Yunjie Zhao | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Yunjie Zhao | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

Central China Normal University | China

Prof. Yunjie Zhao is a distinguished biophysicist who earned his Ph.D. in Biophysics from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 2012, where he conducted pioneering research on computational prediction of non-coding RNA structures under the mentorship of Prof. Yi Xiao, following his B.S. in Physics from the same institution. He advanced his expertise as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at The George Washington University with Prof. Chen Zeng, contributing significantly to de novo protein design and bionetwork modeling. Since 2016, he has been a faculty member at Central China Normal University, becoming a full Professor in 2019, and has taught a wide range of courses including Machine Learning, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, and Physics. Prof. Zhao is an active member of several professional societies, including the Chinese Physical Society and the Biophysical Society of China, and previously the American Physical Society. He serves as an editorial board member for leading journals such as Briefings in Bioinformatics, iScience, Pharmaceuticals, Life, Biomolecules, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and Scientific Reports, and is a frequent reviewer for top-tier publications including Nature Biotechnology, Nature Reviews Genetics, Nature Machine Intelligence, Nature Communications, and Physical Review Letters. His research contributions are further reflected in multiple granted patents spanning protein–ligand binding site prediction, RNA contact prediction, plant lectin polymerization peptide inhibitors, and protein drug binding pocket prediction, underscoring his impactful contributions to computational biology and biophysics.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"RNA-protein interaction prediction using network-guided deep learning", H Liu, Y Jian, C Zeng, Y Zhao, Communications Biology 8 (1), 2025.

"Advances and Mechanisms of RNA–Ligand Interaction Predictions", C Zhuo, C Zeng, H Liu, H Wang, Y Peng, Y Zhao Life 15 (1), 2025.

"Decoding the effects of mutation on protein interactions using machine learning", W Xu, A Li, Y Zhao, Y Peng, Biophysics Reviews 6 (1), 2025.

"Advances in Methods for Accurate Prediction of RNA–Small Molecule Binding Sites: From Isolated to AI-Integrated Strategies", J Gao, C Zhuo, C Zeng, H Liu, Y Zhao, Pharmaceuticals 18 (10), 2025.

"Ab initio HIV-1 Tat–TAR interactions study using hybrid scoring-enhanced molecular modeling across subtypes", C Zeng, H Wang, J Gao, H Liu, C Zhuo, Y Zhao, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 27 (27), 2025.

Farhad Hossain Sojib | Data Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Farhad Hossain Sojib | Data Science | Best Researcher Award 

University of Hull | Bangladesh

Mr. Farhad Hossain Sojib is an engineer with a strong foundation in electronics and communication engineering and a growing specialization in data science and artificial intelligence. He is currently pursuing his M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at the University of Hull, United Kingdom, following the completion of his B.Sc. in Engineering from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Bangladesh, where he conducted notable research on explainable AI in educational data mining and machine learning applications in 5G antenna optimization. With professional experience as an IELTS Instructor at Lexicon Plus, he has trained over 50 students, developed course materials, and mentored junior instructors. His leadership and organizational skills were further demonstrated through his role as a Program Committee Member at the IEEE Student Branch, HSTU, where he managed events, seminars, and competitions. Additionally, his internship at BRACNet Limited provided hands-on experience in ISP operations, ICT technologies, and server management. Farhad combines his technical expertise, research acumen, and collaborative mindset to contribute meaningfully to the fields of machine learning and data-driven innovation.

Profiles: Orcid 

Featured Publications

"The integration of explainable AI in Educational Data Mining for student academic performance prediction and support systems", Md. Mahmudul Islam; Farhad Hossain Sojib; Md. Fazle Hasan Mihad; Mahmudul Hasan; Mahfujur Rahman, Telematics and Informatics Reports, 2025.

"A Bioinformatics Approach to Uncover Hub Genes and Potential Drug Targets of Stroke, Heart-Disease, Hyperglycemia, and Hypertension", Md. Emran Biswas; M D. Fazle Hasan Mihad; Farhad Hossain Sojib; Mohammad Jubair Ahmmed; M D Galib Hasan; Md. Jobare Hossain; Md. Abul Basar; Md. Mehedi Islam; Md. Delowar Hossain; Md. Selim Hossain et al., 27th International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (ICCIT), 2024.

"An Explainable Educational Data Mining System for Predicting Student Academic Performance", Md. Mahmudul Islam; Farhad Hossain Sojib; Md. Fazle Hasan Mihad; Mahmudul Hasan; Mahfujur Rahman; FARHAD HOSSAIN SOJIB, 2024 IEEE International Conference on Signal Processing, Information, Communication and Systems, 2024.

Tanyo Tanev | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Tanyo Tanev | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Technical University of Sofia | Bulgaria

Tanyo Tanev appears to be a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His exceptional blend of technical expertise, academic pursuit, and professional achievements in the renewable energy and electrical engineering domains clearly demonstrates research excellence and innovation. As a Ph.D. candidate at the Technical University of Sofia, he has published five scientific papers and is working on additional studies focused on photovoltaic (PV) power plants and the application of machine learning and deep learning models in energy systems-fields of growing global importance. Professionally, he has led the design and development of large-scale PV power plants worldwide, managing complex engineering, optimization, and data-driven simulation tasks. His strong background in Autocad, PVcase, PVsyst, Python, and AI frameworks like TensorFlow and Keras, combined with managerial experience and creative problem-solving, highlights his research-driven approach to technological advancement. Tanyo’s ability to merge academic knowledge with practical innovation, leadership in renewable energy projects, and continuous pursuit of scientific progress make him an outstanding contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles: Scopus

Featured Publications

"Modeling of Battery Storage of Photovoltaic Power Plants Using Machine Learning Methods", T. Tanev and R. Stanev, Energies, 2025.

Samson Abiodun| Fluid flow and computational modeling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Samson Abiodun| Fluid flow and computational modeling | Best Researcher Award

Senior , University of Pretoria, South Africa📝

Dr. Samson Abiodun is a seasoned researcher and academic in the field of mechanical engineering with a focus on heat transfer, aerodynamics, renewable energy, and computational mechanics. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pretoria and has extensive teaching and research experience at leading institutions in South Africa and Nigeria. His work addresses key issues in energy conversion systems, fluid dynamics, and renewable energy, aiming to contribute solutions for sustainable and energy-efficient technologies. Dr. Abiodun is passionate about advancing the integration of machine learning and energy optimization in both academic and industry settings.

Profile    

Scopus

Google Scholar

Education 🎓  

Dr. Samson Abiodun holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, where he researched convective heat transfer in rectangular wind channels using various grooved geometries. He also earned a Master of Engineering (MEng) from the Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria, in 2010, where his thesis focused on the computational modeling and experimental study of solar water heaters. Additionally, he completed a B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria, in 2006, with a thesis on the experimental analysis of heat transfer in an electrical dryer for yam flour chunk.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Abiodun has held several academic positions, currently serving as a Research Fellow at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa, where he specializes in aerodynamics, energy conversion systems, and computational mechanics. He is also a Senior Lecturer at Aasa SA – University of Ibadan, Nigeria, focusing on aerodynamics and energy conversion systems. Previously, he worked as a Lecturer I at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria, contributing to research in renewable energy and energy storage systems. Dr. Abiodun has also taught at the University of Pretoria and Covenant University in Nigeria, where he gained extensive experience in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and renewable energy systems. Additionally, he has practical experience as a Graduate Engineer at Ajaokuta Steel Company, Nigeria, where he worked on turbine and pump design and operation.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Abiodun’s research interests lie at the intersection of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), aerodynamics, heat transfer enhancement, clean energy, and renewable energy. His work involves modeling fluid-solid interaction, multiphase flow, and phase change materials. He is also focused on system modeling and optimization, incorporating machine learning techniques, and has expertise in sizing and design of building services for energy efficiency in mechanical and electrical systems (M&E). His research includes both computational and experimental approaches to solve engineering challenges in energy conversion systems, renewable energy, and sustainable design.

 

Author Metrics 🏆

Dr. Abiodun has received multiple honors and research grants throughout his career, including the David Oyedepo Award for best publication in 2013, the Saitome Principe Scholarship for MEng. study (2008-2009), and several postgraduate scholarships from the University of Pretoria and National Research Foundation (NRF). His work has been recognized by research grants such as the University-Based Research Grant 2022. He has published numerous articles on energy systems, CFD, and renewable energy, contributing to advancing knowledge in sustainable engineering solutions.

Publications Top Notes 📚

  1. Synthesis, DFT investigation, molecular docking analysis, ADMET studies, and biological evaluation of a novel series of imidazolidinone derivatives as potential antimicrobial agents
    • Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure
    • Publication Date: November 2024
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2024.140586
    • Contributors: Ahmed I. Khodair, Dalia R. Imam, Nabila A. Kheder, Asmaa M. Fahim, Ahmed A. El-Barbary
  2. New bis-hydantoin/thiohydantoin derivatives: Regioselective synthesis, antibacterial activity, molecular docking, and computational insights
    • Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure
    • Publication Date: May 2024
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2024.137565
    • Contributors: Ahmed I. Khodair, Aya I. Metwally, Nabila A. Kheder, Mohsen M.T. El-Tahawy
  3. Camptothecin structure simplification elaborated new imidazo[2,1-b]quinazoline derivative as a human topoisomerase I inhibitor with efficacy against bone cancer cells and colon adenocarcinoma
    • Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
    • Publication Date: February 2024
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116049
    • Contributors: Ahmed I. Khodair, Salwa M. El-Hallouty, Brittnee Cagle-White, May H. Abdel Aziz, Mahmoud Kh. Hanafy, Samar Mowafy, Nadia M. Hamdy, Shaymaa Kassab
  4. Design, synthesis, molecular modelling and antitumor evaluation of S-glucosylated rhodanines through topo II inhibition and DNA intercalation
    • Journal: Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry
    • Publication Date: December 31, 2023
    • DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2163996
    • Contributors: Ahmed I. Khodair, Fatimah M. Alzahrani, Mohamed K. Awad, Siham A. Al-Issa, Ghaferah H. Al-Hazmi, Mohamed S. Nafie
  5. Design, Synthesis, Computational Investigations, and Antitumor Evaluation of N-Rhodanine Glycosides Derivatives as Potent DNA Intercalation and Topo II Inhibition against Cancer Cells
    • Journal: ACS Omega
    • Publication Date: April 11, 2023
    • DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00641
    • Contributors: Ahmed I. Khodair, Fatimah M. Alzahrani, Mohamed K. Awad, Siham A. Al-Issa, Ghaferah H. Al-Hazmi, Mohamed S. Nafie

Conclusion

Dr. Samson Abiodun is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on his extensive expertise, multidisciplinary approach, and significant contributions to sustainable energy solutions and computational mechanics. His ability to combine fundamental engineering principles with modern computational tools and machine learning techniques sets him apart as a leader in his field. With his continued research into clean energy and energy-efficient technologies, Dr. Abiodun stands out as a researcher who not only advances academic knowledge but also provides valuable insights and innovations with potential for global impact.