Shivam Tripathi | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Shivam Tripathi | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Shivam Tripathi | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | India

Dr. Shivam Tripathi is a materials engineering researcher and faculty member specializing in atomistic simulations, machine learning–driven materials discovery, and the design of next-generation functional materials. With training from globally recognized institutions in materials science and computational engineering, he integrates advanced molecular dynamics, density functional theory, and data-driven modeling to address challenges in catalysis, shape memory alloys, energy storage, electronic materials, and space-relevant systems. His academic foundation combines rigorous theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on experience in computational methods, including large-scale molecular dynamics, enhanced sampling, and ab-initio simulations. During his postdoctoral research, he worked on dynamic mechanisms of ammonia synthesis on iron surfaces under operando conditions, unveiling fundamental insights into nitrogen adsorption, dissociation, and poisoning pathways using machine-learning-accelerated simulation frameworks. His doctoral research provided breakthroughs in understanding nanoscale precipitate effects on martensitic transformations, enabling guidelines for designing low-fatigue, ultra-fine-grain shape memory alloys and uncovering mechanisms governing superelasticity and phase transformation behavior. Dr. Tripathi’s research portfolio extends to designing tunable transformations in lightweight alloys, modeling environment-dependent atomic-level properties in complex-concentrated alloys, and unraveling phonon transport mechanisms in nanoscale copper hybrids for nanoelectronics. He has contributed to multiple high-impact publications across catalysis, materials physics, and computational materials science, and his work has been recognized through awards, research honors, and competitive travel grants. His technical expertise includes Python, C, VASP, LAMMPS, PLUMED, Quantum Espresso, TensorFlow, and advanced materials characterization methods. Beyond research, he has contributed significantly to academic service and outreach through leadership roles, mentoring, teaching computational and experimental materials science courses, and developing open-access scientific software tools used by the broader materials community. His contributions reflect a commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and advancing computational materials engineering.

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Featured Publications

Perego, S., Bonati, L., Tripathi, S., & Parrinello, M. (2024). How dynamics changes ammonia cracking on iron surfaces. ACS Catalysis, 14(19), 14652–14664.

Tripathi, S., Bonati, L., Perego, S., & Parrinello, M. (2024). How poisoning is avoided in a step of relevance to the Haber–Bosch catalysis. ACS Catalysis, 14, 4944–4950.

Tripathi, S., Vishnu, K. G., Titus, M. S., & Strachan, A. (2020). Tunability of martensitic transformation in Mg–Sc shape memory alloys: A DFT study. Acta Materialia, 189, 1–9.

Tripathi, S., Verma, V., Brown, T. W., & Kulkarni, K. N. (2017). Effect of small amount of manganese on the interdiffusivities in Fe–Al alloys. Journal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion, 38(2), 135–142.

Tripathi, S., Vishnu, K. G., Titus, M. S., & Strachan, A. (2022). Uncovering the role of nanoscale precipitates on martensitic transformation and superelasticity. Acta Materialia, 229, 117790.

Farnell, M. S., McClure, Z. D., Tripathi, S., & Strachan, A. (2022). Modeling environment-dependent atomic-level properties in complex-concentrated alloys. The Journal of Chemical Physics, 156(11).

Ahsan Khan | Biomedical Engineering | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Ahsan Khan | Biomedical Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Ahsan Khan | Tongji University | China

Dr. Ahsan Riaz Khan is an accomplished researcher specializing in chemical engineering, environmental sciences, corrosion science, surface engineering, and biomaterials. He holds advanced academic qualifications in Chemical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, complemented by strong interdisciplinary training across materials development, environmental health, and biomedical applications. He is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, where he contributes to cutting-edge research on biomaterials, corrosion-resistant surfaces, biocompatibility, drug-release systems, and in-vivo/in-vitro implant evaluations. Dr. Khan’s research expertise spans the development of novel, sustainable, and cost-effective coating materials; surface modification of metals and alloys; tribology; anticorrosion technology; adhesion engineering; electrochemical methods; and advanced techniques in cell culture, toxicity analysis, and immunohistochemistry. His interdisciplinary background enables him to work at the intersection of engineering, materials science, medicine, and environmental sustainability. He has published 28 peer-reviewed research papers, contributing significantly to high-impact journals in materials science, corrosion protection, biomaterials, environmental pollution, electrochemistry, and regenerative medicine. His publications have received over 330 citations with an H-index above 10, reflecting strong academic influence and global research engagement. His work includes notable contributions to magnesium alloys, smart scaffolds, hybrid biomaterials, environmental risk assessments, supercapacitive materials, and psychological health investigations. Dr. Khan has earned multiple academic honors, including innovation awards, competitive scholarships, excellence certificates, and internship recognitions. He has participated in a wide range of international conferences, workshops, and training programs in environmental management, materials engineering, GIS, chemical engineering, and waste management. Skilled in a broad array of analytical and characterization techniques—such as SEM, TEM, XPS, XRD, TGA, ICP-OES, GC-MS, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical workstations—Dr. Khan combines technical depth with strong research leadership. Fluent in English, Urdu, and conversational Chinese (HSK-3), he remains committed to advancing global research in materials innovation, corrosion engineering, environmental sustainability, and biomedical technology.

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Featured Publications

Khan, A. R., Grewal, N. S., Zhou, C., Yuan, K., Zhang, H. J., & Jun, Z. Recent advances in biodegradable metals for implant applications: Exploring in vivo and in vitro responses. Results in Engineering, 20, 101526.

Zafar, Z., Mehmood, M. S., Ahamad, M. I., Chudhary, A., Abbas, N., Khan, A. R., … Trend analysis of the decadal variations of water bodies and land use/land cover through MODIS imagery: An in-depth study from Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Water Supply, 21(2), 927–940.

Rehman, A. U., Shah, M. Z., Ali, A., Zhao, T., Shah, R., Ullah, I., Bilal, H., Khan, A. R., … Thermochemical heat storage ability of ZnSO₄·7H₂O as potential long-term heat storage material. International Journal of Energy Research, 45(3), 4746–4754.

Khan, M., Tiehu, L., Hussain, A., Raza, A., Zada, A., Alei, D., Khan, A. R., Ali, R., … Physiochemical evaluations, mechanical attenuations and thermal stability of graphene nanosheets and functionalized nanodiamonds loaded pitch-derived carbon foam composites. Diamond and Related Materials, 126, 109077.

Khan, Z. U., Razzaq, A., Khan, A., Rehman, N. U., Khan, H., Khan, T., Khan, A. U., … Physicochemical characterizations and pharmacokinetic evaluation of pentazocine solid lipid nanoparticles against inflammatory pain model. Pharmaceutics, 14(2), 409.

Vassilis Kostopoulos | Engineering Achievements | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Vassilis Kostopoulos | Engineering Achievements | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Vassilis Kostopoulos | University of Patras | Greece

Professor Vassilis Kostopoulos is a leading Greek academic in applied mechanics, composite materials, and aerospace engineering. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and a PhD in Applied Mechanics from the University of Patras, specializing in wave propagation, scattering, and non-destructive testing of composite materials. He has served as Professor and Director of the Applied Mechanics & Vibrations Laboratory at the University of Patras, contributing significantly to its international visibility and research impact. He has held prestigious international appointments as a Visiting Scientist at JRC Petten in the Netherlands, as a Visiting Professor at the University of Delaware in the United States, and most recently at George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș in Romania. Professor Kostopoulos has played influential roles in major European aerospace and composite-materials initiatives, serving on the Technical Committee of Clean Aviation, the Advisory Council for Aviation Research and Innovation in Europe, and the Council of the European Society for Composite Materials, where he also served as President. He has additionally contributed to several European research and innovation program committees and evaluation panels. His expertise spans a broad teaching portfolio at undergraduate and graduate levels, including mechanics, composite materials, wave propagation, elasticity, fatigue, structural design, non-destructive inspection, and aerospace technologies. His research interests include lightweight composite structures, structural health monitoring, nano-engineered composites, high-strain-rate behavior, additive manufacturing, space technologies, unmanned aerial systems, and biomechanics. Professor Kostopoulos has an extensive scholarly record, with hundreds of publications in international journals and conferences, several books and book chapters, invited lectures, and numerous technical reports. He has coordinated a large number of international research projects funded by European and global organizations, supervised many PhD and MSc theses, co-organized numerous international conferences, and holds multiple European, US, and national patents. His work has earned thousands of citations, high bibliometric indices, and multiple international awards in aerospace, innovation, and space-related competitions.

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Featured Publications

Karatzas, E., Nikolaou, E., Pitsis, A., Alexopoulos, S., Roussos, S., Georgantakis, E., Lappas, V., & Kostopoulos, V. (2026). Conceptual design and analysis of a tube-launched fixed-wing UAV with integrated folding wing systems. Aerospace Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2025.111248

Moica, S., Lucian, T., Kostopoulos, V., & Mostafa, N. A. (2025). GenAI technology approach for sustainable warehouse management operations: A case study from the automotive sector. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209081

Tsokanas, P., Santandrea, F., Momm, G. G., Rajčić, V., Skejić, D., Rajnovic, D., da Silva, L. F. M., & Kostopoulos, V. (2025). Certification of adhesively bonded structures: Review and outlook. International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2025.104041

Bouzoukis, K.-P., Moraitis, G., Kostopoulos, V., & Lappas, V. (2025). An overview of CubeSat missions and applications. Aerospace. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12060550

Nikolaou, E., Karatzas, E., Kilimtzidis, S., & Kostopoulos, V. (2025). Winglet design for class I mini UAV—Aerodynamic and performance optimization. Engineering Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025090111

Petropoulos, G. N., Tsokanas, P., Kotrotsos, A., & Kostopoulos, V. (2025). Recycled glass fibre–epoxy composites based on recovered fabrics from an environment-friendly combined solvolysis and thermolysis route. Composites Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2025.111048

Isabelle Boutron | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Isabelle Boutron | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Isabelle Boutron | Université Paris Cité | France

Dr. Fatimah Ibrahim Qassadi is a dedicated academic, pharmacist, and emerging research leader with extensive experience across clinical, academic, and scientific research environments. With over four years of service in one of Riyadh’s largest governmental hospitals and current appointment as a Lecturer at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU), she brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, teaching excellence, and research innovation. Her previous role as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy strengthened her international academic exposure and commitment to high-quality pharmaceutical education. Dr. Qassadi is deeply passionate about fostering supportive learning environments, mentoring future pharmacy professionals, and enhancing students’ communication, leadership, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills. Her work strongly aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, where she contributes to transforming healthcare and higher education through innovative teaching methodologies, advanced pharmaceutical research, and patient-centered care. She is committed to elevating the quality of pharmacy education and strengthening healthcare outcomes across Saudi Arabia’s evolving knowledge-based economy. In addition to her academic and clinical achievements, Dr. Qassadi has established a strong research footprint. Her Scopus profile demonstrates 45,400 citations across 40,318 citing documents, with 181 published documents and an h-index of 62—reflecting substantial scholarly impact and global research influence. These metrics highlight the depth and reach of her contributions in pharmaceutical sciences, microbiology, and therapeutic innovation. (Note: The Scopus “View h-index” button is disabled in preview mode.) With a proven record in scientific writing, clinical research, and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Qassadi continues to advance impactful research while supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.

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Featured Publications

Xinping Duan | Green Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Xinping Duan | Green Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Xinping Duan | Xiamen University | China

Prof. Xinping Duan of Xiamen University, China, is an internationally recognized researcher in catalysis, materials chemistry, and sustainable chemical transformations. With a distinguished academic career spanning nearly two decades, he has established himself as a leading figure in the fields of heterogeneous catalysis, CO₂ conversion, selective hydrogenation, photocatalysis, and advanced nanomaterials. His research contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of catalytic mechanisms, metal–support interactions, and rational catalyst design for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly chemical processes. Prof. Duan’s scientific impact is reflected in his outstanding publication metrics: over 72 papers, an H-index of 33, and more than 3,318 citations. His work consistently appears in top-tier journals, including Science, Nature Communications, Science Advances, ACS Catalysis, Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Catalysis, and Chemical Science. Several of his landmark papers—such as those on copper–silica nanocatalysts, selective CO₂ hydrogenation, and novel metal oxide interfaces—have received exceptional citation counts and have influenced both academic research and industrial catalyst development. A hallmark of Prof. Duan’s research is his ability to integrate advanced nanostructures, metal phosphides, metal carbides, and polyoxometalates to achieve high catalytic selectivity and stability. His studies on hydrogenolysis, hydrogenation, and biomass-derived oxygenate conversion have contributed to the development of greener pathways for producing fuels, fine chemicals, and value-added intermediates. He has also explored cutting-edge topics such as oxygen vacancy engineering, interfacial electron localization, spillover effects, and ambient-pressure catalytic processes. Through his rigorous research approach and sustained scientific productivity, Prof. Xinping Duan has earned a strong reputation as a catalyst innovation leader in China and abroad. His work continues to shape modern heterogeneous catalysis, clean energy conversion, and sustainable chemical engineering, positioning him as a prominent contributor to global scientific advancement.

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Featured Publications

Lin, H., Liang, X., Wen, Z., Jiao, W., Wang, R., Lian, Y., & Duan, X. (2025). The superiority of W⁶⁺ overturns the CO₂ hydrogenation selectivity of iridium. Chemical Communications. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02796A

Cheng, T., Liu, Y., Miao, F., Duan, X., & Liu, Y., & Jiao, W. (2025, July). Catalytic ozonation degradation of sulfamethoxazole by high gravity coupled monolithic catalyst Ce–Co/CH: Efficacy, mechanism, pathways and toxicity. Chemical Engineering Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.163553

Duan, X., Zhao, Y., Chou, H.-L., Zuo, J., Wang, R., Jiao, W., Fang, H., Zheng, Y., Lin, H., Ye, L., et al. (2025, March 7). Reversible spillover wakens reactivity of dormant modular hydrochlorination catalysts. ACS Catalysis. https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.4c06661

Duan, X., Zuo, P., Li, N., Lu, J., Zhang, J., Wen, Z., Fang, H., Jiao, W., Wang, R., & Lin, H. (2024, October 22). Collective redox-shuttling properties of nanoalloys boost water electrolysis of nitrides [Preprint]. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5236379/v1

Ji, X., Zhang, J., Li, N., Qiu, L., Zhang, G., Duan, X., & Wang, R. (2024, May 13). Accelerated “electron converter” characteristics of NiCo-LDH for a CdS-carbide photocatalytic system with a dual heterointerface. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c00778

Ji, X., Zhang, J., Zhang, G., Li, N., Wang, R., Lin, H., & Duan, X. (2024, April). Dual interfacing with metallic cobalt boosts the electron shuttle of CdS-carbide nanoassemblies. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2024.01.142

Sudipta Sasmal | Space Exploration | Innovation in Science Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sudipta Sasmal | Space Exploration | Innovation in Science Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sudipta Sasmal | Institute of Astronomy Space and Earth Science | India

Dr. Sudipta Sasmal is an accomplished physicist with more than 18 years of research experience in Space and Atmospheric Sciences, specializing in the complex interactions between the near-Earth space environment and the atmosphere. He currently serves as Associate Professor and Co-Founder of the Institute of Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences (IASES), and is the Principal Investigator of the Space Technology and Atmospheric Research Laboratory (STARLaB). His research expertise spans ionospheric dynamics, low-frequency radio wave propagation, solar–terrestrial coupling, atmospheric wave processes, electromagnetic interactions, lightning physics, and Lithosphere–Atmosphere–Ionosphere (LAI) coupling mechanisms. Dr. Sasmal has contributed extensively to space weather monitoring and ionospheric remote sensing using GNSS-TEC, VLF/ELF/ULF instrumentation, satellite datasets (Swarm, COSMIC, SABER, MODIS, ERA5), and lightning detection networks including WWLLN, BOLTEK, and ILDN. He has played a leading role in developing scientific instrumentation, sensor networks, and field experiments across India, Antarctica, and international research stations. His significant Antarctic research includes installing multiple VLF systems at Maitri and Bharati stations and conducting cosmic-ray experiments along polar transit routes. He has established STARLaB at IASES, built VLF observation networks in India and Japan, and contributed to developing advanced ionospheric laboratories and observatories. As Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator, he has led several national and international funded projects from agencies such as MoES, SERB-DST, DST-JSPS, and the Government of West Bengal. Dr. Sasmal serves as Visiting Professor at the University of Electro-Communications (Japan) and Visiting Scientist at the University of West Attica (Greece). Recognized as a Ph.D. supervisor by multiple universities, he has supervised several doctoral researchers who now hold prestigious postdoctoral positions. He actively teaches astrophysics, space physics, and data-driven atmospheric modeling at multiple academic institutions.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Nanda, K., Sasmal, S., Hayakawa, M., Solovieva, M., Kopylova, G., & Potirakis, S. M. (2025). Towards understanding earthquake preparatory dynamics: A multi-parametric investigation of the 2025 Kamchatka Mw 8.8 event. Atmosphere, 16(12), 1328. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16121328

Bhaskar, D., Tripathi, R., Shrivastava, M. N., Singh, R., Sasmal, S., Datta, A., & Maurya, A. K. (2025). Lower ionospheric perturbations associated with lightning activity over low and equatorial regions. Atmosphere, 16(7), 832. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16070832

Borchevkina, O. P., Timchenko, A. V., Bessarab, F. S., Kurdyaeva, Y. A., Karpov, I. V., Yakimova, G. A., Golubkov, M. G., Stepanov, I. G., Sasmal, S., & Dmitriev, A. V. (2025). Regional total electron content disturbance during a meteorological storm. Atmosphere, 16(6), 690. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16060690

Pal, S. K., Sarkar, S., Nanda, K., Sanyal, A., Brawar, B., Datta, A., Potirakis, S. M., Maurya, A. K., Bhattacharya, A., Panchadhyayee, P., et al. (2025). Global response of vertical total electron content to Mother’s Day G5 geomagnetic storm of May 2024: Insights from IGS and GIM observations. Atmosphere, 16(5), 529. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16050529

Nanda, K., Sasmal, S., Hazra, R., Datta, A., Panchadhyayee, P., & Potirakis, S. M. (2025). Study on the distribution of gravity wave (GW) activity in six Bay of Bengal tropical cyclones. Atmosphere, 16(2), 235. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16020235

Suleiman Akilu | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Suleiman Akilu | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Suleiman Akilu | BUA Cement Company LTD | Nigeria

Dr. Suleiman Akilu is a dynamic and results-driven mechanical engineer and project management professional with over a decade of experience in project execution, operational leadership, compliance oversight, and research innovation. His career spans the cement manufacturing industry, academic research institutions, and engineering operations, where he has consistently demonstrated strategic thinking, technical depth, and exceptional leadership capabilities. At BUA Cement Company PLC, one of Nigeria’s leading cement producers, Dr. Akilu was recruited to serve as Principal Manager and later Assistant Director, functioning as Technical Assistant/Adviser to the MD/CEO. In this role, he led a multidisciplinary project team that significantly increased raw material reserves, improved operational efficiency, and strengthened the company’s strategic growth initiatives. He supported major contract negotiations related to LNG supply, power plant operations, and input materials, while ensuring regulatory compliance and coordinating closely with mining and environmental agencies. His responsibilities also included logistics coordination, integration of alternative fuels to enhance sustainability, and contributing to technical documentation, contract reviews, and high-level stakeholder engagements. Earlier, as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Hydrocarbon Recovery in Malaysia, Dr. Akilu conducted advanced research on gas transport in porous media, shale reservoirs, adsorption phenomena, and fracturing fluid behavior. He published multiple high-impact papers, supported experimental system design, managed research materials, and supervised undergraduate research projects. His expertise includes computational tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL Multiphysics, and BIOVIA Materials Studio. During his tenure as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, he provided academic support in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, energy systems, and MATLAB, while assisting with laboratory instruction, project evaluations, course coordination, and research output. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and ongoing MSc studies in Project Management, Dr. Akilu brings a powerful combination of technical expertise, analytical capability, and strategic leadership—positioning him as a valuable asset to innovative, high-performing organizations.

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Featured Publications

Akilu, S., Sharma, K. V., Baheta, A. T., & Mamat, R. (2016). A review of thermophysical properties of water based composite nanofluids. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 66, 654–678.

Akilu, S., Baheta, A. T., Said, M. A. M., Minea, A. A., & Sharma, K. V. (2017). Properties of glycerol and ethylene glycol mixture based SiO₂–CuO/C hybrid nanofluid for enhanced solar energy transport. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 166, (year), pages.
(Note: Page numbers were not provided—add them if available.)

Akilu, S., Baheta, A. T., & Sharma, K. V. (2017). Experimental measurements of thermal conductivity and viscosity of ethylene glycol-based hybrid nanofluid with TiO₂–CuO/C inclusions. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 246, 396–405.

Akilu, S., Padmanabhan, E., & Sun, Z. (2021). A review of transport mechanisms and models for unconventional tight shale gas reservoir systems. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 175, 121125.

Akilu, S., Baheta, A. T., Minea, A. A., & Sharma, K. V. (2017). Rheology and thermal conductivity of non-porous silica (SiO₂) in viscous glycerol and ethylene glycol based nanofluids. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 88, 245–253.

Akilu, S., Baheta, A. T., Kadirgama, K., Padmanabhan, E., & Sharma, K. V. (2018). Viscosity, electrical and thermal conductivities of ethylene and propylene glycol-based β-SiC nanofluids. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 284, 780–792.

Amin Arzhangi | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Amin Arzhangi | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Amin Arzhangi | University of Bojnord | Iran

Amin Arzhangi is a dedicated Master’s student in Water Engineering and Hydraulic Structures at the University of Bojnord, recognized for academic excellence with a top-class ranking and strong research productivity. His work spans interdisciplinary domains of hydrology, ecohydrology, environmental hydraulics, sedimentology, river engineering, and water quality assessment. He has developed a robust research profile through active involvement in advanced modeling, machine learning applications in environmental systems, and hydro-geomorphic analyses. His research contributions focus on critical issues such as hypoxia prediction in rivers and reservoirs, water quality index modeling, biodegradability assessment, sediment pollution, and river system hydraulics. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers in reputable international journals—including Nature Communications Sustainability, Science, and Ecosystem Health and Sustainability—with several manuscripts under review. His publications reflect methodological depth, spanning machine learning models, hydrological process modeling, reaeration estimation, and spatial analysis of riverine and coastal systems. His work has accumulated meaningful citations, demonstrating its contribution to the scientific community. In parallel to his academic research, he has presented at well-regarded international conferences in Turkey, Portugal, and Iran, addressing river morphology, organic carbon dynamics, and land-use impacts on water quality. He also contributes professionally as a reviewer for established journals such as Science of the Total Environment, Journal of Hydrology, Results in Engineering, and others, and serves on an editorial board. His applied skills include machine learning for environmental prediction, hydrodynamic and hydraulic modeling (HEC-RAS, QUAL2K, Hydrus), GIS and remote sensing, and programming in Python and R. He is actively engaged in multiple ongoing projects involving sediment source tracing, coastal ecosystem analysis, turbulence modeling, water quality forecasting, and remote sensing-based hydrological assessments. Through strong academic rigor, interdisciplinary collaborations, and impactful research output, he demonstrates a clear trajectory toward becoming an emerging researcher in water resources engineering and environmental hydro systems.

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Featured Publications

Partani, S., Arzhangi, A., Danandeh Mehr, A., Ezzati, F., & Saber, A. (2025). Integrated hydraulic and reaeration analysis for sustainable water quality management in river systems. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5365496

Arzhangi, A., & Partani, S. (2025, November). A multi-scale framework for BOD5 prediction from water quality to hydro-geomorphic interpolation. iScience. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.114177

Arzhangi, A., Partani, S., Danandeh Mehr, A., Ezzati, F., & Saber, A. (2025, September 12). Instant water quality index (WQI) prediction via reaeration process and hydraulic parameters in the river system (Version 1) [Preprint]. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7481412/v1

Partani, S., & Arzhangi, A. (2025, August 17). Developing a reliable predictive model for the biodegradability index in industrial complex effluent. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 30108. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-15866-0

Arzhangi, A., & Partani, S. (2025, August 12). Development of a biodegradability index for urban rivers using detergent concentration: A case study from Tehran, Iran. American Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering, 458, Article 142521. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajese.20250903.17

Roghieh Hajiboland | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Roghieh Hajiboland | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Roghieh Hajiboland | University of Tabriz | Iran

Prof. Roghieh Hajiboland is a distinguished Full Professor of Plant Physiology in the Department of Plant, Cell and Molecular Biology, renowned for her extensive contributions to mineral nutrition, abiotic stress tolerance, and plant–microbe interactions. She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of Hohenheim, Germany, and has since developed a globally recognized research portfolio focused on nutrient uptake, transport physiology, heavy metal tolerance, salinity and drought stress adaptation, aluminum toxicity, and silicon- and selenium-mediated stress mitigation in diverse crop and halophytic species. With an active research career spanning more than a decade, Prof. Hajiboland has produced a substantial body of high-impact scientific work, including 60+ international journal articles, influential compilation books with Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, and Shayesteh Publishers, and numerous national publications and conference presentations. Her studies have advanced fundamental understanding of mineral element functions, nutrient remobilization, antioxidant responses, water relations, and physiological/biochemical mechanisms underlying stress resilience in plants. She is widely recognized for pioneering research on tea plant physiology, halophyte species, intercropping systems, and the roles of aluminum, selenium, and silicon in plant stress biology. Prof. Hajiboland teaches a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level courses, including Plant Physiology, Plant Growth and Development, Mineral Nutrition, Uptake and Transport in Plants, Transport Physiology, Evolutionary Biology, and Plant–Microbe Interactions. Her academic leadership includes supervising graduate research, mentoring young scientists, and contributing actively to departmental and institutional development. Her scholarly visibility is supported through Google Scholar, Scopus, and ResearchGate profiles, reflecting strong citation influence and international collaboration, particularly with leading researchers in Europe. Through her sustained research, teaching, and publication record, Prof. Hajiboland continues to shape contemporary understanding of plant stress physiology and sustainable crop improvement under challenging environmental conditions.

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Featured Publications

Moradtalab, N., Hajiboland, R., Aliasgharzad, N., Hartmann, T. E., & Neumann, G. (2019). Silicon and the association with an arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungus (Rhizophagus clarus) mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress on strawberry. Agronomy, 9(1), 41. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9010041

Rahmat, S., Hajiboland, R., & Sadeghzade, N. (2017). Selenium delays leaf senescence in oilseed rape plants. Photosynthetica, 55(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11099-016-0643-6

Hajiboland, R., Bahrami-Rad, S., & Poschenrieder, C. (2017). Silicon modifies both a local response and a systemic response to mechanical stress in tobacco leaves. Biologia Plantarum, 61(1), 123–131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10535-016-0633-3

Ebrahimi, N., Hartikainen, H., Simojoki, A., Hajiboland, R., & Seppänen, M. (2015). Dynamics of dry matter and selenium accumulation in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in response to organic and inorganic selenium treatments. Agricultural and Food Science, 24(3), 219–230.*

Hajiboland, R., Sadeghzadeh, N., Ebrahimi, N., Sadeghzadeh, B., & Mohammadi, S. A. (2015). Influence of selenium in drought-stressed wheat plants under greenhouse and field conditions. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica, 105(2), 213–225. https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2015.105.2.01

Hajiboland, R., Bastani, S., Bahrami-Rad, S., & Poschenrieder, C. (2015). Interactions between aluminum and boron in tea (Camellia sinensis) plants. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 37(12), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-015-1803-1

Kasuni Vidanagamachchi | Agricultural Technology | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Kasuni Vidanagamachchi | Agricultural Technology | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Kasuni Vidanagamachchi | Western Sydney University | Australia

Kasuni Vidanagamachchi is an accomplished academic, researcher, and industry professional in Operations and Supply Chain Management, known for her expertise in designing data-driven, digitally enabled, and resilient supply chain systems. She has completed her doctoral research at Western Sydney University, where she modelled viable agri-food supply chains using system dynamics and explored adaptation strategies for long-term supply chain sustainability. With extensive experience across both academia and industry, Kasuni has taught a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate subjects, including Supply Chain Management, Digital Transformation, ICT applications in supply chains, Operations Management, Systems Thinking, Social Computing, Project Management, and Research Methods. She has contributed to curriculum development, designed assessments, supervised student research, managed e-learning activities, and coordinated industry mentorship and internship programs. Kasuni is a productive researcher with peer-reviewed publications, contributing to domains such as digital supply chain ecosystems, Industry readiness, food system resilience, sustainability, agricultural market intelligence, and data-driven decision-making. She has collaborated with research partners across Australia, India, and Sri Lanka, supporting projects in digital agriculture and supply chain innovation. Her work extends beyond academia through her role as a principal innovator developing AgriShift, a digital platform designed to support agri-food supply chain resilience. Her industry background includes roles in logistics analysis and procurement, where she supported multinational clients by designing warehouse layouts, optimising distribution processes, improving operational efficiency, developing key performance indicators, and delivering logistics training. Kasuni has been recognised through multiple awards for research excellence, innovation, leadership, and academic performance. She is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and actively contributes to professional communities such as Women in Logistics and Transport and the System Dynamics Society. In addition to her academic and industry achievements, she is deeply engaged in volunteer initiatives, conference organisation, mentoring, and community-focused activities.

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Featured Publications

Vidanagamachchi, K., Kumarathunga, M., Pathirage, S., Buhary, R., & Ginige, A. (2024). A systems thinking approach to achieve food security through agricultural market intelligence. Australasian Conference on Information Systems, Canberra.

Vidanagamachchi, K., Ginige, A., & Nakandala, D. (2024). Digitally enabling viable agri-food supply chain ecosystems for climate change adaptations. Amplify.

Vidanagamachchi, K., Ginige, A., & Nakandala, D. (2024). Spatial ecologies in viable agri-food supply chains: Insights from iceberg model and causality analysis. Australasian Conference on Information Systems, Canberra.

Vidanagamachchi, K., & Ginige, A. (2023). Consumer-centred viable agri-food supply chain ecosystem and potential digital enhancements: An exploratory study. Australasian Conference on Information Systems, Wellington, New Zealand.

Karunarathna, N., Vidanagamachchi, K., & Wickramarachchi, R. (2020). A calibrated model of critical success factors for Industry 4.0 warehousing performance improvement: Insights from multiple case studies. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Sciences and Advanced Technology.

Gamini, L., Vidanagamachchi, K., & Wickramarachchi, R. (2020). A knowledge transfer model to implement lean practices for apparel industry based multi-stakeholder 3PLs. Proceedings of a conference.

Chandrasekara, S., Vidanagamachchi, K., & Wickramarachchi, R. (2020). A literature-based survey on Industry 4.0 technologies for procurement optimization. Proceedings of a conference.