Efty Mahmud | Biodegradable Composites | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Efty Mahmud | Biodegradable Composites | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Efty Mahmud | Khulna University of Engineering & Technology | Bangladesh

Efty Mahmud is a Bangladeshi researcher and textile engineer from Burichong, Comilla. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) , majoring in Apparel Manufacturing Engineering with a CGPA of 3.13. His research focuses on advanced composite materials, sustainable biocomposites, and computational modeling. For his undergraduate thesis, he developed a novel polylactic acid (PLA) and jute fiber bio-composite reinforced with eggshell particle fillers, combining experimental and fuzzy logic modeling approaches to optimize mechanical and sustainable performance. Efty has authored and co-authored several research papers published or under review in reputed journals, including Results in Materials (Elsevier). He was an invited keynote speaker at the International Conference on Oil, Gas & Petroleum Engineering in Kuala Lumpur and has contributed to book chapters with Wiley–Scrivener Publishers (USA). Technically proficient in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB, Python, and machine learning libraries, he applies data-driven modeling to material design. His achievements include a nomination for the Best Researcher Award 2025 by the International Research Awards on Fiber Reinforced Polymer and a Board Scholarship for academic excellence. As Office Secretary of the KUET Textile Club, he organized national events and led academic development initiatives. He also developed the “KuetTexbot” notes-sharing app. Fluent in Bengali and English, Efty continues to pursue innovative, sustainable solutions in textile and composite engineering.

Profile: Scopus  ORCID

Featured Publications

Mahmud, E. (2025). Fabrication of PLA bio-composite reinforced with jute fiber and ESP fillers and optimization of mechanical properties via fuzzy logic approach. Results in Materials, Elsevier.

Oluwaseun Nubi | Waste Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Oluwaseun Nubi | Waste Management | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Sustainable Solutions Services | United Kingdom

Dr. Oluwaseun Nubi is an accomplished researcher, educator, and sustainability consultant with a Ph.D. in Environment and Sustainability from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, and over a decade of experience in research, education, and consultancy. He also holds an MSc in Chemical Process Engineering and a BEng in Chemical Engineering from University College London, and a BSc in Engineering Physics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. His research focuses on life cycle sustainability assessment, waste management, renewable energy, and environmental management, with several peer-reviewed publications examining waste-to-energy systems in developing countries. Dr. Nubi has collaborated with academic and industry experts to assess the environmental, economic, and social impacts of sustainable energy technologies, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. As Founder and Lead Consultant of Sustainable Solutions Services in London, he develops sustainability strategies, conducts environmental assessments, and designs circular economy and renewable energy solutions for global clients. He is also an experienced educational consultant and lecturer, having trained and mentored numerous students in mathematics and science, achieving exceptional academic outcomes. His professional achievements include certifications in life cycle assessment, energy management, and solid waste management from globally recognized institutions such as MIT, Harvard University, and the World Bank. A member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers and the International Association of Impact Assessment, Dr. Nubi combines technical expertise with a passion for environmental innovation, community education, and policy development, contributing significantly to advancing sustainable development practices worldwide.

Profile: Scopus  | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Nubi, O., Morse, S., & Murphy, R. J. (2021). A prospective social life cycle assessment (sLCA) of electricity generation from municipal solid waste in Nigeria. Sustainability, 13(18), 10177.

  • Nubi, O., Morse, S., & Murphy, R. J. (2022). Electricity generation from municipal solid waste in Nigeria: A prospective LCA study. Sustainability, 14(15), 9252.

  • Nubi, O., Morse, S., & Murphy, R. J. (2022). Prospective life cycle costing of electricity generation from municipal solid waste in Nigeria. Sustainability, 14(20), 13293.

  • Nubi, O., Morse, S., & Murphy, R. J. (2022). Life cycle sustainability assessment of electricity generation from municipal solid waste in Nigeria: A prospective study. Energies, 15(23), 9173.

  • Nubi, O., Murphy, R., & Morse, S. (2024). Life cycle sustainability assessment of waste-to-energy systems in the developing world: A review. Environments, 11(6), 123.

  • Nubi, O. O. (2023). Life cycle sustainability assessment of electricity generation from municipal solid waste in Nigeria. Doctoral dissertation, University of Surrey.

Jae-Kwang Kim | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

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.

Salvador Fonseca Guadalupe | Sustainability | Best Review Paper Award

Dr. Salvador Fonseca Guadalupe | Sustainability  | Best Review Paper Award

Dr. Salvador Fonseca Guadalupe | Universidade de Aveiro | Portugal

Salvador Fonseca Guadalupe is a distinguished Santomense economist and public administrator recognized for his expertise in finance, taxation, and economic policy. He holds a degree in Business Management from Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias in Lisbon, a master’s in Business Administration from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Economic and Business Sciences at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, with research focused on microfinance and poverty reduction. Throughout his extensive career, he has held prominent positions within the government, including Director of the Treasury, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Finance, and Director of the Office of Economic Studies and Policy at the Ministry of Planning and Finance. He has played a key role in national fiscal reforms, notably leading the implementation of the Value Added Tax (IVA) system and the introduction of electronic invoicing in São Tomé and Príncipe. Alongside his administrative achievements, he has contributed significantly to academia, teaching financial accounting, analytical accounting, and public finance at higher education institutions. His scholarly work includes publications in leading international journals such as the Journal of Risk and Financial Management and Cuadernos de Gestion, and book chapters published by Springer, covering topics on microfinance, economic empowerment, and sustainable poverty reduction. With a blend of academic insight and policy leadership, Salvador da Fonseca Guadalupe continues to shape economic governance and foster institutional growth in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Guadalupe, S. F., Moreira, A. C., & Mota, J. (2024). Profitability of microfinance institutions and borrowers: A systematic literature review. Cuadernos de Gestión.

Fonseca, S., Mota, J., & Moreira, A. (2024). The impact of microfinance on individuals’ empowerment: A systematic literature review. In Microfinance: Interventions in challenging contexts (pp. xx–xx). Springer.

Adel | Sustainability | Best Academic Researcher Award

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

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.

Cornelia Vasile | bio-based materials | Best Paper Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cornelia Vasile | bio-based materials | Best Paper Award

Senior researcher at Romanian Academy, “P.Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romania

Dr. Cornelia Vasile is a highly acclaimed chemist and educator with over five decades of experience in physical chemistry, particularly in polymer science. She has made significant contributions to the characterization, recovery, and development of polymer materials. As a senior researcher and head of the Physical Chemistry of Polymers Department at the “P.Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry in Romania, Dr. Vasile has been instrumental in advancing polymer science research. She has also served as an associate professor at Laval University, Canada, and other prestigious institutions, mentoring MSc and PhD students. Her pioneering work has earned her multiple international awards, including medals at the “Inventica” symposia, highlighting her influence on material science and waste recovery.

Profile

ORCID

🎓 Education

Dr. Cornelia Vasile holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry of Polymers from “Al.I. Cuza” University, awarded in 1971. She completed her undergraduate studies in chemistry at Bucharest University, Romania, graduating in 1966. Her doctoral research at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry laid the foundation for her expertise in polymer science, focusing on the chemical physics of polymers. Throughout her career, she has continuously expanded her knowledge through various fellowships and international collaborations.

💼 Experience

Dr. Vasile’s career spans nearly five decades at the “P.Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, where she worked as a senior researcher and later led the Physical Chemistry of Polymers Department. Her tenure included supervising numerous PhD theses and spearheading innovative research in polymer waste recovery, pyrolysis, and the development of eco-friendly packaging systems. She also collaborated with international institutions, including Laval University, Canada, and the University of Massachusetts, USA, contributing her expertise as a visiting expert. Her scientific collaborations have extended across Europe, North America, and Asia.

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Vasile’s research interests encompass a broad range of topics in polymer science, including:

Thermal analysis of polymers

Biomaterials and biodegradable packaging

Polymer waste recovery through pyrolysis

Polymer compatibility and biocompatibility

Smart polymer systems for drug delivery

Bio(nano)composites for medical applications Her work aims to address environmental challenges by developing sustainable materials and innovative waste management techniques.

🏅 Awards

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Vasile has received numerous awards, including:

“Bucharest University Award” (1965) – For outstanding student research on the kinetics of decomposition of metal complexes.

“N. Teclu Romanian Academy Prize” (1969) – Recognizing her contributions to the chemical sciences.

Gold and silver medals at international “Inventica” symposia (1986, 1987, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2018) for her patents on polymer waste recovery.

Excellence Diploma and Medal (2006) – For her contributions to the EUROATOM PC6 program of the European Commission.

Best Paper Award by Japan Society of Materials Cycles and Waste Management (2017) – For her publication on gas production by steam gasification of polypropylene/biomass waste composites.

📚 Selected Publications

  1. “Lignins as Promising Renewable Biopolymers and Bioactive Compounds for High-Performance Materials”
    Journal: Polymers (2023), 15(15), 3177
    Cited by: Multiple articles in sustainable polymer science.

  2. “Lignin Modification with Carboxylic Acids and Butyrolactone under Cold Plasma Conditions”
    Journal: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research (2013)
    Cited by: Articles on polymer surface modifications and biomaterials.

  3. “Effect of the Lignin Type on the Morphology and Thermal Properties of Xanthan/Lignin Hydrogels”
    Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (2013)
    Cited by: Studies on hydrogel applications in biomedicine.

  4. “Semi-interpenetrating Polymer Networks Containing Polysaccharides”
    Journal: High Performance Polymers (2011)
    Cited by: Research on polymer blends and controlled drug delivery.

  5. “In Vitro Evaluation of Mixed Xanthan/Lignin Hydrogels as Vanillin Carriers”
    Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure (2011)
    Cited by: Articles on polymeric hydrogels for drug delivery.

  6. “Thermal Degradation of Lignin – A Review”
    Journal: Cellulose Chemistry and Technology (2010)
    Cited by: 1314 citations, indicating its significant influence on lignin degradation research.

  7. “Polyolefins/Lignosulfonate Blends”
    Journal: Macromolecular Materials and Engineering (2004)
    Cited by: Articles on polymer-lignin composites and their applications.

Conclusion

Dr. Cornelia Vasile is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Paper Award. Her outstanding scientific contributions, impactful publications, and multiple recognitions position her as a frontrunner. Her work on polymer waste recovery, eco-sustainable packaging, and lignocellulosic biopolymers exemplifies excellence in research, making her a strong contender for this prestigious accolade.