Danut Cristian Urduza | Thermodynamics | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Danut Cristian Urduza | Thermodynamics | Research Excellence Award

National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest  |  Romania

Dr. Danut Cristian Urduza is a mechanical engineer and doctoral researcher specializing in cryogenic systems, natural gas liquefaction, and energy–exergy optimization. He is pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest in cotutelle with Université Paris Nanterre (LEME, France), where his research focuses on optimizing natural gas liquefaction systems to improve efficiency and sustainability. In parallel, he serves as a Pro Maintenance Supervisor and Offshore Mechanical Engineer at OMV Petrom, overseeing critical mechanical equipment and implementing advanced preventive and predictive maintenance strategies for offshore oil and gas facilities in the Black Sea. Dr. Urduza has authored peer-reviewed journal and conference publications on cryogenic liquefaction cycles, collaborating with academic and industry partners. His work bridges fundamental research and industrial application, contributing to energy efficiency, operational reliability, and reduced environmental impact in the energy sector.

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Featured Publications

Ramtin Moeini | Energy Production | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ramtin Moeini | Energy Production | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | University of Isfahan | Iran

Dr. Ramtin Moeini is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Isfahan, specializing in water engineering, hydraulic systems, and optimization of water and wastewater networks. He earned his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Isfahan University of Technology, followed by M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering with a focus on Water Engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology, where his research concentrated on intelligent optimization algorithms for reservoir operation and network design. Dr. Moeini has extensive teaching experience across undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs in subjects including fluid mechanics, hydraulic structures, water resource system analysis, and municipal water management. His professional experience encompasses leading advanced research projects on reservoir operation, water distribution networks, and urban water management, often integrating meta-heuristic algorithms such as ant colony optimization, artificial bee colony, and hybrid computational models. He has authored numerous high-impact publications in internationally recognized journals, contributed to conference proceedings worldwide, and actively participates in research collaborations addressing water resources and hydraulic system optimization. Dr. Moeini has received multiple recognitions for his contributions, holds editorial and reviewer roles in leading journals, and is a member of professional engineering associations. His innovative work in modeling, simulation, and optimization has significantly advanced the design and management of water systems, According to Scopus, his research record includes 848 citations, 48 documents, and an h-index of 16.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. (2025). Pressure management and energy production approaches in urban water distribution networks using pumps as turbines. Energy Reports.

2. (2025). Optimal operation of the non-drinking water distribution network considering future conditions: Case study of Isfahan University non-drinking water distribution network. Results in Engineering.

3. (2025). Graph theory-based algorithm to define district metered areas considering hydraulic conditions. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management.

4. (2025). Quality simulation of dam reservoir using GP model: Case study of ZayandehRoud dam reservoir. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology

Guochun Zhang | Magnetic Refrigeration | Best Researcher Award

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Guochun Zhang | Magnetic Refrigeration | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry | China

Professor Zhang Guochun, a leading faculty member at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, is an accomplished inorganic chemist recognized for his pioneering contributions to crystal science. He earned his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China, where he established a strong academic foundation in advanced material synthesis and characterization. His professional career has been devoted to advancing crystal research, with a focus on the discovery of new functional crystals, investigating the fundamental relationships between structure and properties, and developing innovative methods for bulk crystal growth. Through his expertise, Professor Zhang has significantly contributed to expanding the practical applications of crystalline materials in diverse scientific and technological fields. In addition to his research, he plays an active role in academic leadership, supervising students, mentoring young researchers, and fostering collaborations that promote innovation and excellence in physical chemistry. His impactful body of work, reflected in high-quality publications and influential contributions to the field, has advanced both fundamental understanding and practical applications, establishing him as a prominent figure whose achievements continue to shape the landscape of inorganic and materials chemistry.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Wide spectral range refractive indices of BBO crystal covering 0.2–2000 THz. (2025). Applied Optics.

Optical properties of barium borate crystal in the THz range revisited. (2025). Optics Letters.

The crystal structures, magnetic interactions and cryogenic magnetocaloric effects for NaGdXO₄ (X = Si, Ti) compounds. (2025). Journal of Alloys and Compounds.

Potential laser crystal of Zn₄B₆O₁₃:Mn²⁺ with low thermal expansion and high thermal conductivity: Single-crystal growth and characterization. (2024). Crystal Growth & Design.

Magnetic properties and cryogenic magnetocaloric effect in α-Gd₂(MoO₄)₃ compound. (2024). Cryogenics.

Marianna Vályi Nagy | Sustainability in Cryogenic Technologies | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Marianna Vályi Nagy | Sustainability in Cryogenic Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Research assistant at Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences | Hungary

Marianna Vályi Nagy is a research assistant at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Institute of Agronomy, whose academic journey and professional career have been devoted to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. With a strong foundation in horticultural engineering, plant protection, and agronomy, she has established herself as a dedicated researcher focusing on mixed cropping systems, crop interactions, and climate-resilient agricultural methods. Her work bridges fundamental agricultural sciences with applied research, producing impactful results that contribute both to academic knowledge and to real-world agricultural innovations.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Marianna began her academic journey at Corvinus University in Budapest, where she graduated as a Horticultural Engineer. Her interest in crop science and plant interactions motivated her to pursue further qualifications, and she later obtained a specialized degree in Plant Protection Engineering from the University of Szeged. Her commitment to higher learning led her to doctoral studies at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, supported by the Young Researcher Training Program. Throughout her academic development, Marianna demonstrated a keen ability to integrate multiple disciplines within plant sciences, aligning her expertise with the pressing challenges of climate change, food security, and sustainable farming systems.

Experience

Marianna’s professional experience is rooted in her contributions to both research and applied agricultural innovation. She began her research career at the National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre, where she gained valuable experience in experimental design and crop management practices. Later, she joined the Applied Agronomy Research Station, which became part of MATE, and contributed to experiments that combined scientific rigor with industry-driven needs. Over the years, she has participated in numerous commissioned research projects, collaborating with agricultural companies to test crop varieties, seeding strategies, and sustainable cultivation methods. This blend of academic and industry engagement has allowed her to create a research portfolio that is both scientifically robust and practically relevant.

Research Focus

Marianna’s primary research interests revolve around mixed cropping systems, with a particular emphasis on winter wheat–winter pea interactions. She explores the development process of companion crops, analyzing both their quantitative and qualitative characteristics. Her studies extend beyond traditional yield-focused research by considering plant development, interaction dynamics, seeding rates, and variety selection, providing a comprehensive understanding of crop coexistence. These investigations address one of the greatest challenges in modern agriculture: identifying cultivation methods that are environmentally sustainable, resilient to climate change, and adaptable to market fluctuations. Through her research, Marianna contributes to shaping agricultural practices that balance productivity with ecological responsibility.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Yield and Quality Parameters of Winter Wheat in a Wheat–Pea Mixed Cropping System
Authors: Marianna Vályi-Nagy, István Kristó, Melinda Tar, Attila Rácz, Lajos Szentpéteri, Katalin Irmes, Csaba Gyuricza, Márta Ladányi
Summary: This study evaluated wheat–pea intercropping, showing improved grain yield, protein content, and crop resilience, highlighting ecological and economic advantages compared to monoculture wheat cultivation.

Title: Competition Indices and Economic Benefits of Winter Wheat and Winter Peas in Mixed Cropping
Authors: Marianna Vályi-Nagy, István Kristó, Melinda Tar, Attila Rácz, Lajos Szentpéteri, Katalin Irmes, Gergő Péter Kovács, Márta Ladányi
Summary: Research analyzed competition indices and profitability of wheat–pea mixtures, concluding intercropping enhances land-use efficiency and offers greater economic sustainability than sole cropping systems.

Title: The Effect of Foliar Zinc Application on the Leaf Chlorophyll Concentrations and Grain Yields of the Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Field Experiments of Two Seasons
Authors: Katalin Irmes, István Kristó, Lajos Szentpéteri, Attila Rácz, Marianna Vályi-Nagy, Mária Katalin Kassai, Klára Veresné Valentinyi, Melinda Tar
Summary: Two-season field trials revealed foliar zinc application increased chlorophyll levels and grain yields in winter wheat, emphasizing zinc’s critical role in improving crop productivity.

Title: Effects of Winter Cereals (Triticum aestivum L., Hordeum vulgare L., Triticosecale Wittmack) and Winter Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Intercropping on Weed Cover in South-Eastern and Central Hungary
Authors: Attila Rácz, Marianna Vályi-Nagy, Melinda Tar, Katalin Irmes, Lajos Szentpéteri, Apolka Ujj, Klára Veresné Valentinyi, Márta Ladányi, István Kristó
Summary: Field experiments demonstrated cereal–pea intercropping significantly reduced weed cover, promoting ecological weed management and enhancing sustainability in Hungarian winter cropping systems.

Conclusion

Marianna Vályi Nagy stands out as a promising researcher whose dedication to sustainable agriculture is evident in her academic achievements, applied research, and innovative contributions. Her expertise in mixed cropping systems addresses one of the most urgent agricultural challenges of our time—developing cultivation methods that align with ecological principles while ensuring productivity and resilience. With a growing body of publications, patents, and industry collaborations, she exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher who bridges science and practice. Her membership in professional associations and recognition through national research programs further reinforce her position as an emerging leader in agricultural sciences. Marianna’s work holds significant potential to guide future research directions and agricultural policies, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Rahim Zahedi | Energy and Environment | Best Researcher Award

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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.

liang zou | Microgrid system | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Mr. liang zou | Microgrid system | Best Academic Researcher Award

professor, Shandong University, China

Professor Zou Liang is a leading scholar in the field of electrical engineering, currently serving as the Director of the Institute of Electrical Theory and New Technology at the School of Electrical Engineering, Shandong University. He holds the titles of professor and doctoral supervisor and has made significant contributions to high voltage and insulation technology. He has been recognized through numerous national and provincial honors, including selection for China’s National Youth Talent Program, designation as a leading talent in innovation and entrepreneurship in Jiangsu Province, and acknowledgment as an outstanding young and middle-aged scholar at Shandong University. He holds key professional roles such as committee member of the China Electrotechnical Society’s Energy Storage Systems and Electromagnetic Compatibility Committees, expert contributor to the “Light of Electric Power” initiative, and serves as director of the Shandong Electrotechnical Society. As an IEEE member and frequent reviewer for prestigious journals, Professor Zou has established a distinguished academic presence nationally and internationally.

Professional Profile

ORCID

🎓 Education

Professor Zou Liang received a comprehensive education in electrical engineering, culminating in a doctoral degree that laid the foundation for his specialized focus in high voltage engineering and new insulation technologies. His academic training emphasized both theoretical and applied research, which he has continuously advanced throughout his career. As an educator, he teaches undergraduate courses such as Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering (High Voltage Section) and Power System Grounding Technology, and a graduate-level course on Online Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis of Electrical Equipment, demonstrating his strong integration of teaching and research.

💼 Experience

From March 2021 to March 2023, Professor Zou served as the Director of the Mobile Program for Electrical Science and Engineering under the National Natural Science Foundation of China. His leadership experience extends to national-level research programs, where he has successfully managed complex, multidisciplinary projects. With over a decade of involvement in electrical engineering innovation, he has coordinated major government and industry-funded projects, collaborated across institutions, and provided technical consulting for the development of cutting-edge power system technologies.

🔬 Research Interests

Professor Zou’s research centers on the high-frequency discharge and electromagnetic optimization of new energy equipment, as well as the regulation and modification of high-performance insulation materials. His work bridges theoretical modeling and practical applications, including micromagnetic simulations, plasma degradation methods, and molecular dynamics studies of advanced composite materials. A pioneer in the field, he is particularly noted for advancing knowledge in nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials and for developing interdisciplinary methodologies that combine physics, materials science, and power systems engineering.

📚 Publications Top Notes

Micromagnetic Simulation of Saturation Magnetization of Nanocrystalline Soft Magnetic Alloys under High-Frequency Excitation

Authors: K. Guo, L. Zou*, L. Dai, et al.
Published in: Symmetry, Volume 14, Issue 7, Article 1443, Year: 2022
DOI: [Available upon request]
Summary:
This paper presents a micromagnetic simulation approach to analyze the saturation magnetization behavior of nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloys when exposed to high-frequency excitation fields.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Influence of Functionalized Doping on Thermodynamic Properties of Cross-Linked Epoxy/Carbon Nanotube Composites

Authors: M. Ding, L. Zou*, L. Zhang, T. Zhao, Q. Li
Published in: Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, Volume 36, Issue 23, Pages 5046–5057, Year: 2021
Summary:
This research employs molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to evaluate the thermodynamic properties of epoxy/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites subjected to various functionalized doping techniques.

A Review on Factors That Affect Surface Charge Accumulation and Charge-Induced Surface Flashover

Authors: M. Yuan, L. Zou*, Z. Li, L. Pang, T. Zhao, L. Zhang, J. Zhou, P. Xiao, S. Akram, Z. Wang, S. He
Published in: Nanotechnology, Volume 32, Issue 26, Year: 2021
Summary:
This comprehensive review article explores the various physical, chemical, and environmental factors that influence surface charge accumulation and the onset of flashover in insulating materials. The authors categorize the influence of surface morphology, humidity, material defects, electric field distribution, and charge mobility.

Investigation of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Plasma for the Degradation of Avermectin Solution

Authors: Y. Lv, L. Zou*, H. Li, Z. Chen, X. Wang, Y. Sun, L. Fang, T. Zhao, Y. Zhang
Published in: Plasma Science and Technology, Volume 23, Issue 5, Year: 2021
Summary:
This study examines the degradation efficiency of non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) on avermectin, a commonly used pesticide, in aqueous solutions. The paper analyzes plasma-induced chemical reactions, energy transfer mechanisms, and byproduct formation.

Influence of the External and Internal Factors on Saturation Magnetization Process for Nanocrystalline Alloy

Authors: Liang Zou, Jiale Wu, Zhiyun Han, et al.
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Volume 54, Issue 10, Article 7205708, Year: 2018
Summary:
This paper investigates how both intrinsic factors (such as atomic structure and grain size) and extrinsic conditions (such as applied magnetic field and temperature) affect the saturation magnetization of nanocrystalline magnetic alloys.

🔚 Conclusion

Professor Zou Liang’s academic and research excellence, coupled with his visionary leadership in engineering innovation, marks him as a distinguished contributor to the field of electrical engineering. His work not only addresses critical scientific challenges in high voltage and insulation technology but also offers practical solutions that advance energy system reliability and environmental safety. Through rigorous scholarship, prolific publication, and dedicated service to professional societies, he continues to set a standard for excellence in science, technology, and education.