Taher Azdast | Gasification Research | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Taher Azdast | Gasification Research | Best Researcher Award

Urmia University | Iran

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Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Taher Azdast began his academic journey with a strong foundation in Mathematics and Physics during high school, followed by a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing and Production) at Shahid Rajaee University, where he graduated as the top student. He continued his excellence through an M.Sc. at the University of Tehran, focusing on machining optimization, and further advanced to a Ph.D. at Tarbiat Modares University, where his dissertation centered on numerical and experimental studies of injection molding processes. His academic trajectory was consistently marked by high achievements, including ranking first in entrance exams and graduating top of his class at every level.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Azdast has served in multiple prestigious academic and industrial roles. Beginning as a teaching and research assistant, he advanced to lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, and ultimately professor of Mechanical Engineering at Urmia University, where he has been a driving force in research and teaching. His professional contributions extend beyond Iran, having undertaken multiple sabbatical and visiting professor positions at the University of Toronto, where he collaborated with leading experts in polymer foaming technologies. He has also held key administrative roles such as Vice-Chancellor for Education and head of various research groups, demonstrating leadership in both academic and institutional development.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Azdast’s research has centered on micro- and nano-cellular foams, polymer composites, nanocomposites, plastic processing, 3D printing, welding of plastics, injection molding, extrusion, and gas/water-assisted molding technologies. He has been instrumental in advancing knowledge in polymeric foams, shrinkage behaviors of molded plastics, and manufacturing process optimization. His contributions have extended to practical applications, such as designing welding equipment for polyethylene pipes, improving coaxial cable transmission properties, and developing biodegradable PLA parts. Additionally, his work in neural optimization and response surface methodologies has bridged computational techniques with experimental engineering.

Impact and Influence

The influence of Prof. Azdast’s work is evident through his recognition as Top Researcher of Urmia University and Top Researcher of West Azerbaijan Province. His research has been applied in both academic and industrial settings, particularly in plastic manufacturing, automotive engineering, and telecommunication cable technology. He has mentored numerous students, fostering the growth of talented researchers and engineers, and has contributed to national-level projects under the Iranian National Elite Foundation. His role as guest editor of international journals highlights his influence in shaping global research trends in polymeric foams and composites.

Academic Citations and Recognition

Prof. Azdast’s scholarly contributions have been widely cited, reflecting their importance in the global academic community. His work has earned multiple Best Paper Awards at international conferences and journals, including recognition from the Science and Technology of Welding and Joining journal (UK) and the International Conference on Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Iran). These accolades underline both the originality and practical significance of his research. Furthermore, his consistent excellence since his early academic years demonstrates sustained impact over decades.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Azdast’s legacy lies in his pioneering research on polymer foaming technologies, plastic composites, and advanced manufacturing processes, which have had both scientific and industrial relevance. His dedication to mentoring and leading research groups ensures the continuity of innovation. Looking forward, his ongoing collaborations with international institutions and his leadership in national elite research projects position him to further advance sustainable materials, biodegradable polymers, and next-generation manufacturing technologies. His role as a guiding academic and researcher will continue to inspire future scholars in mechanical and materials engineering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prof. Taher Azdast stands out as an accomplished academic, an innovative researcher, and an influential mentor. His career reflects a rare blend of theoretical excellence, experimental innovation, and industrial application, making him highly deserving of recognition such as the Best Researcher Award. His contributions not only advance scientific knowledge but also create meaningful impact in technology and society, ensuring his continued role as a leading figure in mechanical engineering and materials science.

Notable Publications

“Thermochemical process of polypropylene plastic waste recovered from electric and electronic apparatuses-to-clean hydrogen energy" 

  • Author: Rezgar Hasanzadeh; Taher Azdast; Chul B. Park
  • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Year: 2025

“Auxetic 3D printed metastructure stents for enhanced mechanical and structural performance and biocompatibility in coronary artery treatments" 

  • Author: Rezgar Hasanzadeh; Saman Jolaiy; Mehran Mojaver; Taher Azdast; Chul B. Park
  • Journal: Acta Biomaterialia
  • Year: 2025

“Structure-negative Poisson’s ratio analysis and optimization in a novel additively manufactured polymeric hybrid auxetic metastructure via 3D printing, finite element analysis, and machine learning" 

  • Author: Saman Jolaiy; Rezgar Hasanzadeh; Mehran Mojaver; Taher Azdast
  • Journal: Smart Materials and Structures
  • Year: 2025

“Sound‐Insulation Performance of Polylactic Acid Parts 3D Printed by Fused Filament Fabrication with Functionally Graded Porous Structure for Effective Noise Reduction" 

  • Author: Reza Navidpour; Taher Azdast; Rezgar Hasanzadeh; Milad Moradian; Peyman Mihankhah; Asghar Rasouli
  • Journal: Macromolecular Materials and Engineering
  • Year: 2025

“Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite foams for electromagnetic interference shielding with optimized performance" 

  • Author: Bashar Azerang; Taher Azdast; Ali Doniavi; Rezgar Hasanzadeh
  • Journal: Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials
  • Year: 2025

 

 

 

 

Gregory Retallack | Graph Data Structures | Lifetime achievement Award

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Dr. Gregory Retallack | Graph Data Structures | Lifetime achievement Award

University of Oregon | United States

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Gregory Retallack’s academic foundation began in Sydney, Australia, where he attended Hurstville Public School, Epping Heights Public School, and The King’s School, Parramatta. His early curiosity for the natural world led him to pursue geology and biology at Macquarie University, earning a B.A. in 1973. His exceptional academic promise was evident when he graduated with First-Class Honours and the University Medal from the University of New England in 1974, followed by a Ph.D. in 1978. These formative years marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to geology, paleobotany, and paleopedology.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Retallack’s professional journey spans across continents and decades. His early teaching appointments included Northern Illinois University and Indiana University before he joined the University of Oregon in 1981, where he rose from Assistant Professor to full Professor and later served as Emeritus Professor. In addition to teaching and research, he directed the Condon Fossil Collection at the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History, enriching public engagement with paleontology. His academic career reflects a blend of field research, mentorship, and scholarly leadership.

Contributions and Research Focus

A pioneering figure in paleopedology-the study of fossil soils-Dr. Retallack transformed understanding of ancient ecosystems, climate change, and evolutionary biology. His work on paleosols provided novel frameworks for interpreting paleoecological and geological records, particularly across critical intervals such as the Permian–Triassic boundary and the expansion of grasslands. His interdisciplinary contributions bridged geology, biology, and environmental science, making him a central figure in reconstructing Earth’s past environments and their role in shaping life.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Retallack’s influence extends well beyond his classrooms and field sites. His 331 publications have garnered more than 24,000 citations, with a remarkable h-index of 80—demonstrating both productivity and enduring scholarly impact. His recognition includes being elected Fellow of the Geological Society of America, Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and numerous international lectureships. Awards such as the Antarctic Service Medal and the Earl Ingerson Award further underscore his scientific contributions to global research.

Academic Citations

Through his extensive research, Dr. Retallack’s findings are widely referenced in the scientific community. His work on fossil soils as indicators of ancient environments remains a cornerstone in geological and paleobotanical literature. The breadth of his citations-from paleoclimatology to evolutionary studies—illustrates the interdisciplinary resonance of his scholarship, placing him among the most highly regarded earth scientists of his era.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Even as an Emeritus Professor, Dr. Retallack continues to shape the scientific landscape. His role in curating fossil collections, developing educational materials, and authoring influential papers ensures that his contributions will guide future generations of geologists, paleontologists, and environmental scientists. His legacy lies not only in his groundbreaking research but also in the community of scholars he mentored and the public’s deeper appreciation of Earth’s deep history.

Conclusion

Dr. Gregory Retallack’s career exemplifies the qualities of a distinguished academic whose work redefined the study of ancient soils, ecosystems, and evolutionary change. His scholarship has left a lasting imprint on geology and paleontology, while his teaching and public engagement have broadened understanding of Earth’s dynamic history. With an enduring legacy and continued influence, Dr. Retallack stands as a fitting candidate for recognition through lifetime achievement honors.

Notable Publications

"Ediacaran-Cambrian paleosols of Nevada and California" 

  • Author: GJ Retallack
  • Journal: PLoS One
  • Year: 2025

"Soil modulation of Quaternary glacial-interglacial cycles" 

  • Author: GJ Retallack
  • Journal: Geoderma
  • Year: 2025

"Limits to Snowball Earth from Periglacial Silicate Paleosols in the Panamint Range, California" 

  • Author: GJ Retallack
  • Journal: AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
  • Year: 2024

"Eocene (50-55 Ma) greenhouse climate recorded in nonmarine rocks of San Diego, CA, USA" 

  • Author: A Broz, D Pritchard-Peterson, S Schneider, D Spinola, G Retallack
  • Journal: EarthArXiv
  • Year: 2023

"Early Cretaceous Ice Ages from Weathering and Biomass of Migrating Angiosperms" 

  • Author: G Retallack
  • Journal: Geological Society of America Abstracts
  • Year: 2023

 

 

Uri Yechiali | Queueing Theory | Best Paper Award

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Prof. Uri Yechiali | Queueing Theory | Best Paper Award

Tel Aviv University | Israel

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Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Emeritus Uri Yechiali embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in industrial engineering and operations research. He earned his B.Sc. (Cum Laude) in Industrial Engineering and an M.Sc. in Operations Research from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, showcasing his early aptitude for analytical modeling and systems optimization. His academic trajectory continued internationally when he pursued and completed a Ph.D. in Operations Research at Columbia University, New York—a significant milestone that would set the stage for a remarkable career in mathematical modeling and queueing theory.

Professional Endeavors

Following the completion of his doctorate, Professor Yechiali began his long-standing affiliation with Tel Aviv University in 1971, where he steadily rose through the academic ranks, becoming a full professor in 1981. His career also included prestigious visiting professorships at renowned institutions such as Columbia University, New York University, INRIA in France, and Eurandom in the Netherlands, where he held the Beta Chair. These international academic engagements reflect the high regard in which he is held across the global research community.

Contributions and Research Focus

Professor Yechiali has made seminal contributions to the fields of Queueing Theory and Stochastic Modeling, authoring over 160 scientific publications. His research has significantly advanced theoretical understanding and practical applications in operations research. He is especially noted for his pioneering work on vacation models in queues, queues in random environments, and polling systems. His investigations extended into diverse applications, including the Israeli queue, optimal policies for live-organ transplants, genetic regulatory networks, and the asymmetric simple inclusion process (ASIP). Other notable areas of his research include tandem Jackson networks, ticket queues, layered queue systems, and statistical mathematical programming.

Supervision and Academic Influence

Over his illustrious career, Professor Yechiali has supervised 43 Master’s students and 14 Ph.D. candidates, many of whom have gone on to hold faculty positions at prestigious international universities. His mentorship has been instrumental in cultivating a new generation of researchers in operations research and applied mathematics. His leadership in the academic community has had a lasting influence on both theoretical frameworks and practical applications in queueing systems.

Impact and Recognition

Professor Yechiali’s research excellence has been recognized with numerous research grants from both Israeli and European institutes, underlining the broad support and value of his work. In 2004, he was awarded the Life Achievement Award by the Operations Research Society of Israel, a distinguished recognition of his lifelong commitment and contributions to the field. His research not only deepened theoretical insights but also provided models with real-world applicability in fields such as healthcare, telecommunications, and logistics.

Academic Citations and Global Standing

With a vast body of work accessible at his academic homepage, Professor Yechiali's publications are widely cited across disciplines, indicating the global impact and interdisciplinary relevance of his research. His work on stochastic systems and queueing models continues to be foundational, cited in both theoretical studies and applied research papers that address emerging challenges in system optimization, network performance, and resource allocation.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Professor Yechiali’s legacy is defined not only by his publications and awards but also by the enduring frameworks he introduced and the academic minds he mentored. His ongoing work in tandem stochastic systems, generalized ASIP models, ticket queues, and retrial networks signals that he remains at the forefront of research even after achieving emeritus status. His continuing efforts in developing optimal allocation policies for live-organ transplants underscore his commitment to leveraging mathematical modeling for the betterment of society.

Conclusion

In summary, Professor Uri Yechiali stands as a towering figure in the domains of queueing theory and stochastic modeling. His academic rigor, innovative contributions, global teaching roles, and impactful mentorship have not only shaped the evolution of his discipline but have also inspired a vast network of scholars and practitioners worldwide. With a legacy anchored in both theoretical advancement and real-world application, his work continues to illuminate new pathways in operations research and applied mathematics.

Notable Publications

"Queues with service resetting" 

  • Author: Ofek Lauber Bonomo; Uri Yechiali; Shlomi Reuveni
  • Journal: European Journal of Operational Research
  • Year: 2025

"The Number of Overlapping Customers in Priority Queues" 

  • Author: O Boxma, J Pender, U Yechiali
  • Journal: Operational Research
  • Year: 2025

"Inter-Departure Time Correlations in PH/G/1 Queues" 

  • Author: R Sagron, U Yechiali
  • Journal: Mathematics
  • Year: 2024

"The Maximum Overlap Time in the Mλ/G/1/k Queue" 

  • Author: Ofek Lauber Bonomo; Uri Yechiali; Shlomi Reuveni
  • Journal: Eurandom Report
  • Year: 2024

"A generalized ASIP with arrivals to all sites and particle movements in all directions" 

  • Author: Y Yeger, U Yechiali
  • Journal: Annals of Operations Research
  • Year: 2024