Mr. Nikhil Dilip Pawar – Decarbonization of industry – Best Researcher Award

DLR - Germany

Author Profile 

ORCID 

🌱 Early academic pursuits

Nikhil Dilip Pawar’s journey into the field of sustainable engineering began with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering. he later pursued a master's degree in renewable energies at the technical university of berlin, which marked a significant shift towards addressing global environmental challenges. during his academic training, nikhil honed his expertise in renewable energy systems and explored innovative methods to integrate sustainability into industrial processes.

🏭 Professional endeavors

Currently serving as a scientific researcher at the german aerospace center (dlr), nikhil has played a pivotal role in projects aimed at decarbonizing the fertilizer industry. his work has included exploring renewable energy-driven solutions for nitrogenous fertilizer production and sustainable water management strategies. as part of his professional journey, he contributed to projects like the eu horizon 2020 “zero brine” project and collaborated with iFOREST in india to provide actionable insights for policy reforms.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Nikhil’s research primarily revolves around the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries, particularly the fertilizer sector. he has delved into green ammonia production and renewable-based desalination processes, emphasizing minimum liquid discharge strategies. his recent studies have focused on identifying flexibility options for desalination plants to complement Decarbonization of industry variable renewable energy sources, thereby reducing reliance on costly battery storage systems. these efforts align with a broader vision of integrating circular economy principles into industrial practices.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Nikhil’s research contributions have garnered attention in the academic and policy-making spheres. his paper on green ammonia production has achieved a high citation index of 1.737 on scopus, reflecting its impact within the scientific community. his expertise has also been sought for consultancy and collaboration projects, underlining his growing influence in the field of Decarbonization of industry sustainable industry practices.

🌍 Impact and influence

Through his collaborative work, nikhil has directly influenced policy recommendations for india’s transition to sustainable urea production. his actionable reports and scenario modeling have provided valuable insights into economic and environmental trade-offs, paving the way for a greener industrial landscape. his efforts underscore the critical role of renewable energy and Decarbonization of industry water resource management in achieving global sustainability goals.

🔄 Legacy and future contributions

Nikhil’s work represents a significant step toward realizing a carbon-neutral future for energy-intensive industries. by bridging the gap between research and policy, he is creating a legacy of actionable solutions that prioritize environmental and economic sustainability. moving forward, nikhil aims to expand his focus on integrating advanced technologies and fostering international collaborations to accelerate the transition to sustainable industrial practices.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Decarbonization of Urea Production in India and its Impact on Water Withdrawal and Costs: A Cost Optimization Approach
    Author(s): Nikhil Dilip Pawar; Kunal Singhal; Chandra Bhushan; Thomas Pregger; Patrick Jochem
    Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
  • Title: Valorization of coal mine effluents — Challenges and economic opportunities
    Author(s): Nikhil Dilip Pawar; Steve Harris; Krzysztof Mitko; Gijsbert Korevaar
    Journal: Water Resources and Industry
  • Title: Potential of green ammonia production in India
    Author(s): Nikhil Dilip Pawar; Heidi Ursula Heinrichs; Christoph Winkler; Philipp-Matthias Heuser; Severin D. Ryberg; Martin Robinius; Detlef Stolten
    Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Prof. Seung Kyum Kim – Climate Change – Best Researcher Award

Prof. Seung Kyum Kim - Climate Change - Best Researcher Award

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology - South Korea

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Early Academic Pursuits

Seung Kyum Kim embarked on his academic journey at the University of Idaho, where he earned both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Landscape Architecture. His academic prowess and dedication to the field were evident from the outset. Kim furthered his education at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where he achieved a Doctor of Design in Urban Planning and Design and a Master in Design Studies with a concentration in Risk and Resilience.

Professional Endeavors

Kim’s professional career is marked by a blend of academic and practical experience. He has served as an Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Future Strategy at KAIST and held adjunct professorships at the Graduate School of Green Growth & Sustainability and the Global School. His leadership extends to chairing the Urban Analytics Lab at KAIST, where he spearheads innovative research in urban planning and environmental sustainability. Prior to his current roles, Kim held significant positions such as Post-doctoral Fellow at Seoul National University and the University of Hong Kong, and Deputy Director at the National Committee for the 7th World Water Forum in South Korea.

Contributions and Research Focus

Kim's research is multifaceted, focusing primarily on urban planning, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. His work has explored the economic and climate adaptation benefits of land conservation, the dynamics of green spaces in urban areas, and the impacts of renewable energy on climate vulnerability. Notable publications include studies on the socioeconomic distribution of green spaces in China and Climate Change the effects of climate risk on gentrification. Kim’s research has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature Climate Change, Science of the Total Environment, and Climatic Change.

Accolades and Recognition

Kim's contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He received the Excellent Research Award and the Innovative Lecture Award from KAIST, and the Howard T. Fisher Prize for excellence in GIS from Harvard. His innovative designs and research have earned him prizes in urban design competitions in China and recognition from prestigious bodies such as the American Society of Climate Change Landscape Architects.

Impact and Influence

Kim's research has had a significant impact on the field of urban planning and environmental sustainability. His studies on green spaces and climate change adaptation have informed policy decisions and urban development strategies globally. Kim's work on climate vulnerability and Climate Change renewable energy has provided crucial insights into the challenges and opportunities of energy transitions in the context of climate change.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Kim aims to continue his pioneering work in urban planning and climate adaptation, focusing on creating sustainable and resilient urban environments. His ongoing projects at KAIST and collaborations with international institutions underscore his commitment to addressing global environmental challenges. Kim’s legacy will be marked by his contributions to sustainable urban development and his role in shaping future strategies for climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS