Engin Eroğlu | Plant Diversity | Best Academic Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Engin Eroğlu | Plant Diversity | Best Academic Researcher Award

Professor | Duzce University | Turkey

Prof. Dr. Engin Eroğlu is a distinguished scholar in Landscape Architecture at the Faculty of Forestry, Düzce University, where he specializes in plant materials, cultivation techniques, and ecological landscape planning. He earned his Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from Karadeniz Technical University, following a master’s degree from Abant İzzet Baysal University and a bachelor’s degree in the same field from Karadeniz Technical University. With extensive academic and research experience, he has served in multiple academic positions, contributing to teaching, research leadership, and national scientific projects funded by TÜBİTAK. His research focuses on ecological and visual landscape assessment, sustainable urban and rural planning, vegetation design, and climate change adaptation in landscape systems. Prof. Eroğlu has led and collaborated on numerous projects exploring urban flora diversity, water corridor restoration, and ecosystem services, integrating advanced analytical models and GIS-based methodologies. He has authored and co-authored over fifteen SCI-indexed papers and numerous national publications and conference papers that significantly advance environmental sustainability and urban ecology. His scholarly work bridges science and design, emphasizing biodiversity conservation, visual landscape quality, and the use of native plant species in ecological restoration, establishing him as a leading figure in environmental and landscape research. His research portfolio includes 285 citations, 18 documents, and an h-index of 9, underscoring his academic impact and influence in the field.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Kaya, S., Eroğlu, E., Başaran, N., Ayteğin, A., & Dönmez, A. H. (2025). Determination of the natural plant compositions and species distribution model in different habitat types of Düzce (Türkiye). CERNE.

2. Başaran, N., Akdogan Cinal, G., & Eroğlu, E. (2024). Soil organic carbon exchange due to the change in land use. Environmental and Ecological Statistics.

3. Aksoy, N., Müderrisoğlu, H., Eroğlu, E., Güneş Özkan, N., Birtürk, T., Koçer, N., Tunçkol, B., Yerli, Ö., Kulaç, Ş., Çetin, B., & others. (2023). Honey plants of Düzce University Ornamental and Medicinal Plants Botanical Garden. Düzce Üniversitesi Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi.

Nursaya Makayeva | Carbon Capture and Storage | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nursaya Makayeva | Carbon Capture and Storage | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher | Institute of Combustion Problems | Kazakhstan

Nursaya Makayeva is a dynamic educator and analytical chemist from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, specializing in research and development, quality control, and advanced analytical methods. With several years of experience in academic and research settings, she has contributed significantly to the fields of catalysis, methane decomposition, and sustainable energy solutions. Her expertise bridges both teaching and applied research, making her a valuable contributor to the scientific community.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Nursaya Makayeva pursued her higher education at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, where she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. She continued her academic journey by enrolling in a doctoral program, deepening her expertise in catalysis and advanced chemical processes. Alongside her formal academic qualifications, she gained practical research experience through internships at the Center of Physico-Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis of Al-Farabi KazNU and at the Republican Center for Structural Research in Tbilisi, Georgia. These opportunities enriched her academic foundation by combining theoretical learning with hands-on laboratory practice.

Experience

Her professional career combines teaching, research, and practical application. As an educator, she designed engaging curricula and provided academic support that fostered student growth. In research, she served as a junior researcher at institutions such as the Institute of Combustion Problems and the Center of Physico-Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, focusing on experimental design, catalytic systems, and advanced laboratory analysis. Skilled in techniques like chromatography, voltammetry, and TPR-H2, she applied these methods to produce reliable scientific outcomes. Her collaborations with senior researchers, contributions to R&D projects, and participation in international conferences further highlight her growing role in the global scientific community.

Research Focus

Nursaya’s primary research interests lie in catalysis, hydrogen production, and carbon utilization, with a particular emphasis on methane decomposition processes. Her studies explore the development and optimization of catalysts, including mono- and bimetallic systems, for efficient energy conversion. She has also investigated the effects of preparation methods and the incorporation of rare earth oxides, such as cerium, on catalyst performance. Her recent contributions extend to sustainable solutions in carbon dioxide utilization, where she has co-authored review studies on catalytic, photocatalytic, and electrocatalytic processes for CO₂ conversion. By addressing the intersection of renewable energy, environmental protection, and advanced materials, her research supports global efforts toward cleaner energy systems and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Advancements in catalytic, photocatalytic, and electrocatalytic CO₂ conversion processes: Current trends and future outlook
Year: 2024

Title: Effects of cerium oxide on the activity of Fe-Ni/Al₂O₃ catalyst in the decomposition of methane
Year: 2024

Title: Electrochemical synthesis of Fe-containing composite for decomposition of methane into COx-free hydrogen and nano-carbon
Year: 2022

Title: Effect of Preparation Method on the Activity of Fe₂O₃-NiO/γ-Al₂O₃ Catalyst in Decomposition of Methane
Year: 2022

Conclusion

Nursaya Makayeva exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader in chemistry, combining strong academic foundations with impactful research and practical applications. Her dedication to advancing catalytic science, her ability to merge teaching with high-quality research, and her collaborative approach to scientific problem-solving highlight her as a deserving candidate for recognition. Through her contributions to methane decomposition, hydrogen production, and carbon dioxide utilization, she has positioned herself at the forefront of sustainable energy research. Her growing body of publications, active participation in international collaborations, and innovative patent demonstrate her potential to continue shaping the field of chemistry with lasting impact.

Rahim Zahedi | Energy and Environment | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Rahim Zahedi | Energy and Environment | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, University of Tehran, Iran

Rahim Zahedi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Energy Governance at the University of Tehran, Iran. He is a highly accomplished energy systems engineer and researcher, with notable contributions in the areas of renewable energy modeling, life cycle assessment (LCA), and thermal sciences. With over 120 peer-reviewed ISI publications and numerous national and international awards to his credit, Dr. Zahedi stands out as a global leader in sustainable energy research. He is frequently recognized for his academic excellence, including his inclusion in Stanford University’s global list of the top 2% of scientists.

Professional Profiles

ORCID | Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Zahedi’s academic journey reflects deep specialization in mechanical and energy systems engineering. He holds a PhD in Energy Systems Engineering from the University of Tehran, where his doctoral work focused on the “4E analysis of a sustainable hybrid system for providing optimized water, energy, food and environment nexus.” He previously earned his MSc in Energy Systems Engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology, conducting exergy-economic analysis and optimization studies on integrated renewable cycles. His academic foundation was laid with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution. Currently, he is pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship focused on thermoeconomic analysis of solar-derived Organic Rankine Cycles integrated with thermal storage systems.

Experience

Since 2024, Dr. Zahedi has served as a full-time Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran. His teaching portfolio includes graduate-level courses such as Renewable Energy Potential Assessment, Carbon Capture Technologies, Energy Systems in Buildings, and Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Systems. From 2021 to 2023, he was a guest assistant professor at Islamic Azad University, where he taught various advanced subjects including Energy Management in Buildings and Wind Energy Technologies. His early academic career includes extensive teaching assistantship roles at Iran University of Science and Technology, contributing to both undergraduate and graduate-level engineering courses.

Research Focus

Dr. Zahedi’s research is rooted in interdisciplinary energy systems analysis, with a core emphasis on renewable energy integration, energy modeling, life cycle assessment (LCA), and sustainable infrastructure. His work has advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in hybrid energy systems, exergy analysis, energy policy, and optimization models for energy and environmental applications. He also specializes in building energy modeling (BEM), with substantial contributions to the thermodynamic and economic performance evaluation of solar-thermal and bioenergy systems. His projects frequently intersect environmental impact studies and economic feasibility assessments to develop scalable, sustainable energy solutions.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zahedi’s work has been widely recognized by national and international organizations. He was awarded the 2023 JTACC-V4 Young Scientist Award for being the world’s top emerging scientist in thermal sciences and received the prestigious 2024 Alborz Prize, often referred to as the “Iranian Nobel Prize.” He has also won Iran’s National Renewable Energy Award and was named the country’s Best Young Researcher in Energy. His doctoral dissertation was selected as the Best Thesis in Energy Management, and he ranked first in multiple national competitions, including Iran’s PhD entrance exam in energy systems engineering and industrial innovation contests. Furthermore, Dr. Zahedi was recognized as the Most Cited Author in Energy Science and Engineering journal from 2021 to 2024 and was named among the top 2% scientists worldwide by Stanford University in 2023.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Technical, Economic, and Environmental Evaluation and Optimization of the Hybrid Solar-Wind Power Generation with Desalination
Journal: Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Authors: Seyed Taher Kermani Alghorayshi, Milad Imandoust, Ali Montazeri, Rahim Zahedi

Summary:
The paper evaluates a hybrid renewable energy system combining solar and wind with desalination technology. It optimizes performance based on technical, economic, and environmental criteria, showing its viability for clean energy and water generation in remote or arid regions.

Title: A Comprehensive Review of the Performance and Principle of Fluidized Bed Heat Exchangers with Solar Energy as Thermal Source
Journal: Energy Reports
Authors: Rahim Zahedi, Abolfazl Ahmadi

Summary:
This review outlines the design principles, efficiency factors, and environmental benefits of fluidized bed heat exchangers using solar thermal energy, highlighting their potential in sustainable thermal systems.

Title: Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Urban Development Indicators
Journal: Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series A
Authors: Sahar Hamed Shamaee, Hossein Yousefi, Rahim Zahedi

Summary:
This paper proposes a set of urban sustainability indicators to assess environmental impacts of development. It aids urban planners in designing greener and more sustainable cities.

Title: Practical and Numerical Analysis of Solar-Assisted Anaerobic Digestion System for Cold Regions
Journal: Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Authors: Younes Noorollahi, Leila Niazi, Rahim Zahedi

Summary:
This study analyzes the integration of solar thermal energy with anaerobic digestion for cold climates. It demonstrates improved biogas production and system efficiency under low-temperature conditions.

Title: A New Model for Allocating Subsidies to Power Distribution Companies for Loss Reduction
Journal: Expert Systems with Applications
Authors: Aidin Shaghaghi, Mohammad Taghi Tahooneh, Vahid Rezaei, Reza Dashti, Rahim Zahedi

Summary:
The article introduces a data-driven model to allocate financial subsidies to power distribution companies. It prioritizes loss reduction and performance improvement using artificial intelligence and decision-support systems.

Conclusion

Dr. Rahim Zahedi is a distinguished academic, researcher, and innovator whose work significantly contributes to the global pursuit of sustainable energy systems. With a prolific record of scholarly output, a multitude of prestigious awards, and a dynamic role in both academia and industry, he exemplifies excellence in engineering and energy governance. His multidisciplinary approach bridges theory and practice, offering impactful solutions for complex energy and environmental challenges. As a thought leader in energy systems modeling and sustainable infrastructure, Dr. Zahedi continues to influence the field and mentor the next generation of energy scientists.