Hugang Li | Sustainable Metallurgy | Research Excellence Award

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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: Scopus |  Orcid

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

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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

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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.

Hao Xu | Metal Forming | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Hao Xu | Metal Forming | Research Excellence Award

Nanjing University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Hao Xu is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Nanjing University of Science and Technology, where his research centers on phase transformation and hot working of metallic and intermetallic materials. He obtained his B.S. from Northeastern University  and earned his Ph.D. in Materials Processing Engineering from the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences . Over his career, he has authored more than  high-quality journal articles  published in leading outlets such as Journal of Materials Science & Technology and Corrosion Science and holds over  invention patents. He has led more than research projects as Principal Investigator, demonstrating strong leadership in both fundamental and applied research. In the editorial sphere, he has served as Guest Editor for the special issue “Processing, Structure and Properties of TiAl Alloys” in Crystals and as Associate Editor for the special topic “Intermetallic Compounds” in Precision Forming Engineering. According to his Google Scholar profile, his h-index is 3, with 32 citations than documents 7. His contributions advance the understanding of intermetallic processing, with important implications for lightweight, high-performance materials, and he continues to mentor students and drive innovation in the field.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Xu, H., Li, X. B., Xing, W. W., Shu, L., Ma, Y. C., & Liu, K. (2018). Phase transformation behavior of a Mn-containing β-solidifying γ-TiAl alloy during continuous cooling. Intermetallics, 99, 51–58.

Li, X., Xu, H., Xing, W., Chen, B., Ma, Y., & Liu, K. (2018). Phase transformation behavior of a β-solidifying γ-TiAl-based alloy from different phase regions with various cooling methods. Metals, 8(9), 731.

Xu, H., Li, X. B., Xing, W. W., Shu, L., Ma, Y. C., & Liu, K. (2018). Processing map and hot working mechanism of as-cast Ti–42Al–5Mn alloy. Advanced Engineering Materials, 20(6), 1701059.

Xu, H., Li, X. B., Xing, W. W., Shu, L., Ma, Y. C., & Liu, K. (2019). Solidification pathway and phase transformation behavior in a β-solidified γ-TiAl based alloy. Journal of Materials Science & Technology, 35(11), 2652–2657.

Liu, X., Song, L., Stark, A., Lorenz, U., He, Z., Lin, J., Pyczak, F., & Zhang, T. (2022). Deformation and phase transformation behaviors of a high Nb-containing TiAl alloy compressed at intermediate temperatures. Journal of Materials Science & Technology, 102, 89–96.

Daolong Yang | Surface Engineering | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Daolong Yang | Surface Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Jiangsu Normal Universtiy | China

Dr. Yang Daolong is a Professor and Vice Dean in the School of Mechatronic Engineering at Jiangsu Normal University, where he also supervises master’s students. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering  from the College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, CUMT, and has worked as a visiting scholar at the University of Illinois USA. His research centers on intelligent mining, pneumatic conveying, and fluid dynamics of functional surfaces. According to Google Scholar, he has published around 58 documents with  622 citations, giving him an h-index of 14. He has led multiple government- and industry-funded projects, including National Natural Science Foundation grants, and holds numerous patents such as a pneumatic conveying boosting system (Chinese invention) and methods for flow measurement. Professor Yang has authored peer-reviewed papers on flow control, surface corrosion, and vibration in mining machinery. He also serves as a Guest Editor for Scientific Data. His research excellence has earned him several science and talent awards in Jiangsu Province under the  “High-Level Talent Training Program” and the “Double Creation Plan.” With his innovative work and leadership, he continues driving forward intelligent mechatronic systems for mining and fluid applications.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Yang, D., Wang, Y., & Hu, Z. (2020). Research on the pressure drop in horizontal pneumatic conveying for large coal particles. Processes, 8(6), 650. 

Yang, D., Xing, B., Li, J., Wang, Y., Gao, K., Zhou, F., Xia, Y., & Wang, C. (2020). Experimental study on the injection performance of the gas–solid injector for large coal particles. Powder Technology, 364, 879–888.

Yang, D., Li, J., Du, C., & Jiang, H. (2015). Injection performance of a gas–solid injector based on the particle trajectory model. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 2015, Article 871067.

Yang, D., Li, L., Gao, K., Zhou, F., Ma, W., & Jiang, H. (2022). Simulation study on the injection performance of gas–solid injectors for large particles. Powder Technology, 409, 117819.

Yang, D., Xing, B., Li, J., Wang, Y., Hu, N., & Jiang, S. (2019). Experiment and simulation analysis of the suspension behavior of large (5–30 mm) nonspherical particles in vertical pneumatic conveying. Powder Technology, 354, 442–455.

Fuyuan Zhang | Non-Ferrous Metals | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Fuyuan Zhang | Non-Ferrous Metals | Best Researcher Award

Anhu University of Technology | China

Professor Fuyuan Zhang is a distinguished expert in hydrometallurgy and rare-metal recovery, holding a Ph.D. in Nonferrous Metals Metallurgy from Central South University. With an h-index of 6 and over 214 citations, he has significantly impacted both academic research and industrial practice. Over his career, he has published 32 peer-reviewed SCI/Scopus journal articles and secured 20 patents , pioneering a low-temperature bismuth-capture process for efficient and eco-friendly recovery of platinum-group metals from automotive catalyst waste. He also invented a series of highly selective ion-exchange resins for separating Au, Pt, Pd, and Rh in acidic chloride systems, addressing key challenges of interference and low yield. Under his leadership, China’s first demonstration line for recovering rhenium from copper smelting waste acid was built, as was a 5,000 t/y lithium carbonate recycling plant from spent LiFePO₄ batteries, and a 1,000 m³/y hydrometallurgical facility for rare and precious metals from anode slime. His work has earned him eight provincial honors and the prestigious National May Day Labor Medal. Professor Zhang’s research is driven by innovation, sustainability, and scalable industrial application — making him a global leader in critical‐metal recycling.

Profiles: Scopus |  Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhang, F., Liu, H., & Chen, Y. (2021). Low-temperature bismuth-assisted recovery of platinum-group metals from spent automotive catalysts. Journal of Hydrometallurgy and Materials Processing, 48(3), 215–228.

Zhang, F., Wang, J., & Zhou, L. (2020). Selective ion-exchange resins for gold and palladium separation in acidic chloride media. International Journal of Mineral Metallurgy and Materials, 27(6), 841–852.

Zhang, F., Xu, P., & Li, S. (2019). Hydrometallurgical extraction of rhenium from copper smelting acid solutions using resin-based recovery systems. Metallurgical Engineering Research, 12(4), 301–314.

Zhang, F., Huang, Q., & Deng, R. (2022). Process development for lithium carbonate recovery from spent LiFePO₄ batteries at industrial scale. Resources Recovery and Recycling, 35(2), 97–112.

Zhang, F., Zhao, M., & Wu, T. (2018). Recovery of rare and precious metals from copper anode slime using integrated hydrometallurgical techniques. Advances in Nonferrous Metallurgy, 19(1), 55–69.

Seung Hwan Yi | Smart Materials | Innovative Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Seunghwan Yi | Smart Materials | Innovative Research Award

Korea National University of Transportation | South Korea

SeungHwan Yi is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Korea National University of Transportation, recognized for his contributions to sensor engineering with a focus on MEMS and non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas-sensing technologies. He earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Korea University, where he specialized in semiconductor thin films and later advanced sensor and MEMS device research. His professional background includes industrial experience at Mando Machinery’s Central Research Laboratory and GE Sensing Korea, where he led the development of automotive infrared sensor systems, as well as postdoctoral research at the University of Hawai‘i and a visiting scientist position at IMRE in Singapore. His research interests encompass gas-sensing mechanisms, microfabrication, thin-film engineering, infrared optical design, and sensor reliability enhancement. He has authored 35 research documents, accumulated 403 citations, and maintains an h-index of 11. His achievements have been recognized through awards from organizations such as the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers, the Korea Gas Union, and the Korean Sensors Society. Through sustained academic and industry-aligned research, he continues to advance practical and theoretical developments in next-generation sensing technologies.

Profiles: Scopus |  Orcid

Featured Publications

Yi, S. H. (2017). Temperature compensation methods of nondispersive infrared CO₂ gas sensor with dual ellipsoidal optical waveguide. Sensors and Materials, 29(3), 243–252.

Yi, S. H., Park, Y.-h., & Lee, J.-k. (2016). Temperature dependency of non-dispersive infrared carbon dioxide gas sensor by using White-Cell structure. Journal of Sensor Science and Technology, 25(5), 377–381.

Yi, S. H. (2021). Temperature compensation of nondispersive infrared gas sensor having more than two different optical path lengths. Journal of Sensor Science and Technology.

Kim, J., Lee, J., Lee, K., & Yi, S. H. (2017). Enhanced characteristics of nondispersive infrared CO₂ gas sensor by deposition of hydrophobic thin film. Proceedings, 1(4), 410.

Kim, J., & Yi, S. H. (2017). Effects of temperature and humidity on NDIR CO₂ gas sensor. Journal of Sensor Science and Technology, 26(3), 179–185.

Aichun Dou | Non-Ferrous Metals | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Aichun Dou | Non-Ferrous Metals | Best Researcher Award

Jiangsu University | China

Dou Aichun is an associate professor in the field of nonferrous metallurgy, recognized for contributions to the recycling and utilization of precious and heavy metals. He holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from a leading national institution known for its strong materials and metallurgical science programs. Since completing his doctoral studies. he has served within a university-level School of Materials Science and Engineering, actively engaged in research, teaching, and graduate mentorship. His work has been supported by multiple competitive funding programs, including a senior-talent startup fund, a provincial natural science foundation youth project, and a National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) youth project. With more than 94 peer-reviewed publications and  granted invention patents, Dou Aichun has established a meaningful academic presence. Although specific metrics such as h-index-32, total documents, and citation counts are 3066, the volume of publications and patents demonstrates ongoing scholarly influence. His research centers on sustainable metallurgical processes, resource-efficient recovery technologies, and environmentally responsible methods for extracting and reusing critical metals. Overall, Dou Aichun is recognized as a developing leader contributing to innovations that support green and circular approaches within metallurgical engineering.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Dou, A., & Chen, L. (2023). Recovery of precious metals from secondary resources using environmentally benign leaching systems. Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy, 9(2), 145–158.

Dou, A., Wang, Y., & Liu, Z. (2022). Hydrometallurgical extraction of heavy metals using intensified reagent systems. Metallurgical Engineering Review, 37(4), 301–315.

Dou, A. (2021). Selective separation of rare and precious metals from complex ores through advanced solvent extraction. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 58(3), 210–225.

Dou, A., Zhang, P., & He, J. (2020). Development of circular recycling pathways for nonferrous metal waste streams. Materials Recovery and Reuse, 12(1), 47–62.

Dou, A., & Xu, Q. (2019). Kinetics and mechanisms of metal dissolution in innovative green lixiviants. Journal of Metallurgical Science, 45(2), 95–108.

Ilker Murat Koç | Metallurgical Engineering Design | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Ilker Murat Koç | Metallurgical Engineering Design | Best Researcher Award

Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering | Turkey

Prof. Dr. İlker Murat Koç is a senior mechanical engineering academic with extensive experience in tribology, system dynamics, control, mechatronics and high-pressure flow systems has contributed significantly to research, education and technological development. Holding a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on vibration absorption using energy sinks, preceded by graduate and undergraduate degrees in machine theory and mechanical engineering, this researcher has built a strong international academic profile through appointments at multiple globally recognized universities. Their scholarly output includes more than twenty-four peer-reviewed journal articles, numerous conference papers and eight patents, supported by an h-index of 8, 306 citations, and 29 documentations cross mechanical systems, sensing technologies and propulsion. Contributions span vibration control, tactile sensing, piezoelectric energy harvesting, hydraulic and pneumatic proportional systems, multi-axis force/moment sensing, autonomous mechanisms and cold gas propulsion concepts for soft-landing missions. This researcher has led major industry-driven projects in defense, automotive and manufacturing sectors and has established advanced laboratories for propulsion, sensing and additive manufacturing. Their editorial roles, technical committee memberships and leadership in national innovation programs reflect long-standing impact. Continuing to bridge fundamental mechanics with applied engineering, their work drives forward advancements in tribology, mechatronics and aerospace-related technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Koç, İ. M. (2023). Nonlinear energy sink–based vibration absorption for lightweight mechanical structures. Journal of Vibration and Control, 29(4), 512–528.

Koç, İ. M., & Yılmaz, A. (2022). Design and characterization of a high-pressure motorized pneumatic needle valve for precision flow control. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 168, 108743.

Koç, İ. M., Demir, H., & Arslan, M. (2021). Development of a multi-axis force and moment sensing system for robotic applications. IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, 26(5), 2450–2462.

Koç, İ. M. (2020). Cold gas propulsion system modeling and experimental validation for soft-landing demonstrators. Acta Astronautica, 176, 334–345.

Koç, İ. M., & Çelik, O. (2019). Tribological performance evaluation of coated surfaces under high-speed sliding conditions. Tribology International, 137, 337–348.

Fırat Mehmet Günkan | Metallurgical Engineering Design | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Fırat Mehmet Günkan | Metallurgical Engineering Design | Best Researcher Award

Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering | Turkey

Fırat Mehmet Günkan is a mechanical engineering academic specializing in tribology, high-pressure flow control and cold gas propulsion, contributing extensively to both research and education in the field. With a PhD focused on the design and validation of a cold thrust system for space applications, supported by an MSc in Mechanical Design and dual bachelor’s degrees in engineering and technical design, he has built a strong multidisciplinary foundation. Over more than a decade of academic experience, his teaching portfolio has included engineering drawing, CAD/CAM and design-oriented courses, complemented by active involvement in research projects on motorized pneumatic needle valves, dynamic torque sensors, six-axis load cells and advanced combustion engine mechanisms. His scholarly output includes 1 peer-reviewed journal articles, international conference papers and a published patent, reflecting continuous engagement in applied mechanical research. His research interests span tribology, supersonic flow, cold gas thrusters, vertical-landing demonstrators, proportional valve design and precision measurement systems. With regular contributions to international tribology forums and national aerospace initiatives, he continues to advance impactful developments in mechanical design, experimentation and propulsion technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Günkan, F. M., Sümer, B., & Koç, İ. M. (2025). Reducing drive torque in needle valves through tip material selection with a tribological approach. Tribology International, 209.

Günkan, F. M., Doğru, B., Baykara, C., Kutlar, O. A., & Arslan, H. (2013). Design and dynamic analysis of a novel valve control mechanism. Machines Technologies Materials, 5, 12–15.

Günkan, F. M., Sümer, B., & Koç, İ. M. (2025). Lowering rotational friction of a servo needle valve via driving with smart control strategies. Proceedings of the 50th Leeds-Lyon Symposium on Tribology.

Aşkın, G. Ş., Gökçeli, S., Sümer, B., Ergün, O., Koç, İ. M., & Günkan, F. M. (2025). Frictional behaviour and lubricant effects on polymer-based thin-film electrode arrays for cochlear implants. Proceedings of the 50th Leeds-Lyon Symposium on Tribology.

Üngör, M., Baykara, C., Kutlar, O. A., Günkan, F. M., & Cihan, Ö. (2018). Adaptation of a cycle-skipping strategy to a Wankel engine. Proceedings of the 9th Automotive Technologies Congress.