Prof. Dr. Andrea Cynthia Santos | Operational research | Research Excellence Distinction Award

Le Havre Normandie University, Engineering Institute of Logistics (ISEL) | France

Prof. Dr. Andréa Cynthia Santos is a leading scholar in Computer Science whose research lies at the intersection of Operations Research, urban systems, and large-scale disaster management. Her work focuses on developing advanced optimization models, algorithms, and decision-support approaches that address complex sociotechnical challenges in industrial, natural, and health-related crisis scenarios. She is widely recognized for contributions to integrated routing, scheduling, robust optimization, network design, drone-based search strategies, and humanitarian logistics in post-disaster environments. Her research is characterized by strong interdisciplinary engagement, combining computational optimization, artificial intelligence, and systems engineering to improve resilience and sustainability in modern cities. She has produced a substantial body of scientific work, including numerous international journal articles, book chapters, and conference contributions, and has played a key role in organizing international scientific events. Beyond her research activity, she has demonstrated significant leadership in academic administration and scientific strategy, including directing major institutional programs, steering research initiatives, and contributing to national and international committees. She has led multiple research projects across national, regional, industrial, and international collaborations, supported by multidisciplinary teams. Her supervision of PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and master’s students reflects her strong commitment to academic mentorship and capacity building. She has also served as an evaluator for global research organizations and participated in expert panels spanning science, technology, and innovation. Her professional experience includes roles in academic governance, digital transformation, international relations, curriculum development, and research program management, positioning her as an influential figure in the fields of operations research, logistics innovation, and sustainable urban systems.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Barbalho, T. J., Jiménez Laredo, J. L., & Santos, A. C. (2025). The resource-constrained project scheduling problem for risk reduction after industrial disasters involving dangerous substances. OR Spectrum. Advance online publication.

Coco, A. A., Duhamel, C., Santos, A. C., & Haddad, M. N. (2024). Solving the probabilistic drone routing problem: Searching for victims in the aftermath of disasters. Networks, (July 2024).

Duhamel, C., & Santos, A. C. (2024). The strong network orientation problem. International Transactions in Operational Research.

Haddad, M. N., Santos, A. C., Duhamel, C., & Coco, A. A. (2023). Intelligent drone swarms to search for victims in post-disaster areas. Sensors, 23(23), 9540.

De Freitas, C. C., Aloise, D. J., Fontes, F. F. C., Santos, A. C., & Menezes, M. S. (2023). A biased random-key genetic algorithm for the two-level hub location routing problem with directed tours. OR Spectrum, 45, 1–26.

Prof. Eiichiro Fukusaki | Data Science and Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Professor Osaka University Japan

Prof. Eiichiro Fukusaki is a prominent figure in the field of biotechnology and metabolomics, currently serving as a Professor at the Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Japan. He also holds the role of Director for the Industrial Biotechnology Initiative at the Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives. With a career spanning academia, industry, and leadership roles, Prof. Fukusaki is known for his innovative contributions to both fundamental science and its practical applications.

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education 🎓

Prof. Fukusaki’s academic journey began at Osaka University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering in 1983, followed by a Master’s degree from the Graduate School of Engineering in 1985. His passion for research led him to complete his Ph.D. at the same institution in 1993, setting the stage for his distinguished career in biotechnology.

Experience 🧑‍🔬

Prof. Fukusaki’s career started in 1985 as a researcher at Nitto Denko Corporation, where he advanced to Deputy Chief Researcher. Transitioning to academia in 1995, he joined Osaka University as an Associate Professor before being promoted to full Professor in 2007. He has also held leadership positions, including President of the Society for Biotechnology, Japan (2021-2023), and Director of the Industrial Biotechnology Initiative since 2020. Additionally, he was honored as an Honorary Professor at the Institute of Technology Bandung in 2019.

Research Interest 🔬

Prof. Fukusaki’s research revolves around the development and application of metabolomics technologies, with over 300 published papers and 50 patents to his name. His work bridges fundamental science and industry applications in diverse fields, including food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. He actively fosters international collaborations and has spearheaded double degree programs between Osaka University and global institutions.

Awards 🏆

Prof. Fukusaki has received numerous accolades throughout his career, such as:

Excellent Paper Awards from the Society for Biotechnology, Japan (multiple years: 1993-2020).
Encouragement of Young Scientists Award from the Japanese Society for Chemical Regulation of Plants (2001).
Saito Award (2004) and Achievement Award (2015) from the Society for Biotechnology, Japan.
Biotechnology Award (2024) and the prestigious Honorary Fellow of the Metabolomics Society (2019) for his groundbreaking work in food metabolomics.
ITB Award (2022) for advancing food metabolomics in Asia.