Negin Aalami  |  Engineering  | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Negin Aalami  |  Engineering  | Research Excellence Award

UT; RMIT | Australia

Negin Aalami is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow whose work bridges sustainable architecture, advanced building engineering, and computational modelling. She holds a doctorate from RMIT University and conducts research at the University of Tehran, focusing on energy-efficient design, building physics, and natural ventilation supported by expertise in CFD analysis, FEM modelling, and additive manufacturing. Her academic record includes an h-index of one, four scholarly documents, and four citations, reflecting an emerging yet impactful presence in high-performance building research. She has contributed to multiple completed and ongoing research projects, published in leading indexed journals, participated in consultancy work, and holds patents in innovative architectural systems. Her research advances adaptive building technologies, including kinetic façades, bio-based materials, 4D-printed components, bilayer envelopes, and movable louvers designed to enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency. She has developed integrated frameworks combining CFD, hybrid RANS-LES simulations, and multimaterial fabrication to evaluate and prototype responsive architectural systems. Beyond her publications, she has served as a reviewer for international journals in sustainable design and renewable energy. Professionally, she maintains memberships with WELL, the Australian Institute of Architecture, and the Iran Construction Engineering Organisation, contributing to a global architecture and engineering community committed to sustainable innovation.

Profile: Orcid 

Featured Publications 

Aalami, N., Abravesh, M., Maqsood, T., & Bhuiyan, M. A. (2025).
Movement optimization of a movable façade using bimetal as actuators for enhanced indoor airflow. Energy and Buildings, , 116753.

Aalami, N., Maqsood, T., Bhuiyan, M. A., & Zhang, K. (2024).
Development of operable modular louvers sited in a single-sided ventilated room through 3D parametric optimization. Building and Environment, , 112134.

Zhaochun Li | Intelligent Material Systems And Control | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zhaochun Li | Intelligent Material Systems And Control | Best Researcher Award

Nanjing Forestry University | China

Dr. Li is a distinguished professor in the College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering at Nanjing Forestry University, where she has built a strong reputation for her pioneering work in intelligent material systems and advanced control techniques. Her academic journey and professional achievements reflect a deep commitment to innovation in engineering research, particularly in areas that address critical challenges in mechanical performance and structural reliability. With a primary focus on intelligent material systems, Dr. Li has explored how these innovative materials can be effectively integrated into modern engineering applications to enhance efficiency and adaptability. A major part of her research is dedicated to passive and active vibration control, an area that plays a crucial role in ensuring stability, safety, and precision in a wide range of engineering systems. By advancing methods to mitigate vibrations, her work contributes to improving structural durability and performance in both industrial and technological contexts. Over the course of her career, Dr. Li has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles, providing valuable insights and shaping discourse within her field. Her scholarly contributions not only strengthen academic understanding but also open pathways for practical applications, positioning her as a respected leader and innovator in engineering research.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publication

Hou, M., Xu, X., Ouyang, Q., & Li, Z. (2025, September 30). Research on model predictive control of magnetorheological impact buffer system considering driver modeling. Engineering Research Express.

Zheng, Z., Zhan, J., Li, Z., Wang, Y., Xu, C., & Wang, X. (2025, September 15). Data-driven twisted string actuation for lightweight and compliant anthropomorphic dexterous hands. Biomimetics.

Zheng, J., Xu, C., Li, Z., Gu, C., Li, X., Li, Z., Li, Y., Lou, G., & Chen, Y. (2024). Growing bimetallic CoNi-MOF derivatives between MXene layers with hierarchically coral-like interfaces for enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption. Journal of Materials Chemistry A.

Zheng, J., Zhao, J., Wang, L., Li, Z., Dong, W., & E, S. (2022, November). Optimal control for soft-landing in elevator emergency crash using multiple magnetorheological shock absorbers. Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures.

Zhang, J., Li, Z., & Liu, X. (2021, November 8). Intelligent tea-picking system based on active computer vision and Internet of Things. Security and Communication Networks.