Dr. Luca Socci – Energy and Environmental Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luca Socci - Energy and Environmental Engineering - Best Researcher Award

University of Florence - Department of Industrial Engineering - Italy

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🌍 Early academic pursuits

Luca Socci  in florence, italy. his academic journey began with a deep passion for environmental engineering, leading him to pursue higher education at the university of florence. he completed his bachelor's degree in environmental engineering with honors, demonstrating early excellence in thermodynamics and heat transfer. his thesis focused on calibrating instruments for temperature monitoring in an ejector refrigeration cycle prototype, laying the foundation for his expertise in energy-efficient cooling systems. his outstanding academic performance continued into his master’s degree, where he graduated with top honors, further refining his research on efficient data center cooling solutions.

💡 Professional endeavors

As a funded researcher at the thermo group – department of industrial engineering (dief) at the university of florence, luca has been at the forefront of advancing thermodynamics and heat transfer applications. he transitioned seamlessly from academia to research, first as a doctoral student and later as a funded researcher. his work has been instrumental in optimizing hvac systems, particularly in desiccant devices and evaporative cooling technologies. he has actively contributed to educational programs, mentoring students and supporting courses in applied thermodynamics, energy efficiency, and hvac systems for industrial and civil applications.

🌐 Contributions and research focus

Luca’s research has significantly contributed to the understanding and enhancement of heat and mass transfer processes, focusing on sustainable energy solutions. his studies encompass Energy and Environmental Engineering hvac energy optimization, air disinfection methods, building energy efficiency, and the environmental impact of energy systems. he has made notable advances in humidification-dehumidification desalination systems, integrating innovative cooling technologies to boost performance. his numerical simulations and optimization models have provided new insights into efficient hvac equipment design, ensuring improved indoor air quality and energy sustainability.

🌟 Accolades and recognition

Luca’s academic excellence has been evident since his early years, earning him top honors in both his bachelor's and master’s degrees. his research work has been recognized through funding awards, allowing him to further explore groundbreaking developments in thermodynamics. his dedication to education and research has made him a valued member of the university of Energy and Environmental Engineering florence’s scientific community, where he has co-supervised multiple bachelor’s and master’s theses, shaping the next generation of energy engineers.

💪 Impact and influence

Through his innovative research, luca has played a crucial role in advancing sustainable hvac technologies, leading to practical applications that reduce energy consumption and enhance Energy and Environmental Engineering indoor air quality. his contributions to numerical simulations have influenced the design of more efficient cooling and ventilation systems, particularly in data centers, where energy efficiency is paramount. his collaborative efforts with students and researchers have fostered a culture of knowledge-sharing and scientific curiosity in the field of thermodynamics.

🏆 Legacy and future contributions

With a strong foundation in environmental engineering and thermodynamics, luca’s research continues to shape the future of energy-efficient technologies. his ongoing projects in hvac system optimization and desalination systems energy efficiency promise to deliver impactful advancements in the field. as he progresses in his career, his commitment to sustainable energy solutions and innovative research methodologies will leave a lasting legacy, ensuring that his work benefits both academia and industry for years to come.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Desiccant thermally controlled dehumidification in HVAC systems: Energy and exergy analysis, evaluation of different materials
    Author(s): Luca Socci, Andrea Rocchetti, Martina Lippi, Federica Savelli, Antonio Verzino, Andrea Zini, Lorenzo Talluri, Giampaolo Manfrida, Lorenzo Ciappi
    Journal: Journal of Building Engineering

  • Title: Scenarios for the energy renovation of a residential building
    Author(s): Guglielmo Malevolti, Andrea Rocchetti, Luca Socci
    Journal: E3S Web of Conferences

  • Title: Ceramic Air-to-Air Recuperator for energy recovery in HVAC systems: CFD analysis and comparison with experimental tests
    Author(s): Luca Socci, Javier M. Rey-Hernandez, Andrea Rocchetti, Alberto Rey-Hernandez, Francisco J. Rey-Martínez
    Journal: Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments

  • Title: Enhancing third-generation district heating networks with data centre waste heat recovery: analysis of a case study in Italy
    Author(s): Luca Socci, Andrea Rocchetti, Antonio Verzino, Andrea Zini, Lorenzo Talluri
    Journal: Energy

  • Title: Exploiting the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology for green hydrogen production and storage: Exergo-economic analysis
    Author(s): Lorenzo Ciappi, Luca Socci, Mattia Calabrese, Chiara Di Francesco, Federica Savelli, Giampaolo Manfrida, Andrea Rocchetti, Lorenzo Talluri, Daniele Fiaschi
    Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Mr. Alireza Babapoorkamani – Environmental and Sustainable Materials -Global Impact in Research Award

Mr. Alireza Babapoorkamani - Environmental and Sustainable Materials -Global Impact in Research Award

University of Pavia - Italy 

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🎓 Early academic pursuits

Alireza Babapoor began his academic journey with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the prestigious university of tehran, iran, where he secured admission by achieving an impressive rank of 460 out of 250,000 in the national entrance exam. during his undergraduate years, he developed a strong foundation in infrastructure design, environmental systems, and water resource management. his early exposure to hydraulic and fluid mechanics as a teaching assistant further sparked his interest in sustainable environmental solutions, shaping the path for his future academic and professional ambitions.

🌍 Professional endeavors

Continuing his pursuit of sustainability, alireza is currently advancing his expertise through a master's in environmental engineering at the university of pavia, italy, with a specialization in resilience to climate change effects. his work is focused on assessing flood impacts on urban planning through machine learning applications, with a case study in dar-es-salaam, tanzania. complementing his studies, alireza embarked on an erasmus+ traineeship at university college dublin, where he contributes to international projects involving water management and urban sprawl analysis in major saudi cities. his professional experience extends to roles such as sustainability intern at ey genova and environmental engineer at verna, where he applied innovative strategies for climate change mitigation and sustainable design.

🧠 Contributions and research focus

Alireza’s research concentrates on the intersection of urban development and environmental resilience, particularly in response to the escalating challenges posed by climate change. his thesis project integrates machine learning to analyze flood risks and develop adaptive urban planning strategies, reflecting his commitment to utilizing technology for climate adaptation. his Environmental and Sustainable Materials contributions also include collaborative projects on water management and urban sprawl, aiming to address environmental sustainability in rapidly developing regions. through these endeavors, alireza has actively worked on generating actionable insights for more sustainable urban landscapes.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Throughout his journey, alireza’s dedication to environmental advocacy and sustainable development has been widely acknowledged. his selection as a representative in the european student assembly in strasbourg highlights his recognition at the continental level, where he played a crucial role in formulating policy recommendations on climate change and green initiatives. this Environmental and Sustainable Materials prestigious appointment placed him among a select group of 251 students from 170 higher education institutions across europe, showcasing his leadership in driving meaningful discussions on environmental policy.

🌱 Impact and influence

Alireza has consistently leveraged his knowledge and skills to promote eco-conscious practices within academic, professional, and community settings. as a participant in the erasmus+ youth exchange project in milan, he actively engaged in environmental education, fostering eco-awareness and leading green action initiatives. his collaborative work in sustainability workshops and Environmental and Sustainable Materials community actions has not only contributed to local impact but also inspired an international network of young leaders to pursue eco-friendly solutions and sustainable development goals.

🔬 Legacy and future contributions

Looking forward, alireza aims to continue bridging the gap between innovative technology and environmental engineering to create resilient urban systems. he aspires to contribute to global climate adaptation strategies, focusing on sustainable infrastructure development, flood risk management, and urban resilience in vulnerable regions. his future plans involve expanding his research on machine learning applications in environmental planning and advocating for policies that harmonize urban growth with ecological preservation, ensuring his lasting impact on communities facing climate challenges.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Decision-Making Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation in Coastal Regions of Africa
    Author(s): A. Babapoorkamani, L. Ricci
    Journal: Environmental Development, 2025

  • Title: Climate Change and Renewables in Europe
    Author(s): A. Babapoorkamani
    Journal: SSRN (Preprint), 2023

  • Title: Climate Change Implications And Sustainable Development: A Review of A Decade of Academic Research
    Author(s): A. Babapoorkamani Alireza, Nikpey Mehdi, Sarafrazi Parham, Kharat
    Journal: (Journal name not specified), 2022

  • Title: Investigation the Performance of Public Green Buildings in Coronavirus Epidemic Situation
    Author(s): A. Babapoorkamani
    Journal: Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urban Planning (Conference Paper)

Prof.  Taihua Yan – environmental economics – Best Researcher Award 

Prof.  Taihua Yan - environmental economics - Best Researcher Award 

Chongqing University - China 

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Early academic pursuits 🎓

Taihua Yan embarked on his academic journey with a strong passion for economics and management. he earned his ph.d. in management, where he developed a deep understanding of economic theories and their applications. his academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future contributions to environmental economics. his keen interest in sustainable development and economic growth drove him to explore innovative research methodologies, ultimately shaping his career as a professor and doctoral supervisor at chongqing university.

Professional endeavors 🏛️

As a professor at the school of economics and business administration at chongqing university, taihua yan has been a pivotal figure in advancing research and education in environmental economics. with a commitment to fostering intellectual growth, he has guided numerous doctoral students and contributed significantly to academic discourse. leading two national social science fund projects and five provincial-level projects, he has played a crucial role in shaping policy-driven research. his expertise and leadership have positioned him as a respected scholar in the academic community.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Taihua Yan’s research primarily revolves around environmental economics, integrating interdisciplinary approaches to address key issues in sustainable development. he has published over 100 academic papers in core economics and management journals, both domestically and internationally. his recent research includes a completed paper with  and five ongoing papers in environmental economics 2025. his contributions extend beyond theoretical insights, as his work has been instrumental in influencing government policies and economic strategies for sustainable growth.

Accolades and recognition 🏆

Taihua Yan’s scholarly contributions have earned him widespread recognition in academia. with 152 papers published in chinese scopus-indexed journals and 10 papers in sscis and scis, his environmental economics work has significantly impacted the field of environmental economics. his research achievements are reflected in his leadership roles in funded projects, securing three major research grants. he has also authored a book (isbn: 9787802079557), further cementing his authority in the discipline. his work continues to receive appreciation from peers and policymakers alike.

Impact and influence 🌍

Thoroughly dedicated to advancing green development, taihua yan’s research has made a substantial impact on policy formulation and economic planning. his interdisciplinary approach has environmental economics provided novel solutions to pressing environmental economic challenges. his studies have been widely adopted in government environmental planning, ensuring practical applications beyond academia. by integrating innovative theories and empirical research, he has significantly influenced sustainable economic policies, reinforcing his standing as a thought leader in the field.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

Taihua yan’s academic legacy is rooted in his commitment to knowledge creation and dissemination. his research has not only contributed to theoretical advancements but has also paved the way for practical applications in environmental economics. looking ahead, he aims to further explore sustainable economic models and enhance global collaboration in environmental research. through organizing international conferences and seminars, he continues to foster academic cooperation, ensuring that his contributions will have a lasting impact on future generations of researchers and policymakers.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: The impact of digital infrastructure on regional green innovation efficiency through industrial agglomeration and diversification
    Author(s): Hanyu Zhang, Kaiyue Zhang, Taihua Yan, Xiaonan Cao
    Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2025

  • Title: Does digitalization improve supply chain efficiency?
    Author(s): Zhipeng Yu, Xiaonan Cao, Lu Tang, Taihua Yan, Zeyu Wang
    Journal: Finance Research Letters, 2024

  • Title: Carbon emission efficiency in the age of digital economy: New insights on green technology progress and industrial structure distortion
    Author(s): Zhipeng Yu, Yi Liu, Taihua Yan, Ming Zhang
    Journal: Business Strategy and the Environment, 2024

  • Title: Urban land expansion, fiscal decentralization and haze pollution: Evidence from 281 prefecture-level cities in China
    Author(s): Zhipeng Yu, Taihua Yan, Xinran Liu, Anze Bao
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Management, 2022

Prof.  Myong jun kim – Sustainable extractive metallurgy – Best Researcher Award

Prof.  Myong jun kim - Sustainable extractive metallurgy - Best Researcher Award

Chonnam National University - South Korea

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Early academic pursuits 🎓

Dr. Myong jun kim earned his phd from the university of new south wales (unsw), australia. his early academic journey laid a strong foundation in the fields of hydrometallurgy, recycling, and mineral processing, establishing his expertise in these critical areas of research.

Professional endeavors 🏢

For over 25 years, dr. kim has served as a professor at chonnam national university, korea. his professional journey is marked by dedication to both academia and industry collaborations, leading numerous research projects and providing consultancy to the resources industry.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Dr. Kim's research primarily focuses on hydrometallurgy, recycling, and mineral processing. he has successfully completed over 40 research projects and is currently involved in two new Sustainable extractive metallurgy projects. his work has resulted in the development of over 15 novel technologies, many of which have been patented and transferred to the industry.

Accolades and recognition 🏆

with 64 scie research papers and 57 papers indexed in scopus, dr. kim’s scholarly contributions are widely recognized. his research has garnered a citation index of 23 (scopus), reflecting the Sustainable extractive metallurgy impact of his work in the scientific community.

Impact and influence 🌍

Dr. kim's influence extends beyond academia through his consultancy work on over 15 industry projects and the successful transfer of five technologies worth approximately 2.5 million usd. Sustainable extractive metallurgy his collaborations with industry partners and graduates continue to drive innovation and sustainable technology development.

Legacy and future contributions 🔗

As an innovator and educator, dr. kim’s legacy is defined by his commitment to advancing resource management technologies. his ongoing research, mentorship of young researchers, and active participation in industry collaborations promise continued contributions to the field of sustainable resource management.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: A process using a thermal reduction for producing the battery grade lithium hydroxide from wasted black powder generated by cathode active materials manufacturing
    Author(s): Jong-sun Park, Sangyun Seo, Kyusung Han, Seongil Lee, Myong-jun Kim
    Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2023

  • Title: A process for removing toxic heavy metals to produce the high purity NH₄H₂PO₄ and KH₂PO₄ from a crude phosphoric acid
    Author(s): Kyusung Han, Sangyun Seo, Seongil Lee, Myong-jun Kim
    Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 2022

  • Title: The recovery of Cu, Co, Zn, and Mn from a complex oxide ore using an enhanced reduction leaching
    Author(s): Sangyun Seo, Kyusung Han, Sung-il Lee, Myong-jun Kim
    Journal: Metals, 2021

  • Title: A study on pyro-hydrometallurgical process for selective recovery of Pb, Sn and Sb from lead dross
    Author(s): Woo-jin Kim, Sangyun Seo, Seongil Lee, Dong-wan Kim, Myong-jun Kim
    Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2021

  • Title: Corrigendum to ‘Recovery of rhenium from a molybdenite roaster fume as high purity ammonium perrhenate’
    Author(s): Hyunsoo Kim, Jong-sun Park, Sangyun Seo, Tam Tran, Myong-jun Kim
    Journal: Hydrometallurgy, 2021

Prof. Jaekyung Sung – Energy materials – Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jaekyung Sung - Energy materials - Best Researcher Award

Gyeongsang national university - South Korea

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Early academic pursuits 🎓

Jaekyung Sung’s academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering from the kumoh national institute of technology (kit), south korea, where he laid the foundation of his research in semiconductor design. his passion for energy storage and materials science deepened during his master’s program at the gwangju institute of science and technology (gist), where he focused on synthesizing non-precious metal electrocatalysts for fuel cells. he further advanced his academic career with a ph.d. from the ulsan national institute of science and technology (unist), concentrating on the development of advanced anode materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries under the mentorship of professor jaephil cho.

Professional endeavors 🏢

After completing his doctorate, jaekyung embarked on a prolific research career. he first served as a postdoctoral researcher at unist, working on cutting-edge projects in nano energy storage materials. this was followed by a prestigious postdoctoral position at the massachusetts institute of technology (mit) in the united states, where he worked in nuclear science and engineering under professor ju li. in september 2022, jaekyung took on the role of assistant professor at the school of materials science and engineering, gyeongsang national university (gnu), where he continues to contribute to the field of metallurgical engineering.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Jaekyung sung's research has made significant strides in the field of energy storage, particularly in the development of advanced anode materials for high-energy Energy materials lithium-ion batteries. his work explores the synthesis and application of innovative materials aimed at improving battery efficiency and performance. his contributions extend beyond lithium-ion batteries, as he has also explored non-precious metal electrocatalysts for fuel cells, broadening the scope of his impact in clean energy technologies. his interdisciplinary approach integrates chemical engineering with materials science, driving innovations in sustainable energy solutions.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

Jaekyung’s research has been widely recognized in academic and scientific circles. he has published numerous papers in high-impact journals, showcasing his Energy materials expertise in battery technology and materials science. his groundbreaking work on anode materials for lithium-ion batteries has earned him accolades, highlighting his contributions to advancing energy storage technologies. his time at mit further solidified his reputation as a rising star in materials science, allowing him to collaborate with top researchers in the field.

Impact and influence 🌍

through his innovative research, jaekyung sung has made meaningful contributions to the global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. his work in improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells directly supports the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly energy storage systems. his Energy materials research not only advances technological innovation but also addresses critical challenges in the transition to clean energy, positioning him as a key figure in the field of energy materials.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

Jaekyung Sung’s legacy is being built on his dedication to pioneering energy storage technologies. as an assistant professor, he is committed to educating and mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers, while continuing to push the boundaries of research in energy materials. his future contributions promise to further the development of high-performance batteries and fuel cells, accelerating progress toward a sustainable energy future.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Comparison of commercial silicon-based anode materials for the design of a high-energy lithium-ion battery
    Authors: Choi, M., Lee, E., Sung, J., Kim, N., Ko, M.
    Journal: Nano Research, 2024, 17(6), pp. 5270–5277
  • Title: Surface fluorinated graphite suppressing the lithium dendrite formation for fast chargeable lithium ion batteries
    Authors: Ko, M., Jayasubramaniyan, S., Kim, S., Nam, S.Y., Sung, J.
    Journal: Carbon, 2024, 219, 118808
  • Title: Architecting Sturdy Si/Graphite Composite with Lubricative Graphene Nanoplatelets for High-Density Electrodes
    Authors: Park, S., Choi, M., Lee, J., Ko, M., Chae, S.
    Journal: Small, 2024
  • Title: Modeling capacitance of carbon-based supercapacitors by artificial neural networks
    Authors: Reddy, B.S., Narayana, P.L., Maurya, A.K., Cho, K.K., Reddy, N.S.
    Journal: Journal of Energy Storage, 2023, 72, 108537
  • Title: A strategy of boosting the effect of carbon nanotubes in graphite-blended Si electrodes for high-energy lithium-ion batteries
    Authors: Choi, M., Sung, J., Yeo, G., Chae, S., Ko, M.
    Journal: Journal of Energy Storage, 2023, 72, 108301