Sheriff Ceesay | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sheriff Ceesay | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

PhD at West African Science Service Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) ​Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Gambia

Sheriff Ceesay is a distinguished economist and academic with a strong focus on climate change economics and policy. Currently a PhD candidate at the University of Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, he specializes in Climate Change Economics under the West African Science Center for Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) program. He has held various academic and leadership roles, contributing significantly to environmental and economic research. As a lecturer in economics at The Gambia College, he plays a pivotal role in shaping future economists while actively engaging in research, publications, and conferences related to climate adaptation and agricultural economics.

Profile

ORCID

EDUCATION

Sheriff Ceesay has an extensive academic background in economics and education. He earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research Ethics and Methodology with Distinction from the University of The Gambia (2023-2024). He is currently in the final year of his PhD in Climate Change Economics at the University of Cheikh Anta Diop (2021-2025). He obtained an MSc in Economics with Distinction (2017-2019) and a BSc in Economics with a Minor in Mathematics, graduating Cum Laude (2013-2017), both from the University of The Gambia. Additionally, he holds a Higher Teachers’ Certificate from The Gambia College and multiple certifications in research ethics, public health, and information technology.

EXPERIENCE

Sheriff Ceesay has over a decade of experience in teaching and research. He began his career as a teacher at Kerr Cherno Upper and Senior Secondary School (2009-2013) and later at St. Vincent Senior Secondary School (2015-2017). Since 2018, he has been a lecturer in economics at The Gambia College and served as an adjunct lecturer in microeconomics and macroeconomics at the University of The Gambia (2021). His administrative roles include Acting Director of the Directorate of Research and Development at The Gambia College and Head of the Commerce Department. His leadership extends to environmental advocacy as the Founder and Coordinator of the Green Up Gambia College Initiative.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

His research interests lie at the intersection of climate change economics, agricultural adaptation strategies, and environmental sustainability. He has contributed significantly to research on climate risk perception and adaptation among smallholder farmers, as well as bioethics in African socio-cultural contexts. Sheriff actively participates in international conferences, presenting papers and posters on topics such as climate services, early warning systems, and sustainable agriculture.

AWARDS

Sheriff Ceesay has received several accolades for his contributions to research and education. He has been recognized for his excellence in teaching and research ethics training. He has also received multiple certificates from renowned institutions, including the ECOWAS Training on Research Methodologies, the UNESCO Leadership Skills Training, and the CITI Program certifications in bioethics, public health research, and data science research ethics.

PUBLICATIONS

Ceesay, S. (2023). “Gambian Farmers’ Perception of and Access to Climate Services on Early Warning and Adaptation.” Tropentag Conference Proceedings.

Ceesay, S., & Co-author. (2023). “Does Religion Hamper Coroner’s Autopsy Examination? An Evaluation from The Gambia.” 17th World Congress of Bioethics.

Ceesay, S. (2024). “Climate Risk Perception and Adaptation Strategies of Smallholder Farmers in The Gambia.” ICAE Conference Proceedings.

Ceesay, S. (2024). “Farmers’ Perception of the Efficacy of Climate Risk Adaptation Strategies in The Gambia.” Tropentag Conference Proceedings.

Ceesay, S. (2024). “Translating and Adapting Bioethical Principles in the African Socio-Cultural Contexts: An Integrative Review.” 17th World Congress of Bioethics.

Ceesay, S. (2024). “The Efficacy of Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies for Climate Risks: A Gambian Perspective.” AgriGHG Symposium Proceedings.

Ceesay, S. (2024). “Big Data and Data Science Research Ethics in Climate Economics.” Thuenen Working Paper.

CONCLUSION

With a strong academic background, extensive research experience, and active participation in global conferences, Sheriff Ceesay is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to climate change adaptation, bioethics, and economic research have had a profound impact on policy and practice. His leadership in academia and dedication to research ethics further solidify his position as an outstanding scholar in his field.

Alex Tro-Cabrera | Energy Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr Alex Tro-Cabrera | Energy Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain

Alex Tro-Cabrera is a researcher in training at the Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU) in the Department of Electronic Technology. He holds a degree in Renewable Energy Engineering (2021) and a master’s in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (2022). His doctoral research, under the EHUkhi project, focuses on photovoltaic potential in buildings, community energy models, and sustainability financing. He has worked at the Instituto de Ingeniería Energética (UPV) and DEBEGESA, contributing to thermal energy systems and microgrid feasibility studies. He is a member of EKOPOL, a multidisciplinary research group on political economy and ecology.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Orcid

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Strong Academic Background
    Alex Tro-Cabrera holds a Master’s in Research in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability from the University of the Basque Country (EHU/UPV) and a Bachelor’s in Renewable Energy Engineering from the same institution. His academic progression demonstrates a clear focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
  2. Active Research Contributions
    He is currently a doctoral researcher in Electronic Technology at the University of the Basque Country and is part of the EKOPOL research group, recognized by the Basque Government. His work focuses on photovoltaic integration in buildings, energy communities, and sustainability impacts, aligning well with modern energy transition challenges.
  3. Publications in High-Impact Journals
    • “A methodology for assessing rooftop solar photovoltaic potential using GIS open-source software and the EROI constraint” (Energy and Buildings, 2025)
    • “Energy rehabilitation of a construction quality control laboratory” (Engineering Thermodynamics Conference, 2022)
    • “Optimización de la instalación PV del LCCE” (2022, Universidad del País Vasco)
      These works highlight his expertise in GIS-based solar energy assessments, photovoltaic optimization, and building energy efficiency, demonstrating both theoretical and applied research impact.
  4. Industry & Professional Experience
    • Worked at the Instituto de Ingeniería Energética (Universitat Politècnica de València) as a Thermal Lab Technician (2017).
    • Interned at DEBEGESA, analyzing microgrid viability (2019).
      His past industry experience, coupled with his academic research, makes him a well-rounded candidate for the award.
  5. Research Funding and Recognition
    He is funded by the Eusko Jaurlaritza’s Programa Investigo (2022-2024), which supports outstanding early-career researchers. His involvement in a government-backed project (EHUkhi) further solidifies his research credibility.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • Broader International Exposure: While he has strong regional recognition, increased collaboration with international research institutions or projects would strengthen his global impact.
  • Diversification of Research Publications: Expanding publications in high-impact international journals and participating in leading global conferences could enhance his academic profile.

EDUCATION 🎓

  • Máster en Investigación en Eficiencia Energética y Sostenibilidad – Universidad del País Vasco (2022)
  • Grado en Ingeniería de Energías Renovables – Universidad del País Vasco (2021)
  • Técnico Superior en Energías Renovables – CIPFP Catarroja (2017)

EXPERIENCE 🏆

  • Investigador predoctoral – Universidad del País Vasco (2022–Present)
  • Investigador en prácticas – DEBEGESA (2019)
  • Técnico Superior en Investigación – Instituto de Ingeniería Energética, UPV (2017)

AWARDS AND HONORS 🏅

  • Programa Investigo – Eusko Jaurlaritza (2022–2024)

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

  • Renewable Energy – Photovoltaics, Micro-wind, Biomass
  • Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) – Environmental and social impacts
  • Energy Communities – Collective self-consumption models
  • Sustainability & Ecologism – Green energy transitions

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES 📄

  • A methodology for assessing rooftop solar photovoltaic potential using GIS open-source software and the EROI constraintEnergy and Buildings (2025)
  • Optimización de la instalación PV del LCCEUniversidad del País Vasco (2022)
  • Energy rehabilitation of a construction quality control laboratoryConference on Engineering Thermodynamics (2022)

CONCLUSION

Alex Tro-Cabrera is an outstanding researcher in renewable energy, photovoltaics, and energy sustainability. His combination of academic excellence, impactful research, practical experience, and government-backed projects makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. With further international collaborations and diversified high-impact publications, he can establish himself as a leading expert in sustainable energy solutions.