Jes Rust | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Jes Rust | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jes Rust | Bonner Institut fur Organismische Biologie (BIOB) | Germany

Prof. Dr. Jes Rust is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with an impressive scholarly record: he has published  41 documents, garnered 1,800 citations, and holds an h-index of about 46, evidence of both consistent productivity and strong impact in invertebrate palaeontology and evolutionary biology. His work, covering the evolution, phylogeny and paleobiology of insects, the early evolution of arthropods, molluscs, and theoretical aspects of phylogeny and systematics, has not only enriched fundamental scientific understanding but also shaped disciplinary debates. Since his habilitation, and especially in his long tenure as Professor at the University of Bonn, Jes Rust has combined rigorous field and laboratory research with high-quality publications and editorial leadership (e.g. editorship of Palaeontographica A), further amplifying his influence in the scientific community. His citation count and h-index reflect that many of his papers are regularly referenced, confirming their lasting relevance. In addition, his leadership roles in scientific societies and committees demonstrate recognition by peers. Taken together, his documents, citations, and metric indicators make Prof. Dr. Jes Rust an eminently suitable laureate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Jiang, H., Moulds, M. S., Blank, S. M., Rust, J., Wedmann,  Wang, B. (2025). Sounds from the Eocene: The first singing cicada from the Messel Pit, Germany. Scientific Reports, 15, Article 12826.

Rust, J., & McCoy, V. E. (2025). Fossilisation ecology – A more complete concept of taphonomy. Trends in Ecology & Evolution. Advance online publication.

Jiang, H., Szwedo, J., Labandeira, C. C., Chen, J., Moulds, M. S., Mähler, B., Muscente, A. D., Zhuo, D., Nyunt, T. T., Zhang, H., Wei, C., Rust, J., & Wang, B. (2024). Mesozoic evolution of cicadas and their origins of vocalization and root feeding. Nature Communications, 15(1), Article 376.

Hamad Al Thani | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hamad Al Thani | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Hamad Al Thani is an aviation professional, academic, and business leader with extensive experience in both civil and military aviation. He holds advanced degrees in global management and airline efficiency and has served in leadership roles within family businesses, investment groups, and national tourism initiatives. A former fighter pilot and qualified flying instructor, he has been recognized with multiple distinctions for his excellence in aviation training. His passion for advancing the aviation industry extends to both scholarly contributions and community engagement, where he actively promotes aviation among young people.

Dr. Hamad Al Thani | Durham University UK | Qatar

Profile

ORCID


Education

Hamad Al Thani has attained a doctorate in business administration with a focus on airline efficiency through studies at Emlyon in France and Durham University in the United Kingdom. He also holds a master’s degree in global management from Salford University, Manchester. His earlier aviation training was completed through the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom, where he became a qualified flying instructor and graduated from the Royal Air Force Staff College, Bracknell. He also trained with the Royal Jordanian Air Force on Mirage F1 aircraft, and received specialized recognition from the French Air Force. These combined academic and professional credentials have provided him with advanced expertise in airline competitiveness, global management, and aviation operations.

Experience

He serves as Managing Director of his family companies and has been actively engaged in leading investments and projects within Qatar and internationally. He has held positions as a board member in public companies including Qatar Tourism and Leisure Projects Company, later acquired by the government of Qatar. Within Qatar Investment Group, a brokerage company, he has contributed as a shareholder, deputy chairman, and board member. His career is deeply rooted in aviation and strategic business leadership, combining both military and civil aviation insights with corporate governance and investment expertise.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his aviation and academic journey, Hamad Al Thani has been recognized with multiple awards that highlight his excellence in both flight performance and scholarly achievement. These include recognition as Best Overseas Student at RAF College Cranwell, Best Student Pilot and multiple navigation trophies at RAF training bases, and the title of Best Promising Fighter Pilot. He was also a first-place winner in his class at the Royal Jordanian Air Force and honored with a diploma distinction by the French Air Force. These distinctions demonstrate his exceptional talent, discipline, and dedication to aviation.

Skills and Expertise

His areas of expertise span management, tendering, business writing, project management, and branding, along with specialized knowledge in airline efficiency and competitiveness. He is also a qualified flying instructor, tactical instructor, aerobatic pilot, and holds both European and Qatari private pilot licenses. His ability to blend business acumen with deep technical aviation expertise makes him uniquely positioned as both an industry leader and aviation promoter.

Research Focus 

Hamad research is centered on global airline efficiency, competitiveness, and the strategic evolution of the aviation industry. His work applies both theoretical and quantitative approaches to assess airline performance, explore the role of Gulf carriers in reshaping international aviation, and evaluate the implications of advanced technologies such as single-pilot operations on safety and public trust. His research provides valuable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and academics seeking to understand the dynamics of global air transport.

Research Projects

His doctoral research applied the strategy tripod perspective, integrating institutional, industrial, and resource-based views to examine the determinants of airline efficiency. He has investigated the rise of Gulf airlines as “super connectors,” analyzing their role in transforming global connectivity. Another project revisited the debate on subsidization disputes between US and Gulf carriers, offering a fresh perspective on competition and geopolitical significance. Most recently, his work assessed public attitudes toward single-pilot operations, highlighting both risks and benefits of adopting advanced aviation technologies in commercial air travel.

Publications

Public perceptions of safety and trust in single-pilot operations: assessing advanced aviation technology’s risks and benefits in commercial air travel
Author: Hamad Al Thani
Journal: Human-Intelligent Systems Integration

Strategy Tripod Perspective on the Determinants of Airline Efficiency in A Global Context: An Application of DEA and Tobit Analysis
Author: Hamad Al Thani
Journal: Durham University Durham e-Theses

A Century of the Global Airline Industry and the Emergence of the Gulf’s Super Connectors
Author: Hamad Al Thani
Journal: Journal of Air Transport Studies

Conclusion

Bridging academia, aviation, and business, Hamad Al Thani combines practical expertise with scholarly depth to address key challenges facing the global airline industry. His leadership experience, international exposure, and research contributions position him as a thought leader advancing knowledge in airline efficiency and competitiveness. His work not only strengthens the understanding of aviation dynamics but also inspires the next generation of aviators in Qatar and beyond.

Mesay Wolle | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mesay Wolle | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award 

Mesay M. Wolle is a Chemist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with expertise in elemental and molecular speciation analysis and isotope dilution mass spectrometry. With a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Oslo University and postdoctoral training at Duquesne University, he has advanced food, environmental, and clinical safety through the development of innovative and validated analytical methods. He has published 28 peer-reviewed papers, reviewed extensively for international journals, and collaborated with leading organizations such as NIST, NRC Canada, and the U.S. EPA.

Dr. Mesay Wolle | U.S. Food and Drug Administration | United States

Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Mesay M. Wolle holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Oslo University in Norway. His academic journey laid a strong foundation in advanced chemistry and analytical sciences. He pursued postdoctoral research at Duquesne University in Pennsylvania, where he enhanced his expertise in elemental and molecular speciation analysis as well as isotope dilution mass spectrometry. His educational background reflects a deep commitment to precision-driven chemical research and a passion for developing innovative analytical methodologies.

Experience

After completing his academic training, Mesay joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, initially as a Research Fellow and later as a full-time Chemist. In this capacity, he has made substantial contributions to food and drug safety by developing and validating advanced analytical methods for nutritional, biological, and environmental samples. His work includes conducting technical reviews of analytical packages, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing expert guidance on complex analytical issues. Additionally, he has supervised postdoctoral researchers and interns, mentoring the next generation of analytical scientists while advancing critical public health research.

Awards and Recognition

Mesay has earned recognition in the scientific community through his extensive publication record, with twenty-eight peer-reviewed papers to his credit. His citation index highlights the impact of his contributions to analytical chemistry and life sciences research. Beyond publications, he has been entrusted with editorial and reviewer roles for numerous high-impact scientific journals, including Analytical Bioanalytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, and Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. He has also served as a scientific session organizer at prominent international conferences, further demonstrating his leadership in the field.

Skills and Expertise

Mesay’s core expertise lies in elemental and biomolecular speciation analysis across nutritional, dietary, environmental, and clinical matrices. He has developed and validated methods integrating mass spectrometry, isotope dilution techniques, liquid and ion chromatography, and gas chromatography. His skills include enhancing analytical sensitivity, selectivity, speed, and throughput. He is also experienced in applying solid phase extraction, micro-extraction, and sample preparation techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability in testing. His consultancy and collaboration projects with organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Research Council of Canada, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency highlight his technical authority in analytical sciences.

Research Focus 

Mesay’s research focuses on advancing the frontiers of elemental and molecular speciation analysis using state-of-the-art spectrometric and chromatographic methods. His projects span the measurement of arsenic, chromium, iron, and mercury species in nutritional products, dietary supplements, food, beverages, and biological samples. He has also pioneered methods for biomolecule analysis, such as the quantification of glutathione in clinical samples. His collaborative work has contributed to the certification of reference materials for toxins, nutrients, and trace elements, ensuring scientific precision and safety in food and environmental testing worldwide.

Research Projects

Mesay has led and contributed to research focused on the development and validation of advanced analytical methods. His projects include arsenic, chromium, iron, and mercury speciation analysis in nutritional products, dietary supplements, seafood, beverages, and biological samples. He has developed isotope dilution high-performance chromatography–mass spectrometry methods for accurate quantification of biomolecules, such as glutathione in clinical samples. Additionally, his research has extended to the certification of reference materials in collaboration with global institutions, ensuring analytical accuracy in food, drug, and environmental testing.

Publication

Exploring food and nutrition security perspectives among high school adolescents in Machakel District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Journal: BMC Research Notes

Conclusion

Mesay M. Wolle’s research excellence and commitment to public health demonstrate his impact on analytical chemistry and regulatory science. His contributions not only enhance the precision of chemical analysis but also strengthen global food and drug safety. With proven expertise, collaborations, and mentorship, he represents a leader whose innovative approaches continue to shape the future of analytical research and life sciences.