Sarat Mohapatra | Engineering | Innovative Research Award

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Dr. Sarat Mohapatra | Engineering | Innovative Research Award

Centre for Marine Technology and Ocean Engineering (CENTEC), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon | Portugal

Dr. Sarat Mohapatra is an accomplished marine researcher whose work bridges theoretical modeling, computational simulation, and experimental validation in the fields of hydroelasticity, ocean hydrodynamics, offshore aquaculture systems, and floating platform dynamics. His research primarily addresses complex fluid–structure interactions and the development of hydroelastic models for flexible and porous marine structures under combined wave and current conditions. With over 70 international publications in leading journals such as Ocean Engineering, Applied Ocean Research, Journal of Fluids and Structures, Physics of Fluids, and Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, his work has received significant global recognition, reflected in an h-index of 21 and more than 1,160 citations. Dr. Sarat Mohapatra has been a key contributor to several European and Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)-funded projects, focusing on hydrodynamic and hydroelastic analysis of large floating structures and wave energy systems. His recent studies include the development of analytical, numerical, and CFD-based models to predict wave-current interactions and improve the design of sustainable marine systems. In addition to his strong publication record, he has served as a journal reviewer, editorial contributor, and co-supervisor for doctoral and postgraduate research, promoting innovation and collaboration within marine technology. Through his pioneering contributions, Dr. Sarat Mohapatra continues to advance the understanding of ocean engineering phenomena, supporting innovations in marine renewable energy, offshore structure design, and environmentally resilient aquaculture technologies that contribute to the sustainable utilization of ocean resources.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate | Cienciavitae

Featured Publications

  • Mohapatra, S. C., Amouzadrad, P., & Guedes Soares, C. (2025). Recent developments in the nonlinear hydroelastic modeling of sea ice interaction with marine structures. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 13(8), Article 1410. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13081410

  • Mohapatra, S. C., & Guedes Soares, C. (2025). Oblique wave analysis under current conditions on a floating flexible membrane. Physics of Fluids, 37(7), Article 072101. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0278003

  • Mohapatra, S. C., Guedes Soares, C., & Meylan, M. H. (2025). Three-dimensional and oblique wave-current interaction with a floating elastic plate based on an analytical approach. Symmetry, 17(6), Article 831. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17060831

  • Amouzadrad, P., Mohapatra, S. C., & Guedes Soares, C. (2025). Review on sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of hydrodynamic and hydroelastic responses of floating offshore structures. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 13(6), Article 1015. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13061015

  • Mohapatra, S. C., & Guedes Soares, C. (2025). Wave–current interaction with a deformable bottom in a three-dimensional channel. Physics of Fluids, 37(5), Article 052104. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0267255

Rao Arsalan Khushnood | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rao Arsalan Khushnood | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof | Tunneling Institute of Pakistan | Pakistan

Dr. Rao Arsalan Khushnood is a Professor and Deputy Director at the Tunneling Institute of Pakistan. With a career spanning over a decade, he has made substantial contributions to structural engineering, focusing on sustainable materials, decarbonization, and advanced material characterization. His research combines AI, machine learning, and data science to enhance infrastructure resilience. As an educator, he fosters hands-on learning and international collaborations, striving for sustainability-driven solutions in global infrastructure development.

Profile

Google Scholar

Strenghts for the Awards

  • Research Excellence and Impact:
    • Over 81% of Dr. Khushnood’s research is published in Q1 journals, with an impressive h-index of 32 and over 3,370 citations, showcasing his significant contributions to civil and structural engineering.
    • His focus areas include sustainable materials, advanced material characterization, and innovative technologies like AI and machine learning in construction, addressing critical global challenges.
  • Academic and Professional Recognition:
    • He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Silver Medal in World Scientist Rankings (Civil Engineering) in 2024 and the Best School Researcher award in 2018, reflecting consistent recognition of his work.
    • His selection as a Belt & Road Young Scientist and Best University Innovator further highlights his international and entrepreneurial contributions.
  • Securing Research Funding:
    • Secured a cumulative research grant worth $196,500 for academic projects and an additional $91,500 through industry collaborations, showcasing his ability to attract significant funding for innovative and practical solutions.
  • Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Approach:
    • His research spans diverse fields, including green construction materials, nanotechnology, and machine learning, demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise.
    • Collaboration with industries like NESPAK, Aga Khan Agency, and global research initiatives indicates the real-world impact and application of his research.
  • Entrepreneurial Impact:
    • Founder and advisor of startups like Structax Consultants and Bendcrete Pvt Ltd, contributing to knowledge translation and commercialization of research.
  • Educational Contributions:
    • Extensive academic leadership experience, including roles as Head of Department, Deputy Director, and Professor, highlights his influence on shaping future engineers and researchers.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Structural Engineering (2012-2015)
    Politecnico di Torino, Italy
  • M.E. in Structural Engineering (2009-2011)
    National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Pakistan
    CGPA: 3.65/4.00
  • B.E. in Civil Engineering (2005-2009)
    National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Pakistan
    CGPA: 3.78/4.00

💼 Experience

  • Professor & Deputy Director Operations
    Tunneling Institute of Pakistan (2023-Present)
  • Technical Expert
    Pakistan Engineering Council (2023-Present)
  • CEO
    Structax Consultants Pvt Ltd (2023-Present)
  • Former roles at NUST: Head of Department (Research, 2021–2023), Director (Quality Enhancement Cell, 2016–2021), and Assistant Professor (2015–2021).

Dr. Khushnood has also served as a research and teaching assistant at Politecnico di Torino and a lecturer and lab engineer at NUST.

🔬 Research Interests

  • Sustainable Cements and Green Construction Materials
  • Wood and Timber Structures
  • Smart Construction Technologies and Nanotechnology
  • Machine Learning in Concrete Science
  • Infrastructure Durability and Resilience
  • Bio-Immune Sensible and Living Concrete

🏆 Awards

  • Silver Medal in World Scientists Ranking in Civil Engineering (AD Scientific Index, 2024)
  • People’s Choice Award in the fib International YMG Competition (2023)
  • Best University Innovator by NUST (2021)
  • Belt & Road Young Scientist Award by Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (2020)
  • Numerous teaching, research, and merit-based awards from NUST.

📚 Publications

  • Utilization of Pakistani bentonite as partial replacement of cement in concrete
    • Authors: SA Memon, R Arsalan, S Khan, TY Lo
    • Year: 2012
    • Citations: 166
  • Comparative performance of different bacteria immobilized in natural fibers for self-healing in concrete
    • Authors: M Rauf, W Khaliq, RA Khushnood, I Ahmed
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 151
  • Durability of sustainable concrete subjected to elevated temperature–A review
    • Authors: SA Memon, SFA Shah, RA Khushnood, WL Baloch
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 139
  • Bio-mineralized self-healing recycled aggregate concrete for sustainable infrastructure
    • Authors: RA Khushnood, ZA Qureshi, N Shaheen, S Ali
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 131
  • Improvement in electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of cement composites using carbonaceous nano/micro inerts
    • Authors: RA Khushnood, S Ahmad, P Savi, JM Tulliani, M Giorcelli, GA Ferro
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 131
  • High performance self-consolidating cementitious composites by using micro carbonized bamboo particles
    • Authors: S Ahmad, RA Khushnood, P Jagdale, JM Tulliani, GA Ferro
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 130
  • Influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the residual performance of concrete exposed to high temperatures
    • Authors: WL Baloch, RA Khushnood, W Khaliq
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 124
  • Carbonized nano/microparticles for enhanced mechanical properties and electromagnetic interference shielding of cementitious materials
    • Authors: RA Khushnood, S Ahmad, L Restuccia, C Spoto, P Jagdale, JM Tulliani
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 122
  • Effective use of sawdust for the production of eco-friendly and thermal-energy efficient normal weight and lightweight concretes with tailored fracture properties
    • Authors: W Ahmed, RA Khushnood, SA Memon, S Ahmad, WL Baloch, M Usman
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 103
  • Synthesis and characterization of bio-immobilized nano/micro inert and reactive additives for feasibility investigation in self-healing concrete
    • Authors: N Shaheen, RA Khushnood, W Khaliq, H Murtaza, R Iqbal, MH Khan
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 101

🔗 Research Contributions

  • Secured $196,500 in research grants for projects like smart nano-coatings and sustainable cementitious composites.
  • Collaborated with industries, obtaining $91,500 in partnership grants for innovative solutions in structural health and retrofitting.

📜 Conclusion

Dr. Rao Arsalan Khushnood is a visionary leader in structural engineering. His dedication to sustainability, resilience, and advanced technologies is evident in his research, teaching, and industry collaborations. He remains a prominent figure in promoting eco-friendly innovations for a sustainable future.