Yuan Zhang | Renewable Energy Technologies | Research Excellence Award |

Assist Prof Dr. Yuan Zhang | Renewable Energy Technologies | Research Excellence Award

Shenzhen University | China

Dr. Yuan Zhang is an accomplished Assistant Professor and Research Fellow at the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, recognized internationally for her pioneering contributions to solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), electrolysis technologies, and hydrogen energy systems. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Nanjing Tech University and completed prestigious postdoctoral training at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Dr. Zhang’s research focuses on resolving critical thermo-mechanical and interfacial stability challenges in high-temperature electrochemical energy devices, which are major bottlenecks limiting the commercialization of solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis systems. Through original concepts such as negative thermal expansion compensation, chemical expansion regulation, and surface/interface reconstruction engineering, she has successfully addressed electrode delamination, thermal mismatch, and catalyst poisoning under extreme operating conditions. Her work has enabled long-life, high-performance SOC operation and provided transformative design strategies applicable to a broad range of high-temperature catalytic materials and energy devices. Dr. Zhang has published over 40 SCI-indexed papers, including 17 as first or corresponding author, in leading journals such as Nature, Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, and Applied Catalysis B. Her publications have received more than 3,000 citations, with one ESI Highly Cited Paper and three ESI Hot Papers, reflecting strong global influence. She has served as Principal Investigator for multiple competitive research grants, including NSFC Youth and General Programs, Shenzhen Science Foundation projects, and major industry-academia collaborations, while also acting as Co-PI on large-scale hydrogen energy system initiatives. Beyond research, Dr. Zhang actively contributes to the scientific community as an Early-Career Editorial Board Member of Energy Reviews, a reviewer for top journals, and a member of several professional committees including the Chinese Society of Rare Earths and the Shenzhen Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Association. Her innovations have supported real-world applications, notably contributing to the world’s first open-sea demonstration of direct seawater hydrogen production. In recognition of her excellence, she has received multiple prestigious awards, including national and regional innovation prizes. Dr. Yuan Zhang’s work exemplifies outstanding scientific leadership, originality, and impact in clean energy research, making her a highly deserving candidate for international research recognition.

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Vladimir Zinoviev | Renewable Energy Technologies | Research Excellence Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Vladimir Zinoviev | Sunotec | Research Excellence Award 

Sunotec | Bulgaria

Professor Vladimir Zinoviev is an accomplished academic and industry expert whose research and professional work focus on energy transformation, sustainable development, and the economics and management of the energy sector. His profile reflects a strong integration of scientific research, strategic leadership, and real-world implementation across renewable energy, smart grids, electric mobility, and energy infrastructure systems. His research addresses critical challenges related to the energy transition, including the deployment of renewable energy sources, integration of photovoltaic power with electric mobility, digitalization of power systems, smart grid development, and the application of artificial intelligence in energy automation. A central theme of his work is the economic and managerial optimization of energy systems, emphasizing policy design, financial engineering, investment strategies, and governance models that support sustainable and resilient energy infrastructures, particularly in Southeast Europe. Professor Zinoviev has contributed extensively to the scientific literature, authoring over 50 peer-reviewed articles, books, and academic publications covering renewable energy systems, energy transmission and distribution, storage technologies, digital power solutions, and energy market transformation. His research outputs demonstrate a balance between theoretical frameworks and applied solutions, supporting evidence-based decision-making for governments, industry stakeholders, and international organizations. In addition to scholarly publications, he has played a key role in large-scale international research projects, including participation in European Union–funded initiatives addressing just energy transition, regional development, and climate neutrality. His work on photovoltaic power generation and electric mobility integration provides important insights into decarbonizing transport systems and enhancing grid flexibility. These contributions strengthen the alignment between energy policy objectives and technological deployment. Professor Zinoviev’s research profile is further distinguished by his extensive engagement with industry-driven innovation. He has led and contributed to numerous renewable energy and infrastructure projects, including solar, wind, biomass, and smart grid implementations, translating research findings into operational energy systems. This strong industry linkage enhances the practical relevance and societal impact of his academic work. Beyond research, he is actively involved in graduate and postgraduate education, contributing to curriculum development and teaching in energy economics, smart grids, and energy project management. His academic leadership supports the training of future professionals capable of navigating complex energy transitions. Overall, Professor Vladimir Zinoviev’s research profile reflects interdisciplinary expertise, international collaboration, and sustained impact at the intersection of energy science, economics, and policy. His work contributes meaningfully to advancing sustainable energy systems, supporting climate goals, and shaping modern energy governance frameworks.

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Charging Infrastructure and E-mobility Integration: Economic and Energy Benefits for Sustainable Grid Management

– International Conference on Communications, Information, Electronic, 2024

Maryam Vahidipour | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Maryam Vahidipour | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Shiraz university | Iran

Dr. Maryam Vahidipour is an accomplished environmental geologist with a strong academic foundation and extensive research experience in hydrogeology, environmental contamination, and wetland restoration. She earned her B.Sc. (2010), M.Sc. (2014), and Ph.D. (2021) degrees in Earth and Environmental Geology from Shiraz University, Iran, where she consistently excelled, ranking first in her master’s entrance examination and seventh in her doctoral entrance exam. Her academic journey is marked by deep engagement with the hydro-environmental challenges of Iran’s fragile ecosystems, particularly those associated with groundwater pollution and wetland degradation. Dr. Vahidipour’s M.Sc. thesis focused on nitrate contamination in karstic aquifers and its monitoring methods in Shiraz city—an interdisciplinary investigation combining environmental and hydrogeological insights. Her Ph.D. dissertation, titled “Bakhtegan Lake Crisis: Environmental, Hydrogeological, and Restoration Approaches,” provided an in-depth evaluation of heavy metal contamination and the hydrological dynamics of the Bakhtegan-Tashk wetlands, with practical recommendations for sustainable restoration. Her international research collaboration at Wageningen University, Netherlands (2019) enhanced her expertise in saltwater intrusion modeling using SEAWAT, reinforcing her analytical and computational capabilities in groundwater flow modeling and hydrochemistry. Her professional experience includes advanced laboratory analyses in hydrochemistry and groundwater pollution at Shiraz University, as well as field-based environmental projects such as dye tracing at Seymare Dam and studying the socio-environmental impacts of wetland shrinkage on indigenous communities. Dr. Vahidipour’s research has been published in high-impact journals, including Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies and Environmental Technology & Innovation, focusing on topics such as saltwater intrusion, heavy metal contamination, and temporal dynamics of lake systems. Technically proficient, she is skilled in GIS, ENVI, SPSS, PHREEQC, MODFLOW, SEAWAT, and R, enabling her to integrate spatial analysis, statistical modeling, and hydrogeochemical simulation for data-driven environmental assessments. She has presented her findings at national and international conferences, contributing significantly to the understanding of Iran’s hydro-environmental systems. Fluent in Persian and proficient in English scientific writing, Dr. Vahidipour continues to advance research at the intersection of hydrogeology, environmental monitoring, and sustainable water management. Her work embodies a commitment to addressing real-world environmental crises through scientific innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and practical solutions aimed at preserving vital ecosystems such as the Bakhtegan-Tashk wetlands.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Vahidipour, M., Raeisi, E., & van der Zee, S. E. T. A. M. (2021). Active saltwater intrusion of shrinking Bakhtegan–Tashk Lakes in South Iran threatens the freshwater resources of coastal aquifers. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 34, 100790.

Vahidipour, M., Raeisi, E., & van der Zee, S. E. T. A. M. (2022). Heavy metals in sediments, surface water, and groundwater of the RAMSAR wetlands Bakhtegan–Tashk, South Iran: Distribution and source assessment. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 28, 102789.

Vahidipour, M., Raeisi, E., & van der Zee, S. E. (2024). Temporal dynamics of inundation area, hydrochemistry, and brine in Bakhtegan Lake, South-Central Iran. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 52, 101714.

Mohammadi, E., Vahidipour, M., & Raeisi, E. (2024). In situ wind tunnel experiment, lake bed geomorphology and PM10 and PM2.5 emissions from shrinking Bakhtegan–Tashk Wetlands, South Iran. Aeolian Research. Manuscript under review (Manuscript No. AEOLIA-D-24-00083).

Heidarizade, T., Vahidipour, M., & Zarei, M. (2024). Assessment of organic contaminants in water and sediment of Gotvand Reservoir, Southwest of Iran. Manuscript submitted for publication.

Wei Liu | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wei Liu | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Jinan | China

Dr. Wei Liu is a dedicated researcher and lecturer at the Institute of Smart Materials and Engineering, University of Jinan, China. He obtained his Ph.D. in 2019 from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, following his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Qingdao University of Science and Technology in 2014 and 2011, respectively. Since joining the University of Jinan in 2019, Dr. Liu has actively contributed to both teaching and research, guiding seven master’s students and delivering core courses such as Organic Chemistry. In parallel, he has pursued postdoctoral research (2022–2025) while engaging as a special correspondent for the Shandong Province enterprise science and technology program, bridging academia and industrial innovation. Dr. Liu’s research primarily focuses on high-efficiency deep blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), the design and synthesis of rare-earth-based light conversion materials, and the crystal engineering of organic molecules, including polymorphs and co-crystals. His work aims to enhance the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of optoelectronic and photonic materials, with applications in advanced lighting, display technologies, and agriculture. He has led and participated in multiple scientific research projects, including the Science and Technology Program of the University of Jinan (as project leader), major university and provincial development programs, and industrial pilot studies on agricultural light conversion agents. A prolific scholar, Dr. Liu has authored or co-authored over 50 research publications in leading international journals such as Science Bulletin, Chemical Communications, Journal of Materials Chemistry C, Dyes and Pigments, Ceramics International, and Nanomaterials. His notable studies include the development of Bi³⁺/Eu³⁺ co-doped phosphors for tunable light emission, non-doped sky-blue fluorescent OLEDs based on novel anthracene derivatives, and advanced photoluminescent materials for plant growth applications. His collaborative research on deep blue anthracene-based luminogens, published in Science Bulletin, has drawn attention for achieving exceptional efficiency and stability in OLED devices. Dr. Liu’s scientific achievements have been recognized with multiple honors, including the First Prize for Outstanding Scientific Research Achievement Award of Shandong Universities (2014), the First Prize of Science and Technology Award of Shandong University (2016), and the Excellent Master’s Thesis Award of Shandong Province (2015). In addition to journal publications, he holds patents such as An anthracene-based deep blue organic luminescent material with high efficiency and low roll-off (CN 111303009 B) and an international patent for a diketopyrrolopyrrole-based red light conversion agent (South Africa No. 2023/00481). Through his interdisciplinary research that integrates chemistry, materials science, and photonic engineering, Dr. Liu is advancing the development of next-generation luminescent materials and agricultural phototechnology. His ongoing projects aim to improve light utilization efficiency in both electronic and ecological systems, promoting sustainable solutions for modern energy and environmental challenges. As an educator and innovator, he continues to mentor young scientists and contribute to China’s strategic development in smart materials and optoelectronic technology.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Liu, M., Yang, C., Liu, W., Zhou, X., Liu, S., You, Q., & Jiang, X. (2024). Synthesis of Bi³⁺ and Eu³⁺ co-doped Na₄CaSi₃O₉ blue-red light tunable emission phosphors for inducing plant growth. Ceramics International, 50, 9058–9069.

Lu, X., Liu, W., Kang, Z., Yang, C., Nie, Y., & Jiang, X. (2023). Efficient non-doped sky-blue fluorescent organic light emitting devices based on cyanopyridine-containing anthracene derivatives. Dyes and Pigments, 220, 111712.

Yang, C., Liu, W., You, Q., Zhao, X., Liu, S., Xue, L., Sun, J., & Jiang, X. (2023). Recent advances in light-conversion phosphors for plant growth and strategies for the modulation of photoluminescence properties. Nanomaterials, 13, 1715.

Guo, R., Liu, W., Ma, D., & Wang, L. (2021). Exceptionally efficient deep blue anthracene-based luminogens: Design, synthesis, photophysical, and electroluminescent mechanisms. Science Bulletin, 66, 2090–2098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2021.02.021

Liu, W., & Yang, W. (2013). Alkoxy-position effects on piezofluorochromism and aggregation-induced emission of 9,10-bis(alkoxystyryl)anthracenes. Chemical Communications, 49, 6042–6044.

Liu, W., & Yang, W. (2014). 2,6,9,10-Tetra(p-dibutylaminostyryl)-anthracene as a multifunctional fluorescent cruciform dye. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 2, 9028–9034.