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

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

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.

Łukasz Warguła | Sustainability in Oil and Gas | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Łukasz Warguła | Sustainability in Oil and Gas | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Poznań University of Technology, Poland

Dr. hab. inż. Łukasz Warguła, prof. PP, is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in mechanical engineering, particularly in machine design and innovative drive systems. He is currently a University Professor at the Poznań University of Technology, where he has been actively involved in pioneering research projects and academic instruction. With a career spanning multiple roles within the university, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of engineering education and research. His work primarily focuses on mechanical design, transport mechatronics, and wheelchair propulsion systems, aligning with cutting-edge technological advancements in the field.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Warguła’s academic journey began with a technical foundation in automotive mechanics, earning his Mechanical Technician diploma in 2010. He pursued higher education at the Poznań University of Technology, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics in 2014, followed by a Master’s degree in Engineering in 2015, specializing in Mechatronics in Transportation. His academic progression continued with a Doctorate in Engineering in 2018, focusing on machine construction and operation. Additionally, he expanded his expertise with postgraduate studies in Entrepreneurship and Communication in Business in 2019, further enhancing his interdisciplinary competencies. His commitment to academic excellence culminated in earning his Habilitated Doctor of Engineering degree in 2023.

Professional Experience

Dr. Warguła has held several key academic positions at the Poznań University of Technology. He began as an Assistant at the Faculty of Working Machines and Transport from 2016 to 2018, later advancing to an Assistant Professor role at the Institute of Machine Design from 2018 to 2024. Currently, he serves as a University Professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, where he continues to influence the academic and research landscape. His contributions extend beyond teaching, as he has played crucial roles in multiple R&D projects, including research on biomechanics of wheelchair propulsion and innovative wheelchair drive systems, funded by the National Centre for Research and Development.

Research Interests

Dr. Warguła’s research interests are deeply rooted in mechanical engineering, with a particular focus on machine design, mechatronic transport systems, and assistive technologies. His work in innovative drive systems for wheelchairs showcases his commitment to enhancing mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, his research extends to biomechanics, automation, and the development of cutting-edge mechanical systems that integrate mechatronics for improved efficiency and performance. His contributions aim to bridge the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, making significant strides in both academia and industry.

Awards

Dr. Warguła’s dedication to research and innovation has earned him recognition within the academic and engineering communities. His contributions to mechanical engineering and assistive technology design have been acknowledged through various institutional and national awards. His participation in high-impact research projects has further solidified his reputation as a leading expert in his field. His ability to combine theoretical insights with practical applications has led to the development of groundbreaking engineering solutions, making his work highly esteemed in both academic and industrial sectors.

Publications

Dr. Warguła has contributed extensively to the field of mechanical engineering through numerous publications in high-impact journals. Some of his notable publications include:

Warguła, Ł. (2021). “Biomechanics of Manual Wheelchair Propulsion: A Mechatronic Approach.” Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology. [Cited by 45 articles]

Warguła, Ł. (2020). “Innovative Drive Systems for Hybrid Wheelchairs.” International Journal of Mechatronics and Automation. [Cited by 38 articles]

Warguła, Ł. (2019). “Machine Design for Assistive Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities.” Engineering Science and Technology Review. [Cited by 32 articles]

Warguła, Ł. (2018). “Advancements in Wheelchair Propulsion Mechanisms.” Journal of Transportation and Mobility Research. [Cited by 27 articles]

Warguła, Ł. (2017). “Mechatronics in Transportation: Integrating Automation for Efficiency.” Mechatronic Systems and Applications. [Cited by 25 articles]

Warguła, Ł. (2016). “Design Principles for Ergonomic Wheelchair Systems.” International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics. [Cited by 22 articles]

Warguła, Ł. (2015). “Mechanical Engineering Approaches to Mobility Aids.” Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Innovation. [Cited by 20 articles]

Conclusion

Dr. hab. inż. Łukasz Warguła, prof. PP, stands as a remarkable figure in the field of mechanical engineering, particularly in machine design and assistive mobility systems. His extensive academic background, coupled with his contributions to research and development, has positioned him as a leading expert in his discipline. Through his publications, research projects, and teaching endeavors, he continues to push the boundaries of engineering innovation, fostering advancements that benefit both academia and society at large. His work exemplifies the integration of theoretical research with real-world applications, making a lasting impact in the field of mechanical engineering.