Pengfei Wang | Environment | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Pengfei Wang | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant Professor Southern University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Pengfei Wang is a Research Assistant Professor at the Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China, where he has been actively engaged in advanced research on energy and environmental engineering since 2021. He obtained his Ph.D. in Energy and Power Engineering from Dalian University of Technology in 2019, under the supervision of Professor Yongchen Song, and completed a visiting research program at the University of Western Australia’s Energy Research Centre in 2017. Prior to his current role, Dr. Wang served as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Physics at SUSTech, working with Chair Professor Yusheng Zhao on multiphase hydrate systems and neutron technology applications. His research spans natural gas hydrate exploitation, hydrate-based hydrogen storage, and offshore CO₂ geological sequestration, focusing on the thermodynamics, kinetics, and multiphase flow behavior in porous media. Dr. Wang has made notable contributions to understanding the interaction between hydrate structures and nanoconfinement effects for energy conversion and carbon capture applications. He has published 82 SCI-indexed papers, including several in high-impact journals such as Chemical Reviews, Chemical Engineering Journal, and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, along with holding 8 authorized invention patents and 1 software copyright. His work has been cited 1,829 times by 1,403 documents, reflecting an h-index of 24, underscoring his academic impact and global recognition within the field. He has been honored with the Shenzhen Overseas High-Level Talent “Peacock Plan” Award, and received multiple academic distinctions including the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of Liaoning Province and the Wiley China Annual Open Author Award. Dr. Wang’s ongoing research aims to develop sustainable hydrate technologies for energy transition and carbon neutrality strategies in offshore and industrial contexts. With his strong interdisciplinary background and innovative approach, he continues to advance the frontiers of energy storage, climate engineering, and environmental sustainability.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Wang, P., Chen, Y., Teng, Y., An, S., Li, Y., Han, M., Yuan, B., Shen, S., Chen, B., Han, S., et al. (2024). A comprehensive review of hydrogen purification using a hydrate-based method.

Yang, M., Wu, M., Yang, Z., Wang, P., Chen, B., & Song, Y. (2024). Behaviors of hydrate cap formation via CO₂–H₂O collaborative injection: Applying to secure marine carbon storage.

Yuan, B., Han, M., Li, Y., Wang, P., Xu, J., Yin, W., Kang, L., Tong, X., Han, S., Zhu, J., et al. (2024). Effect of organic matter with various carbon chain lengths on methane hydrate formation: Kinetic, thermodynamic, and microstructural studies.

Wang, P., Li, Y., Sun, N., Han, S., Wang, X., Su, Q., Li, Y., He, J., Yu, X., Du, S., et al. (2024). Hydrate technologies for CO₂ capture and sequestration: Status and perspectives.

Teng, Y., Li, Y., Huang, T., Chen, Y., Wang, P., Wang, B., An, S., Li, Y., Han, S., Zhu, J., et al. (2024). Hydrogen purification via hydrate-based methods: Insights into H₂–CO₂–CO hydrate structures, thermodynamics, and kinetics.

Moshu Qian | Artificial Intelligence in Petroleum Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Prof. Moshu Qian | Artificial Intelligence in Petroleum Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Full Professor at Nanjing Tech University | China

Prof. Moshu Qian, Member of IEEE, is a distinguished Full Professor at Nanjing Tech University, China, recognized for her extensive contributions to automation, intelligent systems, and control engineering. She earned her Ph.D. from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2016 and subsequently served as a visiting scholar at the University of Kent, United Kingdom, from 2019 to 2020, where she deepened her expertise in distributed control and adaptive systems. Throughout her academic career, Professor Qian has authored over 75 documents, including more than 50 peer-reviewed journal publications indexed in SCI and Scopus, and has contributed to a significant body of work that has garnered 710 citations by 624 documents, reflecting her strong research influence and visibility within the global academic community. Her current h-index is 12, attesting to the lasting impact and citation quality of her scholarly output. She has also published one academic book (ISBN: 978-7-118-11911-6) and holds 31 invention patents, many of which are applied within the industrial automation and petrochemical sectors. Professor Qian has successfully led fifteen completed and ongoing research projects and participated in four consultancy or industry-based collaborations, including the design of intelligent analysis software for lean product quality control supported by Yangzi Petrochemical in Nanjing, China. Her notable scientific achievements have earned her the First Prize of the Science and Technology Progress Award from the Chinese Society of Automation in 2023 and the Second Prize of the Science and Technology Progress Award from the Chinese Society of Instrumentation in 2024. Her research interests encompass distributed adaptive control, UAV formation systems, actuator fault-tolerant mechanisms, and smart industrial automation. Professor Qian’s scholarly dedication, innovative research, and leadership in cross-disciplinary collaborations continue to advance automation science and engineering applications, contributing to the development of intelligent, data-driven, and sustainable industrial systems that shape the future of automation and petroleum-related technologies.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Gao, Z., Han, B., Qian, M., & Zhao, J. (2018). Active fault tolerant control for flexible spacecraft with sensor faults using adaptive integral sliding mode.

Li, J., Gao, Z., & Qian, M. (2019). Active fault tolerant control design for satellite attitude systems with mixed actuator faults.

Zhang, X., Gao, Z., Qian, M., & Bai, L. (2019). Adaptive fault-tolerant control for rigid spacecraft attitude system using fractional order sliding mode.

Bai, L., Gao, Z., Qian, M., & Zhang, X. (2019). Sliding mode observer-based FTC strategy design for satellite attitude systems with sensor fault.

Zhang, X., Gao, Z., Qian, M., & Zhou, Z. (2018). Active fault tolerant attitude control for rigid spacecraft with actuator LOE fault and saturation constraint.

Sibel Dikmen Kucuk | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sibel Dikmen Kucuk | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Researcher at Düzce University | Turkey

Dr. Sibel Dikmen Küçük is a Lecturer at Düzce University with extensive academic and industrial experience in cosmetic science and composite material technologies. She holds a Ph.D. in Composite Material Technologies (2024) and an M.Sc. in the same field (2018) from Düzce University, following a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Hacettepe University. Her doctoral research focused on developing natural nanoselulose-based hydrating and stain-removing composite facial masks, reflecting her commitment to integrating sustainable materials into cosmetic formulations. Before her academic appointment in 2017, she spent several years managing project quality for sealing profiles in the automotive sector, gaining solid expertise in polymer processing and industrial standards. Dr. Sibel Dikmen Küçük research centers on the formulation of biopolymer-based and nanocellulose-reinforced composites for cosmetic and engineering applications, with a special emphasis on natural preservatives, antioxidant-rich serums, and functional skin and hair care systems. She has led and contributed to numerous national research projects supported by TÜBİTAK and higher education institutions, including innovations in bio-based rubber, activated carbon production from agricultural waste, and new-generation liposomal cosmetic products. Her publications in international journals such as BioResources, South African Journal of Botany, and the Journal of Rubber Research highlight her contributions to biopolymer modification, UV stabilization, and green material integration. Additionally, she is the inventor and patent holder of a bacterial nanocellulose–based facial serum and actively teaches courses on cosmetic formulation design and quality control. Through continuous professional development and participation in advanced certification programs across Europe, she bridges chemical engineering and cosmetic technology, advancing sustainable innovation in personal care science. Her career reflects a dedication to transforming natural materials into high-performance cosmetic and polymeric systems that align with global sustainability goals.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Dikmen Küçük, S. (2025). Development and characterization of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber reinforced by green material lignin.

Kucuk, S. D., Groso, A., Collet, G., Daniellou, R., & Caliskan, U. K. (2024). Effect of bacterial nanocellulose and plant-containing facial serum on hyperpigmentation in in-vitro conditions.

Dikmen Küçük, S., & Uğraş, H. (2024). Chemical modification of carbon black for coloring.

Kucuk, S. D., Arslan, R., Candan, Z., Tozluoglu, A., Karacay, E., & Ugras, H. İ. (2022, October 5). Kağıt endüstrisinde bor bileşiklerinin kullanımının araştırılması.

Dikmen Küçük, S., Tozluoğlu, A., Güner, Y., Arslan, R., & Sertkaya, S. (2022). Nano-fibrillenmiş selüloz / EPDM kompozitlerin mekanik, reolojik ve yaşlanma özellikleri.

Sina Sayardoost Tabrizi | Data Analytics in Upstream Operations | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sina Sayardoost Tabrizi | Data Analytics in Upstream Operations | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer and Director of Dean’s Office at University of Tehran | Iran

Dr. Sina Sayardoost Tabrizi is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Dean’s Office at the University of Tehran (Kish International Campus), specializing in industrial management, artificial intelligence, and sustainable operations. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Management and both B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Computer Engineering, establishing a strong interdisciplinary foundation bridging technology and management. With over eight years of academic experience, he has supervised more than 30 student projects and published over 15 peer-reviewed papers in Q1 and Scopus-indexed journals. Dr. Sina Sayardoost Tabrizi is the founder of the Metaverse and Emerging Technologies Laboratory, where he leads innovative projects integrating AI, data analytics, and digital transformation across education, industry, and sustainability sectors. His research spans sustainable supply chain management, dynamic network data envelopment analysis (DNDEA), machine learning, and decision-support systems, with notable contributions to the petrochemical and manufacturing industries. His scholarly output includes 8 major research projects, a co-authored academic textbook, and one patent under process for an AI-driven decision-support framework. Beyond academia, he has collaborated with national and international partners—including Muscat University—on consultancy and innovation initiatives focusing on efficiency optimization, digital learning platforms, and AI ethics. As a reviewer for international journals in operations research and a member of professional organizations such as IFORS and the Iranian Association of Management Science, he contributes actively to the global research community. His work has received recognition for integrating advanced computational models with sustainable industry practices, improving efficiency in resource-intensive systems by measurable margins. Dr. Sina Sayardoost Tabrizi commitment to interdisciplinary research, educational innovation, and technological ethics positions him as a forward-thinking academic leader dedicated to advancing responsible AI, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making for societal and industrial progress.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Sayardoost Tabrizi, K. S., Sabzian, A., & Moeini, A. (2024). TAM-based model for evaluating learner satisfaction of e-learning services: Case study—E-learning system of University of Tehran.

Sayardoost Tabrizi, S., Yakideh, K., Moradi, M., & Ebrahimpour, M. (2025). Clustering with machine learning and using NDEA in development planning: A case study in the petrochemical two-stage SSC.

Sayardoost Tabrizi, S., Yakideh, K., Moradi, M., & Ebrahimpour, M. (2024). Assessing sustainability of supply chain performance using machine learning and network data envelopment analysis.

Sayardoost Tabrizi, S., Sabzian, A., & Moeini, A. (2024). A hybrid model for evaluation of e-learning user satisfaction with TAM and ELQ approach.

Sayardoost Tabrizi, S., Abideen, A. Z., & Moeini, A. (2025). A novel machine learning and DNDEA framework for sustainable efficiency measurement in a circular two-stage supply chain.

Sayardoost Tabrizi, S., Yousefi, S., & Yakideh, K. (2025). Forecasting efficiency of two-stage petrochemical sustainable supply chains using deep learning and DNDEA model. Operations Research Perspectives.

Jean Yves Desire Chatellier | Tectonics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jean Yves Desire Chatellier | Tectonics | Best Researcher Award

Main Geoscientist at Tecto Sedi Integrated Inc | Canada

Dr. Jean Yves Desire Chatellier is a highly accomplished geologist with four decades of global experience in petroleum exploration, appraisal, and reservoir analysis. His expertise lies in integrating structural geology, sedimentology, geochemistry, and seismic interpretation to uncover and evaluate conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon systems. He has contributed to multiple billion-barrel discoveries and led innovative projects involving big data analytics for carbonate exploration in North America. Jean-Yves holds advanced degrees including a Doctorate in Tectonics from the University of Paris VI, a Master’s in Sedimentology from the University of Calgary, and an MBA from Henley Management College, University of West London. His career spans leadership and technical roles with major energy companies such as Shell, PDVSA, Talisman Energy, Nexen, and his own consultancy, Tecto Sedi Integrated Inc. Over the years, he has applied multidisciplinary integration across global basins—from Venezuela and the North Sea to Canada and the United States—delivering impactful results in field development and hydrocarbon prediction. His research interests include diagenetic modeling, fault system analysis, geochemical characterization of shale plays, and advanced visualization of geological and production data. A prolific author and editor, he has co-edited several landmark AAPG and CSPG publications and contributed extensively to international conferences, research committees, and industry workshops. Jean-Yves is an active member of leading professional societies including AAPG, CSPG (now CEGA), and APEGA, and has held leadership roles in research and structural geology divisions. As an educator and mentor, he has lectured widely for professional organizations and universities worldwide, promoting interdisciplinary understanding in petroleum geoscience. His ongoing work focuses on integrating emerging analytical techniques with traditional geological models to enhance exploration efficiency, reservoir prediction, and energy sustainability. Through a lifelong commitment to scientific excellence and innovation, Jean-Yves continues to shape modern petroleum geology and inspire the next generation of geoscientists.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Chatellier, J.-Y. (2024). Fault locking and alternate fault activity revealed by simple tools and approaches — Examples from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin with implications for hydrocarbon exploration and production.

Chatellier, J.-Y., & Chatellier, M. (2021). Outcrops in Mochima National Park – Analogues to Thrust Belt Giant Oil Fields

Chatellier, J.-Y., Cheema, A., & Shahbaz, M. (2021). The use of cores, cuttings and outcrops to complement and refine our geological and structural understanding of the Banff, Exshaw and Pekisko formations

Chatellier, J.-Y., Simpson, K., Perez, R., & Tribovillard, N. (2018). Geochemically focused integrated approach to reveal reservoir characteristics linked to better Montney productivity potential.

Euzen, T., Chatellier, J.-Y., & Mort, A. (2018). Geological controls on fluid compositional variations in unconventional hybrid plays: Insight from gas geochemistry.

Adarsh Kumar Arya | Oil and Gas | AI and Automation in Petroleum Award

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Dr. Adarsh Kumar Arya | Oil and Gas | AI and Automation in Petroleum Award

Associate Professor at Harcourt Butler Technical University | India

Dr. Adarsh Kumar Arya is an accomplished academic and researcher with nearly two decades of expertise in chemical engineering, specializing in oil and gas pipeline engineering, natural gas optimization, and sustainable energy technologies. Currently serving as Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur, he has also held significant academic and administrative responsibilities, including Associate Dean of Incubation and Startups and coordinator roles under national higher education initiatives. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a focus on natural gas pipeline optimization from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun in 2015, following an M.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from HBTI Kanpur and a B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from BIET Jhansi, complemented by specialized training in Piping Engineering from IIT Bombay. His career spans academia and industry, with professional experience at Worley Parsons on the TANAP Gas Pipeline Project, and consultancy contributions such as hydrogen compatibility studies for Indraprastha Gas Grid Limited. Dr. Arya has published extensively in reputed international journals and conference proceedings, covering areas such as multi-objective optimization of pipeline networks, hydrogen embrittlement in pipeline structures, biomass supply chain cost reduction, blockchain applications in the oil and gas industry, and corrosion mitigation in steel pipelines. He has also authored and edited multiple books on machine learning, optimization, and chemical engineering applications, alongside supervising completed and ongoing doctoral research in pipeline optimization, hydrogen transportation, and corrosion control. His scholarly work has been recognized with prestigious research awards, including the Annual Research Award (2021), a Research Excellence Award (2024) from HBTU Kanpur presented by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh, and a significant research grant award in 2022. With a record of five patents, consultancy projects, and contributions to curriculum design and advanced teaching, he has established himself as a thought leader in pipeline engineering and sustainable chemical processes. His research impact is reflected in 375 citations across 226 documents, 44 publications, and an h-index of 10, highlighting the depth and relevance of his contributions. Dr. Arya remains committed to advancing chemical engineering knowledge and practices through research, innovation, and mentorship, shaping both industry solutions and the next generation of engineers.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Arya, A. K., & Kapoor, A. (2024). Environmental consequences of wind energy technologies.

Arya, A. K., Shreya, Ponnuchamy, M., Pal, D. B., & Kapoor, A. (2024). Algae biomass valorization for wastewater remediation.

Shingan, B., Pujari, M., Arya, A. K., & Singh, V. (2024). Optimizing air separation and LNG cold utilization: Energy savings, exergy efficiency, and system reliability.

Arya, A. K., Sastry, S. V. A. R., Sneha, S., Gupta, B., & Pujari, M. (2024). Recent developments in leak detection techniques for pipelines: A critical evaluation.

Mzili, T., Mzili, M., Abatal, A., & Arya, A. K. (2025). A spotted hyena algorithm for quadratic allocation problems: A novel bio-inspired solution.

Srivastava, D., & Arya, A. K. (2025). A multi-objective model to improve the profitability and reduce carbon emissions in a natural gas pipeline network.

Mzili, T., Mzili, M., Bouderba, S. I., Abatal, A., Aribowo, W., & Arya, A. K. (2025). Interoperability in Internet of Things: Taxonomies and open challenges.

Shengnan Li | Coal Mine Safety | Health, Safety, and Environment Excellence Award

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Prof. Shengnan Li | Coal Mine Safety | Health, Safety, and Environment Excellence Award

Associate Professor at Liaoning Technical University | China

Prof. Shengnan Li is an Associate Professor at Liaoning Technical University with a Doctor of Engineering in Safety Science and Engineering from the same institution, complemented by a research fellowship at the National University of Singapore in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics. With a strong academic foundation, Prof. Shengnan Li has developed expertise in combustion, explosion dynamics, and mine safety engineering, focusing on the mechanisms of gas and dust explosions in coal mining environments. Their research contributions include numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Combustion and Flame, Arabian Journal of Chemistry, ACS Omega, Process Safety and Environmental Protection, and Energy, addressing topics ranging from autoignition phenomena to flame propagation in complex underground environments. Beyond scholarly publications, Prof. Shengnan Li has advanced practical innovations through multiple authorized patents, including methods for ventilation control, fire suppression strategies, and friction resistance determination in mine ventilation systems, which underscore a commitment to both theoretical advancement and engineering application. With a record of 25 publications, 226 citations across 198 documents, and an h-index of 8, Prof. Shengnan Li has established a growing academic footprint in the field of mine safety and combustion science. Their research interests lie at the intersection of combustion kinetics, gas-solid interactions, explosion propagation mechanisms, and engineering solutions for improving safety in energy and mining industries, with an emphasis on bridging computational simulations and experimental validation for risk mitigation strategies. Prof. Shengnan Li has also contributed to advancing international collaborations through research engagement in Singapore, reflecting a global outlook on addressing safety challenges in energy systems. Building on a foundation of impactful publications, applied patents, and ongoing research in explosion prevention and safety optimization, Prof. Shengnan Li continues to advance the field with innovative approaches that enhance both scientific understanding and industrial practice.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Li, S., Zhang, H., et al. (2023). Autoignition of methane/coal particle/air mixture under constant-volume conditions.

  • Li, S., Zhang, H., et al. (2025). Numerical simulations of direct detonation initiation and propagation in methane/air mixtures containing coal particles.

  • Li, S., Gao, K., et al. (2024). Effect of low blockage ratio obstacle on explosion characteristic in methane/air mixture.

  • Li, S., Gao, K., et al. (2022). Influence of the cavity structure in the excavation roadway on the gas explosion characteristics.

  • Gao, K., Li, S., et al. (2020). Study on the propagation law of gas explosion in the space based on the goaf characteristic of coal mine.

  • Gao, K., Li, S., et al. (2021). Effect of flexible obstacles on gas explosion characteristic in underground coal mine.

  • Gao, K., Li, S., et al. (2021). Hole/pore-scale investigation of gas explosions in a coal-mine gob.

Selim Shaker | Offshore and Deepwater Drilling | Best Offshore Exploration Award

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Dr. Selim Shaker | Offshore and Deepwater Drilling | Best Offshore Exploration Award

Consultant at Geopressure Analysis Services | United States

Dr. Selim Shaker is a distinguished Prospect Generator and Analyst at Geopressure Analysis Services Inc. (G.A.S.), bringing over four decades of expertise in petroleum geology and geopressure evaluation to the global energy industry. He holds a B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Geology from ASU, Egypt, complemented by a postgraduate diploma in Hydrogeology from Prague University under UNESCO, establishing a strong academic foundation in subsurface sciences. His professional journey began in Egypt, where he worked as a well-site geologist, stratigrapher, and structural geologist, before expanding his career into the international petroleum sector. Throughout his tenure in the United States, Dr. Selim Shaker served as an Exploration Geologist, contributing to prospect generation and evaluation across diverse regions including the offshore Gulf of Mexico, onshore Texas and Louisiana, as well as Egypt, Northwest Australia, Algeria, Libya, the North Sea, and China. Following his retirement from Phillips Petroleum Company in 2000, he transitioned to consulting for Knowledge System Inc. (KSI), where he collaborated on the development of the DrillWork software platform, advancing industry practices in pore pressure analysis and wellbore safety. Building upon this expertise, Dr. Shaker established Geopressure Analysis Services Inc. to specialize in pore and fracture pressure prediction, risk assessment of exploration prospects, geopressure compartmentalization, seal integrity, and salt-sediment interaction studies, with a particular focus on the Gulf of Mexico and other complex basins worldwide. His prolific scholarly contributions include more than 50 published papers and articles that address critical challenges in petroleum exploration and drilling safety, with 37 citations by 32 documents and an h-index of 4, reinforcing his reputation as a thought leader in applied geoscience. A dedicated professional, he maintains active memberships in leading scientific and technical organizations such as the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG), American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE), Houston Geological Society (HGS), and Geophysical Society of Houston (GSH). Through his enduring commitment to advancing geoscientific knowledge, mentoring future professionals, and applying innovative methodologies to reduce exploration risk, Dr. Selim Shaker continues to make lasting contributions to the petroleum industry, demonstrating both scientific rigor and industry leadership.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Shaker, S. S. (2024). Pore and fracture pressures prediction — A new geomechanic approach in deepwater salt overthrusts: Case histories from the Gulf of Mexico.

Shaker, S. S. (2020). Kicks and blowouts prediction before and during drilling in the over-pressured sediments.

Shaker, S. S. (2019). Pore pressure prediction before and during drilling applying the four zones method.

Qi Yang | Sustainable Polymer | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qi Yang | Sustainable Polymer | Best Academic Researcher Award

Teacher at Qingdao University of Science and Technology | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qi Yang is a dedicated researcher and academic in the field of polymer science and engineering, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Qingdao University of Science and Technology in 2014, followed by a Ph.D. in Material Science from the University of Science and Technology of China in 2019, where he conducted advanced research under the guidance of Prof. Xuequan Zhang. Since 2020, he has contributed significantly to teaching and research as a faculty member, while also expanding his international academic exposure through a postdoctoral fellowship at Tampere University from 2023 to 2025. His research interests center on developing eco-friendly synthetic pathways for diene rubbers, exploring novel structures and properties to enhance their industrial applications, and advancing functionalization methods to equip synthetic rubbers with innovative properties tailored for sectors including healthcare and electronics. He is also deeply engaged in creating stimuli-responsive rubber materials that react to light, heat, and magnetism, enabling their integration into soft robotics for intelligent, flexible actuation and adaptive deformation. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qi Yang scholarly contributions are evidenced by his publications in high-impact journals, covering topics such as selective polymerization of isoprene, novel copolymer designs for high-performance elastomers, light-responsive programmable materials, and sustainable thermoplastic elastomers. His work not only advances the understanding of polymer structures and properties but also bridges fundamental research with practical applications in advanced materials. With a strong foundation in material science and a focus on sustainable and intelligent polymer systems, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qi Yang continues to make meaningful contributions to the field, aiming to drive innovation in both academic research and industrial applications.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Liu, X., Yang, Q., Zhang, C., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2024). 3,4-Selective polymerization of isoprene by iron-based system: The key role of borate salts for enhancing catalytic activities and broadening 1,10-phenanthroline ligand scope.

Liu, X., Zheng, H., Wang, X., Jiang, Z., Gu, J., Liu, H., Zhang, C., Yang, Q., & Zhang, X. (2023). Novel butadiene/isoprene copolymer with predominant 1,2/3,4-units: A tough thermoplastic elastomer material with superior dynamic mechanical properties.

Yang, Q., Shahsavan, H., Deng, Z., Guo, H., Zhang, H., Liu, H., Zhang, C., Priimagi, A., Zhang, X., & Zeng, H. (2022). Semi‐crystalline rubber as a light‐responsive, programmable, resilient robotic material.

Yang, Q., Zheng, W., Zhao, W., Peng, C., Ren, J., Yu, Q., Hu, Y., & Zhang, X. (2019). One-way and two-way shape memory effects of a high-strain cis-1,4-polybutadiene–polyethylene copolymer based dynamic network via self-complementary quadruple hydrogen bonding.

Yang, Q., Peng, C., Ren, J., Zhao, W., Zheng, W., Zhang, C., Hu, Y., & Zhang, X. (2019). A near-infrared photoactuator based on shape memory semi-crystalline polymers toward light-fueled crane, grasper, and walker.

Yang, Q., Wang, X., Wang, B., Liu, Y., Sun, Y., Na, L., Wang, F., Zhang, C., Liu, H., & Zhang, X. (2021). Toward sustainable and strong ABA-type thermoplastic elastomers with poly(ε-caprolactone-co-4-methyl-ε-caprolactone) soft midblock and polystyrene hard end blocks.

Julia Shamshina | Biopolymeric Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Julia Shamshina | Biopolymeric Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University | United States

Assist. Prof. Dr. Julia Shamshina is an accomplished scientist and Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University, serving within the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute and the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, with an academic career defined by pioneering contributions to sustainable materials science and green chemistry. She earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering from D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, followed by a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from The University of Alabama, where she later completed postdoctoral research in Analytical Chemistry. With professional experience spanning academia, industry, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has held key scientific and leadership positions at institutions and companies including Streamline Automation, 525 Solutions, McGill University, and Mari Signum Mid-Atlantic, where her work received recognition through NASA Tech Brief and ACS Green Chemistry awards. Her research focuses on ionic liquids and biopolymers, particularly chitin and cellulose, with emphasis on designing scalable, biodegradable alternatives to plastics and advancing industrial applications of renewable polymers. She has led projects in green propulsion, pharmaceutical platforms, biopolymer composites, sustainable textile dyes, and advanced biomedical scaffolds, achieving a record of 108 peer-reviewed publications, 23 patents, and over a dozen book chapters, along with extensive editorial service across leading journals. Her impact is reflected in 4,936 citations across 3,651 documents, supported by an h-index of 40, underscoring the global recognition of her research excellence. Her consultancy and collaborations with industry and national laboratories highlight her ability to bridge fundamental science with commercialization, fostering circular bioeconomy solutions. Recognized among the world’s top 2% scientists for multiple consecutive years, she is an active member of international professional societies, including the American Chemical Society and the European Chitin Society, and has contributed to organizing and presiding over symposia worldwide. Her research interests include ionic liquids, biopolymer separations, functional biomaterials, and renewable chemical processes, with a vision of transforming waste streams and natural resources into value-added, sustainable products. With her innovative spirit, global collaborations, and dedication to environmentally responsible material development, Assist. Prof. Dr. Julia Shamshina continues to shape the future of green chemistry and sustainable biomaterials, inspiring both academic progress and industrial innovation.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Panackal Shibu, R., Jafari, M., Sagala, S. L., & Shamshina, J. L. (2025). Chitin nanowhiskers: A review of manufacturing, processing, and the influence of content on composite reinforcement and property enhancement.

Zannat, A., Eason, I., Wylie, B., Rogers, R. D., Berton, P., & Shamshina, J. L. (2025). Comparative analysis of chitin isolation techniques from mushrooms: Toward sustainable production of high-purity biopolymer.

Shi, S., Wang, Y., Ye, Z., Xie, H., Liu, C., Liao, J., Zhao, D., Sun, Q., Shamshina, J. L., & Shen, X. (2025). Dual‐working‐pattern nanosheet‐based hydrogel sensors for constructing human‐machine and physiological‐electric interfaces.

Jayalath, P., Ananthakrishnan, K., Jeong, S., Panackal Shibu, R., Zhang, M., Kumar, D., Yoo, C. G., Shamshina, J. L., & Therasme, O. (2025). Bio-based polyurethane materials: Technical, environmental, and economic insights.

Rajan, K., Berton, P., Rogers, R. D., & Shamshina, J. L. (2024). Is Kraft pulping the future of biorefineries? A perspective on the sustainability of lignocellulosic product development.

Basak, T., & Shamshina, J. L. (2024). Design of chitin cell culture matrices for 3D tissue engineering: The importance of chitin types, solvents, cross-linkers, and fabrication techniques.

Shkuratov, A. S., Panackal Shibu, R., Therasme, O., Berton, P., & Shamshina, J. L. (2024). Sustainable production of chitin nanowhiskers from crustacean biomass using cost-effective ionic liquids: Strategies to avoid byproduct formation.