Three Young Researchers Awarded with a FWO Scientific Award for Climate Research

The research of Aslihan Babayigit (Hasselt University) is part of ‘Solar Cookers for All’ (Sc4all), a research project carried out by various disciplines and faculties of Hasselt University together with partner universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania. The work focuses on the urgent need for low-carbon cooking solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the use of charcoal leads to deforestation, increased CO₂ emissions and serious health problems.

Aslihan: “SC4All demonstrates how, by collaborating with local partners, we can harness solar energy for practical applications. We use locally available recycled materials to build accessible and sustainable solar ovens as an alternative to commonly used cooking practices that are detrimental to the environment and health. We also work to promote renewable energy solutions for these local communities.”

The work of Ilias Semmouri (Ghent University) investigates how rising temperatures and associated environmental changes affect marine communities, including (micro)algae.

Ilias: “My research uses molecular, ecological, and toxicological methods to demonstrate that heat waves and thermal stress can lead to shifts in several key biological indicators of ecosystem health (species richness, population size, and toxin sensitivity). By examining both pollution and temperature stress, my research demonstrates the complex nature of climate-driven ecological changes.”

Harry Zekollari's (VUB) research focuses on how glaciers have been evolving under changing climatic conditions. He and his team use projections of the future evolution of these precious ice masses to investigate the consequences of climate change and adaptation to it, as well as the extent to which damage can be avoided through mitigation.

Harry: “Glaciers have a profound impact on society. They are major contributors to sea level rise and function as unique 'water towers', that provide water to billions of people worldwide. In addition to our work in the laboratory, we also conduct glaciological fieldwork in the European Alps, the Tien Shan Mountains, and Antarctica, which allows us to better quantify the effects of climate change and understand the evolution of our climate over the long term.”