Laila Taoufiq | Earthquake Engineering | Women Researcher Award

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Laila Taoufiq | Earthquake Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Teacher Researcher | Polytechnic School of Agadir | Morocco

Laila Taoufiq is a researcher and academic specializing in materials science and civil engineering, with significant contributions to sustainable construction and structural analysis. Her work focuses on the valorization of industrial waste materials, particularly coal fly ash and bottom ash, in concrete manufacturing to promote environmental sustainability. Through her research, Laila explores mechanical performance, radiological safety, and environmental impact of alternative construction materials, exemplified in her publications on recycling coal ashes and assessing radiological aspects of wastewater treatment processes. She also studies structural failures, as highlighted in her 2025 paper analyzing reinforced concrete buildings affected by the Al Haouz earthquake in Morocco. Her research further extends to evaluating indoor air quality and exposure to natural radioactivity in buildings, addressing both environmental health and structural integrity. As a faculty member at the École Polytechnique d’Agadir, Laila teaches advanced civil engineering subjects such as reinforced and prestressed concrete, structural mechanics, and modeling of metallic and concrete structures. Her teaching integrates theoretical understanding with practical experimentation, involving structural modeling tools like Robot Structural Analysis. The combination of her academic and professional pursuits demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary approach linking materials science, civil engineering, and environmental risk assessment. Her doctoral research at the University Chouaib Doukkali centered on the technical and environmental feasibility of reusing industrial ashes in construction materials, setting a foundation for her ongoing studies in sustainable material applications. Laila’s publications in renowned journals such as Elsevier’s Structures and the Journal of Materials and Environmental Sciences underscore her impact in advancing eco-efficient construction solutions. Citation and index are provided within this research portfolio

Profile: Scopus
Fearuted Publications:

Structural failure of reinforced concrete buildings: The case of Al Haouz earthquake on 8 September 2023, Morocco. (2025). Structures.

Toshiaki Koike-Akino | Environmental Modeling | Best Researcher Award

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Toshiaki Koike-Akino | Environmental Modeling | Best Researcher Award

Distinguished Research Scientist | Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories | United States

Toshiaki Koike-Akino is a distinguished research scientist at Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories whose extensive work bridges quantum computing, artificial intelligence, optical communication, and information theory. His research encompasses quantum machine learning, quantum algorithms, and quantum information systems, with applications extending to intelligent sensing, signal processing, and secure communication networks. He has made notable contributions to the development of low-power electronic design automation, FPGA systems, and mixed reality technologies such as virtual and augmented reality for robotic manipulation. In the domain of optical communications, his studies on coded modulation, equalization, and error correction codes have significantly enhanced high-speed data transmission efficiency and reliability. Koike-Akino’s pioneering efforts in photonic integrated circuits, nano-photonic devices, and meta-surface designs demonstrate his expertise in inverse design through deep learning and optimization algorithms. His work in optical sensing, including quantum and bio-sensing, has advanced methods for high-resolution imaging and tomography. Furthermore, his research in information theory and network coding has contributed to improving network capacity, secrecy, and cooperative communication systems. Across his career, Koike-Akino has authored more than 60 journal papers and over 230 conference publications, many of which are award-winning or invited works, reflecting a strong international reputation in interdisciplinary research that integrates quantum technology, AI, and photonics for next-generation communication and computing systems.

Profile: Google Scholar
Fearuted Publications:

Koike-Akino, T., Popovski, P., & Tarokh, V. (2009). Optimized constellations for two-way wireless relaying with physical network coding. IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, 27(5), 773–787.

Tahersima, M. H., Kojima, K., Koike-Akino, T., Jha, D., Wang, B., & Lin, C. (2019). Deep neural network inverse design of integrated photonic power splitters. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 1368.

Kumar, A., Marks, T. K., Mou, W., Wang, Y., Jones, M., Cherian, A., Koike-Akino, T., Liu, X., & Feng, J. (2020). LUVLi face alignment: Estimating landmarks' location, uncertainty, and visibility likelihood. In Proceedings of the IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR) (pp. 8236–8246).

Millar, D. S., Koike-Akino, T., Arık, S. Ö., Kojima, K., Parsons, K., Yoshida, T., Suzuki, M., & Sugihara, T. (2014). High-dimensional modulation for coherent optical communications systems. Optics Express, 22(7), 8798–8812.

Fehenberger, T., Millar, D. S., Koike-Akino, T., Kojima, K., & Parsons, K. (2019). Multiset-partition distribution matching. IEEE Transactions on Communications, 67(3), 1885–1893.

Millar, D. S., Maher, R., Lavery, D., Koike-Akino, T., Pajovic, M., Alvarado, A., & Bayvel, P. (2016). Design of a 1 Tb/s superchannel coherent receiver. Journal of Lightwave Technology, 34(6), 1453–1463.

Md Aynul Hoque | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

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Md Aynul Hoque | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | UCSI University Bangladesh Branch Campus | Bangladesh

Md Aynul Hoque’s research focuses on advancing knowledge in operations management, innovation ecosystems, and sustainable supply chain systems, particularly within the context of the apparel and manufacturing industries. His academic contributions highlight the intersections of Industry 4.0, digital transformation, and value chain optimization, emphasizing how technological adoption can enhance competitiveness and sustainability. A significant part of his work examines automation, job displacement, and reshoring within the Bangladeshi ready-made garments (RMG) industry, identifying strategies for resilience and adaptability in global markets. Hoque has extensively explored system dynamics modeling for supply chain performance, demonstrating how analytical frameworks can improve operational efficiency and reduce risks across industrial processes. His research also delves into occupational safety, knowledge economy development, and export diversification, aligning with broader goals of private sector growth and economic modernization. Publications in reputed Scopus and Web of Science–indexed journals such as the Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management and Research Journal of Textile and Apparel reflect a strong scholarly foundation and global relevance. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Hoque bridges theory and practice by integrating quantitative analysis, strategic management, and sustainability principles. His academic engagements further extend into curriculum design, quality assurance in higher education, and professional training initiatives aimed at improving teaching quality and research productivity. By combining corporate experience in supply chain, project coordination, and quality management with academic expertise, Md Aynul Hoque contributes to the development of efficient, technology-driven, and environmentally responsible business models that foster innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across emerging economies.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar
Fearuted Publications:

Hoque, M. A., Rasiah, R., Furuoka, F., & Kumar, S. (2021). Technology adoption in the apparel industry: Insight from literature review and research directions. Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, 25(3), 292–307.

Hoque, M. A., Rasiah, R., Furuoka, F., & Kumar, S. (2023). Critical determinants and firm performance of sustainable technology adoption in the apparel industry: The stakeholder approach. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, 27(1),

Asgari, B., & Hoque, M. A. (2013). A system dynamics approach to supply chain performance analysis of the ready-made-garment industry in Bangladesh. Ritsumeikan Journal of Asia Pacific Studies, 32(1), 51–61.

Md Aynul Hoque, S. K., Rasiah, R., & Furuoka, F. (2021). Linkages among automation, job displacement and reshoring: Evidence from the Bangladeshi apparel industry. Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, 1–17.

Alam, S., Chowdhury, S. R., Bashar, A., & Hoque, M. A. (2020). Factors affecting occupational injury and death: Insights from ready-made garments industry of Bangladesh. TEST Engineering and Management, [ISSN 193-4120],

Fatemeh Fathi | Risk management | Best Researcher Award

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Fatemeh Fathi | Risk management | Best Researcher Award

associate professor of Agricultural economics | Shiraz University | Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatemeh Fathi, an Associate Professor in Agricultural Economics at Shiraz University, focuses her research on sustainable agricultural systems, environmental economics, and the optimization of resource management under uncertainty. Her work integrates economic and environmental dimensions to address challenges in energy policy, climate change adaptation, and food security. She has contributed to studies examining the relationship between energy consumption, carbon emissions, and income in Iran, highlighting how economic structures impact environmental sustainability. Her research explores the effects of economic risk management on agricultural productivity, such as sugar beet production under varying irrigation regimes, and evaluates strategies for water resource management in watershed systems affected by climate change. Fatemeh Fathi’s investigations into the Iranian meat market provide insights into the consequences of energy subsidy reforms and their implications for food security and environmental sustainability. Using advanced analytical tools such as game theory and portfolio theory, she develops models for managing environmental and financial risks in agricultural sectors, with applications in seed maize and wheat production. Her scholarly contributions extend to international collaborations and conferences addressing the integration of environmental and economic strategies in agricultural development. She co-authored a book chapter on policy frameworks for climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing adaptive strategies for sustainable farming practices. Through her comprehensive research, Fatemeh Fathi contributes to shaping policy and management approaches that balance economic growth with environmental preservation, fostering a resilient agricultural economy capable of withstanding future climate and market uncertainties.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID
Fearuted Publications:

Maria Macchiaroli | Water Resources Engineering | Women Researcher Award

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Maria Macchiaroli | Water Resources Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | University of Salerno | Italy

Maria Macchiaroli, affiliated with the University of Salerno in Italy, has established a distinguished research profile in the field of sustainable construction, environmental management, and socio-economic development related to the built environment. Her research explores the intersection of engineering, architecture, and sustainability, emphasizing how innovative technologies and design strategies can enhance resource efficiency and urban livability. Through publications addressing extended reality (XR) in real estate, economic-financial project management, and the promotion of socio-environmental sustainability by water utilities, Maria contributes to advancing the integration of digital innovation and sustainability in urban systems. Her scholarly work demonstrates a commitment to optimizing infrastructure performance while minimizing environmental impacts, combining quantitative analysis with socio-economic assessment to inform policy and practice. She also investigates cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency in housing and public utilities, highlighting the importance of sustainable urban planning and responsible management of water and energy resources. With 39 documents, 324 citations, and an h-index of 13, her research continues to influence both academia and industry, reinforcing her role as a key figure in sustainable development studies. By bridging environmental engineering principles with social responsibility, Maria Macchiaroli’s research provides valuable frameworks for sustainable resource allocation, eco-efficient urban management, and resilience in built environments, aligning with global goals for smart and sustainable cities.

Profile: Scopus
Fearuted Publications:

Living in university accommodations or rented houses: Analysis of differences in terms of cost and effects on university career. (n.d.). Book chapter.

Extended reality (XR) impacts on real estate market and economic-financial project management of residential built environments: Systematic review and analysis. (2025). Smart and Sustainable Built Environment.

Promotion of socio-environmental sustainability by water utilities: Optimal budget's estimation and results' analysis of varying company size. (n.d.). Conference paper.

Saad A. A. Jabir | Structural Health Monitoring | Research Excellence in Civil and Environmental Engineering Award

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Saad A. A. Jabir | Structural Health Monitoring | Research Excellence in Civil and Environmental Engineering Award

CEO | Nur Engineering GmbH | Germany

Saad A. A. Jabir’s research focuses on advancing condition monitoring and structural health assessment within civil engineering, emphasizing innovative sensor-based approaches for real-time evaluation of infrastructure performance. His primary contributions are in the development and application of thick-film ceramic sensors for measuring the strength and stability of civil structures. Jabir’s work demonstrates the potential of these sensors in providing accurate, durable, and responsive measurements that enhance the reliability and safety of infrastructure systems. Through his publications, he explores the integration of sensing technology into civil structures, enabling continuous monitoring that aids in preventive maintenance and early fault detection. His research also intersects materials science and measurement engineering, with attention to improving sensor materials’ thermal and mechanical resilience for field applications. By addressing challenges such as environmental variability and long-term stability of sensor outputs, Jabir contributes to making structural monitoring systems more adaptive and cost-effective. His studies have significant implications for modern smart infrastructure and sustainable construction practices, providing valuable insights into how sensor technologies can be scaled for large-scale engineering projects. His collaborative work reflects an interdisciplinary approach combining electrical engineering, materials research, and civil infrastructure monitoring to create robust diagnostic systems for critical assets. Saad A. A. Jabir’s research output, though concise, holds impactful applications for modern infrastructure management and reliability improvement in engineering systems. 60 Citations 3 Documents 2 h-index

Profile: Scopus
Featured Publications:

Condition monitoring of the strength and stability of civil structures using thick film ceramic sensors. (2013). Measurement: Journal of the International Measurement Confederation.

George Ashwehmbom Looh | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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George Ashwehmbom Looh | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher | Hunan Agricultural University | China

George Ashwehmbom Looh’s research concentrates on advancing agricultural mechanization through intelligent systems aimed at improving grain processing efficiency and minimizing post-harvest losses. His primary focus is the detection and reduction of grain damage during threshing and handling operations using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms. Looh has conducted optimization experiments to enhance the operational performance of rice threshing equipment, incorporating analytical modeling of mechanical properties of rice grains to determine their influence on breakage and quality deterioration. His studies bridge computational intelligence and mechanical engineering principles to develop predictive systems capable of detecting damage in real time and improving equipment design and functionality. Looh’s work also explores the integration of adaptive technologies in agricultural machinery, such as the automatic adjustment of threshing gaps based on feed rate monitoring in combine harvesters, contributing to the broader field of precision agriculture. His collaborations extend into advanced fault detection in industrial machinery using hybrid transformer models and variational autoencoders, as well as tactile sensor optimization with polymer optical fiber technology. The consistent theme across his research is enhancing mechanical performance, sustainability, and automation in agricultural and mechanical systems. Looh’s scientific contributions, which include several publications in high-impact journals like Materials & Design, Journal of Agricultural Engineering, and Applied Engineering in Agriculture, reflect a strong commitment to innovation in agricultural engineering, mechatronics, and applied data science. His research advances the precision and reliability of agricultural operations, fostering the development of more resilient post-harvest systems and intelligent equipment capable of addressing global challenges in food security and sustainable farming practices.

Profile: Scopus
Featured Publications:

Design and experiment of adaptive adjustment of threshing gaps based on the feed rate monitoring of soybean combine harvester conveyor trough. (2025). Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.

Max Barillas | Computational Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Max Barillas | Computational Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

PhD Researcher | Centre Internacional de Metodes Numerics en Enginyeria | Spain

Mr. Max Barillas is a dedicated researcher specializing in computational and mechanical engineering with a strong focus on data-driven modeling and materials design. Currently serving as a Predoctoral Researcher at the Centre Internacional de Mètodes Numèrics en Enginyeria (CIMNE) in Barcelona, Max contributes to advancing numerical and computational methods for solving complex engineering problems. His academic trajectory includes a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University and ongoing doctoral research in Civil Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Max’s work demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary approach that merges computational mechanics, materials science, and applied mathematics. His notable research includes the development of non-intrusive, data-driven methodologies for addressing inverse problems in bending dielectric elastomer actuators, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy in modeling soft robotic systems. Additionally, he has contributed to the design of low-porosity auxetic tessellations aimed at reducing mechanical stress concentrations, a study that supports innovations in lightweight and flexible materials. Through these investigations, Max explores the intersection of structural optimization and smart materials, striving to enhance mechanical performance and adaptability. His research reflects a commitment to bridging theoretical frameworks with real-world applications in advanced materials and engineering design. Overall, Max Barillas’s scholarly contributions highlight a forward-thinking perspective within computational mechanics, focusing on leveraging mathematical modeling and numerical analysis to address modern challenges in material behavior and structural engineering, reinforcing his role as an emerging expert in the field of computational and mechanical sciences.

Profile: ORCID
Fearuted Publications:

Barillas, M., Ortigosa, R., Martinez-Frutos, J., Bonet, J., & García-González, A. (2026). Design of low-porosity auxetic tessellations with reduced mechanical stress concentrations. Applied Mathematical Modelling.

Sandra Cunha Gonçalves | Materials Science and Engineering | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Sandra Cunha Gonçalves | Materials Science and Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Research Teacher | Federal Institute of Bahia | Brazil

Prof. Dr. Sandra Cunha Gonçalves has developed a solid academic and scientific career in Civil Engineering, Sustainability, and Environmental Studies, focusing on innovative solutions for the reuse of waste materials in the construction industry. Her research emphasizes solid waste management and the development of eco-friendly materials that incorporate vegetal fibers, modified starch, recycled gypsum, and other industrial by-products to minimize environmental impacts and promote sustainable practices in social housing. Gonçalves has contributed to advancing sustainable construction technologies through the creation of composites and biocomposites with improved physical and mechanical properties, offering alternatives to conventional materials with high energy consumption. Her ongoing projects explore life cycle analysis of materials, the use of green coconut fibers, and polymeric emulsions in gypsum matrices, generating significant results for structural efficiency and environmental performance. Her scientific output includes publications in national and international journals, book chapters, and conference presentations on sustainability, bioconstruction, and waste management. In addition to her research, she promotes extension activities that integrate social technology, environmental education, and vernacular architecture, strengthening the connection between science, culture, and community. At the Federal Institute of Bahia, Gonçalves leads research groups focused on material innovation and environmental education, mentoring new researchers committed to socio-environmental responsibility and construction efficiency. Her professional journey is distinguished by a strong dedication to sustainability, the integration of applied science with technical education, and the continuous pursuit of viable solutions that balance technical performance with the preservation of natural resources.

Profile: ORCID
Featured Publications
Gonçalves, S. C., da Silva Junior, M. F., Souza, M. T., de Amorim Júnior, N. S., & Ribeiro, D. V. (2025). Physicomechanical properties of recycled gypsum composites with polyvinyl acetate emulsion and treated short green coconut fibers. Buildings.