Ziqu Ouyang | Coal-Fired Power | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Ziqu Ouyang | Coal-Fired Power | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Professor Ouyang Ziqu is a distinguished Doctor of Engineering and a leading researcher at the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). He is widely recognized for his pioneering work in clean and efficient coal combustion, new combustion theories, and emission control technologies. As an excellent member of the Youth Promotion Association of CAS, Professor Ouyang plays a key role in driving scientific innovation and sustainable energy solutions in China and globally.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Professor Ouyang began his academic journey at the prestigious University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he pursued advanced studies in engineering thermophysics. From 2009 to 2014, he undertook rigorous doctoral research, which laid a strong foundation for his future contributions to combustion science and environmental engineering. His education at one of China’s foremost institutions prepared him to become a thought leader in the energy research landscape.

Experience

Following the completion of his doctorate in 2014, Professor Ouyang embarked on a decade-long career at the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, CAS. He advanced rapidly through academic ranks—beginning as an assistant professor, then associate professor, and eventually achieving full professorship. Throughout this progression, he has consistently demonstrated leadership in research projects, mentoring young scholars, and collaborating across interdisciplinary teams to address critical energy and environmental challenges.

Research Focus

Professor Ouyang has dedicated his career to advancing technologies that enhance energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. His primary research focuses on clean coal combustion technology, novel combustion mechanisms, and integrated pollutant emission control. His work has provided significant breakthroughs in understanding and improving the thermodynamics of coal-based energy systems. These contributions are vital for energy sustainability and climate change mitigation, particularly in regions where coal remains a dominant energy source.

Awards & Honors

Professor Ouyang’s groundbreaking work has earned him multiple prestigious accolades. He received the Outstanding Scientific and Technological Achievement Award from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, recognizing his high-impact innovations in combustion technology. Additionally, he was awarded the First Prize of Science and Technology from the Coal Industry Association for his contributions to energy efficiency and emission control. These honors reflect his prominent status in the field and his dedication to research that drives real-world applications.

Publication Top Notes

Experimental Study on Peak Shaving Operations for Efficient Pulverized Coal Combustion and Working Fluid Coordination
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2026
Summary: This study investigates the effects of peak shaving operations on pulverized coal combustion efficiency and working fluid coordination. The experimental results demonstrate how adjusting load and thermal input can stabilize combustion performance under fluctuating grid demands. This research supports dynamic power system integration while maintaining high combustion efficiency.

Corrigendum to: ‘Wide-load Combustion Characteristics of Lean Coal Tangential Preheating Combustion’ [Energy 323 (2025) 135845]
Journal: Energy
Year: 2025
Summary: This corrigendum addresses corrections to a previously published study on wide-load combustion in tangential preheating systems for lean coal. The clarification further emphasizes the system’s performance across variable load conditions and enhances the data accuracy for future modeling and industrial application.

Exploration on Feasibility of Novel Purification-Combustion Technology in Activation, High-Efficiency Combustion and NOx Emission Reduction of Typical Low-Quality Carbonaceous Fuels
Journal: Journal of the Energy Institute
Year: 2025
Summary: This article evaluates a novel purification-combustion technology designed to enhance combustion efficiency and significantly reduce NOx emissions from low-quality fuels. Through activation treatment and staged combustion, the study showcases improved burnout rates and emission performance, providing a pathway for sustainable use of inferior coals.

Experimental Study on Two-Stage Modification, Combustion and NOx Emission Characteristics of Pulverized Coal in a Purification-Combustion Reaction System
Journal: Journal of Thermal Science
Year: 2025
Summary: This research explores a two-stage modification system applied to pulverized coal before combustion. Results reveal improved reactivity and reduced NOx emissions under optimized conditions. The paper provides a detailed reaction mechanism analysis and supports industrial application in retrofitting conventional coal-fired units.

Study on Combustion and NOx Emission Characteristics of Low-Quality Coal with Wide Load Based on Fuel Modification
Journal: Energies (Open Access)
Year: 2025
Summary: Focused on the wide-load combustion behavior of low-quality coal, this open-access study employs fuel modification techniques to maintain combustion stability and minimize NOx formation. It offers a comprehensive examination of the impacts of load variability on thermal performance and environmental output, contributing to flexible power generation strategies.

Wide-load Combustion Characteristics of Lean Coal Tangential Preheating Combustion
Journal: Energy
Year: 2025
Summary: This foundational study introduces a tangential preheating combustion system for lean coal, allowing efficient and stable operation across a broad load range. The research details flame structure, heat transfer patterns, and emission dynamics, making it a valuable reference for scalable clean-coal technology development.

Conclusion

Professor Ouyang Ziqu exemplifies the ideals of scientific innovation, academic excellence, and national service. His work in clean combustion and environmental protection stands at the intersection of cutting-edge research and pressing societal needs. Through his deep commitment to cleaner energy technologies, he contributes to China’s and the world’s sustainable development goals. With a strong academic record, significant real-world impact, and national-level recognitions, Professor Ouyang is a worthy candidate for this prestigious award.

Clara Mata | Liquid Hydrogen | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Clara Mata | Liquid Hydrogen | Best Researcher Award

Senior Advanced Application Engineer, 3M Company, United States

Clara Mata is a distinguished Senior Specialist Application Engineer with over 25 years of experience in applied research and development, primarily at the forefront of energy-related technologies. Her multifaceted career spans critical sectors such as oil and gas, mining, and, more recently, the rapidly evolving field of liquid hydrogen energy. With a robust foundation in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and solids mechanics, Clara has consistently driven innovation by combining experimental techniques with advanced modeling. Her work is marked by a strong customer-oriented approach and interdisciplinary collaboration, making her a pivotal figure in transforming engineering solutions into commercially viable technologies at 3M. She is also a prolific contributor to patents and peer-reviewed publications, showcasing her commitment to advancing science through practical application.

Professional Profile

🎓 Education

Clara Mata holds a Ph.D. in Fluid Mechanics from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (1994–1998), where she developed a strong foundation in transport phenomena and experimental fluid mechanics. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Universidad Simón Bolívar in Caracas, Venezuela (1984–1990). This rigorous education provided the technical depth and analytical rigor that continue to define her engineering work today.

🛠️ Professional Experience

Clara began her professional career as a Senior Research Scientist at PDVSA-Intevep in Venezuela, where she led experimental modeling of particle transport, gas-liquid flow in pipelines, and the rheological characterization of complex fluids like Orimulsion®. She collaborated with CNRS on micellar solutions and surfactant mixing processes. Transitioning to the U.S., she served as a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Minnesota from 2006 to 2008, focusing on diffusion-based extraction in microfluidic systems and teaching mechanics courses. She then joined 3M as a Research Scientist (2008–2009), leading fluid flow experiments in oil and gas applications. Since 2010, Clara has served as a Senior Advanced Application Engineer at 3M, where she has made groundbreaking contributions to cryogenic storage technologies, lightweight cements, and energy sector innovations.

🔬 Research Interests

Clara’s research centers on fluid dynamics, thermal conductivity, multiphase flows, cryogenic insulation, and the mechanical behavior of engineered materials under extreme conditions. Her recent focus on the thermal behavior of insulation materials in liquid hydrogen storage has contributed to safer and more efficient energy solutions. Clara is particularly interested in translating fundamental physics into scalable, field-ready applications in energy and sustainability.

📚 Publications Top Notes

Title: Validating Effective Thermal Conductivity of Glass Microspheres in Cryogenic Storage Insulation via Finite Element Analysis
Author: Clara Mata
Published in: CEC/ICMC, 2025
Summary: Finite element analysis confirms glass microspheres’ thermal performance, aiding material selection for efficient cryogenic hydrogen tank insulation systems.

Title: Study of the Evacuation of Gas in Bulk-Fill Insulation Materials Used in Large-Scale LH₂ Storage Tanks
Author: Clara Mata
Published in: Journal Volume 97, pp. 1498–1506, 2025
Summary: Investigates gas evacuation behavior in cryogenic insulation, enhancing thermal performance in large-scale liquid hydrogen storage tanks.

Title: Survival of Hollow Glass Microspheres in Drilling Fluids Applications – Effect of the Drill Bit/Formation Contact
Author: Clara Mata
Published in: Journal of Petroleum Science & Engineering, Vol. 189, 106966, 2020
Summary: Assesses microsphere durability during drilling, optimizing materials to improve performance in aggressive subsurface environments.

Title: Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Lightweight Cement Testing Under Triaxial Loading Conditions
Author: Clara Mata
Published in: Journal of Petroleum Science and Technology, Vol. 174, pp. 663–675, 2019
Summary: Explores how carbon nanotubes enhance lightweight cement strength, promoting safer operations in downhole high-stress environments.

Title: Drilling Fluid Density and Hydraulic Drag Reduction with Glass Bubble Additive
Author: Clara Mata
Published in: Journal of Energy Resources Technology, ASME, Vol. 139(4), 042904, 2017
Summary: Demonstrates how glass bubbles reduce fluid density and drag, improving energy efficiency in oil and gas drilling processes.

🏆 Conclusion

Clara Mata’s career exemplifies the highest standards of applied engineering research, translating scientific rigor into real-world solutions that advance energy technologies and industrial innovation. Her ability to span multiple disciplines, from cryogenics to drilling fluids, and her consistent output of impactful patents and publications underscore her unique contributions to science and industry. Through leadership, deep technical knowledge, and a commitment to collaboration, Clara has earned her place as a frontrunner for the Best Academic Researcher Award. Her work not only addresses present-day challenges but also lays a foundation for future advancements in sustainable and efficient energy systems.

Nashwa Yousif | Renewable Energy | Women Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Nashwa Yousif | Renewable Energy | Women Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Nashwa Yousif, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Egypt

Dr. Nashwa Mohamed Mahmoud Yousif is an Assistant Professor of Material Sciences at the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, specializing in energy storage and renewable energy research. With over 18 years of academic and research experience, she has contributed extensively to advanced electrochemical analysis, nanomaterials development, and polymer/metal oxide composites for sustainable energy applications. Currently based at the Electrochemical Lab of the Solid State and Accelerators Department at the National Center for Radiation Research & Technology (NCRRT), her contributions span academic supervision, collaborative research, and high-impact journal publications.

Professional Profile

ORCID

🎓 Education

Dr. Yousif’s academic journey is rooted in physics and material science. She steadily progressed through academic ranks, beginning as a physics researcher in 2007. Her advanced studies led her to specialize in solid-state physics and energy materials, which has underpinned her extensive work on electrochemical energy storage systems and nanocomposites.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Yousif has steadily grown her academic career within the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority. She began as a physics researcher (2007–2012), before being promoted to assistant lecturer (2012–2016), and lecturer (2016–2022). In 2022, she assumed the role of Assistant Professor in Material Sciences at the NCRRT. Throughout this time, she has been deeply involved in both laboratory research and the mentorship of graduate students, significantly influencing Egypt’s scientific landscape in the fields of renewable energy and electrochemical materials.

🔬 Research Interests

Her core research interests include the development of cathode materials for multivalent ion batteries, synthesis of polymer/metal oxide nanocomposites, and conversion of plastic waste into carbon nanomaterials for energy storage. She focuses on scalable, eco-friendly approaches to sustainable energy solutions, particularly in enhancing battery technology and supercapacitor performance.

📚 Publications Top Notes

🔬 Title: Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Perovskite-Type Nd₁−ₓCaₓMnO₃ Nanocomposites for High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes

📅 Published: May 2025
📘 Journal: Journal of Electronic Materials
👥 Contributors: Soraya Abdelhaleem, M. S. Shalaby, H. M. Hashem, Nashwa M. Yousif

Summary:
This research explores the synthesis of Nd₁−ₓCaₓMnO₃ perovskite-type nanocomposites using a facile route and their application as electrode materials in supercapacitors. The study reveals how calcium doping impacts the crystal structure and electrochemical behavior, resulting in enhanced specific capacitance and charge-discharge performance. The nanocomposites exhibit excellent electrochemical stability, making them promising candidates for next-generation energy storage devices.

🔬 Title: Plastic Waste‐Derived Carbon Nanotubes Decorated with Mo₂C, MoO₃, or MoO₃/Mo₂C as Effective Nanocomposite Materials for Supercapacitor Applications

📅 Published: May 2025
📘 Journal: ChemistrySelect
👥 Contributors: Ahmed E. Awadallah, Ateyya A. Aboul‐Enein, Nashwa M. Yousif, Mostafa A. Azab, Ahmed M. Haggar

Summary:
This environmentally focused study converts plastic waste into carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and further functionalizes them with Mo₂C, MoO₃, and a hybrid MoO₃/Mo₂C composite. The resulting materials exhibit exceptional electrochemical properties, including high conductivity and capacitance. The work provides a dual solution for plastic waste management and supercapacitor enhancement, highlighting the potential of green nanotechnology.

🔬 Title: Impact of Carbon Nanotubes on Superconducting Properties and Ferromagnetism of Indium-Doped Bi-2212 Superconductors: Critical Current Density Enhancement

📅 Published: January 2025
📘 Journal: Physica B: Condensed Matter
👥 Contributors: Soraya Abdelhaleem, Manale Noun, Nashwa M. Yousif, Mustafa Saeed Shalaby

Summary:
This article examines how the inclusion of carbon nanotubes influences the superconducting behavior of indium-doped Bi-2212 ceramics. The findings indicate enhanced critical current density and a marked effect on the magnetic and ferromagnetic properties. The research provides insight into the interplay between nanostructures and superconducting materials, opening avenues for high-efficiency superconductors in electronics.

🔬 Title: Electrochemical Performance of Flexible Supercapacitor Electrodes Based on EVA/PANI@CNT Nano-Composite

📅 Published: December 2024
📘 Journal: Russian Journal of Electrochemistry
👥 Contributors: Nashwa M. Yousif, Mohamed R. Balboul

Summary:
This study introduces a novel flexible electrode made from a composite of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyaniline (PANI), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The material displays impressive capacitance retention and flexibility, ideal for wearable energy storage devices. It marks a significant advancement in flexible supercapacitor technology through a cost-effective and scalable approach.

🔬 Title: γ‐Irradiation Hardness Investigations of (PANI)₁−ₓ(Bi₂Te₃)ₓ Composites for Thermistor Applications

📅 Published: February 10, 2023
📘 Journal: Journal of Applied Polymer Science
👥 Contributors: Mustafa Saeed Shalaby, Soraya Abdelhaleem, Eman O. Taha, Nashwa M. Yousif

Summary:
The paper investigates the impact of γ-irradiation on polyaniline/Bi₂Te₃ composites, assessing their structural stability and electrical response. The results demonstrate that controlled irradiation improves the thermistor behavior of the composite, making it suitable for temperature-sensing applications in radiation-exposed environments. This work contributes to the design of robust, radiation-resistant sensors.

🧭 Conclusion

Dr. Nashwa M. Yousif exemplifies the modern researcher’s commitment to both innovation and sustainability. Her work bridges academic research and practical solutions, tackling some of the world’s most urgent energy challenges. Through her publications, graduate supervision, and national projects, she continues to lead with scientific integrity and a forward-looking vision. Her contributions make her a strong contender for recognition in national and international award platforms, especially in categories honoring women in science and sustainability innovation.