George Chelnokov | Geochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. George Chelnokov | Geochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Geological Institute Russian Academy of Sciences | Russia

Dr. George Alekseevich Chelnokov is a distinguished hydrogeologist and geochemist, currently serving as a Leading Researcher at the Heat and Mass Transfer Laboratory, Geological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow. With over two decades of expertise in hydrogeology, geochemistry, and thermal fluid systems, he has made significant contributions to the study of mineral and thermal waters across Russia and internationally. His research delves into the genesis, geochemical behavior, and isotopic composition of hydrothermal systems, including volcanic and geothermal zones. Dr. Chelnokov has served in various research roles, including as Head of Laboratory at the Far East Geological Institute and as a postdoctoral researcher in Mexico. He is a seasoned scientific project leader, academic mentor, and published author, contributing extensively to collaborative studies with the Russian Science Foundation. His dedication to geological sciences has earned him notable awards and recognition within both Russian and global scientific communities.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Chelnokov holds a Ph.D. in Hydrogeology from the State Polytechnic University of Tomsk, awarded in 2005 for his thesis on high pCO₂ mineral waters in the Sikhote-Alin region. He completed postdoctoral research at the Institute of Geophysics, UNAM (Mexico) in 2009, where he developed hydrogeological models for the El Chichon volcano. His advanced training includes a six-month course at the United Nations University Geothermal Training Programme in Iceland (2004). His academic foundation was laid at Far East State Technical University, Vladivostok, where he earned both his Bachelor (1998) and Master (2000) degrees in Geology. His postgraduate training at the Far East Geological Institute (2000–2003) focused on mineral water geochemistry. His educational trajectory combines solid theoretical knowledge with rigorous practical experience, particularly in the areas of geothermal systems, water-rock interaction, and the geological mapping of hydrogeochemical phenomena in volcanic and tectonically active terrains.

Experience

Dr. Chelnokov has built a robust career in geological sciences, beginning as a lab assistant (1997–2000) and advancing to Scientific Researcher (2000–2006) at the Far East Geological Institute. From 2006–2015, he served as Senior Scientific Researcher in the Hydrogeochemistry of Supergene Processes Laboratory, later becoming Head of that unit (2015–2020). Since 2020, he has been a Leading Researcher at the Geological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow. Simultaneously, he worked for two decades (2000–2020) as Principal Hydrogeologist at Mineral Waters Ltd., gaining industry-level experience. Dr. Chelnokov has participated in and led numerous research projects funded by RFBR and RSF, focusing on hydrogeological systems, thermal waters, rare earth geochemistry, and environmental contamination. He also taught hydrogeology at the Far East Federal University and supervised graduate theses. His deep integration in academia, research, and applied hydrogeology reflects a career dedicated to scientific advancement and practical application.

Awards and Honors

Dr. George Chelnokov has received multiple prestigious awards recognizing his scientific excellence. In 2001, he was honored with the Grant of the Governors of the Primorye Region. He earned a United Nations University geothermal research grant in 2004 and the same year became a laureate of the Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Young Scientists Prize. In 2007, he received the esteemed Academician Y.A. Kosygin Prize. His international collaboration and long-standing commitment to hydrogeochemistry were acknowledged in 2019 when he was named a “Friend of Water-Rock Interaction Symposia” by the IAGC WRI Working Group. These honors reflect his impactful research in geofluids, water-rock interactions, and thermal systems. Throughout his career, his scientific leadership and contributions to fundamental and applied geoscience research have been consistently recognized by academic institutions and international organizations.

Research Focus

Dr. Chelnokov’s research is centered on the hydrogeology and geochemistry of thermal and low-temperature fluids. His work investigates the chemical and isotopic composition of mineral and volcanic waters, geofluid circulation systems, and water-rock interaction processes. He has led and participated in numerous projects on the genesis of brines, geochemical mapping of geothermal systems, and rare earth element fractionation in groundwater. Notably, his research has addressed tectonic signals in hydrogeochemical records, nitrogen-rich thermal springs, and tungsten geochemical cycles. He has also contributed to studies on the geofluid evolution in mud volcanic systems and the fluid dynamics in folded belts across Eurasia. His work is funded by major institutions like the Russian Science Foundation and the Russian Foundation for Basic Research. Combining field studies, analytical chemistry, and modeling, Dr. Chelnokov’s interdisciplinary approach aims to understand geodynamic environments, resource potential, and environmental impacts of subsurface fluid systems.

Publications

Using iron speciation to track hydrocarbon migration in bleached rocks and its implications for reservoir reconstruction
Year: 2020
Citations: 10

Trace Elements in Thermal Waters of the Northern Tien Shan: Distribution and Fate
Year: 2019
Citations: 8

Geochemistry of nitric thermal springs from Khoja-Obi-Garm thermal area (Pamir-Tien Shan region)
Year: 2022
Citations: 4

Conclusion

Dr. George Chelnokov is a renowned geoscientist whose extensive contributions to hydrogeology, thermal water geochemistry, and fluid system modeling have significantly advanced both theoretical understanding and practical applications in Earth sciences, and he continues to lead impactful research at the Geological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Zhiwei Fan | Geology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhiwei Fan | Geology | Best Researcher Award

Zhi-Wei Fan is a Ph.D. candidate at Central South University, China, specializing in geochemistry and petrology with a focus on magmatic-hydrothermal systems and rare metal mineralization. He integrates micro-analytical techniques such as LA-ICP-MS, EMPA, and XRD in mineralogical research, with key interests in beryl, muscovite, tourmaline, and pegmatite-hosted critical elements. Known for academic excellence and research contributions, he has received multiple scholarships and awards for innovation, leadership, and volunteer service. His scholarly works are published in reputed journals like Ore Geology Reviews and GSA Bulletin, contributing to the understanding of crystal chemistry and ore-forming processes in pegmatites. He actively participates in national ore deposit conferences and demonstrates strong communication skills in English. With a foundation built on excellence from undergraduate through Ph.D. studies at Central South University, Fan is positioned to advance research in mineral systems and geochemical modeling.

Profile

Education 🎓

Zhi-Wei Fan completed his Bachelor’s degree in Geosciences from Central South University in 2021, where he began cultivating his academic focus on mineralogy and geochemistry. He continued at the same institution for his Master’s degree from 2021 to 2023, further refining his expertise in petrology and rare-metal-bearing pegmatites. His postgraduate education emphasized advanced geochemical tools and mineralogical techniques, which laid the groundwork for his transition into a Ph.D. program in 2023 at Central South University. Throughout his academic journey, Fan has received multiple honors for academic excellence and research performance, including high-ranking scholarships and recognition for his thesis. His comprehensive education equips him with strong theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills in micro-analysis, mineral crystal chemistry, and isotopic geochemistry. His education has supported active research participation in key national academic forums and contributions to high-impact geological publications, marking him as a rising scholar in ore deposit studies.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Zhi-Wei Fan has cultivated significant research and academic experience at Central South University across his undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. His fieldwork and lab experience include mineralogical investigations in the Baishawo Be-Li-Nb-Ta pegmatite deposit, application of Rayleigh fractionation models, and characterization of critical elements using advanced techniques like LA-ICP-MS and XRD. He has presented at national conferences, including the 16th and 17th China Ore Deposits Conferences, showcasing his insights on magmatic-hydrothermal systems. Fan has also demonstrated leadership as an Outstanding Student Cadre and made contributions to public service as a volunteer during epidemic control efforts. His experience extends to interdisciplinary collaboration, analytical modeling of mineral evolution, and academic publishing. He has earned several scholarships, reflecting his consistent academic performance and research impact. As an active scholar and field researcher, he combines strong scientific methodology with critical analytical skills, making meaningful contributions to the field of economic geology.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Zhi-Wei Fan has been recognized with numerous academic and service honors at Central South University. He earned the Third Prize Scholarship for three consecutive years (2018, 2019, 2020), Second Prize in 2022, and the prestigious First Prize Scholarship in 2023. His leadership was honored with the “Outstanding Student Cadre” and “Outstanding Member” awards in 2020. His social contributions were acknowledged with the “Outstanding Volunteer for Epidemic Prevention and Control” award. He received the “Outstanding Thesis” award in 2021 and the “Favorite On-Site Display Project Award” at the 2021 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference. These awards reflect his strong academic standing, leadership capabilities, community service, and research innovation. Fan has consistently demonstrated excellence across academics, extracurricular activities, and public service, positioning him as a well-rounded and impactful scholar in the geoscience community.

Research Interests 🔬

Zhi-Wei Fan’s research focuses on the geochemistry and petrology of ore-forming systems, especially magmatic-hydrothermal environments associated with rare metal mineralization. He specializes in characterizing mineral chemistry and zonation in pegmatites to understand enrichment mechanisms of critical elements such as Li, Be, Nb, and Ta. His work employs micro-analytical tools like LA-ICP-MS, EMPA, and SC-XRD to investigate minerals like beryl, tourmaline, and garnet. Fan develops Rayleigh fractionation models to decipher the internal and regional zonation of pegmatites. He is particularly interested in crystal chemistry and fluid-rock interaction processes that govern rare metal concentration and transport. His recent publications address crystal fractionation in beryl and the genesis of granite-pegmatite systems in South China. His research contributes to decoding mineral evolution patterns and advancing resource exploration strategies for rare metal deposits, making him a promising researcher in economic geology and mineral exploration.

Publications
  • Zhiwei Fan, Yiqu Xiong. 2024. Crystallographic insights and crystal fractionation
    simulations of alkali-and water-bearing beryl: Implications for magmatic–hydrothermal
    evolution and Be enrichment mechanisms. Ore Geology Reviews, 106278

 

  • Yiqu Xiong, Zhiwei Fan. 2024. Genetic linkage between parent granite and zoned rare
    metal pegmatite in the Renli-Chuanziyuan granite-pegmatite system, South China.
    Geological Society of America Bulletin.
  • Textural and chemical characteristics of beryl from the Baishawo Be-Li-Nb-Ta pegmatite deposit, Jiangnan Orogen: Implication for rare metal pegmatite genesis

    Ore Geology Reviews
    2022-09-06 | Journal article
    Part of ISSN: 0169-1368
    CONTRIBUTORS: Zhi-Wei Fan; Xiong Yiqu; Yong-Jun Shao; Chun-Hua Wen

Abdelmalek Drouiche | Hydrogeochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abdelmalek Drouiche | Hydrogeochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor Abdelmalek Drouiche is a distinguished expert in hydrogeology, specializing in water resource management and environmental impact assessment. He holds a PhD in Applied Geology and currently serves at the University Mohamed Seddik Benyahia of Jijel, Algeria. His research focuses on groundwater quality, hydrogeochemical processes, and the environmental effects of water resource management. With a career spanning academia, research, and consultancy, he has significantly contributed to understanding water dynamics in arid and semi-arid regions. His extensive publication record includes studies in top-tier journals, reflecting his expertise in hydrogeology and environmental sciences.

Profile

Education 🎓

Professor Drouiche’s academic journey began with a Baccalaureate in Science (2000) and continued with a core curriculum in Geology (2000-2003) at the University of Annaba. He specialized in Hydrogeology (2003-2005) and earned an Engineer’s Diploma in Applied Geology (2005), researching artificial aquifer recharge. His Magister (2008) in Hydrogeology focused on wastewater impact on groundwater. In 2014, he completed his PhD in Applied Geology, investigating water table rise impacts on the environment and aquifers in the Souf region. His academic background has provided him with a strong foundation in hydrogeology, water resource management, and environmental sustainability, shaping his expertise in addressing critical water-related challenges.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Professor Drouiche began his career as an Engineer at the Water Resources Department of Skikda (2008-2009). He then served as a Research Associate at the Centre for Scientific and Technical Research on Arid Regions (2009-2012), contributing to studies on water resource management in arid environments. Since 2012, he has been a Research Professor at the University Mohamed Seddik Benyahia of Jijel, where he teaches, supervises research, and conducts extensive studies on hydrogeology and groundwater quality. His professional journey reflects his commitment to advancing water resource sustainability, combining field research, academic leadership, and environmental consultancy to address pressing hydrogeological challenges.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Professor Drouiche has received numerous recognitions for his contributions to hydrogeology and environmental sciences. His work on groundwater assessment, hydrogeochemical modeling, and water quality management has been acknowledged in prestigious scientific communities. His publications in top journals, conference presentations, and collaborations with international researchers highlight his impact in the field. His dedication to advancing hydrogeology has earned him research grants, institutional awards, and invitations to contribute to global water resource discussions. His commitment to sustainability and scientific excellence continues to shape water management strategies in Algeria and beyond.

Research Interests 🔬

Professor Drouiche specializes in hydrogeology, water quality assessment, and environmental hydrogeochemistry. His research explores groundwater contamination, hydrogeochemical modeling, and the effects of human activities on water resources. He investigates the impact of wastewater on aquifers, water table fluctuations, and the hydrochemical processes governing water systems in arid and semi-arid regions. His studies contribute to sustainable water management, focusing on improving water quality for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. By integrating field studies, laboratory analyses, and computational modeling, he provides valuable insights into groundwater sustainability, environmental conservation, and climate resilience.

Publications