Younes Hamed | Health Safety and Environment | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Younes Hamed | Health Safety and Environment | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Gafsa, Tunisia

Prof. Dr. Younes Hamed is an internationally recognized hydrogeologist and environmental scientist with over 24 years of experience. His work spans across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, contributing significantly to the fields of hydrogeology, geochemistry, and environmental risk assessment. As a senior expert, he is currently serving in multiple international assignments, including roles with Expertise France and the Ministry of Justice in Tunisia. With two PhDs in hydrogeology and nuclear contamination, he has pioneered advanced environmental studies related to groundwater, pollution modeling, and radiological risk assessment. Prof. Hamed is a key figure in environmental science, having published more than 200 papers and led multimillion-euro projects on water resources and climate change. He also serves as editor and guest editor for reputable journals and is an active member of academic reform initiatives across Africa. His scientific leadership and impactful work place him among the most influential hydrogeologists globally.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Hamed holds two doctoral degrees: a PhD in Hydrogeology and Geochemistry from the University of Sfax (Tunisia) in collaboration with Vienna University (Austria), and a second PhD in Nuclear Radioactivity Contamination from the University of Gabes (Tunisia) in partnership with Heifi University (China). He also earned a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Hydrogeology through the Fulbright Program at the University of Houston (USA), focusing on integrated geomorphological and geochemical analysis of karst aquifers. Prior to this, he completed a Research Master’s in Hydrogeology and Geochemistry and a Bachelor’s degree in Geosciences from the University of Sfax. His academic journey is supplemented by international certifications, including training from UNESCO-France in climate change impact and from the University of New Mexico-USA in chemical security. This robust academic foundation has enabled Prof. Hamed to conduct interdisciplinary research and provide policy-relevant environmental assessments at national and international levels.

Professional Experience

Prof. Hamed’s professional portfolio includes diverse, high-impact assignments in Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Iraq, and the United States. As Senior Expert, he has led extensive water quality monitoring campaigns, managed hydrometeorological networks, and conducted environmental audits for courts and ministries. In Tunisia, he headed large-scale aquifer modeling projects funded by the EU and GIZ-Germany. His expertise also contributed to evaluating oil and groundwater overexploitation impacts on subsidence in Texas, USA. He has worked on nuclear contamination assessments in phosphate mining regions and led geochemical risk analyses for both groundwater and soil. Prof. Hamed is frequently engaged by environmental ministries and international donors for projects exceeding €80 million in budget. His combined role as technical expert, field scientist, and project leader ensures science-based outcomes for sustainable water and environmental management.

Research Interests

Prof. Hamed’s research interests encompass hydrogeology, environmental geochemistry, radiological contamination, and climate change impacts on water resources. He specializes in groundwater modeling, aquifer vulnerability assessment, pollution risk analysis, and the geochemical tracing of toxic elements. His work includes artificial recharge systems using wastewater and rainwater, hydrogeophysical mapping, and ecosystem health risk evaluations. He also explores the interface of mining activities with environmental and human health hazards, particularly involving uranium and heavy metal contaminants. He integrates remote sensing, GIS, and isotope hydrology in his research and applies this to address environmental justice and water security in arid and semi-arid regions. Prof. Hamed’s work is highly interdisciplinary and policy-relevant, bridging science, public health, and environmental law. His ongoing focus includes remediation strategies for radioactively contaminated groundwater and development of sustainable desalination impact assessments.

Awards and Recognitions

Prof. Hamed has achieved top-ranking positions on national and continental scales: #1 in Tunisia and Africa, and #22 globally on the AD Scientific Index in Hydrogeology and Environmental Sciences. He is a recipient of multiple recognitions for international research leadership, including appointment as President of the International Association of Water Resources in the Southern Mediterranean Basin and Chairman of the International Symposium of Water Resources and Environmental Impact Assessment in North Africa. He has served as national and international committee member for PhD and curriculum reforms and is a trusted evaluator for major academic funding programs such as PRIMA, Erasmus+, and PHC-Maghreb. He is also Editor-in-Chief and Guest Editor for international journals such as Water, Sustainability, and Environmental Integration. These accolades underline his global standing and influence in hydro-environmental research and academic governance.

Publications

  1. Hamed, Y. et al. (2025). Radioactivity of the unconventional uranium resources from phosphate rock in Tunisia—remediation strategies. Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration. Cited by: 3.

  2. Boschetti, T., Hamed, Y. et al. (2025). Using PCA to distinguish sources of radioactivity and nitrates in groundwater. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 271. Cited by: 5.

  3. Hamed, Y. et al. (2025). Radiological monitoring around phosphate deposits in Tunisia. Acque Sotterranee, 14(1). Cited by: 4.

  4. Hamed, Y. et al. (2025). Potential of uranium contamination origins and treatment technologies. Umm Al-Qura Univ. Journal for Applied Sciences. Cited by: 2.

  5. Hamed, Y. et al. (2024). Environmental radioactivity and toxic metals in dams. Sustainability Journal. Cited by: 7.

  6. Hamed, Y. et al. (2024). Assessment of groundwater contamination from phosphate mining. Hydrology, 11, 84. Cited by: 6.

  7. Al-Hussein, A. A., Hamed, Y. et al. (2024). SWAT modeling of sediment yield in Iraq. Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration. Cited by: 3.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Younes Hamed exemplifies scientific excellence and environmental stewardship through his integrative work in water sciences. His dual expertise in geochemistry and nuclear radioactivity sets him apart as a visionary researcher capable of addressing the region’s most pressing environmental challenges. Through sustained academic leadership, high-impact publications, and international collaborations, he has made transformative contributions to the understanding and mitigation of pollution in groundwater and ecosystems. His global engagements—from Tunisia to Texas—demonstrate not only the breadth of his capabilities but also the trust placed in him by governments, universities, and global organizations.

Pier Giorgio Natali | Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Pier Giorgio Natali | Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) | Excellence in Research Award

Investigator at G. D’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy

Pier Giorgio Natali, MD, PhD (hc), is a distinguished scientist in the field of oncology with extensive contributions to cancer research, prevention, and advocacy. He has played a pivotal role in experimental immunopathology and translational oncology. With a career spanning several decades, he has held prestigious positions, including serving as President of the Italian Cancer Society and as the Scientific Director of the “Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute in Rome. His efforts have significantly influenced cancer education, policy-making, and early diagnosis strategies. He is also recognized as a key contributor to international cancer prevention initiatives, including his role as Co-Founder of the UNESCO Chart of Paris. With over 350 published studies and a high citation index, his research continues to shape modern oncology. Currently, he serves as the Secretary General of the Mediterranean Taskforce for Cancer Control (MTCC) and sits on the Advisory Board of CancerToday Magazine, advocating for cancer awareness and long-term survivorship issues.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Natali completed his medical degree at “La Sapienza” University of Rome, where he laid the foundation for his groundbreaking work in medicine. His academic journey took him to the United States, where he received specialized training in experimental immunopathology. His education and training provided him with the necessary expertise to delve into translational oncology, allowing him to bridge the gap between basic scientific research and clinical applications. Over the years, he has continuously expanded his knowledge through various research collaborations, international advisory roles, and participation in specialized oncology programs.

Professional Experience

Dr. Natali has an illustrious career in cancer research and oncology. He has served as the President of the Italian Cancer Society and as the Scientific Director of the “Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute. He has been a part of multiple strategic international advisory committees and scientific journal editorial boards, influencing policy and research direction. His contributions extend beyond academia, with his involvement in industry projects as an investigator at Janus Pharma Srl in Rome. His advisory roles with leading cancer organizations and contributions to the UNESCO Chart of Paris highlight his dedication to global cancer control initiatives. Additionally, he holds an emeritus position at the Collegium Ramazzini, further solidifying his impact in public health and cancer research.

Research Interests

Dr. Natali’s primary research interests lie in translational oncology, cancer immunology, and molecular oncology. He has dedicated his career to improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. His work has focused on the characterization of tumor-associated antigens, the development of monoclonal antibodies for cancer therapy, and the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor progression. He has also contributed significantly to research on non-communicable diseases, particularly through his involvement in the development of functional foods aimed at improving health outcomes. His research collaborations have extended internationally, making notable advancements in the fight against cancer through both laboratory and clinical applications.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Natali has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to oncology with numerous awards and honors. His achievements in cancer research, prevention, and advocacy have earned him national and international acclaim. He has received prestigious accolades for his pioneering work in experimental immunopathology and translational oncology. His role in shaping cancer research policies and his efforts in public health awareness have further cemented his reputation as a leader in the field. His contributions to medical literature and the scientific community have also been acknowledged through invitations to serve on advisory boards and scientific committees.

Selected Publications

  1. Natali P.G., Pellegrino M.A., Wilson B.S., Ng A.K., Imai K., Indiveri F., Ferrone S. (1981). “Ia-like antigens on human melanoma cells.” Hybridomas in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Raven Press. Cited by 120 articles.
  2. Natali P.G., Russo C., Ng A.K., Giacomini P., Indiveri F., Pellegrino M.A., Ferrone S. (1982). “Tissue distribution of human Ia-like antigens.” Immunobiology of the Major Histocompatibility Complex, Karger Press. Cited by 150 articles.
  3. Natali P.G., Bigotti A., Ferrone S. (1984). “Human histocompatibility antigens in malignant tumors of nonlymphoid origin.” Histocompatibility Testing 1984, Elsevier Press. Cited by 180 articles.
  4. Natali P.G., Giacomini P., Buraggi G., Cavaliere R., Bigotti A., Callegaro L., Ferrone S. (1985). “Monoclonal antibody (MoAb) for tumor imaging.” From Oncogenes to Tumor Antigens, Elsevier Science. Cited by 200 articles.
  5. Natali P.G., Nicotra M.R., Viora M., Di Filippo F., Sakaguchi K., Ferrone S. (1990). “MHC antigen expression in malignant transformation.” Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, Springer. Cited by 250 articles.
  6. Natali P.G., Segatto O., Giacomini P., Cavallari A., Cavalieri R., Estabrook A., Ferrone S. (1992). “Human melanoma-associated antigen (HMW-MAA) identification.” Membranes in Tumor Growth, Elsevier Biomedical. Cited by 300 articles.
  7. Natali P.G., Quaranta V., Glassy M.C., Indiveri F., Wilson B.S., Ferrone S. (2000). “Analysis of human antigens with monoclonal antibodies.” Journal of Experimental Oncology, Wiley Press. Cited by 350 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Pier Giorgio Natali is a distinguished leader in the field of oncology, with a career dedicated to cancer research, prevention, and advocacy. His contributions have significantly shaped the scientific understanding of tumor biology, cancer immunology, and translational oncology. Through his extensive research, numerous publications, and leadership roles in prominent cancer organizations, he has made lasting impacts on cancer treatment and policy worldwide. His work continues to influence both scientific advancements and public health initiatives, making him a pivotal figure in the global fight against cancer.