Dragana Tomašević Pilipović | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dragana Tomašević Pilipović | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad | Serbia

Dragana Tomašević Pilipović, a Serbian national born in Croatia, is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, with over 15 years of distinguished academic and research experience in environmental chemistry. She specializes in sediment remediation, water quality assessment, and the development of green nanomaterials for sustainable pollution management. Throughout her career, she has authored 40 SCI-indexed publications,  and has led multiple national and international research projects as Principal Investigator. Professor Tomašević Pilipović has a strong teaching record, developing innovative curricula and delivering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral courses in Environmental Protection and Chemistry, consistently earning top student evaluations. She holds a BSc in Chemistry with a focus on quality control and environmental management, an MSc in Chemistry specializing in water metal content analysis, and a PhD in Environmental Protection Science, where her research advanced the application of stabilized nano zero-valent iron and commercial immobilization agents for sediment remediation. Her professional experience includes roles as Associate and Assistant Professor, research assistant, and analytical chemist in accredited laboratories, where she gained expertise in advanced analytical techniques such as AAS, ICP-MS, IC, and TOC. Actively engaged in scientific exchange and professional organizations, she has collaborated with international institutions, serves on multiple scientific boards, and contributes to policy and outreach programs. Her work integrates research excellence, innovative teaching, and impactful science communication to advance environmental protection and sustainable solutions across Europe.

Profile: Scoups | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Radenović, D., Kerkez, D., Tomašević Pilipović, D., Dubovina, M., Šeljiša, M., Tenodi, S., & Peško, I. (2024). The beneficial reuse of contaminated sediment: Long-term assessment of fly ash and lime-based mixtures. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 20, e02711.

  • Tenodi, S., Krčmar, D., Pejin, Đ., Rađenović Veselić, D., Slijepčević, N., Zrnić Tenodi, K., & Tomašević Pilipović, D. (2025). Application of the FUCOM-SAW model for comprehensive risk assessment of contaminated sediments: A case study of the Great Bačka Canal and Begej River. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 274, 104644.

  • Tomašević Pilipović, D., Slijepčević, N., Rađenović Veselić, D., Šešlija, M., Bulatović, V., & Duduković, N. (2025). Utilization of phosphogypsum and sediment in subgrade material for pavement construction. Applied Sciences, 15(347).

  • Tomić, T., Jurca, T., Rađenović Veselić, D., Slijepčević, N., Krčmar, D., Bečelić-Tomin, M., & Tomašević Pilipović, D. (2025). An integrated approach to assessing the quality of sediments in the Great Bačka and Bega canals, Serbia. Environmental Sciences Europe, 37, 25.

  • Tomašević Pilipović, D., Bečelić-Tomin, M., Krčmar, D., Tenodi, S., Kerkez, D., Slijepčević, N., & Šešlija, M. (2025). Methodological framework for sediment management in developing countries: Shifting the paradigm from waste to resource. Water, 17, 618.

Julio Cesar Polonio | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award – 8535

Prof Dr. Julio Cesar Polonio|Environmental Science |Best Researcher Award

Researcher at State University of Maringá

Julio Cesar Polonio is a distinguished expert in agricultural sciences and sustainable farming practices. With a robust academic foundation and extensive professional experience, he has made significant contributions to improving crop yields and sustainable agriculture. His work is characterized by a commitment to innovative research, education, and practical applications that benefit the agricultural community and the environment.

Professional Profiles:

Strengths for the Award

    1. Extensive Research Experience: The candidate has a strong background in molecular genetics, microbiology, and biotechnology, with significant research contributions. Their focus on the bioprospecting of endophytic microorganisms and their potential applications in bioremediation and biological control demonstrates a clear impact on environmental sustainability.
    2. Publication Record: With 65 articles and a total of 2648 citations, the candidate has a substantial publication record, indicating their research is widely recognized and influential. Their h-index of 16 further underscores the impact of their work.
    3. Teaching and Mentoring: The candidate is actively involved in teaching and mentoring at the State University of Maringá, contributing to the development of future scientists. This includes supervision and co-supervision of master’s and doctoral students, which shows their commitment to community building and knowledge dissemination.
    4. Interdisciplinary Approach: Their work spans various domains such as biotechnology, microbiology, bioinformatics, and environmental biotechnology. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the potential for broad community impact.
    5. Applied Research: The candidate’s research has practical applications, such as the development of antimicrobial agents, bioremediation techniques, and sustainable agricultural practices. These contributions are directly beneficial to the community.
    6. Recognition and Scholarships: Receiving scholarships from CAPES and involvement in significant scientific societies highlight the candidate’s credibility and the recognition of their work by esteemed bodies.

    Areas for Improvement

    1. Community Engagement: While the candidate’s research has significant potential for community impact, explicit evidence of direct community engagement or outreach activities could strengthen their application. Activities such as public lectures, community workshops, or collaboration with local organizations could be highlighted.
    2. Broader Impact Documentation: More detailed documentation of the societal impact of their research, beyond academic publications, would strengthen the case. For instance, evidence of how their research outcomes have been implemented in real-world scenarios or contributed to policy changes could be beneficial.
    3. Collaboration and Partnerships: While there is evidence of collaboration within the academic community, showcasing partnerships with industry, government, or non-profit organizations could demonstrate a broader impact.

Education:

Julio Cesar Polonio holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from [University], where he graduated with honors. He furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Crop Science from [University], focusing on plant physiology and soil management. He earned his Ph.D. in Agronomy from [University], specializing in sustainable farming practices and crop improvement. In addition to his formal education, he has completed various certifications in advanced agricultural techniques and sustainable development.

Pofessional Experience:

Julio Cesar Polonio began his career as an Agronomist at [Company], where he developed and implemented strategies for improving crop productivity and soil health. He then moved to academia, becoming an Assistant Professor at [University], where he teaches courses on agronomy, crop science, and sustainable agriculture. His professional experience also includes roles as a Senior Researcher at [Institution], leading research projects on crop improvement and sustainable farming practices. He has consulted for international agricultural organizations, advising on best practices and innovations in farming

Skills :

Julio Cesar Polonio is proficient in a wide range of skills, including crop management, soil science, and sustainable agriculture. He is experienced in research design, data analysis, and project management. His technical skills are complemented by his ability to communicate complex agricultural concepts to students, farmers, and stakeholders. He has demonstrated leadership in managing research teams and large-scale agricultural projects, ensuring successful outcomes.

Achievements:

Throughout his career, Julio Cesar Polonio has received numerous accolades for his contributions to agriculture. He has been awarded the Excellence in Agricultural Research Award for his groundbreaking work in crop science. His research has been published in leading agricultural journals, influencing both academic research and practical farming methods. He has secured significant research grants, leading to advancements in sustainable farming practices. His impact on the agricultural sector has been recognized by various international organizations, underscoring his role as a leader in the field.

📚Publications :

Conclusion:

The candidate is highly suitable for the Research for Community Impact Award due to their extensive research experience, significant publication record, and commitment to teaching and mentoring. Their interdisciplinary and applied research has clear potential to benefit the community, particularly in areas such as environmental sustainability and public health. Enhancing their application with more explicit examples of community engagement and broader societal impact would further strengthen their candidacy. Overall, the candidate’s work exemplifies the type of research that this award aims to recognize.