Kenju Otsuka | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kenju Otsuka | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kenju Otsuka | TS3L Research | Japan

The nomination highlights an accomplished researcher whose work spans laser physics, quantum electronics, self-mixing laser metrology, and nonlinear optical dynamics. Their academic background reflects decades of contributions to the development of advanced solid-state laser systems and the fundamental understanding of dynamic behavior in optical environments. The researcher has completed significant investigations, including the invention of stoichiometric laser crystals enabling highly efficient microchip lasers, as well as pioneering methods for controlling transverse laser modes through pump-beam modulation. Their studies on nonlinear dynamics—such as antiphase behavior, clustering phenomena, and chaotic itinerancy—have shaped theoretical and experimental approaches in optical complex systems. Current research focuses on advancing self-mixing metrology using thin-slice solid-state lasers with ultra-high sensitivity for measuring non-cooperative objects. This includes groundbreaking progress on laser-diode-pumped ruby lasers designed for extreme-precision sensing applications. The researcher has led several major projects in this domain, including development of thin-slice Cr:Al₂O₃ lasers aimed at pushing the limits of metrological sensitivity. Their scholarly output is extensive, with thousands of citations, numerous indexed journal publications, authored book chapters, and a monograph on nonlinear optical dynamics. They also hold multiple patents related to laser technologies, reflecting a strong innovation portfolio. The researcher has maintained active collaborations with leading scientists and institutions, contributing significantly to the global optics and photonics community. In addition to research achievements, they have served in editorial roles and hold prestigious fellowships in internationally recognized scientific societies, acknowledging their influence in laser science, photonic device engineering, and nonlinear dynamics. Their contributions to self-mixing laser metrology, laser mode manipulation, and the exploration of complex optical behaviors continue to advance precision measurement and optical system design.

Profiles:  Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2025). Harmonics-assisted 50-fold optical phase amplification with a self-mixing thin-slice Nd:GdVO₄ laser with wide-aperture laser-diode pumping. Photonics, 12(11), Article 1098. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12111098

Sudo, S., & Otsuka, K. (2025). Evaluation of thermal expansion of elastomer using self-mixing vibrometry with thin-slice solid laser. Journal of Applied Physics, 138(4), Article 0281888. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0281888

Sudo, S., & Otsuka, K. (2024). Self-mixing thinly sliced ruby laser for laser Doppler velocimetry with high optical sensitivity. Optics Continuum, 3(11), Article 532807. https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTCON.532807

Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2023). Spiking ruby revisited: Self-induced periodic spiking oscillations leading to chaotic state in a Cr:Al₂O₃ laser with cw 532-nm pumping. Optics Continuum, 2(9), Article 497640. https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTCON.497640

Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2023). Erratum: Nonlinear dynamics of a self-mixing thin-slice solid-state laser subjected to Doppler-shifted optical feedback [Phys. Rev. E, 104, 044203 (2021)]. Physical Review E, 108(3), 039901. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.108.039901

Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2022). Self-mixing interference in a thin-slice solid-state laser with few feedback photons per observation period. Physical Review A, 106(5), 053504. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.106.053504

Dr. Nuno Almeida | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award | 2598

Dr. Nuno Almeida | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nuno Almeida | Universidade do Algarve | Portugal

Dr. Nuno Miguel Forra Almeida is an academic and professional psychologist specializing in Work, Social, and Organizational Psychology. He serves as an Assistant Guest Lecturer at the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences of the University of Algarve (FCHS-UAlg) and holds specialist recognition from the Portuguese Psychologists Association (OPP) as well as EuroPsy qualification from the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA). He is also affiliated with FAROTESTE – Psychological Assessment.Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Algarve, his research focuses on electoral abstention among young people, integrating psychological, behavioral, political, and communicational dimensions. He is actively involved as a Collaborating Researcher in two research centers: the Center for Research in Psychology (CIP) at Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa and the University Center for Psychological Research (CUIP) at the University of Algarve. In addition, he contributes to the OPP’s pool of psychologists for crisis and catastrophe intervention. Dr. Almeida has a robust academic background, holding a Master’s degree in Social and Organizational Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Algarve. His professional development includes extensive specialized training across diverse domains such as ergonomics, psychological evaluation, neuro-linguistic programming, information security, artificial intelligence workflows, and intervention with vulnerable populations including refugees and LGBTQ individuals. His teaching and research are complemented by practical involvement in supervision of academic and professional internships, psychometric testing, and consultancy in work and organizational settings. Through his academic and professional trajectory, he demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, innovation in psychological assessment, and the integration of digital tools in psychological research and education. His scholarly and professional interests converge on understanding human behavior in social and organizational contexts, promoting psychological well-being in workplaces, and exploring the psychological underpinnings of civic engagement and political participation among youth.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Almeida, N., & Giger, J.-C. (2025). Unraveling the heterogeneity of electoral abstention: Profiles, motivations, and paths to a more inclusive democracy in Portugal. Social Sciences, 14(10), 601.

Giger, J.-C., Piçarra, N., Pochwatko, G., Almeida, N., & Almeida, A. S. (2025). Intention to work with social robots: The role of perceived robot use self-efficacy, attitudes towards robots, and beliefs in human nature uniqueness. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 9(2), 9.

Giger, J.-C., Piçarra, N., Pochwatko, G., Almeida, N., Almeida, A. S., Costa, N., & Duradoni, M. (2024). Development of the Beliefs in Human Nature Uniqueness Scale and its associations with perception of social robots. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, Article ID 5569587.

Gonçalves, G., Sousa, C., Fernandes, M. J., Almeida, N., & Sousa, A. (2023). Restorative effects of biophilic workplace and nature exposure during working time: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(21), 6986.

Almeida, N., & Giger, J.-C. (2025, January 23). The absent vote: Unraveling social representations of electoral abstention among students and non-student voters. In X Jornadas Internacionais de Iniciação à Investigação Científica em Psicologia (J3ICP).

 

Mikhail Samchukov | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mikhail Samchukov | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mikhail Samchukov | Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children | Argentina

Dr. Mikhail L. Samchukov is an internationally renowned orthopedic surgeon recognized for his pioneering work in limb lengthening, deformity correction, and reconstructive surgery. A senior consultant and researcher with decades of experience, he has played a transformative role in advancing Ilizarov techniques, distraction osteogenesis, and the development of modern external fixation systems. Dr. Samchukov’s distinguished career bridges clinical innovation and biomedical engineering, focusing on precision alignment correction, bone regeneration, and patient-specific orthopedic solutions. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and monographs, and his research has influenced surgical practices and medical device development globally. As a recognized expert and mentor, Dr. Samchukov has led numerous clinical education programs, trained surgeons worldwide, and contributed to the integration of digital technologies into orthopedic modeling and treatment planning. His collaborations span premier medical institutions across North America, Europe, and Asia, strengthening the global network of orthopedic innovation. A frequent invited speaker at leading international congresses and symposiums, he continues to shape the future of reconstructive orthopedics through research leadership, mentorship, and clinical excellence. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to improving patient outcomes through science-driven surgical advancement.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Golshteyn, G., Oji, E., & Samchukov, M. (2025). Clinical guidelines for the application of tibial cortex transverse transport for diabetic foot ulcers. Foot & Ankle Surgery: Techniques, Reports & Cases, 100535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fastrc.2025.100535

Feraru, L. M., & Samchukov, M. (2025). Limb salvage with transverse tibial bone transport in a high-risk patient with a chronic Achilles tendon ulcer: A case report. Foot & Ankle Surgery: Techniques, Reports & Cases, 100575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fastrc.2025.100575

Stone, R., Samchukov, M., & Hutchison, B. (2025). Transverse tibial bone transport for treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis: A case report. Foot & Ankle Surgery: Techniques, Reports & Cases, 100537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fastrc.2025.100537

Bafor, A., Iobst, C., Samchukov, M., Cherkashin, A., Singh, S., Aguilar, L., & Glatt, V. (2023, December 20). Reverse dynamization accelerates regenerate bone formation and remodeling in a goat distraction osteogenesis model. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.22.01342

Glatt, V., Samchukov, M., Cherkashin, A., & Iobst, C. (2021, February 3). Reverse dynamization accelerates bone healing in a large-animal osteotomy model. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.20.00380

Ernat, J. J., Wimberly, L., Samchukov, M. L., Cherkaskin, A. M., & Birch, J. G. (2019). Staged reconstruction for type IV tibial deficiency (distal tibiofibular diastasis). JBJS Case Connector. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.CC.19.00088

Wallace, S. B., Cherkashin, A., Samchukov, M., Wimberly, R. L., & Riccio, A. I. (2019, July 3). Real-time monitoring with a controlled advancement drill may decrease plunge depth. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.19.00111