Prof. Saad Aljlil | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Saad Aljlil | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Saad Aljlil | Chief Researcher | King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology | Saudi Arabia

Prof. Saad A. Aljlil is a distinguished research professor at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Saudi Arabia, specializing in sustainability, membrane technology, and water and environmental engineering. His research focuses on advanced desalination and water treatment technologies, wastewater purification, membrane synthesis, adsorption processes, and the integration of renewable energy systems for sustainable water management. Prof. Aljlil has made significant contributions to developing ceramic and polymeric membranes, nanocomposite materials, and hybrid desalination systems that enhance water purification efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. His work extends to smart water networks, solar-driven desalination, greywater reuse, and innovative applications of artificial intelligence in membrane distillation and water resource optimization. A highly cited researcher, Prof. Aljlil has achieved 1,079 citations in Scopus across 44 documents with an h-index of 19, and 1,397 citations on Google Scholar with an h-index of 20 and i10-index of 23. His interdisciplinary approach bridges chemical engineering, nanotechnology, and sustainability to address critical challenges in clean water access and environmental preservation.

Publication Profile

Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ali, A., Macedonio, F., Drioli, E., Aljlil, S. A., & Alharbi, O. A. (2013). Experimental and theoretical evaluation of temperature polarization phenomenon in direct contact membrane distillation. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 91(10), 1966–1977.

Quist-Jensen, C. A., Macedonio, F., Conidi, C., Cassano, A., Aljlil, S. A., Alharbi, O. A., & Drioli, E. (2016). Direct contact membrane distillation for the concentration of clarified orange juice. Journal of Food Engineering, 187, 37–43.

Fontananova, E., Bahattab, M. A., Aljlil, S. A., Alowairdy, M., Rinaldi, G., Vuono, D., & Drioli, E. (2015). From hydrophobic to hydrophilic polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) membranes by gaining new insight into material properties. RSC Advances, 5(69), 56219–56231.

Park, C. H., Tocci, E., Fontananova, E., Bahattab, M. A., Aljlil, S. A., & Drioli, E. (2016). Mixed matrix membranes containing functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes: Mesoscale simulation and experimental approach for optimizing dispersion. Journal of Membrane Science, 514, 195–209.

Sedighi, M., Aljlil, S. A., Alsubei, M. D., Ghasemi, M., & Mohammadi, M. (2018). Performance optimisation of microbial fuel cell for wastewater treatment and sustainable clean energy generation using response surface methodology. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 57(4), 4243–4253.

 

Mingkai Yang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mingkai Yang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dalian Maritime University | China

Mr. Mingkai Yang is a dedicated student at Dalian Maritime University, pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree with a strong focus on computer vision and machine learning. His academic journey reflects a passion for exploring cutting-edge technologies in visual perception and intelligent systems, particularly within the field of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). He has contributed to the research community through completed projects and publications, including the development of MSGS-SLAM, a real-time semantic SLAM system built upon 3D Gaussian Splatting for monocular cameras. This work integrates semantic labels with geometric priors to achieve robust and accurate reconstruction, enabling high-fidelity rendering and providing dense semantic maps for enhanced scene understanding. His research demonstrates state-of-the-art performance in both pose estimation and mapping, reflecting his ability to combine theoretical knowledge with practical innovation. Beyond his independent contributions, he has collaborated with academic mentors, such as Associate Professor Fei Wang, further strengthening his foundation in advanced computational methods and interdisciplinary research. Mingkai also gained exposure to consultancy and industry-related projects, showcasing his ability to apply academic insights to practical challenges. With growing expertise in SLAM and computer vision, he is driven to advance his knowledge and contribute to the broader field of artificial intelligence and robotics, aiming to solve real-world problems through innovative approaches. His commitment to academic excellence, technical innovation, and collaborative research marks him as a promising young scholar with the potential to make significant contributions to science and technology in the coming years.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publication

Yang, M., Ge, S., & Wang, F. (n.d.). MSGS-SLAM: Monocular Semantic Gaussian Splatting SLAM.

Prof. Dr. Ali Bahadori Jahromi | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ali Bahadori Jahromi | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ali Bahadori Jahromi , Professor of Civil Engineering , University of West London , United Kingdom.

Professor Ali Bahadori-Jahromi is a distinguished academic and civil engineer at the University of West London, serving as Professor of Civil Engineering, Course Leader, and Doctoral Lead for Engineering. With an illustrious background in both academia and industry, he leads the Building Performance and Climate Change Research Group and founded the Engineering Future Sustainability journal. His professional journey spans the UK, Iran, and New Zealand, with contributions in sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Recognized as a Fellow and Chartered Civil Engineer by the Institution of Civil Engineers, he is actively involved in curriculum development, research leadership, and industry collaborations.

Publication Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education Background

Professor Bahadori-Jahromi’s academic foundation began in Iran with a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering (1997) from Azad University. He advanced to earn an MSc in Structural Engineering from the University of Glasgow in 2002. His pursuit of research excellence continued with a PhD in Structural Engineering from Edinburgh Napier University in 2006, focusing on composite insulated beams—a topic that led to a patented innovation. His strong academic background underpins his expertise in structural mechanics, sustainability, and construction technologies. These academic milestones have established him as a thought leader and educator shaping the next generation of civil engineers.

🏗️ Professional Experience

Professor Bahadori-Jahromi has over two decades of experience across academia and industry. He began his academic career as a Research Assistant at Edinburgh Napier University, then moved into industry roles in the UK and New Zealand before returning to academia at the University of West London in 2008. There, he progressed from Lecturer to Professor, also serving as Course Leader and Head of Research Group. He has been instrumental in program accreditation, PhD supervision, and student mentorship. His leadership has expanded the Civil Engineering program significantly, showcasing his dedication to education, applied research, and institutional development.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Professor Bahadori-Jahromi has received numerous accolades, including prestigious awards from The Royal Academy of Engineering and The Royal Society of Edinburgh. He became a Chartered Civil Engineer in 2009 and was elected as a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2015. His innovation on composite insulated beams earned patent recognition, and he was instrumental in securing external grants from prominent organizations such as Hilton Worldwide, Lidl, and CIBSE. His election as Chief Editor of Engineering Future Sustainability and active roles in the Joint Board of Moderators highlight his esteemed standing in both academic and engineering communities.

🔬 Research Focus

Professor Bahadori-Jahromi’s research centers on sustainable construction, AI-driven energy solutions, and climate-resilient infrastructure. He pioneers studies on embodied carbon calculations, life cycle assessments, nearly-zero energy building standards, and retrofitting strategies. He also develops machine learning models to predict building performance and optimize energy use. His innovations in concrete technology and material science include the use of polypropylene in concrete and composite timber joists. By leading the Building Performance and Climate Change group, he has built a research culture that merges theory and real-world impact, contributing to global dialogues on sustainability, construction technology, and environmental performance in buildings.

🧾 Conclusion

Professor Ali Bahadori-Jahromi is a visionary leader in civil engineering education and research, blending academic excellence with practical innovation. His impactful work in sustainability, AI in construction, and engineering education has reshaped built environment studies at the University of West London. Through his publications, supervision, and industry partnerships, he exemplifies the synergy between academia and real-world problem-solving. As an editor, mentor, and innovator, his career stands as a model for aspiring engineers and researchers, continually pushing boundaries to promote a sustainable and resilient future in the built environment.

📚 Top Publications with Notes

  1. A hybrid model-based method for leak detection in large scale water distribution networks
    Journal: Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing, 2021
    Cited by: 68 articles

  2. Impact of Low-E Window Films on Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions of an Existing UK Hotel Building
    Journal: Sustainability, 2019
    Cited by: 67 articles

  3. Investigating the potential impact of energy-efficient measures for retrofitting existing UK hotels to reach the nearly zero energy building (nZEB) standard
    Journal: Energy Efficiency, 2019
    Cited by: 55 articles

  4. Energy performance and cost analysis for the nZEB retrofit of a typical UK hotel
    Journal: Journal of Building Engineering, 2020
    Cited by: 49 articles

  5. Impact of Window Films on the Overall Energy Consumption of Existing UK Hotel Buildings
    Journal: Sustainability, 2017
    Cited by: 46 articles

  6. The role of embodied carbon databases in the accuracy of life cycle assessment (LCA) calculations for the embodied carbon of buildings
    Journal: Sustainability, 2021
    Cited by: 39 articles

  7. Estimation and validation of energy consumption in UK existing hotel building using dynamic simulation software
    Journal: Sustainability, 2017
    Cited by: 39 articles

  8. On the effect of steel columns cross sectional properties on the behaviours when subjected to blast loading
    Journal: Structural Engineering and Mechanics, 2012
    Cited by: 36 articles

  9. Comparison and evaluation of the potential energy, carbon emissions, and financial impacts from the incorporation of CHP and CCHP systems in existing UK hotel buildings
    Journal: Energies, 2018
    Cited by: 28 articles

  10. Investigating the impacts of a changing climate on the risk of overheating and energy performance for a UK retirement village adapted to the nZEB standards
    Journal: Building Services Engineering Research and Technology, 2019
    Cited by: 27 articles

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ping Li | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ping Li | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor, Northwest University, China

Dr. Ping Li is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Geology at Northwest University, Xi’an, China. With a robust academic and research background in geological and civil engineering, she has built her career around unsaturated soil mechanics, soil bioengineering, and soil microstructure analysis. Dr. Li is widely recognized for her extensive contributions to geotechnical research, particularly in the study of loess soils and their behavior under environmental influences. Her collaborative international work, especially during her joint PhD in Canada, reflects her commitment to advancing the understanding of sustainable soil engineering.

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education Background:

Dr. Ping Li holds a Ph.D. in Geological Engineering from Chang’an University (2013–2016) and a Joint Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Ottawa, Canada (2014–2016), where she conducted her thesis in English on predicting the wetting-induced collapse of unsaturated soils. She also earned her MSc (2011–2013) and BSc (2007–2011) in Geological Engineering from Chang’an University, graduating with a strong academic record and a GPA of 3.84.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Li currently serves as an Associate Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Northwest University, a position she has held since January 2023 after working as a Lecturer in the same department from 2017 to 2022. Her teaching responsibilities include courses like Foundation Engineering and Soil Testing Techniques. Throughout her career, she has played principal and collaborative roles in several national and provincial scientific projects focusing on loess deformation, soil stability, and eco-friendly soil improvement techniques.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

While specific awards are not individually listed, Dr. Li has successfully led multiple prestigious projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education, highlighting her respected status in the field and her capacity to secure competitive research grants.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Ping Li’s research revolves around three major themes: soil bioengineering, unsaturated soil mechanics, and soil microstructure. Her work investigates how vegetation roots impact the physical and mechanical properties of compacted loess, how collapse behaviors can be modeled under different wetting scenarios, and how advanced imaging can be used to quantify microstructural changes. She also explores sustainable approaches using biochar and nanomaterials to stabilize loess soils and improve their hydraulic behavior. Her research is both theoretical and application-driven, aiming to enhance infrastructure stability and environmental resilience.

🔚 Conclusion:

Dr. Ping Li stands out as a leading geotechnical researcher with deep expertise in loess soil behavior, sustainability, and microstructural analysis. Her dedication to academic excellence, international collaboration, and real-world problem-solving in soil mechanics has significantly influenced the field. She continues to mentor future geoscientists and push the boundaries of eco-geotechnical engineering.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

  1. Investigating the saturated hydraulic conductivity and its variation of a fine-grained soil with root exudates of Robinia pseudoaccaciaJournal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2025, Accepted.
    Cited by: Pending

  2. Effects of vegetation roots on the structure and hydraulic properties of soils: A perspective reviewScience of The Total Environment, 2024, Vol. 906.
    Cited by: 15+

  3. Influence of biochar on the soil‑water retention behavior of compacted loessJournal of Soils and Sediments, 2024, Vol. 24.
    Cited by: 10+

  4. Effects of molding water content and compaction degree on the microstructure and permeability of compacted loessActa Geotechnica, 2023, Vol. 18.
    Cited by: 25+

  5. Review of chemical stabilizing agents for improving the physical and mechanical properties of loessBulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 2021, Vol. 80.
    Cited by: 40+

  6. Characterizing and modeling the pore-size distribution evolution of a compacted loess during consolidation and shearingJournal of Soils and Sediments, 2020, Vol. 20.
    Cited by: 35+

  7. Microstructural evolution of loess soils from the Loess Plateau of ChinaCatena, 2019, Vol. 173.
    Cited by: 50+

  8. Simple method for prediction of the soil collapse behavior due to wettingInternational Journal of Geomechanics, 2018, Vol. 18.
    Cited by: 70+

  9. Prediction of the wetting-induced collapse behavior using the soil-water characteristic curveJournal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2019, Vol. 151.
    Cited by: 60+

  10. Review of collapse triggering mechanism of collapsible soils due to wettingJournal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2016, Vol. 8.
    Cited by: 80+

 

Nikolaos Kokkinos | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Kokkinos | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece

Dr. Nikolaos C. Kokkinos is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH), Greece 🇬🇷. He is the Director of the Petroleum Institute and Program Director of the MSc in Oil and Gas Technology at DUTH. Since 2013, he has served as Section Officer of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Kavala Section. He also leads the Modeling and Simulation in Process Engineering Laboratory at DUTH and holds a Research Director role at Hephaestus Laboratory. With over two decades of combined academic and industry experience, Dr. Kokkinos is a certified Master Instructor in emergency control room operations and actively contributes to global research in petroleum engineering and catalysis.

Publication Profile

🎓 Education Background

Dr. Kokkinos holds a Ph.D. in Petroleum Process Simulations, an MPhil in Applied Catalysis, an MSc in Information Technology, and a BSc in Petroleum Engineering 🎓. He has also worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Organic Geochemistry Unit (OGU), University of Bristol, UK 🇬🇧, further strengthening his academic and research credentials.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Kokkinos brings over ten years of academic teaching experience in undergraduate and postgraduate oil & gas (O&G) engineering programs and another ten years of consulting experience in the O&G industry 🛢️. He is actively involved in simulation training using advanced tools such as the Virtual Crisis Control Room and Drilling Simulator. His leadership at the Modeling and Simulation Lab and his research directorship at Hephaestus Laboratory highlight his commitment to applied science and education.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Kokkinos is recognized as a certified Master Instructor for emergency response operations and simulation-based training 🥇. He is a respected member and Section Officer of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, further emphasizing his leadership and contributions to professional communities in petroleum and process engineering.

🔬 Research Focus

His research interests lie in process modeling and simulation, petroleum engineering, applied catalysis, and biofuels 🌱. Dr. Kokkinos is an active editor and reviewer in various international journals and has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications. His systematic reviews and modeling contributions have significantly advanced catalytic processes and renewable energy applications.

📌 Conclusion

Dr. Nikolaos C. Kokkinos stands out as a leading figure in petroleum process engineering, merging deep academic knowledge with practical industry applications 🔍. His continued dedication to simulation-based learning, catalysis, and sustainable fuel research positions him as a key contributor in both academia and the energy sector.

📚 Top Publications Notes

 Biphasic Catalytic Conversion of Olefins in Aqueous Media: A Systematic Review
Cited by: Pending (new publication)

 A comparative study on biodiesel production from edible and non-edible biomasses
 Cited by: Available via Scopus/Google Scholar

Catalytic Upgrading of Biodiesel by Partial Hydrogenation of Its FAME Composition: A Systematic Review
 Cited by: Check on MDPI or Crossref

Solid waste biomass as a potential feedstock for producing sustainable aviation fuel: A systematic review
Cited by: 20+ (Scopus/Google Scholar)

Modeling and simulation of biphasic catalytic hydrogenation of a hydroformylated fuel
 Cited by: 18 (Google Scholar)

Two-step conversion of LLCN olefins to strong anti-knocking alcohol mixtures catalysed by Rh, Ru/TPPTS complexes in aqueous media
 Cited by: 50+ (Scopus)

 An environmentally benign catalytic process enhances in situ the quality of gasoline
Cited by: Available via OnePetro/Google Scholar