Jae-Kwang Kim | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jae-Kwang Kim | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr.  Jae-Kwang Kim | Cheongju University | South Korea

Jae-Kwang Kim is an accomplished materials scientist and energy storage researcher currently serving as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Energy Conversion Engineering at Cheongju University, Korea, since 2015. He previously held a research-focused Assistant Professorship at UNIST and completed both his postdoctoral research and Ph.D. at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, specializing in material science. With over 150 international publications and multiple patents, his work spans lithium-metal, sodium, and seawater battery systems, solid and hybrid electrolytes, organic polymer electrodes, and flexible energy storage technologies. His research contributions have appeared in leading journals such as Advanced Energy Materials, Nano Energy, Energy Storage Materials, Chemical Engineering Journal, and NPG Asia Materials. Kim has led projects in both academia and industry, having worked as an assistant researcher at VK EIG, Hanwha Chemical, and Kaya MA, contributing to cathode development and electrochemical testing. He also served as Research Director at the Solar Research Institute (2018–2019) and currently advises the Chungcheongbuk-do government on energy strategies. His innovations have resulted in more than a dozen patents covering hybrid solid electrolytes, secondary batteries, and organic electrode technologies. Recognized internationally, he received the Korea Minister of Education Award in 2017 and has been ranked by Elsevier among the top 2% most influential researchers worldwide in 2023 and 2024. Through decades of interdisciplinary work bridging materials chemistry, electrochemistry, and device engineering, Kim continues to advance high-performance, sustainable, and scalable energy storage solutions.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID 

Featured Publications

Kim, J.-K., Lee, J., & Yang, J. (2025). Mechanically reinforced solid-state polymer electrolyte using illite filler for flexible all-solid-state Li-metal batteries. Journal of Power Sources.

Kim, J.-K., Lee, J., & Yang, J. (2025). Effect of plasticizers on the electrochemical performance of PEO-based solid polymer electrolytes for rechargeable lithium batteries. Journal of Power Sources.

Wu, F., Kim, J.-K., & Zhang, X. (2021). Dual-anion ionic liquid electrolyte enables stable Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes in lithium batteries. Joule, 5(7), 1736–1750.

Na, D., Kim, J.-K., & Lee, J. (2022). Highly safe and stable Li–CO₂ batteries using conducting polymer composites. Electrochimica Acta, 421, 140–149.

Lee, J. H., Kim, J.-K., & Lee, J. (2022). A high-stable polyacrylonitrile/ceramic composite electrolyte for all-solid-state lithium batteries. Materials Science and Engineering: B, 273, 115–123.

Adel | Sustainability | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Adel | Sustainability | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Vienna University of Economics and Business | Austria

Dr. Adel Aazami, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the Institute for Transport and Logistics Management, Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), Austria. He earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the Iran University of Science and Technology, where he graduated with distinction, and has previously served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Sharif University of Technology. His academic journey also includes a visiting research position at the University of Toronto. Dr. Aazami’s research focuses on operations research, optimization, sustainable supply chains, logistics, production and distribution planning, competition and game theory, stochastic programming, and decomposition algorithms. He has published extensively in leading international journals such as Sustainability, Journal of Manufacturing Systems, and Computers & Industrial Engineering, contributing impactful work on vehicle routing, perishable goods distribution, and robust optimization models. He has authored books in Persian and presented his work at renowned international conferences, strengthening his presence in the global academic community. Recognized with prestigious awards such as the Iranian Nobel Award (Alborz National Foundation) and multiple accolades from the National Elites Foundation, he has been consistently ranked among the top students and researchers throughout his academic career. Alongside his teaching roles at WU and several Iranian universities, he has supervised numerous theses and conducted industrial research projects in areas like productivity management, innovation systems, and green supply chains. A dedicated reviewer for more than 30 leading international journals, he contributes to advancing scholarship across industrial engineering and logistics. Complementing his academic career, Dr. Aazami is actively engaged in community service through volunteer work with the Iranian Red Crescent Society, showcasing a strong commitment to both professional excellence and social responsibility.

Profile:  ORCID  |  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Aazami, A., & Saidi-Mehrabad, M. (2021). A production and distribution planning of perishable products with a fixed lifetime under vertical competition in the seller-buyer systems: A real-world application. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 58, 223–247.

Goli, A., Aazami, A., & Jabbarzadeh, A. (2018). Accelerated cuckoo optimization algorithm for capacitated vehicle routing problem in competitive conditions. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence, 16(1), 88–112.

Makui, A., Heydari, M., Aazami, A., & Dehghani, E. (2016). Accelerating Benders decomposition approach for robust aggregate production planning of products with a very limited expiration date. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 100, 34–51.

Saeedi Mehrabad, M., Aazami, A., & Goli, A. (2017). A location-allocation model in the multi-level supply chain with multi-objective evolutionary approach. Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 10(3), 140–160.

Aazami, A., & Saidi-Mehrabad, M. (2019). Benders decomposition algorithm for robust aggregate production planning considering pricing decisions in competitive environment: A case study. Scientia Iranica, 26(5), 3007–3031.

Heydari, M., & Aazami, A. (2018). Minimizing the maximum tardiness and makespan criteria in a job shop scheduling problem with sequence dependent setup times. Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 11(2), 134–150.

Zarreh, M., Khandan, M., Goli, A., Aazami, A., & Kummer, S. (2024). Integrating perishables into closed-loop supply chains: A comprehensive review. Sustainability, 16(15), 6705.

Arash NourbakhshSadabad | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Arash NourbakhshSadabad | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr.  Arash NourbakhshSadabad, University of Tabriz, Iran

Dr. Arash NourbakhshSadabad is a distinguished researcher, academic, and innovator in the field of mechanical engineering with expertise in energy conversion, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. He completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering at Tabriz University with an excellent academic record,  during his doctoral studies. Alongside his academic journey, he has been a lecturer at Tabriz University, teaching key courses such as heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and turbomachinery while also serving as a research assistant in advanced projects. He has authored and co-authored several books and published numerous articles in reputable international and national journals, focusing on areas such as cavitation, renewable energy systems, hydrogen production, exergy analysis, and aerodynamic studies. His innovative contributions are highlighted by multiple patents, including compact and foldable hydraulic seats, a fan umbrella with sunlight detection capabilities, and self-retractable sunshades for vehicles. In addition to academia, he is the CEO of Bornafidar Rasa Company, where he has overseen projects introducing pioneering technologies in Iran, including handheld sprays, 3D spacer mesh devices, vacuum forming machines, and GPC wall panels. His excellence has been recognized with prestigious honors, including being named an exemplary student of Tabriz University, recognition from the Alborz Foundation and Elite Foundation, and multiple awards at the International Harakat Festival for innovation and creativity. He has also held leadership positions such as secretary-general of national mechanical and scientific associations, promoting collaboration and advancing academic and industrial growth. Skilled in engineering tools such as ANSYS, CATIA, MATLAB, Python, and OpenFOAM, he continues to bridge the gap between research, teaching, and industry. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing mechanical engineering, renewable energy technologies, and innovative solutions, marking him as a rising leader in the global engineering community.

Profile : Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Nourbakhsh, A., Nami Khalilehdeh, M., Faramarzi, S., & Mafi, M. (2021). Energy, exergy and economic analysis of a hydrogen liquefaction process integrated with a PRICO cycle. Gas Processing Journal, 9(2), 83–102.

Aryanfar, Y., Keçebaş, A., Nourbakhsh Sadabad, A., Alcaraz, J. L. G., Fernandez, J. B., & Wu, W. (2024). Production of biodiesel from industrial sludge: Recent progress, challenges, perspective. Processes, 12(11), 2517.

Nourbakhshsadabad, A., Nami Khalilehdeh, M., Abdollahi, S. A., & Ranjbar, F. (2024). A review of the methods of experimental detection and vibration effects of cavitation phenomenon in centrifugal pump. Journal of Pump, 39(54), 15–32.

Aryanfar, Y., Nourbakhsh Sadabad, A., Nami Khalilehdeh, M., Keçebaş, A., Mirzaei, F., & others. (2024). Synthetic biodegradable polymers as adsorbents of dyes. Elsevier.

Zonouzi, P., Nami Khalilehdeh, M., Nourbakhsh, A., Khajehnasiri, A., & others. (2023). Modeling and emission analysis of a Wankel internal combustion engine through EES software. Gas Processing Journal, 11(2), 1–10.

Patricia P. Iglesias Sanchez | Sustainability, marketing and business | Best Research Article Award

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Prof. Dr. Patricia P. Iglesias Sanchez | Sustainability, marketing and business | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Patricia P. Iglesias Sánchez currently holds the position of Titular de Universidad (Associate Professor) at the University of Málaga, Spain, where she has been a dedicated academic since 2011. Her scholarly contributions have grown significantly since earning her Ph.D. in Economic and Business Sciences in 2010, for which she was awarded the Extraordinary Doctorate Prize. With a professional background that bridges academia and industry, she brings real-world applicability to her research, teaching, and innovation activities. As a multidisciplinary researcher with a strong commitment to practical outcomes and gender equity, Dr. Iglesias Sánchez exemplifies leadership in entrepreneurial innovation, digital marketing, and social impact research.

Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

Dr. Iglesias Sánchez completed her Licenciatura in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Málaga in 2004. She subsequently obtained a Master’s degree in Local Development and Employment in 2008, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Barcelona, EAE, and Deusto in 2010. That same year, she earned her Ph.D. in Economic and Business Sciences from the University of Málaga, achieving the prestigious Extraordinary Doctorate Award. Her academic training is complemented by an expert certification in Innovation Management, adding further depth to her interdisciplinary profile.

Experience

Her early career was marked by influential roles in both public and private sectors, including as Director of Innovation Projects at the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Málaga and as General Manager of 2id Innovation Consultants. These experiences shaped her applied approach to research and teaching. Since joining the University of Málaga full-time in 2016, she has contributed significantly to the academic community through teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, coordinating the Master’s program in Digital Marketing Management, and leading several educational innovation projects. She also served as coordinator for the K-Project ComDigital, which fosters experiential learning in digital marketing for students.

Research Interest

Dr. Iglesias Sánchez’s core research focuses on open innovation, female entrepreneurship, digital marketing, startups, and the social dimensions of technology. Her work is deeply influenced by gender perspectives, making meaningful contributions to inclusive innovation and social sustainability. She has participated in various national and regional research projects addressing reputation management in digital society, strategic communication in female-led startups, and tourism accessibility in smart cities. Her ongoing work includes leading a nationally funded project exploring competitive strategies in communication for women-led startups, and she is a member of the research group COmMUp (SEJ-628), promoting open communication in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Awards

In recognition of her excellence, Dr. Iglesias Sánchez received the Extraordinary Doctorate Award in 2010. She has been honored three times for Best Presentation at international conferences, reflecting both her academic rigor and her impactful communication of research. Her projects have been supported by competitive grants from European and Spanish funding bodies such as FEDER, MCIU, AEI, and the Andalusian Government, validating the societal relevance and quality of her research.

Publication

Dr. Iglesias Sánchez has authored 35 peer-reviewed articles, indexed in JCR and SCOPUS, with an h-index of 12 and over 415 citations. Her representative works include:

  1. Heliyon (2022): “Open innovation for entrepreneurial opportunities” – cited by articles focusing on stakeholder engagement in tech-based startups.

  2. International Journal of Management Education (2022): “The role of gender and connections between entrepreneurship and employability.”

  3. Tourism Review (2022): “Digital accessibility of smart cities-tourism” – ahead of print.

  4. Heliyon (2021): “Closer to or further from the new normal? Social media analysis in business” – contributing to post-COVID strategy debates.

  5. Information Technology & Tourism (2020): “Open innovation and R&D in tourism” – widely cited in hospitality innovation research.

  6. Education and Training (2019): “Gender and university degree: A new analysis of entrepreneurial intention.”

  7. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2020): “The contagion of sentiments during the COVID-19 crisis.”

These publications emphasize open innovation, digital engagement, gender analysis, and societal resilience, underlining her integrated approach to entrepreneurship and communication.

Conclusion

Dr. Patricia P. Iglesias Sánchez stands out as a multi-faceted academic whose research bridges theory and practice, addressing real-world challenges such as gender equity, digital accessibility, and entrepreneurial sustainability. Her scholarly excellence, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to technology transfer demonstrate her impactful role in advancing both academic inquiry and societal progress. With notable international collaborations, pioneering projects, and consistent contributions to high-impact journals, she is a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Her holistic integration of research, education, and outreach continues to enrich the academic landscape and foster innovation-driven development.