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.

xuan hui xie | Landscape design | Best Researcher Award

Dr. xuan hui xie | Landscape design | Best Researcher Award

Doctor | Hubei University of Technology | China

Xie Xuanhui is a postdoctoral fellow in design studies at Tsinghua University and a member of the Industrial Design Subcommittee of the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society. With an academic foundation at the intersection of art and engineering, he has engaged in international academic exchange at HanYang University and currently contributes to teaching and research at Hubei University of Technology. His scholarly work focuses on design theory, methods, and interdisciplinary innovation, with over ten first-author publications in SSCI, SCI, CSCD, and Peking University core journals. He has led multiple research initiatives funded by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation and the Sichuan Provincial Philosophy and Social Sciences Base, securing significant research support. His leadership in student research and practice has resulted in numerous national awards at prestigious events such as Milan Design Week, NCDA, and China’s Good Ideas. His excellence as a mentor has been recognized through Outstanding Instructor Awards in major national competitions, including the China Good Idea and National Digital Art Design Competition and the Future Designer Competition. He has 4 citations with 3 published documents and an h-index of 2.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Parametric Landscape Facilities Aesthetic Design Method Based on SOR Model and Hybrid Kansei Engineering: A Case of Landscape Corridors. Buildings, 2025, Open Access.

Dongmin Kim | E-Mobility | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dongmin Kim | E-Mobility | Best Researcher Award

Post-doctoral researcher | Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology | South Korea

Dr. Dongmin Kim is a Post-doctoral Researcher at the Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), specializing in electric vehicles, energy consumption modeling, and intelligent transportation systems. He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. from the Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Mobility at KAIST, focusing on electric vehicle battery internal resistance degradation and driving energy efficiency, and holds a B.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Chung-Ang University. Dr. Kim has led and contributed to multiple projects on battery-in-the-loop systems, cooperative-intelligent transport systems, and real-world data-driven modeling of electric vehicle efficiency. His research outputs include high-impact publications in leading journals such as Applied Energy, eTransportation, and IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, alongside numerous conference papers and domestic journal contributions. He has also advanced the field through patents on battery management and charging systems and invited presentations at international academic and industrial forums. Recognized for excellence, he has received awards such as the Best Paper Award from the Korean Institute of Intelligent Transport Systems, the KITS President’s Award, and the Grand Award in the Start-up Idea Competition at KAIST. Additionally, he has completed professional certifications in battery systems, eco-friendly vehicle technologies, and AI-based energy solutions, and has actively contributed as a member of Korea’s intelligent transportation research community. Dr. Kim’s distinguished record of innovation, research leadership, and academic excellence positions him as a transformative contributor to the advancement of sustainable mobility and intelligent transportation systems, with a current record of 2 citations across 4 publications and an h-index of 1.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publication

1. Kim D., Lee H., Lee J., Unsupervised learning approach for risky driving behavior identification on expressways in C-ITS environments. IEEE Trans. Intell. Transp. Syst., 2025, 10.1109/TITS.2025.3538929.

2. Kim D., Yun G., Jang K., Woo S., Auxiliary energy consumption of electric vehicles: Modeling and prediction using real-world vehicle data. Appl. Energy, 2025, 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126766.

3. Kim D., Jang K., Component-level analysis for developing an energy consumption model for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in operation. eTransportation, 2025, 10.1016/j.etran.2025.100472.

Guodan Liu | Environmental Design | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Guodan Liu | Environmental Design | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Qingdao University of Technology | China

Professor Guodan Liu, a distinguished Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Qingdao University of Technology, is a leading scholar in sustainable energy solutions and building technology. He earned advanced degrees specializing in energy and thermal environments, shaping his expertise in new energy development, energy efficiency technologies, and human thermal comfort. With extensive professional experience, he has led major national and provincial research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Shandong Provincial R&D initiatives, delivering impactful contributions to low-carbon, high-comfort built environments. Professor Liu has published over 135 peer-reviewed articles in internationally indexed journals, secured 64 patents, and maintains strong collaborations with leading research groups. His editorial contributions include serving as Guest Editor for a special issue in the journal Buildings. Recognized with prestigious honors such as the Shandong Provincial Technology Invention Award, Shandong Science and Technology Progress Prizes, and a Qingdao Municipal Science and Technology Award, he has also been acknowledged as an Outstanding Graduate Advisor and University Teacher. He actively contributes to the academic community as Standing Director of four professional committees on HVAC, Thermal Power, Refrigeration, and Building Environment and Energy in Shandong Province. Professor Liu continues to advance research on indoor thermal comfort under complex conditions, bridging energy efficiency with human well-being  708 citations, 58 publications, h-index 16.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Liu G., Research on the lighting satisfaction prediction model for elementary school classrooms based on illuminance gradient. J. Build. Eng., 2025, Accepted.

2. Liu G., Research on recognition of bedding system coverage rate using infrared thermal imaging. J. Therm. Biol., 2025, Accepted.

3. Liu G., Thermal comfort and sensitivity of different body parts exposed to local infrared radiation. Indoor Air, 2025, Accepted.

4. Liu G., Analysis of energy consumption drivers in building rooms: a case of the commercial complex in Chengdu. Energy Informatics, 2024, 7, 78.

5. Liu G., Analysis of factors affecting air conditioning energy consumption: the case study of a commercial building in Shenzhen. In Advances in Computer Science and Ubiquitous Computing (Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering, vol. 1416), 2025, pp. 39–44.

Syed Mustakim | Building Construction Technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Syed Mustakim | Building Construction Technology | Best Researcher Award

Senior Technical Officer | CSIR Institute Of Minerals And Materials Technology | India

Dr. Syed Mohammed Mustakim, Senior Technical Officer at the CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Government of India, is a distinguished expert in the utilization of industrial and mining wastes for sustainable cementitious and building materials. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from KIIT University, a PG Diploma in Cement Technology from NCCBM, a PG Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights from IGNOU, and an MBA in Marketing Management from Jaipur National University. With over two decades of professional experience across leading research institutions and industries, Dr. Mustakim has spearheaded pioneering projects on waste-to-wealth technologies, geopolymer composites, and eco-friendly construction materials, leading to multiple licensed technologies, patents, and collaborations with major industries. He has authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications, 10 book chapters, and numerous conference papers, and has made significant contributions as a Ph.D. supervisor and examiner. His leadership extends to organizing international seminars, technology transfer initiatives, and serving on key institutional committees. Recognized for his impactful research, he has received several prestigious honors including multiple Best Paper Awards at international conferences, the Indian Concrete Journal Best Paper Award, and recognition at Tata Steel’s MaterialNEXT competition. He also serves as a reviewer for leading journals and has delivered invited talks at national forums. His outstanding career reflects a deep commitment to advancing sustainable materials science, industry collaboration, and innovative solutions for environmental challenges 933 citations, 35 publications, h-index 14.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Krishna R.S., Boopathy R., Mishra S., Rawat S., Sethy N., Qureshi T.S., Mustakim S.M. Impact of high-temperature exposure on the thermal and physio-mechanical performance of graphene-reinforced geopolymer composites. Constr. Build. Mater., 2025, 489, 142285.

2. Tripathi A.K., Das S.K., Kandi S.K., Rajput P., Mustakim S.M. Integrated management of ferrochrome slag: Metal recovery, Cr(VI) stabilization, and sustainable reuse in construction materials. J. Environ. Manag., 2025, 390, 126268.

3. Krishna R.S., Durga Prasad V., Sethy N., Panda B., Boopathy R., Rawat S., Mustakim S.M., Qureshi T.S. Investigation on in-situ geopolymer coatings: A comparative analysis of lycopodium powder and polydimethylsiloxane as functional additives. Struct. Concr., 2025, 26(3), 2704–2725.

Suparna Biswas | AI and Automation in Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Suparna Biswas | AI and Automation in Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Guru Nanak Institute of Technology | India

Dr. Suparna Biswas is Associate Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering and Controller of Examinations at Guru Nanak Institute of Technology, with expertise in image processing, signal processing, control systems, and machine learning. She earned her PhD in Engineering from IIEST Shibpur after completing her M.Tech in Control Systems at Jadavpur University and B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering at Kalyani Government Engineering College. With extensive academic and administrative experience, she has advanced through faculty roles and taken on leadership responsibilities such as coordinating NAAC and AQAR committees, serving as convener of faculty development programs and national conferences, and securing competitive research funding. Her prolific research record includes more than 60 publications in SCI, Scopus, and WoS indexed journals and conferences, authorship of books, and contributions to patents, with recent works addressing vision transformers, signal analysis, and AI applications in healthcare. She has guided PhD and postgraduate scholars and consistently contributed to advancing academic innovation. Recognized with multiple honors including Best Paper Awards at international conferences, the JIS Samman for patent publications, and the Most Promising Academician award, she also serves as reviewer for reputed SCI and Scopus journals and holds editorial board memberships. A corporate member of the Institution of Engineers (India) and an active member of FOSET, she has also completed certifications in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science. Dr. Biswas’s academic and research contributions underscore her leadership in engineering education and her commitment to advancing multidisciplinary innovation. Her Scopus profile reflects 84 citations, 27 publications, and an h-index of 4.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Biswas S., Designing optimal Vision Transformer architecture using differential evolution for tomato leaf disease classification. Comput. Electron. Agric., 2025, 238, 110824.

2. Chattopadhyaya A., Biswas S., Rakshit S., Jana N.D., Mondal A., Statistical Signal Processing and Machine Learning Based Diagnosis of Arrhythmia. Int. J. Comput. Inf. Syst. Ind. Manag. Appl., 2025, 17, 362–374.

Yonghu Huang | Disaster-Resilient Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonghu Huang | Disaster-Resilient Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Department Head | East China Jiaotong University | China

Dr. Yonghu Huang, Department Head and Associate Professor at East China Jiaotong University, is a distinguished scholar in engineering mechanics with a strong focus on intelligent seismic isolation, damping technologies, smart materials, and metamaterials. He earned his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Engineering Mechanics from Harbin Institute of Technology, where he specialized in advanced structural mechanics. With extensive professional experience as a doctoral supervisor and director of the Engineering Mechanics Department, Dr. Huang has led nationally funded projects and industry collaborations addressing disaster prevention and structural resilience. His groundbreaking research includes experimental and analytical studies on inclined column components to enhance the seismic performance, spatial efficiency, and durability of underground structures, contributing innovative calculation methods and practical engineering solutions. He has authored numerous SCI/EI-indexed journal publications, including works in Physics of Fluids and Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, and holds over 15 national invention patents, underscoring both academic and practical impact. Recognized as a leading disciplinary talent in Jiangxi Province, Dr. Huang has received the prestigious Provincial Science and Technology Progress First Prize and serves as a reviewer and contributor in international journals. His career reflects a commitment to advancing structural engineering knowledge, fostering innovation in disaster prevention, and mentoring the next generation of engineers, making him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with 164 citations, 24 publications, and an h-index of 8.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Huang Y., Xiao W.J., Wan H.P., Zhang D.M., Liu K., Li S.J., Research on mechanical properties and acoustic emission characteristics of sandstone under splitting loading after temperature treatment. Phys. Fluids, 2024, 36, 125121.

2. Huang Y., Lv M.Y., Luo W.J., Zhang H.L., Geng D.X., Li Q., Sound insulation properties of membrane-type acoustic metamaterials with petal-like split rings. J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys., 2022, 55, 045302.