Dr. Fan Zhang | Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fan Zhang | Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Research Associate | Queensland University of Technology | Australia

Dr. Fan Zhang is a distinguished researcher at the Queensland University of Technology whose work focuses on the advancement of next-generation aqueous zinc-ion batteries and sustainable energy storage technologies. Their research integrates bioinspired materials design, electrolyte optimization, and interfacial engineering to address key challenges such as dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution, and low reversibility in Zn-based systems. With significant contributions to materials science and electrochemistry, Dr. Zhang has established a strong reputation for innovative approaches that enhance the safety, energy density, and long-term stability of aqueous batteries. Their studies combine experimental synthesis with advanced characterization techniques, leading to impactful findings published in high-impact journals such as Advanced Materials, Journal of the American Chemical Society, National Science Review, and Nano Energy. Dr. Zhang’s scholarly influence is evidenced by a Scopus citation count of 370 (h-index: 12, 17 documents) and a Google Scholar citation count of 352 (h-index: 11, i10-index: 11). Their research continues to drive progress in electrochemical energy storage, contributing to the global shift toward sustainable and environmentally friendly power solutions.

Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Zhang, F., Liao, T., Liu, C., Peng, H., Luo, W., Yang, H., Yan, C., & Sun, Z. (2022). Biomineralization-inspired dendrite-free Zn-electrode for long-term stable aqueous Zn-ion battery. Nano Energy, 103, 107830.

Zhang, F., Liao, T., Peng, H., Xi, S., Qi, D. C., Micallef, A., Yan, C., Jiang, L., & Sun, Z. (2024). Outer sphere electron transfer enabling high-voltage aqueous electrolytes. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 146(15), 10812–10821.

Zhang, F., Liao, T., Qi, D. C., Wang, T., Xu, Y., Luo, W., Yan, C., Jiang, L., & Sun, Z. (2024). Zn-ion ultrafluidity via bioinspired ion channel for ultralong lifespan Zn-ion battery. National Science Review, 11(8), nwae199.

Zhang, F., Liao, T., Yan, C., & Sun, Z. (2024). Bioinspired designs in active metal-based batteries. Nano Research, 17(2), 587–601.

Zhang, F., Liao, T., Zhou, Q., Bai, J., Li, X., & Sun, Z. (2025). Advancements in ion regulation strategies for enhancing the performance of aqueous Zn-ion batteries. Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports, 165, 101012.

Prof. Chunlei Guo | Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Chunlei Guo | Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Chunlei Guo | Professor | University of Rochester | United States

Academic Background

Chunlei Guo received his undergraduate education in Optical Physics and Fine Mechanics at the Changchun Institute of Optics in China. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Connecticut, followed by postdoctoral training in Materials Science at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He has established a strong foundation in laser physics, optics, and materials science, contributing to his recognition as a leading researcher in photonics. According to Scopus, his work includes over four hundred publications cited nearly ten thousand times, with an h-index indicating substantial influence in his field. His Google Scholar profile further reflects his widespread impact across laser material processing, femtosecond laser applications, and nanostructuring.

Research Focus

Guo’s research primarily focuses on femtosecond laser interactions with materials, including the creation of superhydrophobic surfaces and laser-induced nanostructures. His work integrates ultrafast laser techniques with material science, aiming to advance applications in energy, imaging, and nanotechnology. His studies emphasize precise control of surface properties and functionalization at the micro- and nanoscale.

Work Experience

Guo has held a variety of academic and research positions, starting as an Assistant Professor and later Associate Professor at the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester. He is currently a Professor at the Institute of Optics and holds joint appointments in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. He has also served as the founding director of the GPL Photonics Lab in China, further establishing his international research presence.

Key Contributions

Guo has made significant contributions to laser-induced surface structuring, development of superhydrophobic and superwicking surfaces, and femtosecond laser applications in imaging and material processing. His work has enabled new methods for nanostructuring metals, improving energy management, and advancing optical technologies. He has been widely recognized for developing techniques that combine laser precision with novel material functionalities.

Awards & Recognition

Guo’s research excellence has earned him multiple prestigious awards, including honors for innovation in defense and design, recognition by professional societies, and fellowships in the Optical Society of America, American Physical Society, and International Academy of Photonics and Laser Engineering.

Professional Roles & Memberships

He has served in numerous editorial and advisory roles, including Editor-in-Chief of the CRC Handbook of Laser Technology and Applications, associate editor for leading optics journals, and program committee membership for major international conferences. He has also chaired conferences and technical groups, contributing to shaping the field of laser science and engineering globally.

Publication Profile

Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Guo, C., Vorobyev, A. Y., & Singh, S. C. (2023). Imaging Dynamics of Femtosecond Laser-Induced Surface Nanostructuring. In Ultrafast Laser Nanostructuring. Springer Series in Optical Sciences, 239, 355–375.

Guo, C., & Singh, S. C. (2021). CRC Handbook of Laser Technology and Applications. CRC Press.

Vorobyev, A. Y., & Guo, C. (2015). Superwicking Surfaces Produced by Femtosecond Laser. In Advanced Lasers, 193, 101–120.

Guo, C. (2016). Using femtosecond lasers to create new material properties. SPIE Newsroom.

Guo, C. (2010). Surface-plasmon-enhanced photoelectron emission. SPIE Newsroom.

Impact Statement / Vision

Guo envisions leveraging ultrafast laser technologies to design materials with unprecedented properties for industrial, environmental, and energy applications. His work continues to inspire innovations in nanofabrication, surface engineering, and photonics, bridging fundamental research and practical applications for global scientific advancement.

Dr. Julian Riano | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Julian Riano | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, University of Brighton, United Kingdom

Julian D. Riano is a dynamic academic and facilitator with a global perspective in business education 🌍. He holds a Doctorate in Strategy, Organisations, and Society from Newcastle University (UK), and brings a wealth of international experience from the US, Colombia, and the UK. Fluent in both English and Spanish , Dr. Riano is passionate about innovative, entrepreneurship-focused teaching that prepares students to tackle real-world business challenges. His approach emphasizes experiential and challenge-based learning, fostering practical skills and strategic thinking among learners 📈.

Publication Profile

ORCID

🎓 Education Background

Dr. Riano’s academic journey is both diverse and impressive. He recently pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice at the University of Brighton (2023–2024) 🎓. He earned his Doctorate from Newcastle University (2017–2021), preceded by an MBA in IT Management from Southern New Hampshire University, USA (2012–2014) 💼. His foundational studies include a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Finance from Western Connecticut State University (2004–2008) and an Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems Technology from Naugatuck Valley Community College (2001–2004) 💻. He also obtained the CELTA certificate from the University of Cambridge and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) 🎖️.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Riano is currently a Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Strategy at the University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law (since March 2022) 📚. He also serves as a Visiting Business Lecturer at Newcastle University Business School – London (since 2019) and continues to contribute as an Academic Researcher there (since 2017). Since 2017, he has also held a Visiting Lecturer role at the University of Brighton International College. His consistent academic contributions have enriched numerous business modules including strategy, organizational behaviour, entrepreneurship, and IT management across undergraduate and postgraduate levels 🏫.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Julian D. Riano holds the Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) awarded by Advance HE in 2019 🎓. He is also CELTA certified, showcasing his commitment to effective pedagogy and inclusive, high-quality teaching in English as a second language 🌐. These recognitions reinforce his teaching excellence and dedication to student-centred learning.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Riano’s research primarily explores social capital, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and strategic management, especially within SMEs in the UK and emerging economies 🌱. His work sheds light on how value is created beyond traditional economic measures—focusing instead on social impact and organizational innovation. His interest in challenge-based learning also drives his pedagogical research, aligning with entrepreneurship and business education practices 🔍.

📝 Conclusion

In summary, Julian D. Riano is a globally engaged academic leader blending pedagogical innovation, strategic research, and multicultural teaching experiences 🌎. His interdisciplinary expertise and passion for impactful education make him a strong advocate for student empowerment and entrepreneurial thinking across the globe 🚀.

📚 Top Publications

Challenge-based learning: A ‘entrepreneurship-oriented’ teaching experience (2020)
Journal: Management in Education | 📑 Cited by: 3 articles

Challenge-Based Learning: A ‘Entrepreneurship-Oriented’ Teaching Experience (2020)
Conference: British Academy of Management – BAM 2020 | 📑 Cited by: 2 articles

Social Capital, The Lesser-Known Victim of Crime in Bogota – Colombia (2020)
Conference: British Academy of Management – BAM 2020 | 📑 Cited by: 1 article

Value Creation Beyond Economic Frontiers Via Social Capital Benefits: Evidence of SMEs in The UK Construction Industry (2020)
Conference: British Academy of Management – BAM 2020 | 📑 Cited by: 2 articles

Social capital benefits and value creation toward sustainability: evidence of SMEs in the UK construction industry (2020)
Conference: European Group of Organizational Studies – EGOS 2020 | 📑 Cited by: 2 articles

Prof. Dr. Chenyu Wu | Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Chenyu Wu | Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Hohai University, China

Prof. Dr. Chenyu Wu is a distinguished academic and researcher currently serving as a Professor in Jiangsu Province at the College of Energy and Electrical Engineering, Hohai University 🇨🇳. With deep expertise in power systems and electricity markets, he has authored over 20 high-impact SCI (Q1) papers and contributed to two team standards. Prof. Wu has led numerous key national and industrial projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation and the State Grid Corporation of China. His groundbreaking research has been implemented across various regions, including Jilin, Yunnan, and Myanmar. Recognized for both academic and applied excellence, he has received top-tier honors such as the First Prize of Jiangsu Province Science and Technology Award and the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow title 🏆.

Publication Profile

🎓Education Background:

Prof. Wu earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Southeast University (2015–2019) 🎓, following a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Hohai University (2011–2015) 📘. His academic training laid the foundation for his advanced contributions to smart grids and integrated energy systems.

💼Professional Experience:

Prof. Wu’s professional journey includes serving as a Senior Engineer at the State Grid (Suzhou) Urban Energy Research Institute (2019–2020) 🏙️. He then transitioned to academia, where he held roles as Associate Professor at Southeast University (2020–2025) and later as a Professor at Hohai University from March 2025 onward. His experience bridges industrial engineering practice and cutting-edge academic research.

🏅Awards and Honors:

Prof. Wu’s excellence has been widely recognized. Notable accolades include the First Prize in Science and Technology of Jiangsu Province (2022) 🥇, the Bronze Award in the China Postdoctoral Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (2022) 🥉, and the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award by the China Simulation Society (2020) 📜. He is also among the elite few chosen (<1%) for the Jiangsu “333” talent project and the National Excellent Postdoctoral Fellow title 🌟.

🔬Research Focus:

His core research areas include the optimal operation of integrated energy systems, virtual power plants, active distribution networks, and electricity market bidding strategies ⚡. He integrates concepts from distributed optimization, differential game theory, and reverse engineering to advance clean, efficient energy systems aligned with smart grid development and market transformation.

✅Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Chenyu Wu stands as a thought leader in the evolving fields of power system optimization and energy economics. His impactful publications, prestigious awards, and active academic involvement testify to his dedication to sustainable energy innovation and system-wide transformation 🌍📈.

📚Top Publications:

A Two-Stage Game Model for Combined Heat and Power Trading MarketIEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 2019 | Cited by: 240+

Energy Trading and Generalized Nash Equilibrium in Combined Heat and Power MarketIEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 2020 | Cited by: 200+

Coordinated Optimal Power Flow for Integrated Active Distribution Network and Virtual Power Plants Using Decentralized AlgorithmIEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 2021 | Cited by: 180+

Competitive Equilibrium Analysis for Renewables Integration in Dynamic Combined Heat and Power Trading MarketIEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 2023 | Cited by: 30+

Model-Free Economic Dispatch for Virtual Power Plants: An Adversarial Safe Reinforcement Learning ApproachIEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 2023 | Cited by: 25+

Combined Economic Dispatch Considering the Time-Delay of District Heating NetworkIEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, 2018 | Cited by: 150+

Bi-level Optimization Model for Integrated Energy System Considering the Thermal Comfort of Heat CustomersApplied Energy, 2018 | Cited by: 180+