Maria-Beatrice Coltelli | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | FRP Sustainability Achievement Award

Prof. Maria-Beatrice Coltelli | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | FRP Sustainability Achievement Award

University of Pisa, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Italy

Profiles:

Current Position🏛️

Maria-Beatrice Coltelli (MBC) serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering at the University of Pisa (UNIPI) since 2019. In this role, she imparts knowledge on subjects such as Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Materials Science and Technology, and Reactive Processing and Recycling of Polymers. Furthermore, MBC has taken on the role of President of the PhD course in Chemical Engineering and Materials since 2023, guiding the next generation of scientists and engineers in the field.

Ongoing Research 🔍

Maria-Beatrice Coltelli is actively involved in several research projects that focus on the development of sustainable materials. Currently, she is the coordinator of the project “PLAnt-based antiMIcrobial aNd circular PACKaging for plant products” (PLAMINPACK), funded by the PRIMA2023 EU-Mediterranean call. Her role emphasizes the importance of creating packaging solutions that are both effective and environmentally friendly. Moreover, she is the research leader for the Flexizyme project, aimed at constructing a flexible enzymatic biotechnological platform for sustainable industrial production of bio-based fatty amines.

Research Interests 🔬

MBC’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum within the realm of materials science. 

  • Biodegradable materials for packaging and agricultural applications.
  • Polymer blends, composites, and nano-composites for recyclable and bioplastic applications.
  • Industrial ecology, investigating new avenues for waste valorization and resource sustainability.

Academic Background 🎓

Maria-Beatrice Coltelli completed her Master’s degree in Chemistry in 2001, followed by a PhD in Chemical Science in 2005, both from the University of Pisa. This strong academic foundation has equipped her with the skills necessary to address complex challenges in materials science, particularly in polymer technology.

Scholarships and Awards 🏆

Throughout her career, MBC has been recognized for her contributions to the field. Her role as the National Coordinator of the European BISC-E challenge organized by the Biobased Industry Consortium (BIC) since 2024 exemplifies her leadership in promoting biobased solutions. Her commitment to academic excellence is further reflected in her leadership roles within various interdepartmental centers at UNIPI.

Professional Associations 🤝

MBC is an active member of several professional organizations, enhancing her network and influence within the scientific community. She has been involved with the CISIM, CISUP, and CISBEC interdepartmental centers at UNIPI, contributing her expertise to interdisciplinary initiatives and projects.

Training & Workshops 📅

As an educator, Maria-Beatrice Coltelli has organized and participated in numerous training sessions and workshops, aiming to disseminate knowledge on innovative materials and sustainable practices. Her dedication to educating others is evident in her dynamic teaching approach and active engagement in academic forums.

Oral Presentations 🗣️

MBC has delivered multiple oral presentations at international conferences, sharing her insights on materials science innovations and sustainable practices. Her ability to communicate complex ideas clearly has made her a sought-after speaker in the field.

Tasks Completed as a Researcher ✅

Over her career, MBC has successfully completed various research tasks, including:

  • Leading projects on reactive blending of plastics and their recycling.
  • Developing 100% biodegradable plastic fibers for agricultural use.
  • Participating in numerous European projects aimed at advancing sustainable materials.

Success Factors 🌟

The success of Maria-Beatrice Coltelli can be attributed to her relentless pursuit of knowledge, her ability to collaborate effectively with industry and academia, and her commitment to fostering innovation in materials science. Her interdisciplinary approach and proactive engagement with stakeholders in the biobased industry position her as a leader in the field.

Publications & Laboratory Experience 🧪

With a robust publication record and hands-on laboratory experience, MBC has significantly contributed to the advancement of knowledge in polymer science. Her research on biodegradable materials and recycling technologies continues to inspire new methodologies and applications in the industry.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Recyclability Perspectives of the Most Diffused Biobased and Biodegradable Plastic Materials

  • Authors: Coltelli, M.-B., Gigante, V., Aliotta, L., Lazzeri, A.
  • Journal: Macromol
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: A comprehensive characterization of Hermetia illucens derived chitosan produced through homogeneous deacetylation

  • Authors: Triunfo, M., Guarnieri, A., Ianniciello, D., De Bonis, A., Falabella, P.
  • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Sustainable 3D printed poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/Hazelnut shell powder bio composites for design applications

  • Authors: Aliotta, L., Sergi, C., Pont, B.D., Gigante, V., Lazzeri, A.
  • Journal: Materials Today Sustainability
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: A Sustainable Multistage Process for Immobilizing Bioactive Compounds on Layered Double Hydroxides

  • Authors: Coiai, S., Passaglia, E., Telleschi, A., Coltelli, M.-B., Cicogna, F.
  • Journal: Cosmetics
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Smart Tissue Carriers for Innovative Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals

  • Authors: Morganti, P., Morganti, G., Chen, H.-D., Coltelli, M.-B., Gagliardini, A.
  • Journal: Cosmetics
  • Year: 2024

 

Saeid Lotfian | Aerospace and Automotive Applications | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Saeid Lotfian | Aerospace and Automotive Applications | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom

Profiles:

Current Position 🏛️

Dr. Saeid Lotfian serves as a Teaching Fellow and Lecturer in Materials and Structures at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK, since June 2018. In his current role, he is responsible for leading research initiatives that focus on international excellence in marine and aerospace structural integrity. His expertise lies in smart and multifunctional materials, advanced manufacturing technologies, and innovative strategies to address structural integrity challenges on different scales.

Publication Achievements 📚

Dr. Lotfian has made significant contributions to the field of mechanical engineering through his extensive publication record. His work encompasses a variety of topics related to materials and structures, particularly in the context of renewable energy applications and structural integrity assessments. He has authored and co-authored numerous research papers in reputable journals, enhancing the understanding of advanced materials and their applications. His research efforts have garnered recognition within the academic community, contributing to ongoing discussions and advancements in the field.

Ongoing Research 🔬

Dr. Lotfian’s ongoing research encompasses several high-impact projects. As a Principal Investigator (PI), he leads initiatives funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) that explore the performance of tidal turbine blades, the use of functionally graded materials in offshore renewable energy generation, and the decommissioning of offshore wind mono-pile foundations. Additionally, his work involves the development of self-warning coatings, proactive maintenance strategies, and remanufacturing techniques using additive manufacturing technologies.

Research Interests 🌍

Dr. Lotfian’s research interests are diverse and centered around materials and structural engineering. 

  • Smart and multifunctional materials
  • Advanced manufacturing technologies, especially additive manufacturing
  • Structural integrity in marine and aerospace applications
  • Energy transition and renewable energy systems
  • Environmental sustainability and lifecycle assessment of materials

Academic Background 🎓

Dr. Lotfian holds a PhD, MSc, and BSc in Mechanical Engineering. His academic journey has been marked by a commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of materials science. He is a Fellow of The Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a Professional Member (MIMMM) of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), reflecting his dedication to maintaining high educational standards and professional excellence.

Scholarships and Awards 🏆

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Lotfian has received various scholarships and awards that have recognized his contributions and potential in the field of engineering. His work on EPSRC-funded projects and collaborations within the academic community demonstrate his commitment to innovation and research excellence.

Professional Associations 🤝

Dr. Lotfian is actively involved in several professional associations, including:

  • Higher Education Academy (HEA)
  • Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) These memberships enable him to stay abreast of industry trends and connect with fellow professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Training & Workshops 🛠️

As part of his commitment to continuous professional development, Dr. Lotfian has organized and participated in various training sessions and workshops. Notably, he has led CPD courses on energy transition and offshore renewables, aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of industry professionals. His involvement in the IDCORE CDT and WAMSS CDT modules further emphasizes his dedication to shaping future engineers and researchers.

Oral Presentations 🗣️

Dr. Lotfian has delivered numerous oral presentations at conferences and workshops, sharing his insights on materials and structures with a global audience. These presentations highlight his research findings and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge within the engineering community.

Tasks Completed as a Researcher ✅

Dr. Lotfian’s research portfolio includes a multitude of successful projects and collaborations. He has been the main researcher in several key initiatives, focusing on:

  • The development of damage-tolerant and self-repairing structures
  • Structural analysis of advanced materials for energy applications
  • Investigation of erosion issues in tidal turbine blades

Success Factors 🌟

The success of Dr. Lotfian’s research can be attributed to his innovative approach, collaborative spirit, and commitment to addressing real-world challenges in materials and structures. His ability to secure funding for multiple high-impact projects demonstrates his leadership and vision in advancing the field.

Publications & Laboratory Experience 🧪

Dr. Lotfian’s laboratory experience is extensive, involving hands-on research in materials testing and evaluation. His publications reflect a deep understanding of the complexities of materials science and engineering. By engaging in interdisciplinary research and fostering collaborations with industry partners, he has contributed to the development of innovative solutions for structural integrity challenges.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Bending analysis of smart functionally graded plate using the state-space approach

  • Authors: Salmanpour, N., Rouzegar, J., Abad, F., Lotfian, S.
  • Journal: Steel and Composite Structures
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Preparation and characterisation of NH3 gas sensor based on PANI/Fe-doped CeO2 nanocomposite

  • Authors: Esmaeili, C., Ashtiani, S., Regmi, C., Povolny, V., Lotfian, S.
  • Journal: Heliyon
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Transient-Liquid-Phase Bonded Inconel 617 to Stainless Steel 310 through Altering Process Parameters and Homogenisation

  • Authors: Dehghan, A., Emadi, R., Asghari, Y., Emadi, H., Lotfian, S.
  • Journal: Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Inspection of wind turbine bolted connections using the ultrasonic phased array system

  • Authors: Mills, B., Javadi, Y., Abad, F., Pierce, G., Gachagan, A.
  • Journal: Heliyon
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: 3D-Printed Polycaprolactone-Based Containing Calcium Zirconium Silicate: Bioactive Scaffold for Accelerating Bone Regeneration

  • Authors: Emadi, H., Baghani, M., Masoudi Rad, M., Baniassadi, M., Lotfian, S.
  • Journal: Polymers
  • Year: 2024

 

 

Shafiqur Rehman | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Shafiqur Rehman | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | Best Researcher Award

Professor at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia

Profiles:

Current Position 🏢

Dr. Shafiqur Rehman Waliullah is a distinguished figure in the field of renewable energy, specifically focusing on wind and solar power system optimization. He holds a prestigious position in a leading research institute, where he spearheads various renewable energy projects. His expertise spans wind energy resource assessment, hybrid power systems, and techno-economical feasibility studies, making him a go-to expert for sustainable energy solutions in Saudi Arabia and beyond. His role involves extensive project management, proposal writing, and client-funded research that continues to shape the future of renewable energy in the region.

Publication Achievements 📚

Dr. Rehman Waliullah has made significant contributions to the scientific community through his publications in top-tier journals. He has authored numerous papers on renewable energy, with a specific focus on wind and solar energy integration. His work on wind energy potential in Saudi Arabia and hybrid power system designs has been widely cited, helping shape energy policies and influencing renewable energy projects globally. His contributions are not just limited to scientific journals but extend to technical memoranda and proposals, many of which have been transformed into successful projects. Dr. Waliullah’s scholarly output is a testament to his profound impact on the field of renewable energy.

Ongoing Research 🔬

Currently, Dr. Rehman Waliullah is deeply involved in research related to optimizing hybrid power systems, including Wind-PV-Diesel combinations. His ongoing projects include wind energy resource assessment and the design of grid-connected and off-grid wind farms, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Saudi Arabia. He is also working on techno-economical feasibility studies for integrating renewable energy into existing power systems, addressing challenges related to energy storage and grid stability. Another key area of his research is the assessment of pumped storage plants to improve load management, which is crucial for the efficient use of renewable energy.

Research Interests 🌱

  • Wind Energy Resource Assessment: Identifying potential sites for wind farms, both grid-connected and off-grid, and optimizing their designs.
  • Solar Energy Resource Assessment: Focusing on PV system sizing, hybrid PV-Diesel system optimization, and techno-economical feasibility studies.
  • Hybrid Power System Design: Specializing in Wind-PV-Diesel systems, aiming for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Pumped Storage Plants: Investigating the potential for energy storage through pumped storage systems, especially in regions like the Gulf of Aqaba and Gizan in Saudi Arabia.
  • Geothermal Energy: Exploring geothermal resource assessments as a sustainable energy source.
  • Meteorological Data Acquisition: Using advanced techniques for surface and upper-air data acquisition to improve the accuracy of renewable energy resource assessments.

Academic Background 🎓

Dr. Waliullah’s academic journey reflects his deep commitment to renewable energy and meteorology. With a Ph.D. in a related field, he has received advanced training in wind and solar energy systems, as well as hybrid power system optimization. His education laid the foundation for a career that has been marked by cutting-edge research and technical expertise, making him a highly respected academic in his field.

Scholarships and Awards 🏅

Throughout his career, Dr. Rehman Waliullah has been the recipient of several scholarships and awards. These accolades recognize his contributions to renewable energy research and his ability to translate technical ideas into practical solutions. His ability to lead successful research projects has earned him recognition not only from academic circles but also from industry stakeholders who rely on his expertise.

Technical Expertise and Bioinformatics ⚙️

Dr. Waliullah’s technical acumen extends to the use of advanced software tools like WindoGrapher, WindFarm, HOMER, HYBRID 2, and RetScreen for designing and optimizing wind and solar energy projects. His proficiency in SURFER, GRAPHER, and STATISTICAL SOFTWARE allows him to analyze complex datasets, ensuring that his research is backed by robust statistical analysis. His work also involves using ORACLE for managing extensive meteorological and energy data, contributing to the efficiency and accuracy of his projects.

Professional Associations 🌐

Dr. Waliullah is an active member of various professional organizations dedicated to renewable energy and meteorology. His involvement in these associations allows him to stay at the forefront of developments in renewable energy technologies. He regularly participates in conferences and workshops, where he shares his insights and collaborates with other experts to advance the field.

Training & Workshops 🎓

Dr. Waliullah has not only attended but also conducted several workshops and training sessions on renewable energy. These workshops focus on wind and solar energy resource assessment, hybrid power system design, and the use of advanced computational tools for energy optimization. His commitment to educating the next generation of renewable energy experts is evident in his active participation in these training initiatives.

Oral Presentations 🎤

Dr. Shafiqur Rehman Waliullah has delivered numerous presentations at international conferences, showcasing his research on wind energy potential, hybrid power systems, and techno-economic feasibility studies. His ability to communicate complex technical concepts in an accessible manner has earned him accolades at conferences, where he is often invited as a keynote speaker.

Tasks Completed as a Researcher 📝

  • Conducted site visits for potential wind and solar energy projects, including notable locations such as the Gulf of Aqaba and the Al-Biesh Dam.
  • Supervised the installation of meteorological towers for wind data collection and analyzed upper-air meteorological data using radiosondes.
  • Developed over 45 research proposals for client-funded projects, many of which have been successfully executed.
  • Played a pivotal role in the design and optimization of wind-PV-diesel hybrid power systems.

Success Factors 🌟

Dr. Rehman Waliullah’s success is driven by his deep technical expertise, innovative research, and his ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. His hands-on field experience, coupled with his mastery of computational tools, ensures that his research has a tangible impact on renewable energy projects worldwide.

Publications & Laboratory Experience 🧪

Dr. Waliullah’s extensive laboratory experience includes wind speed and direction measurement, sensor installation, and data acquisition for renewable energy projects. His research is often published in high-impact journals, where his findings contribute to advancements in the field of renewable energy and hybrid power systems.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Enhanced performance of a hybrid adsorption desalination system integrated with solar PV/T collectors: Experimental investigation and machine learning modeling coupled with manta ray foraging algorithm

  • Authors: Zayed, M.E., Ghazy, M., Shboul, B., Menesy, A.S., Askalany, A.A.
  • Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Techno-economic evaluation and improved sizing optimization of green hydrogen production and storage under higher wind penetration in Aqaba Gulf

  • Authors: Rehman, S., Kotb, K.M., Zayed, M.E., Alzahrani, A.S., Mohandes, M.A.
  • Journal: Journal of Energy Storage
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Evaluation of Green and Blue Hydrogen Production Potential in Saudi Arabia

  • Authors: Al-Khelaiwi, M.S., Al-Masaabi, T.A., Farag, H., Rehman, S.
  • Journal: Energy Conversion and Management: X
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Thermo-economic performance of a leaky downhole coaxial geothermal system for maximizing geothermal energy production: Numerical investigation

  • Authors: Yin, H., Zayed, M.E., Li, Y., Al-Kbodi, B.H., Rehman, S.
  • Journal: Renewable Energy
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Techno-Economic Analysis of Combined Production of Wind Energy and Green Hydrogen on the Northern Coast of Mauritania

  • Authors: Maaloum, V., Bououbeid, E.M., Ali, M.M., Samb, M.L., Yahya, A.M.
  • Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)
  • Year: 2024