Katia Sofia D S Gomes | Renewable Energy and Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Katia Sofia D S Gomes | Renewable Energy and Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate and Research Assistant at RWTH Aachen University | Germany

Katia D. S. Gomes is an emerging scholar with a strong foundation in civil engineering and energy systems. Currently pursuing her PhD, she brings over two years of academic research experience, particularly in energy project development, modelling, and international collaboration. Katia is well-versed in utilizing advanced modelling tools such as EnergyPLAN, OSeMOSYS, and HOMER. Her academic journey is marked by cross-cultural exposure and a passion for sustainable energy transitions. Through her roles in academia and industry, she has demonstrated strong skills in proposal writing, project coordination, and analytical thinking. Katia continues to contribute to energy sustainability through her innovative research.

Profile

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Education

Katia holds a Master of Science in Energy and Green Hydrogen, which she completed at the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal. Her graduate studies focused on the economics, policies, and technologies of green hydrogen, reflecting a deep interdisciplinary understanding of energy transitions. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University Jean Piaget of Cape Verde. Her academic trajectory shows a commitment to continuous learning and the application of engineering principles to solve real-world energy problems, particularly in developing regions and cross-border collaborative settings.

Experience

Katia has accumulated a wealth of experience through progressive roles in both academic and industry settings. Currently, she works as a research assistant at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, contributing to energy modelling and proposal development for hydrogen-related projects across Africa and Europe. She also supported the university as a student assistant in 2023. Before her academic tenure, she worked as a civil engineer at Varela & Engineering in Cape Verde from 2019 to 2021, overseeing infrastructure projects. Her diverse background blends practical engineering skills with academic rigor, enabling her to lead and support international energy initiatives effectively.

Research Interest

Katia’s research interests revolve around energy transition technologies, green hydrogen integration, and sustainable energy modelling. She is particularly focused on using computational tools like EnergyPLAN, HOMER, and OSeMOSYS to simulate energy systems in African and European contexts. Her research aims to evaluate the feasibility and optimization of hydrogen infrastructure and its socio-economic implications. Katia is also interested in the intersection of policy, infrastructure, and regional cooperation in renewable energy projects. Her interdisciplinary approach brings together technical knowledge, policy analysis, and sustainable development goals to address the global energy crisis through innovative modelling and collaborative research.

Award

Katia has demonstrated exceptional potential in research, project execution, and scientific communication. Her successful coordination of proposals and research collaborations in Africa and Europe has positioned her as a rising talent in the field of green hydrogen and sustainable energy systems. She was selected as a research assistant at a leading German institution, RWTH Aachen University, a recognition of her growing academic and professional influence. Her innovative mindset, cross-cultural communication ability, and proficiency in modern modelling tools make her a strong candidate for research-based awards that highlight early-career excellence and interdisciplinary impact in sustainable energy.

Publication Top Notes

  • Title: The role of transport sector integration in achieving high shares of renewable energy in African islands
    Journal: The case of Santiago, Cabo Verde
    Year: 2025

Conclusion

Katia D. S. Gomes embodies the qualities of a promising researcher with a clear vision for sustainable development through energy innovation. Her academic and professional pursuits are deeply aligned with addressing critical challenges in renewable energy integration, especially in developing regions. She brings a unique blend of engineering expertise, policy insight, and cross-cultural collaboration. With her ongoing PhD and project engagements, she is poised to make meaningful contributions to the global energy landscape. Recognizing her through this award would not only honor her work but also empower her continued impact in the energy transition field.

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.

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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.