PingAn Hu | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. PingAn Hu | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. PingAn Hu, Harbin Institute Technology, China

Professor PingAn Hu is a globally recognized materials scientist and innovator in 2D semiconductors, flexible intelligent devices, and neuromorphic vision systems. Currently serving as a Professor at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), he is known for groundbreaking work in the interface-engineered growth of large-area single-crystal thin films. With over 240 SCI-indexed publications and accolades including the Elsevier Highly Cited Researcher (2022–2024), his research has gained international recognition and transformed the field of smart sensors and semiconductor technologies.

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📘 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Hu began his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2004). His early postdoctoral experiences reflect a rich international academic exposure, serving as a JSPS Fellow at Waseda University, Japan (2004–2006) and a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, UK (2006–2009). These formative years helped shape his cross-disciplinary research philosophy, integrating material chemistry, surface physics, and device engineering.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Upon returning to China, Prof. Hu joined the Harbin Institute of Technology, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing the university’s global reputation in materials science and applied nanotechnology. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the international journal Smart Wearable Technology and is an active member of several academic societies including the China Microelectronics Association, American Carbon Society, and Chinese Society of Nanotechnology.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Hu’s research addresses some of the most critical challenges in semiconductor device engineering, especially those involving interface sensitivity, optical signal processing, and mechanical-electrical signal transduction. His three core innovations include:

  • Wafer-scale growth of 2D single-crystal materials (like graphene and h-BN) using a liquid copper strategy.

  • Discovery of interlayer-dependent piezoelectric enhancement in van der Waals materials, crucial for next-gen energy devices.

  • Development of low-power neuromorphic vision devices through interface modulation of photocarrier relaxation dynamics, enabling bioinspired and skin-like sensors.

These innovations establish new theoretical foundations for surface/interface-mediated growth and flexible optoelectronic systems, directly impacting fields such as wearable tech, AI-driven sensing, and energy harvesting.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Hu’s research has not only led to over 240 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals (e.g., Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, ACS Nano, Chemical Engineering Journal) but has also been recognized by Nobel Laureates such as Prof. Andre K. Geim and Prof. Konstantin Novoselov. His work is widely cited, contributing to key advances in piezoelectric and neuromorphic research. He maintains active collaborations with over 30 global research institutions, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Michigan, fostering strong international partnerships.

📊 Academic Citations and Metrics

With an extensive body of work cited thousands of times globally, Prof. Hu’s H-index and citation count reflect his authoritative influence in semiconductor materials, nanostructures, and bioinspired electronic systems. Being named a Highly Cited Researcher by Elsevier (2022, 2023, 2024) further substantiates the global reach and reliability of his contributions.

🧠 Research Skills and Interdisciplinary Expertise

Prof. Hu is proficient in a broad range of advanced techniques, including:

  • CVD and epitaxial growth of 2D materials,

  • Piezoelectric and optoelectronic property characterization,

  • Photodetector and tactile sensor engineering,

  • Device simulation and theoretical modeling,

  • Surface/interface modification for neuromorphic functions.

His ability to bridge fundamental research with practical applications makes him a leading voice in interdisciplinary material sciences.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a senior faculty member at HIT, Prof. Hu has supervised numerous Ph.D. and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom now hold academic and industrial positions worldwide. His courses on nanomaterials, advanced electronic devices, and flexible electronics are considered core components of the institute’s postgraduate curriculum. He is also involved in talent training through China’s National Talent Programs.

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Elsevier Highly Cited Researcher (2022–2024)

  • First Prize, Science and Technology Award (2015, 2020 – Principal Investigator)

  • Second Prize, Science and Technology Award (2024 – Third Contributor)

  • Editor-in-Chief, Smart Wearable Technology (International Journal)

  • 21 authorized invention patents in flexible electronics, sensors, and 2D materials.

These awards reflect his sustained excellence, innovation, and leadership across academia and applied research.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Prof. Hu aims to advance AI-integrated sensor systems, energy-autonomous wearables, and interface-programmable devices for next-generation applications in healthcare, soft robotics, and environmental monitoring. His vision includes creating eco-friendly, bioinspired smart systems and globalizing knowledge transfer through deeper international collaborations and industrial translation of lab breakthroughs.

Top Publications

Prestrain Guided Yield of Large Single-Crystal Nickel Foils, with High-Index Facets

  • Authors: Zhen Su, Meixiu Song, Huyang Li, Xin Song, Yuming Feng, Shuai Wang, Xin Zhang, Hongying Yang, Xingji Li, Yanxiang Zhang, Yuhang Jing, PingAn Hu
    Journal: Advanced Materials
    Year: 2024

Flexible Optical Synapses Based on In₂Se₃/MoS₂ Heterojunctions for Artificial Vision Systems in the Near-Infrared Range

  • Authors: Hu YX, Yang HY, (…) Hu PA
    Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
    Year: 2022

Engineering the Optoelectronic Properties of 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride Monolayer Films by Sulfur Substitutional Doping

  • Authors: Biying Tan, You Wu, Feng Gao, Huihui Yang, Yunxia Hu, Huiming Shang, Xin Zhang, Jia Zhang, Zhonghua Li, YongQing Fu, PingAn Hu
    Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
    Year: 2022

Skin-Inspired Tactile Sensor Based on Gradient Pore Structure Enables Broad Range Response and Ultrahigh Pressure Resolution

  • Authors: S. Wang, F. Gao, Y. Hu, S. Zhang, H. Shang, C. Ge, B. Tan, X. Zhang, J. Zhang, P. Hu
    Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
    Year: 2022

Field Effect Transistor Sensors Based on In-Plane 1T′/2H/1T′ MoTe₂ Heterophases with Superior Sensitivity and Output Signals

  • Authors: Shichao Zhang, You Wu, Feng Gao, Huiming Shang, Jia Zhang, Zhonghua Li, YongQing Fu, PingAn Hu
    Journal: Advanced Functional Materials
    Year: 2022

Zohreh Hamnabard | Nanoscale Photonics Research | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zohreh Hamnabard | Nanoscale Photonics Research | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zohreh Hamnabard , NSTRI , Iran

Dr. Zohreh Hamnabard is a distinguished Iranian materials scientist specializing in ceramics, glass-ceramics, and nuclear materials. With over two decades of experience in both academic and industrial research, she has significantly contributed to the advancement of materials science in Iran. Currently, she serves as a faculty member at the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSTRI) and has played pivotal roles in research, teaching, and scientific development across the country.

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hamnabard began her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Materials Engineering (Ceramics) from Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) in 1995. She went on to complete her M.Sc. and Ph.D. with a deep focus on glass-ceramic systems. Her graduate theses explored acid-resistant glass coatings and the mechanical properties of SiO₂–Al₂O₃–MgO-based glass-ceramics, showcasing her early commitment to applied research and material development.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Over the years, Dr. Hamnabard has held several key academic and industrial positions, including Lab Manager at Concrete Chemistry Co., Research Expert at both RIPI and Power Research Institute, and Director of the Ceramic Research Group at NSTRI. She has also served as a university lecturer at major institutions such as Tehran University, Imam Khomeini International University, and Azad University, fostering the next generation of material engineers and scientists.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her core research has spanned glass-ceramics, nuclear waste immobilization, metal matrix composites, and glass sealants for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Noteworthy projects include the preparation of high-density SiC for fusion reactors, fluoromica machinable glass-ceramics, and hydrothermal synthesis of Li₂TiO₃ ceramics. Dr. Hamnabard has also contributed to architectural conservation through the production of tiles for heritage structures like the Soltanieh dome.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Hamnabard’s impact is deeply rooted in multidisciplinary collaboration, blending materials science with energy, biomedicine, and heritage preservation. Her work has contributed to national strategic initiatives, especially in the nuclear energy sector, and she has played an essential role in translating research into industrial applications. Her involvement in ICTP Trieste’s international programs on vitrification for nuclear waste highlights her global scientific engagement.

📚 Academic Citations and Publications

With over a dozen peer-reviewed publications, including in international journals such as Materials Research Express, Solid State Ionics, and the Journal of Nuclear Research and Applications, Dr. Hamnabard has established a credible academic footprint. She is a co-author of pioneering studies on AZ91-B₄C composites, glass-ceramic interfaces, and porous silica glasses for nuclear waste immobilization. She also holds two patents, demonstrating her innovative capabilities.

🧪 Research Skills

Dr. Hamnabard exhibits a comprehensive range of research competencies, including material synthesis, hydrothermal processing, microstructure analysis, crystallization behavior, and nuclear material characterization. She has hands-on experience with techniques such as 3D printing of ceramics, LIBS analysis, and thermal treatments, making her a highly versatile researcher.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

With nearly two decades of teaching, Dr. Hamnabard has mentored numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. students on topics such as bioactive glasses, glass-ceramic composites, and advanced ceramics. Her dedication to student development is evident through her supervision of research projects that address both fundamental science and industrial challenges.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While the profile does not list specific awards, Dr. Hamnabard’s appointments—such as Director of the Ceramic Research Group, Research Fellow at IROST, and reviewer for top scientific journals—reflect a high degree of peer recognition. Her participation in international scientific schools further underscores her academic credibility and global reputation.

🧬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Hamnabard’s legacy lies in her contribution to the advancement of nuclear materials and glass-ceramics research in Iran. Her focus on sustainable material design, strategic energy applications, and scientific mentorship positions her as a leader in applied materials science. Looking ahead, her work in nuclear waste management and next-generation glass-ceramics is poised to play a critical role in energy sustainability and environmental safety.

Top Publications

Preparation and Characterization of Nanoporous Silica Glasses for Nuclear Waste Immobilization

  • Authors: Z. Hamnabard, M. R. Taghavi Nik, M. M. Mohebi, A. Yadollahi
    Journal: Journal of Nuclear Research and Applications
    Year: 2023

The Statistical Analysis of Tensile & Compression Properties of the As-Cast AZ91-X%B₄C Composites

  • Authors: H. Mohammadi, M. Emamy, Z. Hamnabard
    Journal: International Journal of Metalcasting
    Year: 2020

The Microstructure, Mechanical and Wear Properties osilica glassesf AZ91 metal matrix composites-x%B₄C Metal Matrix Composites in As-Cast and Extruded Conditions

  • Authors: H. Mohammadi, M. Emamy, Z. Hamnabard
    Journal: Materials Research Express
    Year: 2019

Sintering Behavior of Lithium Meta-Titanate Nanocrystallites

  • Authors: A. R. Abbasian, M. R. Rahimipour, Z. Hamnabard
    Journal: Iranian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering
    Year: 2019 (Accepted March 1, 2019)

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Monoclinic Cubic Li₂TiO₃ Hybrid Nanocomposite Microspheres

  • Authors: A. R. Abbasian, M. R. Rahimipour, Z. Hamnabard
    Journal: International Journal of New Chemistry
    Year: 2019

Hui Yang | Advanced Photonic Sensors | Best Scholar Award

Prof. Dr. Hui Yang |  Advanced Photonic Sensors | Best Scholar Award

Prof. Dr. Hui Yang,Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China

Professor Hui Yang is a leading figure in the field of optical communications, currently serving as the Dean of the School of Electronic Engineering at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT). A Fellow of the IET and DAMO Academy Young Fellow (notably the only one in optical communications), he has made significant contributions to cutting-edge research in software-defined optical networks, AI-driven optical infrastructure, and next-generation communication systems.

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📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Hui Yang’s academic journey began at BUPT, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Automation (2009). He then pursued a Ph.D. in Communication and Information Systems, also at BUPT, which he completed in 2014. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his innovative cross-disciplinary approach, blending hardware systems with software intelligence in optical networks.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Professor Yang’s career reflects a rapid rise through academic and administrative ranks. Starting as an Assistant Professor (2014), he progressed to Associate Professor (2016), and then to Full Professor (2021). He has served as Vice Dean of the Institute of Science and Technology (2017–2024) and currently holds leadership roles such as:

  • Dean, School of Electronic Engineering

  • Director, Chinese Institute of Electronics

  • Assistant Director, State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communication

  • Deputy Director, National Electronic Information Virtual Simulation Experimental Center

These roles showcase his academic leadership and ability to shape national research agendas.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Professor Yang’s core research areas include:

  • Software-Defined Optical Networks (SDON)

  • Elastic Optical Networks

  • AI and Machine Learning in Optical Communications

  • Blockchain-empowered Optical Networks

  • Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks

  • Optical Interconnects for Data Centers

He has published over 190 peer-reviewed papers, including more than 80 as first author, in top-tier journals such as IEEE Communications Magazine, Journal of Lightwave Technology, and IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking. He also holds 53 patents and has authored 6 IETF proposals, reflecting both academic depth and practical innovation.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Hui Yang’s work has had international and national significance. His research has directly contributed to China’s major national initiatives (NSFC, 863, 973 programs), while earning global visibility through publications, patents, and invited talks. He is listed in Elsevier’s China Highly Cited Scholars and the Stanford World’s Top 2% Scientists List (2022, 2023).

As an editor and reviewer for journals like IEEE JSAC and IEEE Communications Magazine, he helps steer the global research direction in optical communications.

📈 Academic Cites

With high-impact publications and numerous citations, his scholarly work is widely referenced in both academia and industry. Articles like “PAINet” in IEEE Communications Magazine (IF 11.2, 2024) and “Anomaly Prediction…” in JLT (2022) are regarded as benchmark contributions in intelligent network design and performance analysis.

🛠️ Research Skills

Professor Yang is known for his interdisciplinary skillset, which spans:

  • Network virtualization and orchestration

  • AI and deep learning applications in networking

  • Software-hardware co-design

  • Resource optimization across multi-layered networks

  • Simulation and system architecture design for optical communications

These make him a versatile researcher, able to translate complex ideas into scalable systems.

🎓 Teaching Experience

Alongside research, Hui Yang is an accomplished educator, involved in graduate supervision, Ph.D. training, and curriculum development at BUPT. His guidance has led to award-winning student papers (Best Student Paper Awards at OECC2019 and ACP2013). He is also part of the prestigious Huang Danian Teacher Team, known for cultivating top scientific talent in China.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Professor Yang’s contributions have been recognized by numerous top-tier awards:

  • 🥈 Second Prize of National Science and Technology Progress Award (2019)

  • 🥇 First Prizes from China Institute of Communications, China Institute of Electronics, and China Association of Inventions

  • 🏅 Gold Medal, Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions (2023)

  • 🧠 Young Scientist Award, IEEE ICOCN (2017)

  • 🌟 National Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholars (2021)

  • 🧪 Beijing Talents Program and Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program

  • 🧬 Elsevier Highly Cited Scholar, Top 2% Scientist, and Tencent Rhino Bird Award (multiple years)

These honors underscore his leadership, innovation, and sustained excellence in the field.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong academic lineage, deep technical expertise, and visionary leadership, Professor Hui Yang is poised to shape the future of optical networking and AI integration. His research is helping to build next-generation communication infrastructure for applications like autonomous driving, cloud services, and smart cities.

Top Publications

PAINet: an integrated passive and active intent network for digital twins in automatic driving

  • Authors: Hui Yang, et al.

  • Journal: IEEE Communications Magazine

  • Year: 2024

CSO: Cross Stratum Optimization for Optical as a Service

  • Authors: Hui Yang, et al.

  • Journal: IEEE Communications Magazine

  • Year: 2015

C-RoFN: multi-stratum resources optimization for cloud-based radio over optical fiber networks

  • Authors: Hui Yang, et al.

  • Journal: IEEE Communications Magazine

  • Year: 2016

SUDOI: software defined networking for ubiquitous data center optical interconnection

  • Authors: Hui Yang, et al.

  • Journal: IEEE Communications Magazine

  • Year: 2016

Anomaly Prediction with Hybrid Supervised/Unsupervised Deep Learning for Elastic Optical Networks: A Multi-Index Correlative Approach

  • Authors: Hui Yang, et al.

  • Journal: Journal of Lightwave Technology

  • Year: 2022

Fan Zhang | Computational Biophotonics Methods | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fan Zhang | Computational Biophotonics Methods | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fan Zhang ,Shanghai University of Engineering Science, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fan Zhang is a distinguished academic and robotics researcher at the Laboratory of Intelligent Control and Robotics, Shanghai University of Engineering Science. With over 15 years of experience in academia, his work focuses on the analysis, design, and optimization of parallel robotic mechanisms, contributing to both theoretical foundations and practical applications in intelligent automation systems.

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Zhang embarked on his academic journey at the College of Mechanical Engineering, DongHua University, where he undertook a Combined Master and Doctoral Degree (2003–2008) in Robotics. His doctoral research, titled “Performance Analysis and Type Synthesis of Parallel Mechanisms”, explored critical aspects such as mobility analysis, Jacobian matrix computation, and motion-free parallel mechanism design—laying a robust theoretical groundwork in robotic kinematics and dynamics.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zhang began his professional career as a Lecturer in Robotics (2009–2011) at the Shanghai University of Engineering Science, and was later promoted to Associate Professor in 2011, where he has continued to serve. His position at the Laboratory of Intelligent Control and Robotics allows him to contribute to cutting-edge developments in intelligent control systems, robotic mechanism synthesis, and automation technologies.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhang’s core expertise lies in the limited-DOF parallel mechanism design, particularly focused on Jacobian matrix analysis, performance evaluation, and type synthesis methodologies. His research bridges mechanical engineering and robotics control, aiming to create more precise, efficient, and adaptable robotic systems. His work is critical in industrial automation, biomechanics, and intelligent manufacturing.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Though primarily based in China, Dr. Zhang’s research holds international relevance in the field of robotics kinematics. His studies on instantaneous motion-free mechanisms are particularly noteworthy for their potential to enhance robotic precision in constrained environments. As a mentor and researcher, he has influenced numerous students and early-career scholars in robotics and intelligent systems.

📚 Academic Citations and Research Output

While a detailed list of publications and citation metrics is not provided, Dr. Zhang’s long tenure and doctoral-level research suggest a substantial body of academic work. Increasing visibility through indexed journal publications, international conferences, and citations could further affirm his scholarly impact.

🛠️ Research Skills and Technical Expertise

Dr. Zhang demonstrates advanced skills in:

  • Mechanism design and analysis

  • Kinematic modeling

  • Jacobian computation and optimization

  • Robotic motion planning

  • Intelligent control systems

His technical proficiency enables him to contribute to multidisciplinary projects across engineering and automation.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

With more than 15 years of teaching, Dr. Zhang has educated countless undergraduate and postgraduate students in robotics, mechanical design, and intelligent control. His pedagogical approach combines theoretical rigor with practical application, equipping students with both analytical and design-oriented skills.

🏆 Awards and Honors

While no specific awards are listed, Dr. Zhang’s long-term academic appointments and his promotion to Associate Professor reflect recognition of his academic excellence and research contributions. Inclusion in internal or national honors (e.g., Best Educator, Outstanding Researcher) would be fitting based on his profile.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fan Zhang is building a legacy in robotics mechanism design and intelligent control research. Looking forward, expanding into interdisciplinary domains such as AI-assisted robotics, biomechanical applications, and wearable robotics systems could further elevate his academic impact. His commitment to innovation, education, and engineering excellence positions him as a valuable leader in future robotics advancements.

Top Publications

Analysis of the Rigid Foldability of Origami Patterns Based on Spatial Positions of Creases

  • Authors: Wang, F., Zhang, F., Cui, G.

  • Journal: ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics

  • Year: 2024

Kinematics and Force Transmission Analysis of a Decoupled Remote Center of Motion Mechanism Based on Intersecting Planes

  • Authors: Wu, K., Zhang, F., Cui, G., et al.

  • Journal: Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics

  • Year: 2020

Generalized Mobility and Decoupling Conditions of Closed-Loop Mechanism

  • Authors: Zhang, F., Cui, G., Zhang, D.

  • Journal: Advances in Mechanism and Machine Science (Springer, Cham)

  • Year: 2019

 Type Synthesis of N-Parallelogram-Based Surgical Arm with Remote Actuated Configuration

  • Authors: Zhang, F., Xue, Z., Hang, L., et al.

  • Journal: Mechanism and Machine Science

    • Intelligent control systems
  • Year: 2017

Design and Analysis of a Totally Decoupled 3-DOF Spherical Parallel Manipulator

  • Authors: Zhang, D., Zhang, F.
  • Journal: Robotica

  • Year: 2011

Seyed Reza Elmi Hosseini | Laser Interaction Studies | Best Faculty Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Seyed Reza Elmi Hosseini | Laser Interaction Studies | Best Faculty Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Seyed Reza Elmi Hosseini,Iran University of Science and Technology,Iran

Dr. Seyed Reza Elmi Hosseini is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering at Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST). With over two decades of experience in metallurgy, welding technology, and materials engineering, he has developed a prolific career that spans teaching, research, industrial collaboration, and international academic contribution. His expertise lies at the crossroads of welding simulation, additive manufacturing, and materials behavior, especially under advanced processing techniques.

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📘 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Elmi Hosseini’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2003, where he focused on metallurgical engineering, culminating in a thesis on the microstructural effects of cooling rates during heat treatment. He pursued his Master’s at Iran University of Science and Technology, with a specialization in material identification and vacuum arc remelting processes. His Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering (Welding Metallurgy) was awarded by the prestigious Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, in 2018, where he studied the laser welding of dissimilar alloys (Ti6Al4V-304SS), under the sponsorship of the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Elmi Hosseini has held academic positions for more than 17 years, starting as a faculty member at the University of Sistan & Baluchestan before joining IUST in 2020. He has also been involved in numerous industrial projects, including the production of FSW machines, laser cladding components, and high-performance welded joints. His post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Aveiro in Portugal (2019-2020) emphasized welding simulation and surface treatment optimization in collaboration with Bi-silque S.A.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research focuses on welding technology, simulation (Simufact software), metallurgical transformations, and additive manufacturing of alloys. He has actively contributed to understanding dissimilar material welding, especially between titanium and stainless steel, and the mechanical behavior of high-entropy alloys. His studies include both experimental investigations and computational modeling, including CALPHAD, SEM-EBSD, and viscoplastic constitutive modeling.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With multiple high-impact journal publications, Dr. Elmi Hosseini’s work is widely recognized in the welding metallurgy and materials simulation communities. He has co-authored articles in top-tier journals such as Materials, Intermetallics, Journal of Materials Research and Technology, and International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics. His role as a collaborator in national and international funded projects, including those supported by the NSFC and Chinese government, reflects his global research footprint.

📈 Academic Citations

Although specific citation metrics are not listed here, the presence of Dr. Elmi Hosseini in widely read and cited journals, book chapters in Springer and Taylor & Francis, and numerous international conference presentations suggest a growing and credible academic citation profile within materials science and engineering domains.

🧪 Research Skills

Dr. Elmi Hosseini demonstrates extensive mastery in material characterization techniques such as SEM, EBSD, EDS, XRD, TEM, and HRTEM, along with CALPHAD modeling via Thermo-Calc. He integrates advanced numerical methods and software tools like Simufact for welding simulation and Origin for data analysis, showcasing a versatile research skillset suitable for both academic and industrial applications.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

He has taught 13 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Welding and Joining, Additive Manufacturing, Nondestructive Testing, Powder Metallurgy, and Advanced Welding Processes, at IUST since 2020. Earlier, at USB, he delivered a wide range of fundamental courses in thermodynamics, casting, heat treatment, and materials selection, reflecting a comprehensive teaching portfolio.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Elmi Hosseini has received numerous accolades, including:

  • 🏅 Outstanding Faculty in International Collaboration – IUST, 2024

  • 🥇 Excellent International Student Awards (2015–2017) – Shanghai Jiao Tong University

  • 📚 Top Book Award for Engineering Materials at the 3rd National Symposium of Harekat, Iran

  • 🧪 Best Paper Recognition at ICMH 2010 for a study on carburizing processes

These distinctions confirm his academic excellence and impactful teaching performance.

📚 Books & Publications

Dr. Elmi Hosseini is the author of 4 major books in Farsi, including the widely used “Engineering Materials” textbook and “English for Materials Science and Engineering.” He has also contributed book chapters in prestigious publications like the Springer Aerospace Materials Series and Encyclopedia of Iron and Steel by Taylor & Francis.

🔧 Industry Collaboration & Innovation

He has collaborated on industrial innovations including:

  • 🚀 Laser welding of Inconel alloys

  • 🔍 Mechanisms of crack formation in additive manufacturing

  • ⚙️ Fabrication of welding parts and tools for large-scale applications

His patent on a cooling rate measuring system for quenching media also shows an early and practical contribution to industrial process optimization.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Seyed Reza Elmi Hosseini continues to bridge the gap between academia and industry, driving interdisciplinary research, supervising emerging scholars, and contributing to materials engineering education. His trajectory shows promise in expanding into smart manufacturing, digital twin simulations in welding, and AI-based process optimization.

📝 Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Elmi Hosseini stands as a multifaceted academician, blending rich research output, impactful teaching, and applied industrial work. His background and continuing dedication make him an ideal nominee for Best Faculty Award, given his strong academic profile, leadership in international collaboration, and commitment to advancing materials engineering education and research.

Top Publications

Similar and Dissimilar Rotary Friction Welding of Steels: A Review of Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties

  • Authors: Mojtaba Farbakhti, Seyed Reza Elmi Hosseini, Seyed Ali Mousavi Mohammadi, Sadaf Sadatabhari, Huo Yuan-ming, Ruifeng Li
    Journal: Journal of Materials Research and Technology
    Year: 2025

A Critical Review on Dissimilar Welding of Stainless Steels To Titanium Alloys: Technology and Metallurgy

  • Authors: V. Foroughi, S. R. Elmi Hosseini
    Journal: International Journal of ISSI
    Year: 2024

Microstructure and Hardness of Nickel-Based Coatings Prepared by Laser Additive Manufacturing on Water-Cooled Substrate: An Experimental and Numerical Study

  • Authors: Mingjun Yan, Ruifeng Li, Jiajunqi Guo, Bin Liu, Xiaoqiang Zhang, Yue Zhao, Taotao Li, Lei Qiao, Seyed Reza Elmi Hosseini
    Journal: Materials
    Year: 2024

Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of NiAlCrFeMo High Entropy Superalloy after Different Annealing Treatment

  • Authors: Wenhan Yu, Yuanming Huo, Zhijun Wang, Zhenrong Yan, Tao He, Seyed Reza Elmi Hosseini, Hongchao Ji, Hao Chen
    Journal: Intermetallics
    Year: 2024

Establishing a Unified Viscoplastic Constitutive Equation for EA4T Steel: Comparative Analysis with Arrhenius Model

  • Authors: Hao Chen, Yuanming Huo, Tao He, Zhenrong Yan, Zhiwei Li, Hongchao Ji, Seyed Reza Elmi Hosseini, Zhaozhao Wang, Zhiyuang Bian, Wenhan Yu, Zixin Zhou
    Journal: International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics
    Year: 2024

Taous Khan | Biocomposute Development for Therapeutics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Taous Khan | Biocomposute Development for Therapeutics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Taous Khan, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus,Pakistan

Dr. Taous Khan is a distinguished pharmaceutical scientist, academician, and biomedical innovator from Pakistan with over two decades of professional and academic experience. He currently serves as a Professor (OG-IV) in the Department of Pharmacy at COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus. Renowned for his cross-disciplinary research in pharmacognosy, microbial biotechnology, and drug delivery systems, Dr. Khan holds two doctoral degrees and a reputation for excellence in pharmaceutical sciences both nationally and internationally.

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📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Khan’s academic journey began with stellar performance in pre-medical and science disciplines. He obtained his Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm.) in 1994 and MPhil in Organic Chemistry (2000) from the University of Peshawar. Driven by an insatiable curiosity for natural products, he pursued two PhDs — the first in Pharmacognosy from the University of Karachi (2006) and the second in (Bio)Chemical Engineering from Kyungpook National University, South Korea (2008). He further advanced his academic credentials through a Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011–2012) at the same South Korean university.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Khan’s career reflects a steady rise in academia and pharmaceutical industries. His professional timeline includes pivotal roles such as Lecturer, Assistant Professor, and Associate Professor, culminating in his current designation as Professor at COMSATS University. His international experience as a Postdoctoral Researcher in South Korea sharpened his bioprocess engineering and fermentation technology skills. Earlier, he worked in quality control and assurance roles at various Pakistani pharmaceutical firms like Eli Lilly, Dr. Raza Pharma, and Frontier Dextrose Ltd., reflecting his solid industrial grounding.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

A prolific researcher, Dr. Khan’s primary interests span Phytomedicine, Microbial Polysaccharides, Bacterial Cellulose, Natural Products Chemistry, and Biomedical Applications. His dual expertise in natural and engineered sciences enables him to work at the interface of herbal pharmacology and bioengineering. He has led and co-led numerous nationally funded research projects focusing on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and wound healing. His groundbreaking work on bacterial cellulose-based biomedical materials has received both local and global recognition.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Khan’s influence resonates through his extensive research supervision, including 18 PhD and over 50 MS theses. His students have explored innovative topics ranging from anticancer agents and biocomposites to cardioprotective natural compounds, contributing significantly to the Pakistani pharmaco-biotech landscape. He has contributed to policy development, drug standardization, and natural drug formulation, impacting both academia and industry.

📈 Academic Citations & Publications

He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and patents, including U.S. and Pakistani patents on wound healing formulations and drug delivery systems. His work appears in high-impact journals such as the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, Plant Methods, and Nanocomposite Materials in Drug Delivery. His H-index and citation metrics underscore a well-cited academic presence, especially in areas of bioactivity-guided isolation and green composite formulations.

🧪 Research Skills

Dr. Khan exhibits mastery in a range of laboratory and analytical skills, including:

  • Fermentation Engineering

  • Biochemical Analysis

  • LC-MS/MS Profiling

  • Phytochemical Screening

  • Standardization of Herbal Drugs

  • Wound Healing Models in Animals

  • Molecular Docking and Simulation

His interdisciplinary expertise enables him to explore traditional knowledge systems with modern biochemical tools, making his research both innovative and impactful.

📘 Teaching Experience

A dedicated educator, Dr. Khan has over 20 years of teaching experience. He has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in pharmacognosy, organic chemistry, microbiology, and biochemical engineering. His teaching philosophy blends research-led instruction with hands-on lab training, nurturing a generation of competent pharmacists and scientists.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Khan has received a plethora of prestigious awards, including:

  • 🏅 Best University Teacher Award (HEC, 2012–2013)

  • 🥇 Best Researcher Awards (2021, 2017)

  • 🧪 Innovation Award by SATHA (2015)

  • 🏆 Research Productivity Awards from PCST & COMSATS (2010–2017)

  • 🌍 Marquis Who’s Who in the World (2011)

  • 🎓 Korean KOSEF and KNU Fellowships for doctoral and postdoctoral studies

These accolades reflect his dedication to scientific excellence and national progress in pharmaceutical research.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a visionary academician and researcher, Dr. Khan continues to inspire through mentorship, innovation, and community health initiatives. His ongoing projects on hypertension, cancer, and biomedical polymers point toward a sustainable and integrative approach to healthcare. With over three decades of multifaceted experience, he is poised to leave a lasting legacy in herbal drug development, biocomposite innovation, and pharmaceutical sciences education in Pakistan and beyond.

Top Publications 

Cinnamic acid lowers blood pressure and reverses vascular endothelial dysfunction in rats

  • Authors: A.J. Shah, H.M. Qamar, U. Salma, Taous Khan
    Journal: Journal of Food and Drug Analysis
    Year: 2024

LC–ESI–MS/MS-based molecular networking, antioxidant, anti-glioma activity and molecular docking studies of Clematis graveolens

  • Authors: Z. Ahmed, M. Ikram, I. Khan, K. Bashir, A.J. Shah, Z. Hussain, Taous Khan
    Journal: Plant Methods
    Year: 2024

Identification of Cellulose Producing Bacterial Strains: An Eco-friendly and Cost-effective Approach

  • Authors: H. Muhammad, N.A. Alburae, M.A. Salam, M. Badshah, Taous Khan, S.E.M. Abo-Aba
    Journal: Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology
    Year: 2024

 Extract of Chenopodium album lowers blood pressure in rats through endothelium-dependent and -independent vasorelaxation

  • Authors: A. Javed, S. Khan, U. Salma, T. Ahmad, Taous Khan, A.J. Shah
    Journal: Annales Pharmaceutiques Françaises
    Year: 2024

7-Hydroxy Frullanolide ameliorates isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury through modification of iNOS and Nrf2 genes

  • Authors: S. Ullah, T. Ahmad, M. Ikram, H.M. Rasheed, M.I. Khan, Taous Khan, T.G. Alsahli, S. Alzarea, M. Althobaiti, A.J. Shah
    Journal: Biomedicines
    Year: 2023

Feng Tian | Cancer Biophotonics Studies | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Feng Tian | Cancer Biophotonics Studies | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Feng Tian, Hebei University of Engineering, China 

Dr. Feng Tian, Ph.D., is a distinguished Professor of Bioinformatics and Medical Data Science at the School of Medicine, Hebei University of Engineering. With over two decades of academic and research excellence, Dr. Tian has established himself as a pioneer in integrating artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and public health data science. His interdisciplinary expertise drives cutting-edge solutions across clinical diagnostics, multi-omics research, and emergency medical services.

Profile 

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Tian earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and his Ph.D. in Bioinformatics from the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of China’s top academic institutions. During this period (2000–2009), he demonstrated exceptional promise in computational biology and systems genomics. His doctoral research laid the groundwork for his later contributions to regulatory network analysis and transcription factor dynamics.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Tian has held the position of Professor at Hebei University of Engineering since 2021. His international outlook is marked by his tenure as a Visiting Scholar at the National Center for Data Mining, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where he collaborated with globally recognized experts in biomedical informatics. He has also played a crucial role in establishing the Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Data Science, fostering innovation at the intersection of AI and health sciences.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Tian’s primary research interests include:

  • Artificial Intelligence in Health Big Data: Developing intelligent systems for disease prediction, emergency triage, and resource allocation.

  • Multi-Omics Data Integration: Focused on molecular subtyping and MRD detection in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) using transcriptomic and epigenomic data.

  • Bioinformatics Platforms: Architecting data analysis systems such as miRAS and FlyNet, enabling high-throughput genomic data processing.

  • Public Health Policy Research: Evaluating healthcare accessibility and the impact of localized health interventions like the Handan “Health Cabins” model.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Tian has co-authored high-impact publications in Nature Communications, Haematologica, Advanced Science, and Bioinformatics, reflecting his global academic stature. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of ALL pathogenesis, and informed AI-based clinical workflows in China. As Principal Investigator on several multi-disciplinary projects, he has bridged the gap between academic research and real-world healthcare applications.

📊 Academic Citations

Dr. Tian’s publications have garnered substantial academic citations, particularly in areas involving gene regulatory networks, deep learning for medical text, and multi-omics disease characterization. His 2024 and 2025 papers on glucocorticoid response in leukemia and tumorigenic profiling of adrenal incidentalomas are already becoming cornerstone references in the field.

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Tian is highly proficient in:

  • AI and Deep Learning for medical NLP and classification tasks.

  • Multi-omics Data Analysis, including single-cell transcriptomics and epigenetic landscape mapping.

  • Spatial Data Modeling for evaluating healthcare accessibility using probabilistic algorithms.

  • Cross-species genomic comparison and graph-based regulatory modeling.

These technical proficiencies underscore his rare ability to combine computational rigor with biomedical relevance.

🎓 Teaching Experience

Although his profile focuses largely on research, as a university professor, Dr. Tian contributes to the training of graduate students, supervising research projects, and likely guiding Ph.D. candidates in bioinformatics and medical data science. Expanding documentation of his mentorship impact would further highlight his academic leadership.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Tian has been the recipient of numerous national and provincial awards, including:

  • 🥇 First Prize, Hebei Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award (2024)

  • 🥈 Second Prize, Invention and Entrepreneurship Achievement Award, China Association of Inventions (2024)

  • 🥇 First Prize, Hebei Medical Science and Technology Award (2021)

  • 🥉 Third Prize, Outstanding Achievement Award in Social Sciences (2024)

These accolades validate the real-world impact and innovation of his work, both technically and socially.

🧾 Patents and Software Copyrights

Dr. Tian has secured 22 patents and software copyrights, including:

  • A patented Prehospital Emergency Information Processing Device (2021)

  • A method for AI-driven Emergency Text Classification using ChatGLM (2024)

  • A patented Site Selection Model for Emergency Medical Stations (2025)

These innovative tools have applications in emergency response, healthcare infrastructure planning, and medical informatics.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Tian is building a legacy of translational research and technological innovation. His future contributions are likely to further:

  • Shape AI-powered healthcare delivery models in China and abroad.

  • Deepen the understanding of cancer genomics through multi-omics research.

  • Influence healthcare policy through data-driven evaluations of public health programs.

As a leader in medical AI and public health informatics, he is poised to play a key role in addressing global healthcare challenges through data science and precision medicine.

Top Publications

miRAS: a data processing system for miRNA expression profiling study

  • Authors: Tian F, Zhang H, Zhang X, Song C, Xia Y, Wu Y, Liu X

  • Journal: BMC Bioinformatics

  • Year: 2007

  • Citation: BMC Bioinformatics. 2007 Aug 4;8(1):285.

A new single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping method based on gap ligase chain reaction and a microsphere detection assay

  • Authors: Tian F, Wu Y, Zhou Y, Liu X, Visvikis-Siest S, Xia Y

  • Journal: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (Clin Chem Lab Med)

  • Year: 2008

  • Citation: Clin Chem Lab Med. 2008;46(4):486-9.

A graph model based study on regulatory impacts of transcription factors of Drosophila melanogaster and comparison across species

  • Authors: Tian F, Chen J, Bao S, Shi L, Liu X, Grossman RL

  • Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (Biochem Biophys Res Commun)

  • Year: 2009

  • Citation: Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009 Sep 4;386(4):559-62.

Flynet: a genomic resource for Drosophila melanogaster transcriptional regulatory networks

  • Authors: Tian F*, Shah PK*, Liu X, Negre N, Chen J, Karpenko O, White KP, Grossman RL
    (*Shared first authorship indicated)

  • Journal: Bioinformatics

  • Year: 2009

  • Citation: Bioinformatics. 2009 Nov 15;25(22):3001-4.

DL-PER: Deep Learning Model for Chinese Prehospital Emergency Record Classification

  • Authors: Zhang X, Zhang H, Sheng L, Tian F*
    (*Tian F listed as senior/last author)

  • Journal: IEEE Access

  • Year: 2022

  • Citation: IEEE Access, vol. 10, pp. 64638-64649, 2022.

  • DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3179685

Haitham Mahmoud | AI | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Haitham Mahmoud | AI | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Haitham Mahmoud , Birmingham City University , United Kingdom

🧑‍🎓 Short Bio & Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Haitham Hassan Mohamed Mahmoud is a Research Fellow in Intelligent Networks at the Cyber-Physical System Research Group, Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Built Environment, Birmingham City University, UK. His academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Engineering (First Class Honours) in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, through a dual-degree program between the British University in Egypt and Loughborough University, UK. Building on a solid foundation in communication systems and RF design, he pursued an MSc in Communication Engineering at AASTMT, Egypt, focusing on Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks. He culminated his early academic phase with a PhD in Cyber-Physical Security for IoT-enabled water distribution systems, awarded by BCU as part of the prestigious Marie Curie ITN/Horizon2020 initiative.

Profile

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Orcid

Google Scholar

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors & Career Path

Dr. Mahmoud’s professional career reflects consistent academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. He has served as a Marie Curie ESR, Research Assistant, and Research Fellow, where he has been integral to projects funded by Horizon2020, EPSRC, British Council, and IUK. He currently leads multiple funded research initiatives while actively contributing to the UK’s telecoms innovation landscape, particularly through Open-RAN and 6G development.

🔍 Contributions & Research Focus

Dr. Mahmoud’s research bridges cybersecurity, AI, blockchain, IoT, and 5G/6G networks. He has developed self-supervised learning models for cyber-physical attack detection, contributed to blockchain-based privacy and reputation systems, and explored AI-enhanced Digital Twins for O-RAN. His projects span a wide spectrum—from smart water networks to quantum-secure communication and remote sensing for maritime search and rescue. His notable contributions include the WDSchain Toolbox, the OntoChain Project, and AI-based social care automation, underlining his cross-domain innovation in applying AI to real-world problems.

📈 Impact and Influence

With an H-index of 11 and over 470 citations, Dr. Mahmoud’s research has demonstrated significant influence. His high-impact publications in Q1 journals such as IEEE Internet of Things Magazine, IEEE Access, Sensors, and FGCS testify to his academic authority in IoT security, blockchain applications, and intelligent communication systems. His survey on 6G technologies is among the top cited and downloaded articles in the field, reflecting his thought leadership in next-gen networks.

📚 Academic Citations & Editorial Work

Dr. Mahmoud is not only a prolific researcher but also an active reviewer and editorial contributor. He has reviewed 300+ manuscripts for top-tier journals like IEEE Transactions, Scientific Reports, and MDPI. He is on the editorial board of Discover Networks (Springer) and leads several special issues on AI in 5G/6G, IoV, and blockchain technologies. His role as TPC member and session chair at major conferences (e.g., WCCI, ICACIN, WCNC) further underscores his scholarly engagement at the international level.

🛠️ Research Skills & Capabilities

Dr. Mahmoud exhibits technical versatility with expertise in MATLAB, Python, C++, and blockchain frameworks like Ethereum. He is proficient in data intelligence, machine learning, DL/RL algorithms, network simulation, and sensor integration. His ability to lead multidisciplinary research teams, manage cross-national projects, and mentor young researchers highlights his project management and leadership acumen.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Dr. Mahmoud has demonstrated excellent teaching skills across multiple academic levels. At BCU, he led postgraduate modules such as Applied Machine Learning (Level 7) and Mathematics for Computing (Level 4) with impressive MMR scores (4.4 and 4.3). Previously, at British University in Egypt, he taught a wide array of modules including Programming in Java, Signals & Systems, and Wireless Communications, while supervising numerous MSc and BSc theses.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Mahmoud’s dedication has been recognized through multiple prestigious accolades:

  • 🥇 Best Researcher Award (2024) – Birmingham City University

  • 🏆 Best Paper Awards at ICACIN 2024 and IEEE Comnetsat 2017

  • 🌟 Top Cited & Downloaded Articles in Transactions on Emerging Telecommunications Technologies (Wiley)
    These awards affirm his excellence in research innovation, impact, and outreach.

🌍 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Mahmoud is carving a path toward becoming a global leader in smart communication systems and AI-driven cyber-physical security. With ongoing supervision of 2 PhD, 2 MSc, and 4 BSc students, he is actively shaping the next generation of engineers and researchers. His visionary work on sustainable AI, resilient infrastructures, and inclusive digital engineering promises long-lasting contributions to academia, industry, and policy-making.

Top Publications

Enhancing Resilience in IoT Water Systems Using Data-Intelligence and Decentralization


  • Authors: Haitham H. Mahmoud, Wenyan Wu, Mohamed Gaber, Yonghao Wang
    Journal: IEEE IoT Magazine
    Year: 2025

Vision-Based UAV Detection and Tracking Using Deep Learning and Kalman Filter


  • Authors: Nancy Alsaer, Reham Abdelfatah, Tawfik Ismail, Haitham H. Mahmoud
    Journal: Computational Intelligence
    Year: 2025

Enhancing Security Awareness Through Gamified Approaches


  • Authors: Yussuf Ahmed, Muhammad Ajmal Azad, Mohamed Ben Farah, Mehdi Yousefi, Haitham H. Mahmoud, Michael Ezealor
    Journal: arXiv preprint (arXiv:2404.09052)
    Year: 2024

 A Systematic Review of Blockchain-Based Privacy-Preserving Reputation Systems for IoT Applications


  • Authors: Haitham H. Mahmoud, Junaid Arshad, Adel Aneiba
    Journal: Distributed Ledger Technologies
    Year: 2024

 

 

 

Tikaram Neupane | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tikaram Neupane | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tikaram Neupane , University of North Carolina at Pembroke, United States 

Dr. Tikaram Neupane is an accomplished Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he merges a passion for cutting-edge research in condensed matter and optical physics with deep commitment to undergraduate education and scientific outreach. His career reflects an inspiring journey from Nepal to international academic platforms, including prestigious institutions in Italy, Wyoming, Virginia, and North Carolina, underpinned by fellowships, research assistantships, and national awards.

Profile

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📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Neupane’s scientific foundation was laid through a Postgraduate Diploma in Earth System Physics from the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy, supported by a UNESCO Fellowship (2010–2011). He furthered his education with an M.S. in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Wyoming (2014–2015), where he worked on solar cell characterization and perovskite simulation. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter and Optical Physics from Hampton University (2016–2020), where he explored nonlinear optical phenomena in 2D materials like Tungsten and Molybdenum Disulfides.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at UNCP (since 2021), Dr. Neupane balances his teaching responsibilities with active roles in program coordination, student mentorship, and undergraduate research leadership. His prior postdoctoral work (2020–2021) at the University of Southern Mississippi and NASA’s Stennis Space Center reflects his interdisciplinary scope, focusing on Ocean Optics and Remote Sensing.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Neupane’s research spans nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, and quantum materials, with particular emphasis on:

  • Third-order optical nonlinearity in 2D materials

  • Quantum dots and photoluminescence

  • Spatial self-phase modulation and all-optical switching

  • First-principle simulations using DFT (Density Functional Theory)

He has authored over 12 peer-reviewed journal articles, contributed to a book chapter on graphene, and presented at 65+ scientific conferences—a testament to his consistent scholarly productivity.

🌍 Impact and Influence

As the Director of the North Carolina Region 4 Science and Engineering Fair and a board member of the statewide fair, Dr. Neupane plays a critical role in STEM outreach and student recruitment, especially within minority-serving institutions. He is also an organizer, judge, and evaluator in diverse scientific arenas, from the DoD SMART scholarship program to robotics competitions and ANPA conferences.

📈 Academic Citations & Recognition

Dr. Neupane’s works are cited in materials science, optics, and nanotechnology research communities, particularly his studies on graphene oxide, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), and perovskite QDs. His recent publications in Optics and Laser Technology, Materials, and Crystals have attracted significant academic interest.

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Neupane is proficient in both experimental and computational techniques, including:

  • Laser systems (picosecond, nanosecond, and CW lasers)

  • Spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, Raman, low-T PL)

  • Microscopy (AFM, TEM, XRD)

  • Nonlinear characterization (Z-scan, I-scan, self-phase modulation)

  • Software and Simulation tools like VASP, Quantum Espresso, MATLAB, and Origin

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

At UNCP, Dr. Neupane leads undergraduate courses in physics, coordinates the Applied Physics Program, and supervises student-led research through the Pembroke Undergraduate Research and Creativity (PURC) Center. His ability to simplify complex concepts and his commitment to student development are consistently praised.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Neupane’s excellence is recognized through numerous accolades:

  • 🥇 Best Presentation Award, ICNST International Conference (2019)

  • 🚀 NASA & DoD Research Assistantship, Hampton University

  • 🌍 UNESCO Fellowship, ICTP

  • 🎓 Dean’s Research and Scholarship Fund (2021), NC Collaboratory for HMSIs (2022), PURC Research Funds (2023–2025)

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Neupane is set to chair the 8th ANPA International Conference in 2025 and will continue to lead national efforts in optical research, student development, and scientific inclusivity. His trajectory promises continued innovation in photonics and nanomaterials, while fostering the next generation of physicists through education, mentorship, and global scientific collaboration.

Top Publications

“Size-dependent fluorescence properties of CdSe quantum dots”

  • Authors: U. Poudyal, C. M. Adhikari, N. H. Makani, B. R. Gautam, and T. Neupane
    Journal: Solid State Communications
    Year: 2025 (Accepted)

“Cubic Nonlinearity of Graphene-oxide Monolayer”

  • Authors: T. Neupane, U. Poudyal, B. Tabibi, W-J Kim, F. J. Seo
    Journal: Materials, Volume 16, Article 6664
    Year: 2023

“Dispersion in Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Film: An Application of Bogoliubov–Valatin Transformation for Hamiltonian Diagonalization”

  • Authors: C. M. Adhikari, D. M. Morris, T. W. Noonan, T. Neupane, B. R. Lamichhane, B. R. Gautam
    Journal: Condens. Matter, Volume 8, Article 53
    Year: 2023

“Spatial self-phase Modulation in Graphene-oxide Monolayer”

  • Authors: T. Neupane, B. Tabibi, W-J Kim, F. J. Seo
    Journal: Crystal, Volume 813, Article 271
    Year: 2023

“Crossover from reverse Saturable to Saturable Absorption in Two-Dimensional Tungsten Disulfide”

  • Authors: T. Neupane, C. M. Adhikarihird-order optical nonlinearity in 2D materials
    Journal: Journal of Nepal Physical Society, Volume 8, Pages 31–36
    Year: 2022

Dongdong Liu | Fabrication and application of CVD diamond coatings | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dongdong Liu | Fabrication and application of CVD diamond coatings | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dongdong Liu ,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

Dongdong Liu, is a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), one of China’s most prestigious research institutions. A direct-entry Ph.D. student, Dongdong is quickly emerging as a rising star in the field of advanced materials engineering, particularly in CVD (chemical vapor deposition) coatings and diamond tool technologies. He is mentored by Professor Fanghong Sun, a well-known expert in manufacturing and materials science.

Profile

Scopus

📘 Early Academic Pursuits

Dongdong began his academic journey with a B.Eng. in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2017–2021), where he was recognized with the National Encouragement Scholarship (twice) and named both a University Outstanding Student and an Outstanding Graduate. His early achievements, including a second prize in a provincial mechanics competition, laid the foundation for his excellence in engineering and innovation.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Currently pursuing his Ph.D. since September 2021 at SJTU, Dongdong has led and co-led multiple major research projects. These include grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, international cooperative research, and industry-university collaboration projects. Notably, he has contributed to the design and industrial implementation of automated doping equipment for diamond coatings in cooperation with Mitsubishi (Japan)—a remarkable feat for a Ph.D. student.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dongdong’s research is centered on the fabrication and application of CVD coatings, especially diamond abrasive grains, doped/undoped single crystal diamond (SCD), and cutting and grinding tool technologies. His expertise includes simulation and experimental investigation of micro-edge diamond abrasive grains, the development of novel CVD-based grinding tools, and the design of high-performance doped diamond films. His innovations have applications in precision grinding of hard-brittle materials like SiC ceramics, quartz glass, and silicon wafers.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Despite still being a student, Dongdong’s research has already crossed academic and industrial boundaries. He has facilitated the industrialization of diamond coating technologies, a rare achievement at the doctoral level. His work bridges the gap between fundamental materials science and real-world engineering applications, contributing to sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace materials processing.

📚 Academic Cites

Dongdong has authored multiple first-author articles in high-impact journals, including:

  • Journal of Materials Research and Technology (IF: 6.2)

  • Journal of Manufacturing Processes (IF: 6.1)

  • Applied Surface Science (IF: 6.3)

  • Diamond and Related Materials (IF: 4.3)

  • Ceramics International (IF: 5.1)

These publications, combined with his participation in international symposia like ISAAT 2023 and 2024, have made his work visible to a global research community.

🧪 Research Skills

Dongdong brings a rare combination of theoretical depth and experimental mastery. His skills span:

  • CVD process simulation and optimization

  • Diamond doping technologies (B, N, Si, and multi-doping)

  • Advanced tool design and fabrication

  • Materials characterization

  • Finite element simulations of grinding mechanisms

His ability to translate complex scientific theories into functional industrial applications underscores his exceptional research acumen.

🎓 Teaching Experience

While not explicitly mentioned, his extensive project leadership, publication record, and conference presentations strongly imply mentorship and knowledge transfer skills, crucial for teaching and academic development roles in the future.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dongdong has accumulated numerous accolades that reflect his academic excellence and innovation:

  • 🥈 2024 Silver Award (Team Leader), CICSIC Industry Track, Shanghai Division

  • 🎓 BYD Scholarship, 2024 (Industry-recognized)

  • 🏆 National Encouragement Scholarship, twice

  • 🥈 Second Prize, Provincial Mechanics Competition

  • 🌟 Outstanding Student & Graduate, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

These honors are a testament to his leadership, creativity, and technical excellence.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dongdong Liu is poised to become a leading researcher and innovator in materials engineering and tool technology. His contributions to CVD-based diamond tool development, particularly in precision grinding and semiconductor processing, have already demonstrated industrial scalability and societal relevance. With his momentum, he is expected to contribute to next-generation manufacturing technologies, mentor future engineers, and bridge academic research with industrial implementation.

Top Publications

Simulation and experimental investigation of single CVD micro-edge diamond abrasive grain grinding

  • Authors: Liu D, Zhu H, Shen R, et al.
    Journal: Journal of Materials Research and Technology
    Year: 2025 (Accepted)

 Numerical simulation and experimental researches on different abrasive grain arrangements of monolayer   diamond grinding tools fabricated by HFCVD method

  • Authors: Liu D, Zhu H, Lu M, et al.
    Journal: Journal of Manufacturing Processes
    Year: 2024

 Fabrication and grinding performance of CVD diamond coated Ni-based brazed diamond grinding tools

  • Authors: Liu D, Zhu H, Shen R, et al.
    Journal: Journal of Manufacturing Processes
    Year: 2025 (Accepted)

 Optimization of deposition parameters for the growth of micro-edge diamond abrasive grains using HFCVD method

  • Authors: Liu D, Lu M, Zhang C, et al.
    Journal: Diamond and Related Materials
    Year: 2023

DFT calculations and experiments of oxidation resistance research on B, N, and Si multi-doped diamond films

  • Authors: Lu M, Liu D, Zhang C, et al.
    Journal: Applied Surface Science
    Year: 2023