Monica Mateo Garcia | Energy Performance | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Monica Mateo Garcia | Energy Performance | Women Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Birmingham City University | United Kingdom

Dr. Monica Mateo-Garcia is an Associate Professor in Sustainable Built Environment at Birmingham City University, where she leads the Centre for Future Homes and serves as REF Unit of Assessment Lead for Architecture and Built Environment. An architect by training and chartered member of the Professional Association of Architects of the Valencian Community, her expertise spans low-carbon building design, post-occupancy evaluation, indoor environment quality, and energy-efficient retrofitting. She has extensive experience across academia and industry in the UK and Spain, including leading EU-funded projects on low-carbon refurbishment and innovative technologies for sustainable construction. Dr. Mateo-Garcia’s research has produced numerous peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Energy for Sustainable Development, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, and Engineering Failure Analysis, contributing to knowledge on healthy, resilient, and net-zero-ready buildings. Her academic leadership is evident through PhD supervision, international conference organisation, and editorial and review roles within scientific committees. A recipient of the Knowledge Exchange Award for Best Research with Public and Third Sector and multiple Constructing Excellence and Building Excellence Awards, she is also an active member of national expert panels including UKIEG, NHBC Foundation, and UKGBC taskforces. Her ongoing work advances evidence-based pathways to net-zero housing, promoting climate-resilient design and healthier indoor environments through innovative research and practice. Her research impact includes 215 citations, 14 publications, and an h-index of 7.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Mateo-Garcia M., Abdulkerim S., Nasır A., Alymany G., Simcock N., Impacts of limited fuel choices in Syrian refugee camps: A mixed-methods investigation into household energy practices and indoor air pollution. Energy for Sustainable Development, 2025, 85, 101640.

2. Roberts C.J., Edwards D.J., Hosseini M.R., Mateo-Garcia M., Post-occupancy evaluation: a review of literature. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 2019, 26(9), 2084–2106.

3. Ivorra S., Garcia-Barba J., Mateo M., Pérez-Carramiñana C., Maciá A., Partial collapse of a ventilated stone façade: Diagnosis and analysis of the anchorage system. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2013, 31, 290–301.

4. Ahmed A., McGough D., Mateo-Garcia M., Testing innovative technologies for energy-efficiency: Coventry University as a living lab. Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, 2017, 4(3), 257–270.

5. Mohamed I.F., Edwards D.J., Mateo-Garcia M., Costin G., Thwala W.D.D., An investigation into the construction industry’s view on fire prevention in high-rise buildings post Grenfell. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 2020, 38(3), 451–471.

Dr. Monica Mateo-Garcia’s work advances global sustainability through innovative research on low-carbon building design, post-occupancy evaluation, and healthy indoor environments. Her leadership in developing net-zero-ready housing and evidence-based retrofit strategies bridges science, industry, and policy, driving climate-resilient and socially equitable built environments.

Pardis Roozkhosh | Resilient Infrastructure | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pardis Roozkhosh | Resilient Infrastructure | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Researcher | Universidad Catolica del Norte | Chile

Dr. Pardis Roozkhosh is an accomplished scholar and educator in Industrial Management and Operations Research at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, renowned for her expertise in supply chain optimization, additive manufacturing, machine learning, and system dynamics. Her professional experience includes teaching at several universities and contributing to high-impact research projects such as logistics optimization in Razavi Khorasan and agrovoltaic modeling with the University of Sydney. Dr. Roozkhosh’s research focuses on developing resilient, sustainable, and data-driven supply chain models, integrating AI, blockchain, and IoT technologies to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making under uncertainty. She has published extensively in prestigious international journals, including Applied Soft Computing, Operations Management Research, and Quality and Reliability Engineering International, with significant contributions to multi objective optimization, reliability analysis, and sustainability modeling. A recipient of the Alborz Prize (Iran’s oldest national science award) and recognized among the top young scientific talents in her province, Dr. Roozkhosh also serves as Executive Assistant at the Journal of Systems Thinking in Practice and as a reviewer for leading journals such as Expert Systems with Applications, IEEE Access, and Scientific Reports. Her academic excellence, interdisciplinary approach, and leadership in research and education position her as a promising contributor to advancing sustainable industrial and supply chain systems globally. Her research impact includes 250 citations, 21 publications, and an h-index of 9.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Roozkhosh P., Modares A., Emroozi V.B., Modares A., A Bayesian best-worst approach with blockchain integration for optimizing supply chain efficiency through supplier selection. Supply Chain Analytics, 2025, 9, 100100.

2. Mousavi S.S., Pooya A., Roozkhosh P., Pakdaman M., A new bi-objective simultaneous model for timetabling and scheduling public bus transportation. Opsearch, 2025, 62 (1), 198–229.

3. Ganjloo A., Motahari Farimani N., Rezaee Nik E., Roozkhosh P., A new fuzzy multi-objective model for selecting capital projects in the public sector. Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2023, 14 (4), 210–233.

4. Saghih P.R.A.M.F., A new method to optimize the reliability of repairable components with a switching mechanism and considering costs and weight uncertainty. International Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2024, 35 (3), 1–24.

5. Roozkhosh P., Bafandegan Emroozi V., Modares A., A new model to design a product under redundancy allocation problem and MCDM. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management, 2025, 16 (1), Accepted.

Dr. Pardis Roozkhosh’s research advances sustainable industrial systems by integrating artificial intelligence, blockchain, and optimization modeling to enhance supply chain resilience and decision-making under uncertainty. Her innovative approaches bridge science and industry, driving global progress toward smarter, more efficient, and environmentally responsible operations.

Mohammad Kheirollahi | Retrofitting | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammad Kheirollahi | Retrofitting | Best Researcher Award

Mohammad Kheirollahi | Sahand University of Technology | Iran

Dr. Mohammad Kheirollahi is a distinguished academic and structural engineer at Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, specializing in earthquake engineering, seismic retrofitting, and the preservation of historical structures. With extensive experience as a designer and supervisor of seismic rehabilitation projects across Iran including historical landmarks, public buildings, and infrastructure he has contributed significantly to advancing resilient and adaptive building technologies. His research integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning into structural assessment and seismic response optimization, with numerous publications in international journals such as Neural Computing and Applications, KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, and Frontiers in Built Environment. Dr. Kheirollahi’s innovations include patented systems in lightweight translucent concrete and buckling-controlled structural members. Recognized with prestigious awards such as the DAAD Award, a Gold Medal at the Geneva Inventions Exhibition, and the Ali Polad Prize, he has also served as an invited speaker and active researcher in global forums. His memberships in professional engineering organizations, contributions to international collaborations with universities in Germany and the UK, and leadership in retrofitting projects highlight his dedication to enhancing seismic safety and sustainable structural design through scientific innovation and practical engineering excellence. His research impact includes 60 citations, 14 publications, and an h-index of 5, underscoring the depth, quality, and international recognition of his scholarly contributions.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Kheirollahi M., Talatahari S., Farahmandpour C., Gandomi A.H. A multi-stage particle swarm for optimum design of truss structures. Neural Comput. Appl., 2013, 23(5), 1297–1309.

2. Ahani E., Mousavi M.N., Ahani A., Kheirollahi M. The effects of amount and location of openings on lateral behavior of masonry infilled RC frames. KSCE J. Civ. Eng., 2019, 23(5), 2175–2187.

3. Chenaghlou M.R., Ebrahimi A.N., Shahbazi Y., Kheirollahi M., et al. Structural morphology of a masonry space dome in historical Tabriz bazaar complex. Proc. IASS Annu. Symp., 2017, 11, 1–7.

4. Rafezy B., Huynh Q., Gallart H., Kheirollahi M. An innovative method for the seismic retrofitting of existing steel moment frame structures using side plate technology. Improving the Seismic Performance of Existing Buildings and Other Structures, 2015.

5. Chenaghlou M.R., Kheirollahi M., Abedi K., Akbari A., Fathpour A. Inherent adaptive structures using nature-inspired compound elements. Front. Built Environ., 2020, 6, 561902.

Dr. Mohammad Kheirollahi’s pioneering research in seismic retrofitting, structural resilience, and intelligent engineering systems bridges science and societal safety advancing global innovation in earthquake-resistant design and the preservation of historical architecture. His integration of AI-driven modeling and sustainable engineering practices contributes to safer, smarter, and more adaptive built environments worldwide.

Giuseppe Perfetto | Active Buildings | Excellence in Sustainable Architecture Award

Mr. Giuseppe Perfetto | Active Buildings | Excellence in Sustainable Architecture Award

Executive Director | Solardesign |Italy

Giuseppe Perfetto is a Senior Architect, Sustainability Manager, and Academic Lecturer affiliated with the Polytechnic University of Turin, specializing in solar energy integration, building efficiency, and energy transition systems. With over twenty-five years of professional experience in architecture, renewable energy, and environmental engineering, he has led numerous large-scale solar PV, hydrogen, and zero-energy building projects across Italy and Europe. He has contributed to the advancement of sustainable architecture and municipal energy planning. His research focuses on Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), dynamic shading systems, and adaptive energy-efficient design, reflected in publications such as Optimizing Building Performance with Dynamic Photovoltaic Shading Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Six Adaptive Designs in Smart Cities and multiple IEEE conference proceedings. An active educator, he has co-supervised several master’s theses and taught at leading institutions on environmental technical physics and sustainable building systems. Recognized for his expertise, he serves on international scientific committees, including the IEEE Conference on Electrical and Power Engineering, and holds certifications as an Energy Manager and Building Physics Certifier. His numerous honors and leadership roles in professional associations underscore his ongoing commitment to innovation, education, and excellence in sustainable design and energy transition. His research impact includes 5 citations, 3 publications, and an h-index of 2.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publication

1. Perfetto G., Optimizing Building Performance with Dynamic Photovoltaic Shading Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Six Adaptive Designs. Smart Cities, 2025, Open Access

Mr. Giuseppe Maria Perfetto’s work advances the integration of renewable energy and adaptive design within architecture, driving the transition toward energy-positive and climate-responsive buildings. His research fosters innovation that bridges science, industry, and sustainability, contributing to global efforts toward carbon-neutral, intelligent built environments.

George Economides | Digital Twins | Best Researcher Award

Dr. George Economides | Digital Twins | Best Researcher Award

Head of Digital Twins | Department for Transport | United Kingdom

Dr. George Economides MChem EMBA FCIHT FRSA MCMI MIET is an accomplished professional recognized for his leadership in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable transport innovation. As Head of Digital Twins at the UK Department for Transport, he leads national strategies that integrate digital twin systems, AI, and data-driven technologies into transport policy and infrastructure planning. His expertise spans intelligent mobility, systems thinking, and ethical AI, with impactful contributions to digital twin governance, smart infrastructure, and resilience modeling. Dr. Economides’s work bridges science, technology, and policy, positioning him as a key figure in advancing data-centric decision-making and digital innovation within public institutions. His research is featured in leading journals including Buildings, Building and Environment, and Sustainability, reflecting his focus on digital twin applications and sustainable mobility frameworks. A frequent keynote speaker at international forums and an active member of multiple academic and industry boards, he contributes to shaping standards and policies in emerging technologies. He has received several honors, including the TaaS Future Mobility Champion of the Year Award and the Josef Pliva Award for scientific excellence, underscoring his influence in both academic and policy circles. His professional fellowships and memberships further highlight his commitment to innovation, collaboration, and ethical leadership in digital engineering and intelligent transport systems. He has 1 citation, 2 publications, and an H-index of 1.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Economides G., A quantum state metanalysis of the dynamic inconsistency effect. Quantum Behav. Econ. Conf. Proc., 2025, Accepted.

Dr. George Economides’s work drives the integration of digital twins and artificial intelligence into national transport systems, advancing data-driven policymaking and sustainable infrastructure development. His leadership bridges science, technology, and governance, fostering global innovation in resilient, ethical, and intelligent mobility solutions.

Lesiba George Mollo | Building Energy Efficiency | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lesiba George Mollo | Building Energy Efficiency | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer | Central University of Technology | South Africa

Dr. Lesiba George Mollo is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Built Environment at the Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa, specializing in construction management and construction health and safety. He holds a PhD in Construction Management from Nelson Mandela University, where his research focused on reducing human failures in construction through the Training-Within-Industry (TWI) method. He also earned an MTech in Quantity Surveying (Cum Laude), a BTech in Quantity Surveying, and a National Diploma in Building, complemented by professional certifications in project and safety management. Dr. Mollo’s professional journey spans academic leadership as Acting Head of Department, Deputy Research Dean, and Research Chair, as well as practical roles with leading construction firms managing infrastructure, housing, and public works projects. His research expertise encompasses construction safety management, wearable sensing devices, 360° video technology for behavioral monitoring, and energy-efficient building technologies. He has published over forty scholarly outputs, including peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and the authored volume Training-Within-Industry Job Programs for Improved Construction Safety (Routledge). Dr. Mollo actively contributes to academic development through postgraduate supervision, conference organization, and peer reviewing for international journals. He has received recognition for academic excellence, including the MTech Best Performance Award from Nelson Mandela University, and holds memberships in the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS). He has 35 citations, 14 publications, and an h-index of 3.

Featured Publications

1. Mollo, L. G. (2025). Evaluating the use of 360° video technology to monitor workers’ unsafe behaviour in the construction industry. In International Civil Engineering and Architecture Conference (pp. 685–693). Springer Nature Singapore.

2. Mollo, L. G., & Chomey, T. (2025). An analysis of barriers to the implementation of energy-efficient technologies in residential buildings: A quantitative approach. Buildings, 15(19), 3520.

3. Mtetwa, S. I., Mollo, L. G., & Emuze, F. (2024). Wearable sensing devices for better monitoring of health, safety, and wellbeing in construction. In Handbook of Drivers of Continuous Improvement in Construction Health, Safety, and Wellbeing (pp. 59–68). Routledge.

4. Mollo, L. G. (2024). Using wearable technologies to minimise occupational illnesses among construction workers. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Forensic Engineering, 177(2), 64–71.

5. Mollo, L. G., Emuze, F., & Smallwood, J. (2023). Causes of human failure on construction sites. In Training-Within-Industry Job Programs for Improved Construction Safety (pp. 13–27). Routledge.

Mr Xiaoru Zhou | Acoustics and Lighting Design | Excellence in Research Award

Mr. Xiaoru Zhou | Acoustics and Lighting Design | Excellence in Research Award

Xiaoru Zhou | Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP | Germany

Mr. Xiaoru Zhou is a Diplom-Physicist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics in Stuttgart, specializing in room and building acoustics, vibration isolation, and sustainable absorber development. He earned his Diploma in Physics from Nanjing University with a focus on acoustics and vibration. His professional career spans leading institutions such as the Design Institute of the Ministry of Radio, Film, and Television in Beijing; the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics in Stuttgart; the Acoustics Office Szynajovsky in Frankfurt; and Pilchner Schoustal International in Toronto. Throughout his career, Mr. Zhou has contributed to numerous national and international projects involving acoustic design for studios, cinemas, and free-field rooms, and has developed advanced acoustic software and fiber-free, eco-friendly absorbers. He has supervised diploma students, supported license partnerships, and provided consultancy for renowned clients across Germany, China, Korea, and Canada. Mr. Zhou’s research has resulted in multiple publications on sound propagation, layered absorber design, and noise reduction methods presented at major international acoustics conferences. He is an active member of the Acoustical Society of China, the German Acoustical Society (DEGA), and the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). Recognized for his technical leadership and interdisciplinary expertise, Mr. Zhou continues to advance the science of building acoustics through innovation, applied research, and professional collaboration. His academic record includes 146 citations from 137 documents, 10 published papers, and an h-index of 6.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Zhou X., Akustik für den Denkmalschutz – Maßnahmen, Planung und Validierung an drei Reallaboren. Build. Acoustics J., 2025, Accepted.

Hakan Yalçıner | Building Construction Technology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hakan Yalçıner | Building Construction Technology | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University | Turkey

Professor Hakan Yalciner is Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering at Erzincan University, where he specializes in structural and earthquake engineering. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering with a specialization in structural and materials engineering from Eastern Mediterranean University, complemented by visiting doctoral research at McMaster University, as well as MSc and BSc degrees in Civil Engineering with a focus on construction management. With extensive academic and leadership experience, he has served in various capacities including head of department, faculty board member, research assistant, and faculty coordinator, contributing significantly to curriculum development and laboratory advancement. His research focuses on the seismic performance and durability of reinforced concrete structures, corrosion effects, bond-slip behavior, and strengthening techniques, resulting in a substantial body of peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as ACI Structural Journal, Structural Concrete, and Cement and Concrete Research. He has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects funded by prominent institutions, and has presented widely at major conferences. Professor Yalciner has received recognition for his contributions through editorial appointments in multiple journals, including roles as editor, associate editor, and advisory board member, and he serves as a voting member of several American Concrete Institute committees. His professional memberships, editorial leadership, and impactful research establish him as a leading expert in structural engineering and corrosion-related performance of reinforced concrete systems. His scholarly impact is reflected in 773 citations, 24 publications, and an h-index of 14.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Yalciner H., Marar K., Experimental study on the bond strength of different geometries of corroded and uncorroded reinforcement bars. J. Mater. Civ. Eng., 2017, 29(7), 05017002.

2. Yitmen I., Sevay H., Taneri C., Yalciner H., An expert system for quantifying the impact of change orders on project performance. Proceedings of the ICCCBE-ICCC-ASCE-DMUCE-CIB-W78-W102 Joint International Conference on Computing and Decision Making in Civil and Building Engineering, 2006, 1605–1613.

3. Yalciner H., Kumbasaroglu A., Ergun U., Effects of geo-grid and conventional stirrups on reinforced concrete beams with polypropylene fibers. Structures, 2018, 13, 230–242.

4. Turan A.I., Ayaz Y., Yalciner H., Kumbasaroglu A., An experimental evaluation on structural performance level of corroded reinforced concrete frames. Eng. Struct., 2025, 325, 119479.

5. Hedayat A.A., Yalciner H., Assessment of an existing RC building before and after strengthening using nonlinear static procedure and incremental dynamic analysis. Shock Vib., 2010, 17(4–5), 619–629.

MARUF AHMAD | Urban Planning | Excellence in Research Award

Mr. MARUF AHMAD | Urban Planning | Excellence in Research Award

MARUF AHMAD | Xi’an Jiaotong University | China

Dr. Maruf Ahmad serves as an Assistant Director at the Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogura, currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration at Xi’an Jiaotong University, China, under the Chinese Government Scholarship. He holds an MPhil and Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Dhaka, specializing in public sector governance, public-private partnerships (PPP), and rural development policy. With extensive professional experience in research, training, and project management at RDA, he has coordinated development initiatives focused on poverty reduction, local governance, and gender inclusion. His research explores governance, sustainable development, and urban resilience, contributing to leading journals such as Sustainable Development, Evaluation and Program Planning, Heliyon, and the American Journal of Health Promotion. Dr. Ahmad has authored a research book and several book chapters on rural development and policy innovation. His academic excellence has been recognized with the Best Poster Presentation Award at the XJTLU-UoL-XJTU Postgraduate Research Symposium. In addition to his scholarly work, he serves as a reviewer for prestigious journals including Heliyon, Journal of Planning Education and Research, and American Journal of Health Promotion. A lifelong member of professional organizations and a certified trainer in public service innovation, Dr. Ahmad exemplifies academic leadership and commitment to sustainable rural transformation. He has 3 published documents with 4 citations and an h-index of 2.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Ahmad M., Du J., Rashid M.J., Urban Green Space and Mental Health: Mediating Roles of Physical Activity and Social Cohesion. Am. J. Health Promot., 2025, 10.1177/08901171251388878.

2. Ahmad M., Du J., Unlocking Financial Potential for Urban Nature‐Based Solutions: A PRISMA‐Based Systematic Review. Sustain. Dev., 2025, 10.1002/sd.70243.

3. Ahmad M., Ferdous J., Effectiveness of Emergency Food Assistance Programs during COVID-19 at Union Parishad: Mediating Role of Political Neutrality. Eval. Program Plann., 2025, 111, 102566, 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2025.102566.

4. Sifullah M.K., Sohel M.S., Hossain Sarker M.F., Islam M., Ahmad M., Mapping Out the Vulnerabilities of Migrant Women in the Informal Sector: A Qualitative Investigation in Dhaka City. Heliyon, 2023, 9(10), e20950, 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20950.

5. Ahmad M., Financial Autonomy of Union Parishad: A Study of Model Union Parishad. Bangladesh Rural Dev. Stud., 2021, 24(1), 61–72.

Weijie Xia | Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Weijie Xia | Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Weijie Xia | Hebei University of Architecture | China

Mr. Weijie Xia is a postgraduate student at Hebei University of Architecture specializing in thermal comfort and building environmental control. He holds a strong academic foundation with a focus on human thermal comfort, smart buildings, and urban heat island research. His professional experience includes leading and contributing to numerous research projects, with seven completed and over twenty ongoing, advancing knowledge in emotional perception modulation on thermal comfort, gender-based differences in heat response during interval exercise, and thermal comfort modeling and optimization for hospitals and historical urban spaces. As the first author, he has published three articles in leading SCI Q1 journals such as Building and Environment, Journal of Building Engineering, and Energy and Buildings, and has co-authored four additional publications in the same domain. His studies encompass a range of innovative topics including the impact of musical tempo on thermal comfort during exercise and optimized open-space design in hospital environments, reflecting his commitment to bridging theoretical insights with practical environmental applications. With a growing citation record and active engagement in interdisciplinary research, his contributions are recognized for their methodological rigor and relevance to real-world building performance and occupant well-being. He has 16 citations, 7 publications, and an h-index of 3.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Xia, W.*, Li, D., Sun, M., Liu, J., Zhen, M., & Liang, H. (2025). A gender-differentiated thermal comfort model for interval exercise in fitness building. Journal of Building Engineering.

2. Zhen, M., Liu, J., Xia, W., Sun, M., Dong, Q., Li, Y., & Liang, H. (2025). Thermal comfort differences among patients with different orthopedic diseases: A case study of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, China. Building and Environment.

3. Zhen, M., Xia, W.*, Sun, G., Huang, C., & Ji, J. (2025). Optimized design of hospital open space based on outdoor thermal comfort: The case of Shaanxi People’s Hospital in China. Energy and Buildings.

4. Zhen, M., Xia, W.*, & Lin, D. (2024). Effects of musical tempo on human thermal comfort during interval exercise. Building and Environment.

5. Zhen, M., Yuan, X., Gao, L., Xia, W.*, Nan, K., & Zhang, M. (2024). Outdoor thermal comfort of urban plaza space under thermoacoustic interactions: Taking Datang Everbright City as an example. Building and Environment.