Minglu Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Minglu Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Beijing University of Technology and Business | China

Dr. Minglu Zhang is currently a professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Beijing Technology and Business University, having previously served as associate professor (2015–2019) and lecturer (2012–2015) in the same discipline. After completing a postdoctoral appointment in the School of Environment at Tsinghua University (2010–2012) and earlier research experience at the University of California, Irvine (2008–2010), he has built a distinguished career in environmental microbiology and water systems research. His primary research interests encompass microbial ecology and molecular microbiology in water and solid waste systems, with a special focus on antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in drinking water systems. Dr. Zhang has led and contributed to several major national research projects. For example, he is the principal investigator on the “Typing and Traceability System for VBNC State Pathogens of Major Digestive Tract at Ports” (2022–2025, National Key R&D Program), as well as on the “Technology and Equipment Development for Monitoring, Early Warning and Purification of Malodorous Gas Emissions under Classified Collection of Domestic Waste” (2020–2024, National Key R&D Program). Earlier, he also led work on the distribution and migration of antibiotic resistance genes at multi-phase interfaces in drinking water distribution systems (2015–2017, National Natural Science Foundation of China). To date, Dr. Zhang has authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications. According to his ResearchGate profile, his publication count is 79, with more than 1,300 citations. His academic impact is further reflected by his h-index, which is listed as 5 on the SciSpace author profile. Among his representative works are: “Metagenomics analysis of antibiotic resistance genes, bacterial community and virulence factor genes of fouled filters and effluents from household water purifiers in drinking water” (Science of the Total Environment, 2023); “Global transcriptional analysis for molecular responses of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores in drinking water after low- and medium-pressure UV irradiation” (Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2024); and “Highly efficient degradation of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and ethyl acetate removal by bio-trickling filter reactors” (Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 2024). These works illustrate how he combines high-throughput molecular methods (e.g. metagenomics, transcriptional profiling) with applied engineering systems (e.g. drinking water treatment, gas emission purification) to address critical environmental microbiology challenges. Over the course of his career, Dr. Zhang has established himself as a leading scholar at the intersection of environmental engineering and microbial molecular ecology. His work not only advances fundamental understanding of microbial community dynamics and resistance gene behavior in engineered systems, but also yields practical solutions for water quality protection, public health, and waste management. His contributions are broadly recognized in China’s environmental research community and are increasingly cited in the international literature.

Profiles: Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhang, M., et al. (2025). Adsorption and desorption characteristics of nano-metal-modified zeolite for removal of oxygenated volatile organic compounds. Coatings, 15(10), 1206. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101206

Jiang, J., Zhang, Y., Cui, R., Ren, L., Zhang, M., & Wang, Y. (2023). Effects of two different proportions of microbial formulations on microbial communities in kitchen waste composting. Microorganisms, 11(10), 2605. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102605

Wang, Y., Cui, R., Jiang, H., Bai, M., Zhang, M., & Ren, L. (2022). Removal of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia using a biotrickling filter packed with modified composite filler. Processes, 10(10), 2016. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10102016

Xu, S., Zhang, L., Lin, K., Bai, M., Wang, Y., Xu, M., Zhang, M., Zhang, C., Shi, Y., & Zhou, H. (2021). Effects of light and water disturbance on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa and the release of algal toxins. Water Environment Research, 93, 2958–2970. https://doi.org/10.1002/wer.1644

Amirhossein Nik Zad | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Wenhao Pu | Renewable Energy | Excellence in Research Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenhao Pu | Renewable Energy | Excellence in Research Award

Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics | China

Dr. WenHao Pu is an Associate Professor at the College of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), China. His research interests encompass dense gas-solid flows, computational fluid dynamics, numerical heat and mass transfer, waste heat utilization, solar thermal utilization, compression energy storage systems, and additive manufacturing heat exchange technologies. Dr. Pu has authored 85 publications, with his most recent work focusing on thermal characteristics of heat sinks with embedded phase change materials in triply periodic minimal surfaces, published in the International Journal of Thermal Sciences. His research contributions have been cited 1322 times, and he has an h-index of 1. These metrics reflect the early stage of his research career and the specialized nature of his work. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Energy and Environment from Southeast University followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship at NUAA’s College of Energy and Power Engineering. Dr. Pu has been serving as an Associate Professor at NUAA since 2011 and was a Visiting Scholar at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Pu’s work is instrumental in advancing the understanding and application of thermal management systems, with implications for energy efficiency and sustainable technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

 

Featured Publications

“Thermal characteristics study of a heat sink with embedded phase change material (PCM) in the triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS)”.

“Thermal performance analysis on steady-state and dynamic response characteristic in solar tower power plant based on supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle”.

“Performance study of a supercritical carbon dioxide energy storage system with non-uniform graded compression heat recovery”.

“Experimental and numerical investigations on the intermittent heat transfer performance of phase change material (PCM)-based heat sink with triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS)”.

Jun Liu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award | 13444

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jun Liu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jun Liu, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jun Liu is an Assistant Professor and Master’s Supervisor in the Department of Thermal Engineering at North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Thermophysics from Zhejiang University and specializes in CO₂ capture and utilization, solid waste treatment, multiphase flow and combustion simulation, and pollutant removal technologies. Dr. Liu has led multiple provincial-level research projects and published extensively in SCI and EI-indexed journals. His teaching focuses on boiler principles, operations, and clean combustion technologies.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jun Liu began his academic journey with a solid foundation in engineering and technology. In 2005, he enrolled at Shanxi University, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Automation under the Department of Information Engineering. This initial exposure to systems control and engineering principles cultivated his interest in energy systems and laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in thermal engineering and environmental research. In 2009, he took a decisive step toward specializing in energy technologies by pursuing a Master’s degree in Fluid Machinery and Engineering at the School of Electric Power, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power. Here, he honed his understanding of energy conversion systems, power plant operations, and machinery critical to thermal power generation. His passion for research and academic excellence led him to earn a Ph.D. in Engineering Thermophysics at the prestigious Zhejiang University from 2012 to 2016. This phase of his education sharpened his expertise in combustion processes, thermodynamic systems, and pollutant control, which later became key pillars of his professional and research identity.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Following the completion of his doctorate, Dr. Liu began his professional career at the Xi’an Thermal Power Research Institute Co., Ltd., Suzhou Branch in 2016. In this applied research environment, he gained hands-on experience in industrial-scale power systems and thermal processes, translating academic knowledge into practical solutions. In April 2019, Dr. Liu returned to academia, joining the College of Energy and Power Engineering at the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power as an Assistant Professor and Master’s Supervisor. His return marked a blend of academic vigor and industrial insight, enriching the university’s teaching and research capabilities.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Liu’s research spans several crucial areas within energy and environmental engineering:

  1. CO₂ Capture and Resource Utilization – He leads studies on innovative adsorbent materials and absorption technologies aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

  2. Solid Waste Treatment – His work on incinerator systems and waste-to-energy solutions contributes to sustainable waste management practices.

  3. Multiphase Flow and Combustion Simulation – By modeling combustion processes, he aims to optimize energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

  4. Pollutant Removal – His research explores integrated technologies for removing NOx, SOx, and other harmful emissions from combustion systems.

He has presided over several key provincial research projects, including studies on CO₂ adsorption kinetics, microencapsulated absorbents, and waste heat boiler performance. His work reflects a deep commitment

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

to both scientific innovation and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Liu’s contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards:

  • 🥇 First Prize, Boiler Science and Technology Award (2023), for his contributions to power generation technology for large mechanical grates.

  • 🥈 Second Prize, Henan Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award (2022), for his role in developing low-temperature waste heat recovery systems.

  • 🏆 First Prize, Excellent Scientific and Technological Paper Award by the Henan Province Office of Education (2021).

These accolades underscore his impactful research and its relevance to both academia and industry.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Liu has authored multiple peer-reviewed papers in SCI and EI indexed journals, reflecting the scientific merit and practical application of his research. His publication in Waste Management on flue gas recirculation and NOx emission control is especially noteworthy in the context of sustainable waste-to-energy practices. Moreover, his work influences not only fellow researchers but also policymakers and industry professionals seeking advanced environmental solutions. As a committed educator, he imparts knowledge through courses like Boiler Principle, Boiler Operation, and Clean Combustion and Pollutant Control. His teaching integrates the latest research findings, ensuring that students are prepared for real-world energy challenges.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Liu is poised to continue making substantial contributions to the fields of clean energy and environmental protection. His interdisciplinary approach, combining engineering thermophysics, environmental science, and applied technology, equips him to tackle emerging challenges such as carbon neutrality, smart power systems, and circular economy strategies for waste management. He is also likely to mentor the next generation of researchers, fostering innovation through student supervision, collaborative projects, and academic outreach. As climate concerns and energy demands rise globally, Dr. Liu’s expertise will remain critical in shaping sustainable technological pathways for the future.

📄 Publication Top Notes

Research Progress on the Occurrence Characteristics of AAEM Elements in Zhundong Coal

Author: W., Wang, Wei, X., Guo, Xinwei, X., Wu, Xiaojiang, … C., Fan, Cunjiang, L., Zhuo, Lanting

Journal: Dongli Gongcheng Xuebao /Journal of Chinese Society of Power Engineering

Year: 2025

The effect of air distribution on the characteristics of waste combustion and NO generation in a grate incinerator

Author:  J., Liu, Jun, Z., Xie, Zheng, B., Guo, Bingyu, … L., Bai, Li, J., Long, Jisheng

Journal: Journal of the Energy Institute .,

Year: 2024

Hossein Abolghasemzadeh | Environment | Best Researcher Award | 12824

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Mr. Hossein Abolghasemzadeh | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hossein Abolghasemzadeh, University of Tehran (UT), Iran

Mr. Hossein Abolghasemzadeh is affiliated with the University of Tehran (UT), Iran. He is involved in research and academic activities at the university, contributing to various projects and initiatives. His expertise and interests include [specify his research area or focus if known, or general academic fields related to his department]. Mr. Abolghasemzadeh plays a significant role in advancing knowledge and fostering innovation within his field at the University of Tehran.

Profile

Google Scholar

📚 Education

      B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Babol Noshirvani University of Technology (NIT) in January 2020, graduating with a GPA of 3.21/4 (15.9/20).

M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Tehran in February 2024, GPA of 3.65/4 (16.75/20).

💼 Professional Experience

     In his role with the Iranian Scientific Association of Clean Air, Mr. Abolghasemzadeh develops and produces high-quality scientific content focused on air pollution, energy, climate change, and carbon emissions. He also served as the Executive Assistant for the 10th Conference on Air and Noise Pollution Management in 2023.

Mr. Abolghasemzadeh has gained teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant for the “Climate Change and Meteorology” course at the University of Tehran in 2023 under the supervision of Dr. Mohsen Nasseri, and for the “Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Systems in Civil and Environmental Engineering” course at Babol Noshirvani University of Technology in 2019 under the supervision of Dr. Farhad Qaderi.

🔬 Research Focus

  1. Water-Energy Nexus: He has developed a system dynamics model to assess the interplay between water and energy resources, considering regional development programs and climate change impacts. His case study on Isfahan Province aims to evaluate regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, providing insights into sustainable resource management.
  2. Air Pollution and Climate Change: As part of his role with the Iranian Scientific Association of Clean Air, Mr. Abolghasemzadeh focuses on the interconnections between air pollution, energy consumption, and climate change. His work involves producing scientific content and research on reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of air pollution.
  3. Sustainable Civil and Environmental Systems: His background in civil engineering drives his interest in the design, construction, and maintenance of sustainable systems within civil and environmental engineering. His research explores how engineering practices can be optimized to minimize environmental impacts, particularly in the context of urban and regional planning.

🏆 Award and Honor

          Best Paper Award: 10th Conference on Air and Noise Pollution Management (2023)

                    Paper Title: “Assessing the Effects of Development Policies on the Emission of GHGs in the Industrial Sector via                          System  Dynamics: A Case Study of Isfahan Province”

          Ranked 14th in the National Civil Engineering Olympiad (2020)

         Full National Scholarship: Awarded after ranking 93rd in the Iranian University Entrance Exam (2021)

✍️ Publishing Top Notes

  • Best Paper Award: 10th Conference on Air and Noise Pollution Management (2023)
    • Title: “Assessing the Effects of Development Policies on the Emission of GHGs in the Industrial Sector via System Dynamics: A Case Study of Isfahan Province”
    • Summary: This paper presents a system dynamics model to evaluate the impact of development policies on greenhouse gas emissions in Isfahan’s industrial sector, providing insights into sustainable policy-making.
  • Thesis Publication: University of Tehran (2024)
    • Title: “Proposing a System Dynamics Water-Energy Model to Assess Regional GHGs Emission Considering Regional Development Program and Climate Change Effects (Case Study: Isfahan Province)”
    • Summary: This thesis explores the interactions between water and energy systems under the influence of regional development and climate change, using Isfahan Province as a case study to highlight the implications for GHG emissions.
  • Abolghasemzadeh, H., Zekri, E., & Nasseri, M. (2024). Regional-scale energy-water nexus framework
    to assess the GHG emissions under climate change and development scenarios via system dynamics
    approach. Sustainable Cities and Society.