WeonJae Kim | Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. WeonJae Kim | Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Fellow at Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology | China

Prof. Dr. WeonJae Kim is a distinguished environmental engineer whose pioneering research has significantly advanced sustainable water and wastewater treatment technologies. His work focuses on the regeneration and recovery of environmental resources through innovative approaches such as crystallization, mineral carbonation, and advanced oxidation processes, aiming to create practical and scalable solutions that contribute to global carbon neutrality and climate change mitigation. A key highlight of his research is the development of “water-based CCUS” technology, an original concept utilizing water to safely, permanently, and eco-friendly dispose of carbon dioxide, offering a breakthrough approach to achieving large-scale carbon reduction. Over his extensive career, Dr. Kim has authored numerous influential publications in international and domestic journals, covering subjects like nutrient recovery, greywater treatment, biogas purification, and aquatic environment enhancement. His prolific patent portfolio demonstrates his strong commitment to transforming scientific knowledge into applied innovations that enhance sustainability and industrial efficiency. Through collaborative, interdisciplinary projects, he has developed novel methods for phosphorus and nitrogen recovery, non-powered water circulation systems, and next-generation environmental purification processes. A respected academic and research leader, Prof. Dr. WeonJae Kim has presented his work at major international conferences and contributed to advancing the discourse on environmental protection and resource recovery. His excellence has been recognized with multiple national and institutional awards honoring his achievements in technological innovation, environmental research, and academic mentorship. Guided by a vision of integrating engineering principles with ecological balance, Prof. Dr. WeonJae Kim continues to drive research that safeguards water systems, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports a sustainable future. His lifelong dedication to environmental technology, combined with his leadership in bridging research and practical application, has positioned him as a leading figure in global environmental science and an enduring contributor to the pursuit of cleaner and more resilient ecosystems.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Akter, J., Kim, W., Kim, I., & Lee, J. (2023). Real-time organic compound monitoring in advanced oxidation process (AOP) of anaerobic digestion effluent: Introduction of UV-VIS spectrum representative index by discrete Fourier transform.

Maghfiroh, M., Park, N., Chang, H., Lim, H., & Kim, W.* (2023). Ammonium removal and recovery from greywater using the combination of ion exchange and air stripping: The utilization of NaOH for the regeneration of natural zeolites.

Maghfiroh, M., Park, N. R., Chang, H. Y., Jung, J. H., Ahn, K. H., Lim, H. M., & Kim, W. J.* (2023). Ammonium removal and recovery using natural zeolites and air stripping technique for greywater treatment.

Ji, S.*, Kim, W., Han, S., Jeong, S., & Park, T. (2023). Stability enhancement of reformate-fueled, low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell with nickel thin-film anode by water bubbling.

Kang, J.-H., Kim, J., Namgung, H.-K., Kim, W., Yun, S.-L., & Song, J.* (2023). Effects of electric potential and organic loading on the removal of hydrogen sulfide emitted from wastewater sediments using a submerged electrochemical oxidation system.

Mingxuan Gu | Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage | Best Carbon Capture and Storage Award

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Dr. Mingxuan Gu | Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage | Best Carbon Capture and Storage Award

Assistant Research Fellow at Chengdu University of Technology | China

Dr. Mingxuan Gu is an accomplished Assistant Research Fellow specializing in the geological storage of carbon dioxide at Huairou National Laboratory, Beijing. He holds a Ph.D. in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering and a strong academic foundation in exploration technology and petroleum engineering. His research focuses on multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging, reservoir evaluation, and the integration of artificial intelligence with physical meaning constraints for advanced subsurface analysis. Dr. Gu’s innovative contributions have significantly advanced the understanding and quantitative evaluation of fluid components in complex geological formations, particularly through the use of 2D and multidimensional NMR spectra. His scholarly work has been featured in leading international journals such as Marine and Petroleum Geology, Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, Energy & Fuels, and Computers and Geosciences. He has also presented his findings at prestigious global conferences, reflecting his engagement with the international scientific community. Dr. Gu has authored 12 research documents, which have collectively received 84 citations across 55 citing documents, demonstrating the growing recognition and impact of his work. He holds an h-index of 6, reflecting the quality and influence of his scholarly contributions in the field. His research emphasizes practical applications in carbon storage and reservoir characterization, contributing to cleaner and more efficient energy solutions. Through his dedication to advancing NMR-based methodologies and his commitment to sustainable subsurface exploration, Dr. Gu continues to establish himself as a leading researcher in the intersection of artificial intelligence, petrophysics, and carbon sequestration.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Gu, M., Xie, R., & Jin, G. (2021). A machine-learning based quantitative evaluation of the fluid components on T2-D spectrum.

Gu, M., Xie, R., & Xiao, L. (2021). A novel method for NMR data denoising based on discrete cosine transform and variable length windows.

Gu, M., Xie, R., Jin, G., et al. (2021). A hybrid compression method for the NMR data based on Window Averaging and Discrete Cosine Transform.

Gu, M., Xie, R., Jin, G., et al. (2021). Quantitative evaluation for fluid components on 2D NMR spectrum using Blind Source Separation.

Gu, M., Xie, R., & Xiao, L. (2021). Two-step inversion method for NMR relaxometry data using norm smoothing and artificial fish swarm algorithm.

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.

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.

Gabriel Dragos Vasilescu | Sustainable Development and Clean Energy | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Prof. Gabriel Dragos Vasilescu | Sustainable Development and Clean Energy | Best Academic Researcher Award

Researcher at National Institute for Research and Development in Mine Safety and Protection to Explosion, Romania

Gabriel Dragoș Vasilescu is a highly distinguished Romanian researcher, engineer, and academic whose career has been defined by outstanding contributions to occupational safety, environmental protection, industrial risk assessment, and the management of explosive materials. With over 25 years of professional experience, he has become one of Romania’s foremost authorities in industrial engineering, particularly in the fields of mine safety, explosion prevention, and hazard mitigation. He currently holds the position of Scientific Researcher Grade I and serves as the Head of the Laboratory for Material Explosives and Pyrotechnic Articles at the National Institute for Research and Development in Mine Safety and Protection to Explosion (INCD INSEMEX Petroșani). He is also a dedicated academic, serving as a doctoral supervisor and associate professor at the University of Petroșani, where he is actively involved in the training of future engineers and researchers.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Vasilescu’s educational background laid a solid foundation for his scientific and technical achievements. He graduated in 1995 with a degree in Mining Machinery and Equipment Engineering from the Technical University of Petroșani, one of Romania’s premier institutions for mining and industrial studies. Driven by an unrelenting pursuit of excellence and innovation, he continued his academic journey and earned a Doctorate in Industrial Engineering from the University of Petroșani in 2006. Over the years, he has furthered his professional development through an array of specialized postgraduate studies and technical certifications. These include diplomas and certifications in risk and safety assessment, environmental auditing, noise and vibration measurement, and explosive safety management, obtained from respected institutions such as Brüel & Kjær University in Denmark, the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, and the National Research and Development Institute for Environmental Protection (INCDPM) Bucharest.

Experience

Vasilescu’s professional career spans nearly 30 years at the National Institute for Research and Development for Mine Safety and Explosion Protection (INCD INSEMEX Petroșani), Romania. Starting as a research assistant in 1995, he advanced through various roles, including Scientific Researcher III and Head of multiple laboratories such as the Risk Evaluation Laboratory and the Laboratory for Tests on Noise and Vibrations. Since April 2016, he has served as the Head of the Laboratory for Material Explosives and Pyrotechnic Articles. In these roles, he has managed risk evaluation projects, supervised technical safety research, developed occupational health guidelines, conducted field training, and led dissemination efforts at national and international forums. Vasilescu also contributes to academia as a doctoral supervisor and associate professor at the University of Petroșani.

Research Interests

His core research focuses on occupational safety, industrial risk assessment, environmental noise and vibration analysis, pyrotechnics safety, and technological innovation in hazard control systems. Vasilescu has consistently explored the intersection of engineering principles with health and environmental science, contributing significantly to developing frameworks for integrated management systems in workplace safety. His innovative work spans probabilistic modeling for risk diagnostics, automation of safety systems in mining, and the engineering of complex safety environments. His interdisciplinary approach has provided viable solutions for both civil explosives management and general occupational health systems.

Awards

Gabriel-Dragoș Vasilescu has received several prestigious recognitions for his innovative contributions to environmental protection and geological resource management. Between 2003 and 2005, he was honored with four awards at the International Exhibitions of Inventions – INVENTICA SIMPRO ROPET and INVENTOR – for his work on industrial safety systems. These awards reflect his dedication to advancing applied science for public and industrial welfare, recognizing his capability to translate theoretical models into practical and scalable safety solutions.

Publications

Vasilescu has authored and co-authored over 175 scientific papers, with many published in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. A sample of his notable publications includes:

  1. “Methods for Analysis and Evaluation of Occupational Accidents and Diseases Risks,” Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2007 (Cited by 42 articles).

  2. “Establishing the Acceptable Risk Level in Occupational Accidents,” Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2007 (Cited by 38 articles).

  3. “Research in the Engineering of Complex Systems Safety,” Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2008 (Cited by 34 articles).

  4. “Advanced System for Risk Assessment of the Security Expressed in the Complex Labor System,” WSEAS Transactions on Advances in Engineering Education, 2010 (Cited by 31 articles).

  5. “Advanced Prediction Procedure for the Underground Stress Manifested in the Undermined Coal Bed Works,” WSEAS Transactions on Advances in Engineering Education, 2010 (Cited by 29 articles).

  6. “Equipment and Technology for Assessing Safety Parameters by Remote Control of the Mine Underground Atmosphere,” WSEAS Transactions, 2010 (Cited by 27 articles).

  7. “Book Review – Unconventional Methods to Analyse and Evaluate Occupational Risk,” Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2009 (Cited by 21 articles).

Conclusion

Gabriel-Dragoș Vasilescu stands out as a dynamic figure in the field of occupational and environmental safety research. With a unique blend of scientific rigor, educational leadership, and practical field expertise, he has played a pivotal role in improving the safety conditions in hazardous work environments. His academic contributions, policy-shaping research, and commitment to innovation make him an exceptional candidate for recognition in any prestigious award platform focused on scientific achievement, engineering excellence, or industrial safety.