Julie Leignadier | Scientific Breakthroughs | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Julie Leignadier | Scientific Breakthroughs | Research Excellence Award

Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant | France

Dr. Julie Leignadier is an accomplished immunologist and biologist with extensive experience in both fundamental research and applied biotechnology. She earned her PhD in Montreal, where over five years she studied the mechanisms underlying the strength of the memory T cell receptor, gaining deep expertise in adaptive immunity and molecular signaling. Her doctoral work provided critical insights into immune memory and receptor dynamics, establishing a solid foundation for her future research. Following her PhD, Dr. Leignadier spent eight years as a postdoctoral researcher in leading Swiss and French laboratories, where she led multiple projects at the intersection of immunology and oncology. During this period, she honed her skills in experimental design, cellular and molecular biology, and translational research, contributing to high-impact publications and fostering international collaborations. Her work in cancer immunology emphasized understanding complex immune responses and translating fundamental findings into potential therapeutic strategies. In 2020, Dr. Leignadier joined Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant as Head of the Biology Laboratory, where she oversees the development of innovative and sustainable active ingredients for the cosmetics industry. In this role, she leverages her expertise in cellular biology and immunology to create biologically effective compounds that meet both consumer needs and environmental sustainability standards. Her leadership drives research initiatives that bridge cutting-edge science with industrial application, positioning the company at the forefront of sustainable cosmetic innovation. Dr. Leignadier remains committed to integrating scientific excellence with industrial innovation, applying her deep knowledge of immunology and molecular biology to deliver products that are both effective and environmentally responsible. Her career reflects a unique blend of academic rigor and practical expertise, making her a recognized leader in biologically informed cosmetic research.

 


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Xingwang Bian | Scientific Breakthroughs | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Xingwang Bian | Scientific Breakthroughs | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Xingwang Bian | Beijing Vacuum Electronics Research Institute | China

Xingwang Bian is a senior-level researcher at the Beijing Vacuum Electronics Research Institute, working in the domain of vacuum electronics and high-frequency device engineering. He specializes in the research, design, and experimental development of traveling-wave tubes (TWTs) operating at millimeter-wave and terahertz (THz) frequencies — especially in the G-band. His work leverages advanced slow-wave structure designs, electron-beam systems, and optimized focusing/magnetics, aiming to push the power, bandwidth, and efficiency envelope for THz vacuum-electronic amplifiers.  Among his important contributions: he co-authored demonstration of a broadband continuous-wave G-band TWT providing multi-GHz bandwidth and tens of watts of output power — a promising step toward practical THz wireless communications and radar systems.  Bian has also been centrally involved in the development of pulsed G-band TWTs for radar applications, combining innovations in slow-wave structure (modified folded waveguide), high-current electron beams, and phase-velocity tapering to reach high output power levels (on the order of 100 W+ in pulsed operation) in a compact, vacuum-electronic device.  Through these efforts, Bian has helped advance what is arguably one of the leading THz-band vacuum-electronic technology pipelines from BVERI, contributing to both academic publications and applied-device development.  In sum: Bian is a specialized vacuum-electronics engineer/scientist whose expertise lies at the intersection of electromagnetic design, electron-beam physics, and high-frequency amplifier fabrication — with a clear emphasis on making high-power, wide-band, THz-band TWTs viable for radar, sensing, and communication applications.

Publication Profile

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Featured Publications 

Bian, X., Pan, P., Du, X., Feng, Y., Li, Y., Song, B., & Feng, J. (2025). Design and experiment of modified folded waveguide slow wave structure for 60-W G-band traveling wave tube. IEEE Microwave and Wireless Technology Letters.

Bian, X., Pan, P., Xian, S., Yang, D., Zhang, L., Cai, J., & Feng, J. (2025). A G-band pulsed wave traveling wave tube for THz radar. Preprints.

Zhu, M., Cai, Y., Zhang, L., Zhang, J., Hua, B., Ma, K., Ding, J., Bian, X., et al. (2025). Surpassing kilometer-scale terahertz wireless communication beyond 300 GHz enabled by hybrid photonic–electronic synergy. Research Square.

Bian, X., Pan, P., Du, X., Song, B., Zhang, L., Cai, J., & Feng, J. (2024). Demonstration of a high-efficiency and wide-band 30-W G-band continuous wave traveling wave tube. IEEE Electron Device Letters.

Feng, Y., Bian, X., Song, B., Li, Y., Pan, P., & Feng, J. (2022). A G-band broadband continuous wave traveling wave tube for wireless communications. Micromachines

Tang Qingjun | Scientific Breakthroughs | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Qingjun | Scientific Breakthroughs | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Qingjun | Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

This research portfolio centers on advancing space thermal control and cryogenic refrigeration technologies, with significant emphasis on precision temperature management, lightweight system design, and enhanced performance for scientific payloads in orbit. The work covers key technological domains such as flexible heat transfer, thermal matching for low-temperature devices, insulation support structures, contamination control, and integrated thermal–mechanical engineering for spacecraft. A major focus of the research involves developing high-precision low-temperature control systems for space missions, enabling stable operation of sensitive optical payloads in complex orbital environments. Through comprehensive mastery of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetics, and automated temperature regulation, several critical engineering challenges were overcome. These include improving temperature stability, reducing micro-vibration output, and optimizing thermal interfaces for high-performance detection instruments. The resulting technologies enhanced the scientific capabilities of spaceborne payloads and earned recognition from international experts in spacecraft engineering. Another central contribution lies in the development of lightweight pulse tube cryocoolers for space applications. Under major scientific and engineering programs, extensive basic and applied studies were conducted to design and optimize compact refrigeration systems. A series of prototypes was successfully built, achieving significant reductions in mass while preserving cooling capacity, operational lifespan, and structural robustness. These innovations contribute to next-generation spacecraft refrigeration solutions, supporting advanced astronomical observations and deep-space scientific missions. The research integrates theoretical modeling, high-frequency performance analysis, experimental verification, and system-level optimization. Publications include studies on coaxial and single-stage pulse tube cryocoolers, micro-scale units capable of reaching extremely low temperatures, inertance tube phase-shifting characteristics, multi-cold-finger systems, and thermo-mechanical behavior of cryogenic components. The work has appeared in leading scientific journals and international conferences covering thermal engineering, cryogenics, refrigeration science, and astronomical instrumentation. Collectively, these contributions advance cutting-edge cryogenic and thermal control technologies essential to modern space science, supporting higher-accuracy payloads, more efficient cooling solutions, and improved performance of future spacecraft systems.

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Featured Publications

Liu, C., Tian, B., Ma, J., Niu, Y., Tang, Q., Ma, Y., & Cai, J. (2025). Experimental investigation of a single-stage micro pulse tube cryocooler operating at 59 Hz with liquid nitrogen precooling: Achieving 14.8 K under 5 W input power. International Journal of Refrigeration.

Tian, B., Liu, C., Ma, J., Niu, Y., Tang, Q., Ma, Y., & Cai, J. (2025). Investigation on a micro pulse tube cryocooler operating at 152 Hz. Cryogenics.

Maria Pinelli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maria Pinelli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maria Pinelli | Radboud University Medical Center | Italy

Dr. Maria Pinelli is an Assistant Professor Junior (RTDa) at the Politecnico di Milano (Italy) in the Department of Management, Economics, and Industrial Engineering (ING-IND/35). Her academic and research work focuses on technological innovation in healthcare, with particular attention to Health Technology Assessment (HTA), innovation management in hospitals, and the integration of scanning and assessment processes to enhance healthcare value creation. She earned her Ph.D. from Politecnico di Milano in 2025 with a thesis titled “MedTech Innovation in Hospitals: Re-Framing the Integration between Scanning and Assessment and the Determinants of Value.” During her doctoral studies, she was a Visiting Ph.D. Student at Radboud University (Netherlands), collaborating on international research exploring hospital technology strategies. Her academic background also includes a Master’s Degree in Management Engineering with specialization in Sustainable Operations Management and Social Innovation and a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, both completed with honors. Dr. Pinelli has published extensively in high-impact international journals such as Health Policy, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, PLOS ONE, IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine, and IJERPH. Her works contribute to understanding the strategic, clinical, and socio-economic evaluation of medical technologies and the role of digital transformation and sustainability in healthcare systems. She has been actively involved in teaching and coordinating courses such as Innovation in Health and Social Care, Healthcare Management, and Economia e Organizzazione Aziendale at Politecnico di Milano and Humanitas University. Her contributions extend to international conferences, including EURAM, ISPOR, IPDMC, and Health Technology Assessment International, where she presented cutting-edge research on hospital innovation, inclusive healthcare technologies, and decision-making frameworks. Dr. Pinelli also serves as a reviewer for several leading journals, including the Journal of Medical Internet Research and Health Services Management Research. Beyond academia, she has contributed to practitioner conferences addressing the impact of AI and MedTech innovation in healthcare. Through her multidisciplinary expertise, international collaboration, and commitment to advancing healthcare innovation, Dr. Maria Pinelli represents a new generation of scholars bridging management engineering and medical technology for sustainable, patient-centered care.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Pinelli, M., Moglia, A., Marsilio, L., Rossi, M., Lettieri, E., Mainardi, L., & Manzotti, A. (2023). Mixed reality and artificial intelligence: A holistic approach to multimodal visualization and extended interaction in knee osteotomy. IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine, 10. https://doi.org/10.1109/JTEHM.2023.3335608

Pinelli, M., Manetti, S., & Lettieri, E. (2023). Assessing the social and environmental impact of healthcare technologies: Towards an extended social return on investment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6), 5224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065224

Di Francesco, A., Pinelli, M., Lettieri, E., Toletti, G., & Galli, M. (2023). Towards a more inclusive society: The social return on investment (SROI) of an innovative ankle–foot orthosis for hemiplegic children. Sustainability, 15(5), 4361. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054361

Pinelli, M., Gerardi, C., Lettieri, E., Maioru, M., Marone, L., Bertoldi, L., Navanteri, G., Costantini, M., Botti, C., & Pellini, F. (2024). Comparison of indocyanine green with conventional tracers for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: A multidisciplinary evaluation of clinical effectiveness, safety, organizational and economic impact. PLOS ONE, 19(8), e0309336. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309336

Pinelli, M., Lettieri, E., Boaretto, A., Casile, C., Citro, G., Zazzaro, B., & Ravazzoni, A. (2022). Glucometer usability for 65+ type 2 diabetes patients: Insights on physical and cognitive issues. Sensors, 22(16), 6202. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22166202

Mr. Ehsan Esmaeeli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award | 2537

Mr. Ehsan Esmaeeli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ehsan Esmaeeli | Sharif University of Technology | Iran

Ehsan Esmaeeli, a dedicated researcher in Maintenance and Reliability Engineering at Sharif University of Technology, exemplifies excellence in research, innovation, and professional expertise. His scholarly contributions span maintenance optimization, reliability modeling, and intelligent asset management systems, integrating AI and hybrid optimization techniques. With multiple publications in high-impact international journals such as IEEE Access and Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, his work has advanced the understanding of data-driven maintenance strategies and sustainable industrial operations. A Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP), Asset Management Assessor (CAMA), and Reliability Leader (CRL), Ehsan bridges academic research with industrial practice, fostering innovation that enhances system reliability and operational efficiency.

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Featured Publications

Esmaeeli, E., Collins, A. J., Varmazyar, M., & Khorshidnia, M. (2025). Agent-based modeling applications in maintenance systems: A systematic review. Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, 31(3), 325–349. https://doi.org/10.1108/JQME-03-2024-0028

Ludovica Di Renzo | Research Excellence | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo | Research Excellence | Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo | Istittuto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale G.Caporale | Italy

Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo is an accomplished veterinary researcher specializing in marine animal health, wildlife pathology, and aquaculture sustainability. With a career devoted to understanding the effects of emerging diseases, pollutants, and environmental stressors on aquatic species, she has made significant contributions to marine ecosystem monitoring and animal welfare. Currently serving as a Researcher at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, she brings extensive experience in diagnostics of wild and stranded marine animals, including necropsy, histology, parasitology, cytology, and molecular diagnostics. Her research also extends to microplastics detection and the assessment of their biological impacts on marine organisms. Dr. Di Renzo holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), a PhD in Veterinary Medical Sciences, Public Health, and Animal Welfare, along with postgraduate specializations in Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine and dual second-level master’s degrees in Aquaculture of the Future and Healthcare Management and Administration. Her interdisciplinary background bridges veterinary pathology, marine ecology, and environmental biotechnology, positioning her at the forefront of integrated marine health research. She is the author and co-author of over 35 peer-reviewed scientific publications featured in leading journals such as Pathogens, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Environmental Pollution, Animals, PLoS One, and Scientific Reports. Her impactful work on cetacean diseases, sea turtle health, microplastics contamination, and zoonotic pathogens has earned her international recognition, contributing to global marine conservation efforts. Beyond her research, Dr. Di Renzo actively participates in national scientific boards and committees on aquaculture and wildlife health, providing expert advisory input for policy and conservation strategies. She has delivered numerous presentations at international conferences including the European Cetacean Society, World Marine Mammal Conference, and International Sea Turtle Symposium, sharing insights into the health challenges facing marine wildlife. Fluent in Italian and English, with intermediate Portuguese proficiency gained through Erasmus experience at the University of Lisbon, she also dedicates her time to volunteer work with Centro Studi Cetacei Onlus and Sub Loto, supporting marine rescue and rehabilitation initiatives. Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo’s scholarly impact is reflected in 36 documents, 318 citations, and an h-index of 11, underscoring her sustained contributions to advancing veterinary and marine science globally.

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Featured Publications

Di Renzo, L., Mariani, G., Matiddi, M., Silvestri, C., Chiesa, S., Petochi, T., Marino, G., Pizzurro, F., Fazio, S., Rossi, E., et al. (2025, October 6). First survey on sea turtles’ interactions in mussel farms in Italy. Animals, 15(19), 2909. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192909

Pizzurro, F., Nerone, E., Di Domenico, M., Ancora, M., Mincarelli, L. F., Salini, R., Di Renzo, L., Fazio, S., & Recchi, S. (2025, April 3). Realistic environmental exposure of microplastics in European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis: Evaluation of accumulation and depuration under controlled conditions and molecular assessment of a set of reference genes. Water, 17(7), 1063. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17071063

Di Febo, T., Di Francesco, G., Grattarola, C., Sonsini, L., Di Renzo, L., Lucifora, G., Puleio, R., Di Francesco, C. E., Smoglica, C., Di Guardo, G., et al. (2025, January 2). Serological diagnosis of Brucella infection in cetaceans by rapid serum agglutination test and competitive ELISA with Brucella abortus and Brucella ceti as antigens. Pathogens, 14(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14010026

Grattarola, C., Pietroluongo, G., Belluscio, D., Berio, E., Canonico, C., Centelleghe, C., Cocumelli, C., Crotti, S., Denurra, D., Di Donato, A., et al. (2024, September). Pathogen prevalence in cetaceans stranded along the Italian coastline between 2015 and 2020. Pathogens, 13(9), 762. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090762

Di Renzo, L., De Angelis, M. E., Torresi, M., Mariani, G., Pizzurro, F., Mincarelli, L. F., Esposito, E., Oliviero, M., Iaccarino, D., & Di Nocera, F., et al. (2024, April 18). Genomic characterization of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species isolated from sea turtles. Microorganisms, 12(4), 817. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040817

Bao Liu | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bao Liu | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bao Liu | Xi’an University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Liu Bao is an Associate Professor and Academic Leader in the field of Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems at the School of Electrical and Control Engineering, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, where he also serves as a Graduate Supervisor and Project-based Ph.D. Supervisor. He earned his doctorate in engineering from Xi’an Jiaotong University, completed postdoctoral research at Xi’an University of Science and Technology, and broadened his academic experience as a visiting fellow at Macquarie University in Australia. Recognized as a Senior Data Analyst by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, Dr. Liu is an active member of several national academic societies and professional committees. His research focuses on multi-source information fusion and intelligent technologies for coal fire disaster prevention and control, integrating advanced computational and automation techniques to address complex industrial challenges. Throughout his career, he has led diverse national, provincial, and industry-based research projects and contributed extensively to scientific publications and technological innovation through patents and software developments. As a committed educator and mentor, Dr. Liu has inspired students to excel in academic and professional pursuits and has been honored with multiple awards recognizing his dedication to teaching, research, and academic service.

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Featured Publications

Liu, B., Liu, Q., & Wu, Z. (2026, February). A novel robust Student’s t scale mixture distribution based Kalman filter. Signal Processing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sigpro.2025.110296

Liu, B., Wu, Z., & Liu, Q. (2025). Gaussian mixture model-based variational Bayesian approach for extended target tracking. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIM.2025.3565347

Liu, B., & Jiang, W. (2024). DFKD: Dynamic focused knowledge distillation approach for insulator defect detection. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIM.2024.3485446

Liu, B., & Jiang, W. (2024, December). LA-YOLO: Bidirectional adaptive feature fusion approach for small object detection of insulator self-explosion defects. IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPWRD.2024.3467915

Liu, B., Zhou, N., & Wang, Z. (2024, December 27). DFI-YOLOv8 based defect detection method for fan blades. In Proceedings of the 2024 Conference on [Insert Conference Name]. https://doi.org/10.1145/3722405.3722437

Rosabel Camacho Gastélum | Scientific Breakthroughs | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Rosabel Camacho Gastélum | Scientific Breakthroughs | Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Rosabel Camacho Gastélum, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Mexico

Dr. Rosabel Camacho Gastélum is a researcher at the Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas , Mexico. Her work focuses on marine sciences, with a particular interest in the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding and protecting ocean ecosystems.

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🎓Early Academic Pursuits

Rosabel Camacho Gastélum’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in biology, leading to her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a specialization in Marine Biology. Her undergraduate thesis,  showcased her early interest in marine ecosystems. She furthered her education with a Master’s degree in Marine Resource Management, completing her thesis on “Identification of fish larvae from the family Sciaenidae in the Upper Gulf of California using molecular markers.” Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Marine Sciences at Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas , Mexico.

🔬Professional Endeavors

Rosabel’s professional experience includes working as a Research Assistant on a vessel . During this tenure, she contributed to the collection of biological samples and physical data from the southern part and entrance of the Gulf of California. Her expertise in marine biology and research skills have been valuable assets in her professional endeavors.

📚Contributions and Research Focus

Rosabel has made significant contributions to the field of marine biology through her research and publications. Some notable publications include:

– Molecular identification and morphological description of Micropogonias megalops, Cynoscion othonopterus, C. reticulatus, and Menticirrhus in Mitochondrial DNA Part A (2017)
– Interannual variations of environmental factors and their effects on larval fish habitats in the Upper Gulf of California during early summer in Continental Shelf Research (2020)
– Horizontal and vertical distribution of fish larvae in the main entrance of Bahía de La Paz, Gulf of California (October 2022) in Continental Shelf Research (2025)

Her research focuses on marine species identification, ecology, and conservation, with a particular emphasis on the Gulf of California. Rosabel has also presented her research at conferences and science fairs, including a presentation on the genetic identification of fish larvae from the family Sciaenidae in the Upper Gulf of California.

📢Impact and Influence

Rosabel’s research has the potential to inform conservation efforts and management of marine resources in the Gulf of California. Her work on fish larvae identification and ecology can contribute to a better understanding of marine ecosystems and the impacts of environmental changes. By sharing her research with academic and general audiences, Rosabel is helping to advance the field of marine biology and promote awareness about the importance of marine conservation.

✍️Notable Publications