Marie Giroudon | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Marie Giroudon | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

INSA Toulouse – France

AUTHOR PROFILE

Summary

Dr. Marie Giroudon is an emerging leader in sustainable cementitious materials. In just four years post‑PhD she has published rigorously, secured competitive funding, and established a vibrant teaching and mentoring profile. Her work on biodeterioration in anaerobic and chemically aggressive environments fills a critical knowledge gap for low‑carbon infrastructure, aligning neatly with the thrust of many “Best Researcher” criteria: originality, societal impact, and future promise.

🎓 Education

Marie Giroudon has built a solid academic foundation in civil and geotechnical engineering, culminating in a PhD in Civil Engineering defended in January 2021 at INSA Toulouse. She also holds a Master’s degree and an Engineering Diploma in Civil and Geotechnical Engineering from UPSSITECH, University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, awarded with honours in 2017. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, completed with distinction in 2014, following which she undertook a semester abroad at Polytechnique Montréal in Canada, receiving a “very good” assessment. Her secondary education concluded with a Scientific Baccalaureate in 2011 with honours.

🏗️ Professional Experience

Marie Giroudon is currently serving as a Maître de Conférences (Assistant Professor) at the National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA Toulouse), specializing in construction materials durability. Prior to this, she worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher on the ANR WWT Concrete project, focusing on sustainable concrete in wastewater treatment. From 2020 to 2022, she held a full-time A.T.E.R. teaching position at INSA Toulouse, delivering courses in BIM, geotechnics, heat transfer, and prestressed concrete. Her professional career is deeply rooted in applied research, particularly through her PhD and master’s thesis on biodeterioration and sustainable materials in anaerobic environments.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Giroudon’s research is centered on the biodeterioration of cementitious materials in chemically aggressive environments, particularly anaerobic digestion systems, and the development of sustainable and low-carbon construction materials. She has contributed significantly to understanding the interactions between organic compounds and various binder types, with emphasis on geopolymers, blast-furnace slag cement, and calcium aluminate cement. Her work also extends to micromechanical characterization, multiphysical behavior analysis, and phase stability of materials exposed to biological and chemical attacks.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Marie Giroudon received the 3rd prize for young researchers at the XVème Forum Jeunes Chercheurs – Biodétérioration des matériaux in 2019. She is an active member of the RILEM committee (TC 253-MCI) and the AFGC Technical Group on Bio-Cement Interactions, contributing to state-of-the-art documentation on biodeterioration in civil infrastructure. Her engagement in these international communities underlines her growing influence and recognition in the field of construction durability.

📚  Publications :

1. Title: Comparison of barley and lavender straws as bioaggregates in earth bricks
Author(s): M. Giroudon, A. Laborel-Préneron, J.E. Aubert, C. Magniont
Year: 2019

2. Title: Blast-furnace slag cement and metakaolin based geopolymer as construction materials for liquid anaerobic digestion structures: Interactions and biodeterioration mechanisms
Author(s): M. Giroudon, M.P. Lavigne, C. Patapy, A. Bertron
Year: 2021

3. Title: Cementitious materials in biogas systems: Biodeterioration mechanisms and kinetics in CEM I and CAC based materials
Author(s): C. Voegel, M. Giroudon, A. Bertron, C. Patapy, M.P. Lavigne, T. Verdier, et al.
Year: 2019

4. Title: Experimental assessment of bio-based earth bricks durability
Author(s): A. Laborel-Préneron, M. Giroudon, J.E. Aubert, C. Magniont, P. Faria
Year: 2019

5. Title: Potential of low carbon materials facing biodeterioration in concrete biogas structures
Author(s): M. Giroudon, C. Patapy, M. Peyre Lavigne, M. Andriamiandroso, R. Cartier, et al.
Year: 2023

6. Title: Insights into the local interaction mechanisms between fermenting broken maize and various binder materials for anaerobic digester structures
Author(s): M. Giroudon, C. Perez, M.P. Lavigne, B. Erable, C. Lors, C. Patapy, A. Bertron
Year: 2021

7. Title: Biodeterioration mechanisms and kinetics of SCM and aluminate based cements and AAM in the liquid phase of an anaerobic digestion
Author(s): M. Giroudon, M.P. Lavigne, C. Patapy, A. Bertron
Year: 2018

8. Title: New insights into aluminosilicate gel from acetic acid attack of hydrated Portland cement: Experimental and thermodynamic characterization
Author(s): C. Roosz, M. Giroudon, L. Lacarrière, M.P. Lavigne, C. Patapy, A. Bertron
Year: 2024

9. Title: Laboratory assessment of the contribution of aggressive to concrete chemical compounds to the degradation of Portland cement-based materials during anaerobic digestion
Author(s): M. Giroudon, M. Peyre Lavigne, C. Patapy, A. Bertron
Year: 2021

10. Title: Evaluation des interactions entre biodéchets en digestion anaérobie et matériaux cimentaires à base de différents liants en vue d’une meilleure durabilité des structures de …
Author(s): M. Giroudon
Year: 2021

✅ Conclusion

Given her exceptional early‑career trajectory, cross‑disciplinary impact, and clear leadership potential, Dr. Marie Giroudon is highly suitable for a Best Researcher Award in the Early‑Career or Rising‑Star category. Addressing the outlined improvement areas—particularly expanding international funding and industry partnerships—will compound her influence, but her current accomplishments already merit strong consideration for top honors.

Tirivavi Moyo | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr . Tirivavi Moyo | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Nelson Mandela University, South Africa

Dr. Tirivavi Moyo is a highly accomplished academic and researcher in Construction Economics, with extensive experience in both industry and academia across Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa. He has demonstrated strong leadership through the supervision of over 70 honours and numerous MSc dissertations, many of which focus on pressing industry issues such as sustainability, labour productivity, and technological innovation. His work is notable for its applied impact and relevance to real-world construction challenges. Dr. Moyo has held several academic leadership roles, contributing significantly to curriculum development and postgraduate research coordination. While there is limited detail on peer-reviewed publications and external research funding, his research supervision outcomes and academic service reflect a deep commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in the built environment. With enhanced international dissemination and publication, he would be even more competitive. Overall, he is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on his impactful, practice-oriented contributions.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Dr. Tirivavi Moyo holds a PhD in Construction Economics, demonstrating advanced expertise in the intersection of construction management, cost control, and economic sustainability within the built environment. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in quantity surveying and construction project management, further supported by professional recognition as a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS). Over the years, he has developed and delivered academic content across undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate levels at various institutions, including the National University of Science and Technology (Zimbabwe), Namibia University of Science and Technology, and Nelson Mandela University (South Africa). His teaching portfolio includes modules such as Construction Economics, Research Methods, Construction for Sustainability, and Project Environment and Policy. Dr. Moyo’s education is not only grounded in theory but also shaped by practical industry experience, which enriches his academic delivery and supervision of student research, ensuring strong alignment with industry standards and global best practices.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Tirivavi Moyo has over two decades of professional experience spanning both the construction industry and academia. He began his career as an Estimator and Quantity Surveyor at MCG Construction and Engineering, where he managed cost estimation, tendering, and project valuations for major housing and industrial projects valued at over US$7 million. He later served as a Project Manager at Gateway Construction, overseeing community development projects worth US$3 million. Transitioning into academia, Dr. Moyo has held lecturing and senior academic positions at institutions such as the National University of Science and Technology (Zimbabwe), Namibia University of Science and Technology, and Nelson Mandela University. His roles have included teaching, research supervision, curriculum development, and academic leadership. He has coordinated numerous postgraduate research projects and held administrative positions such as Examinations and Postgraduate Coordinator. This blend of industry and academic experience positions him as a well-rounded professional with deep practical insight and research acumen.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Tirivavi Moyo’s research interests lie at the intersection of construction economics, project management, and sustainable development within the built environment. He is particularly focused on addressing practical challenges in the construction industry through applied research, including areas such as labour productivity, construction cost management, and environmental sustainability. His work explores innovative strategies like the adoption of lean construction, Building Information Modelling (BIM), virtual and augmented reality, and wellness programs to improve efficiency and worker well-being. Dr. Moyo is also deeply engaged in examining social dimensions of construction, including gender equality and workforce training. His research consistently aims to align academic inquiry with real-world industry needs, especially within developing contexts like Zimbabwe and southern Africa. With a strong track record of supervising student research on these themes, Dr. Moyo is committed to advancing knowledge that not only contributes to academic literature but also fosters sustainable and inclusive growth in the construction sector.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Tirivavi Moyo has earned recognition for his outstanding contributions to academia and the construction industry through various academic and professional honors. While specific awards are not explicitly listed in his profile, his consistent leadership in supervising high-quality student research—resulting in numerous distinctions at both honours and MSc levels—highlights his excellence in mentorship and research guidance. His appointment as an Associate Professor and previous roles as Examinations Coordinator, Postgraduate Coordinator, and Curriculum Review Lead further reflect the trust and recognition he has earned within academic institutions. In addition, his membership in the prestigious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) underscores his professional credibility and standing in the international construction community. Dr. Moyo’s achievements in delivering impactful, industry-relevant research and leading academic programs across institutions in Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa stand as a testament to his dedication, earning him respect and acknowledgment from both peers and students in the academic and professional realms.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Tirivavi Moyo possesses strong and well-rounded research skills developed through years of academic practice and industry engagement. His expertise spans the full research cycle—from conceptualization and proposal development to data collection, analysis, and dissemination. He demonstrates particular strength in applied and empirical research, with a focus on solving real-world problems in the construction industry. Dr. Moyo is proficient in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, enabling him to supervise a wide range of research topics including sustainability, labour management, construction technology adoption, and project performance. His ability to guide students toward producing high-quality dissertations—many of which have received distinctions—speaks to his skill in mentoring and critical evaluation. In addition, his involvement in curriculum development and internal moderation indicates a deep understanding of academic standards and research rigor. Through his work, Dr. Moyo consistently bridges theory and practice, making his research highly relevant to both academia and industry stakeholders.

Conclusion💡

Tirivavi Moyo’s research in construction economics has made a significant impact on the advancement of sustainable construction practices, labour productivity, and social equity in the built environment. His work bridges industry practice and academic scholarship, with a strong emphasis on improving construction project delivery through the integration of decent work principles, innovative technologies, and sustainable development strategies. His continued contributions are shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and efficient construction sector in Southern Africa and beyond.

Publications Top Noted✍

  • Title: Factors affecting labor productivity on building projects in Zimbabwe
    Authors: B. Chigara, T. Moyo
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 107

  • Title: An analysis of cost management strategies employed by building contractors on projects in Zimbabwe
    Authors: B. Chigara, T. Moyo, F.H. Mudzengerere
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 58

  • Title: Factors affecting the delivery of optimum health and safety on construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe
    Authors: B. Chigara, T. Moyo
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 45

  • Title: Barriers to lean construction implementation in Zimbabwe
    Authors: T. Moyo, B. Chigara
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 33

  • Title: Decent working conditions for improved construction workers’ productivity on Zimbabwean building projects
    Authors: T. Moyo, G. Crafford, F. Emuze
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 31

  • Title: Work measurement techniques utilized by the building industry in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe
    Authors: T. Moyo, E. Mangore, B. Chigara
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 18

  • Title: Overview of operational and regulatory framework for occupational safety and health management in Zimbabwe’s construction industry
    Authors: B. Chigara, T. Moyo
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 14

  • Title: Expected competencies of construction project managers in Zimbabwe
    Authors: T. Moyo, B. Chigara
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 13

  • Title: People-centred management for improving construction workers’ productivity in Zimbabwe
    Authors: T. Moyo, G. Crafford, F. Emuze
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 11

  • Title: Critical factors affecting workplace well-being at construction sites across countries with different income levels
    Authors: M.M. Omer, T. Moyo, A. Al-Otaibi, A.M. Alawag, A. Rizal Alias, R.A. Rahman
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 7

  • Title: Development of workplace well-being indexes at construction sites
    Authors: M.M. Omer, T. Moyo, A.R. Alias, R.A. Rahman
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 7

Moina Ajmeri | Sustainable Development | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Moina Ajmeri | Sustainable Development | Best Research Article Award

Assitant Professor at National Institute of Technology Patna, India

Dr. Moina Ajmeri is a dedicated and accomplished academic serving as an Assistant Professor (Grade-II, Level-11) in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Patna. With an impressive h-index of 8 and over 298 citations, Dr. Ajmeri has made significant contributions to the fields of control systems, power electronics, and renewable energy systems. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to research, teaching, and innovation, underlined by her involvement in several patents and high-impact journal publications. Her multidisciplinary approach and passion for advancing control techniques for complex industrial processes and energy applications have positioned her as an influential voice in her field.

profile

scopus

Education

Dr. Ajmeri holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna, completed in 2016. Her doctoral research focused on the development of new two-degree-of-freedom control schemes tailored for integrating and unstable processes with time delay, and she graduated with a commendable CPI of 8.93/10. She also holds an M.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, which she completed in 2010, securing an excellent academic score of 88.50%. Her undergraduate foundation in engineering was established at Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, where she earned a B.Sc. Engineering in Electronics and Communication with distinction, obtaining 82.33% marks.

Experience

Dr. Ajmeri’s professional journey began at NIT Patna, where she joined as an Assistant Professor (On Contract) in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering in 2015. Post completion of her Ph.D., she transitioned to a permanent faculty role in the Department of Electrical Engineering in 2018, and since September 2022, she has held her current position as an Assistant Professor (Grade-II, Level-11). During this period, she has combined her academic instruction with active research, mentoring students, and contributing to the academic and administrative growth of the department.

Research Interest

Dr. Ajmeri’s research interests lie in process modeling and system identification, control design for both linear and nonlinear systems, and advanced control applications for power electronic circuits. Her expertise also extends to micro-grids and renewable energy systems, where she seeks to develop robust and efficient control strategies to meet the demands of modern sustainable energy networks. Her research stands at the crossroads of theory and application, striving to solve real-world industrial challenges while pushing the boundaries of control systems engineering.

Award

In recognition of her research excellence and commitment to innovation, Dr. Ajmeri has been an instrumental contributor to two patents related to high-gain DC-DC boost converter technologies, co-filed in 2023 under the aegis of NIT Patna. These patents are designed to address the challenges of high switching frequencies and multi-level energy conversion, which are pivotal in renewable energy and power electronic systems. These innovations showcase her practical problem-solving skills and her vision for transforming power electronics.

Publication

Dr. Ajmeri’s scholarly output features several high-impact journal articles. Selected examples include:

Ajmeri, M. (2024). “Novel twofold control for delayed industrial processes with integrating and inverse response characteristics,” IFAC Journal of Systems and Control (Q3).

Kumar, P., & Ajmeri, M. (2025). “A non-isolated buck-boost converter based on SEPIC topology for renewable energy applications,” Computers and Electrical Engineering, Volume 124, Part A.

Kumar, S., & Ajmeri, M. (2023). “Smith predictor–based sliding mode control with hyperbolic tangent function for unstable processes,” Transactions of the Institute of Measurement and Control (Q2).

Ajmeri, M. (2022). “Analytical design of enhanced PID controller with set-point filter for unstable processes with time delay,” International Journal of Dynamics and Control (Q2).

Ajmeri, M., & Ali, A. (2017). “Analytical design of modified Smith predictor for unstable second-order processes with time delay,” International Journal of Systems Science (Q1).

Ajmeri, M., & Ali, A. (2015). “Two degree of freedom control scheme for unstable processes with small time delay,” ISA Transactions (Q1).

Ajmeri, M., & Ali, A. (2013). “Direct synthesis based tuning of the parallel control structure for integrating processes,” International Journal of Systems Science (Q1).

These publications have not only been cited by numerous international researchers but have also inspired new studies in both academic and industrial circles, attesting to their significant scholarly impact.

Conclusion

Dr. Moina Ajmeri’s research work exemplifies academic excellence, innovation, and societal relevance. Her consistent contributions to the field of advanced control systems and renewable energy technologies have set a high benchmark for scientific research. The nominated article reflects both technical brilliance and real-world applicability, making her an ideal candidate for the Research for Best Research Article Award. Dr. Ajmeri’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of engineering knowledge and her impactful publications make her deserving of this prestigious recognition.

Huma Iftikhar | Environmental Management | Best Researcher Award Huazhong

Ms Huma Iftikhar | Environmental Management | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Researcher, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

Huma Iftikhar is an academic and researcher specializing in business administration, financial technology, and sustainable development. She completed her PhD in Business Administration at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China, where her research focused on the impact of financial technology and business-centric tourism on inclusive green growth. Previously, she earned an MS in Enterprise Management from the same institution and a BS in Electronic Engineering from the International Islamic University, Islamabad. With a professional background in IT operations at Telenor Pakistan, she has gained industry experience in enterprise technical support. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor (Postdoctoral Researcher Track) at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Her research contributions are published in high-impact journals, exploring themes of sustainable development, regional integration, and green growth.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Orcid

Scopus

EDUCATION 🎓

Huma Iftikhar obtained her PhD in Business Administration from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China (2020-2024), with a dissertation on the role of financial technology and business-centric tourism in inclusive green growth. She also completed an MS in Enterprise Management (2018-2020) from the same university, focusing on corporate diversification’s impact on environmental performance. Her bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering (2008-2012) from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, included a final year project on interactive smart room technology for individuals with disabilities. Her academic journey demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach, blending business, finance, sustainability, and engineering principles.

EXPERIENCE 💼

Currently, Huma Iftikhar is an Assistant Professor (Postdoctoral Researcher Track) at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where she focuses on sustainable business practices and financial technology. Previously, she worked at Telenor Pakistan (2013-2017) as an Enterprise IT Technical Support Operations Officer, managing IT services and collaborating with senior management. Her tenure at Telenor provided her with expertise in IT support, system maintenance, and enterprise-level technical operations. This blend of academic and industry experience positions her as a dynamic researcher in financial technology and business sustainability.

AWARDS AND HONORS 🏆

Huma Iftikhar has received recognition for her academic excellence and research contributions. She secured a prestigious doctoral fellowship at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Her scholarly work on sustainable development and fintech has been published in high-impact journals, earning her recognition within the academic community. She has actively participated in international conferences, presenting her research on business sustainability and the Belt and Road Initiative’s economic impacts.

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Her research revolves around financial technology, business-centric tourism, and sustainable development. She examines the intersection of fintech and regional economic integration, particularly in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, she explores the role of corporate governance, institutional quality, and environmental regulations in achieving green growth. Her work provides valuable insights into how digital finance and tourism policies can contribute to sustainable economic progress.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES 📚

📌 Paving towards the sustainable development goals: Analyzing the nexus of financial technology, business-centric-tourism, and green growth – Journal of Environmental Management (Dec 2024)
📌 Renewable energy transition and regional integration: Energizing the pathway to sustainable development – Energy Policy (Oct 2024)
📌 From regional integrated development toward a sustainable future: Evaluating the Belt and Road Initiative’s spillover impact between tourism, fintech, and inclusive green growth – Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy (June 2024)
📌 Impact of tourism on sustainable development in BRI countries: The moderating role of institutional quality – PLOS ONE (April 2022)

CONCLUSION 🌟

Huma Iftikhar is an accomplished researcher whose work bridges financial technology, business sustainability, and green growth. Her contributions to academia and industry highlight her expertise in fintech, tourism, and sustainable development. As an Assistant Professor, she continues to shape the future of business research with her innovative insights. 🚀