Mercedes Valiente Lopez | Light-Matter Interactions | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Mercedes Valiente Lopez | Light-Matter Interactions | Excellence in Research Award

Polytechnic University of Madrid | Spain

Mercedes Valiente Lopez is a distinguished Spanish architect, academic, and educator with over four decades of experience in architectural education and research. A full professor at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, she has been actively involved in teaching since 1981, specializing in architectural drawing, design representation techniques, and lighting technology. She holds multiple degrees, including a Senior Architect in Building, Senior Architect in Urban Planning, and Urban Planning Technician, all obtained from prestigious institutions in Madrid. Currently serving as the Educational Innovation Coordinator at the Higher Technical School of Building of Madrid, she has also held key administrative roles such as Department Director and Secretary. Her teaching contributions include advanced courses in architectural drawing and a master’s program on technological innovation in building. Mercedes’s research interests lie at the intersection of architecture, technology, and human well-being, with recent work exploring concepts like “Circadian Neurolighting” and the social impact of neurocommunication. She has authored peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from experimental operating room design to digital health habits in European societies. As an academic leader, she continues to drive innovation in architectural education, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and aligning spatial design with emerging human-centric and health-oriented paradigms. Her career reflects a deep commitment to integrating architecture with technological and societal advancement.

Profile : Scopus | Orcid

Featurd Publications 

  • Martinez, N. L., & Valiente Lopez, M. (2025). “Analysis of exposure to ALAN (Artificial Light at Night) in the urban space of Madrid and Toledo (Spain) and its impact on human circadian rhythms: Circadian Neurolighting”. Urban Science, 9(9), 386.

  • Ahadi, B., & Valiente Lopez, M. (2025). “Zigzag reinforcement method for 3D concrete printing”. Buildings, 15(10), 1721.

  • Javaherikhah, A., Valiente Lopez, M., & Sarvari, H. (2025). “Assessing the efficiency of integrating BIM and blockchain to improve information management for Mars buildings: A SWOT-AHP analysis”. Buildings, 15(3), 494.

  • hadia, B., Valiente-Lopez, M., & Golmohammadi, F. (2024). “Development of a reinforcement method in the 3D printing process of concrete using shape memory Nitinol alloy.” Anales de Edificación, 10(4), Article 5373.

  • Manouchehri, M., Santiago Lopez, J., & Valiente Lopez, M. (2024). “Sustainable design of vertical greenery systems: A comprehensive framework”. Sustainability, 16(8), 3249.

 

Zhenqian Zhang | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhenqian Zhang | Light-Matter Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhenqian Zhang | Hangzhou Dianzi University | China 

Dr. Zhenqian Zhang is an Assistant Researcher and Master’s supervisor at Hangzhou Dianzi University, China. He earned his B.Eng. in Thermal Energy and Power Engineering and M.Sc. in Chemistry from Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, followed by a Ph.D. in Materials Physics and Chemistry from Northeastern University. Dr. Zhang specializes in rare-earth based magnetocaloric materials, focusing on their basic research and performance optimization. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers, holds 6 Chinese patents, and serves on youth editorial boards. His work has advanced magnetic refrigeration technology and material science. Dr. Zhang currently leads multiple national projects and collaborates internationally to deepen understanding of magnetic properties in rare earth compounds.

Profiles

Orcid | Scopus

Education

Dr. Zhang completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Thermal Energy and Power Engineering at Shenyang University of Chemical Technology. He then pursued a Master of Science in Chemistry at the same university, graduating . Seeking deeper specialization, he earned his Ph.D. in Materials Physics and Chemistry from Northeastern University . Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Zhang developed expertise in advanced material sciences, particularly focusing on rare-earth magnetic materials. His educational background combines engineering, chemistry, and physics, providing a multidisciplinary foundation essential for his research in magnetocaloric effects. This strong academic base has supported his extensive research output and innovation in magnetic refrigeration.

Experience

Dr. Zhang currently holds the position of Assistant Researcher and Master’s supervisor at Hangzhou Dianzi University. He leads several funded projects including those supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Zhejiang Provincial Universities. His research career has focused on the synthesis and characterization of rare-earth magnetocaloric materials. Dr. Zhang has developed novel compounds with significant potential for magnetic refrigeration applications. He has been actively involved in international collaborations, notably with German and Chinese research institutions, where he applied theoretical and experimental methods to study magnetic entropy and anisotropy. Additionally, he serves as a youth editorial board member for prominent journals. His experience bridges fundamental research, project leadership, and academic mentoring, making him a key figure in his research community.

 Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhenqian Zhang has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of magnetic materials. His research papers have been featured as “Outstanding Papers” in leading journals such as the Journal of Physics: Energy. He holds six Chinese patents, reflecting his innovative approach to material science. Dr. Zhang’s leadership in national projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China highlights his role as an emerging leader in his field. His appointment to youth editorial boards of Metallic Functional Materials and Copper Engineering journals underscores his scientific reputation and trust within the academic community. While still early in his career, Dr. Zhang’s increasing citation count and collaborative projects with international experts demonstrate growing recognition. Continued professional engagement and awards are expected as his research impact expands.

Research Focus

Dr. Zhang’s research centers on rare-earth based magnetocaloric materials, which are critical for next-generation magnetic refrigeration technologies. His work involves synthesizing novel compounds like Gd-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and rare-earth intermetallics to explore their magnetic entropy and anisotropy. Using combined experimental techniques and first-principles calculations, Dr. Zhang investigates the fundamental magnetic properties that influence cooling efficiency. A key focus is tailoring sublattice structures to optimize temperature ranges for magnetic refrigeration. His interdisciplinary collaborations extend to polymer composites and semiconductor photocatalysts, broadening the application scope of magnetic materials. By pioneering new synthesis methods and theoretical analyses, Dr. Zhang aims to overcome current material limitations, providing sustainable alternatives to conventional refrigeration. His research not only advances fundamental material science but also targets environmentally friendly technologies with real-world impact.

Publications

Gd-based ferrocene complex with a large magnetocaloric effect from rapid room temperature synthesis
Authors: Xiaofei Zhang, Yuwei Wu, Shengqi An, Zhenqian Zhang
Journal: Journal of Solid State Chemistry
Year: 2025

Crystal structure, magnetic properties and cryogenic magnetocaloric performance of garnet RE3Al5O12 (RE = Tb, Dy and Ho) compounds
Authors: Zhenqian Zhang, Guangyi Sun, Xinyue Ye, Lingwei Li
Journal: Journal of Rare Earths
Year: 2025

Crystal Structure, Magnetic Property and Cryogenic Magnetocaloric Effect of Gd4Al2O9 Aluminate
Authors: Zhang Z., Na Y., Lin J., Ye X., Li L.
Journal: SSRN (also Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials)
Year: 2024

Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in distorted RE2NiTiO6 double perovskite compounds
Authors: Zhenqian Zhang, Peng Xu, Youshun Jia, Lingwei Li
Journal: Journal of Physics: Energy
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Dr. Zhenqian Zhang is a promising researcher whose multidisciplinary expertise in rare-earth magnetocaloric materials significantly contributes to advancing magnetic refrigeration technology. With a strong academic background, a solid record of publications and patents, and active engagement in nationally and internationally funded projects, he demonstrates both innovative thinking and scientific rigor. His research not only deepens fundamental understanding but also holds practical potential for sustainable cooling solutions. Dr. Zhang’s growing influence, as evidenced by his editorial roles and collaborations, positions him as a valuable candidate for recognition in research excellence awards. Continued support and opportunities will likely amplify his impact in materials science and energy-efficient technologies.