Ivan Marović | Project Management | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ivan Marović | Project Management | Best Researcher Award

University of Rijeka, Faculty of Civil Engineering | Croatia

Dr. Ivan Marović, a distinguished academic at the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Civil Engineering, has dedicated over twenty years to advancing research and education in the field of civil engineering, progressing from research assistant to full professor. His expertise lies in Project Management, particularly in management information systems, multi-criteria decision analysis, and soft computing methods. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards-including the Best Doctoral Thesis Award from the Croatian Association of Civil Engineers, the Vera Johanides Award from the Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences, the UNIRI Foundation Award for young interdisciplinary scientists, several scientific and teaching awards from UNIRI and GRADRI, and the Global Peer Review Award (Clarivate Analytics) for ranking among the top 1% of reviewers globally in Environment and Ecology as well as Cross-Field-Dr. Marović has made remarkable contributions to both academia and research innovation. His current and past research projects span critical areas such as climate change adaptation for coastal structures, performance management in construction using soft computing, artificial intelligence applications in project planning, and sustainable urban management. Notable projects include COS, GAIA COFUND, PerfMAN, CRESCO Adria, and DSC4SUM, among others, all under the aegis of prestigious funding schemes such as Horizon Europe, INTERREG V-A Italy–Croatia, and the University of Rijeka’s Experienced Researchers Grant Scheme. Through his interdisciplinary research and leadership, Dr. Marović continues to shape innovative methodologies that enhance the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of civil engineering practices.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Application of multi-criteria decision-making methods in the selection of a sustainable solution in urban planning"

"Hybrid urban block: The end outcome of the city's filling and extension"

"The Role of the Built Environment in Achieving Sustainable Development: A Life Cycle Cost Perspective"

"Making Informed Choices: AHP and SAW for Optimal Formwork System Selection"

"Understanding and Quantifying the Impact of Adverse Weather on Construction Productivity"

Edwin Tonderai Mombeshora | Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Edwin Tonderai Mombeshora | Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

University of Pretoria | South Africa

Dr. Edwin Tonderai Mombeshora is a materials chemist and academic currently serving as Lecturer in Physical Chemistry at the University of Pretoria (since January 2025), where he teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervises honours and postgraduate students, and coordinates second-year Physical Chemistry practicals, with a research focus on materials development and physicochemical characterization for energy storage applications. He previously lectured in Physical and Materials Chemistry at the University of Zimbabwe (2022–2024) and held several research positions, including Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Swansea University, and the University of the Witwatersrand, specializing in nanomaterials science, electrochemical energy storage systems, biorefinery, and energy conversion. Dr. Mombeshora earned his PhD (2018) and MSc (2015) in Materials Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a BSc Honours in Chemistry (2011) from the University of Zimbabwe. His expertise spans nanotechnology, carbon materials, and energy devices such as solar cells and supercapacitors. He is the recipient of several prestigious fellowships and research grants, including awards from the Water Research Commission, the Australia Africa Universities Network, and the University of Johannesburg’s Global Excellence Stature Fellowship, as well as the SACI Postgraduate Award (2018). Dr. Mombeshora has supervised and mentored students across undergraduate, MSc, and PhD levels, contributed to international conferences, served as guest editor for MDPI’s Processes, and co-authored research articles in leading journals such as RSC Materials Advances, Journal of Materials Science, and Journal of Nanobiotechnology. He is also co-inventor of a US-patented electroconductive composite (2020) and an active member of professional bodies including the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the South African Chemical Institute (SACI).

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Pristine graphene oxide treatment of wastewater from a typical sub-tropical mine in Chegutu, Zimbabwe"

"Towards high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells by utilizing reduced graphene oxide-based composites as potential alternatives to conventional electrodes: A review"

"The prospects of biologically derived materials in perovskite solar cells"

"Towards high-performance lithium-ion batteries by introducing graphene-based materials into LiFePO4 cathodes: A review"

"Dynamics of reduced graphene oxide: synthesis and structural models"

Mahdieh Azizian | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mahdieh Azizian | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Kerman University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Mahdieh Azizian is an accomplished scholar in Applied Mathematics with a Ph.D. in Numerical Analysis from Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, where her doctoral research focused on optimizing dynamical models of tumor control using fuzzy dynamical systems. Building on her earlier M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Applied Mathematics from the same university, she has developed a strong expertise in mathematical modeling, bioinformatics, epidemiology, and cancer research. Over the years, Dr. Azizian has actively contributed as a lecturer and workshop instructor in numerous national and international academic forums, covering topics such as cancer mathematical modeling, numerical methods, data mining, and interdisciplinary applications of mathematics in medical sciences. She has also held key academic and administrative roles, including membership in the Research Council of the School of Medicine and serving as Superintendent of the Statistics Department at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Recognized for her teaching excellence, she was honored as a Superior Instructor in 2014, in addition to receiving distinctions as a top student during her academic studies. Through her extensive teaching, research, and administrative experiences, Dr. Azizian has established herself as a dedicated educator and researcher at the intersection of mathematics and medical sciences.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"An interval version of Black–Scholes European option pricing model and its numerical solution"

"Time Series Model for Forecasting the Prevalence of Some Important Parasitic Infections in Slaughtered Sheep in North-Central Iran"

"Estimating the Number of COVID-19 Cases and Impact of New COVID-19 Variants and Vaccination on the Population in Kerman, Iran: A Mathematical Modeling Study"

"A Brief History of Listening Comprehension in Second Language Teaching and Learning"

"An Empirical Study on the Effects of Using Kahoot as a Game-Based Learning Tool on EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Recall and Retention"

Meng Yao | High-Barrier Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Meng Yao | High-Barrier Materials | Best Researcher Award

Qingdao University of Science and Technology | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Meng Yao began his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Engineering from the prestigious State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology. During his doctoral training, he developed a strong foundation in chemical engineering and advanced materials research, which set the stage for his future academic career. His early academic pursuits reflect a consistent commitment to exploring the interface of chemistry, engineering, and material sciences, ensuring a solid platform for impactful research contributions.

Professional Endeavors

In 2019, Prof. Yao joined the College of Chemical Engineering at Qingdao University of Science and Technology as a Tier-5 recruited talent. Currently serving as the Director of the Teaching and Research Office and as a Master’s Supervisor, he actively contributes to both academic leadership and student mentorship. His professional journey is marked by a blend of administrative excellence, research supervision, and innovative academic program development, particularly within graduate programs in Chemical Engineering, Light Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Yao’s research contributions primarily center on biomass-based functional materials and biomimetic structurally colored materials, with applications in high-performance packaging, optical anti-counterfeiting, and advanced photonic structures. He has published over 20 SCI-indexed papers in high-impact journals, including Advanced Functional Materials, Chemical Engineering Journal, and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Additionally, his innovative work has resulted in 2 granted invention patents. His research reflects a forward-looking approach, bridging sustainability, functionality, and cutting-edge material design.

Impact and Influence

Beyond his publications, Prof. Yao’s influence extends to the wider scientific community. He serves as a Youth Committee Member of the Fine Chemicals Professional Committee of the Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China (CIESC), where he contributes to advancing the field of chemical engineering at a national level. His role as a mentor in national innovation and entrepreneurship programs further amplifies his impact, nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators.

Academic Citations

Prof. Yao’s publications in Q1 journals with high impact factors-some exceeding IF 19-demonstrate the visibility and relevance of his research within the international scientific community. Several of his works have been highlighted in journal features and professional press reports, reflecting both academic recognition and practical importance. His scholarship is widely cited, particularly in areas such as sustainable materials, functional films, and photonic crystal technologies.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Yao’s academic legacy is being shaped by his dual commitment to advancing sustainable material solutions and training future scholars. His pioneering work in stimulus-responsive photonic crystals and biomimetic starch composite films lays the groundwork for transformative applications in security, food packaging, and green technologies. Looking forward, his contributions are poised to influence both academia and industry, aligning with global efforts toward sustainability, functional innovation, and environmentally conscious engineering solutions.

Conclusion

In summary, Prof. Meng Yao exemplifies the qualities of a distinguished researcher whose academic pursuits, professional leadership, and impactful research make him a strong candidate for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award. His ability to bridge fundamental science with practical applications, combined with his mentorship and service to the academic community, ensures that his influence will continue to grow, leaving a lasting legacy in chemical engineering and materials science.

Notable Publications

"High barrier paper-based materials with optical anti-counterfeiting performance." 

  • Author: Jiang Y, Tu W, Ma J, Wang W, Cheng H, Zhang X, Meng Y
  • Journal: Progress in Organic Coatings
  • Year: 2025

"Manipulation of random laser by the bandgap in three-dimensional SiO2 photonic crystals" 

  • Author: Lv H, Shi B, Zhang Y, Guo J, Meng Y, Wang X.
  • Journal: Journal of Luminescence
  • Year: 2024

"A novel paper-based composite film with enhanced oxygen and water vapor barrier properties." 

  • Author: Chen X, Xiao B, Yang Y, Jiang Y, Song X, Chen F, Wang W, Wu J, Meng Y
  • Journal: Progress in Organic Coatings
  • Year: 2024

"Biomimetic Robust Starch Composite Films with Super-Hydrophobicity and Vivid Structural Colors. " 

  • Author: Wang Y, Fan J, Zhao H, Song X, Ji Z, Xie C, Chen F, Meng Y.
  • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Year: 2023

"The Flotation Separation of Chalcopyrite and Galena: Crystal, Surface, Floatability and Reagents" 

  • Author: Zhang X, Zhu Y, Mkhonto PP, Meng Y, McFadzean B, Ngoepe PE, O’Connor C.
  • Journal: Separation & Purification Reviews
  • Year: 2023

 

Zhengyang Guo | Metabolism Networks | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhengyang Guo | Metabolism Networks | Best Researcher Award

Peking University Third Hospital | China

Author Profile 

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Zhengyang Guo’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in the life sciences. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the School of Basic Medical Sciences at Peking University, which provided him with comprehensive knowledge in biomedical sciences. His pursuit of higher education continued at the Department of Microbiology, Peking University, where he obtained his M.D. degree. This academic background not only reflects his commitment to advancing medical research but also highlights the interdisciplinary foundation that shaped his later contributions in oncology and immunology.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Peking University Third Hospital, Guo has dedicated his professional career to the study of tumor biology and clinical translational research. Alongside his teaching responsibilities, he actively contributes to developing cutting-edge techniques through his involvement in the immunology platform and guiding graduate students in experimental teaching. His professional endeavors balance research, teaching, and technological development, underlining his role as both a researcher and mentor.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Guo’s research primarily centers on tumor epigenetics, tumor metabolism, and the tumor microenvironment. His innovative work investigates molecular mechanisms that influence cancer progression and therapeutic outcomes. Specifically, he has focused on targeting the enzyme SCD1 in combination with EZH2 inhibitors to enhance the efficacy of melanoma treatment and immunotherapy. His projects, supported by prestigious funding bodies such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Peking University Medicine Fund, reflect both the clinical relevance and scientific novelty of his work.

Impact and Influence

As an active contributor to the global scientific community, Guo holds membership in the Biophysical Society of China and the Chinese Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His expertise is recognized internationally, as he serves as a peer reviewer for high-impact journals including Experimental Hematology & Oncology, Cell Communication and Signaling, Apoptosis, and Lipids in Health and Disease. These engagements highlight his influence in shaping scientific dialogue and advancing standards in cancer research.

Academic Cites and Intellectual Property

Guo’s research impact extends beyond publications into intellectual property and patents. He is a co-inventor on multiple patents related to antitumor drug compositions involving EZH2 and SCD1 inhibitors, as well as novel approaches to treating liver cancer using diacylglycerol kinase γ. These patents underscore the translational potential of his work, bridging basic molecular research with therapeutic innovation. His contributions are already shaping new pathways in drug discovery and cancer therapy.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong foundation of academic excellence, innovative research, and translational breakthroughs, Guo is poised to make long-lasting contributions to the field of oncology. His ongoing efforts in epigenetic regulation, tumor metabolism, and immunotherapy strategies hold promise for redefining cancer treatment paradigms. By mentoring future scholars and fostering collaborations across disciplines, he is actively building a legacy that will continue to influence both academia and clinical practice.

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Zhengyang Guo exemplifies the qualities of a modern medical researcher-a scholar who bridges fundamental biology with clinical application. His journey from early academic pursuits to groundbreaking research in tumor biology reflects dedication, innovation, and leadership. With multiple funded projects, patents, and international recognition, his work significantly impacts the scientific community and promises future advancements in cancer treatment. His career trajectory positions him as a leading figure in biomedical research, with the potential to transform cancer therapy at both national and global levels.

Notable Publications

"3G Internet Diffusion and Secondary Education Attainment: Evidence of Opportunity Cost in Vietnam" 

  • Author: Trang Thi Pham; Bernardo Caldarola
  • Journal: Review of Development Economics
  • Year: 2025