Jianbin Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Jianbin Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Chief Technology Officer | Guangdong Titans Intelligent Power Company Ltd | China

Mr. Jianbin Chen is a distinguished engineering professional with more than 11 years of expertise in digital signal design, iterative coding, data storage and communication systems, and the integration of power and wireless communication technologies in the Internet of Things (IoT). He currently serves as the Executive Vice President and R&D Director at Guangdong Titan Intelligent Power Co., Ltd., in addition to holding roles as a Senior Engineer, IEEE member, off-campus master’s mentor at Nanchang Institute of Technology, and Visiting Associate Professor at Guangdong Polytechnic of Science and Technology. Mr. Chen earned his bachelor’s degree from North Central University in 2011 and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Macau in 2021. Throughout his career, he has led and executed numerous high-impact projects, including intelligent air conditioning energy control systems, IoT-based smart street lighting systems, and advanced energy consumption control platforms for major infrastructure. He has overseen several provincial and municipal innovation programs, demonstrating strong leadership in research and technology development. Mr. Chen has secured 30 patents and 28 software copyrights, with many of his innovations being successfully commercialized and widely recognized. His outstanding contributions have earned him multiple prestigious honors such as the Zhuhai Talent Program, the Best Software Technology Innovation Product Awards, and national innovation competition prizes. Academically, he has published influential research papers and a book, with his work featured in SCI-indexed journals, covering topics like power electronics, intelligent control systems, and smart cities. His ability to combine advanced research with industrial applications has significantly contributed to the development of smart energy and IoT technologies in China. Mr. Chen’s visionary leadership, technical excellence, and dedication to innovation position him as a key figure in advancing intelligent infrastructure and sustainable technology solutions for the future.

Profile: ORCID
Featured Publications

  1. Chen, J., Yang, C., Zou, J., & Chen, K. (2025). Multiplier operated controller for CCM boost PFC converter with regulated input impedance and improved power factor. IEEE Access. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3548096

  2. Chen, J., Yang, C., & Zou, J. (2025). Optimization control strategy of wide ZVS range and automatic Euler angle for bi-directional wireless power transfer system by TPS. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijepes.2025.111133

  3. Chen, J., Yang, C., & Zou, J. (2022). Robust enhanced voltage range control for industrial robot chargers. IEEE Access. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3229688

  4. Chen, J., Yang, C., Tang, S., & Zou, J. (2021). A high power interleaved parallel topology full-bridge LLC converter for off-board charger. IEEE Access. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3130051

  5. Chen, J. (2017). SMT物料种类与标准. 电子工业出版社. ISBN: 978-7-121-31740-8

Saurabh Kumar | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Saurabh Kumar | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | IIMT University | India

Dr. Saurabh Kumar is an accomplished researcher in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a focus on water quality, corrosion monitoring, wastewater treatment, and sustainable engineering practices. He is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Thammasat University, Thailand (July 2024 – June 2025). Prior to this, he worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at IIMT University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India (June 2023 – June 2024). His academic journey began with a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from Darbhanga College of Engineering, Bihar, under Aryabhatta Knowledge University (2013 – 2017), followed by an M.Tech in Environmental Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Patna (2018 – 2020). He pursued a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at NIT Patna, Ministry of Education, Government of India (2020 – 2023), where his research focused on “Monitoring and Modelling of Corrosion Rate in Drinking Water Distribution Network.” Dr. Kumar has a strong research profile, with publications in SCI, Scopus, and IEEE-indexed journals such as Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, and Nature’s Scientific Reports. He has authored a book, contributed to book chapters with reputed publishers, and presented papers at multiple international conferences, including IEEE and Springer platforms. His work reflects the integration of conventional engineering with advanced tools such as machine learning for solving environmental challenges.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

 Publications

  1. Kumar Saurabh, Singh R., Maurya N.S., Water quality analysis and corrosion potential of the distribution network of Patna, Bihar, India. J. Environ. Eng. Sci., 2022, 17(4), 164–174. (ESCI)

  2. Kumar Saurabh, Singh R., Maurya N.S., Assessment of corrosion potential based on water quality index in the distribution network of urban Patna, Bihar, India. J. Nat. Environ. Pollut. Technol., 2022, 21(5), 2117–2127. (Scopus)

  3. Kumar Saurabh, Singh R., Maurya N.S., Raj V., Monitoring of the corrosion in the pipeline of the distribution network using weight loss method & image processing technique. J. Mater. Eng. Perform., 2022. (SCI)

  4. Kumar Saurabh, Singh R., Maurya N.S., Modelling of corrosion rate in the drinking water distribution network using Design Expert 13 software. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res., 2023. (SCI)

  5. Rajeev R., Kumar Saurabh, Singh R., Monitoring of traffic noise pollution in urban Patna, Bihar, India. Noise Vib. Worldwide, 2023. (Scopus)

  6. Kumar P., Kumar Saurabh, Kumar M., Chaubey A., Nayak J., Groundwater flow and solute transport modelling: A mathematical analysis. Indian J. Environ. Prot., 2024, 44(3), 257–264. (Scopus)

  7. Shivam H., Sharma D., Bansal T., Pande R., Kumar Saurabh, Weesakul U., In-vessel bioconversion of garden waste into compost with an emphasis on process efficiency and compost quality. Eng. Appl. Sci. Res., 2025, 52(1), 105–111. (Scopus)

Soheila Kookalani | Engineering | Best Paper Awards

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Dr. Soheila Kookalani | Engineering | Best Paper Award

Research Associate at Cambridge University, United Kingdom

Dr. Soheila Kookalani is a distinguished researcher in civil and structural engineering, specializing in artificial intelligence, machine learning, sustainable construction, and digital twin technologies. Currently a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, her work focuses on steel reuse, circular economy, and structural optimization to promote sustainable infrastructure. She earned her Ph.D. in Civil and Structural Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, supported by strong academic training at Hohai University and Azad University. With an impressive publication record in high-impact journals and international conferences, she has advanced knowledge in structural design automation and resilient construction practices. Beyond research, she contributes as a reviewer, editorial board member, guest editor, and invited speaker, while also teaching and mentoring students. Her achievements demonstrate academic excellence, global collaboration, and leadership in advancing sustainable engineering solutions.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | Orcid Profile | Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Soheila Kookalani has built a strong academic foundation across globally recognized institutions. She earned her Ph.D. in Civil and Structural Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where her research explored structural optimization and machine learning applications for gridshell structures. She completed her Master’s degree in Civil and Structural Engineering at Hohai University, focusing on the seismic performance of steel-concrete hybrid structures, following a Bachelor’s in Architectural Engineering from Azad University, where she developed hybrid architecture concepts for sustainable design. This academic journey provided her with multidisciplinary expertise spanning architecture, civil engineering, and computational modeling. Her progression from undergraduate through doctoral studies highlights a consistent dedication to merging innovative design with engineering principles, forming the basis for her later research on sustainable construction, digital twins, and artificial intelligence-driven structural design.

 Experience

Dr. Kookalani is currently a Research Associate in Construction Engineering at the University of Cambridge, where she leads work on sustainable construction practices, including steel reuse, circular economy applications, and digital twin technologies. Her role has involved collaboration with international partners and industry stakeholders to develop innovative solutions for life cycle assessment and sustainable design. She has actively contributed to teaching and supervision at Cambridge, engaging with undergraduate and postgraduate students in mechanics, aerodynamics, and structural engineering courses. Previously, she undertook significant academic and research roles during her studies in China, working on advanced computational and structural analysis projects. Her professional experience is distinguished by its combination of high-impact research, curriculum development, knowledge transfer, and industry collaboration, positioning her as a bridge between academic innovation and practical engineering applications.

Research Interest

Dr. Kookalani’s research interests are centered on sustainable structural engineering and the integration of advanced technologies into civil infrastructure. She focuses on steel reuse, structural optimization, circular economy approaches, and life cycle assessment to advance sustainable design practices. Her expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning enables her to apply advanced computational models to construction automation, lightweight structures, and generative design. She is also deeply engaged in digital twin applications, building information modeling, and robotics for the built environment, reflecting a forward-looking vision for smart and adaptive construction systems. Her interdisciplinary approach connects materials science, computational engineering, and sustainability, making her research highly relevant for addressing global challenges in resource efficiency, climate change mitigation, and infrastructure resilience.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Kookalani has earned multiple academic honors in recognition of her scholarly excellence and dedication. She received a full scholarship from Shanghai Jiao Tong University to pursue her Ph.D., reflecting her strong academic merit and research potential. Prior to that, she was awarded a scholarship for her Master’s studies at Hohai University. During her undergraduate years at Azad University, she was consistently recognized as a top student in architectural design courses, with her projects highlighted for their creativity and development. She also served as a member of the student board at the Architecture Engineering Scientific Association, demonstrating early leadership and academic engagement. These achievements reflect a trajectory of sustained academic distinction, research innovation, and leadership, laying a strong foundation for her ongoing success as a global researcher in sustainable engineering.

Research Skill

Dr. Kookalani possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that combine computational expertise, engineering knowledge, and interdisciplinary applications. She is proficient in programming languages such as Python and MATLAB, and advanced software including Abaqus, AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Etabs, and SAP2000, enabling her to model, analyze, and optimize complex structures. Her technical expertise extends to machine learning, digital twins, life cycle assessment, and environmental product declarations, aligning with her sustainability-focused research. She is adept in data-driven modeling, structural performance prediction, and optimization techniques such as swarm intelligence and support vector machines. In addition, she has experience in visualization tools like Lumion, Blender, and Adobe Suite, enhancing her ability to present research outputs effectively. These skills empower her to bridge advanced computational methods with practical engineering solutions for sustainable construction.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Trajectory of Building and Structural Design Automation from Generative Design Towards the Integration of Deep Generative Models and Optimization: A Review
Authors: Soheila Kookalani, E. Parn, I. Brilakis, S. Dirar, M. Theofanous, A. Faramarzi, M. Mahdavipour, Q. Feng
Year: 2024
Citation: Journal of Building Engineering, 97:110972

Title: Shape Optimization of GFRP Elastic Gridshells by the Weighted Lagrange Ε-Twin Support Vector Machine and Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Considering Structural Weight
Authors: Soheila Kookalani, B. Cheng, S. Xiang
Year: 2021
Citation: Structures, 33:2066–2084

Title: Structural Performance Assessment of GFRP Elastic Gridshells by Machine Learning Interpretability Methods
Authors: Soheila Kookalani, B. Cheng, J. L. Chavez Torres
Year: 2022
Citation: Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 16:1249–1266

Title: Form-Finding of Lifting Self-Forming GFRP Elastic Gridshells Based on Machine Learning Interpretability Methods
Authors: Soheila Kookalani, S. Nyunn, S. Xiang
Year: 2022
Citation: Structural Engineering and Mechanics, 84(5):605–618

Title: An Overview of Optimal Damper Placement Methods in Structures
Authors: Soheila Kookalani, D. Shen, L. Zhu, M. Lindsey
Year: 2021
Citation: Iranian Journal of Science and Technology – Transactions of Civil Engineering, 46:1785–1804

Title: An Analytic Solution for Form Finding of GFRP Elastic Gridshells during Lifting Construction
Authors: S. Xiang, B. Cheng, Soheila Kookalani
Year: 2020
Citation: Composite Structures, 244:112290

Title: An Analytic Approach to Predict the Shape and Internal Forces of Barrel Vault Elastic Gridshells during Lifting Construction
Authors: S. Xiang, B. Cheng, Soheila Kookalani, J. Zhao
Year: 2021
Citation: Structures, 29:628–637

Title: An Integrated Approach of Form Finding and Construction Simulation for Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Elastic Gridshells
Authors: S. Xiang, B. Cheng, L. Zou, Soheila Kookalani
Year: 2020
Citation: Structural Design of Tall and Special Buildings, 29(5):e1698

Title: Introduction of Methodology for BIM & DSS
Authors: H. Alavi, Soheila Kookalani, F. Rahimian, N. Forcada
Year: 2024
Citation: Integrated Building Intelligence, pp. 31–42

Title: BIM-Based DSS for HVAC Root-Cause Detection
Authors: H. Alavi, Soheila Kookalani, F. Rahimian, N. Forcada
Year: 2024
Citation: Integrated Building Intelligence, pp. 43–57

Title: BIM-Based DSS for Building Condition Assessment
Authors: H. Alavi, Soheila Kookalani, F. Rahimian, N. Forcada
Year: 2024
Citation: Integrated Building Intelligence, pp. 59–78

Title: BIM-Based DSS for Enhancing Occupants’ Comfort
Authors: H. Alavi, Soheila Kookalani, F. Rahimian, N. Forcada
Year: 2024
Citation: Integrated Building Intelligence, pp. 79–99

Title: BIM-Based Augmented Reality for Facility Maintenance Management
Authors: H. Alavi, Soheila Kookalani, F. Rahimian, N. Forcada
Year: 2024
Citation: Integrated Building Intelligence, pp. 101–112

Title: GFRP Elastic Gridshell Structures: A Review of Methods, Research, Applications, Opportunities, and Challenges
Authors: Soheila Kookalani, Htay Htayaung
Year: 2023
Citation: Journal of Civil Engineering and Materials Application

Title: Structural Analysis of GFRP Elastic Gridshell Structures by Particle Swarm Optimization and Least Square Support Vector Machine Algorithms
Authors: Soheila Kookalani, B. Cheng
Year: 2021
Citation: Journal of Civil Engineering and Materials Application

Title: Effect of Fluid Viscous Damper Parameters on the Seismic Performance
Authors: Soheila Kookalani, D. Shen
Year: 2020
Citation: Journal of Civil Engineering and Materials Application, 4(3)

Title: An Overview of the Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithms Applied to Optimization of Structures
Authors: Soheila Kookalani
Year: 2019
Citation: Civil Engineering Journal, 5(11):2336–2349

Title: Analysis and Optimal Location of Fluid Viscous Dampers for Multistory Irregular Steel Structures under Seismic Excitation
Authors: Soheila Kookalani, M. Daneshvaran, M. Noori
Year: 2019
Citation: Civil Engineering Journal, 5(7):1594–1607

Title: Optimal Viscous Damper Location for Multi-Story Steel Structures by Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Soheila Kookalani, S. Arabzadeh, M. Noori
Year: 2018
Citation: Civil Engineering Journal, 4(11):2590–2601

Title: Optimal Placement of Fluid Viscous Dampers in Steel Structures Subjected to Seismic Excitation by Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Soheila Kookalani, S. Arabzadeh, M. Noori
Year: 2018
Citation: Civil Engineering Journal, 4(5):1061–1072

Conclusion

Dr. Soheila Kookalani is an innovative and forward-thinking researcher whose career integrates civil engineering, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. With strong academic credentials, professional experience at leading institutions, and a significant publication record, she has made meaningful contributions to the advancement of structural optimization, digital construction, and sustainable design. Her work has influenced both academia and industry by offering scalable solutions for steel reuse, resilient infrastructure, and circular economy practices. Beyond research, her leadership through teaching, editorial activities, conference committees, and invited talks reflects her commitment to knowledge sharing and community impact. Recognized with prestigious scholarships and awards, she continues to expand her global collaborations and research impact. Dr. Kookalani exemplifies academic excellence, technical innovation, and societal contribution, making her a valuable contributor to the future of sustainable engineering.

Margarida Soares | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Margarida Soares | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Margarida Soares at CVR- CENTRO PARA A VALORIZAÇÃO DE RESÍDUOS, Portugal

Dr. Margarida Reis Soares is a multidisciplinary researcher specializing in the valorization of industrial and organic waste and the integration of circular economy principles. She holds a Master’s degree in Biological Engineering with a specialization in Technology in Chemical and Food Processing from the Universidade do Minho, Portugal. Currently, she serves as an investigator at the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia and the Centro para a Valorização de Resíduos (CVR). Over the years, Dr. Soares has contributed to numerous European Union-funded projects, addressing eco-innovation, green technologies, and sustainability. Her research emphasizes creating environmentally friendly solutions for waste recovery and fostering green growth in industries.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Educational Details

Master’s Degree in Biological Engineering (Integrated Master’s Program)

  • Specialization: Technology in Chemical and Food Processing
  • Institution: Universidade do Minho, Portugal
  • Completion: November 2016
  • Thesis: “Estudo da Viabilidade da Diminuição das Temperaturas de Pasteurização Aplicadas aos Preparados Elaborados na Decorgel”
  • Graduation Grade: 17.07/20

Professional Experience

  • Investigator
    • Institution: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia / Centro para a Valorização de Resíduos (CVR), Portugal
    • Duration: November 2023 – Present
  • Researcher
    • Institution: Centro para a Valorização de Resíduos (CVR), Universidade do Minho, Portugal
    • Roles:
      • Investigated sustainable waste recovery and circular economy initiatives.
      • Collaborated on European Union-funded projects focused on eco-innovation and green technologies.
    • Duration: January 2017 – Present
  • Quality Control Laboratory Technician
    • Employer: Prozis, Portugal
    • Duration: July 2019 – July 2020

Research Interest

  • Valorization of industrial and organic waste.
  • Circular economy and sustainability strategies.
  • Development of eco-innovative materials using waste recovery.
  • Integration of bio-based processes in chemical and food engineering.
  • Technological solutions for green growth and environmental impact reduction.

Selected Research Projects

  • BioShoes4All (2023–Present): Innovation in sustainable bioeconomy for the footwear industry.
  • Mission2GG (2023–Present): Strategies for green growth, circularity, and eco-innovation.
  • RENew (2020–Present): Circular economy solutions for reintroducing construction waste.
  • VALORMAR (2017–Present): Valorization of marine resources through innovation.
  • EcoSustainable Rail (2016–Present): Development of eco-sustainable railway sleepers using mixed plastics.
  • UpCycle4Biz (2021–2023): Materials upcycling for promoting a circular economy.
  • Res2ValHum (2016–Present): Recovery of organic waste for humic substance production.

Publication Top Notes

“Peach processing wastes stabilization: Effect on the physical-chemical and microbiological properties”

  • Authors: Ribeiro, A., Soares, M., Valerio, N., Vilarinho, C., Carvalho, J.
  • Source: WASTES: Solutions, Treatments, and Opportunities IV – Selected Papers from the 6th International Conference Wastes, 2023, 2024, pp. 452–457.
  • Abstract and related documents: Disabled.

“Pig meat processing wastes stabilization: Effect on the microbiological properties”

  • Authors: Ribeiro, A., Soares, M., Valerio, N., Vilarinho, C., Carvalho, J.
  • Source: WASTES: Solutions, Treatments, and Opportunities IV – Selected Papers from the 6th International Conference Wastes, 2023, 2024, pp. 458–464.
  • Abstract and related documents: Disabled.

“An Experimental Setup for Plasma Gasification of Sewage Sludge”

  • Authors: Pacheco, N., Barbosa, F.V., Ribeiro, A., Teixeira, J.C.F., Vilarinho, C.
  • Source: Proceedings of the Thermal and Fluids Engineering Summer Conference, 2023, 2023-March, pp. 543–557.
  • Abstract and related documents: Disabled.
  • Citations: 2.

“Challenges of Digital Waste Marketplace—The Upvalue Platform”

  • Authors: Soares, M., Ribeiro, A., Vasconcelos, T., Vilarinho, C., Carvalho, J.
  • Source: Sustainability (Switzerland), 2023, 15(14), 11235.
  • Abstract and related documents: Disabled.
  • Citations: 2.

“Diving into Fish Valorisation: Review Opportunities and Analyzing Azorean Fish Data”

  • Authors: Valério, N., Soares, M., Vilarinho, C., Correia, M., Carvalho, J.
  • Source: Processes, 2023, 11(7), 1998.
  • Abstract and related documents: Disabled.
  • Citations: 5.

Conclusion

Dr. Margarida Soares is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the context of applied sustainability and circular economy research. Her work addresses global environmental challenges through innovative, practical solutions, and her involvement in EU-funded projects showcases her ability to collaborate on high-impact initiatives. However, to strengthen her candidacy further, she should focus on increasing her publication output, pursuing patents, and expanding her international footprint.