Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tao Ma | Soft Materials | Research Excellence Award

Shaanxi Normal University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tao Ma is a recognized researcher in the field of soft materials, with a strong focus on sustainable, bio-based material systems and their functional applications. He is an Associate Professor at Shaanxi Normal University, where his research integrates materials science, soft matter physics, and food-related functional materials engineering. Dr. Ma’s work centers on the design, processing, and performance regulation of soft materials derived from natural polymers, particularly cellulose-based nanomaterials, protein–polysaccharide systems, and composite hydrogels. His research addresses key challenges in controlling rheological behavior, interfacial interactions, and structural stability of soft materials, enabling their application in advanced technologies such as 3D printing, encapsulation systems, and responsive functional materials. A major strength of his work lies in tailoring microstructure–property relationships to achieve precise control over mechanical, optical, and stimuli-responsive characteristics. Dr. Ma has contributed significantly to the development of Pickering emulsions, foams, oleogels, and hydrogels stabilized by nanocellulose and biopolymer complexes, supporting environmentally friendly and health-oriented material solutions. His interdisciplinary approach bridges materials science, chemical engineering, and applied physics, facilitating the transformation of renewable resources and food-related wastes into high-value soft materials. In addition to his research activities, Dr. Ma is actively involved in academic teaching, graduate supervision, and collaborative research with national and international partners, fostering innovation across disciplinary boundaries. He also contributes to the scientific community through peer review and scholarly service, supporting the advancement of soft materials research. Through his sustained contributions to green soft materials, functional design, and application-driven innovation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tao Ma has established a strong scientific profile and is a highly deserving recipient of the Research Excellence Award.

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Dr. Tao Song | Soft Materials | Excellence in Research Award

Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development | China

Dr. Tao Song is a highly accomplished researcher whose work in soft materials focuses on the design, synthesis, and application of advanced polymer gel systems for energy, environmental, and subsurface engineering applications, making him a strong recipient of the Excellence in Research Award. He is affiliated with the Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development at PetroChina, where he conducts cutting-edge research on functional polymer gels and soft matter systems engineered to control fluid flow, enhance reservoir performance, and support sustainable energy technologies such as carbon capture, utilization and storage, and geothermal systems. Dr. Song’s research expertise lies in high-temperature-resistant polymer gels, self-healable and re-crosslinkable soft materials, and environmentally friendly gel systems designed for complex porous environments. His work demonstrates a rare combination of molecular-level material design, rheological and mechanical characterization, and large-scale application relevance. He has contributed extensively to high-impact scientific journals and international conferences, reflecting both depth and consistency in soft materials research. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Song holds multiple authorized patents related to advanced polymer gel technologies, underscoring his commitment to innovation and technology transfer. He has collaborated closely with leading international research groups and industrial partners, enabling the translation of laboratory discoveries into field-ready solutions. His interdisciplinary approach integrates polymer chemistry, materials science, and engineering practice, advancing the role of soft materials in energy sustainability and environmental protection. Through sustained research excellence, innovation, and industrial impact, Dr. Tao Song has established himself as a leading contributor to soft materials research and is a deserving recipient of the Excellence in Research Award.

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Mr. Norman Burua Adriko | Soft Materials | Best Researcher Award

Southwest Jiaotong University | Uganda

Mr. Norman Burua Adriko is a seasoned civil and structural engineer from Uganda with more than a decade of professional experience in construction supervision, design, and project management. He holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Tianjin University, China, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Roads and Railway Engineering at Southwest Jiaotong University, where his research focuses on geotechnical analysis, numerical simulation, and sustainable infrastructure design. Over his career, he has served in various engineering and leadership roles, including Director and Resident Engineer at Usindi Consults Ltd, Highway Design Engineer at China Railway 18th Group, and Project Engineer at Getachew Bekele Consultant. His experience spans road and bridge design, construction quality assurance, materials testing, and contract management. Mr. Adriko has authored several academic works, including “An Investigation into the Pull-Out Resistance of Fill Material Reinforced with Steel Bars” and “Study on Combined Application of Theoretical, Numerical, and Experimental Methods of Analysis in the Design of High-Rise Structures.” His technical expertise includes proficiency in software such as AutoCAD, SAP2000, PLAXIS, FLAC3D, and ABAQUS for structural and geotechnical modeling. He is an active member of professional organizations such as ISSMGE GeoWorld and ITA-AITES, demonstrating his commitment to global engineering collaboration. Known for his focus on cost optimization, safety management, and sustainable construction, Mr. Adriko has contributed to major road rehabilitation and infrastructure projects in Uganda, South Sudan, and China. His multilingual proficiency in English, Swahili, and Chinese enhances his ability to collaborate in diverse international environments. Dedicated, analytical, and results-driven, Mr. Adriko represents a new generation of engineers integrating academic research with real-world civil infrastructure development, advancing innovative and efficient engineering solutions across global contexts.

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Adriko, N. B., & Solomon, O. (2025, April 14). An investigation into the pull-out resistance of fill material reinforced with steel bars

Adriko, N. B. (2025, April 14). Study on combine application of theoretical, numerical and experimental methods of analysis in design of high rise structures

Results and analysis (Midas Tunnel Pile set up.rar) [Dataset]. figshare.