Sadegh Kaviani | Renewable Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Sadegh Kaviani | Renewable Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

A.B. Nalbandyan Institute of Chemical Physics, National Academy of Sciences | Armenia 

Dr. Sadegh Kaviani is an accomplished computational chemist and postdoctoral researcher at the A.B. Nalbandyan Institute of Chemical Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. His research expertise lies in computational materials science, where he employs density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics (MD), and machine learning (ML) to explore, predict, and optimize advanced nanomaterials for energy storage, catalysis, and solar energy conversion. With a strong interdisciplinary background, he bridges theoretical modeling with practical material applications aimed at addressing the world’s growing energy and environmental challenges. Dr. Kaviani earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and has previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Kazan Federal University (Russia), contributing to pioneering studies on solid-state and hybrid electrolytes. His current work at the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia focuses on solid polymer electrolytes, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), perovskite solar cells, and ionic liquids, integrating AI-based predictive tools to design efficient and sustainable energy materials. Throughout his career, Dr. Kaviani has demonstrated outstanding research productivity and impact. He has authored or co-authored over 64 peer-reviewed journal publications in high-impact international journals indexed in SCI, Scopus, and Web of Science. His scholarly work has attracted more than 1,000 citations, achieving an h-index of 18 and an i10-index of 49 (as per Google Scholar). This citation record reflects both the quality and global relevance of his contributions to computational chemistry and materials science. He has also published one book (ISBN-registered) that synthesizes theoretical advances in the modeling of functional materials for energy applications. Dr. Kaviani’s research portfolio includes three major completed and ongoing projects, focusing on the atomistic understanding of ion transport, interfacial stability, and energy conversion mechanisms. His innovative studies on COF-based polymer electrolytes and ionic-liquid-assisted perovskite interfaces have opened new pathways for the design of high-performance batteries and solar devices. His integrative modeling approach has set new standards for computational evaluation of hybrid materials, combining quantum chemistry with data-driven optimization. Beyond research, Dr. Kaviani actively contributes to the scientific community as an Editorial Board Member for Theoretical Physics and Quantum Mechanics (Hill Publishing) and as a peer reviewer for more than 45 international journals, having completed over 150 reviews. He also collaborates internationally with researchers from China, India, Mexico, and South Africa, promoting global scientific exchange. A passionate advocate for computational innovation in sustainable technologies, Dr. Sadegh Kaviani stands out as a researcher whose academic excellence, integrity, and innovation continue to influence the next generation of material scientists. His record of productivity, international collaboration, and scientific service makes him a deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award under the International Research Awards 2025.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Kaviani, S. (2025). Covalent organic framework-based solid polymer electrolytes for metal-ion batteries: Pioneering the future of DFT, MD, and ML techniques. Energy Storage Materials. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensm.2025.104671

Kaviani, S. (2025). Enhanced anodic performance of CTF0 monolayer for Li-ion batteries through F and Si co-doping: A DFT insight. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2024.135752

Kaviani, S. (2025). A DFT study on an 18-crown-6-like-N8 structure as a material for metal ion storage: Stability and performance. Sustainable Energy & Fuels. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE00333D

Kaviani, S. (2025). Improving excited-state dynamic properties with the help of metalide character and excess electrons: Earlier transition-metal pairing with superalkali clusters. New Journal of Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NJ00827A

Kaviani, S. (2025). Stacking interactions in stabilizing supramolecular assembly of M[9C]₂M complexes: Dynamic stability with remarkable nonlinear optical features. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CP04052J

Kaviani, S. (2024). A DFT modeling of 4-cyclohexene-1,3-dione embedded in covalent triazine framework as a stable anode material for Li-ion batteries. Materials Chemistry and Physics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2024.129592

Kaviani, S. (2024). A DFT-based design of B/N/P-co-doped oxo-triarylmethyl as a robust anode material for magnesium-ion batteries. Journal of Power Sources. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.234425

Kaviani, S. (2022). First-principles study of the binding affinity of monolayer BC6N nanosheet: Implications for drug delivery. Materials Chemistry and Physics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2021.125375

 

 

Amirhossein Nik Zad | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Amirhossein Nik Zad | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore | Italy

Amirhossein Nikzad is a dedicated researcher specializing in the Food–Energy–Water Nexus, with a strong focus on agro‐photovoltaic (Agri‐PV) systems, photovoltaics, life cycle assessment, renewable energy technologies, CO₂ emissions reduction, energy management, and optimization of hybrid energy systems. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in the Agri-Food program at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (started 1 November 2022) in Piacenza, Italy, where his investigations explore how combining agricultural production with solar photovoltaic installations can sustainably address the intertwined demands for food, clean energy, and water resources. Prior to that, he completed an MSc in Energy Systems Engineering at Shahrood University of Technology (2016–2019, Iran), where he developed skills in modelling, systems analysis, and performance assessment of renewable and hybrid energy systems. Over the course of his academic and research career, Amirhossein has contributed to [number of publications] peer-reviewed articles, accumulating approximately [number of citations] citations across his works, with an h-index of [your h-index]. His publications span Life Cycle Assessment studies, techno-economic and environmental feasibility analysis of Agri-PV, strategies for CO₂ reduction, and optimization of energy systems. He often uses modelling tools such as PVsyst, PVSOL, System Advisor Model (SAM), HOMER PRO, MATLAB, RETScreen Expert, and software for life cycle assessment like SimaPro, reflecting his commitment to combining empirical evidence and computational modelling. Amirhossein has also been active in academic service: reviewing for journals including Energy Strategy Reviews, Energy Research & Social Science, Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks, Electric Power Systems Research, Energy Reports, and Renewable Energy Focus. He was appointed Associate Editor (from July 2025) of the American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems. He has gained international experience through his fully funded PhD in Agro-Food Systems and a full‐time research fellowship at Mälardalen University (Västerås, Sweden, Sep 2024 ‐ Jan 2025).

His projects include participation in the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, notably Value4Farm (since June 2023), which aligns with his interest in sustainable integration of energy generation and agricultural practice. He has also presented his work at major conferences, such as the 6th AgriVoltaics World Conference (Freiburg, Germany, July 2025), where he contributed three posters on topics linked to Agri-PV and the food-energy-water nexus. Amirhossein’s technical skills lie in PV system design and simulation (with PVsyst, PVSOL, SAM), hybrid renewable energy optimization, energy management and model-based optimization, and life cycle impact assessment with tools like SimaPro. His analytical skills are complemented by his experience lecturing in Solar PV system design and offering training sessions/workshops during his time in Iran. With a well-grounded background in energy systems engineering, a growing publication record, and involvement in cross-disciplinary, international projects, Amirhossein is building a strong profile at the intersection of renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and agricultural systems. His goal is to contribute to transformational research that enables decarbonization, sustainable resource use, and climate resilient food and energy systems.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Nikzad, A., & Chahartaghi, M. (2019). Technical, economic, and environmental modeling of solar water pump for irrigation of rice in Mazandaran province in Iran: A case study. Journal of Cleaner Production, 239, 118007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118007

Chahartaghi, M., & Nikzad, A. (2021). Exergy, environmental, and performance evaluations of a solar water pump system. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 43, 100933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2020.100933

Nikzad, A., & Mehregan, M. (2022). Techno-economic and environmental evaluations of a novel cogeneration system based on solar energy and cryptocurrency mining. Solar Energy, 232, 409–420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2021.12.049

Bellone, Y., Croci, M., Impollonia, G., Zad, A. N., Colauzzi, M., Campana, P. E., & others. (2024). Simulation-based decision support for agrivoltaic systems. Applied Energy, 369, 123490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123490

Zad, A. N., Agostini, A., Impollonia, G., Zainali, S., Croci, M., Colauzzi, M., & Campana, P. E. (2024). Life cycle assessment of various agrivoltaic systems across Europe. Sustainable Production and Consumption.

Michal Galek-Aldridge | Health Sciences | Best Scholar Award

Mr. Michal Galek-Aldridge | Health Sciences | Best Scholar Award

University Medical Center Utrecht | Netherland

Michał Gałek-Aldridge is a multilingual medical researcher and physician with a strong interdisciplinary background bridging molecular science, engineering, and regenerative medicine. Born on September 18, 1993, in Tucson, Arizona, he holds Polish nationality and is fluent in English, Dutch, Polish, and Russian, with advanced proficiency in French and beginner-level Portuguese. Michał’s academic journey spans multiple international institutions, including The British School of Warsaw, the Anglo-American School in Moscow, and the International School of Amsterdam, culminating in an International Baccalaureate (IB) bilingual diploma in 2011. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Science and Technology at Delft University of Technology and Leiden University, completing his thesis on “The loading of chemotherapeutics in polymersome carriers” at the Reactor Institute Delft. During this period, Michał received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship to study at Chalmers University in Sweden, where he expanded his expertise in nuclear chemistry, project management, waste management, and ecology. Driven by a passion for medicine, he subsequently earned both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Medicine at the University of Amsterdam, with clinical experience in orthopedic surgery at the UMC Amsterdam. Since 2021, Michał has been a PhD candidate at the University Medical Center Utrecht, focusing on the translation of regenerative surgical shoulder implants into clinical practice. His research integrates advanced therapies, 3D-printed medical devices, and regenerative medicine, while also addressing regulatory compliance, intellectual property assessment, and GMP evaluation for ATMP production. He actively supervises students at the 3D Lab, contributing to both academic and translational research. His work is supported by prominent supervisors including Prof. Michel van den Bekerom, Dr. Arthur van Noort, Dr. Bart van der Wal, and Prof. Jos Malda. Michał has contributed extensively to the scientific literature, publishing as first author on innovative orthopedic treatments and as co-author in high-impact journals, including The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, and JSES Reviews, Reports & Techniques. His research has spanned topics from patient-specific bone regenerative implants and congenital hip dislocation management to COVID-19 respiratory subphenotypes and ventilation strategies. Michał’s professional development is complemented by diverse certifications and conferences, including Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR 2018), ISO 13485, 3D printing in hospitals, and arthroscopy and arthroplasty courses. Outside of his professional endeavors, he maintains an active lifestyle through kickboxing, Muay Thai, skiing, kite surfing, and cooking. His combination of scientific rigor, clinical expertise, and entrepreneurial initiative positions him as a rising leader in regenerative medicine and medical innovation.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

van Spanning, S. H., van Iersel, T. P., Verweij, L. P. E., van Noort, A., Floor, S., Galek-Aldridge, M., van den Borne, M. P. J., Kleinlugtenbelt, Y. V., van den Bekerom, M. P. J., & van Deurzen, D. F. P. (2025). Lower education level is associated with failure to return to sport whereas bony Bankart lesions predict successful return to preinjury sport level after open Latarjet procedure. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery. Advance online publication.

 

July Villalba | Management and Accounting | Industry Impact Award

Prof. July Villalba | Management and Accounting | Industry Impact Award

Politecnico Grancolombiano | Colombia

Dr. July Alexandra Villalba Rodríguez, Ph.D. in Complex Thought (Multiversidad Real Edgar Morin, 2024), Magister in Innovation Management (Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar, 2019), and Professional in International Business (Universidad Piloto de Colombia, 2014), has built a distinguished career as a program director, academic coordinator, and research-oriented educator. Her expertise bridges the domains of international business, innovation, and emerging technologies, fostering synergy between academia and industry. As a key academic partner in the Futurexpo Program, led by ProColombia, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and the Politécnico Grancolombiano, Dr. Villalba has played a pivotal role in empowering Colombian entrepreneurs and business leaders to adopt digital innovation in their export strategies. Her national lectures on “The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Market Research” have reached over 3,200 participants, including entrepreneurs, students, and representatives from productive sectors across more than 33 municipalities in Colombia. This initiative aims to strengthen the export capabilities of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), democratizing access to cutting-edge technological tools. In conclusion, the Futurexpo initiative under Dr. Villalba’s academic leadership exemplifies research with measurable industrial, social, and economic impact. It not only enhances Colombia’s global competitiveness but also promotes the responsible and strategic use of artificial intelligence within local industries. This project stands as a testament to how innovation, education, and technology integration can collectively drive sustainable business growth and national progress.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Villalba Rodríguez, J. A. (2021). Ciudades globales e innovación: Partiendo del concepto a la realidad actual empresarial de Colombia. En Análisis de la transformación digital (Cap. 6).

Villalba Rodríguez, J. A. (2021). Del método científico a la innovación empresarial: Una reflexión compleja desde la transdisciplinariedad. Mundo FESC, (21). ISSN 2216-0388.

Villalba Rodríguez, J. A. (2021). Innovación: De la teoría a la realidad empresarial de Colombia. En Análisis de la transformación digital (Cap. 8).

Villalba Rodríguez, J. A. (2020). La responsabilidad social empresarial frente a los beneficios tributarios y la imagen corporativa. Apuntes Contables, (27).

Yogesh Subramanian | Health Sciences | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Yogesh Subramanian | Health Sciences | Best Academic Researcher Award

Madras Medical College | India 

Dr. Yogesh Subramanian, M.D., is an accomplished Senior Assistant Professor and Medical Teacher at the Institute of Internal Medicine, Madras Medical College and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), Chennai. With over a decade of distinguished service in clinical medicine, teaching, and research, Dr. Yogesh has made exceptional contributions to the advancement of internal medicine, medical education, and clinical innovation. He holds an M.D. in General Medicine from Stanley Medical College and an M.B.B.S. from PSG Institute of Medical Sciences, Coimbatore. His career reflects an enduring commitment to excellence in patient care, evidence-based learning, and academic leadership. Dr. Yogesh has completed more than 20 research projects and published over 34 indexed papers across reputed international databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. He is currently pursuing 10 ongoing research projects, including ICMR-funded and international collaborative studies. His multidisciplinary research focuses on Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Hematology, Infectious Diseases, Critical Care, and Medical Education. Notably, his innovative “M-Health App for T2DM Patients,” currently under patent processing, demonstrates his vision of integrating technology with healthcare delivery to improve chronic disease management. A passionate academician and faculty trainer, Dr. Yogesh has been actively involved in the implementation of Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) and faculty development under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Nodal Centre. His research on new learning methodologies and competency-based teaching, presented at prestigious global platforms such as the Ottawa 2024 Conference in Australia and the AIIMS Kalyani Medical Education Meet in 2023, has significantly influenced modern medical pedagogy. His efforts have earned national and institutional recognition, including the National Teachers Day Award 2024, Best Researcher Award 2024, and a Gold Medal at APICON 2024. A dedicated member of professional organizations including the Indian Medical Association, Association of Physicians of India, NFED, International Society for Renal Research, and TNGDA, Dr. Yogesh exemplifies professional excellence and community engagement. His scholarly impact is further reflected by his Google Scholar h-index of 4, showcasing the quality and reach of his research contributions.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Sud, R., Agarwal, N., Aishwarya, V., Aggarwal, A., Kalawatia, M., Sangoi, R., … (2023). A case series of dengue myocarditis: A complication observed in dengue patients. Cureus, 15(11).

Nallathambi, N., & Chinnadurai, A. (2024). Carboplatin-induced hematuria with obstructive acute kidney injury. Cureus, 16(4).

Kothari, R., Johny, M. P., D., Mistry, D., Irfana, M., Yogesh, S., & Vemparala, S. S. (2024). Grip to health: Unlocking the clinical potential of isometric hand grip strength—A narrative review. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 16(Suppl 4), S3102–S3104.

Prashanth, A., Kothari, R., Yogesh, S., Mittal, G., Gheewala, S., Bokariya, P., … (2023). Examining body fat percentage, galvanic skin response, and muscle grip strength in female hypothyroid patients. Cureus, 15(7).

Mittal, G., Prashanth, A., Dhali, A., Prasad, R., Yogesh, S., Nurani, K. M., … (2025). Plant extracts with antioxidant and hepatoprotective benefits for liver health: A bibliometric analysis of drug delivery systems. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 31(18), 105836.

Chandrashekar, N. G., Murali, N. V. I., Mohammed, A. I., Hemachandran, D., … (2024). Comprehensive clinical profile and hemodialysis outcomes in patients attending a tertiary care hospital. Cureus, 16(8).

Yogesh, S., Venkatesan, S., Jayaraj, A. T., Karthigeyan, T. S., Siva Prasath, S., … (2024). Understanding the complexity of hyperglycemic emergencies: Exploring the influence of the type and duration of diabetes mellitus and its impact on mortality. Cureus, 16(4).

Yogesh, S., Nallathambi, N., Seshadri, H., Gautham, R., Naidu, S. P., Navvin, S., … (2024). Assessing the effect of the anti-tuberculosis drug rifampicin on known hypertensive patients with tuberculosis in a tertiary care center. Cureus, 16(4).

JosephIkechukwu Nwachukwu | Pollution Control Technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr.JosephIkechukwu Nwachukwu | Pollution Control Technology | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Technology, Owerri | Nigeria

Profile: orcid

Dr. Joseph Ikechukwu Nwachukwu is an early career environmental scientist and Senior Lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria, specializing in climate adaptation, water quality, contaminant exposure, and geospatial analysis. Holding a PhD in Environmental Sciences from Manchester Metropolitan University, his doctoral work employed geospatial exposure pathways to chemical pollutants in soils, water, and sediments around Owerri. His research spans human exposure to heavy metals in food crops, groundwater nitrification in urban contexts, and innovative training in geospatial intelligence for environmental monitoring. Beyond research, Dr. Nwachukwu has extensive experience teaching courses in environmental chemistry, hydrology, impact assessment, and geospatial techniques, and he supervises undergraduate and graduate research projects. He serves as Deputy Director of the Centre for Waste to Wealth Research & Development at FUTO, and as Postgraduate Coordinator in his department, where he promotes interdisciplinary, data-driven approaches to environmental challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. His awards include the TETFund Fellowship for doctoral study, and national grants for developing nanoadsorbents for industrial wastewater remediation. Driven by a commitment to integrate science and policy, Dr. Nwachukwu is consolidating his profile toward leadership in environmental resilience, contamination mitigation, and sustainable water resource governance.

Featured publications

Nwachukwu, J. I., et al. (2024). Assessment of groundwater contamination by effluent discharged PAH at NNPC Depot in Osisioma, Nigeria. Waste Management Bulletin, 2(1), 229–238.

Nwachukwu, J. I., et al. (2022). Assessment of human exposure to food crops contaminated with lead and cadmium in Owerri, South-eastern Nigeria. Journal of Trace Elements and Minerals.

Nwachukwu, J. I., et al. (2019, August). Urbanization impacts on groundwater nitrification and health: A case study of Owerri, Southeast Nigeria. Paper presented at the 29th Annual Goldschmidt Conference, Barcelona, Spain.

Mohammadmehdi Panahi | Urban Disaster Risk Management | Young Scientist Award | 13662

Dr.Mohammadmehdi Panahi | Urban Disaster Risk Management | Young Scientist Award 

University of Tehran | Iran

Mohammad Mehdi Panahi is a top-ranked Master’s student in Urban Planning at the University of Tehran, recognized as a “Brilliant Talent” for academic excellence and interdisciplinary research. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Yazd University, where he also graduated first in his class. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to sustainable and equitable urban development, with research interests that include urban resilience, green infrastructure, housing markets, governance, and climate-induced migration.Mohammad’s graduate research centers on the impact of green infrastructure planning on housing prices in the Tehran metropolis, employing spatial econometrics, GIS, and remote sensing to explore urban-environmental interactions. His parallel work at Tarbiat Modares University investigates how climate migration reshapes real estate markets, using empirical data from the Shiraz Metropolitan Area.He is also a research collaborator with Virginia Tech University, contributing to a phronetic planning project on land governance and elite decision-making within Tehran’s Article 5 Commission (1999–2024). This research was published in the peer-reviewed Land Journal and critically examines how political structures influence urban land use outcomes.Beyond academic articles, Mohammad contributed to the book “Violent Infrastructure: Ecologies of Decay and Displacement” (Virginia Tech University Press), where he created spatial visualizations and thematic maps addressing the link between decaying infrastructure, displacement, and ecological systems.To date, he has authored/co-authored 2 peer-reviewed publications. His methodological strengths lie in spatial analysis, difference-in-difference modeling, systematic literature reviews, and mixed-methods research, making him well-equipped to address critical challenges in urban sustainability, land governance, and housing justice.

Profiles: scopus | orcid

Featured Publications

Panahi, M. M. (2025). Seeds of resilience: How social capital cultivates community strength in environmental crisis management. Journal of Environmental Management, 343, 124937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124937

Panahi, M. M. (2025). Phronetic planning’s Janus face: Charting elite advantage in Tehran’s land use decisions. Land, 14(1), 127. https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010127

Weiguang Ran | Optical Materials | Best Researcher Award | 13659

Mr. Weiguang Ran | Optical Materials | Best Researcher Award

Qufu Normal University | China

Dr. Ran Weiguang is a distinguished young associate professor at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, with a dynamic research agenda at the interface of inorganic functional materials and optoelectronic technology. Since joining Qufu Normal University in September 2019, Dr. Ran has made notable strides in teaching, research, and project leadership. His teaching portfolio spans courses such as Polymer Material Processing and Molding, Materials Chemistry, Physical Chemistry Experiment, and postgraduate-level literature analysis and industrial analytical technologies. In research, Dr. Ran’s interests are both deep and broad: he leads in the design and performance regulation of inorganic luminescent materials (including rare-earth and non-rare-earth phosphors), the development of LED lighting and display devices (narrow-band phosphors, efficient emitters), optical temperature sensing (ratiometric and near-infrared upconversion sensors), green synthesis and scale-up of organic small molecules, and wet electronic chemical materials—including applications in industrial wastewater treatment. Regarding scholarly output, Dr. Ran maintains a robust publication record. He has accumulated approximately 2233 citations by 1842 documents and achieved an h-index of 29. This reflects his strong influence across his work, especially as a relatively young researcher. Many of his publications appear in high-impact venues, contributing significantly to the fields of luminescent materials and optoelectronic devices. His portfolio demonstrates both depth—through targeted work on functional luminescent systems—and breadth—spanning synthesis, scale-up, device integration, and environmental applications. In the trajectory of his career, Dr. Ran Weiguang stands out for his balanced integration of fundamental materials science, device engineering, and applied environmental technologies. His ability to straddle multiple domains—optics, materials chemistry, environmental science—reflects maturity beyond his years. With substantial funding success, a growing citation footprint, and an expanding scope of research challenges ahead, Dr. Ran is well positioned to emerge as a leading international figure in functional materials and optoelectronics.

Profiles: ScopusOrcid

Featured Publications

Ran, W., Zhang, Z., Wang, F., Jiang, H., Shao, Y., Ma, X., Geng, J., & Yan, T. (2025). Theoretical and experimental investigation of BaY₂(MoO₄)₄:xSm³⁺ phosphors. Journal of Luminescence, 277, 120968.

Ran, W., Geng, J., Zhou, Z., Zhou, C., Wang, F., Zhao, M., & Yan, T. (2024). Narrow-band green phosphor RbK₂Na(Li₃SiO₄)₄:Eu²⁺ with excellent thermal stability and high efficiency for wide color gamut displays. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 12(47), 19148–19155.

Zhang, Z., Ran, W., Wang, F., Jiang, H., & Yan, T. (2024). Enhancement of photoluminescence properties in Na⁺ doped K₂BaPO₄F:Sm³⁺ phosphors. Ceramics International, 50(3, Part B), 5614–5623.

Ran, W., Zhang, Z., Ma, X., Shao, Y., Wang, F., Jiang, H., Gong, W., Guan, K., & Yan, T. (2024). Small Stokes shift and high thermostability in Ce³⁺ doped K₂BaPO₄F phosphors. Materials Research Bulletin, 170, 112574.

Song, M., Zhou, W., Wang, J., Wang, M., Zhao, J., & Ran, W. (2024). Full color luminescence and high efficient optical thermometric performance of Eu³⁺ and Sm³⁺ in self-activated Na₂LuMg₂V₃O₁₂ garnet. Journal of Rare Earths. Advance online publication.

Ran, W., Zhang, Z., Ma, X., Sun, G., & Yan, T. (2023). A novel optical temperature sensor based on Boltzmann function in BiZn₂PO₆ phosphor. Journal of Luminescence, 255, 119562.

 

 

William Gardner | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. William Gardner | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

University of California, Davis | United States

Dr. William A. Gardner is an esteemed scholar and pioneer in statistical signal processing, particularly renowned for his foundational contributions to cyclostationary signal processing theory and methods. His postsecondary education began with a Certificate in Aircraft Radio Repair (1961) at Keesler Air Force Base, followed by coursework in electronics and electrical engineering at Foothill College and Stanford University, where he earned his M.S. in Electrical Engineering (1967). He pursued further graduate studies at MIT and Bell Labs, and earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (1972). Dr. Gardner joined the University of California, Davis in 1972, where he advanced to Professor VII before becoming Professor Emeritus in 2001. Over his career, he supervised numerous M.S. and Ph.D. theses focused on statistical signal processing, especially the exploitation of cyclostationarity in communications and signals intelligence. In 1986, Dr. Gardner founded Statistical Signal Processing, Inc. (SSPI), a private research firm dedicated to advanced algorithm development for radio reconnaissance, signals intelligence, and cellular communications. The firm, which operated for 25 years, licensed its technologies to major corporations including Apple Inc. and Lockheed Martin. Post-retirement, he continued research collaborations—most notably with Prof. Antonio Napolitano—on advanced statistical cyclicity and nonstationary signal behavior. His recent work has expanded into electromagnetic modeling of cosmic plasma and laboratory-confined plasma, supporting paradigm-challenging efforts such as the Plasma Universe, Thunderbolts Project, and the SAFIRE Project, all aimed at redefining astrophysical theory and clean energy generation. Dr. Gardner is the author of four influential books, including Introduction to Random Processes and Statistical Spectral Analysis, and editor of Cyclostationarity in Communications and Signal Processing. He has contributed chapters to five other books, authored or co-authored over 110 peer-reviewed journal papers, and holds 15 U.S. patents. His academic impact is reflected in a citation count exceeding 7489, an h-index of 33, and continued recognition for shaping the theoretical underpinnings of modern signal processing. He has delivered invited lectures globally and remains a thought leader across academia, industry, and emerging scientific paradigms.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Gardner, W. A. (2002). Exploitation of spectral redundancy in cyclostationary signals. IEEE Signal Processing Magazine, 8(2), 14–36.

Gardner, W. A. (1990). Introduction to random processes: With applications to signals and systems. McGraw-Hill.

Gardner, W. A., Napolitano, A., & Paura, L. (2006). Cyclostationarity: Half a century of research. Signal Processing, 86(4), 639–697.

Gardner, W. A., & Robinson, E. A. (1989). Statistical spectral analysis—A nonprobabilistic theory. Prentice-Hall.

Gardner, W. A. (1994). Cyclostationarity in communications and signal processing. IEEE Press.

Gardner, W. A. (2002). Signal interception: A unifying theoretical framework for feature detection. IEEE Transactions on Communications, 36(8), 897–906.

Gardner, W. A., Brown, W., & Chen, C. K. (1987). Spectral correlation of modulated signals: Part II—Digital modulation. IEEE Transactions on Communications, 35(6), 595–601.

Gardner, W. A., & Franks, L. E. (1975). Characterization of cyclostationary random signal processes. IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, 21(1), 4–14.

Gardner, W. A., & Spooner, C. M. (1992). Signal interception: Performance advantages of cyclic-feature detectors. IEEE Transactions on Communications, 40(1), 149–159.

Shaowei Wang | Computer Science | Distinguished Scientist Award

Mr. Shaowei Wang | Computer Science | Distinguished Scientist Award

Guangzhou University | China

Dr. Shaowei Wang is currently an Associate Professor at the School of Artificial Intelligence, Guangzhou University. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2019. Prior to his academic appointment, he worked as an Applied Researcher at Tencent Technology (Shenzhen), where he contributed to industry-grade privacy-preserving solutions. His research primarily focuses on privacy-preserving computing, federated learning, and AI security, with a strong emphasis on differential privacy techniques and secure data sharing protocols. Dr. Wang has an impressive scholarly record, having authored or co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed papers, with 15 publications as the first or corresponding author in top-tier venues such as USENIX Security, IEEE S&P, INFOCOM, and ICDE. As of September 2025, his work has garnered 1,106 citations, achieving an h-index of 16 (Google Scholar indexed), reflecting the impact and relevance of his contributions to the field. He has been the Principal Investigator (PI) for six research projects, including three funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and a key researcher in five national-level and regional-level projects. Notable ongoing research includes work on shuffled differential privacy, privacy attacks on pre-trained models, and secure digital identity protocols. His academic excellence and innovation have earned him multiple accolades, including an Honorable Mention Award at USENIX Security, a Top 3% Paper Award at ICASSP, and the First Prize in Natural Sciences from the Guangdong Artificial Intelligence Association. Dr. Wang remains committed to advancing the frontiers of privacy-preserving AI through impactful research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and high-quality publications in the global research community.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Wang, S., Huang, L., Nie, Y., Zhang, X., Wang, P., Xu, H., & Yang, W. (2019). Local differential private data aggregation for discrete distribution estimation. IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems, 30(9), 2046–2059.

Xin, B., Yang, W., Geng, Y., Chen, S., Wang, S., & Huang, L. (2020). Private FL-GAN: Differential privacy synthetic data generation based on federated learning. In ICASSP 2020 – 2020 IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing (ICASSP) (pp. [pages not provided]). IEEE.

Shen, Y., Huang, L., Li, L., Lu, X., Wang, S., & Yang, W. (2015). Towards preserving worker location privacy in spatial crowdsourcing. In 2015 IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM) (pp. 1–6). IEEE.

Nie, Y., Yang, W., Huang, L., Xie, X., Zhao, Z., & Wang, S. (2018). A utility-optimized framework for personalized private histogram estimation. IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering, 31(4), 655–669.

Wang, S., Huang, L., Nie, Y., Wang, P., Xu, H., & Yang, W. (2018). PrivSet: Set-valued data analyses with local differential privacy. In IEEE INFOCOM 2018 – IEEE Conference on Computer Communications (pp. 1088–1096). IEEE.

Yang, G., Wang, S., & Wang, H. (2021). Federated learning with personalized local differential privacy. In 2021 IEEE 6th International Conference on Computer and Communication Systems (ICCCS) (pp. [pages not provided]). IEEE.

Xin, B., Geng, Y., Hu, T., Chen, S., Yang, W., Wang, S., & Huang, L. (2022). Federated synthetic data generation with differential privacy. Neurocomputing, 468, 1–10.