MR. Norifumi Todaka –  Geothermal geology and geochemistry – Best Researcher Award

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MR. Norifumi Todaka -  Geothermal geology and geochemistry - Best Researcher Award

Nittetsu Mining Consultants Co., Ltd. - Japan 

Author Profile 

SCOPUS 

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Norifumi Todaka began his journey in the earth sciences with a strong foundation in geology. he earned his bachelor of science in geology from waseda university in 1979, followed by a master's degree in mining geology in 1981, also from waseda. his early academic work laid the groundwork for a lifelong pursuit of innovative approaches in geothermal energy, geochemical modeling, and subsurface engineering—fields where the integration of power electronics has become increasingly vital in modern energy infrastructure.

💼 Professional endeavors

Todaka’s career spans more than four decades of dedication to geothermal and geochemical sciences. starting in 1981, he joined the geothermal engineering office at electric power development co., ltd., where he held various leadership roles until 2016. notable periods include his secondment to the power reactor and nuclear fuel development corporation (1996–1998) for the mizunami url project, and leadership roles at japan ccs company (2008–2010), where he headed the tomakomai ccs project. from 2016 to 2025, he served as director of the geothermal department at nittetsu mining consultants co., ltd., and in 2025, he established the todaka geothermal consulting office (p.e. jp).

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Todaka has significantly contributed to the development of geothermal resources in japan, including major involvement with the onikobe geothermal power plant. his research spans key themes such as geological storage of high-level nuclear waste, mineral co2 sequestration, and supercritical geothermal systems. recently, his focus has turned toward understanding Geothermal geology and geochemistry the formation and distribution of acidic fluids in geothermal areas through chemical equilibrium modeling using solveq-chim and reactive transport modeling using toughreact. his interdisciplinary approach, increasingly linked with power electronics in geothermal technologies, has set benchmarks for sustainable and efficient resource utilization.

🌍 Impact and influence

Norifumi Todaka’s work has had a profound impact on japan’s geothermal strategy and beyond. his technical leadership has informed policy decisions, project execution, and long-term Geothermal geology and geochemistry planning across various national-level projects. his integration of modeling techniques with practical field applications serves as a reference point in geothermal engineering. moreover, his cross-sector experience—including contributions to nuclear waste management and carbon capture—demonstrates a holistic understanding of subsurface processes where the application of power electronics continues to evolve in optimizing geothermal systems.

📚 Academic cites and collaborations

Todaka’s research has been widely cited in academic journals, technical bulletins, and institutional reports within the geosciences and renewable energy communities. his collaboration with researchers and engineers through the electric power development co., ltd., japan ccs, and nittetsu mining consultants, has led to numerous contributions that are used as case studies in geothermal development, reactive transport simulation, and environmental impact analysis.

🌱 Legacy and future contributions

With the establishment of todaka geothermal consulting office, norifumi todaka continues to share his expertise with emerging geothermal projects, academic institutions, and energy consultancies. his legacy is marked by a blend of hands-on fieldwork, pioneering modeling techniques, and thought leadership in energy sustainability. he remains an inspiration to geoscientists and energy professionals aiming to bridge traditional geoscience with modern innovations such as digital monitoring, simulation tools, and integration of power electronics for smart energy systems.

Notable Publications 

Title: Several Considerations on Well Treatment in a Numerical Model for Single-Well Push-Pull Tests in Carbon Dioxide Injection Simulation
Author(s): Kenji Sasaki, Norifumi Todaka, Shigetaka Nakanishi, Chitoshi Akasaka, Yoshinobu Nishimoto
Journal: [No source/journal information available]

Dr. Marjan Ilbeigi – energy – Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Marjan Ilbeigi - energy - Women Researcher Award

islamic azad university - Iran 

Author Profile 

ORCID 

GOOGLE SCHOLAR 

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Marjan Ilbeigi began her academic journey with a profound interest in architecture, earning her bachelor's degree in applied-science architecture from islamic azad university, zanjan branch. during this period, she showcased her creativity through her thesis titled "samaa of molana center," reflecting a deep appreciation for cultural and historical concepts in architectural design. fueled by a growing passion for sustainable and innovative architecture, she pursued her master's degree in architectural engineering at the islamic azad university, damavand branch, where she excelled with a perfect gpa. her thesis focused on designing an institute for energy and climate change, aiming to reduce carbon emissions to zero by leveraging advanced tools like energyplus and artificial neural networks. her educational path continued with her ph.d. in architecture at islamic azad university, chalous branch, where she is currently engaged in groundbreaking research to create energy-efficient spatial layouts for elementary schools in tehran using poe models and gans algorithms.

🏛️ Professional endeavors

Marjan Ilbeigi has established herself as a dynamic architect, lecturer, and researcher with a keen focus on the integration of sustainability and technology in architectural practices. through her academic roles and collaborations, she has contributed extensively to the development of innovative architectural solutions that respond to environmental challenges. her professional journey is marked by her commitment to teaching and mentoring, where she empowers students with the knowledge of energy optimization, sustainable design, and advanced simulation techniques. balancing both academia and industry, marjan continually seeks to bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications, ensuring her work benefits both future architects and contemporary urban environments.

🏗️ Contributions and research focus

Marjan's research expertise lies in energy optimization, sustainable urban design, and advanced computational modeling. she has been actively involved in projects that explore the application of genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, and artificial neural networks to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in architectural spaces. her work extends to emotional energy and cultural mapping in urban design, examining how collective memory shapes urban environments. through her publications, marjan addresses critical issues such as energy efficiency in mountain hotels, the renovation of buildings using predictive modeling, and the interplay of citizens' emotional connections with city landscapes. her innovative approach integrates technology with human-centered design, ensuring that sustainability and cultural relevance coexist harmoniously.

🏅 Accolades and recognition

Marjan ilbeigi's academic excellence is reflected in her consistent top-tier gpa achievements and the exceptional grades awarded for her thesis works. her contributions to the field have been energy recognized through publications in prestigious journals like indoor and built environment journal and city, territory and architecture journal, where her research has gained international attention. under the supervision of renowned experts, she has been commended for her innovative methodologies and practical contributions to the future of sustainable architecture, positioning her as a rising figure in architectural research.

🌍 Impact and influence

Marjan's work has had a meaningful impact on both academic and practical levels, influencing sustainable architectural practices and urban planning methodologies within iran and beyond. energy her research on energy efficiency and environmental responsiveness in architectural design serves as a reference for future projects aiming to reduce carbon footprints and optimize resource usage. by addressing cultural and emotional factors in urban spaces, marjan advocates for designs that not only meet ecological needs but also nurture community identity and collective memory, fostering a deeper connection between people and their environments.

🔬 Legacy and future contributions

With a clear vision for the future, marjan ilbeigi is dedicated to expanding her research on energy-efficient architectural layouts and advancing computational techniques like gans in sustainable design. she aims to contribute to educational reforms in architectural studies by incorporating modern technological tools into curricula, preparing the next generation of architects to tackle climate challenges creatively. her long-term goal is to develop frameworks that seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence with ecological design principles, ensuring that future cities are not only smart but also deeply human-centered and environmentally conscious.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Investigating the relation between emotional and cultural mapping by considering collective memory in Urban design from perspective of citizens (case study: Tehran, Iran)
    Author(s): Nayer Chavoshi, Marjan Ilbeigi, Mozhgan Karimi, Ali Asgharzadeh, Emad Behrouzifard
    Journal: City, Territory and Architecture, 2024

  • Title: Renovating buildings by modelling energy–CO2 emissions using particle swarm optimization and artificial neural network (case study: Iran)
    Author(s): Roja Arjomandnia, Marjan Ilbeigi, Maryam Kazemidemneh, Alireza Nazari Hashemi
    Journal: Indoor and Built Environment, 2023

  • Title: Post-Occupancy evaluation of office buildings’ indoor environmental quality from the perspectives of architects and non-architects (case study: Iran)
    Author(s): B.A. Rahanjam, Marjan Ilbeigi
    Journal: Journal of Building Engineering, 2021

  • Title: Prediction and optimization of energy consumption in an office building using artificial neural network and a genetic algorithm
    Author(s): Marjan Ilbeigi, M. Ghomeishi, A. Dehghanbanadaki
    Journal: Sustainable Cities and Society, 2020

  • Title: Cognitive differences in residential facades from the aesthetic perspectives of architects and non-architects: A case study of Iran
    Author(s): Marjan Ilbeigi, A.M. KohneRoudPosht, M. Ghomeishi, E. Behrouzifard
    Journal: Sustainable Cities and Society, 2019

Mr. Ajan Meenakshisundaram – Geothermal energy – Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Ajan Meenakshisundaram - Geothermal energy - Best Researcher Award

University of North Dakota - United States

Author Profile 

SCOPUS

Early academic pursuits 🎓

Ajan Meenakshisundaram embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from Dr. M.G.R Educational and Research Institute in Chennai, where he achieved a CGPA of 7.3/10. His quest for deeper knowledge led him to pursue a Master of Energy Engineering at the University of Genoa in Italy, graduating with a vote of 100/110. Currently, he is furthering his expertise with a Ph.D. in Energy Engineering at the University of North Dakota, where he maintains an impressive GPA of 3.9/4.

Professional endeavors 🌟

Ajan's professional experience reflects a strong commitment to advancing energy engineering. As a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of North Dakota, he is actively involved in a Department of Energy project focusing on hydrogen production from biomass feedstock. His role includes modeling high-temperature shell and tube heat exchangers and analyzing pilot experimental data. Additionally, he has served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, where he supports the development of lecture materials and tutorials for courses on project dynamics and applied business analysis. His internship at the Energy and Environmental Research Center further enriched his knowledge of the North Dakota energy market.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Ajan’s research contributions are centered on energy engineering, with a particular focus on hydrogen production and biomass feedstock. His work involves using advanced computational fluid dynamics software to model heat exchangers and assess thermophysical characteristics of Geothermal energy core samples. His research on high-pressure and temperature equipment demonstrates his technical expertise and commitment to addressing complex energy challenges. This work aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of energy systems, making a significant impact in the field.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

Ajan's academic and professional achievements have been recognized through his involvement in prestigious organizations. He is an active member of the American Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). His role as the Secretary for the Geothermal energy Student Association of India (SAI) at the University of North Dakota and his volunteer work with the National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN) highlight his leadership and organizational skills. These roles underscore his dedication to both his professional field and community engagement.

Impact and influence 🌍

Ajan’s work in energy engineering has the potential to significantly influence the field, particularly in the areas of hydrogen production and biomass utilization. His innovative approach to modeling and data analysis contributes to the development of more efficient and sustainable Geothermal energy energy systems. By addressing critical energy challenges and providing valuable insights into energy markets, he is helping to shape the future of energy engineering and its applications.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

Ajan Meenakshisundaram's legacy will be defined by his contributions to energy engineering and his commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. His ongoing research and professional endeavors are paving the way for future innovations in the field. As he continues to explore new methodologies and technologies, his work is expected to leave a lasting impact on the energy sector, influencing both academic research and practical applications.

Notable Publications 

A comprehensive analysis of repurposing abandoned oil wells for different energy uses 2024

Current Status, Sizing Methodologies, Optimization Techniques, and Energy Management  2024(2)

Economic, social, and regulatory challenges of green hydrogen production and utilization in the US 2024(21)

Heat Flow Study and Reservoir Characterization Approach of the Red River Formation to Quantify  2023(1)