Xinping Duan | Green Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

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.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

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

Wahad Rahman | Energy Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wahad Rahman | Energy Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wahad Rahman | University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar | Pakistan

A highly skilled engineering professional with extensive experience in mechatronics, renewable energy systems, additive manufacturing, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. With a strong academic foundation including advanced research in hybrid energy harvesting systems, this expert has contributed significantly to cutting-edge developments in sustainable power solutions for sensor networks and pipeline monitoring applications. Current work in additive manufacturing and reverse engineering involves leading research and development initiatives, operating advanced 3D printing technologies (FDM, SLA), managing high-precision 3D scanning, and conducting specialized training programs. This blends practical engineering with innovation-driven problem-solving across industrial and applied research environments. Previously, research contributions in sensor and energy harvesting systems included the design and development of micro Kaplan and Crossflow turbines, IoT-based pipeline monitoring solutions, energy-efficient wireless sensor nodes, and experimental setups for testing hybrid energy harvesters. These projects demonstrate strong proficiency in mechanical design, simulation, prototyping, and system integration. With several years of experience in academia, this professional has taught undergraduate theory and laboratory courses in mechanics of materials, fluid mechanics, robotics, and engineering software tools such as MATLAB and SolidWorks. Extensive involvement in STEM capacity-building programs further highlights commitment to engineering education and technology dissemination. Research expertise spans renewable energy, hybrid and flow-based energy harvesting, control systems, self-powered systems, power management circuits, wireless sensors, and IoT technologies. Published work includes multiple journal articles in reputable international outlets focusing on piezoelectric, electromagnetic, and hybrid energy harvesters, turbine modeling, RF energy harvesting, and sensor network applications. Professional development includes specialized training in IoT, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, MATLAB, image processing, robotics, content writing, and digital marketing, demonstrating a broad multidisciplinary skillset. Overall, this profile reflects a dynamic researcher and engineer dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions, intelligent monitoring systems, and modern manufacturing technologies.

Profiles: Orcid | LinkedIn | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Rahman, W. U., & Khan, F. U. (2025). A hybrid flow energy harvester to power an IoT-based wireless sensor system for the digitization and monitoring of pipeline networks. Machines, 13(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13111025

Rahman, W. U., & Khan, F. U. (2025). An integrated fluid flow and solar hybrid energy harvester for pipeline monitoring system. AIP Advances. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0284001

Rahman, W. U., & Khan, F. U. (2025). A survey of flow-based energy harvesters for powering sustainable wireless sensor nodes. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0237597

Rahman, W. U., & Khan, F. U. (2023). A hybrid flow energy harvester using combined piezoelectric and electromagnetic transductions for pipeline network monitoring. Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures. https://doi.org/10.1177/1045389X221147647

Nicola Cantasano | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nicola Cantasano | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nicola Cantasano | National Research Council of Italy | Italy

Dr. Nicola Cantasano’s research integrates marine biology, astrobiology, and freshwater ecosystem monitoring, focusing on developing innovative methodologies to measure, map, and interpret complex ecological systems on Earth and beyond. His work spans both marine and planetary environments, uniting biological and geological perspectives to enhance understanding of life’s signatures in diverse contexts. In marine science, he has made significant contributions to the taxonomy of seaweeds, monitoring of Posidonia oceanica meadows, and the management of beach-cast seagrasses, which are vital for Mediterranean coastal stability and biodiversity. His studies have also explored the surveillance of invasive algal species such as Caulerpa racemosa, contributing to regional environmental management and conservation strategies. Through the development of water mapping and ecological assessment methods, including the Indice di Funzionalità Fluviale (I.F.F.), he has advanced tools for evaluating the ecological status of fluvial systems, particularly within the Calabrian region. Dr. Cantasano’s research extends into astrobiology, where he investigates potential biosignatures on Mars by analyzing digital imagery from NASA missions. He explores analogies between terrestrial stromatolites—layered microbial structures formed by cyanobacteria—and Martian organosedimentary formations, proposing biogenic interpretations of textures observed in Martian rocks. This work contributes to the broader understanding of planetary habitability and the possible existence of ancient microbial life on Mars. His extensive publications cover topics such as marine and freshwater ecosystem management, coastal zone conservation, nutrient dynamics, and biogeochemical assessments. He has published in leading journals including Ocean & Coastal Management, International Journal of Astrobiology, Plant Biosystems, and Rendiconti Lincei. By bridging marine ecology and planetary science, his research provides innovative frameworks for sustainable ecosystem management on Earth and supports the scientific quest for life beyond it.

Profiles: Scopus | OrcidResearch Gate

Featured Publications 

Cantasano, N. (2025). Ecological and fluvial corridor of the Verri Stream as a connecting step in the Natura 2000 network along the Calabria coastal region, Italy. Environments, 12(11), 426. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12110426

Cantasano, N., Di Martino, V., & Pellicone, G. (2024). The invasion of Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder 1845 in the Calabria coastal seas. Coasts, 4(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts4010003

Ietto, F., Pellicone, G., & Cantasano, N. (2023). Silting process and loss of Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Tyrrhenian waters of Calabria (Southern Italy). Sustainability, 15(17), 13102. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713102

Ietto, F., Pellicone, G., & Cantasano, N. (2023, May 25). Silting process and loss of Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Tyrrhenian Calabria waters (Southern Italy). Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202305.1751.v1

Cantasano, N. (2022). Marine pollution by microplastics in the Mediterranean Sea. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 10(7), 858. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10070858

Bentaallah, M. E. A., Taibi, N. E., & Cantasano, N. (2021). Additional new records of Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder 1845 along the West Algerian coasts. Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences, 50(1), 97–103.*

Cantasano, N., Caloiero, T., Pellicone, G., Aristodemo, F., De Marco, A., & Tagarelli, G. (2021). Can ICZM contribute to the mitigation of erosion and of human activities threatening the natural and cultural heritage of the coastal landscape of Calabria? Sustainability, 13(3), 1122. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031122

 

Luis Martin Pomares | Renewable Resources | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luis Martin Pomares | Renewable Resources | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luis Martin Pomares | DEWA R&D | United Arab Emirates

A distinguished solar energy expert and research scientist, with over two decades of professional experience spanning solar resource assessment, satellite-based irradiance modeling, and renewable energy forecasting. His career bridges applied research, data analytics, and large-scale solar project development, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy systems worldwide. Currently serving as a Principal Scientist and Program Director at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) R&D Center, he leads initiatives in solar resource assessment, satellite image processing, and deep learning-based solar forecasting. His work includes developing data pipelines for solar forecasting using modern AI frameworks such as TensorFlow and Keras, and managing BSRN radiometric stations for high-precision solar measurements. Previously, he was a Scientist at Qatar Foundation’s QEERI, where he directed the development of the Solar Atlas of Qatar and applied remote sensing methods for regional solar mapping. Earlier, as President and Project Developer at Investigaciones y Recursos Solares Avanzados (IrSOLaV), he managed multi-megawatt PV and CSP projects across several continents and pioneered forecasting systems integrating Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and satellite-based nowcasting models. His expertise encompasses radiative transfer modeling, atmospheric physics, GIS-based solar mapping, and energy system simulation. He has contributed extensively to IEA Solar Heating and Cooling Tasks 36 and 46, COST Action 1002, and EU FP7 projects on solar nowcasting. He is also an active reviewer for leading journals such as Solar Energy, Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, and Atmospheric Measurement Techniques. Academically, he holds a Ph.D. in Physical Sciences (Cum Laude) from the Complutense University of Madrid, with a dissertation on solar radiation prediction using statistical methods. His publication record includes numerous peer-reviewed papers and book chapters on solar resource modeling, machine learning applications in energy forecasting, and site adaptation of solar datasets.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Valappil, V. K., & Martin-Pomares, L. (2025). Characterizing solar attenuation for concentrated solar power plants in Dubai using AERONET data and libRadtran. Solar Energy, 302, 114082.

Sanfilippo, A., Martin-Pomares, L., & Polo, J. (2025). Solar resources mapping: Fundamentals and applications. Springer Nature.

Nie, Y., Paletta, Q., Scott, A., Martin-Pomares, L. M., Arbod, G., Sgouridis, S., Lasenby, J., et al. (2024). Sky image-based solar forecasting using deep learning with heterogeneous multi-location data: Dataset fusion versus transfer learning. Applied Energy, 369, 123467.

Rezk, M., Tiwari, V. K., Manandhar, P., Krishnan, V., & Martin-Pomares, L. M. (2024). A CNN-based classifier for quality image selection from sky cameras. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Information Technology (ICSPIT).

Manandhar, P., Tiwari, V. K., Rezk, M., Krishnan, V., & Martin-Pomares, L. M. (2024). Convolutional deep learning hierarchical classifier to identify synoptic sky conditions based on sky images. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Information Technology (ICSPIT).

Martin-Pomares, L., Ghaoud, T., Al Khaja, T. T., Alemadi, A., Ahmed, M. S. M. M., et al. (2024). Sea water salinity estimation over Dubai using satellite imagery & WASI empirical model approach: Application to SpaceD DEWASAT-2 nanosatellite. Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Signal Processing and Information Technology (ICSPIT).