Sarat Mohapatra | Engineering | Innovative Research Award

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

Nadiia Kopiika | Engineering | Best Paper Award

Dr. Nadiia Kopiika | Engineering | Best Paper Award

University College London | United Kingdom

Dr. Nadiia Kopiika is a distinguished civil and structural engineering researcher whose work unites innovation, sustainability, and resilience in the reconstruction of critical infrastructure. She is affiliated with University College London, London, United Kingdom, and serves as a BA/CARA Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham (UK) and Teaching Assistant at Lviv Polytechnic National University (Ukraine). Dr. Nadiia Kopiika has made exceptional contributions to developing advanced methodologies for damage assessment, probabilistic modelling, and structural rehabilitation of reinforced concrete structures. Her publication, “Probabilistic Assessment of RC Beams with Corroded Thermally Strengthened Reinforcement” (Structures, 2025), presents a comprehensive probabilistic framework for evaluating the reliability and residual capacity of corroded reinforcement systems, providing crucial insights for sustainable and data-driven restoration. According to Scopus, she has authored 34 indexed publications, accumulated 416 citations across 219 citing documents, and holds an h-index of 15, reflecting her growing impact in the global engineering community. Her work seamlessly combines analytical precision with practical applications in infrastructure resilience and recovery. Dr. Kopiika is also actively engaged in collaborative initiatives such as bridgeUkraine.org and MetaInfrastructure.org, advancing digital diagnostics, AI integration, and circular design for post-disaster reconstruction. Her achievements have been recognised through prestigious honours, including the Award of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Young Scientists (2024) and the BA/CARA Research Fellowship (2023–2026). Through her interdisciplinary research and commitment to sustainable engineering, Dr. Nadiia Kopiika continues to advance innovative frameworks for resilient, future-ready infrastructure systems worldwide.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

  • Blikharskyy, Y., Kopiika, N., Khmil, R., Selejdak, J., & Blikharskyy, Z. (2022). Review of development and application of digital image correlation method for study of stress–strain state of RC structures. Applied Sciences, 12(19), 10157. [Cited by 56]
    https://doi.org/10.3390/app121910157

  • Kopiika, N., Karavias, A., Krassakis, P., Ye, Z., Ninic, J., Shakhovska, N., … (2025). Rapid post-disaster infrastructure damage characterisation using remote sensing and deep learning technologies: A tiered approach. Automation in Construction, 170, 105955. [Cited by 27]
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.105955

  • Blikharskyy, Y., Vashkevych, R., Kopiika, N., Bobalo, T., & Blikharskyy, Z. (2021). Calculation residual strength of reinforced concrete beams with damages, which occurred during loading. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1021(1), 012012. [Cited by 32]
    https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/1021/1/012012

  • Blikharskyy, Y., Selejdak, J., & Kopiika, N. (2021). Corrosion fatigue damages of rebars under loading in time. Materials, 14(12), 3416. [Cited by 31]
    https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14123416

  • Blikharskyy, Y., Selejdak, J., Kopiika, N., & Vashkevych, R. (2021). Study of concrete under combined action of aggressive environment and long-term loading. Materials, 14(21), 6612. [Cited by 30]
    https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14216612

Ioannis Manariotis | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ioannis Manariotis | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Patras / Department of Civil Engineering | Greece

Prof. Dr. Ioannis Manariotis is a Professor of Environmental Engineering at the University of Patras, Greece. With expertise in wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and microalgae biotechnology, he focuses on sustainable solutions for water pollution and energy production. His work bridges engineering, environmental science, and circular economy principles.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Outstanding Research Output

    • Extensive Publications: Over 85 peer-reviewed journal articles (including high-impact journals like Water ResearchChemical Engineering JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials).

    • Interdisciplinary Impact: Research spans wastewater treatment, microalgae biofuels, biochar applications, nanoparticle toxicity, and advanced oxidation processes.

    • High Citations & Collaborations: Works with international experts and contributes to cutting-edge topics like biochar-based electrocatalysts for Zn-air batteries and CO₂ sequestration.

  2. Leadership in Research & Innovation

    • Principal Investigator (PI) of multiple funded projects (e.g., EU/EEA Grants, national programs like “BLUE-GREENWAY” and “BioNFate”).

    • Special Issue Editor (Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology) and Associate Editor for Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts and Frontiers in Water.

  3. Academic & Professional Recognition

    • Full Professor at the University of Patras with a 30+ year career in research and teaching.

    • Supervised 10+ Ph.D. students and 30+ Master’s theses, demonstrating mentorship excellence.

    • Reviewer for 40+ prestigious journals (Water ResearchScience of the Total Environment) and evaluator for international research proposals (e.g., Hellenic Foundation for Research).

  4. Technological & Environmental Impact

    • Focus on sustainable solutions:

      • Biochar for water purification and energy storage.

      • Microalgae-based wastewater treatment and biofuel production.

      • Novel sorbents for contaminant removal (e.g., Hg, phenanthrene).

    • Work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6: Clean Water, SDG 7: Affordable Energy).

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (2000), University of Patras, Greece.

  • Diploma in Civil Engineering (1990), University of Patras, Greece.

Experience 💼

  • Professor (2023–Present), Associate Professor (2019–2023), University of Patras.

  • Environmental Engineer (2001–2009), Region of Western Greece (water resources management).

  • Research/Teaching Roles (1991–2019): Lecturer, Assistant Professor, and Research Associate at the University of Patras.

Research Interests On Engineering 🔬

  • Phototrophic wastewater treatment (microalgae, biofilms, biofuels).

  • Resource recovery from wastewater (nutrients, energy).

  • Nanoparticle toxicity on microalgae.

  • Advanced oxidation processes and CO₂ sequestration via biochar.

Awards & Fellowships 🏆

  • Graduate Scholarship, Them. & Nik. Valsamakis Foundation (1991–1992).

  • Predoctoral Fellowship, University of Patras (1992–1998).

  • Technical Chamber of Greece Award (1989–1990).

Publications 📚

1. Removal of caffeine, nicotine and amoxicillin from (waste) waters by various adsorbents. A review
Authors: I Anastopoulos, I Pashalidis, AG Orfanos, ID Manariotis, T Tatarchuk, …
Year: 2020
Citations: 273

2. Degradation of antibiotic sulfamethoxazole by biochar-activated persulfate
Authors: L Kemmou, Z Frontistis, J Vakros, ID Manariotis, D Mantzavinos
Year: 2018
Citations: 187

3. Selection of microalgae for wastewater treatment and potential lipids production
Authors: AF Aravantinou, MA Theodorakopoulos, ID Manariotis
Year: 2013
Citations: 178

4. Degradation of PAHs by high frequency ultrasound
Authors: ID Manariotis, HK Karapanagioti, CV Chrysikopoulos
Year: 2011
Citations: 122

5. Low‐strength wastewater treatment using an anaerobic baffled reactor
Authors: ID Manariotis, SG Grigoropoulos
Year: 2002
Citations: 121

6. Effect of cultivation media on the toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles to freshwater and marine microalgae
Authors: AF Aravantinou, V Tsarpali, S Dailianis, ID Manariotis
Year: 2015
Citations: 111

7. Removal of mercury from aqueous solutions by malt spent rootlets
Authors: VA Anagnostopoulos, ID Manariotis, HK Karapanagioti, …
Year: 2012
Citations: 99

8. Organic and nitrogen removal in a two-stage rotating biological contactor treating municipal wastewater
Authors: DN Hiras, ID Manariotis, SG Grigoropoulos
Year: 2004
Citations: 93

9. Aqueous mercury sorption by biochar from malt spent rootlets
Authors: LG Boutsika, HK Karapanagioti, ID Manariotis
Year: 2014
Citations: 83

10. Preparation and characterization of biochar sorbents produced from malt spent rootlets
Authors: ID Manariotis, KN Fotopoulou, HK Karapanagioti
Year: 2015
Citations: 79

11. Activation of persulfate by biochars from valorized olive stones for the degradation of sulfamethoxazole
Authors: E Magioglou, Z Frontistis, J Vakros, ID Manariotis, D Mantzavinos
Year: 2019
Citations: 73

Conclusion 🌍

🌍 Impact: Prof. Manariotis bridges engineering innovation and environmental sustainability, advancing wastewater treatment, biochar applications, and microalgae research. His work supports global goals in clean water, renewable energy, and circular economy practices.