Siau Chen Chian | Geotechnical Engineering | Outstanding Scientist Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Siau Chen Chian | Geotechnical Engineering | Outstanding Scientist Award

National University of Singapore | Singapore

Dr. Chian Siau Chen (Darren) is a leading geotechnical engineering scholar whose work bridges fundamental soil mechanics with innovative solutions for resilient civil infrastructure. He earned his PhD in Engineering from the University of Cambridge and holds a First-Class Honours degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, where he graduated with the Singapore Contractors Association Gold Medal. Currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore, he also serves in multiple leadership roles that contribute to advancing geotechnical practice and education. His appointments include Vice Dean of Student Life at the College of Design and Engineering, Director of the Centre for Resilient Underground Infrastructure and Engineering, and President of the Geotechnical Society of Singapore. Dr. Chian’s research spans sustainable materials, ground improvement, earthquake engineering, centrifuge modelling, remote sensing, protective technologies, and post-failure field investigations. His work often integrates experimental, numerical, and field approaches to address infrastructure challenges in hazard-prone and urban environments. He has participated in post-earthquake reconnaissance missions across Asia, Africa, and South America, contributing valuable field insights to global seismic risk understanding. A widely recognized researcher and educator, Dr. Chian has received numerous accolades, including the IAAM Scientist Medal (2024), multiple NUS teaching excellence awards, and recognition among the Top 10 MIT Innovators Under 35 Asia. His distinguished service to the profession is further acknowledged through awards from the Geotechnical Society of Singapore and national accreditation bodies. Through his contributions, Dr. Chian continues to shape resilient, safe, and sustainable geotechnical engineering practices worldwide.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Publications

Chian, S. C., Tokimatsu, K., & Madabhushi, S. P. G. (2014). Soil liquefaction–induced uplift of underground structures: Physical and numerical modeling. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 140(10), 04014057.

Qin, C. B., & Chian, S. C. (2018). Kinematic analysis of seismic slope stability with a discretisation technique and pseudo-dynamic approach: A new perspective. Géotechnique, 68(6), 492–503.

Fraser, S., Raby, A., Pomonis, A., Goda, K., Chian, S. C., Macabuag, J., Offord, M., … (2013). Tsunami damage to coastal defences and buildings in the March 11th 2011 Mw9.0 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami. Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, 11(1), 205–239.

Chian, S. C., & Madabhushi, S. P. G. (2012). Effect of buried depth and diameter on uplift of underground structures in liquefied soils. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 41, 181–190.

Goda, K., Pomonis, A., Chian, S. C., Offord, M., Saito, K., Sammonds, P., Fraser, S., … (2013). Ground motion characteristics and shaking damage of the 11th March 2011 Mw9.0 Great East Japan earthquake. Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, 11(1), 141–170.

Caoyuan Niu | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Caoyuan Niu | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Senior Engineer‌ | China Railway No.4 Engineering Group Co., Ltd | China

Dr. Caoyuan Niu is a dynamic researcher specializing in bridge and tunnel engineering, with a strong focus on the mechanical behavior and fracture characteristics of rock and composite materials under complex environmental and loading conditions. Currently serving as a postdoctoral fellow jointly supervised by China Railway No.4 Engineering Group Co., Ltd. and Hefei University of Technology, he obtained his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Sichuan University in 2021. His scholarly output demonstrates a robust contribution to the field, with six SCI-indexed publications as the first author in high-impact international journals such as Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, and Cold Regions Science and Technology. In addition to his academic publications, Dr. Niu holds ten authorized invention patents, reflecting a strong orientation toward practical innovation and technology transfer. His research on the bearing capacity of rock-anchored anchorage systems and the deterioration of rock materials under freeze-thaw and hydrochemical effects has advanced the understanding of infrastructure resilience and safety in extreme conditions. Through interdisciplinary collaboration with experts in material mechanics, structural engineering, and geotechnics, he has contributed to developing safer, more sustainable design principles for large-scale bridge and tunnel projects. Dr. Niu’s scientific endeavors not only enhance theoretical insights into rock fracture mechanics but also provide applied engineering solutions that support national infrastructure development and global knowledge exchange in civil and geotechnical engineering.

Profile: Scopus
Publications:

Influence of the interlaced holes on crack propagation behavior under impact loads. International Journal of Impact Engineering. 
(Cited by: 17)

Deterioration of dynamic fracture properties of granite under the coupled effects of hydrochemical solutions and freeze–thaw cycles. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences. 
(Cited by: 8)

Ahmad Nassef | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Nassef | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor | University of Buraimi | Oman

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Salah Edeen Nassef is an accomplished Associate Professor of Structural Engineering at Helwan University, Egypt, and the University of Buraimi, Oman, where he also served as Acting Dean and Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering. With over two decades of academic and professional experience, his expertise spans structural analysis, reinforced concrete and steel design, nonlinear structural behavior, and sustainability in construction materials. He earned his Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Structural Engineering from Cairo University and a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Helwan University. Dr. Nassef has authored numerous publications in international journals and conferences, covering topics such as buckling of columns, nonlinear damage mechanics, composite structures, and eco-friendly concrete using palm tree and medical waste materials. His research contributions, reflected in a growing citation record, demonstrate his global engagement and innovation in sustainable structural systems. He has led and mentored multiple funded research projects supported by institutions such as the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MOHERI) of Oman and Najran University, addressing practical engineering challenges and advancing materials recycling and durability enhancement. Beyond research, Dr. Nassef has been deeply involved in academic leadership, serving as Chair of Research and Ethics Committees, ABET and OAAA accreditation coordinator, and quality assurance leader for civil engineering programs. His scholarly excellence has been recognized with multiple awards, including the University of Buraimi’s Scholarship and Teaching Excellence Awards (2022, 2023) and Best Student Research Paper Awards at national symposiums. His extensive collaborations and mentorship have significantly contributed to capacity building and research culture in the Middle East. Through his sustained efforts in integrating innovation, sustainability, and quality education, Dr. Nassef continues to make a notable global impact in civil and structural engineering research and higher education.

Publications:

Nassef, A. S. E. (2015). Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio in new formula of predicting cracks propagation in reinforced concrete tie. International Journal of Damage Mechanics, 24(8), 1214–1226. 
(Cited by: 5)

Nassef, A. S. E., & Dahim, M. A. (2016). New bi-modular material approach to buckling problem of reinforced concrete columns. [Journal name unavailable]. (Cited by: 6)

Nassef, A. S. E., Nassar, M. M., & El-Refaee, M. M. (2019). Dynamic response of Timoshenko beam resting on nonlinear Pasternak foundation carrying sprung masses. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Mechanical Engineering. 
(Cited by: 9)

Nassef, A. S. E., Al-Maqbali, K. H., & Al Naqabi, S. M. (2021). Effects of replacing cement by date palm trees wastes on concrete performance. Proceedings of the International Structural Engineering and Construction, 8(1). 
(Cited by: 5)

Nassef, A. (2022). Non-prismatic model for laterally loaded pile in granular soil resisted by ultimate lateral reaction. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 16(4), 400–407. 
(Cited by: 4)

Poloju Kiran Kumar | Structural Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Poloju Kiran Kumar | Structural Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer | Middle East College | Oman

Dr. Poloju Kiran Kumar is a distinguished researcher and academician in civil and environmental engineering, presently serving as Senior Lecturer at Middle East College, Muscat, Oman, and Committee Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Oman region. With over thirteen years of academic and research experience, his expertise encompasses structural engineering, sustainable construction materials, and advanced geopolymer concrete technology. Dr. Kiran has authored more than 80 research papers in Web of Science and Scopus-indexed journals and contributed eight book chapters published by Springer, Taylor & Francis, and Nova Publishers. His research achievements include five patents in India and Oman focusing on innovative sustainable concrete materials and artificial intelligence applications in structural performance analysis. He has successfully completed four externally funded research projects worth 16,000 OMR from The Research Council of Oman and leads collaborative projects with Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. His scholarly influence is reflected through over 250 Google Scholar citations with an h-index of 12. Dr. Kiran’s academic leadership is evident in his role in program accreditation, quality assurance, and development of modern teaching pedagogies integrating digital tools. His commitment to sustainable construction and community engagement has earned multiple accolades, including four Best Academic Staff Awards, the INSO Young Scientist Award (2022), and recognition as ICE Oman’s Committee Member (2025). A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), Dr. Kiran has delivered numerous keynote lectures and workshops across Oman, India, and beyond on geopolymer concrete, sustainable infrastructure, and pedagogical innovation. His research contributes significantly to the advancement of low-carbon construction technologies, enhancing environmental resilience and promoting sustainable development in alignment with global engineering goals.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar
Publications:

Poloju, R. K. M. K., & Anil, V. (2017). Properties of concrete as influenced by shape and texture of fine aggregate. American Journal of Applied Scientific Research, 3(3), 28–36.
(Cited by: 22)

Poloju, K. K., & Srinivasu, K. (2021). Impact of GGBS and strength ratio on mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete under ambient curing and oven curing. Materials Today: Proceedings, 42, 962–968. 
(Cited by: 60)

Rollakanti, C. R., Prasad, C. V. S. R., Poloju, K. K., Al Muharbi, N. M. J., & Arun, Y. V. (2021). An experimental investigation on mechanical properties of concrete by partial replacement of cement with wood ash and fine sea shell powder. Materials Today: Proceedings, 43, 1325–1330. 
(Cited by: 56)

Poloju, V. R. K. K., & Naidu, [First initial unavailable]. (2022). New method of data collection using the Kobo Toolbox. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 1527–1535.
(Cited by: 39)

Al Abri, S. A. S., Rollakanti, C. R., Poloju, K. K., & Joe, A. (2022). Experimental study on mechanical properties of concrete by partial replacement of cement with eggshell powder for sustainable construction. Materials Today: Proceedings, 65, 1660–1665. 
(Cited by: 25)

Kristína Compelová | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Kristína Compelová | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Doctorand | Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava | Slovakia

Kristína Compelová is a dedicated early-career researcher specializing in inorganic technologies and materials within the Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, where she is currently pursuing her PhD. With a strong background in chemical technologies and engineering, her academic progression from bachelor’s to doctoral studies reflects her deep commitment to advancing materials science research. She holds concurrent research assistant positions at both the Slovak University of Technology and the Institute of Construction and Architecture of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, demonstrating her active involvement in interdisciplinary research. Her work focuses on experimental investigations and material characterization through advanced analytical techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). She possesses expertise in data processing and interpretation using scientific software tools like Origin, and her research contributions aim to improve understanding of material behavior and structural performance in construction and industrial applications. Throughout her academic and research career, Compelová has contributed to collaborative projects bridging chemical and construction materials research, emphasizing innovation, environmental responsibility, and scientific rigor. Her analytical proficiency and methodical approach enable her to deliver precise experimental results and comprehensive data analyses that contribute to the broader objectives of sustainable material development. She has participated in several institutional research efforts that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and promote scientific advancement in Slovakia’s academic community. With a strong command of English and fundamental German proficiency, she actively engages with international literature and scientific discourse. Her evolving research profile positions her as a promising scientist with potential to make meaningful contributions to the fields of material science, environmental chemistry, and sustainable technologies, reinforcing her commitment to the advancement of applied chemical research and its societal impact.

Profile: Scopus
Publications:

Chloride and combined chemical attack of saline solutions on modified oil well cement pastes. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry.

Abhijeet Das | Environmental Hydrology | Water Resources Management Achievement Award

Dr. Abhijeet Das | Environmental Hydrology | Water Resources Management Achievement Award

Research Consultant | C.V. Raman Global University | India

Dr. Abhijeet Das is a distinguished researcher and consultant specializing in Water Resource Engineering and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), with over a decade of experience in hydrological modeling, spatial data analysis, and environmental sustainability. His expertise spans watershed hydrology, water quality assessment, climate change impact modeling, and the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence into hydrological forecasting. Dr. Das has contributed to numerous international research collaborations, including projects at the University of the West of Scotland, Texas Christian University (USA), University of Iceland, Queensland University of Technology (Australia), and University of Johannesburg (South Africa), focusing on surface water quality modeling, hydro-chemical assessment, and GIS-based decision support for sustainable resource management. He has an impressive record of innovation with over thirty patents related to environmental monitoring, smart water systems, and IoT-based pollution control devices. His academic contributions are reflected in numerous peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and conference papers, many of which have received best paper awards at international venues such as NIT Rourkela, BITS Pilani, and Amity University. Dr. Das’s work has had significant societal impact, advancing the precision of water quality monitoring, promoting data-driven decision-making in water governance, and contributing to the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 6—Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 13—Climate Action). His research on GIS-integrated multi-criteria decision-making models and AI-driven predictive systems for water quality forecasting demonstrates a forward-looking approach to addressing global water security and climate resilience challenges. Through his interdisciplinary collaborations, technical innovation, and commitment to environmental sustainability, Dr. Das continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of water resource management and applied geoinformatics research globally.

Profile: Scopus
Publications:

Oluwatoyin Joseph Gbadeyan | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Oluwatoyin Joseph Gbadeyan | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Fellow | University of KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Dr. Oluwatoyin Joseph Gbadeyan’s research field is anchored in the development of sustainable materials, advanced composites, and innovative manufacturing techniques with applications in mechanical engineering, renewable energy, and the circular economy. His extensive project portfolio includes the design and optimization of bio-composites, bioplastics, and nanomaterials for environmental sustainability and industrial applications. Through his work at leading institutions such as the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Durban University of Technology, he has led groundbreaking projects on hybrid nano-shell plant fiber bio-composites and tribological materials for brake pad applications. His research extends to the valorization of waste materials into high-performance composites, the development of snail shell–derived nanoparticles, and the improvement of additive manufacturing processes to enhance mechanical strength and process efficiency. As a principal investigator and collaborator, he has developed proposals in bioeconomy-focused projects including biofuel, biobricks, and bioplastics, contributing to the advancement of waste-to-energy systems and sustainable product design. His extensive publication record of over thirty peer-reviewed articles, two books, and seventeen book chapters reflects his expertise in nanotechnology, material characterization, and polymer science. Dr. Gbadeyan’s experience spans across academic research, industrial innovation, and technical leadership, where he has successfully guided students and research teams in laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and project execution. His research interests focus on green composite materials, sustainable energy systems, waste valorization, and tribological performance optimization of engineering materials. By integrating materials science with sustainable development principles, he continues to explore innovative approaches that promote eco-friendly manufacturing and circular economy models. His professional activities, including his roles as journal reviewer and committee member for national research funding evaluations, underscore his leadership in advancing the frontiers of sustainable materials research and his dedication to fostering innovation within global engineering communities.

Publications:

Baloyi, R. B., Gbadeyan, O. J., Sithole, B., & Chunilall, V. (2024). Recent advances in recycling technologies for waste textile fabrics: A review. Textile Research Journal, 94(3–4), 508–529.

Khoaele, K. K., Gbadeyan, O. J., Chunilall, V., & Sithole, B. (2023). The devastation of waste plastic on the environment and remediation processes: A critical review. Sustainability, 15(6), 5233.

Gbadeyan, O. J., Adali, S., Bright, G., Sithole, B., & Awogbemi, O. (2020). Studies on the mechanical and absorption properties of Achatina fulica snail and eggshells reinforced composite materials. Composite Structures, 239, 112043.

Gbadeyan, O. J., Muthivhi, J., Linganiso, L. Z., & Deenadayalu, N. (2024). Decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions: A transition toward low-carbon energy systems—A critical review. Clean Technologies, 6(3), 1076–1113.

Gbadeyan, O. J., Adali, S., Bright, G., Sithole, B., & Onwubu, S. (2020). Optimization of milling procedures for synthesizing nano‐CaCO₃ from Achatina fulica shell through mechanochemical techniques. Journal of Nanomaterials, 2020(1), 4370172.

Junbeom Hur | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Junbeom Hur | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Korea University | South Korea

Prof. Junbeom Hur’s research career is defined by impactful contributions to the fields of computer and cyber security, applied cryptography, and network defense systems. His extensive experience as a project leader and researcher encompasses advanced investigations into identity and attribute-based encryption, secure multi-party computation, and privacy-enhancing technologies such as differential privacy and anonymity protocols. He has directed several major research initiatives, including the Brain Korea 21 (BK21) FOUR project in computer science and engineering, which focuses on developing next-generation security frameworks for cloud computing, AI-driven systems, and data protection infrastructures. His work on virtualization security and side-channel attack defenses has strengthened cloud computing environments against sophisticated vulnerabilities, while his exploration of cloud data access control has contributed to secure, scalable information management solutions. In network security, Dr. Hur’s projects have tackled challenges in group key management, secure multicast, RDMA-based attack mitigation, and TLS vulnerability detection, ensuring resilient and trustworthy network communication. His more recent research ventures expand into AI and blockchain security, particularly focusing on protecting machine-learning-as-a-service platforms, enhancing neural network resilience against adversarial threats, and improving anonymity and deanonymization mechanisms in blockchain ecosystems and dark web analysis. Through collaborative and interdisciplinary projects, Dr. Hur continues to advance the understanding of how cryptographic and computational techniques can safeguard emerging technologies. His sustained leadership roles, including as Head of the Center for Information System Security and Vice Dean at Korea University’s College of Informatics, underscore his ability to integrate academic insight with practical innovation, fostering secure digital transformation in academia and industry alike. His future research trajectory is poised to further strengthen global cybersecurity frame

Publications:

Yoon, H., Yu, M., Hahn, C., Koo, D., & Hur, J. (2024). Exploiting hidden information leakages in backward privacy for dynamic searchable symmetric encryption. Applied Sciences, 14(6), 2287.

Yoon, H., Moon, S., Kim, Y., Hahn, C., Lee, W., & Hur, J. (2020). SPEKS: Forward private SGX-based public key encryption with keyword search. Applied Sciences, 10(21), 7842.

Koo, D., Shin, Y., Yun, J., & Hur, J. (2018). Improving security and reliability in Merkle tree-based online data authentication with leakage resilience. Applied Sciences, 8(12), 2532.

Hur, J. (2017). Privacy-preserving aggregation and authentication of multi-source smart meters in a smart grid system. Applied Sciences, 7(10), 1007.

Jahanzeb Rahimi | Water Resources Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jahanzeb Rahimi | Water Resources Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Engineer and Lecturer | Kandahar University | Afghanistan

Mr. Jahanzeb Rahimi’s research field reflects a strong focus on hydraulics, hydrotechnical structures, and water resource management, supported by extensive project and professional experience in both academic and applied engineering environments. His expertise spans the use of engineering design and simulation tools such as Geo-Studio, WaterCAD, and EPANET for modeling and optimizing hydraulic systems. As a lecturer and engineer, he has contributed to the development and implementation of hydrological and water infrastructure projects that enhance urban and rural water management. His professional work includes site supervision, project planning, and engineering design, where he has demonstrated proficiency in handling complex construction and water systems with an emphasis on sustainability and operational efficiency. His experience in procurement management at the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development further reflects his capability in resource coordination, infrastructure planning, and multi-disciplinary collaboration. Rahimi’s research interests are centered on hydraulic structure analysis, environmental water resource systems, and the integration of digital tools for efficient water network management. He is particularly interested in advancing water conservation technologies, flood control systems, and the sustainable utilization of natural resources. Through his engineering practice and teaching, he aims to bridge theoretical research with practical applications to develop innovative solutions that address modern challenges in water resource engineering and environmental protection. His professional journey illustrates a deep commitment to enhancing hydrotechnical infrastructure, promoting community-oriented engineering solutions, and contributing to the sustainable development of water systems in Afghanistan and beyond.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar
Publications

Rahimi, J., Karimi, B. A., & Qani, N. A. (2025). Evaluation of slope stability in earthen canal using GeoStudio simulation: A multi-parameter approach for the Khush Tepa Canal Project, Afghanistan

Andrij Milenin | Materials for fpv drones | Best Researcher Award

Professor Andrij Milenin | Materials for fpv drones | Best Researcher Award

Professor | AGH University in Krakow | Poland

Professor Andrij Milenin, Dr. Habil. Eng., is a distinguished researcher and educator in the field of computational mechanics and materials engineering, currently serving as Professor and Leader of the Laboratory of Computational Mechanics at the AGH University of Krakow, Poland. With a robust academic foundation in Metallurgical Engineering from the National Metallurgical Academy of Ukraine, where he earned his Doctor of Engineering in 1991 and Dr. Habil. Eng. in 2001, Professor Milenin has built a career spanning over three decades across Ukraine, Poland, and international collaborations. His expertise encompasses finite element modeling, metal forming processes, and the development of biodegradable metallic biomaterials, with a particular focus on Zn- and Mg-based surgical wires and implant materials that contribute to advancements in biomedical engineering. He has authored numerous high-impact publications in leading journals such as Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, Materials (Basel), and Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, reflecting his commitment to applied research and innovation. His works address both theoretical and practical challenges, bridging computational modeling with industrial and medical applications. As a dedicated mentor, he has supervised ten PhD theses and numerous master’s and bachelor’s projects, fostering the next generation of researchers in materials science and computational mechanics. His role as reviewer for premier journals and the National Science Centre of Poland further highlights his scientific credibility and leadership. Professor Milenin’s ongoing projects explore sustainable manufacturing methods, advanced heat transfer modeling, and nanocoating technologies for medical implants, underscoring his contribution to the global pursuit of eco-efficient and health-focused engineering solutions. His extensive citation record and sustained scholarly activity mark him as a thought leader whose research not only strengthens academic knowledge but also drives tangible societal and technological progress.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID
Publications:

Investigating the anticancer potential of zinc and magnesium alloys: From base materials to nanocoated titanium implants. Materials, 17(Issue unavailable). 
(Cited by: 2)

In vitro and in vivo degradation of the new dissolvable surgical wire, produced from Zn-based low alloy by hot and cold drawing. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A: Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science. 
(Cited by: 1)

Optimizing heat transfer models for efficient coil cooling in warehouse management systems. Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering.

Effects of FPV drone frame materials on thermal conditions of motors under extreme payloads: Experimental and numerical analysis. Processes.

New technique for sharpening ultra-thin wires for the drawing process: Incremental furnace stretching. Bulletin of the Polish Academy of Sciences: Technical Sciences.