Dr. Manhattan Lebrun | soil fertility | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lebrun’s educational foundation is rooted in environmental sciences and biology. He earned his Bachelor’s (2011–2014) and Master’s (2014–2016) degrees from the University of Orléans, France, specializing in the biology of organisms, populations, and ecosystems. His passion for sustainable land management led him to pursue a PhD (2016–2020) in Biosciences and Territory at the University of Molise, Italy. His doctoral research focused on biogeochemical and microbiological processes in the rhizosphere of Salicaceae, particularly their role in the phytostabilization of contaminated technosols. A highlight of his PhD was a six-month fellowship at Ghent University, Belgium, where he deepened his expertise in soil chemistry and microbial ecology. His education combined rigorous academic coursework with extensive laboratory and field internships, preparing him for a dynamic research career focused on eco-restoration and soil remediation 🌿📘🧫.

Professional Experience

Dr. Lebrun has built a robust career in postdoctoral research across top European institutions. Since January 2024, he has been at CHRONO-ENVIRONMENT, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, working on the HORIZON H2020 EDAPHOS project to evaluate nature-based solutions for soil restoration. Previously, at the Czech University of Life Sciences, he led research on biochar and manure’s role in enhancing soil fertility and mitigating metal(loid) dynamics. At INRAE Versailles-Grignon, he investigated biochar-compost interactions under drought stress in alfalfa. His earlier roles at Université d’Orléans focused on activated carbon and biochar applications for soil detoxification and plant productivity. Dr. Lebrun’s expertise spans soil amendments, microbial dynamics, nutrient cycling, and environmental geochemistry. His ability to integrate laboratory, greenhouse, and field-scale experiments makes him a valuable asset in interdisciplinary environmental science 🧑‍🔬🌍🧫.

Research Interest 

Dr. Lebrun’s research bridges soil science, environmental biotechnology, and plant physiology, with a strong focus on soil remediation and phytoremediation. His central interest lies in nature-based solutions to restore contaminated ecosystems, particularly through the use of biochar, compost, and microbial inoculants. He explores how these amendments influence the bioavailability of toxic metal(loid)s (like As, Pb, Zn) and support plant growth under stress. His work often involves multi-scale approaches—from molecular analysis of plant and microbial responses to large-scale field trials. A recurring theme is understanding the role of the rhizosphere in mediating soil-plant-microbe interactions. He also investigates the long-term ecological impacts of amendments on nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. Through collaboration with agronomists, microbiologists, and chemists, his research supports sustainable land-use practices, particularly in post-industrial or mining-impacted regions 🧬🌾🧱.

Award and Honors

Dr. Manhattan Lebrun has been recognized for his impactful research and academic contributions. He has served as a Guest Editor for high-impact journals such as Plants and Environments, focusing on topics like heavy metal pollution and soil remediation. As a Review Editor for Frontiers in Soil Sciences, he contributes to advancing knowledge in environmental pollution and sustainable land management. His scientific work has garnered over 600 citations, reflecting his influence in the field. Notably, his dedication to mentorship is evident in the numerous students he has guided at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels across France and the Czech Republic. He has been an invited speaker and session convener at major international conferences like SUITMA11 (Berlin), where he shared innovations in soil amendment strategies. These accolades underscore his commitment to excellence and leadership in environmental science 🥇📚🌍.

Skills

Dr. Lebrun possesses a multidisciplinary skill set encompassing soil chemistry, plant ecophysiology, microbiology, and environmental geochemistry. He is proficient in techniques like ICP-OES/MS, GC-MS, spectroscopy, chromatography, molecular biology (DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR), and enzymatic assays. His fieldwork expertise includes soil sampling, amendment trials, and phytoremediation assessments across various ecosystems. He excels in data analysis using R and statistical tools to model environmental processes. His teaching experience spans undergraduate to postgraduate levels, covering soil science, environmental chemistry, and experimental biology. He has a strong command of both French and English, contributing to international publications and academic discourse. Editorially, he reviews for top-tier journals and organizes special issues. His project management capabilities shine through collaborative research on European projects (H2020, GACR, FUI). These skills are bolstered by a passion for sustainability, mentoring, and scientific communication 🧑‍🏫💻🌱.