Environmental and Climate Statistics | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. Fatoumata Sokona | Environmental and Climate Statistics | Women Researcher Award

The University of Parakou | IER: Institute of Rural Economy | Mali

Mrs. Fatoumata Sokona, a Malian researcher passionate about rural development and agroecology, is pursuing a PhD in Agricultural Economics at the University of Parakou, Benin and Co-supervised by the Institution of Rural Economics Mali. Her doctoral research focuses on the socio-economic and environmental impacts of organic cotton production in Southern Mali, reflecting her strong commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices. She serves as a Research Assistant on the Agroecological Transition Support (AgrEco) project at the Institut d’Economie Rurale (IER) in Bamako, Mali, where she contributes to evaluating agroecological technologies, integrating innovative products into agricultural value chains, and supporting farmers socio-economically. Alongside her research, Fatoumata is also a part-time Teaching Assistant at the University of Segou, where she leads tutorials on agricultural sector analysis, marketing of agricultural products, gender, microeconomics, and value chain organization. She holds a Master’s degree in Economics, Sociology, and Communication for Rural Development from the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Segou. Fatoumata’s research has resulted in publications in recognized journals such as Organic Agriculture  and Sustainable Environment (Taylor and Francis). Fluent in French and proficient in English, with basic knowledge of Arabic, she is skilled in Microsoft Office, SPSS, Stata, Minitab, KoboCollect, and SAFA for sustainability analysis. Motivated by curiosity and a passion for impactful research, she actively engages in workshops, seminars, and discussions to promote agroecology and sustainable farming. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys research, sports, and travel, which continue to broaden her perspective and inspire her efforts toward advancing agroecological transformation and rural development in Africa.

Profiles: Orcid

Featured Publications

Sokona, F., Idrissou, L., Yabi, J., & Kone, B. (2025). Determinants of diversity in organic cotton farming in Bougouni and Yanfolila (CMDT Zone in Mali). Organic Agriculture.

Baptiste Pigno | Environmental and Climate Statistics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Baptiste Pignon | Environmental and Climate Statistics | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) | France

Prof. Baptiste Pignon is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry, INSERM, Fondation FondaMental, Hopitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Creteil, France. His research primarily focuses on the intersections of psychiatry, environmental health, and public health epidemiology, with particular attention to the mental health impacts of climate change and environmental stressors. Prof. Pignon has made substantial contributions to the study of psychiatric emergencies, mood and psychotic disorders, and their associations with climatic variables such as temperature, air pollution, and green exposure. His interdisciplinary expertise integrates psychiatric epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental psychology, enabling him to explore how external environmental determinants affect the onset, severity, and healthcare utilization patterns in mental illnesses. He has collaborated extensively with national and international research consortia, including the CONSTANCES cohort and the Fondation FondaMental network, fostering data-driven insights into mental health determinants across diverse populations. Prof. Pignon has authored and co-authored more than 131 scientific documents, including peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, reflecting his dedication to advancing psychiatric research. His scholarly impact is evidenced by an h-index of 21 and over 2,385 citations (as indexed in Scopus), marking him as one of the leading French researchers in the field of environmental psychiatry. His recent works have explored nuanced factors such as school holidays, thermal comfort indices, and contextual variables in understanding psychiatric outcomes related to extreme temperatures-addressing methodological limitations in prior global studies. Beyond his contributions to research, Prof. Pignon is also deeply involved in clinical practice and academic mentorship, guiding early-career psychiatrists and epidemiologists in methodological rigor and evidence-based approaches to mental health. His investigations-such as the case-crossover analyses of psychiatric emergencies in response to thermal variations-have provided critical implications for health policy, climate adaptation strategies, and mental health preparedness in urban and suburban contexts. Through his commitment to translational research, Prof. Baptiste Pignon continues to shape the understanding of how environmental and climatic stressors influence psychiatric morbidity and health system responses, bridging scientific inquiry and clinical application to improve patient outcomes and public resilience amid accelerating climate challenges.

Profiles: Scopus Google Scholar | Orcid

Shujie Chang | Environmental and Climate Statistics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof. Dr. Shujie Chang | Environmental and Climate Statistics | Best Researcher Award

Guangdong Ocean University | China

Assoc Prof. Dr. Shujie Chang is an accomplished Associate Professor and supervisor of master’s students at the College of Ocean and Meteorology, Guangdong Ocean University, China, with extensive experience in atmospheric and climate sciences. His research focuses on understanding the complex interactions between the stratosphere and troposphere, with particular emphasis on gravity wave processes, ENSO dynamics, high-latitude and tropical teleconnections, and the factors influencing stratospheric ozone over the Tibetan Plateau. Dr. Chang has made significant contributions to modeling these interactions using advanced climate and weather simulation models, satellite observations, and data assimilation techniques. He has led multiple major research projects funded by national and provincial foundations, highlighting his leadership and expertise in the field. With over 20 peer-reviewed publications, his research has garnered notable attention, reflected in an h-index of 6 and approximately 85 citations, demonstrating both the impact and relevance of his work. In addition to his research achievements, he has served as a reviewer for numerous scientific journals and as a Guest Editor for the journal Atmosphere. Dr. Chang is also recognized for his dedication to teaching, having received multiple awards for excellence in instruction, and his contributions have been further acknowledged through prestigious honors such as the Guangdong Province Outstanding Young Meteorological Science and Technology Award.

Profiles: Scopus Google Scholar Orcid

Featured Publications

Tugce Sarioglu | Environmental and Climate Statistics | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof. Dr. Tugce Sarioglu | Environmental and Climate Statistics | Best Researcher Award

Hatay Mustafa Kemal Universitiy | Turkey

Assist Prof. Dr. Tugce Sarioglu is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Policy at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, with a distinguished record in agricultural productivity, sustainability, rural labor markets, and consumer behavior in agricultural markets. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Çukurova University, where her thesis focused on the agricultural employment of Syrian refugees in the Hatay sub-region, demonstrating her commitment to addressing applied socio-economic challenges in agriculture. Her M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from Ankara University explored marketing strategies in orange production, reflecting her ability to link farm-level production with broader market dynamics. She also holds a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering from Uludağ University and an Associate Degree in Landscape Studies from Ankara University, highlighting her multidisciplinary foundation across agriculture, business, and technical fields. Since joining Mustafa Kemal University as a Research Assistant, she has advanced to an Assistant Professor position, excelling in teaching, research, and academic leadership. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses including Econometrics, Agricultural Economics Statistics, Computer Applications in Agricultural Economics, and Advanced Computer Applications in Agricultural Economics. Dr. Sarıoğlu is an active member of the Eurasian Association of Agricultural Economists (ATED), reflecting her professional engagement and dedication to advancing agricultural economics and sustainable farming practices. Her research bridges theoretical modeling and practical applications, supporting evidence-based decision-making and contributing to local and national agricultural development policies. She emphasizes efficiency, sustainability, and the integration of economic, social, and environmental factors in agricultural systems, establishing her as a leading scholar in Türkiye’s Eastern Mediterranean region.

Profiles:  Google Scholar | Orcid | Staff Page 

Featured Publications

Sarıoğlu, T. (2025). A holistic evaluation of wheat producers in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Türkiye using technical efficiency and sustainability metrics. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy.

Keskin, G., Sarıoğlu, T., & Çelik, A. D. (2025). Evaluation of olive producing enterprises in the Eastern Mediterranean region using the AHP-TOPSIS method: A case study of Hatay Province. Ciencia Rural.

Keskin, G., Çelik, A. D., & Sarıoğlu, T. (2025). Sustainability analysis of olive production in Hatay Province, Turkey. The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, 108(2), 131–141.

Çelik, A. D., Semerci, A., & Sarıoğlu, T. (2025). Analysis of input utilization efficiency in wheat production: The case of Turkey. Custos e Agronegocio, 20(2), 2–25.

Sarıoğlu, T., & Dengül, H. (2024). The relationship between international migration, agricultural employment, and household labor force in Türkiye. Tekirdag Agricultural Faculty Journal, 21(2), 348–361.

Yinyan Liu | Environmental and Climate Statistics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yinyan Liu | Environmental and Climate Statistics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yinyan Liu | The University of Sydney | Australia

Dr. Yinyan Liu is a Lecturer at the School of Physics, University of Sydney, where she is shaping the future of sustainable energy systems through teaching, supervision, and impactful research. With an academic foundation that spans China and Australia, she has cultivated deep expertise in the fields of integrated energy systems, distributed renewable technologies, and smart grids. Her professional journey is marked by a seamless blend of academic excellence and industry collaboration, positioning her as a leader in the development of innovative, data-driven solutions to address global energy challenges. She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing decarbonization and decentralization strategies, with her work influencing both research and industry practice. Dr. Liu’s career reflects a unique combination of interdisciplinary knowledge, hands-on industry contributions, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of energy scientists and engineers, making her an inspiring academic who bridges the gap between theory, application, and policy impact.

Profiles

Scopus
Orcid

Education

Dr. Liu has built a strong educational foundation across world-leading institutions. She earned her doctoral degree in Electrical and Information Engineering from the University of Sydney, where her work was supported by prestigious international scholarships. Prior to this, she completed her master’s degree in Control Engineering at Tsinghua University, one of the most respected institutions in China, where she developed a strong analytical base in automation and intelligent systems. She began her academic journey with a bachelor’s degree in Measuring and Controlling Technology and Instrumentation at North China Electric Power University, gaining early exposure to energy systems and power plant operations. Across her studies, she consistently excelled academically, earning scholarships and recognition for outstanding performance. This diverse and rigorous educational pathway equipped her with the knowledge and skills required to contribute to energy transition research, combining engineering foundations with advanced data-driven methods for optimization and sustainability.

Experience

Dr. Liu’s professional experience reflects a blend of academic leadership, applied industry collaboration, and research innovation. She currently serves as a Lecturer at the University of Sydney, where she teaches sustainability analysis, coordinates lectures, and supervises students. Prior to this role, she was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of New South Wales, collaborating with industrial partners and leading projects on energy management and photovoltaic fault detection. She has also contributed as a course developer, research consultant, and casual lecturer, ensuring her expertise informs both academic and professional communities. Earlier in her career, she held roles as an algorithmic engineer in Beijing and as a control engineer in Shanxi, where she optimized distributed control systems and developed deep learning solutions for time-series problems. This broad experience demonstrates her ability to operate at the intersection of academia, research, and industry, driving forward innovations in renewable energy and sustainable system design.

Research Interests

Dr. Liu’s research interests focus on enabling a sustainable and resilient energy future through innovative system modeling, optimization, and data-driven technologies. She specializes in integrated energy systems that combine renewable energy generation, storage, and management to support decarbonization goals. Her work explores distributed renewable energy solutions, such as residential solar-battery systems, community energy sharing, and electric vehicle integration, all of which support decentralization and consumer empowerment in energy markets. In parallel, she develops advanced statistical and machine learning algorithms for applications such as non-intrusive load monitoring, photovoltaic fault detection, and energy price forecasting. This integration of engineering, data science, and sustainability reflects her vision of harnessing interdisciplinary approaches to address climate and energy challenges. Her research not only contributes to theoretical advancements but also creates practical applications that are adopted by industry partners, ensuring that her work has tangible impacts on both society and the global energy transition.

Awards

Dr. Liu has been recognized with multiple awards that highlight her excellence, leadership, and potential. She was selected for the prestigious Rising Stars Women in Engineering Workshop at the Asian Deans’ Forum, a recognition that celebrates emerging leaders in academia. Her doctoral journey was supported by international scholarships and top-up funding from the University of Sydney, where she also received a PhD Completion Award for her outstanding research contributions. Beyond scholarships, she has received recognition for leadership through programs such as the Powerful Women Leadership initiative supported by the Australian Power Institute. Earlier in her career, she was awarded national scholarships during her studies in China, underscoring her consistent academic excellence. These awards reflect her sustained commitment to both personal and professional growth, positioning her as a role model for future women in engineering and energy research. They emphasize her ability to inspire and lead across academic and industrial landscapes.

Publication Top Notes

A methodological review of cost-effective data-driven fault detection and diagnosis in distributed photovoltaic systems

Journal: Applied Energy 
Authors: Yinyan Liu, Earl Duran, Anna Bruce, Baran Yildiz, Bernardo Mendonca Severiano, Ibrahim Anwar Ibrahim, Jonathan Rispler, Chris Martell, Fiacre Rougieux

Economic feasibility and backup capabilities of solar-battery systems for residential customers

Journal: Energy 
Authors: Yinyan Liu, Baran Yildiz

Techno-economic optimization of electric water heater and battery energy storage for residential dwellings with rooftop PV systems

Journal: Energy and Buildings 
Authors: Yinyan Liu, Baran Yildiz

A Flowrate Estimation Method for Gas–Water Two-Phase Flow Based on Multimodal Sensors and Hybrid LSTM-CNN Model

Journal: IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement 
Authors: Yuxiao Jiang, Yinyan Liu, Baijin Mao, Xing Lu, Yi Li, Lihui Peng

A Flow Rate Estimation Method for Gas–Liquid Two-Phase Flow Based on Transformer Neural Network

Journal: IEEE Sensors Journal 
Authors: Yuxiao Jiang, Hao Wang, Yinyan Liu, Lihui Peng, Yanan Zhang, Bing Chen, Yi Li

Conclusion

Dr. Yinyan Liu stands out as an emerging leader in renewable energy systems research and education, with a proven track record of academic achievements, industry collaboration, and impactful publications. Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges engineering, data science, and sustainability, ensuring her contributions are both innovative and practical. With recognition through scholarships, awards, and leadership initiatives, she has established herself as a role model for aspiring academics and professionals in the energy sector. Her work continues to advance the global conversation on decarbonization, decentralization, and digitalization of energy systems, offering solutions that empower communities and industries alike. By combining academic excellence with a deep commitment to societal impact, Dr. Liu exemplifies the qualities of a world-class researcher and educator. Her dedication, innovation, and leadership make her an outstanding candidate for award nomination, highlighting her role in shaping a sustainable energy future for generations to come.