Dr. Yongku Kang | Materials for Energy Applications | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Yongku Kang | Materials for Energy Applications | Research Excellence Award

Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology | South Korea

Dr. Yongku Kang is a highly accomplished researcher in materials science whose work has significantly advanced the development of next-generation materials for energy applications, bridging fundamental chemistry, nanomaterials engineering, and functional device design. His outstanding scholarly impact is reflected in an impressive 4,038 citations distributed across 1,753 citing documents, supported by 102 i10-index publications, a substantial research output of 52 documents, and a strong h-index of 36, demonstrating both depth and sustained influence in his field. Dr. Kang’s research focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced functional materials for energy storage, environmental sustainability, catalysis, and optoelectronic applications. His contributions encompass high-performance composites, nanostructured electrode materials, metal–organic frameworks, semiconducting materials, and biomaterials engineered for enhanced efficiency, stability, and performance in energy-driven systems. Through experimental innovation, state-of-the-art materials characterization techniques, and interdisciplinary collaboration, he has developed novel material architectures that improve ionic transport, catalytic activity, photophysical behavior, thermal stability, and environmental resilience. His work spans a range of high-impact areas including photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, hydrogen generation, energy storage devices, environmental purification materials, and bio-derived functional materials. Dr. Kang’s extensive publication record demonstrates leadership in advancing nanocomposite processing, interface engineering, and structure–property relationships in materials designed for clean energy conversion and sustainable technologies. In addition to his contributions as a prolific researcher, he is an active participant in academic mentoring, collaborative research networks, and scientific leadership activities, helping to drive innovation within the materials science community. Through a combination of high citation influence, interdisciplinary expertise, and technological creativity, Dr. Yongku Kang stands out as a distinguished scientist whose work continues to shape the evolving landscape of materials for energy applications, making him a highly deserving candidate for the Research Excellence Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

San, M., Lee, M. H., Suk, J., & Kang, Y. (2025). Nanoelectrochemistry in next generation lithium batteries. In Electrochemistry and Photo-Electrochemistry of Nanomaterials (pp. 211–250).

Lee, J., Kang, Y., Suh, D. H., & Lee, C. (2005). Ionic conductivity and electrochemical properties of cross-linked poly (siloxane-g-oligo (ethylene oxide)) gel-type polymer electrolyte. Electrochimica Acta, 50(2–3), 350–355.

Nguyen, T. M., Biressaw, G. M., Lee, M. H., Kim, D. Y., Bui, T. H., Suk, J., & Kang, Y. (2025). Hybrid aqueous electrolyte design for interfacial stabilization in high-energy-density and long-life LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2–Li4Ti5O12 lithium-ion batteries. Journal of Energy Storage, 139, 118915.

guyen, T. M., Biressaw, G. M., Kim, D. W., Jo, H. W., Suk, J., & Kang, Y. (2025). Improved stability of solid polymer electrolyte using an additive for a 4 V lithium-ion battery operated at room temperature. Journal of Energy Storage, 126, 117098.

Biressaw, G. M., Nguyen, T. M., Moon, S., Kim, D. Y., Kim, D. W., Suk, J., & Kang, Y. (2025). Ferroelectric 3D nanoweb-incorporated in situ cross-linked composite solid electrolyte for high-performance lithium–metal polymer batteries. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 17(40), 56133–56143.

Choi, Y., Lee, J., Kim, H. G., Jeong, E. D., Bae, J. S., Kang, Y., & Kim, J. P. (2024). Electrochemical characteristics of dense PVDF-PEGDME polymer electrolytes for solid-state lithium-ion batteries. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 135, 532–538.

Kang, J., Kim, D. W., Kang, I., & Kang, Y. (2025). An advanced Li–O₂ battery with ultrahigh power and energy density. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 172(3), 030516.

Dr. Qingyong Li | Composite Materials | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Qingyong Li | Composite Materials | Research Excellence Award

Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology | China

Dr. Qingyong Li is an emerging researcher in composite materials and environmental catalysis whose work has contributed significantly to advanced material design, heterogeneous catalysis, and sustainable pollutant treatment technologies. With a growing research footprint reflected in 453 citations across 370 citing documents, he has established a solid academic reputation supported by 11 scientific documents and a steadily rising h-index of 8, demonstrating both impact and consistency in high-quality research output. As a faculty member in the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Dr. Li focuses on the development of functional composite materials, catalytic nanostructures, and clay-based or mineral-supported metal quantum dots aimed at efficient degradation of persistent organic pollutants. His research integrates composite chemistry, environmental engineering, photocatalysis, and advanced oxidation processes, with particular emphasis on peroxymonosulfate and peroxydisulfate activation mechanisms, oxygen-vacancy engineering, and visible-light-driven catalytic systems. Dr. Li’s contributions include the design of kaolin-supported cobalt nanostructures, red-mud-derived layered composites, magnetic oxide systems, and mixed metal catalysts with enhanced activity and stability. His publications in respected international journals highlight his expertise in mechanochemical synthesis, pollutant mineralization pathways, catalyst reusability, and structure–function relationships in composite materials. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, he has advanced the understanding of composite catalyst behavior, free-radical generation, charge separation efficiency, and surface-adsorption kinetics, offering practical solutions for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Dr. Li’s research not only deepens theoretical insights into catalytic mechanisms but also provides scalable strategies for transforming industrial waste into high-value materials, demonstrating strong alignment with global sustainability priorities. His rapidly increasing citation profile, innovative approaches to catalyst development, and commitment to environmental materials research position him as an impactful and promising scientist deserving of recognition through the Research Excellence Award.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Li, Q., Yan, Z., Yang, X., Li, J., Li, R., Qiu, B., Wang, N., & Wang, S. (2026). Natural layered kaolin supported cobalt quantum dots for rapid degradation of carbamazepine via peroxymonosulfate activation: Performance and mechanism. Chemical Engineering Science.

Li, Q., Zhang, J., Xu, J., Cheng, Y., Yang, X., He, J., Liu, Y., Chen, J., Qiu, B., Zhong, Y., et al. (2024). Magnetic CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles immobilized on mesoporous alumina as highly efficient peroxymonosulfate activator for enhanced degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride. Separation and Purification Technology.

Li, Q. (2022). Photocatalysis activation of peroxydisulfate over oxygen vacancies-rich mixed metal oxide derived from red mud-based layered double hydroxide for ciprofloxacin degradation. Separation and Purification Technology.

Ba, J., Wei, G., Zhang, L., Li, Q., Li, Z., & Chen, J. (2021). Preparation and application of a new Fenton-like catalyst from red mud for degradation of sulfamethoxazole. Environmental Technology.

Li, Q. (2021). Novel step-scheme red mud based Ag₃PO₄ heterojunction photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic performance and stability in photo-Fenton reaction. Chemical Engineering Journal.

Dr. Yong Li | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Yong Li | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Shaanxi Normal University | China

Dr. Yong Li is an accomplished materials scientist whose rapidly growing research profile has positioned him as a leading contributor to next-generation photovoltaic technologies. With a strong academic foundation and a deep specialization in metal halide perovskite solar cells, his work spans defect passivation, interface engineering, crystallization control, and long-term device stability, enabling significant advancements in highly efficient and durable solar energy systems. Dr. Li has authored 52 scientific documents, demonstrating impressive productivity and a commitment to cutting-edge inquiry, and his research impact is reflected in 2,851 citations accumulated across 2,412 citing documents, supported further by a robust h-index of 29, highlighting both the depth and consistency of his scientific influence. His contributions focus on understanding the intricate interplay between precursor chemistry, molecular interactions, and interfacial processes, leading to innovative strategies for suppressing recombination, enhancing charge transport, and stabilizing perovskite layers under real-world conditions. Dr. Li’s work integrates experimental insight with advanced analytical techniques, offering design principles for scalable, low-cost solar modules and contributing to the global pursuit of sustainable and clean energy technologies. His portfolio includes impactful publications in SCI-indexed journals, collaborative initiatives with leading research groups, and involvement in strategically important research projects that address efficiency bottlenecks and operational reliability in modern solar cell architectures. Beyond fundamental research, he is committed to developing practical pathways for technology translation, bridging laboratory innovation with industrial relevance. Through his scholarly excellence, strong citation metrics, and growing international visibility, Dr. Li continues to shape the future of materials science and photovoltaic engineering, representing a new generation of researchers driving impactful solutions in renewable energy and contributing substantially to the advancement of high-performance solar materials.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Zheng, C., He, Y., Li, Y., Gao, A., Liu, Z., Chen, L., Wang, D., & Liu, S. (Frank). (2025). Oxidation stability of perovskite solar cells reinforced by punicalagin to resist UV damage. Advanced Functional Materials.

Li, Y., Dong, L., Cai, Y., Li, Y., Xu, D., Lei, H., Li, N., Fan, Z., Tan, J., Sun, R., Wang, B., Gong, J., Lin, Z., Guo, K., He, X., & Liu, Z.  (2025). Meticulous design of high-polarity interface material for FACsPbI₃ perovskite solar cells with efficiency of 26.47%. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 64(26), e202504902.

Zhao, W., Lin, H., Li, Y., Wang, D., Wang, J., Liu, Z., Yuan, N., Ding, J., & Wang, Q. (2022). Symmetrical acceptor–donor–acceptor molecule as a versatile defect passivation agent toward efficient FA₀.₈₅MA₀.₁₅PbI₃ perovskite solar cells. Advanced Functional Materials, 32(19), 2112032.

Liu, B., Zhou, Q., Li, Y., Chen, Y., He, D., Ma, D., Han, X., Li, R., Yang, K., Yang, Y., Lu, S., Ren, X., Zhang, Z., Ding, L., Feng, J., Yi, J., & Che, J.  (2024). Polydentate ligand reinforced chelating to stabilize buried interface toward high-performance perovskite solar cells. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 136(8), e202317185.

Wu, M., Wang, H., Li, Y., Chen, R., Zhou, H., Yang, S., Xu, D., Li, K., An, Z., Liu, S. (Frank)., & Liu, Z. (2023). Crystallization regulation by self-assembling liquid crystal template enables efficient and stable perovskite solar cells. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 62(52), e202313472.

Mr. Zhigang Wu | Microstructure and Properties | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zhigang Wu | Microstructure and Properties | Best Researcher Award

Jiangxi University of Science and Technology | China

Mr. Zhigang Wu is an accomplished researcher in microstructure and material properties, recognized for his growing contributions to advanced electromechanical systems, smart materials, and precision engineering. With 150 citations generated from 141 documents, he has established a strong scholarly footprint supported by 20 published documents and an h-index of 8. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Energy and Mechanical Engineering at Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, he brings extensive expertise in flexure-based mechanisms, micro-grippers, compliant systems, nanopositioning platforms, and intelligent control strategies. His academic path spans electromechanical engineering, mechanical engineering, and doctoral specialization in electromechanical systems, fueling a multidisciplinary approach that integrates mechanical design, precision control, micro-robotics, and advanced actuation technologies. Mr. Wu has made notable contributions to the development of piezo-driven micro-manipulation systems, nonlinear control methods, and micro-robotic devices, with several of his works appearing in reputable international journals and conferences. His research addresses practical challenges in precision motion control, micro-scale manipulation, image-based tracking, and actuator hysteresis modeling, advancing next-generation micro-robotic applications. He has been actively involved in major research projects related to high-precision parallel manipulators, hybrid actuator-based micro-positioning platforms, and robust optimization frameworks for intelligent systems, demonstrating his capacity to contribute to both theoretical development and technological innovation. Beyond research, he serves as a reviewer for multiple high-impact journals and conferences, reflecting his standing in the scientific community and his commitment to maintaining academic quality. Mr. Wu’s combination of technical depth, interdisciplinary outlook, and sustained productivity highlights his continuing impact in the field of smart materials, micro-systems, and precision engineering, positioning him as a promising leader driving advancements in micro-scale actuation and intelligent material-based device design.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Liu, R., Zhang, Y., Chen, J., Wu, Z.*, Zhu, Y., Liu, J., & Chen, M. (2025). BiAttentionNet: A dual-branch automatic driving image segmentation network integrating spatial and channel attention mechanisms. Scientific Reports, 15, 13193.

Wu, Z.*, Chen, M., He, P., et al. (2020). Tracking control of PZT-driven compliant precision positioning micromanipulator. IEEE Access, 8, 126477–126487.

Wu, Z.*, & Zhu, Y. (2024). BiConvNet: Integrating spatial details and deep semantic features in a bilateral-branch image segmentation network. IEICE Transactions on Information and Systems. https://doi.org/10.1587/transinf.2024EDP7025

Wu, Z.*, & Zhu, Y. (2024). SWformer-VO: A monocular visual odometry model based on Swin Transformer. IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, 9(5), 4766–4773.

Wu, Z.*, & Chen, M. (2019, August 20–25). Model and study of clamping force for micro-gripper with PZT-driven [Conference presentation]. 2019 IEEE World Robot Conference, Beijing, China.

Wu, Z., Li, Y.*, & Hu, M. (2018). Design and optimization of full decoupled micro/nano-positioning stage based on mathematical calculation. Mechanical Sciences, 9(2), 417–429.

Dr. Ayantika Pal | Nanomaterials | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Ayantika Pal | Nanomaterials | Women Researcher Award

Shri Rawatpura Sarkar University | India

Dr. Ayantika Pal is an accomplished biochemist and interdisciplinary nanomaterials researcher whose work spans molecular toxicology, nanomaterial–cell interactions, neurobiology, and biomedical applications of nanotechnology. She has built an impressive scientific profile with 325 citations referenced across 262 citing documents, supported by a growing portfolio of impactful publications, an h-index of 7, and an i10-index of 6, reflecting her strong and steadily rising academic influence. Dr. Pal’s research journey integrates expertise in neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, nanoparticle-mediated toxicity, natural-compound therapeutics, nanoconjugate-based anti-cancer platforms, and environmental nanotoxicology. Her studies have shed light on dendritic spine remodeling, addiction-related molecular pathways, oxidative and nitrative stress mechanisms, nanomaterial toxicity in microbial systems, and the apoptotic effects of bioactive compounds such as bromelain in cancer models. She has authored peer-reviewed publications in respected journals spanning neurochemistry, toxicology, environmental nanotechnology, pharmacology, and biomedical science, and has contributed to multiple international book chapters addressing nanoscience-driven applications in medicine, dentistry, food safety, and environmental remediation. Dr. Pal has successfully led an independent research project on nanoconjugate-based therapeutics and has developed strong laboratory expertise across proteomics, genomics, molecular biology, genetic epidemiology, and animal-model experimentation. She has extensive teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, zoology, developmental biology, and nanotechnology, and has played vital roles in academic coordination, accreditation processes, and student mentoring. Her active involvement in major conferences, research training programs, and scientific workshops reflects her commitment to continuous learning and international collaboration. Dr. Pal’s scientific contributions, leadership in biomedical and nanomaterials research, and dedication to advancing women’s representation in science position her as a highly deserving nominee for the Women Researcher Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

Moktan, N., Panigrahi, S., Pal, A., Banerjee, A., & Roy, D. N. (2026). Zirconia nanoparticle in dentistry: An update report and further prospect. In Applications of Nanomaterials in Dentistry (pp. 297–317).

Roy, D. N., Tandi, A., & Pal, A. (2025). Moringa oleifera leaf extract functions as a potent inhibitor of snake venom. Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, 31(1), 96–112.

Pal, A., & Das, S. (2019). Terpenoids in treatment of neurodegenerative disease. In Terpenoids Against Human Diseases (pp. 95–117).

Pal, A. (2013). Studies on molecular mechanisms associated with narcotic addiction (Master’s/Doctoral thesis, CU).

Pal, A., & Das, S. (2013). Potential role of Shank1 in the alteration of dendritic spine morphology during long-term morphine exposure. Journal of Neurochemistry, 125, 263.

Dr. Daniel Osezua Aikhuele | Material Failure Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Daniel Osezua Aikhuele | Material Failure Analysis | Research Excellence Award

University of Port Harcourt | Nigeria

Dr. Daniel Osezua Aikhuele is a distinguished scholar in Material Failure Analysis whose extensive body of work has significantly advanced the understanding of reliability, safety, and intelligent decision-making in complex engineering systems. With an impressive research footprint reflected in 530 citations generated by 434 documents, 71 published documents, and a robust h-index of 14, he is recognized for consistently producing high-impact contributions that bridge theoretical innovation with practical engineering solutions. As an Associate Professor at the University of Port Harcourt, he has built a reputation for excellence in manufacturing engineering, intelligent reliability modeling, fault diagnosis, product design, and sustainable materials, using advanced fuzzy logic, multi-criteria decision-making approaches, and data-driven techniques that address reliability challenges in modern industrial environments. His scholarly output spans journals, book chapters, and international conferences, demonstrating his leadership in developing hybrid fuzzy systems, reliability-centered models, renewable-energy decision frameworks, and intelligent predictive tools for mechanical components, offshore systems, and wind-energy technologies. Beyond research, Dr. Aikhuele plays an active role in the global engineering community as a reviewer for major journals and a member of several professional bodies, contributing to quality assurance and scientific advancement across multiple disciplines. He has supervised numerous postgraduate researchers and collaborated widely on interdisciplinary projects that enhance industrial safety, optimize energy systems, and support sustainable engineering practices. His commitment to academic excellence, combined with impactful teaching and mentorship, has earned him recognition as a dynamic leader whose contributions continue to influence material behavior assessment, reliability optimization, and the design of resilient engineering systems.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Azubuike, G. D., Aikhuele, D. O., & Nwosu, H. U. (2025). Development of an optimization model for reducing energy utilization and to increase biomass yield in a brewery process. Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability.

Diemuodeke, O. E., Vera, D., Ojapah, M. M., Nwachukwu, C. O., Nwosu, H. U., Aikhuele, D. O., Ofodu, J. C., & Nuhu, B. S. (2024). Hybrid solar PV–agro-waste-driven combined heat and power energy system as feasible energy source for schools in Sub-Saharan Africa. Biomass, 4(4), 67.

Aikhuele, D. O., & Diemuodeke, O. E. (2024). Computational analysis of stiffness reduction effects on the dynamic behaviour of floating offshore wind turbine blades. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 12(10), 1846.

Aikhuele, D. O., & Sorooshian, S. (2024). A proactive decision-making model for evaluating the reliability of infrastructure assets of a railway system. Information, 15(4), 219.

Onukwube, C. U., Aikhuele, D. O., & Sorooshian, S. (2024). Development of a fault detection and localization model for a water distribution network. Applied Sciences, 14(4), 1620.

Mr. Fawad Khan | Smart Materials | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Fawad Khan | Smart Materials | Best Researcher Award

Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology | Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Mr. Fawad Khan is a promising researcher at the intersection of smart materials, safe robotics, reinforcement learning, and human–robot collaboration, recognized for his innovative contributions to the development of intelligent, safety-aware autonomous systems. As a PhD Researcher at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, he focuses on advancing constrained reinforcement learning frameworks that enable robots to operate reliably and safely alongside humans in dynamic and safety-critical environments such as collaborative manufacturing, warehouse automation, and assistive robotics. His scholarly output includes 3 research documents, and he has contributed to journal articles, conference papers, and manuscripts addressing precision grasping, adaptive safety constraints, multi-object manipulation, and safety-critical coordination. His research introduces novel approaches that combine tactile–visual perception, adaptive constraint satisfaction, and multi-modal learning to significantly reduce safety violations while maintaining high task performance in robotic systems. He has designed benchmark platforms for safe robotic manipulation and expanded the capabilities of existing tools such as Safety Gym to enable high-fidelity evaluation of robotic arms with multiple degrees of freedom. Prior to his doctoral research, Mr. Khan gained industry experience as a Python developer and data analyst, where he automated logistics operations, designed data-driven decision-support tools, and streamlined complex workflows, demonstrating his ability to integrate practical engineering solutions with theoretical AI advancements. His technical expertise spans reinforcement learning algorithms, constrained optimization, robotics simulation environments, computer vision, multi-modal neural networks, and high-performance computing frameworks. He actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams working on intelligent manufacturing, safe autonomy, and human-centered robotics. With strong analytical skills, a clear research vision, and a growing academic footprint, Mr. Fawad Khan represents a new generation of AI and robotics researchers dedicated to creating safer, smarter, and more adaptive robotic systems, making him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Khan, F., Feng, W., Wang, Z., Huang, T., Xiao, L., et al. (2025). Safe reinforcement learning for objects manipulation in safety-critical coordinated tasks. In ISARC: Proceedings of the International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (Vol. 42, pp. 334–341). IAARC Publications.

Khan, F., et al. Reinforcement learning for precision grasping and safety-critical coordination in a robotic arm. Journal of Intelligent Service Robotics.

Khan, F., et al. Safe reinforcement learning for vision-based robotic manipulation in human-centered environment. Journal of Intelligent Robotics and Applications.

Khan, F., et al. Safe reinforcement learning for multi-object robotic manipulation with adaptive safety constraint. Expert Systems with Applications.

Mr. Sumit Gahletia | Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) | Best Scholar Award

Mr. Sumit Gahletia | Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) | Best Scholar Award

Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology DCRUST Murthal Haryana | India

Mr. Sumit Gahletia is an ambitious early-career researcher specializing in additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, and advanced materials, recognized for his rapidly growing academic influence and practical contributions to biomedical and orthodontic engineering. His research portfolio reflects 9 scientific documents, an h-index of 6, and 88 citations recorded across 70 citing documents, demonstrating the strong scholarly reception of his emerging work in material optimization, 3D printing mechanics, scanning metrology, and patient-specific medical device fabrication. Mr. Gahletia’s ongoing PhD research focuses on the design and performance evaluation of orthodontic retainers fabricated through precision 3D scanning and high-resolution resin printing, where he examines scanning parameters, printing conditions, mechanical behavior, and dimensional accuracy to develop clinically reliable and personalized dental solutions. He has published impactful journal articles in areas such as fused filament fabrication, resin-based printing systems, metrological assessment of dental models, and optimization of biocompatible materials, along with multiple conference contributions showcasing novel approaches to sustainable manufacturing, polymer-matrix composites, and digital dentistry. His earlier work includes the mechanical evaluation of fiber-reinforced Onyx composites using FDM, further highlighting his versatility across additive-manufacturing platforms. In addition to his research excellence, Mr. Gahletia has established a strong presence in academic and professional communities, serving in various leadership and organizational roles across technical societies, innovation platforms, scouting organizations, and national committees. He has also participated in numerous international conferences, workshops, and scientific training programs, strengthening his exposure to global advancements in engineering and materials science. With practical industrial experience, proficiency in advanced design software, and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary innovation, Mr. Gahletia continues to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of 3D printing and biomedical manufacturing, positioning himself as a promising scholar making impactful strides in research, technology integration, and next-generation material applications.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Gahletia, S., & Garg, R. K. (2025). Dismantling barriers in integrating patient-centred care with additive manufacturing to assess the fit of orthodontic retainers for futuristic preventative healthcare. Progress in Additive Manufacturing.

Gahletia, S., Kaushik, A., & Garg, R. K. (2024). Analysis of the surface roughness of 3D-printed occlusal splints fabricated using biocompatible resins. Journal of Emerging Science and Engineering.

Sharma, P., Gahletia, S., & Bhardwaj, K. (2023). Ameliorating surface roughness and tensile strength of ASA fabricated parts by analyzing significant FDM printing parameters using response surface methodology. Journal of Polymer & Composites.

Kaushik, A., Kumar, P., Gahletia, S., Garg, R. K., Kumar, A., Yadav, M., Giri, J., & Chhabra, D. (2023). Optimization of dual extrusion fused filament fabrication process parameters for 3D-printed nylon-reinforced composites: Pathway to mobile and transportation revolution. SAE International Journal of Materials and Manufacturing.

Kaushik, A., Punia, U., Gahletia, S., Garg, R. K., & Chhabra, D. (2023). Identification and overcoming key challenges in the 3D printing revolution. In Advances in Additive Manufacturing (Chapter 5). CRC Press.

Ms. Amna H. M. Mahmoud | Nanomaterials | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Amna H. M. Mahmoud | Nanomaterials | Research Excellence Award

Minia University | Egypt

Ms. Amna H. M. Mahmoud is an emerging researcher in nanomaterials and computational chemistry, recognized for her rapidly growing contributions to density functional theory (DFT), nanosheet adsorption mechanisms, and computational materials design. She serves as a Research Assistant at the CompChem Research Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Minia University, where she plays a key role in advancing theoretical modeling for environmental applications, drug delivery, biosensing, and corrosion inhibition. Her scientific impact is reflected through 13 publications, an h-index of 7, and 131 citations indexed across 107 citing documents, demonstrating the strong scholarly attention her work has earned within a short span. With expertise spanning quantum mechanical calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, and advanced computational tools such as Gaussian, Quantum Espresso, and VESTA, she has contributed to highly cited collaborative studies exploring adsorption phenomena on graphene, borophene, and RuC nanosheets. Her research addresses critical challenges, including toxic molecule detection, metal corrosion protection, pharmaceutical molecule interactions, and nanosheet-based sensing strategies. As a Research Assistant, she has also contributed to a funded national project focused on developing corrosion inhibitors for active metals in space environments using cutting-edge computational techniques, showcasing her ability to work at the interface of materials science and aerospace-oriented applications. In addition to her research accomplishments, she actively manages the Computational Chemistry Laboratory, supports quality assurance and accreditation processes, and participates in scientific conferences with multiple oral presentations on σ-hole interactions, surface adsorption, and nanoscale material behavior. Her growing academic influence in Egypt and internationally is further supported by her membership in the Egyptian Society of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry. Through a strong portfolio of impactful publications, interdisciplinary collaborations, and specialized computational expertise, Ms. Amna H. M. Mahmoud continues to establish herself as a promising scientist contributing meaningful advancements to the fields of nanomaterials and computational chemistry.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Ibrahim, M. A. A., Mahmoud, A. H. M., Mekhemer, G. A. H., El‐Tayeb, M. A., Khan, S., & Shoeib, T. (2025). Adsorption features of toxic pnictogen hydrides over pristine and C/Be‐doped borophene nanosheets as potential sensors: A DFT investigation.

Mahmoud, A. H. M., Aziz, M. E. S., Rabee, A. I. M., El‐Tayeb, M. A., Mekhemer, G. A. H., Shoeib, T., & Ibrahim, M. A. A. (2025). Exploring the adsorption features of furan and 1,n-dioxane as environmental toxins on two-dimensional RuC nanosheet: A DFT study.

Mahmoud, A. H. M., Al-saied, T. M. T., Rabee, A. I. M., El-Tayeb, M. A., Mekhemer, G. A. H., Shoeib, T., & Ibrahim, M. A. A. (2025). Two-dimensional RuC nanosheet as potential sensor for toxic cyanogen halides (NCX; X = H, F, Cl, Br, and I): A DFT study.

Ibrahim, M. A. A., Ahmed, N. K. M., Mahmoud, A. H. M., El-Tayeb, M. A., Abdelbacki, A. M. M., Khan, S., Soliman, M. E. S., & Shoeib, T. (2024). RuC nanosheet as a promising biosensing material for detecting the aromatic amino acids: A DFT study.

Mohamed, L. A., Mahmoud, A. H. M., Rady, A. S. M., El‐Tayeb, M. A., Rabee, A. I. M., Shoeib, T., & Ibrahim, M. A. A. (2024). Allopurinol, oxypurinol, and thiopurinol expired drugs as corrosion inhibitors toward Al (111) surface: A DFT and FPMD simulation study.

Mr. Angelos Athanasiadis | Smart Materials | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Angelos Athanasiadis | Smart Materials | Research Excellence Award

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | AUTH | Greece

Mr. Angelos Athanasiadis is an emerging researcher in smart materials, embedded intelligence, and high-performance computing architectures, known for his contributions to FPGA-accelerated deep learning and intelligent cyber-physical systems. Currently pursuing his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, he focuses on designing advanced hardware-accelerated frameworks that significantly enhance the speed, efficiency, and energy performance of full-precision Convolutional Neural Networks on modern AMD FPGA platforms. His early scientific influence is reflected in 5 citations, referenced across 4 citing documents, supported by ongoing scholarly outputs and an h-index recorded as 1–2, demonstrating his growing visibility in computational engineering research. Mr. Athanasiadis has contributed to significant EU-funded research initiatives, including the ADVISER and REDESIGN projects, where he developed high-fidelity emulation tools, hardware–software co-design solutions, and distributed embedded intelligence for heterogeneous systems combining CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs. His work on FUSION an open-source, timing-accurate, multi-node emulation framework integrating QEMU with OMNeT++ using HLA/CERTI synchronization has advanced the ability to accurately prototype next-generation smart systems for robotics, aerial monitoring, real-time analytics, and autonomous decision-making. With a strong background in electronics, embedded systems, and management engineering, he has also completed industry-driven research roles at EXAPSYS, SEEMS PC, and Cadence Design Systems, contributing to R&D for sensor networks, FPGA-based acceleration pipelines, and complex digital-system workflows. In addition to his technical expertise, he maintains interdisciplinary strengths in AI-driven system optimization, hardware–software integration, multiphysics emulation, and intelligent system design. Collaborating with leading academic researchers and contributing to peer-reviewed venues, he continues to expand his research footprint. With strong analytical skills, innovation-oriented thinking, and a commitment to advancing smart materials and high-performance embedded intelligence, Mr. Angelos Athanasiadis stands out as a promising researcher and a deserving candidate for the Research Excellence Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Athanasiadis, A., Tampouratzis, N., & Papaefstathiou, I. (2025). Energy-efficient FPGA framework for non-quantized convolutional neural networks. arXiv Preprint, arXiv:2510.13362.

Athanasiadis, A., Tampouratzis, N., & Papaefstathiou, I. (2025). An efficient open-source design and implementation framework for non-quantized CNNs on FPGAs. Integration, Article 102625.

Athanasiadis, A., Tampouratzis, N., & Papaefstathiou, I. (2024). An open-source HLS fully parameterizable matrix multiplication library for AMD FPGAs. WiPiEC Journal—Works in Progress in Embedded Computing Journal, 10(2).

Katselas, L., Jiao, H., Athanasiadis, A., Papameletis, C., Hatzopoulos, A., … (2017). Embedded toggle generator to control the switching activity during test of digital 2D-SoCs and 3D-SICs.

Katselas, L., Athanasiadis, A., Hatzopoulos, A., Jiao, H., Papameletis, C., … (2017). Embedded toggle generator to control the switching activity.