Ebenezer Fanijo | Green Infrastructure | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Ebenezer Fanijo | Green Infrastructure | Research Excellence Award

Assistant Professor | Georgia Tech | United States

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ebenezer Fanijo is a civil and materials engineering researcher specializing in rigid pavements, concrete materials, and sustainable infrastructure systems. His work integrates performance-based testing, durability assessment, corrosion monitoring, and quality assurance to advance resilient and environmentally responsible construction practices. With experience spanning academia, industry, and transportation agencies, he has led and contributed to funded research exceeding USD 1.2 million, addressing challenges such as ASR-damaged pavements, rapid repair technologies, and concrete sustainability. His scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications and technical reports that have attracted academic and practitioner attention, reflected through a growing record of citations. Actively collaborating with departments of transportation, industry partners, and academic institutions, his research informs standards development and statewide QA/QC programs. Beyond technical impact, his work supports safer, longer-lasting infrastructure, reduced lifecycle costs, and improved sustainability outcomes, demonstrating strong potential for continued global impact in construction materials and infrastructure engineering.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

800

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0

Citations
712

Documents
25

h-index
12


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Jonghoek Kim | Environmental Engineering | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Jonghoek Kim | Environmental Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Professor | Sejong University | South Korea

Prof. Jonghoek Kim is an established researcher in robotics, autonomous systems, and intelligent sensing, with extensive contributions to robot path planning, target tracking, multi-agent systems, and optimal control. His research addresses complex environments such as underwater, aerial, and obstacle-rich domains, emphasizing robust localization, estimation, and cooperative control under uncertainty and non-line-of-sight conditions. A significant portion of his work focuses on sonar-based sensing, autonomous underwater vehicles, and distributed robotic networks, advancing both theoretical frameworks and practical algorithms. His publications span leading journals in robotics, control systems, signal processing, and marine engineering, reflecting sustained research productivity and interdisciplinary impact. Current research efforts include target tracking in challenging environments using sensor networks and maximum-range information. Through a combination of analytical modeling, algorithm development, and system-level validation, his work contributes to the advancement of resilient autonomous systems applicable to robotics, marine exploration, and intelligent transportation systems.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Citations
989

Documents 124

h-index
17


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Younes Noorollahi | Renewable Energy | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Younes Noorollahi | Renewable Energy | Research Excellence Award

Head of Department | University of Tehran | Iran

Prof. Younes Noorollahi is a distinguished researcher in the field of renewable energy engineering, with a strong focus on energy systems modeling, sustainable energy planning, and low-carbon transitions. His research integrates advanced numerical modeling, geographic information systems (GIS), and multi-criteria decision-making techniques to assess, optimize, and deploy renewable energy resources across diverse climatic and socio-economic contexts. A significant portion of his work addresses the strategic integration of renewable technologies—such as geothermal, solar, wind, bioenergy, and energy storage—into national and regional energy systems to enhance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. His scholarly contributions span energy transition modeling, geothermal resource assessment, smart energy systems, net-zero and low-carbon building design, renewable-powered desalination, and the water–energy–food–environment nexus. He has played a key role in advancing methodologies for site selection of renewable energy facilities, demand-side management, and sector coupling through innovative modeling frameworks and decision-support tools. His research is widely applied to real-world energy challenges, particularly in energy-intensive and fossil-fuel-dependent regions undergoing transition toward cleaner systems.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Citations 7,413

Documents 154

h-index 47


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Featured Publications


Sustainable Development Using Renewable Energy Technology


– Renewable Energy, 2020 (854 Citations)

Energy Hub: From a Model to a Concept – A Review


– Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2017 (584 Citations)

Multi-Criteria Decision Support System for Wind Farm Site Selection Using GIS


– Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 2016 (376 Citations)

Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development


– Renewable Energy, 2022 (368 Citations)

Fırat Emir | Renewable Energy | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fırat Emir | Renewable Energy | Research Excellence Award

Final International University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fırat Emir is an established scholar in economics with a strong focus on sustainable development, energy economics, and environmental policy. His research addresses critical global challenges, including carbon emissions, renewable energy transitions, and the economic dimensions of sustainability. He has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in leading SSCI and SCI-E journals, accumulating more than 1,450 citations with an h-index of 14, reflecting strong academic impact. His work is highly collaborative, involving international researchers across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and directly informs policy debates on climate action and green growth. Through research, teaching, and editorial service, his contributions support evidence-based decision-making and advance societal progress toward sustainable economic systems

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

1200

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Citations
1,123

Documents
22

h-index
13


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Chaoxu Li | Green and low-carbon materials | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Chaoxu Li | Green and low-carbon materials | Research Excellence Award

JiangHan University | China

Prof. Chaoxu Li is a professor and materials scientist whose research centers on flexible intelligent materials, bio-derived nanomaterials, and green, low-carbon polymer systems. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals such as Nature Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, and Advanced Functional Materials. His work integrates liquid metals, biomass-based nanofibrils, and smart polymers to enable applications in energy harvesting, sensing, catalysis, and sustainable recycling. Widely cited for interdisciplinary innovation, Li’s publications have significantly advanced functional soft materials and bio-inspired nanotechnology, supported by major national and provincial research funding programs.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Citations 5,697

Documents 114

h-index
38


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Top 5 Featured Publications

Biodegradable nanocomposites of amyloid fibrils and graphene with shape-memory and enzyme-sensing properties

C. Li, J. Adamcik, R. Mezzenga – Nature Nanotechnology, 2012 · 510 citations

Shapeable fibrous aerogels of metal–organic frameworks templated with nanocellulose for rapid and large-capacity adsorption

L. Zhu, L. Zong, X. Wu, M. Li, H. Wang, J. You, C. Li – ACS Nano, 2018 · 443 citations

Liquid metal droplets wrapped with polysaccharide microgel as biocompatible aqueous ink for flexible conductive devices

X. Li, M. Li, L. Zong, X. Wu, J. You, P. Du, C. Li – Advanced Functional Materials, 2018 · 296 citations

Biological nanofibrous generator for electricity harvest from moist air flow

M. Li, L. Zong, W. Yang, X. Li, J. You, X. Wu, Z. Li, C. Li – Advanced Functional Materials, 2019 · 277 citations

Evaporation-induced sintering of liquid metal droplets with biological nanofibrils for flexible conductivity and responsive actuation

X. Li, M. Li, J. Xu, J. You, Z. Yang, C. Li – Nature Communications, 2019 · 255 citations

Majdi Benamara | Environmental Engineering | Breakthrough Research Award

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Dr. Majdi Benamara | Environmental Engineering | Breakthrough Research Award

Postdoc | University of Minho | Portugal

Dr. Majdi Benamara is a dedicated researcher in physics whose work spans advanced functional materials, nanostructured oxides, and energy‐related applications. With a publication record of 22 peer-reviewed articles, his contributions demonstrate strong expertise in semiconductor metal oxides, ferroelectric thin films, photocatalysts, and gas-sensing materials. His research consistently integrates experimental synthesis, structural and electrical characterization, and application-driven performance evaluation. Over the years, he has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams across Switzerland, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, and Tunisia, contributing to internationally relevant projects focused on sustainable materials and next-generation electronic devices. His recent appointment as a researcher at EMPA – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology reflects his growing impact in advanced materials engineering, particularly in building energy materials and hybrid oxide systems. Previous research experience at the University of Minho involved ferroelectricity in binary oxide thin films for high-performance capacitors, further solidifying his expertise in electronic materials and thin-film technologies. Earlier roles and internships at Materia Nova (Belgium), the University of Aveiro (Portugal), and the University of Sevilla (Spain) contributed to his strong technical foundation in sol–gel chemistry, supercritical drying, spark plasma sintering, pulsed laser deposition, and ion-beam sputtering. Dr. Benamara’s work has generated advances in gas sensors for environmental monitoring, visible-light photocatalysts for pollutant degradation, and doped oxide systems for electronic and dielectric applications. His collaborations with leading researchers and laboratories have strengthened his scientific visibility and enabled the development of innovative materials addressing global challenges in air quality, environmental remediation, and sustainable energy technologies. Through his consistent scholarly output and broad experimental capabilities, he continues to contribute significantly to the progress of materials science and applied physics on an international scale.

Profile: Google Scholar
Publications

1. Bembibre, A., Benamara, M., Hjiri, M., Gómez, E., Alamri, H. R., Dhahri, R., & others. (2022). Visible-light driven sonophotocatalytic removal of tetracycline using Ca-doped ZnO nanoparticles. Chemical Engineering Journal, 427, 132006.

2. Jaballah, S., Benamara, M., Dahman, H., Ly, A., Lahem, D., Debliquy, M., & El Mir, L. (2020). Effect of Mg-doping ZnO nanoparticles on detection of low ethanol concentrations. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 255, 123643.

3. Jaballah, S., Benamara, M., Dahman, H., Lahem, D., Debliquy, M., & El Mir, L. (2020). Formaldehyde sensing characteristics of calcium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles-based gas sensor. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 31(11), 8230–8239.

4. Benamara, M., Gómez, E., Dhahri, R., & Serrà, A. (2021). Enhanced photocatalytic removal of cyanotoxins by Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles with visible-LED irradiation. Toxins, 13(1), 66.

5. Benamara, M., Massoudi, J., Dahman, H., Dhahri, E., El Mir, L., Ly, A., & others. (2020). High response to sub-ppm level of NO₂ with 50% RH of ZnO sensor obtained by an auto-combustion method. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 31(17), 14249–14260.

Lianyi Guo | Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Lianyi Guo | Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation | Research Excellence Award

Lecturer | Yangzhou University | China

Dr. Lianyi Guo is an emerging scholar in climate-system research whose work focuses on the attribution and projection of extreme climate change, with a strong emphasis on understanding nonlinear rainfall responses to large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns. With a growing research portfolio that includes leading or participating in eight national and provincial research projects, Guo has established a solid foundation in advancing methodologies for diagnosing climate extremes and improving future climate projections. His contributions include developing a novel analytical framework that bridges dynamic and thermodynamic processes to interpret changes in summer rainfall patterns, particularly across China, enabling more accurate attribution of observed hydrometeorological variations to anthropogenic influences. He has authored eight SCI-indexed journal articles, including publications in high-impact outlets, and his current citation record and h-index of 6 reflect a promising upward trajectory. Beyond publications, his engagement in two consultancy or industry-linked projects demonstrates an ability to translate scientific insight into practical climate-related applications. Guo’s collaborations across national research institutes further strengthen the interdisciplinary relevance of his work, supporting advances in climate diagnostics, model evaluation, and regional climate risk assessment. His ongoing studies aim to refine constraint-based projections of extreme rainfall, offering potential benefits for disaster preparedness, water-resource management, and climate-policy development. The scientific rigor, methodological innovation, and applicability of Guo’s research underline his significant contribution to the field and position him as a valuable contributor to global climate-science efforts, with strong potential for continued impact through high-quality publications, collaborative research, and the development of improved tools for understanding and predicting climate extremes.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Research Gate 
Publications:

Guo, L., Shi, Y., & Zhao, Y. (2023). Future projections of extreme integrated water vapor transport and population exposure over the Asian monsoon region. Earth’s Future.

Guo, L., Jiang, Z., Li, L., & Wang, H. (2022). Increase of future summer rainfall in the middle and lower reach of the Yangtze River Basin projected with a nonhomogeneous hidden Markov model. Geophysical Research Letters.

Guo, L. (2022). Comparison of impact and water vapor characteristics between two types of floods in Eastern China. Environmental Research Letters.

Guo, L. (2020). Projected precipitation changes over China for global warming levels at 1.5 °C and 2 °C in an ensemble of regional climate simulations: Impact of bias-correction algorithms. Climatic Change.

Guo, L., Jiang, Z., Ding, M., Chen, W., & Li, L. (2019). Downscaling and projection of summer rainfall in Eastern China using a nonhomogeneous hidden Markov model. International Journal of Climatology.

Nadia Abdelwahed | Green Infrastructure | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nadia Abdelwahed | Green Infrastructure | Best Researcher Award

Reseach Fellow | College of Business Management/King Faisal University | Saudi Arabia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nadia Abdelwahed is an accomplished academic and researcher with extensive expertise in Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the College of Business Administration, King Faisal University. With a Ph.D. in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Kingston University, United Kingdom, she has built a distinguished academic career spanning over two decades across leading institutions in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UK. Dr. Abdelwahed has authored and co-authored more than 35 research publications covering a broad spectrum of topics, including gender studies, digital economics, sustainability, education transformation post-COVID-19, and managerial innovation, many of which have been supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Faisal University. Her work has contributed to advancing institutional performance and securing national accreditation for business programs, reflecting her strategic leadership and commitment to academic excellence. She has played an instrumental role in curriculum development, quality assurance, and strategic planning initiatives, enhancing both teaching standards and student learning outcomes. Beyond academia, Dr. Abdelwahed’s societal impact is evident through her active engagement in community development initiatives, organizing training programs and workshops on Total Quality Management, Sustainability, Managerial Skills, and Entrepreneurship, which have empowered students, employees, and marginalized groups such as women breadwinners and single mothers. Her professional collaborations span interdisciplinary and cross-institutional research projects, contributing to global knowledge dissemination and fostering innovation in business education. As a mentor and educator, she emphasizes pedagogical innovation, academic integrity, and the holistic development of students, ensuring they are equipped with leadership, analytical, and ethical competencies essential for modern business environments. With her dedication to research, education, and social empowerment, Dr. Abdelwahed continues to make a meaningful contribution to academia and the broader community through her vision of sustainable and inclusive business development.

Profile: Google Scholar | Scopus
Featured Publications:

Fernando Garrido de Oliveira | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Fernando Garrido de Oliveira | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Federal University of Paraná | Brazil

Dr. Fernando Garrido de Oliveira’s research experience centers on environmental engineering, biotechnology, and ecology, with a strong focus on projects related to water quality monitoring, environmental risk assessment, and ecosystem sustainability. His professional journey demonstrates a clear trajectory toward the integration of applied research and environmental management. At the Federal University of Paraná, he has been engaged in projects emphasizing the monitoring and biomonitoring of freshwater resources, applying limnological and toxicological analyses to assess water quality and ecological impacts. His work combines laboratory experimentation and field analysis, contributing to improved methodologies in environmental monitoring. Previous roles at C.Vale Cooperativa Agroindustrial further strengthened his expertise in quality management systems, internal auditing, and environmental process control—skills that complement his scientific research by ensuring rigorous standards and compliance with environmental regulations. His collaborations with institutions such as ARDEFA and FAMAB provided hands-on experience in waste management, agrochemical packaging control, and the implementation of sustainability protocols in industrial and agricultural contexts. His research interests encompass environmental toxicology, bioprocess technology, sustainable water management, and the development of integrated environmental monitoring systems using biotechnology tools. He also exhibits a strong command of risk management, biosafety, and environmental auditing based on ISO 14001:2015 frameworks, as evidenced by his multiple certifications. With advanced skills in statistics, QGIS, and environmental modeling, Fernando effectively bridges theoretical knowledge with applied solutions for ecosystem conservation and industrial environmental performance. His multidisciplinary approach positions him to contribute meaningfully to innovative projects addressing global sustainability challenges through the synergy of ecological science, biotechnology, and environmental engineering.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID
Featured Publications:
  • Environmental assessment of three southern Brazilian rivers using an integrated biomarker response index in Hypostomus ancistroides applied to GIS. Environmental Research.

Yunus Gündüz | Biocomposite Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Yunus Gündüz | Biocomposite Materials | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant | Yozgat Bozok University | Turkey

Yunus Gündüz is an emerging researcher whose academic contributions reflect a focused engagement in contemporary scientific domains, emphasizing innovation, applied research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His research activity demonstrates a growing influence within his specialized field, contributing to the advancement of both theoretical understanding and practical applications. The publication record attributed to him includes several peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers that collectively showcase his analytical capability and commitment to addressing real-world challenges through rigorous methodologies. His work has been cited 37 times in total, with 35 citations received since 2020, indicating a consistent and upward trend in scholarly recognition. According to citation metrics, Yunus Gündüz holds an h-index of 4 (3 since 2020) and an i10-index of 1 (1 since 2020), highlighting the academic impact and visibility of his contributions in the research community. His collaborations with diverse academic and professional partners have enriched the cross-disciplinary relevance of his studies, leading to outcomes with notable societal and technological implications. Through his sustained research efforts, Yunus Gündüz continues to strengthen the connection between scientific inquiry and societal benefit, contributing to the global pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

Profile: Google Scholar
Featured Publications:

  • Gündüz, Y., Taşkan, E., & Şahin, Y. (2016). Using hooked-end fibres on high performance steel fibre reinforced concrete. High Perform. Optim. Des. Struct. Mater. II, 1, 265–276.

  • Şahin, Y., & Gündüz, Y. (2024). PCMs with perlite aggregate for snow melting applications. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 62, 103617.

  • Gündüz, Y. (2015). Çelik tel donatılı betonlarda kırılma parametrelerinin yapay sinir ağları ile modellenmesi. Yüksek lisans tezi, Yozgat Bozok Üniversitesi.

  • Gündüz, Y., & Şahin, Y. (2021). Relation of the thermal conductivity and the electrical resistivity to the unit weight of hemp based composites. International Journal of Thermophysics, 42(7), 103.

  • Ozel, B. F., Sakallı, Ş., Gündüz, Y., & Şahin, Y. (2025). Freeze–thaw resistance of pervious concrete produced with different aggregates and fibres. Road Materials and Pavement Design, 26(8), 1951–1973.