Spomenka Kobe | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Distinguished Scientist Award

Prof. Dr. Spomenka Kobe | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Distinguished Scientist Award

The Jožef Stefan Institute | Slovenia

Prof. Dr. Spomenka Kobe is a distinguished materials scientist and one of Europe’s leading experts in nanostructured materials, magnetic materials, and sustainable alloy design. Her pioneering research has advanced the scientific understanding and technological innovation in rare-earth magnet technology, nanostructured thin films, and magnetic materials recycling. She played a pivotal role in establishing rare-earth magnet research in Slovenia, leading major national and European research programs on critical raw materials and sustainable magnet production. Her Scopus-indexed research portfolio includes 169 publications, which have collectively received 2,350 citations from 1,949 documents, reflecting an h-index of 22. Her work spans critical areas of magnetism, solid-state physics, thin-film engineering, and microstructural analysis, significantly influencing global research directions in advanced materials science. Prof. Dr. Spomenka Kobe’s scientific leadership is exemplified through her coordination of the FP7 European Project ROMEO (Replacement and Original Magnet Engineering Option) and the International Associated Laboratory PACS2 (Push-Pull AlloyS and Complex Compounds) in collaboration with CNRS, France. She has also been a principal investigator on numerous EU and national R&D projects and an active contributor to international academic and industrial innovation networks. Her applied research achievements include seven patents (four European patents), three innovations, and multiple technology transfers to industrial production, showcasing her ability to translate advanced materials research into practical applications. She has authored several book chapters, delivered numerous invited lectures, and contributed to major international conferences on magnetic and nanostructured materials.

Profiles: Scopus | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

• Schieren, L., Semsari Parapari, S., Tomše, T., Žužek, K., Šturm, S., Kobe, S., & Burkhardt, C. (2025). Evaluating citric acid as a selective leaching agent to extract Nd₂Fe₁₄B matrix phase from end-of-life magnets. Journal of Rare Earths, 43(7). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jre.2025.04.020

• Grau, L., Moreno López, R., Kubelka, P., Burkhardt, F., Tomše, T., Kobe, S., & Burkhardt, C. (2024). Effects of thermal demagnetization in air on the microstructure and organic contamination of NdFeB magnets. Materials, 17(22), 5528. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17225528

• Tomše, T., Burkhardt, F., Krasniqi, L., Ivekovič, A., Kocjan, A., Kobe, S., Podmiljšak, B., Burkhardt, C., Šturm, S., & Žužek Rožman, K. (2024, September). An alternative sintering strategy for anisotropic Nd–Fe–B magnet based on recycled content. International Materials Science and Engineering Congress (MSE 2024).

• Grau, L., Fleissner, P., Kobe, S., & Burkhardt, C. (2024). Processability and separability of commercial anti-corrosion coatings produced by in situ hydrogen-processing of magnetic scrap (HPMS) recycling of NdFeB. Materials, 17(11), 2487. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112487

• Tomše, T., Podmiljšak, B., Scherf, L. M., Kessler, R., Kobe, S., Kocjan, A., Šturm, S., & Žužek Rožman, K. (2024). Unravelling the intricacies of micro-nonuniform heating in field-assisted sintering of multiphase metallic microstructures. Journal of Materials Processing Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2024.118405

Biman Gati Gupta | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Biman Gati Gupta | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Elitte College of Engineering, Kolkata | India

Dr. Biman Gati Gupta, PhD, C.Engg, BCEEM, FEWRI, FASCE, is a distinguished civil and environmental engineer with over four decades of professional experience spanning academia, consultancy, and international development. As a Fellow of multiple prestigious institutions including the Institute of Engineers (India), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI), he has made remarkable contributions to sustainable infrastructure development, environmental management, and water resource conservation. His professional journey reflects a rare blend of engineering innovation, leadership, and commitment to public welfare.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Biman Gati Gupta earned his Ph.D. in Ecological Studies and Engineering from the University of Kalyani, complemented by a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management from the same institution. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from B.E. College, Shibpur (now IIEST, Shibpur), under the University of Calcutta. He further enhanced his expertise with certifications in Project Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, Financial Management from the Management Development Institute, New Delhi, and Climate Change & Public Health from Imperial College, London. His educational foundation demonstrates both technical depth and multidisciplinary engagement with management and environmental sciences.

Experience

With a career of more than 44 years, Dr. Biman Gati Gupta has held diverse roles in civil construction, water and wastewater treatment, power plant engineering, consultancy, and academia. His career began as a Site Engineer and later progressed into design engineering with Geo. Miller & Co. Pvt. Ltd. and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, followed by major responsibilities in NTPC Ltd. He served for nearly three decades at the West Bengal Consultancy Organization, advancing from Senior Consultant to Vice President, where he managed large-scale industrial and environmental projects. His international roles include serving as a World Bank Consultant for rural development and minor irrigation projects in West Bengal. Most recently, he has contributed as Professor and Head of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Elitte College of Engineering, shaping the next generation of engineers.

Research Interests

Dr. Biman Gati Gupta’s research interests focus on environmental management, wastewater treatment, sustainable water resources, and the ecological impact of industrial effluents. His work emphasizes applied solutions such as membrane-based ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis systems for water conservation. He has also contributed to the development of integrated project reports addressing industrial water supply, sewage disposal, and environmental mitigation measures. His scholarship combines practical engineering with ecological sustainability, bridging the gap between industry and environmental stewardship.

Awards

Dr. Biman Gati Gupta’s pioneering work has earned him numerous recognitions, including being conferred Fellowships from the Institute of Engineers (India), ASCE, and EWRI. He was Board Certified as an Eminent Environmental Scientist and Engineer by AAEES (USA). His outstanding contribution to groundwater conservation research was honored with the prestigious Srimati Sarala Bala Sanyal Memorial Gold Award for Best Paper, published in IEI Series A (Springer). His leadership roles include serving as Treasurer of ASCE India Section and as a trustee and council member of the Royal Society of Textile Institute, UK.

Publications

Dr. Biman Gati Gupta has authored one book chapter on wastewater treatment, three books on environmental management, and eleven peer-reviewed research articles in internationally recognized journals, including Springer, Elsevier, and Sage. He has also prepared twenty-six technical project reports and presented his research at both international and national platforms.

Example Research Article:

  • Title: Heavy metal contamination from textile wastewater and its health impacts: a case study from West Bengal with sustainable remediation approaches

  • Journal: Scientific Reports

  • Published on: August 12, 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Biman Gati Gupta is a highly accomplished researcher, engineer, and academic leader whose career embodies excellence in civil and environmental engineering. His contributions to wastewater treatment, water conservation, and sustainable infrastructure have been recognized globally, reflecting his capacity to address complex engineering challenges with innovative, practical solutions. His distinguished professional record, combined with impactful research and leadership in international collaborations, make him a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Zhongquan Wan | Renewable Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhongquan Wan | Renewable Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

University of Electronic Science and Technology  | China

Dr. Zhongquan Wan is a dedicated academic and researcher in the field of Electronic Science and Technology. Serving as a faculty member at the University of Electronic Science and Technology, he has significantly contributed to the advancement of semiconductor micro/nano materials and energy conversion thin-film devices. His expertise is reflected in his extensive publication record, patent portfolio, and leadership in national-level scientific projects.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Wan completed his doctoral studies in Electronic Science and Technology at the prestigious University of Electronic Science and Technology. His strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future innovations in material science and energy applications.

Experience

Since completing his Ph.D., Dr. Wan has been a dedicated faculty member at the University of Electronic Science and Technology. He has established himself as an expert in new semiconductor micro/nano materials and thin-film energy devices, actively mentoring students and leading cutting-edge research in these fields.

Research Interest

His research primarily focuses on new semiconductor micro/nano materials and energy conversion thin-film devices. Dr. Wan is particularly interested in exploring high-efficiency materials that bridge the gap between fundamental science and real-world energy applications, aiming to solve global energy challenges through material innovation.

Awards

Dr. Wan has been nominated for several prestigious research awards in recognition of his impactful work. His leadership in over 10 funded projects, including those from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Plan, highlights his credibility as a principal investigator and scientific innovator.

Publications

Dr. Wan has authored over 30 high-impact SCI papers as the first or corresponding author in top-tier journals. His work has been cited over 600 times, reflecting its influence in the scientific community.

  • Tailoring pyridine bridged chalcogen-concave molecules for defects passivation enables efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
    Journal: Nature Communications
    Published on: 2025
    Citation: 10 citations

  • Polymer-acid-metal quasi-ohmic contact for stable perovskite solar cells beyond a 20,000-hour extrapolated lifetime
    Journal: Nature Communications
    Published on: 2024
    Citation: 27 citations

  • Anionic engineering of a p-dopant enables efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
    Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A
    Published on: 2024
    Citation: 4 citations

  • Dual functionality of charge extraction and interface passivation by self-assembled monolayers in perovskite solar cells
    Journal: (Journal Name not provided)
    Published on: (Year not provided)
    Citation: 26 citations

  • Combining component screening, machine learning and molecular engineering for the design of high-performance inverted perovskite solar cells
    Journal: Energy and Environmental Science
    Published on: 2024
    Citation: 7 citations

  • Efficient and stabilized molecular doping of hole-transporting materials driven by a cyclic-anion strategy for perovskite solar cells
    Journal: Chemical Science
    Published on: 2024
    Citation: 4 citations

Conclusion

Dr. Zhongquan Wan exemplifies academic excellence and research leadership in the fields of electronic materials and energy systems. His contributions, spanning impactful publications, patents, and nationally funded projects, make him a distinguished nominee for research recognition and innovation awards. His work continues to influence the global scientific community and inspire future breakthroughs in sustainable technologies.

Chuanxing Jia | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuanxing Jia | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ecology and Environment | Qufu Normal University | China

📘 Dr. Chuanxing Jia, an associate professor at the School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, specializes in environmental science and engineering. With a focus on ecological sustainability and hazardous waste management, Dr. Jia combines academic rigor and innovative research to address critical environmental challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards

  • Academic Background and Expertise:
    • Dr. Jia has a robust educational foundation in environmental science and engineering, with a Ph.D. from Chongqing University.
    • His expertise spans environmental pollution management, hazardous waste handling, and anaerobic digestion technologies.
  • Research Contributions:
    • Published multiple peer-reviewed papers in respected journals like Journal of Basic Microbiology and Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.
    • Significant contributions as a co-corresponding author and sole corresponding author, showcasing leadership in collaborative research.
  • Funded Research Projects:
    • Successfully secured and led competitive research grants at national and provincial levels.
    • Projects like “Prewarning and Control Technology for Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Solid Waste” emphasize innovation and practical applications in environmental management.

Education

🎓 Doctorate: Environmental Science and Engineering, Chongqing University (2007-2010)
🎓 Master’s Degree: Environmental Engineering, Chongqing University (2004-2007)
🎓 Bachelor’s Degree: Environmental Engineering, Chongqing University (2000-2004)

Dr. Jia’s educational journey has been rooted in Chongqing University, where he built a strong foundation in environmental science and engineering.

Experience

💼 Associate Professor: Qufu Normal University, School of Life Sciences (2015–Present)
💼 Deputy Senior Role: Jining Environmental Protection Bureau, Hazardous Waste and Environmental Emergency Management Center (2011–2015)

Dr. Jia’s diverse professional experience spans academia and governmental roles, focusing on environmental protection and sustainable waste management systems.

Research Interests On 🔬Environmental Science

Dr. Jia’s research centers on:

  • Hazardous waste management using intelligent systems.
  • Microbial resistance mechanisms in anaerobic digestion.
  • Advanced techniques for solid waste recycling and treatment.
  • Ecological restoration and environmental monitoring.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Dr. Jia has been recognized for his contributions to environmental science, including:

  1. Inventor of patents on hazardous waste management and anaerobic digestion technologies.
  2. Contributor to key ecological studies for the South-to-North Water Transfer Project.
  3. Key member of high-profile environmental management initiatives, particularly for the Nansi Lake region.

Publications

1. Comparative Analysis of the Biochar Derived from Antibiotic Fermentation Residue and Corn Straw and its Role in Promoting Anaerobic Digestion

  • Authors: Jia, C., Zhao, H., Wang, N., Gao, P., Wang, R.
  • Publication Year: 2025
  • Citations: 0

2. Novel photic responsive Janus nanoparticles: Interfacial catalysts for efficient preparation of biodiesel

  • Authors: Li, M., Zhang, R., Jia, C., Liu, Y., Ying, A.
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Citations: 2

3. Characterization of medaka (Oryzias latipes) AHRs and the comparison of two model fishes—Medaka vs. zebrafish: The subform-specific sensitivity to dioxin

  • Authors: Zhang, W., Xue, Z., Cao, Q., Ding, N., Wang, R.
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Citations: 0

4. Coal-mining subsidence changed distribution of the microbiomes and their functional genes in a farmland

  • Authors: Gao, P., Fan, K., Zhang, G., Jia, C., Tian, H.
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • Citations: 3

5. Impact of Biochars on the Iron Plaque Formation and the Antimony Accumulation in Rice Seedlings

  • Authors: Zhang, Z., Jia, C., Gan, Y., Wang, S.
  • Publication Year: 2022
  • Citations: 5

6. Bacterial and Archaeal Community Distribution in Oilfield Water Re-injection Facilities and the Influences from Microorganisms in Injected Water

  • Authors: Gao, P., Li, Y., Tian, H., Jia, C., Ma, T.
  • Publication Year: 2022
  • Citations: 7

7. Chemical Forms and Spatial Distribution of Phosphorus in the Sediment of Sihe River

  • Authors: Zhang, Z.-H., Zhang, X.-R., Jia, C.-X., Gan, Y.-D., Wang, S.-L.
  • Publication Year: 2022
  • Citations: 2

8. Bacterial community shift in response to a deep municipal tail wastewater treatment system

  • Authors: Chen, J., Yang, Y., Liu, Y., Jiang, J., Jia, C.
  • Publication Year: 2019
  • Citations: 55

9. Bacterial community shift and antibiotics resistant genes analysis in response to biodegradation of oxytetracycline in dual graphene modified bioelectrode microbial fuel cell

  • Authors: Chen, J., Yang, Y., Liu, Y., Tian, Y., Jia, C.
  • Publication Year: 2019
  • Citations: 95

Conclusion

🌟 Dr. Chuanxing Jia is a dedicated scholar and innovator in environmental science, contributing significantly to hazardous waste management, microbial research, and ecological sustainability. His work bridges academia and practical applications, fostering environmental stewardship for future generations.