughts are among the most severe in the past 3500 years. The findings suggest a link between these extreme events and anthropogenic climate change.Nature

  3. Historical Soil Moisture Variability in High‐Latitude Humid Regions: Insights From a Paleoclimate Data‐Model Comparison
    Earth’s Future, 2024-05
    DOI: 10.1029/2023EF004017
    Summary: This research combines paleoclimate data and modeling to investigate historical soil moisture variability in high-latitude humid regions, providing insights into past hydrological changes and their relevance to current climate trends.

  4. Enhanced Variability and Declining Trend of Soil Moisture Since the 1880s on the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau
    Water Resources Research, 2023-03
    DOI: 10.1029/2022WR033953
    Summary: The study analyzes soil moisture records from the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, identifying a significant decline and increased variability since the 1880s, which has implications for regional water resources and ecosystem stability.

  5. How is the El Niño–Southern Oscillation Signal Recorded by Tree‐Ring Oxygen Isotopes in Southeastern China?
    International Journal of Climatology, 2022-10
    DOI: 10.1002/joc.7601
    Summary: This paper explores the relationship between ENSO events and tree-ring oxygen isotope records in southeastern China, demonstrating the potential of dendroclimatology in reconstructing historical climate variability.

  6. Evolution of the Dry-Wet Variations Since 1834 CE in the Lüliang Mountains, North China and Its Relationship with the Asian Summer Monsoon
    Ecological Indicators, 2021
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.107089
    Summary: The study reconstructs historical dry-wet variations in the Lüliang Mountains and examines their connection to the Asian summer monsoon, providing insights into regional climate dynamics over the past two centuries.

  7. Why Does Extreme Rainfall Occur in Central China During the Summer of 2020 After a Weak El Niño?
    Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, 2021-12
    DOI: 10.1007/s00376-021-1009-y
    Summary: This paper investigates the causes of extreme rainfall in Central China during the summer of 2020, analyzing the interplay between ENSO events and regional atmospheric conditions.

  8. A 210-Year Tree-Ring δ¹⁸O Record in North China and Its Relationship with Large-Scale Circulations
    Tellus B: Chemical and Physical Meteorology, 2020
    DOI: 10.1080/16000889.2020.1770509
    Summary: The research presents a 210-year tree-ring oxygen isotope record from North China, linking it to large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns and enhancing the understanding of historical climate variability.

  9. An Asian Summer Monsoon-Related Relative Humidity Record from Tree-Ring Δ¹⁸O in Gansu Province, North China
    Atmosphere, 2020
    DOI: 10.3390/atmos11090984
    Summary: This study reconstructs relative humidity variations associated with the Asian summer monsoon using tree-ring oxygen isotope data from Gansu Province, offering insights into past monsoon dynamics.

  10. Delayed Warming in Northeast China: Insights from an Annual Temperature Reconstruction Based on Tree-Ring δ¹⁸O
    Science of the Total Environment, 2020
    DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141432
    Summary: The paper reconstructs annual temperature variations in Northeast China using tree-ring oxygen isotope data, revealing a delayed warming trend compared to global averages.

Conclusion

Dr. Congxi Fang is a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His prolific publication record, rigorous climate reconstructions, and contributions to understanding paleoclimate–monsoon dynamics in high-risk Asian regions exemplify scholarly excellence. Although his profile would benefit from expanded leadership visibility and formal professional affiliations, his scientific impact, thematic relevance, and quality of research clearly justify strong consideration for this award.