Yingfa Lu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Prof. Dr. Yingfa Lu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor at  Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China

Author Profile

Scopus 

Summary

Professor Yingfa LU, is a renowned Chinese academician in the field of geotechnical engineering, currently serving at Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China. With a career spanning over three decades, Professor LU has made significant contributions to the study of rock and soil mechanics, unsaturated soils, slope stability, and foundation engineering. His academic and research journey has been shaped by rigorous training in China and France, reflecting a unique blend of Eastern and Western engineering methodologies. He is known for developing new theoretical models, experimental methods, and engineering applications that have transformed the understanding of complex soil behaviors. As a professor and mentor, he has guided numerous graduate students and researchers. His work continues to influence civil infrastructure design and stability assessments. Through international collaborations and pioneering research, Professor LU remains a key figure in advancing the science of geotechnics and soil-structure interaction.

Educational Details

Professor Yingfa LU’s academic foundation is both diverse and prestigious. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Xi’an Jiaotong University, one of China’s top engineering institutions. He then pursued a Master’s degree at the Wuhan Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he began developing his interest in soil behavior and geotechnical modeling. His academic journey then extended internationally when he completed his Ph.D. at Lille University of Technology in France, focusing on advanced geomechanics. Further expanding his expertise, Professor LU conducted postdoctoral research at the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées (ENPC) in Paris, France—one of Europe’s most respected civil engineering schools. This diverse education provided him with a multidisciplinary and multicultural perspective that has deeply influenced his theoretical and applied research. His strong academic credentials have underpinned his career in academia and made him a bridge between Chinese and Western engineering communities.

Professional Experience

Professor LU’s professional career is centered around teaching and research at Hubei University of Technology in Wuhan, China. Here, he has played a leading role in advancing the university’s capabilities in geotechnical engineering and training the next generation of engineers and researchers. His work builds upon his rich international academic exposure, including postdoctoral studies in France. Over the years, he has led several national and international research projects focusing on complex soil behavior, structural foundations, and slope stability. Professor LU is actively involved in academic committees and editorial boards, contributing to the peer-review process and development of engineering standards. His professional contributions extend beyond the classroom and laboratory, influencing practical engineering solutions in infrastructure and environmental stability. He is frequently invited to deliver keynote lectures and participate in scientific forums worldwide. His career reflects a commitment to both theoretical development and the real-world application of geotechnical science.

Research Interests

Professor LU’s research interests lie in rock and soil mechanics, unsaturated soil behavior, slope stability, pile-soil interaction, and geotechnical modeling. He has developed several new testing methodologies for characterizing soil and rock properties under different environmental and mechanical conditions. His work introduced a novel soil-water characteristic curve that links moisture behavior with seepage flow in unsaturated soils—crucial for predicting water movement and soil stability. He proposed an original constitutive model to describe the full stress-strain behavior of soil and rock, contributing to better analysis of ground deformations. His research also redefined pile-soil interaction, leading to two innovative pile types and the development of both force-based and displacement-based design methods. Furthermore, Professor LU has worked on progressive slope failure modeling, proposing a comprehensive theoretical framework that captures multi-stage instability. His most recent studies explore stable seepage and thermal field interactions using novel stress-strain solution techniques, improving safety and efficiency in geotechnical designs.

Author Metric

Professor LU has published extensively in high-impact international and Chinese journals, contributing to the global body of knowledge in geotechnical and civil engineering. His research is widely cited, indicating the relevance and applicability of his theoretical models and engineering solutions. He has authored and co-authored numerous journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports covering subjects such as soil mechanics, slope stability, foundation design, and seepage analysis. His citation metrics demonstrate a strong academic footprint, and his work has become foundational in various specialized areas of geotechnics. In addition to scholarly publications, Professor LU has contributed to textbooks and engineering manuals used by students and practitioners. His active role in scientific communities includes serving as a reviewer and editorial board member for leading journals. His prolific authorship, citation impact, and participation in academic networks affirm his position as a thought leader and innovator in the field of rock and soil engineering.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Professor LU has received numerous accolades recognizing his academic excellence and practical contributions to geotechnical engineering. His innovative models and methods have earned him national and institutional awards, including recognition for his novel approaches to soil-water interaction, slope failure analysis, and pile-soil mechanics. Notably, his invention of new pile types and optimization criteria for foundation design has had a practical impact on civil engineering practices in complex terrains. His work on high ground stress discrimination and constitutive modeling has been acclaimed by academic peers for its originality and application potential. These honors reflect not only his research excellence but also his influence on the engineering profession. His participation in international collaborations and invitation to speak at global conferences further exemplify his esteemed status. As an educator, his mentorship has also been acknowledged through awards for teaching and research supervision, highlighting his dedication to shaping future leaders in geotechnical engineering.

Publication Notes

1. A New Calculation Method of Force and Displacement of Retaining Wall and Slope

Authors: Yingfa Lu, Wenqing Sun, Hao Yang, Junjie Jiang, Lier Lu
Journal: Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
Publication Year: 2023
Access: Open Access
Citations: 4
DOI/Link: (Link disabled)
Abstract Summary: Proposes a new method for calculating the force and displacement of retaining walls and slopes, aimed at improving stability assessments and design accuracy in geotechnical engineering.

2. Stability Analysis of Landfills Contained by Retaining Walls Using Continuous Stress Method

Authors: Yufang Zhang, Yingfa Lu, Yao Zhong, Jian Li, Dongze Liu
Journal: CMES - Computer Modeling in Engineering and Sciences
Publication Year: 2023
Citations: 0
DOI/Link: (Link disabled)
Abstract Summary: Utilizes the continuous stress method to assess the stability of landfills that are supported by retaining walls, offering insights into structural integrity and risk mitigation.

3. Analysis of Progressive Failure Mechanism of Engineering Slope at Dongzhou Avenue, Chibi of Hubei Province

Authors: Bo Huang, Zhixiong Lu, Yingdong He, Yingfa Lu
Journal: Chinese Journal of Geological Hazard and Control
Publication Year: 2022
Citations: 0
DOI/Link: (Link disabled)
Abstract Summary: Investigates the progressive failure behavior of a real-world engineering slope, using field data and modeling techniques to understand failure patterns and preventive measures.

4. Control Design Based on Progressive Failure Characteristics of Slope: Taking Budaiying Slope in Shiyan City, Hubei Province as an Example

Authors: Yingfa Lu, Peng Hu, Yao Zhong, Yufang Zhang, Junjie Jiang
Journal: Yantu Lixue / Rock and Soil Mechanics
Publication Year: 2022
Access: Open Access
Citations: 2
DOI/Link: (Link disabled)
Abstract Summary: This paper presents a slope control design method based on progressive failure characteristics, using the Budaiying slope as a case study. It integrates field investigation and numerical modeling to improve slope safety and failure prediction.

5. Compressive Strength Prediction of Rubber Concrete Based on Artificial Neural Network Model with Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

Authors: Xiaoyu Huang, Keyang Wu, Shuai Wang, Weichao Deng, Houmin Li
Journal: Materials
Publication Year: 2022
Access: Open Access
Citations: 17
DOI/Link: (Link disabled)
Abstract Summary: This study proposes an artificial neural network (ANN) model optimized using a hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to accurately predict the compressive strength of rubber concrete, improving material design and construction reliability.

Conclusion:

Professor Yingfa Lu is an outstanding scholar whose pioneering contributions to geotechnical engineering, strong academic foundation, and international collaborations make him a prime candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work demonstrates a rare blend of academic rigor and practical application, influencing both the scientific community and real-world engineering practices. Recognizing him with this award would honor a lifetime of impactful research and encourage continued innovation in soil-structure interaction and civil infrastructure safety.

Chandra Prakash Gour -Geopolymer concrete – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Chandra Prakash Gour -Geopolymer concrete – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chandra Prakash Gour distinguished academic and researcher in the field Geopolymer concrete.

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

He completed his secondary and higher secondary education in 2011 at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Sehore. Pursuing his passion for engineering, he obtained a B. Tech. in Civil Engineering from UIT Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya in Bhopal, India, in 2017. He continued his studies at the same institution, earning an M. Tech. in Structural Engineering in 2019. His academic journey culminated in a Ph. D. in Engineering Material from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal, India, which he completed in 2023.

Experience

He has gained diverse professional experiences, including working with the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and participating in various consultancy projects. His expertise extends to managing and conducting experiments in both concrete technology and surveying labs. His research focuses on sustainable concrete materials, particularly waste management in building construction through geopolymer concrete. He also delves into the microstructure and durability of concrete, with a specific interest in petrography and thin section analysis.

Conferences

He has actively participated in both international and national conferences, showcasing his research and expertise. In 2023, he presented a paper titled “Sustainable Utilization of Bone China as Fine Aggregates in Geopolymer Concrete” at ICRTMD, held at G.A.V. Degree College in Jharjar, Haryana, India. In 2022, he co-authored a paper on the “Comparative Analysis of Drying Shrinkage of Mortar with Varying Ratios of Fly Ash and GGBS,” which was presented at NCGBIS at the Institute of Engineers India, M.P. State Centre Bhopal. Additionally, he attended the International Conference on “Sustainable Materials and Structures for Civil Infrastructures” in 2019, organized by the Department of Civil Engineering at UIT-RGTU under TEQP, as well as the International Conference on “Green Building Material and Technology” organized by the Department of Civil Engineering in the same year.

 

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Mi Tian- Technological Networks- Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Mi Tian- Technological Networks- Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mi Tian holds the position of Senior Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Research in the
Department of Engineering at the University of Exeter, where her focus lies on hydrogen energy,
specifically in the field of solid-state hydrogen storage and transportation. Since her affiliation with the
UoE in 2020, Dr. Tian has been instrumental in securing upwards of £2.7 million in research funding,
with nearly £1 million attributed to her direct initiatives as PI and an additional £1.7 million as Co-I.
Her academic contributions encompass 36 publications in reputable journals, an H-index of 20, two
patents, and a notable contribution to a sector-relevant book. Her recognition in the Top 50 Women in
Engineering in 2020 and subsequent honour as one of the EPSRC Women in Engineering Ambassadors
in 2023 not only underscore her personal achievements but also reflect her commitment to promoting
equality, diversity, and inclusion within the engineering field.

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

She holds a Ph.D. in Hydrogen Storage from the University of East Anglia, UK, building upon her prior academic achievements. Her journey began with a BEng in Environmental Engineering from Beijing University of Technology, China, where she laid the groundwork for her passion for environmental sciences. Subsequently, she pursued an MSc by Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia, further honing her expertise in this field. With each degree, she delved deeper into her fascination with environmental issues, culminating in her doctoral research focused on hydrogen storage, a crucial aspect of renewable energy technology. Through her academic endeavors, she has become a dedicated scholar contributing to the advancement of sustainable solutions for the future.

Awards

She has garnered notable recognition for her contributions to engineering and sustainability, earning accolades such as being named one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering for Sustainability in 2020. Her commitment to advancing the role of women in engineering was further underscored by her appointment as an EPSRC Women in Engineering Ambassador, a position she has held since 2023. Additionally, her expertise and dedication to her field have led to her induction as a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining (IOM3) in 2022, a prestigious honor reflecting her standing among her peers. Through her advocacy, leadership, and scholarly achievements, she continues to inspire and drive positive change in the realms of engineering and environmental sustainability.

 

Academic experience

She brings a wealth of professional experience to her current role as Senior Lecturer and Director of PGRs at the University of Exeter, UK, where she has been serving since 2022. Prior to her current position, she served as a Lecturer at the same institution from 2020 to 2022, where she demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence and student development. Before joining the University of Exeter, she contributed to groundbreaking research as a Research Associate at the University of Bath, UK, from 2017 to 2020. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in her field, fostering the growth of the next generation of researchers, and making impactful contributions to academia and beyond.

Achievements

• Established the Hydrogen Storage Lab at the University of Exeter with 5 PGRs, 2 PDRAs and 1
Research Fellow.
• Secured over £2.7 million in research funding as PI and Co-I from prestigious bodies.
• Published 36 research papers in renowned journals and holds two patents in her field.
• Recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering
• Honoured as one of EPSRC Women in Engineering Ambassadors.

📝🔬Publications📝

Hemamalini Rawindran – Life Cycle Analysis Award – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Hemamalini Rawindran – Life Cycle Analysis Award – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hemamalini Rawindran distinguished academic and researcher in the field Life Cycle Analysis. As a Research Officer at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS in 2023, she was primarily engaged in a project funded by Yayasan UTP focused on analyzing the nutritional values of protein-rich microalgae-palm kernel expeller bio-composite feeds. Additionally, she conducted Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies pertaining to membrane utilization for remediating microalgal wastewater and the upcycling of microplastics in marine environments.

Transitioning to her role as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia from September 2023 to the present, she has been actively involved in a HiCoE project grant. Her responsibilities include the development of a solid matrix polymer inclusion membrane, where she is tasked with creating a mathematical model to evaluate electrodriven ion flux into the membrane. Moreover, she conducts sustainable metric analyses on the polymer inclusion membrane and assesses ion migration using a dual casting solution approach. In addition to her research duties, she is also involved in reviewing technical papers and converting findings into coherent paragraphs for publication.

 

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

She holds a PhD in Science by Research (Grade A) from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, completed between 2020 and 2023, which was funded by the prestigious HiCoE grant focusing on the thermochemical conversion of biomass. During her doctoral studies, she notably contributed to the development of a novel attached microalgal system and spent three months on a Fellowship under AMTEC at UTM. She demonstrated remarkable productivity by authoring 7 papers and co-authoring 20 papers. Additionally, she supervised 7 Final Year Project (FYP) students, resulting in 3 Q1 and 1 Q2 publications. Furthermore, she actively participated in educational activities, conducting laboratory sessions and tutorials for undergraduate (UG) students. She also provided assistance to UG students in virtual reality and augmented reality STEM-based classes, showcasing her commitment to fostering learning environments. Her academic excellence was recognized with the High Achiever Award and Graduate on Time (GOT) award.

Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her Master’s in Science by Research (Grade B) at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS from 2016 to 2019. This program, funded by a PETRONAS Research grant, focused on the elimination of surfactants in produced water from Enhanced Oil Recovery. During this time, she authored 2 papers and gained valuable experience through conducting laboratory and tutorial sessions for foundation students. She also spent one year on attachment at AMTEC, UTM, focusing on membrane development.

Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology from Tunku Abdul Rahman College / Campbell University, USA, which she completed from 2011 to 2014. Her Final Year Project (FYP) explored the effect of carbonated beverages on human tooth density, and she graduated with Second Upper Class honors.

Research Colloborations

She has actively engaged in various collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the University of Tasmania (UTas), Australia, Petronas Research Sdn Bhd, Aston University, UK, and AMTEC at UTM. Notably, her collaborative efforts have led to significant contributions in several areas.

One of her notable achievements includes the development of a polymer inclusion membrane using a dual-solution casting approach, aimed at enhancing membrane technology. Additionally, she conducted a comprehensive review on the environmental sustainability aspects, focusing on the greenness of polymer inclusion membranes.

Moreover, she demonstrated her commitment to sustainability by repurposing spent coffee grounds for cultivating attached microalgae, as highlighted in Aston University’s bulletin. This innovative approach garnered attention for its eco-friendly application.

Her research findings have been published in high-impact journals, including a notable publication in a Q1 journal with an Impact Factor (IF) of 15.9 (RSER) in 2017-2018, focusing on the development of PVDF-TiO2 membrane for treating oil and gas surfactant-rich wastewater. Additionally, her work during a three-month fellowship in 2021 resulted in publications in two journals: one with a Q2 IF of 2.6 (Molecular Biotechnology) and another with a Q1 IF of 8.9 (Environmental Research), focusing on the development of a PET membrane from waste drinking bottles for treating microalgal harvested wastewater.

Furthermore, she successfully completed a mini-project funded by Petronas Research Sdn Bhd (PRSB), where she developed a membrane validation method for Petronas surfactants using HPLC. This endeavor resulted in the development of a membrane capable of treating surfactant-rich produced water with an impressive 98% rejection rate, as published in a Q1 journal with an IF of 11.1 (JCP).

Throughout her collaborations and individual projects, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and dedication to advancing sustainable membrane technologies and addressing environmental challenges in various industrial sectors.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Umair Jalil Malik – Civil Engineering – Young Scientist Award

Published on by Network Science

 Mr. Umair Jail Malik distinguished academic and researcher in the  Civil Engineering. He is a dedicated Laboratory Engineer at NUST, Pakistan since September 2023, where he delivers engaging lectures to undergraduate students, offering guidance and support in designing and executing research and laboratory experiments. With a keen eye for detail, he meticulously manages lab maintenance and operations, ensuring a conducive environment for academic pursuits. His role extends to conducting lab testing and preparing comprehensive reports to document findings.

Prior to this role, he served as a Junior Engineer at INN Consulting Engineers, where he adeptly prepared reports, designs, and working drawings for various projects. Collaborating closely with architects, he integrated their perspectives seamlessly into designs for client review and approval, showcasing his ability to work within interdisciplinary teams.

His journey in the field began as a Research Assistant, contributing significantly to diverse industrial and commercial projects under the guidance of Dr. Rao Arsalan Khushnood, the Head of Research. Here, he honed his research skills, conducted thorough data analysis, and meticulously documented project progress.

Moreover, he gained valuable experience in construction project management during his tenure at the Project Management Office – NUST, where he excelled in tasks such as cost estimation and quantity takeoff. Earlier, during his internship at Universal Construction Company (Pvt.) Ltd., he developed proficiency in concrete takeoff and structure planning, alongside mastering tools like AutoCAD and Primavera.

 

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad, Pakistan, in June 2023. With a major in Structural Engineering, he achieved an impressive CGPA of 3.81 out of 4.00. His academic journey culminated in a thesis titled “Evaluation of Effective Stiffness of High-performance Fiber Reinforced Cement Composites (HPFRCC)/Engineered Cementitious Composite at the Material Level, Cross-section Level, and Structural Level.”

Throughout his undergraduate years, he demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and a keen interest in structural engineering. His thesis focused on evaluating the effective stiffness of advanced materials such as High-performance Fiber Reinforced Cement Composites (HPFRCC) and Engineered Cementitious Composite across various levels, showcasing his dedication to exploring innovative solutions in the field.

.Research Interest

 >  High-performance Fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC)/Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC)
>  Engineering Geopolymer Composite (EGC)
>  Innovative & Sustainable Concrete Technology/3D Printed Concrete
>  Micro-Mechanical Modelling
>  Applications of ML in civil engineering
>  Seismic design
>  Finite Element Analysis
>  Performance Based Design

🏆🏆Award and Honour🏆🏆

He received recognition and accolades for his academic and research achievements. Notably, he participated in the National Competition on Design of Long Span Buildings organized by NED UET Karachi, Pakistan, in February 2022. His project involved the design and performance-based seismic evaluation of a long-span steel structure for an aircraft hangar, securing the 5th position among 30 teams representing 12 different universities across Pakistan.

Additionally, he earned the NUST Merit-Based Scholarship for outstanding academic performance in the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th semesters of his undergraduate studies. This scholarship is awarded to the top three students in each class based on GPA, highlighting his consistent excellence throughout his academic journey.

Furthermore, he received research funding for his Final Year Project from Prime Engineering & Testing Consultants, underscoring the quality and relevance of his research endeavors. These honors and awards reflect his dedication, proficiency, and noteworthy contributions to the field of civil engineering and structural design.

He has pursued several professional development courses to enhance his skills and expertise. These include ongoing coursework in Supervised Machine Learning covering Regression and Classification through Stanford University & DeepLearning.AI on Coursera. He also completed an AUTOCAD course from June 2021 to September 2021 as part of the DigiSkills Training Program offered by Virtual University. Additionally, he undertook a course on Building Information Modeling (BIM) Application for Engineers from National Taiwan University on Coursera in April 2021. Furthermore, he enhanced his proficiency in Excel with the Essentials course from Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia, on Coursera in December 2020. Moreover, he sharpened his communication skills by completing the Speak English Professionally course from the Georgia Institute of Technology on Coursera in December 2020. His dedication to continuous learning and acquiring new skills underscores his commitment to professional growth and development.

Conferences and Seminars

He attended several seminars and international events focused on earthquake engineering and structural dynamics. One such event was on “Earthquake Risk Reduction in Pakistan – Issues and Challenges” held on 16/11/2022, where Dr. Fawad Ahmed Najam delivered a talk. Another significant seminar titled “Modeling and Analysis of Tall Buildings and Bridges” took place on 21/02/2022, featuring Dr. Naveed Anwar, the Vice President of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, as the speaker. Moreover, he participated in the “International Seminar on Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics” on 24/11/2023, where Dr. Igor Tomic shared insights. These events, held at the SCEE Seminar Hall, NICE, H-12, NUST, Islamabad, provided valuable knowledge and networking opportunities in the field of earthquake engineering and structural dynamics.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬