Climate Change: Impacts & Responses Research Network

2027 In-Person Recipients

For each conference, a small number of Emerging Scholar Awards are given to outstanding graduate students and emerging scholars who have an active research interest in the conference themes. Emerging Scholars perform a critical role in the conference by chairing the parallel sessions, providing technical assistance in the sessions, and presenting their own research papers. The 2027 Emerging Scholar Award Recipients are as follows:

Mpidiseng Mohlaba

Mpidiseng Mohlaba

University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Mpidiseng Mohlaba is a Project Coordinator at the National Transmission Company of South Africa, focusing energy infrastructure delivery, and an MSc candidate at the University of the Witwatersrand. Mpidiseng's research develops an APT Feasibility Evaluation Framework, assessing Technical, Economic, Architectural and Institutional dimensions through General Systems Theory and Ecological Modernisation Theory for the integration of Artificial Photosynthesis technologies in the built environment. Earlier Honours research on artificial photosynthesis won the IFC Prize the Greenovate Awards. Mpidiseng has co-authored a paper presented at the ASOCSA Conference 2023 and a systematic literature review presented at the CBPM 2026 Conference, and is an active speaker across the built environment and energy sectors.


Adebola Adedugbe

Adebola Adedugbe

Nohunger Food Bank, Nigeria

Adebola Adedugbe is an agricultural economist , climate change expert, and research development practitioner with over a decade of experience specializing in rural development, project management and climate smart agriculture . He holds a Master's degree in Agricultural Economics. His work intersects agricultural research and community advocacy, with a core focus on climate resilience, food security, economic affairs, and gender inclusion within rural ecosystems. He has extensive field experience interacting with smallholders, corporate stakeholders, and international scientists to advance agricultural policies across Africa.



2027 Online Only Recipients

The 2027 Online Only Emerging Scholar Award Recipients are as follows:

Serigne Filor

Serigne Filor

Gaston Berger University, Senegal

Serigne FILOR is a PhD candidate in Applied Economics at the Saint-Louis Economics Research Laboratory (LARES), Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis, Senegal. His research focuses on the role of education in addressing climate change, with particular emphasis on climate change perceptions, adaptation strategies, and mitigation behaviors. More broadly, his academic interests lie at the intersection of education economics, environmental economics, and sustainable development. He is particularly interested in understanding how human capital development can strengthen resilience to climate risks and support ecological transitions in developing countries.

Tahasinul Islam

Tahasinul Islam

Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

Md. Tahasinul Islam is an MSc student in the Department of Environmental Science at Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh. His research focuses on socio-environmental vulnerability, coastal climate adaptation, and livelihood strategies among farmers in drought-prone and salinity-affected regions. Proficient in advanced quantitative and geospatial methodologies including Python, R, GIS and Google Earth Engine, he is actively engaged in climate adaptation research and academic leadership.

Meredith Hovis

Meredith Hovis

University of North Carolina Wilmington, United States

I am an Assistant Professor of Environmental Social Science at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in Wilmington, NC, USA. As an interdisciplinary social scientist with expertise in nature-based solutions (NBS); community engagement and co-production of knowledge; climate adaptation; disaster resilience; and natural resource management and policy. My expertise includes qualitative and quantitative social science methods. Most of my recent research examines different types of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure to reduce disaster impacts, specifically flooding in eastern North Carolina, to improve the livelihoods of rural and traditionally marginalized communities.

In Their Words

As an Emerging Scholar, I had the privilege of moderating panels and leading discussions alongside distinguished experts, academics, and practitioners. The warm welcome I received made my inaugural experience outside Asia both memorable and profoundly meaningful."

Kelvin Tang, 2025 Awardee

With the emerging scholar program I was able to learn, connect, and present my research. Without this program, I would have not had this opportunity so thank you so much!"

Maya Lis, 2025 Awardee

As an Emerging Scholar, I aimed to create a cohesive and positive experience for all participants. I enthusiastically embraced the role of chairperson. By warmly introducing presenters and facilitating smooth proceedings, I ensured seamless transitions and a sense of connection between speakers and the audience. It was a fantastic experience.

Claudia Ribeiro Pereira Nunes, 2024 Awardee

•••

I am sincerely honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Emerging Scholar Award. Thanks to your generosity, it is now evidently possible for me to believe that my research on the impact the environment has on human health will get a global audience with a clear possibility that the appropriate actions will be enacted on by the governments and necessary regulatory bodies and organizations."

Adebisi Benjamin Temidayo, 2024 Awardee

As an Emerging Scholar Awardee, it was a great experience in France meeting distinguished scholars from diverse backgrounds and sharing knowledge and experiences. Thanks and gratitude to Common Ground Research Networks for organizing such an event."

Md. Abdul Awal Khan, 2024 Awardee

The Emerging Scholar Award has not only given the opportunity to showcase my paper but also an an opportunity to learn from other scholars working in the field of climate change."

Fatema Jahan Sharna, 2024 Awardee

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