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

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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. Kyle Frey – Pharmaceutical Manufacturing – Best Researcher Award 

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Mr. Kyle Frey - Pharmaceutical Manufacturing - Best Researcher Award 

Quotient Sciences - United States

Author Profile 

ORCID 

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Kyle Frey graduated summa cum laude from the university of delaware, where his academic brilliance earned him early acceptance into thomas jefferson medical university. this strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences laid the groundwork for a career defined by precision, innovation, and scientific curiosity. his early academic journey was marked by deep analytical thinking and a desire to explore cross-disciplinary fields such as acoustical engineering, materials science, and even power electronics in drug formulation.

💼 Professional endeavors

Kyle’s professional journey began with a pivotal role at dupont, where he was instrumental in creating the first knowledge database for thin film development in oral drug delivery systems. at quotient sciences, he introduced advanced predictive stability testing models and transformed the organization’s formulation capabilities. kyle spent over five years independently exploring resonant acoustic mixing technology, ultimately becoming one of the leading figures in this niche field. his expertise in power electronics helped bridge concepts between acoustic forces and pharmaceutical behavior, guiding groundbreaking discoveries in mixing efficiency and dosage homogeneity.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Kyle Frey’s research revolves around resonant acoustic mixing (ram) technologies, a field that combines theoretical acoustics, engineering, and pharmaceutical science. after three months of rigorous experimentation and more than 20 months of conceptual development, he unveiled the first substantial body of work on the subject at aaps pharmsci 360 in 2023. his first two research papers—published in pharmaceutical research (nov. 2023) and the international journal of pharmaceutics (apr. 2025)—laid the conceptual groundwork for his current primary Pharmaceutical Manufacturing manuscript. his studies challenge conventional mixing paradigms and incorporate principles from power electronics to redefine how acoustic energy interacts with pharmaceutical particles.

🌟 Impact and influence

Kyle’s work has not only pushed the envelope in pharmaceutical mixing technologies but has also opened up a multidisciplinary approach to formulation science. his blend of curiosity, perseverance, and innovation has led to widespread recognition within the pharmaceutical community. his pioneering use of acoustics, informed by principles in power electronics, has Pharmaceutical Manufacturing inspired many professionals to reconsider how energy input and material properties can be harmonized for novel drug delivery systems. by developing a comprehensive framework for understanding ram, he has created a new pathway for scientists worldwide to follow.

📚 Academic cites

To date, kyle frey has three highly cited original publications: two in prestigious peer-reviewed journals (nov. 2023 and apr. 2025) and one presented at aaps pharmsci 360 in 2023. his publications have gained attention for their originality and depth, reflecting the five years of independent work he dedicated to the field. several other manuscripts—one completed and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing another in progress—promise to further expand the academic community’s understanding of resonant acoustic phenomena. his upcoming third manuscript is anticipated to synthesize all prior work and become a definitive resource in the domain.

🔭 Legacy and future contributions

Kyle's journey began with a simple thought—"i wonder if sound can be used to monitor crystallization processes"—and evolved into a life-long mission. his passion for this subject has shaped his identity as a scientist and continues to guide his work. with five total manuscripts (including two pending review articles), kyle aims to leave a lasting legacy in pharmaceutical acoustics and formulation science. his commitment to integrating advanced scientific theories, including power electronics, into real-world applications ensures that his contributions will influence future generations of researchers.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Sample preparation techniques to enhance uniformity of Low-Dose blends mixed by resonant acoustic mixing technology
    Author: Kyle Frey
    Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutics

  • Title: Use of Resonant Acoustic Mixing Technology for Ultra-Low-Dose Blending in a Single-Step Mixing Process
    Authors: Kyle Frey, Helen Baker, Dale K. Purcell, Andrew L. Lewis, David A. Engers
    Journal: Pharmaceutical Research

  • Title: Use of Resonant Acoustic Technology for Ultra-Low Dose Blending in a Single-Step Mixing Process
    Author: Kyle Frey
    Journal: AAPS PharmSci 360 (Conference Poster)

Assist. Prof. Dr. Gan Li – High Performance Manufacturing – Excellence in Research

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Gan Li - High Performance Manufacturing - Excellence in Research

China University of Petroleum - China 

Author Profile 

SCOPUS 

ORCID 

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Gan Li began his academic journey with a dual bachelor's degree in mechanical design, manufacturing and automation, and engineering management from the china university of petroleum (east china) in 2018. his outstanding academic record and passion for high-precision engineering led him to pursue a ph.d. at the state key laboratory of high-performance precision manufacturing, school of mechanical engineering, dalian university of technology. completing his doctorate at just 26, he focused on pushing the boundaries of intelligent manufacturing and ultra-precision machining technologies, laying a strong foundation for his future innovations.

🚀 Professional endeavors

Dedicated to advancing cutting-edge engineering, dr. gan li currently serves as a lecturer at the college of mechanical and electronic engineering, china university of petroleum. he is also a vital member of the national engineering research center of marine geophysical prospecting and exploration and development equipment. his work encompasses diverse areas, including nontraditional machining, grinding technologies for hard and brittle materials, and the development of ultra-precision machine tools. his role as a researcher and educator has cemented his position as a rising star in china's manufacturing and engineering landscape.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Dr. Li's research delves deep into intelligent manufacturing systems and ultra-precision machining. he has made significant breakthroughs in grinding technologies, particularly for materials with complex geometries and extreme hardness, such as tungsten alloys. his contributions to the development of advanced machining equipment and methodologies have led to enhanced High Performance Manufacturing precision and efficiency in industrial processes. with a strong focus on automation and simulation, his work supports the integration of new technologies in traditional manufacturing, creating innovative solutions for industrial challenges.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Recognized for his technical ingenuity, dr. gan li has secured prestigious research grants including those from the ministry of education of the people's republic of china, the taishan scholars project, and the natural science foundation of shandong province. his innovative spirit is reflected in six granted patents, which encompass new techniques and devices for grinding operations High Performance Manufacturing and cnc machinery. each patent showcases his ability to address real-world challenges through engineering excellence, earning him a respected place among china's next generation of research leaders.

👨‍💼 Impact and influence

Dr. Li's research has directly influenced the design and manufacturing of next-generation ultra-precision equipment. his patented inventions, including grinding wheel measuring devices and High Performance Manufacturing pipe inspection robots, have paved the way for smarter, more efficient manufacturing solutions. his work not only impacts academia but also has strong implications for the mechanical and oil industries. his role in national research teams allows him to bridge academic innovation with practical application, contributing to the modernization of china’s high-performance manufacturing sector.

🌍 Legacy and future contributions

A visionary in his field, dr. gan li is committed to furthering research in ultra-precision technologies and intelligent systems. his future endeavors aim to enhance machining accuracy and automation while fostering collaboration between academic institutions and industries. by mentoring emerging researchers and engaging in transformative projects, he continues to shape the future of precision manufacturing. his legacy lies in building sustainable, intelligent machining technologies that will support innovation for years to come

Notable Publications 

  1. Title: A visualization method for cross-scale online monitoring of grinding state based on data-mechanism hybrid-driven digital twin system
    Authors: Gan Li, Haoxiang Lu, Hao Wang, Yichuan Ran, Renjie Ji, Yonghong Liu, Yanzhen Zhang, Baoping Cai, Xiaokang Yin
    Journal: Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

  1. Title: Residual stress and subsurface damage prediction in tungsten heavy alloy face grinding
    Authors: Gan Li, Jinbo Liu, Hao Wang, Zhigang Dong, Renke Kang, Yan Bao
    Journal: Journal of Manufacturing Processes

  1. Title: Research on grinding wheel wear measurement methods: Current status and future perspectives
    Authors: Li Gan, Bao Yan, Wang Zhongwang, Kang Renke, Dong Zhigang
    Journal: 中国科学. 技术科学 (Science China Technological Sciences)

  1. Title: Wheel Wear of Tungsten Heavy Alloy Precision Grinding and Its Influence Mechanism on Surface Quality
    Authors: Li Gan, Kang Renke, Dong Zhigang, Wang Hao, Wang Zhongwang, Bao Yan
    Journal: Hunan Daxue Xuebao / Journal of Hunan University (Natural Sciences)

  1. Title: Undeformed chip thickness models for precise vertical-spindle face grinding of tungsten heavy alloy
    Authors: Gan Li, Renke Kang, Hao Wang, Yan Bao, Yidan Wang
    Journal: Precision Engineering

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bulent Durmusoglu – Industrial Engineering – Best Researcher Award 

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Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bulent Durmusoglu - Industrial Engineering - Best Researcher Award 

Istanbul Technical University - Turkey 

Author Profile 

GOOGLE SCHOLAR 

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Mehmet Bulent Durmusoglu began his academic journey at istanbul technical university, where he also earned his ph.d. in industrial engineering. from the outset, he displayed a keen interest in manufacturing systems, with a focus on optimizing production and service environments. his early studies laid a solid foundation in operations research, system design, and industrial optimization, inspiring his lifelong pursuit of creating more efficient and sustainable production frameworks. his academic curiosity and dedication quickly positioned him among the promising scholars in industrial engineering in turkey.

🚀 Professional endeavors

As an emeritus professor at istanbul technical university, durmusoglu has had a distinguished academic career marked by innovation, mentorship, and practical application. his teaching and research have been deeply rooted in the design and implementation of cellular and lean manufacturing systems, with an extension into service systems. over the years, he has authored 39 journal articles and contributed to 7 book chapters, firmly establishing his academic footprint. beyond academia, his engagement in over 45 consultancy and industrial projects has proven his ability to translate theoretical insights into real-world operational improvements.

🧐 Contributions and research focus

Durmusoglu's research focus centers on lean transformation and the integration of lean principles into both manufacturing and service sectors. his seminal work, "lean transformation journey: is transformation possible or just a dream?" captures the essence of his philosophy and practical experience in this field. through his projects, he has transformed approximately 25% of the Industrial Engineering companies he consulted into lean operations, proving the tangible value of his methodologies. his contributions have not only enriched academic discourse but have also significantly advanced lean practice and strategy implementation in diverse organizational contexts.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

His research has earned widespread recognition, reflected in an impressive h-index of 21 and an i-10 index of 40. his impact is further underscored by his numerous industrial consultancy projects, which have driven notable performance improvements across sectors. as the author of a leading book on lean transformation published by optimist publishing group, he has Industrial Engineering influenced both academic circles and business practitioners. his work continues to be cited by scholars and applied by professionals aiming to create agile, efficient, and customer-focused systems.

👨‍💼 Impact and influence

Durmusoglu's influence spans both the academic and industrial spheres. his guidance in 24 lean transformation projects and 21 performance enhancement initiatives has had a measurable Industrial Engineering impact on organizational efficiency. many companies have credited his strategic interventions for significant cost savings, process improvements, and workforce empowerment. he has served as a bridge between theory and practice, bringing lean philosophies into real-world settings and inspiring both students and industry professionals with his applied knowledge and transformative vision.

🌍 Legacy and future contributions

As a thought leader and educator, durmusoglu’s legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to lean principles and continuous improvement. even as an emeritus professor, he remains engaged in the field, mentoring future leaders and contributing to ongoing research. his future vision includes expanding the scope of lean thinking into emerging areas such as digital transformation and sustainable operations. his journey stands as a testament to how academic excellence can be harnessed to drive real-world change and build a culture of innovation, resilience, and operational excellence.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Fuzzy multi-attribute equipment selection based on information axiom
    Author(s): O. Kulak, M.B. Durmuşoğlu, C. Kahraman
    Journal: Journal of Materials Processing Technology

  • Title: A complete cellular manufacturing system design methodology based on axiomatic design principles
    Author(s): O. Kulak, M.B. Durmusoglu, S. Tufekci
    Journal: Computers & Industrial Engineering

  • Title: Classification and modeling for in-plant milk-run distribution systems
    Author(s): H.S. Kilic, M.B. Durmusoglu, M. Baskak
    Journal: The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

  • Title: A simulation-based methodology for the analysis of the effect of lean tools on energy efficiency: An application in power distribution industry
    Author(s): S. Baysan, O. Kabadurmus, E. Cevikcan, S.I. Satoglu, M.B. Durmusoglu
    Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production

  • Title: Advances in assembly line parts feeding policies: a literature review
    Author(s): H.S. Kilic, M.B. Durmusoglu
    Journal: Assembly Automation