Haichen Zhou | Steelmaking | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Haichen Zhou | Steelmaking | Best Researcher Award

China Iron & Steel Research Institute Group Co., Ltd. | China

Dr. Haichen Zhou received his Ph.D. from the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) and currently serves as a Senior Quality Engineer and researcher at the Automation Research and Design Institute of Metallurgical Industry Co., Ltd., under the China Iron & Steel Research Institute Group. He is recognized for his expertise in inclusions control technology in liquid steel, steel slab quality control, and both physical and numerical simulation of metallurgical processes, as well as applications of artificial intelligence in metallurgy. Dr. Zhou has contributed significantly to the field through the publication of 15 research papers in leading metallurgical journals, including MMTB, ISIJ International, Steel Research International, Ironmaking & Steelmaking, and MRT.

Profiles: Orcid

Featured Publications

"Optimisation of degradation strategy of transition steel slabs in continuous casting of thin size automotive panel", Haichen Zhou; Xiaoxuan Deng; Xin Wang; Haibo Li; Chenxi Ji; Caide Huang; Congcong Zhang; Yue Liu, Ironmaking & Steelmaking: Processes, Products and Applications, 2025.

"Mathematical Simulation and Industrial Implications of Swirling Gas-Solid Distributor in the Bottom-Blowing O2–CaO Steelmaking Converter Process", Haichen Zhou; Wenliang Dong; Haibo Li; Shunkuan Guan; Changliang Zhao; Chenxi Ji; Guohui Ding; Kai Dong, Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2025.

"Development of Ca‐Containing Ferrosilicon Instead of Ca Treatment in High Silicon Steels during Ladle Refining", Haichen Zhou; Zhaojun Yang; Jingang Liu; Xiaoxuan Deng; Lei Zhou; Ning Hao; Haibo Li; Baisong Liu, Steel Research International, 2025.

"Mathematical modeling of the effect of SEN outport shape on the bubble size distribution in a wide slab caster mold", Haichen Zhou; Wenyuan He; Chenxi Ji; Xiaoshan Yang; Haibo Li; Wenliang Dong; Liubing Jia; Baisong Liu, JACC: Metallurgical Research & Technology, 2024.

"Optimization of Vortex Slag Entrainment during Ladle Teeming Process in the Continuous Casting of Automobile Outer Panel", Haichen Zhou; Haibo Li; Xiaoxuan Deng; Baisong Liu; Chenxi Ji; Bin Chen; Chong Wang; Changliang Zhao, Steel Research International, 2024.

Mohammed Amran | Product Innovation | Young Researcher Award

Mr. Mohammed Amran | Product Innovation | Young Researcher Award

The University of Dodoma | Tanzania

Mr. Mohammed A. Amran is a dedicated chemist and researcher specializing in organic and sustainable materials. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Dodoma (UDOM), where he received the Overall Best Project in Chemistry Award in 2022 for his outstanding research achievements. Continuing his academic journey, he completed a Master of Science in Chemistry with a specialization in organic materials at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) in December 2024. Mr. Amran’s pioneering research on seaweed-based bioplastics, under the project “The Potential of Native Seaweed as an Alternative Source of Bioplastic to Mitigate Climate Change,” earned him recognition and led to a granted patent titled “A Seaweed-Based Renewable Resources Bioplastic and Production Methods Thereof” (Patent No. TZ/P/2024/00105). He currently serves as an Assistant Lecturer at UDOM (2025–present), specializing in material sciences and organic materials, having previously worked as a Tutorial Assistant in Organic Chemistry (2023–2024). His professional experience also includes roles as Assistant Quality Controller at Lootah Group of Companies in Zanzibar and Senior Census Clerk at the National Bureau of Statistics during Tanzania’s 2022 national census. Mr. Amran has presented his research at leading forums such as the International Conference in Science, Technology, and Innovation (ICST) in Dodoma (2024) and the 9th STICE Conference in Dar es Salaam, contributing to the advancement of renewable packaging materials. Skilled in forensic chemical analysis, natural polymer extraction, quality control, and sustainable material synthesis, he has further honed his expertise through certified courses offered by Elsevier’s Researcher Academy and other industrial training programs. A multidisciplinary researcher, Mr. Amran’s work lies at the intersection of environmental sustainability, green chemistry, polymer science, and renewable materials, with a vision to combat plastic pollution and climate change through innovative bioplastic technologies and cross-sectoral collaboration.

Profiles: Scopus

Featured Publications

"Assessment of baseline physicochemical qualities of carrageenan-based bioplastics from Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed for their packaging applications"

Alexis Conides | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alexis Conides | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Hellenic Centre for Marine Research | Greece

Author Profiles

Scopus

Orcid ID

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Alexis Conides laid the foundation of his academic career at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, earning a B.Sc. in Zoology and Marine Biology (1984–1988) followed by two PhDs, one in Aquaculture and another in Coastal Fisheries and Bioeconomics. His academic dedication extended further with post-doctoral training in bioeconomics of fisheries and environment at the University of Maryland, and in economics, finance, and business law at the University of Athens. This diverse academic background provided him with an interdisciplinary skill set, combining biological sciences with socio-economic and legal expertise.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Conides has served as Research Director at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research since 1994. He also coordinates the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Laboratory at the Centre of Excellence for Fisheries and Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Greece. As an internationally accredited ISO 14000 and EMAS auditor, he has played a crucial role in fisheries-related quality assurance, auditing hatcheries, cage farms, and packaging plants. His professional work also spans collaborations with global organizations such as NATO/CCMS and the World Bank.

Contributions and Research Focus

With active participation in over 90 research projects, Dr. Conides has contributed significantly to fisheries biology, aquaculture innovation, and integrated coastal zone management. His pioneering work on fishing gear design-introducing advanced materials like Dyneema for trawl nets—has directly impacted fuel efficiency, catch selectivity, and sustainable fishing practices. He has also advanced IoT-based smart networks for environmental telemetry and developed portable DNA analysis systems to prevent seafood fraud. His research areas bridge biology, engineering, socio-economics, and policy, making him a versatile contributor to marine sciences.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Conides’ influence is reflected in his impressive academic record—over 120 publications, 92 peer-reviewed journal articles, 16 books/book chapters, and an h-index of 26 with 2,552 citations (Google Scholar). His scientific output has informed fisheries management, aquaculture policies, and coastal development strategies at national and international levels. Beyond publications, his contributions to capacity-building through teaching in Greece and Croatia, and his role as a keynote speaker in international workshops, extend his impact to future generations of marine scientists.

Academic Citations

With a citation index of 2,552 and an h-index of 26, Dr. Conides demonstrates both productivity and consistent influence in marine and fisheries sciences. His citation record underlines the relevance of his research in applied and policy contexts, particularly in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Conides’ legacy lies in bridging science with practice—developing innovative fishing methods that reduce environmental impact, shaping aquaculture policy frameworks in countries like Croatia and Libya, and contributing to international initiatives in the Caspian Sea region. Moving forward, his continued research on sustainable gear technology, ecosystem management, and smart environmental monitoring systems promises to further strengthen global efforts toward climate-resilient fisheries and integrated coastal zone governance.

Conclusion

Dr. Alexis Conides is an accomplished researcher whose career embodies excellence in academic scholarship, applied fisheries science, and international collaboration. His dual expertise in biological sciences and socio-economics has allowed him to address the complexities of marine resource management holistically. With a strong track record of publications, innovations, and policy impact, he has established himself as a thought leader in fisheries and coastal zone management. His ongoing work positions him as a vital contributor to future sustainable marine development and global environmental stewardship.

Notable Publications

“An Innovative Metal–Synthetic Hybrid Thread for the Construction of Aquaculture Nets

  • Author: Alexis Conides; Efthimia Cotou; Dimitris Klaoudatos; Branko Glamuzina
  • Journal: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
  • Year: 2025

“Temporal Changes in Fishing Yields, Trophic Dynamics, and Fisheries in Three Mediterranean Lagoons: Logarou and Rodia-Tsoukalio (Greece) and Mar Menor (Spain)

  • Author: Theodore Zoulias; Angel Pérez-Ruzafa; Alexis Conides; Concepción Marcos; Sofia Reizopoulou; Dimitris Vafidis; Dimitris Klaoudatos
  • Journal: Ecologies
  • Year: 2025

“Population Biology of the Non-Indigenous Rayed Pearl Oyster (Pinctada radiata) in the South Evoikos Gulf, Greece

  • Author:  Dimitris Pafras; Alexandros Theocharis; Gerasimos Kondylatos; Alexis Conides; Dimitris Klaoudatos
  • Journal: Diversity
  • Year: 2024

“Molecular Rapid Test for Identification of Tuna Species

  • Author: Isidora P. Gkini; Panagiotis Christopoulos; Alexis Conides; Despina P. Kalogianni; Theodore K. Christopoulos
  • Journal: Biosensors
  • Year: 2024

“Fish DNA Sensors for Authenticity Assessment—Application to Sardine Species Identification

  • Author: Myrto Kakarelidou; Panagiotis Christopoulos; Alexis Conides; Despina P. Kalogianni; Theodore K. Christopoulos
  • Journal: Molecules
  • Year: 2024