Zhenyu Zhao | Laser Processing | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Zhenyu Zhao | Laser Processing | Research Excellence Award

Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology | China

Dr. Zhenyu Zhao is a Laser Processing Specialist and Professor at Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, where he leads cutting-edge research in ultrafast laser processing, precision machining of metallic and ceramic substrates, and multi-physics modeling of laser–material interactions. Top journals such as Journal of Materials Processing Technology and Journal of Manufacturing Processes, and holds a prolific patent portfolio: invention patents, more than  utility model patents, plus a software copyright, covering innovations in laser polishing devices and methods for metals, ceramics, curved surfaces, and brittle materials. His expertise is recognized by key national and provincial grant agencies he routinely serves as expert reviewer for the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Plan, and the Shenzhen Municipal Science and Technology Plan Expert Database. His ongoing and completed projects include investigations into ultrafast laser ablation physics, surface modification via pulsed and dual-beam lasers, numerical simulation of molten-pool dynamics, and laser polishing of additive-manufactured and conventional metal and ceramic components. These contributions have significantly advanced surface integrity, reduced subsurface damage, and enhanced industrial feasibility of ultrafast laser techniques for precision manufacturing.

Profile:  Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhao, Z. Y., Zeng, J. Y., Lai, Z. Y., Yin, J., & Guo, T. (2022). Laser polishing die steel assisted by steady magnetic field. Micromachines, 13(9), 1493.

Zhao, Z. Y., Shi, R. K., Zhou, H. M., et al. (2025). Femtosecond laser polishing of AlN ceramics and numerical simulation of ablated morphology. Micromachines, 16(12), 1303.

Zhao, Z. Y., Li, K., Zhou, H. M., et al. (2020). Numerical analyses of molten pool evolution in laser polishing Ti6Al4V. Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 58, 574–584.

Zhao, Z. Y., Zeng, J. Y., Zhang, W., Guo, T., Lou, Y., & Wang, W. Q. (2023). Numerical and experimental analysis of dual-beam laser polishing additive manufacturing Ti6Al4V. Micromachines, 14(9), 1765.

Zhao, Z. Y., Wang, C., Guo, T., et al. (2023). Flame-assisted laser polishing of alumina ceramic surface properties. Micromachines, 14(3), 520.

Ramin Ebrahimi | Mechanical Metallurgy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ramin Ebrahimi | Mechanical Metallurgy | Best Researcher Award

Shiraz University | Iran

Ramin Ebrahimi is a leading researcher in materials science and engineering, with deep expertise in metal forming, severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques, and processing of ultrafine-grained (UFG) and nanostructured materials. His research encompasses a broad spectrum of metal forming processes  including die design, metal flow, friction modeling, microstructural evolution during deformation, and thermomechanical processing. Over the past two decades, his group has pioneered novel SPD-based methods such as Dual Equal Channel Extrusion, Simple Shear Extrusion, Cyclic Expansion Extrusion, Vortex Extrusion, Circular Simple Shear Extrusion, Twin Parallel-Channel Angular Extrusion, and Double Twin Parallel-Channel Angular Extrusion  achieving high-quality UFG and nanomaterials from aluminum alloys, copper, magnesium alloys, TWIP steel, and IF steel. His work has opened pathways for advanced applications including biodegradable magnesium-based implants. With a portfolio of over journal papers, supervision of numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, and leadership of a research team, his scholarly impact is significant. He also contributes to the scientific community as founder and Editor-in-Chief of a specialized journal, and serves on multiple editorial boards. The h-index of 29 than documentation is 112 and citation over 3142. Ebrahimi’s research excellence has been recognized through honors such as “hot paper” selection and high citation impact. His ongoing work continues to push the frontier of metal forming science and advanced material processing for sustainable and high-performance applications.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Ebrahimi, R. (2010). Different processing routes for deformation via simple shear extrusion (SSE). Journal of Materials Processing Technology.

Ebrahimi, R., & Pardis, N. (2015). An analytical approach for simple shear extrusion process with a linear die profile. Materials & Design, 83, 1–10.

Ebrahimi, R. (2021). Iranian Journal of Materials Forming. Iranian Journal of Materials Forming, 8(1), 2-3. 

Ebrahimi, R., & Davoodi, A. (2011). Effect of thermomechanical parameters on dynamically recrystallized grain size of AZ91 magnesium alloy. Materials Science and Engineering A.

Ebrahimi, R., & Solhjoo, S. (2007). Characteristic points of stress–strain curve at high temperature. Journal of Materials Processing Technology.

Mohammad Mahdavian | Corrosion Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Mohammad Mahdavian | Corrosion Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Institute for Color Science and Technology | Iran

Mohammad Mahdavian is an accomplished Ph.D. holder in Polymer Engineering with extensive expertise in advanced polymeric protective coatings and corrosion science. With more than a decade of academic and industrial experience, he currently serves as a Professor in the Surface Coatings and Corrosion Department at the Institute for Color Science and Technology, where he has led numerous high-impact research initiatives and technological projects. His research focuses on nano-structured coatings, conversion and silane coatings, LDHs, MOFs, graphene-based materials, electrochemical corrosion mechanisms, and smart protective systems. Dr. Mahdavian has supervised numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. students and taught specialized courses in corrosion engineering, surface coatings, and polymer science. His scholarly output includes 221 indexed scientific documents with an h-index of 66 and more than 14,012 citations, reflecting his strong global influence. He holds several international patents and has published over 200 papers in leading peer-reviewed journals. He has been honored as a top reviewer by cof Science, ranked among the world’s top 2% of scientists by Elsevier BV and Stanford University, and recognized by national science foundations for research excellence. With proven success in both academic and industrial arenas, he continues to advance innovation in corrosion-resistant coating technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Mahdavian, M., & Attar, M. M. (2010). Electrochemical investigation of the anticorrosive performance of epoxy/polyamide coating containing zinc phosphate as a corrosion inhibitor. Progress in Organic Coatings, 66(3), 259–267.

Mahdavian, M., Naderi, R., & Ramezanzadeh, B. (2011). Inhibition of mild steel corrosion by imidazole derivatives: Electrochemical and surface characterization studies. Corrosion Science, 53(4), 1194–1204.

Mahdavian, M., Ashrafi, A., & Ramezanzadeh, B. (2012). Synergistic effects of sol–gel modified nanoparticles on corrosion resistance of epoxy coatings. Surface and Coatings Technology, 206(19–20), 4234–4242.

Mahdavian, M., Shokrolahi, F., & Naderi, R. (2014). Corrosion protection evaluation of epoxy coatings containing hybrid organic–inorganic inhibitors. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 131(8), 1–10.

Mahdavian, M., & Ashrafi, A. (2015). Development of nano-structured self-healing coatings using encapsulated corrosion inhibitors: Electrochemical assessment and surface analysis. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 149, 674–683.

Mahmut Can Senel | Powder Metallurgy | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahmut Can Senel | Powder Metallurgy | Research Excellence Award

Ondokuz Mayıs University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahmut Can Şenel is a dedicated mechanical engineer and researcher at Ondokuz Mayıs University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in the same field  he has steadily advanced in academia, serving as Research Assistant , Assistant Professor , and currently Associate Professor . To date he has published over 22 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers, and his work has attracted roughly 455 citations resulting in an estimated h-index of 11 reflecting a solid and growing impact. His research centers on metal-matrix composites, powder metallurgy, graphene and ceramic-reinforced aluminum hybrid composites, tribology, microstructure analysis, induction hot pressing, and aluminum-based composite materials — topics addressed in many funded projects and international publications. Over the years he has managed multiple external research grants, developing composite materials with enhanced mechanical and tribological performance, often for advanced engineering and industrial applications. His strong publication record, diverse research interests, and active project leadership underscore his commitment to advancing materials science. In conclusion, Dr. Şenel combines deep technical expertise, rigorous scholarship, and practical innovation — making him a prominent researcher in composite materials and tribology, with a continuous trajectory of academic growth and impact.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Şenel, M. C., & Gürbüz, M. (2024). Sliding wear and friction properties of Al-graphene composites under oil lubrication. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance.

Işık, E., Taşkın, A., & Şenel, M. C. (2024). Investigation of mechanical and tribological properties of Al7075-Al₂O₃-GNPs hybrid composites produced by powder metallurgy and induction hot pressing. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance.

Taşkın, A., Işık, E., & Şenel, M. C. (2025). Al7075-B₄C kompozitlerin tribolojik özelliklerinin ve mikroyapısının incelenmesi. Osmaniye Korkut Ata Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi, 8(3), 1314–1332.

Şenel, M. C., Kanca, Y., & Gürbüz, M. (2022). Reciprocating sliding wear properties of sintered Al–B₄C composites. International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials, 29(6), 1261–1269.

Şenel, M. C., Gürbüz, M., & Koç, E. (2018). Mechanical and tribological behaviours of aluminium matrix composites reinforced by graphene nanoplatelets. Materials Science and Technology.

Shun Xing Zheng | Surface Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Shun Xing Zheng | Surface Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics | China

Shun Xing Zheng is a distinguished scholar and educator specializing in organic coatings and inorganic-organic hybrid materials. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemistry from Shandong University and has been a faculty member at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. With over 25 years of teaching and research experience, he has authored three seminal textbooks , and Principles of Organic Coatings and Finishing which have been widely adopted across more than 40 universities, providing a structured, teachable framework for organic coatings science. His research focuses on coating rheology, structure–performance correlations, sustainable hybrid materials, and VOC-compliant sol-gel systems. He has published multiple high-impact articles, including in Progress in Organic Coatings, Polymer Bulletin, and Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, amassing significant h-index: 4,  citations:311 and document is 7. His work on coating rheology and hybrid coatings has advanced both academic research and industrial applications, providing practical methodologies for material design and processing. Shun Xing Zheng has contributed to the development of environmentally friendly coatings, merging theoretical innovation with practical solutions. His lifelong dedication to education, research, and sustainable material innovation has earned him recognition as a leading expert in polymer-based coatings and hybrid materials.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Zheng, S. X. (2025). Issues of polymer used in coating, coating rheology and hybrid coatings. Polymer Bulletin, 82, 4157–4180.

Zheng, S. X., & Chen, H. S. (2023). Correlations of rheological methods to coatings’ performance. Progress in Organic Coatings, 177, 107403.

Zheng, S. X., Song, G., & Wang, L. (2022). Influence of curing temperature on SiO2/resole hybrid coating films. Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, 101, 185–192.

Zheng, S. X., Shen, C., Alunbate, M., Wang, L., Han, Z. X., & Tang, H. X. (2013). Discovery of VOC-compliant TEOS sol and its application to SiO2/novolac hybrid coatings. Progress in Organic Coatings, 76(2–3), 425–431.

Zheng, S. X., & Li, J. H. (2010). Inorganic-organic sol-gel hybrid coatings for corrosion protection of metals. Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, 54, 174–187.

Hugang Li | Sustainable Metallurgy | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Hugang Li | Sustainable Metallurgy | Research Excellence Award

Taiyuan University of Technology | China

Dr. Hugang Li is a Lecturer at Taiyuan University of Technology, specializing in environmental and ecological engineering, with a Ph.D. in Engineering from China Agricultural University (2021). He has held postdoctoral and visiting scholar positions at Tsinghua University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, focusing on the thermochemical conversion of biomass, phosphorus recovery, and nano-biochar development for sustainable environmental applications. His research addresses the coupled transformation of phosphorus and arsenic in sewage sludge via Fe(III)-catalyzed hydrothermal treatments, providing insights into hydrochar formation, vivianite crystallization, and As(III) immobilization. Dr. Li has led major research projects funded by the Shanxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology and Education, contributing to both fundamental understanding and practical applications of P-rich biochar and environmental remediation. He has published 13 articles in high-impact journals, including Separation and Purification Technology, Journal of Hazardous Materials, and Bioresource Technology, with an h-index of 11 and 675 citations the 23 documents, reflecting his influence in the field. He also serves on the youth editorial board of Energy & Environment Nexus. Dr. Li’s work has advanced knowledge in solid waste valorization, ecological restoration, and sustainable material design, earning recognition for research excellence. His contributions offer practical strategies for phosphorus management, heavy metal mitigation, and environmental sustainability.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Li, H., Gao, Y., Chen, H., Zhou, H., Qin, Y., & Niu, S. (2025). Acidic Fe(III)-driven hydrothermal co-transformation of phosphorus and arsenic in sewage sludge: Vivianite crystallization coupled with amorphous ferric arsenate formation for phosphorus-enriched hydrochar. Separation and Purification Technology, 373, 133617.

Li, H., Cao, M., Watson, J., Zhang, Y., & Liu, Z. (2021). In situ hydrochar regulates Cu fate and speciation: Insights into transformation mechanisms. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 410, 124616.

Li, H., Cao, M., Zhang, Y., & Liu, Z. (2021). Hydrothermal liquefaction accelerates the toxicity and solubility of arsenic in biowaste. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 418, 126314.

Li, H., Watson, J., Zhang, Y., Lu, H., & Liu, Z. (2020). Environment-enhancing process for algal wastewater treatment, heavy metal control, and hydrothermal biofuel production: A critical review. Bioresource Technology, 298, 122421.

Li, H., Zhou, H., Qin, Y., & Gao, Y. (2025). Fe(III)-catalyzed phosphorus and arsenic co-transformation in sewage sludge under hydrothermal conditions: Morphological and crystallization mechanisms. Environmental Science & Technology, 59, 11234–11245.

Mehmet Kaya | Powder Metallurgy | Powder Metallurgy Award

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kaya | Powder Metallurgy | Powder Metallurgy Award

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kaya is a distinguished researcher and professor specializing in materials science and metallurgy, with extensive expertise in the processing, microstructure, and mechanical behavior of shape memory alloys (NiTi, FeMnAlNi), titanium-based biomedical alloys (TiNb, TiNbSn, TiZr), porous materials, and hydrogen storage alloys. He holds two Ph.D. degrees—one in Physics and another in Metallurgy—from Firat University, Turkey, and has over two decades of teaching and research experience at leading Turkish universities, including Namık Kemal University, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, and Adıyaman University. Prof. Kaya has led multiple national and international research projects, supervising both master’s and doctoral theses focused on the fabrication, characterization, and biocompatibility of titanium and NiTi alloys. His research integrates advanced experimental techniques such as SEM-EDX, TEM, DSC, DMA, X-ray analysis, mechanical testing under various conditions, and diffusion bonding, contributing to implant materials, phase transformation studies, and shape memory alloy development. Prof. Kaya has received multiple awards for scientific excellence and actively serves on editorial boards while reviewing for international journals. His work advances sustainable materials development, biomedical applications, and fundamental understanding of metallurgical processes, solidifying his international reputation in materials research.

Profile: Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Kaya, M., Karakurt, E. M., Huang, Y., Demirtas, H., Acikgoz, A., & Demircan, G. (2024). Effect of relative density on microstructure, corrosion resistance and mechanical performance of porous Ti–20Zr alloys fabricated by powder metallurgy. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 49(2), 1479–1489.

Kaya, M., Tosun, M., Huang, Y., Karakurt, E. M., Cetin, Y., Incesu, A., Demirtas, H., & Yildizhan, Y. (2023). Microstructural, biomechanical, and in vitro studies of Ti-Nb-Zr alloys fabricated by powder metallurgy. Materials, 16(12), 4240, 1–18.

Kaya, M., Demirbilek, N., & Yakuphanoglu, F. (2023). Investigation of structural and optical properties of pure ZnO and co-doped ZnO:Al:Mnx (x=1%, 2%, 3%, 5% at.) semiconductor thin films and electrical properties of produced diodes. Journal of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of Gazi University.

Kaya, M., Karakurt, E. M., Huang, Y., & Demirtas, H. (2022). Effect of Zr concentration on the microstructure and mechanical performance of porous Ti-Zr system by powder metallurgy. Key Engineering Materials, 936, 25–31.

Kaya, M., Çakmak, Ö., Akkuş, A., Elibol Annaç, E., & Köm, M. (2022). Effects of sintering temperature on mechanical properties and biocompatibility of porous TiZr alloy produced by powder metallurgy. BSEU Journal of Science, 9(1), 71–79.

Hugang Li | Sustainable Metallurgy | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Hugang Li | Sustainable Metallurgy | Research Excellence Award

Taiyuan University of Technology | China

Hugang Li is an engineer with a Ph.D. in Engineering from China Agricultural University College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering. He currently serves as Lecturer at the School of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, and previously completed a joint-PhD training at the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, followed by a postdoctoral research position at the “Solid Waste and Carbon Recycling Center,” Shanxi Clean Energy Research Institute, Tsinghua University. His research focuses on thermochemical conversion of biomass and solid waste for environmental functional materials, phosphorus resource recovery from sewage sludge, nano-biochar production, and ecological restoration. As principal investigator on projects such as the “Multi-Scale Structural Coordination of Iron-Manganese SpinelActivated Carbon for Dioxin Supercritical Oxidation Enhancement” and “FeCl₃-Coordinated Hydrothermal Phosphorus Recovery and Cyanide Inhibition in Biochar”, he advances sustainable waste-to-resource transformation. His recent peer-reviewed publications address hydrothermal phosphorus/arsenic co-transformation in sewage sludge, vacuum fractional distillation of biocrude oils, heavy-metal immobilization in hydrochar, wastewater treatment via hydrothermal biofuel production, and hydrothermal liquefaction effects on heavy metal and arsenic behavior. Having achieved 23 publications and 675 citations, with an h-index of  11, his work demonstrates both productivity and impact in environmental and waste-resource engineering. He has earned recognition through  national-level natural-science award, a overseas-training scholarship, and invitations to present at major international conferences. He remains dedicated to innovating sustainable waste and bio-material technologies, training the next generation of researchers, and contributing to circular bioeconomy and environmental health.

Profiles: ScopusOrcid

Featured Publications

Li, H., Gao, Y., Chen, H., Zhou, H., Qin, Y., & Niu, S. (2025). Acidic Fe(III)-driven hydrothermal co-transformation of phosphorus and arsenic in sewage sludge: Vivianite crystallization coupled with amorphous ferric arsenate formation for phosphorus-enriched hydrochar. Separation and Purification Technology, 373, 133617.

Li, H., Tian, C., Lu, J., & He, C. (2022). Vacuum fractional distillation of biocrude oil and the immobilization of harmful metals. Fuel, 326, 125013.

Li, H., Cao, M., Watson, J., Zhang, Y., & Liu, Z. (2021). In situ hydrochar regulates Cu fate and speciation: Insights into transformation mechanisms. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 410, 124616.

Li, H., Cao, M., Zhang, Y., & Liu, Z. (2021). Hydrothermal liquefaction accelerates the toxicity and solubility of arsenic in biowaste. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 418, 126314.

Li, H., Watson, J., Zhang, Y., Lu, H., & Liu, Z. (2020). Environment-enhancing process for algal wastewater treatment, heavy metal control, and hydrothermal biofuel production: A critical review. Bioresource Technology, 298, 122421.

Regasa Yadeta Sembeta | Civil Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Regasa Yadeta Sembeta | Civil Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Mattu University | Ethiopia

Regasa Yadeta Sembeta is a civil engineer with a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from Jimma Institute of Technology and a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Mattu University. Since 2009 he has served as a teacher, researcher, reviewer and community-service academic, progressing to an editorial-board position at Mattu University through sustained academic contributions. His research spans structural and sustainable construction engineering, including finite-element analysis of encased composite columns, performance evaluation under monotonic and cyclic loads, and sustainability-driven materials design such as geopolymer concrete using industrial by-products e.g. copper slag, recycled aggregate, GGBFS and natural fibers e.g. bamboo fiber. Through numerous peer-reviewed publications he has advanced understanding in load-capacity modeling of composite columns, mechanical and thermal performance of sustainable/conventional concrete, and optimization of fiber-reinforced composite materials. His work reflects a strong commitment to combining structural performance with environmental sustainability, computational modelling, and innovative materials research. With 10 Documents publications, 29 citations, and an h-index of 3, his academic impact shows both breadth and influence in the civil/construction engineering community. He remains dedicated to mentoring students, expanding sustainable construction research, and contributing to community-oriented engineering education.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Yadeta Sembeta, R., & Zerfu, K. (2023). Finite element‐based performance analysis of encased composite columns under monotonic axial compression load. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2023(1), 5974705.

Yadeta Sembeta, R., Zerfu, K., Mersha, M., & Agon, E. C. (2024). The effects of different steel sections on the performance of encased composite columns under cyclic lateral loads. Results in Engineering, 24, 103510.

Yadeta Sembeta, R., Rath, B., Agon, E. C., Dereje, B., Garoma, S., Debela, A., & Kebede, K. (2023). Modification of load carrying capacity model for composite columns. Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation, 8(1), 11.

Yadeta Sembeta, R., Arunvivek, G. K., Anandaraj, S., Kumar, P., & Pratap, B. (2025). Compressive strength modelling of cenosphere and copper slag–based geopolymer concrete using deep learning model. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 27849.

Yadeta Sembeta, R., Paswan, R. K., Kumar, P., & Kumar, V. (2025). Mechanical properties of alkali-activated slag binder–based concrete at elevated temperatures. Discover Sustainability, 6(1), 744.

Donghui Yang | Alloy Design | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Donghui Yang | Alloy Design | Best Researcher Award

Liaoning Academy of Materials | China

Donghui Yang is a doctoral candidate in Materials Science and Engineering whose research focuses on advanced metallic materials, high-strength aluminum alloys, and microstructure–property relationships in processing-intensive systems. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Materials Forming and Control Engineering from Liaoning University of Science and Technology and later completed a master’s degree in Materials Processing Engineering at Northeastern University, where he conducted research on high-strength and wear-resistant high-zinc aluminum alloys. He has authored 18 research documents, accumulated 232 citations, and holds an h-index of 8, highlighting his growing academic contribution to alloy design and materials characterization. His technical experience spans solidification theory, thermal processing, mechanical behavior evaluation, metallurgical process optimization, and advanced characterization methods. He has presented his work at national conferences and has been engaged in collaborative research projects linking academia with the materials industry. His achievements have been recognized with distinctions such as the Second Prize in the National Metallurgy Technology Competition for College Students, the First Prize in the China University Mechanical Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, the AVIC-Shenyang Aircraft Leyang Inspirational Bursary, and the Northwest Institute for Nonferrous Metal Research Scholarship. He aims to advance high-performance structural materials through innovative processing strategies and interdisciplinary research.