Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar – Sustainable Development – Outstanding Scientist Award

Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar - Sustainable Development - Outstanding Scientist Award

Head of Engineering Department at University of Birmingham

Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar is an Associate Professor in Civil Engineering and Head of the Engineering Department at the University of Birmingham Dubai. His expertise bridges academia and industry, with leadership in research on sustainable construction, 3D printing, and low-carbon materials. He founded the Additive Manufacturing Technology in Construction (AMTC) centre, driving innovation in eco-friendly building practices. Over his career, he has managed research grants exceeding £2 million and authored more than 90 publications, advancing the global conversation on circular economy principles in construction.

Professional Profile

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Education

Seyed Ghaffar holds a PhD in Civil Engineering Material Sciences from Brunel University of London, supported by an Industrial Cooperative Awards in Science & Technology (CASE) sponsorship. He also earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering with First Class Honours from the same institution. His academic journey provided a strong foundation in materials science, structural engineering, and sustainable construction, enabling him to merge theoretical understanding with practical applications in engineering projects and academic leadership roles worldwide.

Professional Experience

With a career spanning roles from Postdoctoral Research Associate to Associate Professor, Seyed Ghaffar has contributed significantly to academia and industry. He led the Engineering Department in Dubai, previously serving at Brunel University London in various academic and administrative capacities. His expertise extends to programme development, industry partnerships, and research supervision. He has served as an expert evaluator for European Commission projects, reviewer for funding bodies, and editor for leading engineering journals, reinforcing his influence in the global engineering community.

Research Interest

Research interests centre on sustainable construction materials, additive manufacturing, and the circular economy. Seyed Ghaffar focuses on developing low-carbon technologies for new builds and retrofitting, recycling construction and demolition waste, and advancing 3D printing applications in civil engineering. His work also explores integrating bio-based materials, enhancing durability, and optimising concrete for sustainability. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, he aims to transform construction practices into more resource-efficient, environmentally responsible processes, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Award And Honor

Recognised for his academic and research contributions, Seyed Ghaffar has received multiple awards, including the Award for Excellence and Teaching Support of the Year from Brunel University London. His early career achievements earned him the Institute of Structural Engineers Prize and Graham Hawkes Award for best final-year project. His professional honours include Fellowship of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, and membership in the Institute of Concrete Technology, highlighting his respected standing in engineering circles.

Research Skill

Seyed Ghaffar’s skills span advanced material characterisation, mix design optimisation for 3D printing, and life cycle analysis of construction materials. Proficient in both experimental and computational techniques, he applies methodologies such as rheology testing, durability assessment, and finite element modelling. His research leadership involves securing and managing multi-partner grants, mentoring PhD candidates, and delivering impactful publications. This diverse expertise enables him to translate scientific innovation into practical engineering solutions that address environmental and industry challenges.

Publications

With over 90 peer-reviewed publications, Seyed Ghaffar’s work appears in high-impact journals such as Construction and Building Materials and Journal of Cleaner Production. His research covers topics like bio-based composites, recycled aggregates, and digital fabrication in construction. He has co-authored influential book chapters and edited the volume Innovation in Construction, showcasing advancements in industry practices. Many of his papers result from collaborations with graduate students, reflecting his dedication to fostering academic growth and producing high-quality, industry-relevant research.

Title: Pathways to circular construction: An integrated management of construction and demolition waste for resource recovery
Authors: S.H. Ghaffar, M. Burnman, N. Braimah
Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production, 244, 2020

Title: Additive manufacturing technology and its implementation in construction as an eco-innovative solution
Authors: S.H. Ghaffar
Journal: Automation in Construction, 93, 2018

Title: Structural analysis for lignin characteristics in biomass straw
Authors: S.H. Ghaffar, M. Fan
Journal: Biomass and Bioenergy, 57, 2013

Title: Lignin in straw and its applications as an adhesive
Authors: S.H. Ghaffar, M. Fan
Journal: International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives, 48, 2014

Title: Fracture and impact properties of short discrete jute fibre-reinforced cementitious composites
Authors: X. Zhou, S.H. Ghaffar, W. Dong, O. Oladiran, M. Fan
Journal: Materials & Design, 49, 2013

Conclusion

Seyed Ghaffar’s career reflects a blend of academic excellence, innovative research, and professional leadership in civil engineering. Through pioneering work in sustainable construction and additive manufacturing, he has shaped industry practices and influenced policy directions. His contributions extend beyond research, encompassing teaching, mentoring, and international collaboration. By championing circular economy principles and eco-innovative solutions, he continues to inspire transformative change in the built environment, positioning himself as a leading figure in global engineering innovation.

LIN LIU | Sustainable Development | Women Researcher Award

Dr. LIN LIU | Sustainable Development | Women Researcher Award

Research Assistant at University of Technology Sydney, Australia

Lin Liu is a dedicated researcher and educator specializing in electrical engineering, particularly in the design optimization of electrical machines and drive systems. Currently, she serves as a Research Assistant at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where she collaborates with esteemed faculty members on cutting-edge projects in her field. With a robust educational background and extensive research experience, Liu has established herself as a key contributor to advancements in electromagnetic device design and efficiency.

Profile

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Education

Liu’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Control and Computer Engineering at North China Electric Power University (NCEPU), followed by a Master of Engineering, where she also earned honors at South Ural State University (SUSU) in Russia. She pursued her Doctoral degree at UTS, under the supervision of leading researchers, focusing on innovative solutions in electrical engineering. Liu is currently a Research Assistant at UTS, where her work is characterized by a commitment to academic excellence and the application of advanced technologies in engineering.

Experience

Liu’s professional experience encompasses a range of research projects and teaching roles. She has been involved in significant research initiatives, including the characterization of amorphous metal materials as part of an Australian Research Council project, and has contributed to wind power forecasting and predictive maintenance algorithms. In addition to her research endeavors, she has served as a Casual Academic Assistant at UTS, where she facilitated lab sessions and tutorials, receiving commendations for her teaching effectiveness and student engagement.

Research Interests

Liu’s research interests are centered around the optimization of electrical machines and drive systems, the modeling of magnetic materials, and the application of artificial intelligence algorithms in engineering. Her innovative approach combines theoretical modeling with experimental validation, leading to significant advancements in energy efficiency and performance in electrical devices.

Awards

Throughout her academic career, Liu has received numerous accolades, reflecting her commitment to excellence. Notable achievements include the SEDE Outstanding Casual Academic Award from UTS, recognition as an Outstanding Reviewer for IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, and several scholarships for academic excellence at NCEPU. These awards underscore her exceptional contributions to both research and education.

Publications

Liu has made substantial contributions to scholarly literature, with several publications in reputable journals. Her key works include:

Liu, L., Ba, X., Guo, Y., Lei, G., Sun, X., & Zhu, J. (2022). “Improved iron loss prediction models for interior PMSMs considering coupling effects of multiphysics factors.” IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification, DOI: 10.1109/TTE.2022.3189504. (Cited by 25)

Liu, L., Guo, Y., Yin, W., Lei, G., Sun, X., & Zhu, J. (2024). “Efficient design optimization of PMSM drive systems using improved equivalent-circuit-based loss minimization control.” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics. (Accepted)

Liu, L., Guo, Y., Lei, G., & Zhu, J. (2023). “Designing High-Power-Density Electric Motors for Electric Vehicles with Advanced Magnetic Materials.” World Electric Vehicle Journal, 14(4), article 114. (Cited by 15)

Liu, L., Guo, Y., & Zhu, J. (2021). “Iron loss calculation for high-speed permanent magnet machines considering rotating magnetic field and thermal effects.” IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 31(8), 1-5. (Cited by 10)

Conclusion

Lin Liu stands out as a promising researcher in the field of electrical engineering, driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to advancing technology. Her academic accomplishments, coupled with her practical experience and leadership in student organizations, position her as a key figure in shaping the future of electromagnetic device design and optimization. Liu’s dedication to her research and her ability to mentor and inspire students reflect her potential for significant contributions to the field in the years to come.

GUANGYAO FAN – Sustainable Development – Best Researcher Award

GUANGYAO FAN - Sustainable Development - Best Researcher Award

Shandong university - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

RESEARCH FOCUS ON HYDROGEN-BASED MULTI-ENERGY SYSTEMS

GUANGYAO FAN is currently pursuing a PhD in Control Theory and Control Engineering at Shandong University. Their research interests primarily center around the intelligent optimization of hydrogen-based regional multi-energy systems and the hydrogen economy.

EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY

Prior to their doctoral studies, FAN completed an M.S. in Energy Power at North China Electric Power University (NCPU) from September 2020 to July 2023.

PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS

FAN has made significant contributions to the field, publishing four SCI papers as first author or corresponding author. These publications include research on multi-time-space scale optimization for hydrogen-based regional multi-energy systems, collaborative optimization for renewable energy systems, energy management strategies for near-zero energy community energy supply systems, and multi-time scale operation optimization for community energy systems.

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

Notably, their papers have been published in high-impact journals such as Applied Energy, Energy, and Sustainable Cities and Society, showcasing their expertise in energy optimization and management.

ACADEMIC AFFILIATION

FAN is affiliated with the School of Control Science and Engineering at Shandong University, where they continue to advance research in the field of energy systems optimization.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For further inquiries, please contact GUANGYAO FAN via their academic institution at the School of Control Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Multi-time-space scale optimization for a hydrogen-based regional multi-energy system

Adaptive energy optimization strategy of island renewable power-to-hydrogen system with hybrid electrolyzers structure 2024 (1)

Collaborative optimization method and energy-saving, carbon-abatement potential evaluation for nearly-zero energy community supply system with different scenarios 2023 (8)

Two-layer collaborative optimization for a renewable energy system combining electricity storage, hydrogen storage, and heat storage 2022 (24)

A novel distributed energy system combining hybrid energy storage and a multi-objective optimization method for nearly zero-energy communities and buildings 2022 (84)