Dr. HEEJIN SHIM – Manufacturing – Best Researcher Award

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Dr. HEEJIN SHIM - Manufacturing - Best Researcher Award

Korea Institute of Fusion Energy - South Korea

Author Profile

SCOPUS

ORCID

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Hee Jin Shim began her academic journey in mechanical engineering at hanyang university, republic of korea, where she earned her m.s. degree (2003–2005) and ph.d. degree (2005–2010). her graduate research emphasized fatigue, fracture, and reliability, focusing on mechanical system durability. her doctoral thesis, “a study on the durability evaluation with strain-hardening characteristics for cold forged pulley,” showcased advanced understanding in continuum mechanics, vibration fatigue, mechanical testing, and ut inspection, laying a solid foundation for high-level engineering applications, including power electronics systems where structural integrity is paramount.

💼 Professional endeavors

Shim’s career reflects a consistent evolution in the field of nuclear engineering and tokamak technology. from july 2010 to april 2014, she served as a senior researcher at kepco e&c co., inc., contributing to the continued operation and safety of phwr and candu plants, including fatigue assessments and system design for the apr+. since may 2014, she has been a pivotal member of the korea institute of fusion energy (kfe), advancing from the Manufacturing blanket technology team to the diagnostics & codac technology team. her current role as principal researcher within the tokamak engineering department highlights her leadership in fusion device components and system integration.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Shim’s core research focuses on mechanical integrity assessment, particularly in fusion energy and nuclear systems. she has contributed significantly to manufacturing assessments, non-destructive evaluations (nde), and ultrasonic testing (ut) procedures for high-precision components such as shield blocks and diagnostic shield modules (dsm). her work ensures the reliability and safety of fusion devices, involving complex cad modeling (catia/enovia) and Manufacturing qualification of pic components. shim's cross-disciplinary expertise bridges material science, mechanical testing, and power electronics, particularly in harsh environments where component reliability is essential.

🌐 Impact and influence

Shim’s influence is most evident in her contributions to international fusion collaborations, especially in the iter project. her leadership in the development, supervision, and qualification of blanket shield blocks and dsm prototypes has helped standardize best practices for manufacturing and inspection in fusion engineering. shim’s efforts in integrating structural design with Manufacturing advanced ut procedures and environmental fatigue assessments have enhanced operational safety in both nuclear power plants and fusion reactors—key sectors increasingly integrated with power electronics for system control and diagnostics.

📚 Academic cites

While her research is deeply embedded in practical engineering applications, shim’s academic contributions are equally notable. her work on strain-hardening characteristics, fatigue monitoring systems, and non-destructive evaluation procedures continues to be cited in both academic and industrial literature. her collaboration in long-term government and energy projects has also led to technical documentation used in Manufacturing regulatory and development frameworks for next-generation reactors and tokamak systems.

🌟 Legacy and future contributions

Shim’s legacy is built on combining mechanical engineering precision with nuclear fusion innovation. as fusion energy moves toward commercialization, her ongoing work in codac technologies, system integration, and component durability will remain essential. her future pursuits likely include the refinement of inspection standards, the integration of smart diagnostics, and the development of components resilient to high-stress operational cycles—especially where power electronics and mechanical systems must seamlessly interact for safe energy conversion.

Notable Publications

  • Title: Manufacturing Assessment of the Simplified Full-Scale Prototype of Diagnostics Shield Module (DSM) for Application of ITER Upper Port 18
    Author(s): [Author information not provided in the available data]
    Journal: Fusion Engineering and Design, August 2025

  • Title: Corrigendum to “Shut-down dose rate analysis for final design of shielding tent in port interspace of ITER UP#18”
    Author(s): [Author information not provided in the available data]
    Journal: Fusion Engineering and Design, 2024

  • Title: Optimization of Processing Parameters in Deep Penetration Electron Beam Welding of Stainless Steel 316L for ITER Diagnostic Shield Module Application
    Author(s): [Author information not provided in the available data]
    Journal: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, 2024

  • Title: The Diagnostic Rack Design and the Functional Demonstration of the Locking Mechanism for ITER Diagnostic Lower Port Integrations
    Author(s): [Author information not provided in the available data]
    Journal: Fusion Engineering and Design, 2024

  • Title: A Comparison Study on the Derivation of In-Structure FRS During Seismic Events for Application of ITER Upper Port 18
    Author(s): [Author information not provided in the available data]
    Journal: Fusion Engineering and Design, 2023

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

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

University of Pavia - Italy 

Author Profile 

GOOGLE SCHOLAR 

🎓 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)

Mr. Xiaopeng wang  – Intelligent Manufacturing – Best  Researcher Award 

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Mr. Xiaopeng wang  - Intelligent Manufacturing - Best  Researcher Award 

Hebei University of Science and Technology - China 

Author Profile

ORCID 

GOOGLE SCHOLAR 

🌟 Early academic pursuits

Xiaopeng wang embarked on his academic journey with a keen interest in welding engineering and materials science. he pursued his doctoral studies with a focus on innovative detection methods for welding defects, demonstrating a strong foundation in interdisciplinary research. his early academic work laid the groundwork for integrating deep learning algorithms with traditional welding technologies, showcasing his commitment to advancing this niche field.

🧑‍🏫 Professional endeavors

As an assistant professor at hebei university of science and technology, xiaopeng wang has contributed significantly to academia and industry. his professional career is marked by his expertise as an international welding engineer and his dedication to fostering innovation in welding defect detection. his collaborations with industry and academia reflect his role as a bridge between theoretical advancements and practical applications.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Xiaopeng wang’s research explores the integration of deep learning with welding defect detection. his groundbreaking investigations on channel and spatial attention mechanisms have enhanced understanding of feature information entropy and improved model accuracy. his work demonstrates how attention mechanisms can amplify the focus on welding defect features, Intelligent Manufacturing leading to more precise detection and clustering of defects.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Xiaopeng wang's contributions have earned him a respected reputation in his field. his research has been published in prestigious journals such as expert systems with applications and ndt&e international. with over 10 academic papers to his credit and a citation index of 40 on google scholar, Intelligent Manufacturing his work has gained significant acknowledgment from the scientific community.

🌍 Impact and influence

By advancing intelligent detection methods for welding defects, xiaopeng wang’s research has broad implications for both academic research and industrial applications. his insights into deep Intelligent Manufacturing learning and attention mechanisms have set new benchmarks in the field, improving defect detection processes and enhancing the efficiency and reliability of welding operations worldwide.

📚 Legacy and future contributions

Xiaopeng wang continues to push the boundaries of research, focusing on novel applications of deep learning in welding and materials science. his ongoing projects, supported by grants like the national natural science foundation of china (u2141216), reflect his dedication to pioneering advancements in his field. he aspires to mentor future researchers and foster global collaborations to expand the scope of intelligent welding technologies.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Zoom in on the target network for the prediction of defective images and welding defects' location
    Author(s): Xiaopeng Wang, Baoxin Zhang, Xinghua Yu
    Journal: NDT & E International
  • Title: Image Analysis of the Automatic Welding Defects Detection Based on Deep Learning
    Author(s): Xiaopeng Wang, Baoxin Zhang, Jinhan Cui, Juntao Wu, Yan Li, Jinhang Li, Yunhua Tan, Xiaoming Chen, Wenliang Wu, Xinghua Yu
    Journal: Journal of Nondestructive Evaluation
  • Title: Understanding the effect of transfer learning on the automatic welding defect detection
    Author(s): Xiaopeng Wang, Xinghua Yu
    Journal: NDT & E International
  • Title: Binary classification of welding defect based on deep learning
    Author(s): Xiaopeng Wang, Xu Wang, Baoxin Zhang, Jinhan Cui, Xinpeng Lu, Chuan Ren, Weijia Cai, Xinghua Yu
    Journal: Science and Technology of Welding and Joining
  • Title: X-ray stress measurement process of aluminum alloy by analysis of the full width at half maxima
    Author(s): Xiaoyan Li
    Journal: (Not specified, please verify)

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

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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

Dr. Kashinath Lellala – Energy and environmental applications – Best Innovation Award

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Dr. Kashinath Lellala - Energy and environmental applications - Best Innovation Award

Xavier University of Louisiana - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE 

SCOPUS 

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Kashinath Lellala’s academic journey began with his M.Sc. in Physics from Kakatiya University, Warangal, Telangana, India, in 2007, where he specialized in electronics. Following this, he pursued an M. Phil. in Physics from Alagappa University, India, in 2013, focusing on thin films and nanotechnology. His research on graphene, particularly in the synthesis and characterization of single-layered graphene by chemical exfoliation, laid the foundation for his future work in nanomaterials. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Mysore, India, in 2018, under the guidance of Professor K. Byrappa. His doctoral thesis focused on the fabrication and processing of hybrid metal oxide/metal sulfide-graphene oxide nanocomposites and their potential applications in energy and environmental sectors.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 💼

Dr. Lellala has accumulated significant professional experience in both research and teaching. With over 12 years of teaching experience and 9 years of research experience, he has collaborated with various academic and industrial teams to develop advanced materials for energy and environmental applications. His work has encompassed the design and synthesis of efficient catalysts, heterojunction materials for fuel cells, and anode/cathode materials for batteries. He has been a postdoctoral fellow at prestigious institutions, including Lulea University of Technology and the University of South Australia, where he furthered his research in nanomaterials. Currently, he holds multiple editorial board memberships for international journals, showcasing his commitment to the academic community.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Dr. Lellala’s research contributions focus on developing advanced functional materials, particularly for energy and environmental applications. His work involves the fabrication of hybrid nanocomposites, combining metal oxides and metal sulfides with graphene oxide, to improve efficiency in various catalytic processes, including photo/electro catalysis, fuel cell reactions, and hydrogen evolution. His research into heterojunction materials for water splitting and energy storage devices, such as Energy and environmental applications batteries, aims to enhance the performance and sustainability of clean energy systems. Through computational work and experimental synthesis, he continues to push the boundaries of materials science in the context of renewable energy.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION 🏆

Dr. Lellala has been recognized for his contributions to materials science and interdisciplinary research. He was awarded the EMINET Educator Award-2020 by the Forum of Interdisciplinary Research in Mathematical Sciences, India, for his exceptional teaching contributions. In 2020, he received a Certificate of Appreciation for his valuable contributions as a reviewer for the Journal of Cleaner Production. Furthermore, he was honored with the prestigious Caryl Trigger Research Foundation Energy and environmental applications Postdoctoral Fellowship at Lulea University of Technology, Sweden. These accolades highlight his excellence in both research and teaching within his field.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Dr. Lellala’s work has had a significant impact on the field of materials science, particularly in the development of nanomaterials for clean energy applications. His contributions to the fabrication of hybrid nanocomposites have led to advancements in energy storage and conversion technologies. By advancing the understanding of heterojunction materials and catalysts, his research is contributing to the reduction of energy consumption and the improvement of sustainable technologies. His Energy and environmental applications work is influencing the scientific community’s approach to energy materials, particularly in the context of environmental sustainability.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌟

Looking ahead, Dr. Lellala aims to continue his research on advanced materials for energy applications, particularly in the areas of hydrogen storage, fuel cells, and battery technologies. His work in the integration of nanomaterials for efficient catalytic processes and energy storage devices positions him at the forefront of clean energy solutions. By advancing the scalability and commercial viability of these materials, Dr. Lellala hopes to contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions that can have a lasting positive impact on global energy systems. His future contributions will likely shape the next generation of energy materials and their applications, advancing both scientific and technological progress in the field.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

  • Title: Ceria Boosting on In Situ Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Oxide for Efficient Bifunctional ORR/OER Activity
    Authors: Kashinath, L., Byrappa, K.
    Journal: Frontiers in Chemistry, 2022, 10, 889579
  • Title: One-pot microwave synthesis of SnSe and Lanthanum doped SnSe nanostructure with direct Z scheme pattern for excellent photodegradation of organic pollutants
    Authors: Govindan, V., Kashinath, L., Geetha, G.V., Ramasamy, P., Sankaranarayanan, K.
    Journal: Ceramics International, 2022, 48(9), pp. 12228–12239
  • Title: Electrochemical deposition of Si nano-spheres from water contaminated ionic liquid at room temperature: Structural evolution and growth mechanism
    Authors: Vanpariya, A., Lellala, K., Bhagat, D., Mukhopadhyay, I.
    Journal: Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 2022, 910, 116175
  • Title: Sulfur embedded on in-situ carbon nanodisc decorated on graphene sheets for efficient photocatalytic activity and capacitive deionization method for heavy metal removal
    Authors: Lellala, K.
    Journal: Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 2021, 13, pp. 1555–1566
  • Title: Microwave-Assisted Facile Hydrothermal Synthesis of Fe3O4-GO Nanocomposites for the Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalytic Activity of OER/ORR
    Authors: Lellala, K.
    Journal: Energy and Fuels, 2021, 35(9), pp. 8263–8274