Baloji Biaya Désiré | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Health Scientists

Mr. Baloji Biaya Désiré | Public Health | Best Researcher Award 

PhD student | Official University of Mbujimayi | Democratic Republic of the Congo

BALOJI BIAYA Désiré is a distinguished doctoral researcher in public health at the Official University of Mbujimayi, recognized for his strong commitment to advancing healthcare systems and addressing the multifaceted challenges of public health in resource-limited settings. His academic and professional pursuits integrate rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to explore critical areas such as HIV management, acute malnutrition, epidemic disease control, and malaria prevention. As principal investigator of an influential study on HIV care perceptions in Mbujimayi, he led the conception, design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, culminating in a publication that has contributed significantly to understanding patient experiences and healthcare barriers within the Democratic Republic of Congo. His collaborative engagements with national and international NGOs reflect a deep commitment to humanitarian service and evidence-based health policy development. Through these partnerships, he has played a pivotal role in translating field research into actionable strategies for improving access, retention, and quality of care in underserved populations. His scholarly work, disseminated through reputable international journals, underscores his dedication to community-centered research and global health equity. Beyond academic contributions, he is actively involved in professional networks such as the National Council of the Order of Physicians, the Union of Physicians of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Competence Intelligence Development Expertise Solidarity Group, where he advocates for ethical standards and capacity building among healthcare professionals. With a growing portfolio of research, consultancy projects, and ongoing innovation, BALOJI BIAYA Désiré continues to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and real-world health solutions, making a measurable impact on public health policy, disease prevention, and community empowerment across Africa and beyond.

Profile: ORCID 

Featured Publications

1. Baloji, D., Ntambwe, G., Ntambua, A., Kidinda, W., Kazadi, M. B., Mpanya, A., Mukuna, B., Ngongo, L., Mjumbe, C., & Mutombo, A. K. (2025). Perceptions, challenges and barriers to HIV care in Mbujimayi in the East Kasai Province, DR Congo: A qualitative study. HIV/AIDS – Research and Palliative Care.

2. Baloji, D., Ntambwe, G., Mpanya, A., Mukuna, B. N., Tague, C., Mjumbe, C. K., Mutombo, A. K., & Lutumba, P. (2025). Correlates of viral load suppression among people living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment in Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Preprint.

3. Baloji Biaya, D., Freddy, K., Jean, L., & Lutumba, P. (2025). Diagnostic versus la prescription médicale des antipaludiques et antibiotiques: Attitude et pratiques des cliniciens à Kinshasa en République Démocratique du Congo. Revue Congolaise des Sciences & Technologies.

4. Baloji Biaya, D. (2021). Urgence sanitaire Covid-19: Perception du confinement en milieu urbain africain. International Journal of Educational Research (IJO).

5. Baloji Biaya, D., & Kouakou, E. (2020). Diseases associated to the treatment of malnutrition in children in developing countries: Case of the Wikong Therapeutic and Nutritional Intensive Care Unit in Democratic Republic of Congo. Acta Scientific Paediatrics,

Somayeh Zangiabadi | Environmental Health | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Somayeh Zangiabadi | Environmental Health | Best Researcher Award 

scientific researcher at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran

Dr. Somayeh Zangiabadi is a distinguished researcher in biodiversity, plant ecology, and conservation science, with significant contributions through research, education, and public outreach. With a Ph.D. in Plant Systematics, she has authored 18 peer-reviewed publications, participated in over 20 research projects, and presented at numerous national and international conferences. Her expertise in species distribution modelling and GIS has informed vital conservation efforts, particularly concerning climate change impacts and endangered species protection. She has led workshops, mentored students, and engaged local communities in environmental awareness through exhibitions and educational programs. Her collaborations with international organizations and her practical contributions to marine and terrestrial conservation underscore her scientific and societal impact. While expanding publications in top-tier journals and global collaborations could further enhance her reach, her existing achievements mark her as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with strong leadership potential in environmental research and sustainability.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Somayeh Zangiabadi holds a Ph.D. in Biology–Plant Systematics from Tarbiat Modares University, where her dissertation focused on the ecological study and distribution modeling of Amygdalus eburnea in Iran, resulting in multiple peer-reviewed publications. She completed her M.Sc. in Plant Sciences (Biosystematics and Ecology) at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, where she researched canopy mapping in juniper forests using satellite data and contributed to several scientific articles and conference presentations. Her academic foundation began with a B.Sc. in Plant Biology from the same university, where she was actively involved in scientific writing and community engagement. Further enhancing her research skills, she completed two specialized international courses—one in Marine Ecology at the University of Palermo, Italy, and another in Species Distribution Modeling at the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia, Spain. These experiences enriched her expertise in climate impact research, conservation biology, GIS, and ecological data analysis, forming a strong multidisciplinary educational background.

Experience

Dr. Somayeh Zangiabadi possesses extensive professional experience in biodiversity conservation, ecological research, and academic teaching. She has worked as a research and technical assistant on more than 14 national and international projects, collaborating with institutions such as the UN-GEF, JICA-Japan, and Iranian environmental agencies. Her roles involved experimental design, species distribution modeling, ecological field surveys, GIS analysis, and public engagement activities. Dr. Zangiabadi has contributed to the conservation of coral reefs, sea turtles, and plant species across various ecosystems in Iran, often integrating scientific research with community-based education. In academia, she has served as a lead instructor for over 25 undergraduate courses at institutions including Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman and Payame Noor University. She has also mentored graduate students and conducted over 20 workshops for researchers, students, and the public, emphasizing environmental awareness and conservation. Her diverse experience bridges applied research, teaching, and grassroots environmental action, highlighting her professional versatility and impact.

Research Interest

Dr. Somayeh Zangiabadi’s research interests lie at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, plant ecology, and environmental sustainability, with a strong emphasis on species distribution modeling (SDM) and the ecological impacts of climate change. She is particularly focused on understanding how environmental changes affect the distribution and survival of endangered and endemic plant and animal species. Her work integrates advanced geospatial tools such as GIS and remote sensing to model habitat suitability and propose conservation strategies across vulnerable ecosystems. She is also deeply engaged in marine ecology, studying coral reef health, marine turtle conservation, and ecosystem restoration. Dr. Zangiabadi is committed to translating ecological research into policy-relevant insights and public education, bridging science and community awareness. Her interdisciplinary approach combines field research, data analysis, and participatory education to address current global challenges such as biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, and climate vulnerability, with the aim of fostering sustainable ecosystem management and resilience.

Award and Honor

Dr. Somayeh Zangiabadi has received notable awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to ecological research and conservation. She has been awarded two prestigious Visiting Researcher Grants by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of Iran—one for conducting advanced studies in Species Distribution Modeling at the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia, Spain, and another for marine ecology research at the University of Palermo, Italy. In addition, she received a Bio-Bridge Initiative (BBI) grant from the Convention on Biological Diversity for her international collaborative project on habitat modeling and community awareness for endangered species conservation. Her work has also been acknowledged through invitations to present at globally recognized platforms such as the International Sea Turtle Symposium and various national environmental conferences. These awards reflect her dedication, scientific excellence, and growing international reputation in the fields of biodiversity conservation, climate change ecology, and environmental education.

Research Skill

Dr. Somayeh Zangiabadi possesses a broad and refined set of research skills that span ecological fieldwork, data analysis, and environmental modeling. She is highly proficient in Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), using tools such as R programming, ENVI, IDRISI, SPSS, PAST, and CANOCO to analyze ecological data and predict habitat suitability under climate change scenarios. Her skills also include remote sensing, ecological niche modeling, plant community analysis, and biodiversity indexing. Dr. Zangiabadi has designed and executed complex research projects involving flora and fauna, particularly in arid and marine ecosystems. She has hands-on experience in ecological sampling, soil analysis, and marine biodiversity assessment, including coral reef and sea turtle monitoring. Her ability to integrate scientific research with community-based education and outreach enhances the practical relevance of her work. These skills make her adept at linking empirical data with conservation planning, contributing to sustainable ecosystem management and policy development.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Coral reefs health status variation around Kish Island before and after 2015 bleaching in the Persian Gulf: A case study of global warming effects
    Authors: Askari-Hesnia, M., Bolouki-Kourandeh, M., Zangiabadi, S., Rastgoo, A.R., Golestaninasab, M., Fenner, D.
    Year: 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Somayeh Zangiabadi is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award owing to her deep commitment to ecological research, biodiversity preservation, and environmental education. Her diverse contributions span rigorous academic research, conservation implementation, community outreach, and capacity-building in sustainability science. Her active participation in national and international research projects, combined with her role as a mentor and environmental advocate, reflects both scientific excellence and social responsibility. With continued international collaboration and strategic publication enhancement, she is poised to play a pivotal leadership role in the global environmental science community.