Ali Razban | Energy Managment | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cryogenicist

Dr. Ali Razban | Energy Managment | Best Researcher Award 

Associate Professor | Purdue University | United States

Dr. Ali Razban is a researcher at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), United States, specializing in intelligent building systems, energy management, and advanced control strategies for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. With 41 scientific publications and over 700 citations, his work focuses on integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, model predictive control (MPC), and environmental sensing to enhance building performance, occupant comfort, and energy efficiency. His recent studies include privacy-preserving methods for indoor occupancy forecasting, optimized sensor placement for accurate environmental monitoring, and real-world implementation of cloud-based MPC systems for educational buildings. Dr. Razban has also contributed to comprehensive reviews of occupancy detection techniques, addressing their practical challenges in large-scale deployment. His collaborative research spans multiple disciplines—bridging mechanical engineering, computer science, and data analytics—and involves partnerships with over 40 co-authors worldwide. Through both experimental and simulation-based approaches, his work advances sustainable building design and smart infrastructure, contributing to global efforts in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Dr. Razban’s research not only strengthens the academic understanding of intelligent built environments but also delivers practical, scalable solutions for industry applications, thereby fostering the development of resilient, data-driven, and energy-efficient urban ecosystems.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publication

Yuan Li | Hydrogen Production | Cryogenic Energy Solutions Award

Published on by Cryogenicist

Dr. Yuan Li | Hydrogen Production | Cryogenic Energy Solutions Award

Research Scientist | X-Here Trek Lab | United States

Dr. Yuan Li is a Research Scientist and Initiating Founder at X-Here (Future Ice-based Hydrogen Energy & Resilient Environments) Trek Lab, where he pioneers the integration of cryospheric science with sustainable energy innovation. His work bridges ice physics, cryogenic materials characterization, and hydrogen-based renewable energy systems, transforming the scientific understanding of ice microstructures into practical solutions for climate resilience and clean energy production. Formerly affiliated with Dartmouth College’s Ice Research Laboratory and Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute, he has made notable contributions to ice microstructural dynamics, paleoclimatology, and advanced cryogenic systems. Dr. Li’s groundbreaking research on ice-mediated hydrogen production introduced a self-sustaining cycle utilizing solid-state proton extraction from ice, achieving over 53% net efficiency and offering a decentralized, eco-efficient hydrogen generation pathway for cold regions and remote environments. His findings have been published in leading international journals such as Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Crystal Growth & Design, and Journal of Glaciology, earning global recognition for linking cryosphere science with renewable hydrogen technologies. With active collaborations across institutions in the United States, China, and Europe, Dr. Li has presented his work at prominent scientific forums in Berlin, Barcelona, Edinburgh, and Budapest, contributing to the advancement of climate-adaptive energy solutions. His professional focus lies in ice-based hydrogen energy, cryogenic materials, and polar system dynamics, with research outcomes that drive sustainability and resilience in global energy systems. With 12 publications, 103 citations, and an h-index of 6, Dr. Yuan Li continues to advance the frontier of cryogenic science and hydrogen innovation toward a sustainable and energy-secure future.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Li, H.-Y., & Li, Y. (2025, November). Ice to hydrogen: A self-sustaining cycle for decentralized green energy. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments.

Li, Y., Fu, C., & Li, H.-Y. (2025, September 13). Lessons from nature’s freeze crystallization—Perennial sea ice as a model for efficient salt rejection in desalination. Crystal Growth & Design.

Li, Y. (2025, June 24). Comments on linear-viscous flow of temperate ice [Preprint]. ESSOAr.

Li, Y. (2025, January). Hydrogen production via imperfective ice Ih. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.

Li, Y., & Fu, C. (2024, December). Hydrogen storage—Learning from nature: The air clathrate hydrate in polar ice sheets. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments.

Dr. Yuan Li’s pioneering research bridges cryospheric science and sustainable energy innovation, transforming the physics of ice into practical solutions for hydrogen production and storage. His work advances global efforts toward clean, decentralized, and resilient energy systems, offering transformative potential for climate adaptation, renewable energy development, and sustainable industry practices.

Rinal Prasad | Renewable Energy Management | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Rinal Prasad | Renewable Energy Management | Best Researcher Award

Teacher | University of Fiji | Fiji

Mr. Rinal Rinay Prasad, an accomplished Mathematics Teacher at Thames High School, is widely recognized for his expertise in mathematics, physics, and renewable energy education. He holds a Master’s degree in Renewable Energy Management from the University of Fiji, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and a Bachelor of Science with double majors in Mathematics and Physics from the University of the South Pacific. With extensive teaching and leadership experience across several distinguished institutions, Mr. Prasad has served as Head of Department for Science and Mathematics, leading curriculum innovations, sustainability projects, and academic excellence initiatives. His research and professional interests center on integrating renewable energy solutions and sustainable technologies in education, demonstrated through his leadership in projects such as the Zayed Sustainability Prize-winning initiative and solar and biogas system installations in schools. Mr. Prasad’s achievements include national and international recognitions such as the Digicel “All in for Fiji” Grant, Fiji Water Grant, and multiple distinctions in mathematics competitions. Beyond his teaching excellence, he contributes actively to student mentorship, environmental advocacy, and institutional development. Certified in Occupational Health and Safety, First Aid, and CPR, and a member of academic and sustainability networks, Mr. Prasad exemplifies innovation-driven leadership and educational commitment. His outstanding service, project leadership, and dedication to advancing science education and sustainability make him a deserving candidate for this award nomination.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publication

1. Prasad, R. R. (2025). Decarbonising island kitchens: Assessing the small-scale flexible balloon digester’s clean cooking potential in Fiji. Energy for Sustainable Development, 80, 145–156.