Heng Liu | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Research Awards

Mr. Heng Liu | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award

Qingdao University of Science and Technology | China

Prof. Heng Liu is an accomplished materials scientist and professor at Qingdao University of Science and Technology, widely recognized for his significant contributions to organometallic catalysis and polymer chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in 2015 from the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), followed by productive postdoctoral research at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology between 2015 and 2017. Upon returning to China, he served as an associate professor at CIAC before joining Qingdao University of Science and Technology as a full professor in 2020. Throughout his career, Prof. Liu has built an impressive portfolio of research achievements that reflect his scientific rigor, innovation, and leadership in advancing olefin and diene polymerization technologies. His research primarily focuses on the development of high-efficiency organometallic catalysts, the functionalization of polymers, and performance enhancement strategies for synthetic rubber materials—areas that hold major industrial relevance in the rubber, plastic, and advanced materials sectors. Prof. Liu has published 63 high-impact journal articles in prestigious publications such as Advanced Functional Materials, ACS Catalysis, Coordination Chemistry Reviews, Macromolecules, and other leading SCI-indexed platforms. His strong publication record is supported by a robust citation footprint in global scientific databases, reflecting the wide impact and recognition of his work within the research community. He has successfully led and participated in multiple funded research projects, including major grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52573115, 22071236, 21801236), the Shandong Province Natural Science Foundation (ZR2024ME117), and the Taishan Scholar Foundation (202211165), demonstrating his capability to secure competitive funding for frontier research. Beyond academic projects, Prof. Liu has completed six consultancy and industry collaborations, reinforcing the practical applicability of his scientific innovations. He holds 18 patents, underscoring his commitment to translating research outcomes into technological advancements. His editorial contributions include serving on the editorial boards of Frontiers in Chemistry and China Synthetic Rubber Industry, where he supports scholarly communication and peer review in his field. Prof. Liu’s work is strengthened by active collaborations with researchers across institutions and countries, contributing to scientific progress through interdisciplinary engagement. With expertise spanning catalysis, polymer design, and advanced material fabrication, Prof. Liu continues to make substantial contributions to both fundamental science and industrial technology. His achievements, leadership, and innovation position him as a distinguished candidate for the Research Excellence Award.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Polymer Chemistry (2025)

Zhang, H., Zhang, X., Zheng, H., Wang, F., Wei, X., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2025). Synthesis of α,ω-end hetero-functionalized polyisoprene via neodymium-mediated coordinative chain transfer polymerization. Polymer Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4PY01452A

Journal of Applied Polymer Science (2025 – Nov 05)

Zheng, H., Zhang, H., Zhao, W., Wang, F., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2025). Controllable preparation of hydroxyl-terminated liquid polydiene rubber featuring high 1,4-content by neodymium-mediated coordinative chain transfer polymerizations strategy. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.57602

Journal of Applied Polymer Science (2025 – Mar 10)

Li, X., Zhang, X., Wang, F., Liu, W., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2025). Neodymium-mediated coordinative chain transfer homopolymerization of bio-based myrcene and copolymerization with butadiene and isoprene. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.56557

Macromolecules (2025 – Feb 25)

Wang, X., Ma, L., Dong, B., Zhang, C., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2025). Axial anagostic interaction in α-diimine nickel catalysts: An ultraefficient occupation strategy in suppressing associative chain transfers to achieve UHMWPEs. Macromolecules, 58(?), pages pending. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.4c03244

Molecular Catalysis (2024)

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. Molecular Catalysis, 114082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcat.2024.114082

SSRN Preprint (2024)

Liu, H., Liu, X., Zhang, C., Yang, Q., & Zhang, X. (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 [Preprint]. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4690393

 

Amirhossein Nik Zad | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Awards

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.

Hossein Abolghasemzadeh | Environment | Best Researcher Award | 12824

Published on by Research Awards

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.