Rajesh Malla | Agricultural and Biological Sciences Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rajesh Malla | Agricultural and Biological Sciences Award | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Director General at Forest Research and Training Centre, Nepal

Dr. Rajesh Malla, Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Hamburg, Germany, is a distinguished forestry and climate change researcher specializing in forest resource assessment, forest modeling, biodiversity conservation, and climate change impacts on ecosystems. With an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Forestry from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, he has over two decades of experience in research, leadership, and conservation. He has published extensively in reputed, indexed journals such as Land, Forests, PeerJ, and Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, and has presented at international conferences. Serving as Deputy Director General and previously Director at Nepal’s Forest Research and Training Centre, he has led impactful national and international projects. His work bridges scientific innovation and policy application, significantly contributing to sustainable forest management and environmental conservation in Nepal and beyond. The Agricultural and Biological Sciences Award recognises outstanding contributions in the fields of Agricultural and biological research, particularly within Agriculture and Agriculture.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | Orcid Profile

Education

Dr. Rajesh Malla holds a Ph.D. in Biology  from the University of Hamburg, Germany, with a thesis focusing on climate change impacts on soil organic carbon, above-ground biomass, and vegetation shifts in Nepal’s forests. He earned his M.Sc. in Forestry from the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal, specializing in habitat mapping and conservation threats to the Gangetic Dolphin, graduating with first division. His B.Sc. in Forestry from Tribhuvan University included a specialization in GIS applications for natural resource management, with a thesis on park–people conflict in Nepal’s protected areas, also completed with first division. This strong academic foundation has equipped him with advanced scientific, analytical, and technical expertise to address complex environmental and climate-related challenges while integrating conservation science with practical forest management solutions.

Experience

With over two decades of service in forestry and climate change research, Dr. Malla currently serves as Deputy Director General of the Forest Research and Training Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal. His leadership spans major projects including allometry equation development, forest resource assessments, bamboo resource surveys, and terrestrial lidar scanning for forest inventory. Previously, he was Director at the Centre’s Gandaki Province office, Research Officer at the Department of Forest Research and Survey, and Assistant Research Officer. He has also served as Project Leader for the Dolphin Conservation Awareness Project, funded by the Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation (UK), and held NGO program management roles. His career reflects a strong blend of research expertise, strategic leadership, and implementation of conservation initiatives at both national and international levels.

Research Interest

Dr. Malla’s research interests span forest resource assessment, forest modeling, biodiversity conservation, and climate change impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. His work integrates advanced modeling techniques with ecological data to evaluate carbon dynamics, biomass distribution, and species habitat suitability. He is deeply engaged in assessing vegetation shifts under climate scenarios, identifying invasive species patterns, and linking forest diversity to carbon storage potential. Additionally, his studies often incorporate geospatial tools, remote sensing, and GIS applications to support data-driven forest management strategies. Beyond ecological science, he focuses on the socio-environmental dimensions of forestry, including park–people relationships, community forestry systems, and conservation policy impacts. His interdisciplinary approach ensures his research remains relevant for both academic advancement and practical application in sustainable natural resource management.

Award and Honor

Dr. Rajesh Malla’s career has been marked by recognition for his impactful research and leadership in forestry and climate science. While his work has not only garnered academic attention through publications in prestigious, indexed journals (Land, Forests, PeerJ, Frontiers in Forests and Global Change), it has also influenced policy and conservation practices in Nepal. His leadership roles in government forestry institutions reflect the trust and respect earned from the scientific and policy-making community. Invitations to present at national and international platforms—such as the APFISN Workshop in the Philippines and the International Conference on Forest, People, and Climate—demonstrate his standing as a subject-matter expert. His project leadership, notably the Dolphin Conservation Awareness Project funded internationally, showcases his ability to secure and manage global research support.

Research Skill

Dr. Malla possesses advanced expertise in forest inventory techniques, biomass and carbon modeling, ecological data analysis, and climate change impact assessments. His skills include the application of GIS, remote sensing, and terrestrial lidar scanning for precise environmental mapping and monitoring. He is adept at integrating field-based data with advanced statistical and geospatial modeling to generate actionable conservation insights. His research involves multi-scale approaches—from local biodiversity assessments to national forest resource evaluations—often within multidisciplinary teams. He has strong competencies in scientific writing, peer-reviewed publishing, and conference presentations, enabling him to effectively communicate research findings to academic, policy, and public audiences. His experience in managing complex research projects, securing funding, and building collaborative networks further strengthens his capacity to lead impactful scientific initiatives.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Spatial distribution of soil organic carbon in the forests of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R.
Year: 2024
Citation: Land, 13(3), 378

Title: Climate change impacts: In the perspective of soil organic carbon, above-ground biomass and vegetation shifts (A case study from Nepal) – PhD thesis
Authors: Malla, R.
Year: 2024
Citation: University of Hamburg, Germany

Title: Habitat suitability of four threatened Himalayan species: Asiatic black bear, common leopard, musk deer, and snow leopard
Authors: Malla, R., Panthi, S., Adhikari, H., Pariyar, S., Baral, R., Subedi, R., Adhikari, B.P.
Year: 2023
Citation: PeerJ, 11, e16085

Title: Modelling soil organic carbon as a function of topography and stand variables
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R., Köhl, M.
Year: 2022
Citation: Forests, 13(9), 1391

Title: Climate change impacts: Vegetation shift of broad-leaved and coniferous forests
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R., Köhl, M.
Year: 2023
Citation: Trees, Forests and People, 14, 100457

Title: Assessment of above ground biomass and soil organic carbon in the forests of Nepal under climate change scenario
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R., Köhl, M.
Year: 2023
Citation: Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 6, 1209232

Title: Forest diversity and aboveground carbon linkage between the national park and community managed tropical forests of Nepal
Authors: Ranabhat, S., Malla, R.
Year: 2023
Citation: Banko Janakari, 33(2), 49–60

Title: Assessment of invasion of Ageratina adenophora in the plantation forest of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R., Aryal, R.R., Ranabhat, S.
Year: 2021
Citation: Banko Janakari, 31(1), 3–11

Title: Natural regeneration potential and growth of degraded Shorea robusta Gaertn.f. forest in Terai region of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R., Acharya, B.K.
Year: 2017
Citation: Banko Janakari, 28(1), 3–10

Title: The effect of forest management on stand structure and tree diversity in the Sal (Shorea robusta) forest of Nepal
Authors: Ranabhat, S., Fehrman, L., Malla, R.
Year: 2016
Citation: Indian Forester, 142(6), 582–589

Title: Trees on farms: Diversity, carbon pool and contribution to rural livelihood in Kanchanpur district of Nepal
Authors: Baral, S.K., Malla, R., Khanal, S.
Year: 2013
Citation: Banko Janakari, 23(1), 3–11

Title: Above ground carbon stock assessment in different forest types of Nepal
Authors: Baral, S.K., Malla, R., Ranabhat, S.
Year: 2009
Citation: Banko Janakari, 19(2), 10–14

Title: Potentiality of payment for environmental services in community forests of Nepal
Authors: Acharya, K.P., Baral, S.K., Malla, R., Basnyat, B.
Year: 2009
Citation: Proceedings of the Community Forestry International Workshop, 15–18 September 2009, Pokhara, Nepal, pp. 67

Title: Habitat Mapping and Conservation Threats to River Dolphin in Karnali River of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R.
Year: 2009
Citation: Banko Janakari (Special Edition), 24–29

Title: Carbon sequestration potential of Alnus nepalensis in mid-hills of Nepal: A case study from Kaski district
Authors: Ranabhat, S., Awasthi, K.D., Malla, R.
Year: 2008
Citation: Banko Janakari, 18(2), 3–9

Conclusion

Dr. Rajesh Malla stands out as a highly accomplished forestry and climate change researcher whose work bridges the gap between academic science and applied environmental policy. His career reflects a rare combination of scientific depth, leadership ability, and practical conservation impact. With a strong academic background, decades of professional experience, and a rich portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, he has significantly advanced understanding of forest ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. His leadership in government institutions has enabled large-scale data collection, analysis, and resource management that directly benefit environmental policy-making in Nepal. Looking ahead, his expertise, collaborative approach, and commitment to sustainability position him to continue making meaningful contributions to global environmental research and conservation practice

Manhattan Lebrun | soil fertility | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manhattan Lebrun | soil fertility | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral researcher at Université Marie et Louis Pasteur, France

Dr. Manhattan Lebrun is a French environmental scientist specializing in soil remediation and phytomanagement. he holds a PhD in Biosciences and Territory from the University of Molise, Italy. With extensive postdoctoral experience across Europe, including France, Czech Republic, and Italy, he currently serves as a postdoctoral researcher at Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté. His research integrates soil biogeochemistry, phytoremediation, and biochar technology, addressing contamination from heavy metals and enhancing soil fertility through sustainable methods. Dr. Lebrun is a prolific author with 52 peer-reviewed publications, a reviewer for leading environmental journals, and a guest editor for special issues on soil pollution. He is actively involved in student mentoring, teaching in both French and English, and contributing to scientific communities through editorial work and international conferences. His interdisciplinary approach combines field studies, molecular biology, and ecoengineering to develop innovative strategies for contaminated land rehabilitation 🌱🧪🌍.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Scopus

Education

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 🧑‍🏫💻🌱.

Top Noted Publication

Biochar Characteristics and Pb²⁺/Zn²⁺ Sorption Capacities: The Role of Feedstock Variation

Authors: Information not available in the provided data.

Year: 2024​

2. Biochar and Heavy Metals

Authors: Information not available in the provided data.

Year: 2024​

3. Combined Biochar and Manure Addition to an Agricultural Soil Benefits Fertility, Microbial Activity, and Mitigates Manure‐Induced CO₂ Emissions

Authors: Information not available in the provided data.

Year: 2024​

4. Positive or Neutral Effects of Biochar-Compost Mixtures on Earthworm Communities in a Temperate Cropping System

Authors: Information not available in the provided data.

Year: 2023​

5. The Older, the Better: Ageing Improves the Efficiency of Biochar-Compost Mixture to Alleviate Drought Stress in Plant and Soil

Authors: Information not available in the provided data.

Year: 2023​

6. Biochar and Compost Addition Increases Soil Organic Carbon Content and Substitutes P and K Fertilizer in Three French Cropping Systems

Authors: Information not available in the provided data.

Year: 2022​

7. How Does Soil Water Status Influence the Fate of Soil Organic Matter? A Review of Processes Across Scales

Authors: Information not available in the provided data.

Year: 2022​

8. Biochar, Ochre, and Manure Maturation in an Acidic Technosol Helps Stabilize As and Pb in Soil and Allows Its Vegetation by Salix triandra

Authors: Manhattan Lebrun, Sylvain Bourgerie, Domenico Morabito, et al.

Year: 2022

9. Biochar in Manure Can Suppress Water Stress of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris) and Increase Sucrose Content in Tubers

Authors: Information not available in the provided data.

Year: 2022​

10. Effects of Different Biochars, Activated Carbons and Redmuds on the Growth of Trifolium repens and As and Pb Stabilization in a Former Mine Technosol

Authors: Manhattan Lebrun, Sylvain Bourgerie, Domenico Morabito

Year: 2022

11. Co-culture of Salix viminalis and Trifolium repens for the Phytostabilisation of Pb and As in Mine Tailings Amended with Hardwood Biochar

Authors: Information not available in the provided data.

Year: 2022

Conclusion

Dr. Manhattan Lebrun embodies the characteristics of a top-tier researcher—a prolific, collaborative, and innovative scientist with a deeply impactful focus on environmental restoration and sustainability. His extensive publication record, international experience, leadership in education and editorial duties, and applied science approach make him an outstanding candidate for a Best Researcher Award.