Chief General Manager at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, R&D Centre, India

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das is an accomplished chemical engineer and a senior research leader with nearly three decades of expertise in petroleum refining technology, sustainability, and circular economy initiatives. Currently serving as the Chief General Manager at the IndianOil R&D Centre, he leads the Refinery Technology area and has been instrumental in driving innovation, commercialization, and strategic deployment of advanced refining technologies. His groundbreaking work in residue upgradation, crude-to-chemicals conversion, and plastic circularity solutions has significantly contributed to energy transition goals and environmental sustainability in India’s refining sector.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Das obtained his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, after completing his M.Tech in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. His foundational studies began with a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from Calcutta University. These prestigious academic credentials laid the groundwork for his exceptional research capabilities and technical leadership in the domain of refining technologies.

Experience

Since joining the IndianOil R&D Centre in 1995, Dr. Das has steadily advanced through technical and leadership roles, amassing nearly 30 years of experience in industrial R&D, troubleshooting, pilot-scale validation, and full-scale commercialization. Between 1995 and 2013, he played a pivotal role in developing and implementing a range of catalytic and refining processes, such as INDMAX, INDALIN, DIST-Extra, and Fischer Tropsch synthesis. From 2014 to 2025, he has spearheaded the Refining Technology division, driving the development of strategic technologies including Ind-Coker for residue upgradation, Needle Coke Technology, INDEcoP2F for plastic circularity, and novel methods for waste-to-energy and CO₂ valorization. His hands-on involvement spans across the development pipeline—conceptualization, R&D, scale-up, plant design, and commercialization of technologies now operating in several IndianOil refineries.

Research Interests

His research interests are multidisciplinary, encompassing catalytic cracking, heavy oil upgradation, production of light olefins and aromatics from crude oil, needle coke synthesis, isomerization, and bio-oil and plastic waste processing. More recently, his focus has expanded to circular economy solutions like INDEcoP2F, aiming to convert waste plastics into fuels, and Crude-to-Chemical technologies that align with future net-zero and energy-efficient refinery configurations. Dr. Das’s intellectual rigor is demonstrated through over 210 patents (144 granted globally), more than 90 journal and conference publications, and numerous collaborative industry-academic R&D projects.

Awards

Dr. Das’s distinguished career is recognized through a series of national-level accolades. He received the National Petroleum Management Program (NPMP) award twice (2002–03 and 2003–04) for INDMAX and Needle Coke technologies, respectively.

In 2004, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) awarded him for INDMAX commercialization. He was honored with the AIMA Breakthrough Innovation in R&D award in 2017 and again in 2025 under Business Model Innovation for IV-IZOMaxCATR technology.

Among his most recent accolades are the 2019–20 Innovation Award for Delayed Coker Technology, the 2022–23 Innovation Award for INDEcoP2F plastic-to-fuel technology, and the 2023–24 Innovation Award for IV-IZOMaxCATR.

In 2025, he was also conferred the “Jewel of India” award by the KTK Outstanding Achievers and Education Foundation for his remarkable contributions to the petroleum sector.

Publications

Among his notable publications are:

“CO-Hydrogenation over silica supported iron based catalysts: Influence of potassium loading” in Applied Energy (2013); “Silica supported Fe-Cu-K catalysts for Syngas conversion to fuel” in Fuel Processing Technology (2014);

“Molecular Level Structural Insight into Clarified Oil by NMR Spectroscopy” in Energy & Fuels (2017);

“Study of thermal cracking kinetics and co-processing of bio-crude” in Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (2023); “Experimental study on feasibility of using delayed coking for high acidic crude oil” in Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis (2025);

“Octamax®: IndianOil technology for olefinic C4 valorization” in Oil Gas & Power Magazine (2025); and “Co-conversion of Biomass and Petroleum Vacuum Residue” submitted to Fuels (2025).

These contributions have been cited in numerous academic and industrial studies, reflecting his impact across research communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Satyen Kumar Das exemplifies technical excellence, innovation, and leadership in refining science. His work not only aligns with the strategic goals of energy security and sustainable development but also advances the Indian oil refining industry’s global competitiveness. His unparalleled achievements in research, technology development, and commercialization make him an outstanding candidate for any award recognizing excellence in engineering innovation and impact.

Dahai Wang | Petroleum Geology | Best Researcher Award

Published on 12/05/2025 by Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Dahai Wang | Petroleum Geology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, China

Dahai Wang is a distinguished researcher at the Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute with over 15 years of expertise in unconventional petroleum geology. His work has significantly advanced the understanding and development of fine-grained sedimentary reservoirs, particularly in tight sandstone gas, deep carbonate formations, and shale oil/gas systems. As a leading contributor to the field, he integrates reservoir characterization, fluid dynamics, and hydraulic fracturing optimization to enhance hydrocarbon recovery in low-permeability geological settings. His innovations have not only contributed to scientific knowledge but also improved operational performance across various national-scale energy projects, positioning him as a vital contributor to China’s energy security and sustainable development.

Profile

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Education

Dahai Wang’s educational background is rooted in geosciences with a specialization in petroleum engineering and sedimentary geology. His formal training and subsequent professional development have laid a strong academic foundation, enabling his transition from theoretical research to practical applications. His education emphasized the coupling of geological modeling with engineering techniques, equipping him with the multidisciplinary insights necessary for handling the complexity of unconventional reservoirs.

Experience

Over the course of his career, Dahai Wang has amassed rich and varied professional experience. He has led and participated in seven major research projects, including the influential “Ordos Basin Large Low-Permeability Lithologic Reservoir Demonstration Project.” In this initiative, he spearheaded the development of an integrated reservoir prediction and fracturing optimization system that increased reservoir prediction accuracy by 20%, boosted single-well productivity by 15%, and contributed to a 10% rise in the annual output at the Changqing Oilfield. His track record extends to 18 consultancy and industry projects, demonstrating his strong engagement with real-world applications. His collaborative work with industry partners ensures his research outputs are scalable, impactful, and practically viable.

Research Interest

Wang’s primary research interests revolve around unconventional oil and gas geology, particularly focusing on low-permeability and subsalt reservoirs. He has made significant contributions to reservoir prediction, hydraulic fracturing techniques, and helium enrichment mechanisms. One of his most innovative achievements is the proposal of a “bauxite layer-controlled” helium enrichment model, which led to China’s first discovery of a bauxite-hosted helium reservoir. Furthermore, his advances in subsalt reservoir evaluation helped identify three large subsalt targets, each with over 500 BCM of gas resources, and facilitated the optimization of ten high-yield zones in the southern Ordos Basin. These efforts have directly contributed to reducing exploration risk by 30%.

Award

Dahai Wang’s contributions to the field have earned him numerous recognitions, including editorial appointments and professional memberships, such as with the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts (SPWLA). His technical leadership in national projects and innovative methodologies have positioned him as a top contender for the Best Researcher Award. His patents—ten published or under process—highlight the novelty and application of his research outcomes. Additionally, his leadership and achievements in industry-collaborated projects underscore his alignment with the goals of sustainable resource development and national energy priorities.

Publications

Wang’s scholarly impact is reflected in his peer-reviewed publications and citation metrics. He has authored seven key journal publications in reputed scientific outlets. Notable works include:

“Hydraulic Fracturing Optimization in Tight Gas Reservoirs,” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2017, cited by 56 articles;
“Characterization of Deep Carbonate Rocks in the Ordos Basin,” Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2018, cited by 42 articles;
“Helium Enrichment and Bauxite Layer Control Mechanisms,” Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2019, cited by 37 articles;
“Integrated Modeling for Subsalt Gas Exploration,” AAPG Bulletin, 2020, cited by 33 articles;
“Fracture Prediction in Low-Permeability Reservoirs,” Fuel, 2021, cited by 29 articles;
“Evaluation of Shale Oil Potential in China,” Energy Exploration & Exploitation, 2022, cited by 25 articles;
“Technological Framework for Unconventional Resource Development,” Journal of Energy Resources Technology, 2023, cited by 19 articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dahai Wang exemplifies excellence in petroleum engineering through his sustained contributions to unconventional resource exploration and development. His career blends rigorous academic research with practical innovations that have yielded measurable industry impacts. His ability to lead national-level projects, publish influential research, and drive technological advancements makes him a deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. With a vision aligned with sustainable and efficient energy production, he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the domain of unconventional oil and gas geology.

Abirmoy Ghosh | Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on 10/05/2025 by Petroleum Engineering

Mr. Abirmoy Ghosh | Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Manager at INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LIMITED PANIPAT REFINERY, India

Abirmoy Ghosh is a dynamic and results-oriented professional currently serving as Manager at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Panipat Refinery. With a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and over nine years of experience in refinery operations and R&D, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in mechanical design, engineering, and stress analysis. Abirmoy’s contributions have had a tangible impact on the reliability and performance of critical refinery systems, addressing long-standing mechanical challenges through innovative research and engineering interventions. His work bridges practical industrial needs with technical rigor, making him a valuable asset to the engineering and research community.

Profile

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Education

Abirmoy holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Technology degree in Applied Mechanics, both from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. His academic training laid a strong theoretical and analytical foundation, which he has effectively translated into real-world problem-solving capabilities. His education has enabled him to approach refinery challenges with a structured methodology grounded in core mechanical principles and advanced analytical techniques.

Experience

Abirmoy Ghosh brings nine years of specialized experience in the petroleum refining sector through his tenure at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited. His career has spanned both refinery operations and the Research & Development Centre of IOCL, where he has played pivotal roles in project execution, failure analysis, and mechanical design. He has been involved in troubleshooting, upgrading, and maintaining critical refinery components across multiple IOCL sites. His expertise in stress analysis and mechanical integrity assessments has contributed significantly to the enhancement of safety, reliability, and efficiency in refinery operations.

Research Interest

Abirmoy’s research interests lie primarily in mechanical design and stress analysis with a focus on solving persistent mechanical failures in refinery systems. He is particularly driven by industrial problems that demand customized analytical and engineering solutions. His recent work on improving the reliability of expansion joints in the reactor overhead lines of Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) units exemplifies his approach to research—targeting chronic issues with precision analysis, solution engineering, and practical implementation. His broader interests include fatigue analysis, material behavior under stress, and high-temperature component reliability.

Award

In recognition of his pioneering work in addressing a long-pending reliability issue in a critical refinery system, Abirmoy Ghosh is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative contributions to mechanical failure analysis and design optimization have delivered significant operational improvements, directly impacting plant reliability and safety. The research he led resolved a problem that had persisted for over three decades, exemplifying his capability to translate academic and analytical insight into transformative industrial solutions.

Publication

Abirmoy has one notable journal publication to his credit.

“Failure Analysis and Reliability Improvement of Expansion Joint in FCC Reactor Overhead Line of Petroleum Refinery”, Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention, Springer, 2025. Cited by 4 articles to date.

This publication details the comprehensive engineering analysis and design enhancements that resolved a persistent failure in one of the most critical components of a refinery’s FCC unit.

His work provides a replicable model for solving similar high-stress failure problems in other heavy-industrial settings, underlining both technical depth and industrial relevance.

Conclusion

Abirmoy Ghosh exemplifies the ideal balance between academic rigor and industrial pragmatism. His contributions in the domain of mechanical design and reliability engineering have not only solved a historically unaddressed issue in IOCL’s refinery operations but have also set a benchmark for problem-solving in the petroleum refining industry. His deep technical insight, backed by strong educational credentials and a track record of impactful implementation, makes him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Abirmoy continues to strive toward innovative solutions that improve reliability and safety, making him a valuable leader in engineering and applied research.

Hossein Kiani | Future of Fossil Fuels and Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

Published on 06/05/2025 by Petroleum Engineering

Mr. Hossein Kiani | Future of Fossil Fuels and Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

Master’s degree graduate at Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran

Hossein Kiani is a motivated and technically adept researcher specializing in power systems engineering with a primary focus on renewable energy integration, power quality, and energy systems optimization. Throughout his academic and professional journey, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing efficient, sustainable, and economically viable energy solutions. His technical capabilities and leadership in both research and academic settings have positioned him as a promising contributor to the global energy transition.

Profile

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Education

Kiani pursued his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Power Systems at Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Iran, from 2021 to 2024. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Zanjan University between 2014 and 2016. His graduate studies were characterized by a deep dive into hybrid energy systems, distributed energy resource planning, and power system market analysis, further enhanced by hands-on experience in laboratory environments and participation in energy-focused conferences.

Experience

Hossein has garnered diverse academic and practical experiences in the power and energy domain. He has served as a teaching assistant for core courses such as Power Quality, Electric Power Markets, Electric Machines I, and Electrical Energy Systems I at Amirkabir University. Additionally, he manages the Power Quality Lab at the same institution, where he works under the supervision of a full professor in electrical engineering. His professional contributions extend to multiple academic conferences, where he has played a key role as a reviewer and executive committee member. These engagements have honed his critical analysis, organizational, and peer collaboration skills, reinforcing his profile as both a researcher and educator in the power systems field.

Research Interest

His primary research interests lie in the modeling, design, and optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems; stochastic scheduling in distributed energy networks; frequency control in smart grids; and market-based analysis of renewable energy participation. Kiani focuses on integrating uncertainty analysis and demand-side management strategies to enhance the reliability and efficiency of electrical and thermal energy systems. His work often involves leveraging software tools such as MATLAB, HOMER Pro, GAMS, and DIgSILENT PowerFactory to simulate and optimize complex energy scenarios, bridging theoretical research with real-world application.

Award

Kiani’s contributions to the field have already been recognized with accolades, including the Best Paper Award at the 13th International Conference on Smart Grids (SGC) in 2023. This award reflects both the originality and the technical rigor of his research in the area of smart grids and hybrid energy solutions. His continuous involvement in high-level academic forums and multiple peer-review roles underscores the growing recognition of his work by the energy systems research community.

Publications

Among his notable scholarly contributions are seven key publications.

These include “Techno-economical Optimal Design of Hybrid Renewable Energy Resources Across Diverse Sites Based on Sensitivity Analysis,” published in AUT Journal of Electrical Engineering; “Optimal Sizing and Siting of Renewable Energy Sources in a ADN Using Meta-Heuristic Algorithms Considering Participation in Energy Market and Resources Uncertainty,” published in 2025 (IEEE), cited for its innovative approach to distributed energy planning; “Designing an Optimal Integrated Energy System Including Sustainable Resources for Real-Time Electrical and Thermal Loads Supplying, Considering Grid Interaction,” 2024 (IEEE); and “Evaluating the Non-participation Penalty in Renewable Energy Utilization to Supply a Portion of Electricity for Large Industries in Iran,” 2024 (IEEE).

Other significant works include “Comparison of Long-term Energy Demand Forecasting in Developing and Developed Countries Using Machine Learning-based Algorithms,” 2024 (IEEE); “A Novel Approach for Frequency Control in Smart Grids Utilizing Thermal Equipment for Emergency Situations,” 2023 (IEEE); and “Optimal Design and Economic Comparison of a Hybrid Energy System in Iran and Switzerland with Sensitivity Analysis,” 2023 (IEEE).

These publications have collectively garnered increasing citations and have contributed valuable insights to fields like energy system planning and uncertainty modeling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hossein Kiani’s academic rigor, technical proficiency, and dedication to sustainable energy solutions distinguish him as a valuable contributor to the electrical engineering community. His combination of hands-on laboratory work, active teaching roles, peer-reviewed publications, and recognition through awards exemplifies a well-rounded profile committed to excellence in power systems research. With his ongoing work on advanced topics such as virtual power plants, peer-to-peer energy trading, and demand response strategies, Kiani continues to push the boundaries of innovation in modern energy systems.

Jingye Liu | Future of Fossil Fuels and Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

Published on 02/05/2025 by Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Jingye Liu | Future of Fossil Fuels and Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

Doctoral Student at China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), China

Jingye Liu is a promising early-career scholar in the field of management science and engineering with a focus on energy systems and supply chain security. Currently pursuing his doctoral studies at the School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Liu demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing critical issues in global energy supply chains. His research integrates complex quantitative models and real-world policy relevance, contributing meaningful insights into China’s crude oil security strategies. Despite being at the early stages of his academic journey, Liu has already authored several influential publications in prestigious journals and is actively engaged in collaborative, policy-driven research that tackles geopolitical energy challenges.

Profile

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Education

Jingye Liu is undertaking a Ph.D. in Management Science and Engineering at the China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), which commenced in September 2023 and is expected to conclude in June 2027. Under the supervision of Professor Rijia Ding, his doctoral work is rooted in multidisciplinary methodologies, combining systems engineering, energy economics, and data-driven decision-making. His academic foundation supports an applied approach to analyzing the energy sector, particularly focused on crude oil supply chain dynamics and national energy security frameworks.

Experience

Although still a Ph.D. candidate, Liu has accumulated substantial experience through collaborative academic research and publication efforts. Working alongside faculty and other researchers, he has been integrally involved in national-level studies evaluating the structure and vulnerabilities of China’s energy systems. His role often includes constructing evaluation models, analyzing large datasets, and interpreting policy implications based on empirical outcomes. Through his research, Liu has developed a nuanced understanding of strategic petroleum reserves, maritime logistics, and risk mitigation strategies. His capacity for teamwork, quantitative analysis, and strategic thinking has earned him recognition among peers and mentors alike.

Research Interest

Jingye Liu’s primary research interests lie in the areas of energy policy, supply chain security, and risk assessment in the context of geopolitical and domestic variables. He is particularly invested in exploring the vulnerabilities and optimization strategies within China’s crude oil supply chain. His work involves employing life-cycle analysis, DEA-like models, and system dynamics to evaluate security performance and provide evidence-based recommendations. Liu is also interested in renewable energy integration, international energy cooperation, and the development of early-warning systems for energy risk monitoring, aligning with global efforts toward sustainable and resilient energy infrastructures.

Award

While still building his academic career, Jingye Liu has earned early recognition through participation in national research projects and contribution to high-impact publications. His co-authored article in Energy Strategy Reviews, a leading journal in energy policy and strategy, stands as a testament to his growing influence in the field. Though no formal awards are listed in the resume, his selection to work on national-level energy risk evaluation projects reflects a form of institutional acknowledgment and academic trust that reinforces the merit of his contributions.

Publication

Jingye Liu has published impactful research in peer-reviewed journals, notably contributing to the following article:

Accessing the security of crude oil supply chain: The case of China, published in Energy Strategy Reviews, Volume 59, May 2025 (Cited by: [data not specified]). Co-authored with Fengqi Guo, Ying Shi, Rijia Ding, and Zhen Chen, this study presents a comprehensive life-cycle risk assessment model to evaluate China’s crude oil supply chain from 2012 to 2022.

The article offers policy recommendations to mitigate upstream vulnerabilities and enhance national energy resilience through expanded strategic reserves and maritime autonomy.

Although this is his most prominently documented publication, Liu is actively engaged in research that is expected to yield further high-quality outputs, reinforcing his academic trajectory and potential impact on the field.

Conclusion

Jingye Liu represents the next generation of researchers committed to securing global and national energy systems through rigorous analytical methods and policy-relevant research. His doctoral journey is already marked by meaningful contributions, including a major journal publication and active participation in strategic research collaborations. With a foundation in management science and engineering and a focus on real-world energy challenges, Liu is well-positioned to contribute significantly to academic and policy discussions in the coming years. His nomination for this award is supported by his academic rigor, innovative research focus, and evident potential to shape the future of energy system analysis and management.