Yuan Li | Hydrogen Production | Cryogenic Energy Solutions Award

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: ScopusORCID

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.

Sofoklis Makridis | Hydrogen Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sofoklis Makridis | Hydrogen Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Director of environmental physics and hydrogen technologies lab, University of Patras & AE4RIA Sustainability sector, Greece

Assoc. Prof. Sofoklis Makridis is a distinguished academic and researcher with expertise in hydrogen technologies, energy systems, and environmental engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering and has an extensive background in both academic and industrial research. As the Director of the InnoEnergy Lab at the University of Patras, he leads cutting-edge research in hydrogen storage, CO2 capture, and nanocomposite materials. With his multidisciplinary approach, he has contributed significantly to advancing green technologies and sustainable energy solutions. His work extends across collaborations with top universities and research institutions globally, and he actively mentors future leaders in the field.

Profile

Education

Assoc. Prof. Makridis’ academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Ioannina, Greece. His passion for materials science led him to earn both an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. To further refine his skills, he pursued an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the Open University, UK, where he expanded his understanding of the intersection of technology and business.

Experience

Assoc. Prof. Makridis’ career spans both academia and industry, marked by impactful collaborations in hydrogen energy systems. He serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at the University of Patras, where he has taught and supervised numerous students in energy and environmental engineering programs. In addition, he has held visiting professor roles at leading universities such as the University of Cranfield, University of Bradford, KU Leuven, and the University of Loughborough. He has played a pivotal role in various European and international projects, including hydrogen storage systems, CO2 capture, and energy efficiency technologies, collaborating with organizations such as LBNL and the European Commission.

Research Interests

Assoc. Prof. Makridis’ research interests are primarily focused on hydrogen storage, fuel cells, and sustainable energy solutions. His work on metal hydride hydrogen compressors, CO2 capture, and CFD modeling in hydrogen fuel cell systems has led to significant breakthroughs. He is particularly passionate about advancing nanocomposite materials for high-temperature permanent magnets and developing zero-carbon technologies for green buildings and smart cities. His research integrates theoretical, experimental, and computational methods to optimize energy systems, supporting a transition to a more sustainable future.

Publication Top Notes

Makridis, S., et al. “Efficient hydrogen storage in Mg-nanocomposites and novel nanochemistry manipulation.” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2020.

Makridis, S., et al. “CFD modeling of hydrogen-fuel cell systems for optimization.” Journal of Power Sources, 2018.

Makridis, S., et al. “Environmental approaches to smart city energy solutions.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2017.

Makridis, S., et al. “Nanocomposites for high-temperature permanent magnets.” Journal of Materials Science, 2016.

Makridis, S., et al. “Hydrogen storage in metal hydrides: Progress and challenges.” Materials Science and Engineering Reports, 2015.

His work has garnered significant attention, as evidenced by its citation in numerous academic and industry papers, further establishing him as a leader in his field.

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Sofoklis Makridis is a prominent academician and researcher with a distinguished career focused on advancing hydrogen technologies and sustainable energy solutions. His contributions to energy systems and his leadership in interdisciplinary research have positioned him as a key figure in the transition towards a more sustainable and green future. Through his work in both academia and industry, he has mentored future leaders, fostered innovative research, and contributed to significant technological advancements in energy storage and environmental systems. His dedication to education, research, and innovation makes him an ideal candidate for any award nomination in the field of energy and sustainability.