Xiaoli Zhao | Diagnostics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaoli Zhao | Diagnostics | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Nanjing University of Science and Technology | China

Xiaoli Zhao is an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, with research spanning intelligent diagnostics, prognostics and health management for electromechanical and hydraulic systems, artificial intelligence, signal processing, digital twins, and intelligent robotics. He earned his PhD in mechanical engineering from Southeast University and carried out part of his doctoral research as a visiting scholar at the University of British Columbia in Canada. He later completed postdoctoral training at Nanjing University of Science and Technology under the supervision of Professor Yao Jianyong and at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics under Academician Chunsheng Zhao. His academic background also includes degrees from Lanzhou University of Technology and Chizhou University. He has published more than 100 papers in high-impact journals and conferences such as IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, and IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, which have collectively earned 2,469 citations by 1,897 documents across 84 publications. His work focuses on predictive maintenance, intelligent operation and health management, machine learning, big data, computer vision, intelligent sensing, instrumentation, robotics, and cyber-physical systems. He has been recognized among the World’s Top 2 Percent Most Cited Scientists by Stanford University. His editorial service includes roles as associate editor or editorial board member for journals such as International Journal of Acoustics and Vibration, Proceedings of the IMechE Part C, International Journal of Hydromechatronics, and Scientific Reports. Through his interdisciplinary contributions combining mechanical engineering with artificial intelligence and digital technologies, he advances the development of intelligent systems for reliability, efficiency, and innovation in modern industry.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhao, X., Zhu, X., Liu, J., Hu, Y., Gao, T., Zhao, L., Yao, J., & Liu, Z. (2024). Model-assisted multi-source fusion hypergraph convolutional neural networks for intelligent few-shot fault diagnosis to electro-hydrostatic actuator. Information Fusion, 104, 102186.

Zhao, X., Hu, Y., Liu, J., Yao, J., Deng, W., Hu, J., Zhao, Z., & Yan, X. (2024). A novel intelligent multicross domain fault diagnosis of servo motor-bearing system based on domain generalized graph convolution autoencoder. Structural Health Monitoring.

Zhao, X., Song, Y., Hu, Y., He, X., Zhang, Z., Hu, J., Yao, J., Ding, P., & Feng, K. (2025). A new intelligent recognition method for surface electromyography in IoT systems using OmniXceptionDBN. IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 12(14), 28445–28453.

Hu, Y., Song, Y., He, X., Zhao, X., Yang, X., Yao, J., Wang, Z., Pei, H., & Hu, C. (2025). MAACCN: An intelligent decoupling diagnosis method for compound faults in electrohydrostatic actuators. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 74, Article 3532611.

He, X., Zhao, C., Li, S., Zhao, X., Yang, X., Song, Y., & Yao, J. (2025). Diffusion-enhanced dual-domain adversarial network: A zero-shot fault diagnosis method for electrohydrostatic actuators. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 74, 1–9.

Jiao Wang | Forestry science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jiao Wang | Forestry science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Researcher | Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University | China

Jiao Wang is an accomplished Associate Researcher at Zhejiang A&F University with a strong background in plant growth, development, and stress resistance. With expertise in molecular plant biology, she has made significant contributions to understanding the role of G-protein and glucose signaling networks in crop resilience and productivity. Her academic journey began with a foundation in horticulture, which evolved into advanced research in vegetable science and crop physiology. Over the years, she has built a strong publication record in internationally recognized journals such as Plant Cell, Plant Physiology, New Phytologist, Horticulture Research, and Cell Reports. Her work integrates molecular genetics, biochemistry, and transcriptomics to uncover key regulatory mechanisms underlying yield formation, stress tolerance, and plant vigor. In addition to her publications, she has contributed to book chapters on advanced breeding technologies, emphasizing CRISPR/Cas9-based precision breeding approaches. Wang’s career demonstrates a consistent focus on bridging basic plant science with applied crop improvement.

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Education

Jiao Wang has received comprehensive education and training in plant sciences, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture that provided her with fundamental knowledge in crop production, plant physiology, and agronomy. She then pursued doctoral research in vegetable science, where she specialized in the molecular regulation of plant growth, stress responses, and gene function exploration. Her doctoral work integrated laboratory research and field-oriented approaches, focusing on genetic and signaling pathways that shape tomato growth and development. Following her Ph.D. studies, she continued her academic journey as a postdoctoral researcher in crop science, expanding her expertise to include plant signaling pathways related to environmental adaptation, carbon dioxide regulation, and glucose-mediated defense mechanisms. This stage strengthened her proficiency in experimental design, transcriptomics, and systems biology approaches to dissect complex traits. Her educational path reflects a progressive transition from broad plant science foundations to highly specialized, cutting-edge research in plant molecular biology.

Professional Experience

Jiao Wang’s professional experience reflects a progression from student researcher to independent investigator. She initially engaged in undergraduate research in horticulture, where she developed skills in crop physiology and plant cultivation. Her doctoral studies allowed her to explore molecular mechanisms regulating plant growth and stress resilience, which laid the foundation for her future research. As a postdoctoral researcher in crop science, she deepened her expertise in signaling networks, particularly in G-protein and glucose-related pathways, and conducted research that linked molecular regulation with agronomic performance in tomato. These experiences led to influential publications and collaborations with leading scientists in plant biology. Currently, as an Associate Researcher at Zhejiang A&F University, she leads projects funded by national and provincial foundations, investigating molecular mechanisms of plant growth regulation, stress response, and germplasm innovation. Her professional trajectory illustrates a strong commitment to advancing plant science through both fundamental research and applied innovation.

Awards and Honors

Jiao Wang has been recognized with multiple prestigious research grants and honors that highlight her contributions to plant science. She has secured support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China through the Youth Science Fund Project, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of G-protein subunits in tomato. In addition, she has been awarded funding from the Zhejiang Natural Science Foundation for exploratory projects investigating the role of subunit interactions in yield formation. She has also received China Postdoctoral Science Foundation grants, both general and special funding, which enabled her to advance her research on glucose and G-protein signaling in plant growth and disease resistance. These competitive awards not only acknowledge her innovative research proposals but also demonstrate the recognition she has earned within the scientific community. Collectively, these achievements highlight her ability to secure resources for high-level research and underscore her status as an emerging leader in plant molecular biology.

Research Focus

Jiao Wang’s research focus centers on the molecular regulation of plant growth, development, and resilience under environmental stress. She is particularly interested in the role of G-protein signaling networks and glucose sensing pathways in coordinating plant physiological responses. Her studies explore how signaling cascades influence shoot apical meristem activity, yield formation, and adaptation to biotic and abiotic challenges such as temperature fluctuations, light variation, and disease pressure. By combining transcriptomic, genetic, and biochemical approaches, she dissects key molecular players like G-protein subunits, RGS1 regulators, and transcription factors that modulate plant metabolism and growth-defense trade-offs. Her research also emphasizes germplasm innovation, employing advanced technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 to accelerate breeding for improved crop varieties. Through this integrated approach, she aims to link fundamental molecular mechanisms with practical crop improvement strategies, contributing both to scientific knowledge and agricultural sustainability in the context of global food security challenges.

Publication

The G-protein β subunit SlGB1 regulates tyramine-derived phenolamide metabolism for shoot apex growth and development in tomato
Year: 2025

Glucose-G protein signaling plays a crucial role in tomato resilience to high temperature and elevated CO2
Year: 2024

Phytosulfokine promotes fruit ripening and quality via phosphorylation of transcription factor DREB2F in tomato
Year: 2024

Glucose sensing by regulator of G protein signaling 1 (RGS1) plays a crucial role in coordinating defense in response to environmental variation in tomato
Year: 2022

Transcriptomic and genetic approaches reveal an essential role of the NAC transcription factor SlNAP1 in the growth and defense response of tomato
Year: 2020

Conclusion

Jiao Wang is highly suitable for recognition through a research award, given her strong scientific achievements, innovative projects, and potential for future breakthroughs. Her work contributes directly to understanding plant resilience and crop productivity, making her a valuable leader in plant molecular biology and applied crop science. With further emphasis on global partnerships and practical applications, she is well-positioned to make sustained contributions to both scientific advancement and agricultural innovation.

Shaopan Xia | Biogeochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shaopan Xia | Biogeochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Nanjing Agricultural University | China

Shaopan Xia is an Associate Professor at the College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, with expertise in soil science, biogeochemistry, and environmental change. His academic journey has centered on advancing the understanding of soil organic carbon dynamics in wetlands and paddy ecosystems under global change drivers such as warming, elevated CO₂, salinity, and invasive species. He has published impactful research in leading international journals including Global Change Biology, Functional Ecology, Catena, Plant and Soil, and Science of the Total Environment. His work combines advanced geochemical techniques, stable isotopes, and molecular biomarkers with modeling approaches to decipher the mechanisms of carbon sequestration and stability. As principal investigator of multiple nationally and provincially funded projects, he has made significant contributions to soil carbon cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, and ecosystem sustainability. He also serves as a youth editorial board member and reviewer for prestigious ecological and environmental journals.

Profile

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Education

Shaopan Xia pursued his academic foundation in biotechnology at Henan University of Science and Technology, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree. He then advanced to graduate study at China Agricultural University, earning a Master of Science in Soil Science, which laid the groundwork for his specialization in soil carbon processes and ecosystem biogeochemistry. Furthering his academic training, he undertook doctoral studies in Environmental Science at Tianjin University, completing a Ph.D. with a focus on soil organic matter dynamics under environmental change. His education was marked by strong academic performance, having received multiple scholarships and awards for excellence. This progression from biotechnology to soil and environmental sciences provided him with interdisciplinary expertise, blending molecular, ecological, and geochemical perspectives. His solid academic background has been instrumental in shaping his research direction, equipping him with the technical and theoretical tools to address global challenges in soil carbon sequestration and ecosystem sustainability.

Professional Experience

Shaopan Xia is currently an Associate Professor at Nanjing Agricultural University, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in soil and environmental sciences, including biogeochemistry, sustainable soil management, soil and plant nutrition, and advanced research methodologies. His professional experience includes leading multiple competitive research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Jiangsu Province, and university-level talent programs, focusing on soil carbon pools, salinity gradients, and the impacts of climate change. He has served as a faculty advisor for student innovation projects, reflecting his commitment to mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists. His professional service extends to editorial roles on the youth editorial boards of the Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, and Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology. Additionally, he reviews manuscripts for top international journals such as Catena, Geoderma, and Science of the Total Environment, contributing to academic community development.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic and professional career, Shaopan Xia has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors. He received the Jiangsu Province “Double-Innovation Doctor” Talent Program distinction, highlighting his research potential and leadership. During his doctoral studies at Tianjin University, he was awarded the National Scholarship for Graduate Students and was twice named an Outstanding Student. His contributions to science and technology innovation earned him recognition as an Advanced Individual at Tianjin University. He also received the Excellent Poster Award at the Tianjin University-Nankai University Joint Doctoral Academic Forum. Earlier in his career, he was honored with the First-Class Academic Scholarship at China Agricultural University and recognized as an Outstanding Graduate at Henan University of Science and Technology. His academic excellence was consistently acknowledged with National Endeavor Fellowships, National Scholarships, and multiple provincial-level honors, reflecting sustained distinction in research, innovation, and scholarly contributions throughout his educational and professional trajectory.

Research Focus

Shaopan Xia’s research focuses on terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycling under the context of global environmental change. His primary interest lies in understanding the mechanisms of soil organic carbon sequestration and stability in wetlands and paddy ecosystems. He investigates how factors such as climate warming, elevated atmospheric CO₂, sea-level rise, salinity gradients, land use change, heavy metal pollution, and invasive species affect soil carbon pools and greenhouse gas emissions. His research integrates geochemical and molecular techniques, including stable isotope tracing, lignin and biomarker analyses, micro-to-macro structural assessments, and meta-analytical modeling, to provide mechanistic insights into soil carbon dynamics. He has demonstrated how soil carbon distribution, sources, and stability vary across ecosystems, with significant implications for global carbon budgets and climate mitigation strategies. His published work in high-impact journals advances both theoretical and applied understanding, supporting ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management, and responses to environmental challenges in fragile wetland ecosystems.

Publication

Recalcitrant organic carbon in deep soils plays a greater role in soil carbon sequestration under tidal flat than vegetated salt marsh
Year: 2025

Elevated salinity decreases soil multifunctionality by driving bacterial community structure and network complexity
Year: 2025

Ecological stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in coastal salt marsh plants and its implications for carbon sink management
Year: 2025

Patterns and drivers of soil organic carbon fractions and persistence in coastal wetlands of China
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Shaopan Xia is a highly capable researcher with a proven record of excellence in soil carbon dynamics, environmental change, and wetland ecosystem sustainability. His strong academic background, successful grant leadership, and impactful publications demonstrate his potential for continued advancement and recognition. With expanded international collaboration, interdisciplinary integration, and broader outreach, his contributions could achieve even greater global significance. He is highly suitable for recognition through research awards, given his innovative work, leadership capacity, and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in ecosystem carbon cycling and sustainability.

Hui Chen | Computer Science | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Hui Chen | Computer Science | Young Scientist Award

Macquarie University | Australia

Hui Chen is a dedicated researcher in computer science with a strong foundation in applied statistics and advanced computational methods, currently pursuing doctoral studies at Macquarie University, with prior academic training in applied statistics at Lanzhou University and Suzhou University, and an established research portfolio spanning federated learning, Bayesian modeling, anomaly detection, and optimization algorithms, reflected through publications in leading journals such as IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems, Information Fusion, and Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, as well as contributions to high-impact conferences including ACM SIGKDD and IJCAI, and with professional service as reviewer for prestigious journals and program committee member of major AI conferences, Hui Chen combines methodological innovation with practical applications in machine learning and data-driven inference, advancing the state of the art in federated and personalized learning, uncertainty quantification, and intelligent optimization systems for a wide range of real-world challenges.

Profile

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Education

Hui Chen’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Statistics from Suzhou University, where he developed a strong quantitative foundation and analytical mindset for tackling statistical and computational problems, followed by a Master of Science degree in Applied Statistics at Lanzhou University, where he deepened his expertise in probability theory, statistical modeling, and computational methods for complex data analysis, and continued to refine his understanding of interdisciplinary applications bridging mathematics, computer science, and applied research, and he is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science at Macquarie University, focusing on cutting-edge areas of federated learning, Bayesian inference, and machine learning frameworks for uncertainty quantification and time series modeling, which together reflect a coherent progression from fundamental statistical theory through applied statistical methods to advanced computational intelligence, preparing him for impactful contributions to artificial intelligence research and its applications in scientific and industrial domains.

Professional Experience

Hui Chen has gained extensive research experience through academic and collaborative projects that integrate statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, with publications in both journals and conferences that demonstrate his capability in federated learning, Bayesian modeling, and optimization methods, including work on efficient uncertainty quantification, weakly augmented variational autoencoders for anomaly detection, federated neural nonparametric point processes, and optimization algorithms inspired by natural computing, in addition to academic contributions as co-author with international research teams and collaborative efforts across computer science and applied statistics, he has contributed as a program committee member for prestigious conferences such as NeurIPS, ICLR, IJCAI, KDD, ACML, ECMLPKDD, and DSAA, while also serving as a reviewer for high-impact journals including IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, Machine Learning, Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, and npj Digital Medicine, which collectively highlight his experience in both research innovation and academic service at the international level.

Awards and Honors

Hui Chen has earned recognition through active involvement in the global academic community, contributing to prestigious conferences and journals, where he has been entrusted with important roles such as Session Chair at PAKDD and Program Committee Member at top conferences including NeurIPS, ICLR, IJCAI, KDD, ACML, ECMLPKDD, and DSAA, while also being invited to review for leading journals such as IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, Transactions on Machine Learning Research, Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, and npj Digital Medicine, responsibilities that reflect both the academic community’s recognition of his expertise and his professional standing in the fields of machine learning and artificial intelligence, and although his profile emphasizes scholarly contributions rather than formal awards, his extensive record of publications in internationally recognized journals and conferences alongside service in editorial and reviewing capacities represents professional acknowledgment of his research achievements, academic leadership, and his role in shaping the field’s scientific discourse.

Research Focus

Hui Chen’s research focuses on advancing machine learning and statistical modeling methodologies with a particular emphasis on federated learning, Bayesian inference, uncertainty quantification, and optimization algorithms, seeking to address the challenges of distributed and privacy-preserving learning environments through approaches such as federated subnetwork inference, Bayesian personalized learning, and neural nonparametric point processes, while also developing models for time series anomaly detection using weakly augmented variational autoencoders and designing client–server based recognition systems for non-contact emotion and behavior assessment, his research integrates statistical rigor with scalable computational strategies to enable robust and efficient learning across decentralized and complex data environments, contributing both theoretical advancements and practical applications across domains ranging from healthcare to intelligent systems, and by bridging applied statistics with computer science, his work contributes to building reliable, interpretable, and adaptive AI models that address real-world uncertainties, ensure personalization, and push forward the boundaries of distributed artificial intelligence.

Publication

FedSI: Federated Subnetwork Inference for Efficient Uncertainty Quantification
Year: 2025

SepDiff: Self-Encoding Parameter Diffusion for Learning Latent Semantics
Year: 2025

A client–server based recognition system: Non-contact single/multiple emotional and behavioral state assessment methods
Year: 2025

Wavae: A weakly augmented variational autoencoder for time series anomaly detection
Year: 2025

Marked temporal Bayesian flow point processes
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Hui Chen is a highly promising researcher with strong technical expertise, impactful publications, and meaningful academic service, making him a strong candidate for recognition. His contributions to federated learning, uncertainty modeling, and applied AI represent valuable advancements to the research community. With continued growth in research leadership, independent project development, and industry collaborations, Hui Chen has the potential to establish himself as a leading figure in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

 

Selahattin YAKUT | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin YAKUT | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Yozgat Bozok University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin Yakut is a distinguished scholar in the field of philosophy of religion and psychology of religion, with expertise spanning social sciences and humanities. His academic journey reflects a consistent focus on understanding the complex intersections between religiosity, morality, social behavior, and psychosocial well-being. He has contributed significantly through his teaching, publications, and leadership roles within higher education, where he has held positions as a faculty member, department chair, vice dean, and committee member. His academic profile is marked by a balance between research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing both scholarship and educational practice. With a portfolio of published books, peer-reviewed articles, and active participation in conferences, he has established himself as a respected voice in his discipline. He also contributes as a reviewer and editorial board member in several scientific journals, further enhancing academic dialogue and research dissemination.

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Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin Yakut educational background demonstrates his deep engagement with theology, philosophy, and sociology. He pursued undergraduate studies in theology, which provided him with a strong foundation in religious thought, later complemented by a second undergraduate degree in sociology, offering him a broader perspective on social behavior and structures. His postgraduate education focused on philosophy and religious studies, where his master’s thesis examined the relationship between religiosity and tendencies toward violence in high school students, reflecting his interest in youth, values, and religion. He continued his academic path with doctoral studies in the psychology of religion, investigating themes such as alienation, loneliness, and religiosity among teachers. His educational trajectory shows a consistent dedication to exploring the psychological and sociological dimensions of religion, supported by additional certifications and trainings in values education, student counseling, addiction awareness, and educational psychology, which have enriched his academic expertise and professional qualifications.

Professional Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin Yakut has extensive academic and administrative experience in higher education, particularly at the Faculty of Theology. He has served as associate professor, assistant professor, vice dean, head of department, deputy head of department, faculty board member, ethics committee member, and academic commission member. His teaching portfolio covers undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as psychology of religion, social psychology, values education, moral development, psychoanalysis and religion, research methods, childhood and adolescence in religion, and religion and mental health. He has contributed actively to academic projects funded by institutions and development agencies, focusing on adolescent psychology, family support, disaster resilience, teacher competencies, and innovative approaches in religious education. Beyond teaching and research, he has played leading roles in the organization of international conferences, workshops, and interdisciplinary congresses. He also has non-academic professional experience as a teacher and school administrator, strengthening his insights into education and youth development.

Awards and Honors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin Yakut academic contributions have been recognized through awards and honors that reflect his dedication to scholarship, mentorship, and innovation in education. He has served as an advisor for student projects that achieved national recognition, including success in highly competitive scientific competitions. His publications, including authored books and peer-reviewed journal articles, have been cited internationally, contributing to his growing impact in the fields of psychology of religion and social sciences. His involvement in editorial boards and peer-review roles for respected national and international journals further demonstrates the trust placed in his academic judgment. He has also received recognition for his active participation in projects supported by official agencies, addressing critical issues such as psychosocial effects of pandemics, resilience in education, and the role of religiosity in moral and social development. His academic and professional honors highlight his role as a scholar advancing research and education in meaningful ways.

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin Yakut research focuses on the intersection of religion, psychology, and society, with a special emphasis on how religiosity interacts with human behavior, emotions, and moral development. His studies examine themes such as alienation, loneliness, violence tendencies, resilience, moral intelligence, and the psychosocial effects of crises like pandemics. He has explored how religious values and practices shape individual and social experiences, particularly in the contexts of education, adolescence, and teacher well-being. His work often employs interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from psychology, sociology, and philosophy to understand how belief systems influence mental health, values, and social adaptation. He has also investigated child and adolescent development in relation to religion, highlighting the importance of values education and psychosocial support. Through his publications, conference contributions, and applied projects, his research continues to address pressing questions about the role of religion in shaping human thought, behavior, and resilience.

Publication

Yakut-Moral Intelligence Scale
Year: 2021

Moral Intelligence, Religion, and Religiosity (A Psychosocial Perspective)
Year: 2022

Alienation, Loneliness, and Religiosity
Year: 2021

Yakut-Scale of Moral Intelligence
Year: 2021

Subjective Well-Being of Teachers: The TRNC Example
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin Yakut presents a strong case for recognition with a balanced record of research, teaching, publication, and leadership. His contributions demonstrate originality, social relevance, and academic rigor, making him a suitable candidate for an award in the fields of religious studies and psychology of religion. With further international engagement and methodological expansion, his impact is likely to grow even more significantly, positioning him as an influential scholar in his discipline.

Ke Wang | Metamaterial | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Ke Wang | Metamaterial | Young Scientist Award

Postdoc | Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | Germany

Ke Wang is a postdoctoral researcher at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology specializing in mechanics, metamaterials, and wave control, with a strong academic foundation built at leading institutions in China and Germany. His research focuses on programmable metamaterials, wave-based artificial intelligence, nonlocal interactions, and applications across mechanics, physics, and aerospace engineering. With extensive experience in both theoretical modeling and experimental validation, he has contributed significantly to advancing knowledge of roton-like dispersion relations and nonlocal metamaterials. His academic journey includes a doctoral degree from Harbin Institute of Technology under the supervision of Professors Changguo Wang and Martin Wegener, alongside an exchange research program at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Throughout his career, he has published widely in high-impact journals, participated in international collaborations, and actively contributed to cutting-edge projects bridging mechanics, material science, and nanotechnology, establishing himself as a promising scholar in the fields of applied physics and advanced materials engineering.

Profile

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Education

Ke Wang earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Mechanics from Liaoning Technical University, graduating among the top three in his class with a thesis on bird strike simulation of aircraft windshields under Prof. Baoyou Zhao. He pursued his Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering at Harbin Institute of Technology, where his research centered on wrinkling and tearing behaviors of membranes with incisions, under the guidance of Prof. Changguo Wang. Building on this foundation, he advanced to doctoral research at Harbin Institute of Technology in the Department of Mechanics, School of Astronautics, focusing on dispersion relations and wave properties of roton metamaterials, co-supervised by Prof. Changguo Wang and Prof. Martin Wegener. As part of his doctoral journey, he also studied as an exchange Ph.D. student at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, where he expanded his expertise in nonlocal metamaterials and advanced wave phenomena, combining computational, theoretical, and experimental approaches.

Professional Experience

Ke Wang has accumulated extensive research experience through academic and project-based roles spanning China and Germany. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, where he focuses on theoretical and experimental studies of three-dimensional Moiré crystals at the Institute of Applied Physics and the Institute of Nanotechnology. His doctoral research included pioneering contributions to the study of dispersion relations and roton-like wave properties in metamaterials, combining theoretical derivation, numerical modeling, and experimental validation. He participated in multiple funded projects, including work on thermal metamaterials for intelligent regulation, inflatable wing structures, composite material function integration, and SMPC-based membrane antenna technologies. His collaborations under the 3D Matter Made to Order program confirmed roton dispersion relations experimentally in electromagnetic metamaterials. He has presented his work at leading international conferences, published in high-impact journals such as Advanced Materials and Nature Communications, and contributed patents advancing metamaterial design and applications.

Awards and Honors

Ke Wang has received numerous honors recognizing his academic excellence, research achievements, and contributions to innovation. During his doctoral studies at Harbin Institute of Technology, he was awarded Outstanding Student Model, Outstanding Graduate of Heilongjiang Province, and Outstanding Graduate of HIT. His earlier academic excellence was recognized with provincial and national scholarships, including the National Endeavor Scholarship, Zhang Mengtao Scholarship, and multiple first-class university scholarships. His master’s and doctoral theses received prestigious awards, including the Outstanding Master’s Degree Thesis in Mechanics of Heilongjiang Province and the Silver Award for Excellent Master Thesis at Harbin Institute of Technology. His research collaborations were further supported by the China Scholarship Council for joint doctoral studies in Germany. He also excelled in competitions, securing prizes in the Swancor Cup National University Student Composites Design & Manufacture Contest and the National Composite Materials Intelligent Technology Innovation Competition, alongside recognition for his volunteer contributions to academic programs.

Research Focus

Ke Wang’s research lies at the intersection of mechanics, metamaterials, and applied physics, with a focus on programmable metamaterials for advanced wave control. His work addresses fundamental and applied challenges in nonlocal interactions, dispersion relations, and roton-like phenomena across mechanical, acoustic, and electromagnetic systems. He integrates theoretical derivation, computational modeling, and experimental validation to uncover novel wave behaviors in structured materials, contributing to the development of next-generation mechanical and thermal metamaterials. His interests extend to wave-based artificial intelligence, exploring how wave propagation can encode, process, and control information in engineered systems. He also investigates the role of wave control in biological systems, including potential applications in gene expression regulation. With expertise in numerical methods, finite element simulations, and advanced fabrication techniques such as 3D printing, his research bridges mechanics, nanotechnology, and aerospace engineering, aiming to enable innovative applications in energy, communication, defense, and multifunctional material systems.

Publication

Nonlocal Conduction in a Metawire
Year: 2025

Anomalous frozen evanescent phonons
Year: 2024

Observation of Chirality‐Induced Roton‐Like Dispersion in a 3D Micropolar Elastic Metamaterial
Year: 2024

Cubic-symmetry acoustic metamaterials with roton-like dispersion relations
Year: 2023

Phonon transmission through a nonlocal metamaterial slab
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Ke Wang is a highly promising researcher with a strong record of academic excellence, impactful publications, international collaborations, and innovative contributions to metamaterials and wave control. His interdisciplinary expertise and recognition through awards make him a strong candidate for research-focused honors. With continued development in independent leadership, project management, and broader application of his work, he is well-positioned to become a leading figure in the field of advanced mechanics and metamaterials.

 

Jeffrey Velotta | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jeffrey Velotta | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Thoracic Surgeon | Kaiser Permanente Northern California | United States

Dr. Jeffrey Velotta, MD, FACS, is a highly accomplished thoracic surgeon and academic leader recognized for his contributions in lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thoracic surgical innovation. He serves as Associate Thoracic Surgeon at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, where he directs the Northern California Mesothelioma Program. In parallel, he is Clinical Professor at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Assistant Professor of Surgery at UCSF, and Global Faculty Member at Stanford University’s Center for Asian Health Research and Education. Dr. Velotta has earned recognition for his outstanding mentorship, teaching, and clinical care, while maintaining a strong presence in research addressing lung cancer disparities in Asian American populations. His leadership extends into numerous national committees, editorial boards, and professional societies, shaping policy and advancing education in thoracic surgery. His career integrates patient-centered care, surgical excellence, mentorship, and innovative research that collectively advance thoracic oncology and health equity.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Jeffrey Velotta completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology with honors. He pursued medical education at The George Washington University School of Medicine, graduating with distinction and election to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. His post-graduate surgical training included internship and residency in General Surgery at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident and received recognition for teaching excellence. He subsequently completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine under Dr. Robert C. Robbins. His advanced surgical training culminated with a residency and chief residency in Thoracic Surgery at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. This educational foundation, spanning leading institutions in California and Massachusetts, provided him with comprehensive expertise in general, cardiothoracic, and thoracic surgery, research methodology, and leadership in academic medicine.

Professional Experience

Dr. Jeffrey Velotta has established a distinguished career blending clinical practice, academic medicine, mentorship, and research. At Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, he serves as Associate Thoracic Surgeon and directs the Northern California Mesothelioma Program, leading multidisciplinary approaches for complex thoracic cancers. He is Clinical Professor at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine and Assistant Professor of Surgery at UCSF, where he actively teaches, mentors, and guides future surgeons. At Stanford University’s Center for Asian Health Research and Education, he contributes as Global Faculty, advancing population-based studies. His experience includes leadership roles in medical education, admissions committees, and national thoracic societies. He has mentored dozens of medical students, residents, fellows, and junior faculty, many of whom have progressed to prominent academic and clinical roles. His work spans surgery, mentorship, and health equity research, demonstrating his commitment to advancing thoracic oncology while training the next generation of physician leaders.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Jeffrey Velotta has received numerous awards recognizing excellence in surgery, mentorship, teaching, and research. His accolades include election as Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, induction into the American Association of Thoracic Surgeons, and honors from the Society of Asian Academic Surgeons. He has earned multiple UCSF Academy of Medical Educators awards for teaching and mentorship, as well as faculty teacher of the year recognition from UCSF-East Bay. Nationally, he has been awarded by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, and professional groups for leadership and contributions to clinical practice. His recognition extends to Castle Connolly Top Doctor designations, Reviewer of the Year awards for thoracic journals, and leadership development awards. Early in his career, he received young investigator and surgical excellence awards at Harvard and UCLA. These honors highlight his sustained contributions across clinical care, medical education, surgical innovation, and advancing health equity.

Research Focus

Dr. Jeffrey Velotta research focuses on lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thoracic surgical innovation, with a special emphasis on cancer disparities in Asian American populations. He has led multiple funded projects investigating lung cancer risk among Asian female non-smokers, equitable biomarker testing, outcomes of robotic and minimally invasive thoracic surgery, and strategies to improve access to lung cancer screening. His studies also explore guideline-concordant care, patient outcomes across diverse health systems, and innovative treatments such as cryoablation in mesothelioma surgery. At Stanford CARE, he advances Asian American health research, integrating clinical data with population-level insights. His collaborative work spans industry-funded trials, community health grants, and national cancer consortiums. As an editorial board member and peer reviewer for leading thoracic journals, he contributes to shaping academic discourse in his field. His research program embodies a blend of clinical practice, population health, and translational science aimed at reducing disparities and improving thoracic oncology care.

Publication

Chest Wall Reconstruction Using Biologic Mesh to Cover Soft Tissue Defects: A Narrative Review
Year: 2025

The Impact of Preoperative Invasive Nodal Staging on Unexpected Mediastinal Upstaging in Early-Stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Year: 2025

Time to surgery in early-stage non–small cell lung cancer: Defining the optimal diagnosis-to-resection interval to reduce mortality
Year: 2025

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Lung Cancer Surgery Outcomes in the USA
Year: 2025

Elevated risk of lung cancer among Asian American women who have never smoked: an emerging cancer disparity
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Jeffrey Velotta is highly suitable for recognition through this research award. His career embodies the integration of clinical excellence, impactful research, and dedicated mentorship. His contributions to advancing thoracic oncology, particularly in addressing disparities among Asian American populations, represent both innovation and social responsibility. With a strong track record of funded research, academic leadership, and peer recognition, he stands out as a leader whose work continues to shape the future of thoracic surgery and cancer care. His trajectory demonstrates both current excellence and potential for continued advancement, making him an exemplary candidate for this distinction.

 

Noureddine Benhalima | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Noureddine Benhalima | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Noureddine Benhalima | University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB) | Algeria

Noureddine Benhalima is a dedicated researcher pursuing a PhD in Telecommunications and Information Processing at the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene with a specialization in remote sensing, geospatial data analysis, and advanced signal and image processing for environmental applications. His academic path reflects a strong foundation in telecommunications combined with applied expertise in integrating geospatial technologies for monitoring ecological systems. His work emphasizes the development of innovative approaches for biomass estimation, forest monitoring, and climate change studies through the use of satellite imagery, LiDAR, SAR, and optical datasets. With a focus on machine learning and data fusion, he is contributing to advancing the field of remote sensing by creating methodologies that support sustainable development and natural resource management. Through conference contributions, collaborative projects, and peer-reviewed publications, he demonstrates commitment to research excellence, environmental sustainability, and the application of emerging technologies to address global challenges.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Noureddine Benhalima is pursuing doctoral research in Telecommunications and Information Processing at the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene where his studies emphasize the application of advanced signal and image processing methods to remote sensing and geospatial sciences. His education combines a strong technical background in telecommunications with specialization in environmental monitoring and geoinformatics applications. Through his PhD research, he focuses on methods for forest canopy height estimation using synthetic aperture radar and LiDAR datasets integrated with machine learning and inversion models. His academic journey highlights interdisciplinary learning that bridges engineering, geoscience, and data science to create practical solutions for ecological challenges. The combination of telecommunications theory and environmental applications allows him to address research problems with both technical rigor and applied vision. His education reflects an ongoing commitment to using advanced processing techniques for sustainable development, resource management, and addressing critical aspects of global environmental change.

Professional Experience

Noureddine Benhalima’s research experience centers on applying telecommunications and information processing techniques to environmental monitoring through remote sensing and geospatial data fusion. He has worked extensively with satellite imagery, LiDAR datasets, and polarimetric SAR data, applying advanced processing and machine learning methods for forest height estimation and biomass mapping. His academic contributions include participation in leading international conferences where he has presented findings on integrating multi-source data for ecological monitoring. He has published peer-reviewed work in recognized journals such as the International Journal of Remote Sensing, showcasing his ability to translate research into impactful scientific contributions. His ongoing project focuses on combining GEDI LiDAR and PolInSAR data to develop improved models for forest canopy mapping. His experience also includes collaboration with interdisciplinary research groups at his institution, enhancing his exposure to diverse scientific perspectives. Overall, his expertise bridges theory and application in telecommunications, remote sensing, and environmental data processing.

Awards and Honors

Noureddine Benhalima is an early-career researcher building recognition through international conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and ongoing contributions to the field of remote sensing and geospatial data science. While he has not yet accumulated formal awards or industry honors, his academic achievements include successful paper acceptances at highly regarded IEEE international conferences and publication of impactful research in indexed journals. These milestones highlight the scientific merit and relevance of his work in integrating advanced data sources with machine learning for environmental monitoring. His participation in collaborative projects and contribution to the development of methodologies for forest height mapping and biomass estimation further underscore his emerging status as a promising researcher in the domain of telecommunications and geoinformatics applications. His recognition lies in being part of a new generation of scholars contributing knowledge and tools to address pressing environmental and climate-related challenges using cutting-edge remote sensing technologies.

Research Focus

Noureddine Benhalima’s research focuses on advancing remote sensing applications through the integration of multi-source geospatial datasets and advanced signal and image processing methods. His work emphasizes forest height estimation, biomass mapping, and ecological monitoring using PolInSAR, LiDAR, and optical imagery fused with machine learning algorithms. A key area of his research is the development of inversion models and fusion frameworks that combine the strengths of different sensors to generate accurate and scalable forest metrics. He aims to create methodologies that improve understanding of forest structures and support environmental sustainability, conservation, and climate change mitigation strategies. His publications demonstrate applications of telecommunications and information processing concepts in solving complex geospatial problems, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of his work. By addressing challenges in data fusion and model accuracy, his research contributes to building tools that can be used by environmental scientists, policymakers, and conservation organizations for informed decision-making.

Publication

Forest height estimation using PolInSAR data and inversion models
Year: 2024

The 4TH IEEE International Conference on Embedded & Distributed Systems (EDIS’2024)
Year: 2024

The International Conference on Advances in Electrical and Communication Technologies (ICAECOT’24, IEEE)
Year: 2024

The seventh edition of the International Conference on Pattern Analysis and Intelligent Systems (PAIS’25)
Year: 2025

Integrating PolInSAR and GEDI data with machine learning for forest canopy height predicting in Pongara National Park, Gabon
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Noureddine Benhalima is a promising young researcher whose work contributes significantly to remote sensing, geospatial data processing, and environmental monitoring. His strong technical foundation, innovative integration of multi-source data, and commitment to sustainability make him a suitable candidate for recognition in research-focused award categories, especially those aimed at early-career or emerging scholars. With continued publication, collaboration, and broader dissemination of his findings, his potential for impact in both academia and applied science is considerable.