Pengfei Zhou | Surface Engineering | Early Career Researcher Award

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Dr. Pengfei Zhou | Surface Engineering | Early Career Researcher Award

Guizhou University | China

Pengfei Zhou is a Special-hired Professor (Assistant Professor) at Guizhou University, specializing in materials science and electrochemical energy technologies. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Powder Materials Science and Engineering and Master of Science in Materials Engineering from Central South University, and earned his PhD from the University of Macau. Since joining Guizhou University, his research has focused on bulk alloy materials and surface modification strategies for electrochemical energy conversion, particularly industrial-scale water splitting for sustainable hydrogen production. His work integrates alloy engineering, surface chemistry, and electrocatalysis to develop mass-producible and industrially viable catalyst systems. To date, he has published 53 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 12 as first author, achieving an h-index of 61 and accumulating 1091 citations, demonstrating strong academic impact. He has completed or is leading five research projects, participated in three consultancy or industry-sponsored projects, and holds three published or under-review patents. His scholarly contributions are well documented through recognized academic platforms, reflecting consistent research productivity and innovation. Professor Zhou continues to advance efficient hydrogen production technologies while contributing to the global effort toward clean and sustainable energy solutions.

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Hussein Fawzi Hussein | Metallurgical Recycling | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Hussein Fawzi Hussein | Metallurgical Recycling | Research Excellence Award

Scientific Resaerch Commission | Iraq

Dr. Hussein Fawzi Hussein is a materials and metallurgical engineer and researcher affiliated with the Scientific Research Commission, Baghdad, Iraq, where he has served since 2011 as Chief Engineer at the Industrial Applications and Materials Technology Research Center, contributing to applied research and national scientific development. He also holds a leadership role as Director of Metals and Alloys at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Dr. Hussein earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from POLITEHNICA Bucharest National University of Science and Technology, Romania, in 2019, following advanced academic and research training in metallurgy and materials engineering. His research interests focus on aluminum and steel alloys, welding and microstructural analysis, renewable energy systems, solar photovoltaic performance, heat exchangers, nanomaterials, and surface thermal analysis under real climatic conditions. He has published 8 scientific documents indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, receiving 17 citations with an h-index of 2, reflecting growing international visibility. Dr. Hussein serves as a reviewer for the International Journal of Renewable Energy Research, demonstrating academic recognition and service to the scientific community. His scholarly contributions bridge materials science and renewable energy applications, supporting sustainable technologies and industrial innovation, and positioning him as an active contributor to interdisciplinary research and applied engineering advancement.

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Dumitru Mitrica | Alloy Design | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Dumitru Mitrica | Alloy Design | Research Excellence Award

Research and Development Institute for Nonferrous and Rare Metals – IMNR | Romania

Dr. Dumitru Mitrica is a seasoned materials scientist and research leader with extensive experience in non-ferrous alloys, composite materials, and advanced alloy design. He holds a PhD in Materials Engineering from the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, with earlier bachelor and master studies in the same faculty, and additional master-level training at the University of Arizona, USA. Over decades at the National R&D Institute for Nonferrous and Rare Metals (Bucharest), he has progressed from research assistant to Senior Researcher (grade I), leading numerous national and European research projects. His technical expertise spans nonferrous alloy preparation and processing, high-entropy alloys, composites, rapid solidification and induction melting, thermodynamic assessment, modelling, experimental processing and characterization. Dr. Mitrica has authored  papers granted patents plus  patent applications. He has directed major projects including the international M-Era.Net project COMPTRANS, national complex programs such as HEAPROTECT and multiple PNCDI3 and national innovation calls. A member of European materials research networks, his work has been recognized with awards and broad international collaboration. Dr. Mitrica remains committed to bridging theoretical materials science and practical industrial applications, driving innovation in alloy design and sustainable materials engineering.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Mitrica, D., Mosinoiu, L.-F., Sobetkii, A., Caramarin, S., Matei, A.-C., Cursaru, L.-M., Tudor, I.-A., Serban, B.-A., Ghita, M., Vitan, N., Romanitan, C., Olaret, E., Postolnyi, B., & Pogrebnjak, A. (2025). Selected high-entropy alloys for thin film deposition, with improved mechanical and corrosion properties. Scientific Reports, 15, 37712.

Serban, B.-A., Olaru, M.-T., Badea, I.-C., Mitrica, D., Burada, M., Anasiei, I., Ghita, M., Tudor, A.-I., Matei, C.-A., Popescu, A.-M. J., Constantin, V., Branzoi, F., & Dobrescu, C. (2022). Non-aqueous electrodeposition and characterization of AlCrCuFeNi high-entropy alloy thin films. Materials, 15(17), 6007.

Soare, V., Mitrica, D., Constantin, I., Popescu, G., Csaki, I., Tarcolea, M., & Carcea, I. (2014). The mechanical and corrosion behaviors of as-cast and re-melted AlCrCuFeMnNi multi-component high-entropy alloy. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A.

Anasiei, I., Badea, I.-C., Mitrica, D., Ghita, M., & others. (2023). Characterization of complex concentrated alloys and their suitability for brake disc materials. Materials, 16(14), 5067.

Mosinoiu, L.-F., Mitrica, D., & collaborators. (2024). High-entropy alloys and methods for synthesis. Conference Proceedings.

Xuyang Liu | Alloy Design | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Xuyang Liu | Alloy Design | Research Excellence Award

Chongqing University | China

Xuyang Liu is an Associate Professor in the School of Aerospace Engineering at Chongqing University, China. She earned his B.Sc, M.Sc, and Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Chongqing University; his doctoral training included a year of joint research at the University of Leicester, UK (2014–2015).The scopus of h-index is 15 then peered document are 67 and citation is 932. Since 2018 she has served as Associate Professor having previously worked as a Lecture, contributing significantly in both teaching and research. His research centers on computational materials science  powder metallurgy, and the preparation and processing of advanced alloy materials with applications in aerospace. She has led or co-led numerous nationally and regionally funded research projects, covering high-performance titanium alloys, multi-principal-element alloys, graphene- and carbon nanotube–reinforced composites, alloy wettability and interfacial thermodynamics, sintering processes, oxidation behavior, fatigue and deformation analysis, and first-principles predictions of thermodynamic and mechanical properties under extreme conditions. she has supervised many undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them toward competitive awards and publications. In summary, Xuyang Liu is a dedicated materials scientist bridging theory, experiment, and application, with a solid track record in teaching, research, mentorship, and innovation contributing substantially to advanced materials design for aerospace and high-performance engineering.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Liu, X. Y., Chen, M., Bai, C. G., Liu, C. L., & Soon, A. (2025). Towards designing titanium alloys with high mechanical performance via grain boundary segregation strategy based on data-driven. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 1038, 182803.

Song, W. H., Liu, X. Y., Chen, M., Bai, C. G., & Feng, Z. X. (2025). Data-driven prediction of sintering and deformation behavior of ZrO₂ ceramics. Ceramics International, 51, 27379.

Liu, X. Y., Liu, C. L., Chen, M., Gao, Y. Z., Wei, L. X., Peng, X. H., & Zhang, X. F. (2023). Multi-principal element alloys with high-density nanotwinned 9R phase. Materials & Design, 229, 111925.

Gao, Y. Z., Chen, M., Liu, X. Y., Wei, L. X., & Hu, N. (2022). Experimental and first-principles study of the interactions between graphene oxide and carbon nanotube. Surfaces and Interfaces, 30, 101836.

Zhou, H. L., Luan, B. F., Yan, A., Yang, X. L., Liu, C. Q., Liu, X. Y., Xu, C. R., Sun, C., Ruan, H. B., Huang, W. J., & Murty, K. L. (2025). First-principles prediction of thermodynamic and mechanical properties of ZrCr₂ under extreme conditions. Journal of Nuclear Materials, 610.

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.

Suleyman Sukuroglu | Surface Engineering | Surface Engineering Award

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Mr. Suleyman Sukuroglu | Surface Engineering | Surface Engineering Award

Gumushane University | Turkey

Süleyman Şüküroğlu, a metallurgical and materials science researcher whose work spans alloy development, microstructural characterization, thermomechanical processing, and advanced failure analysis. He maintains an active academic profile with an h-index of 7, 12 scientific documents, and over 149 citations, reflecting growing recognition in metallurgical research. He completed his undergraduate education in a science-focused discipline and continued with graduate-level studies emphasizing materials characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, EDS, and mechanical testing. Professionally, he has contributed to projects involving heat-treatment optimization, corrosion behavior of industrial alloys, welding metallurgy, and computational modeling of microstructural evolution. His research interests include high-performance steels, lightweight alloys, phase transformation kinetics, additive manufacturing materials, and reliability analysis of critical engineering components. He has assisted in laboratory operations, research reporting, project coordination, and cross-disciplinary materials evaluation. His work has been acknowledged in academic and industrial settings for analytical rigor, experimental precision, and contributions to metallurgical process improvements. Looking forward, he aims to advance innovative alloy systems, integrate data-driven modeling with experimental metallurgy, and contribute to sustainable materials solutions for energy, automotive, and aerospace applications.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Şüküroğlu, S. (2025). Effect of sodium pentaborate (B5H10NaO13) nanoparticle addition to oxide coatings grown on AZ31 magnesium alloy by micro arc oxidation method on mechanical, corrosion and adhesion properties of coatings. Boletín de la Sociedad Española de Cerámica y Vidrio, 64(4), 100446.

Belet, A. K., Şüküroğlu, S., & Şüküroğlu, E. E. (2025). Investigation of structural and adhesion properties of ZnO and h-BN doped TiO2 coatings on Cp–Ti alloy. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 39(19), 2524585.

Şüküroğlu, S. (2025). Characterization, corrosion, adhesion and wear properties of Al2O3 and Al2O3:TiB2 composite coating on Al 7075 aluminum alloy by one-step micro-arc oxidation method. Materials Today Communications, 46, 112493.

Şüküroğlu, S., Şüküroğlu, E. E., Totik, Y., Gülten, G., Efeoğlu, İ., & Avcı, S. (2024). Corrosion and adhesion properties of MAO-coated LA91 magnesium alloy. Materials Science and Technology, 40(8), 1219868.

Karabudak, F., Şüküroğlu, E. E., Şüküroğlu, S., & Yeşildal, R. (2023). The effect of surface roughness on fatigue life in AZ31 magnesium alloy. Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals, 76(11), 3095–3103.

Kechang Shen | Non-Ferrous Metals | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kechang Shen | Non-Ferrous Metals | Best Researcher Award

Ludong University | China

Dr. Kechang Shen is a researcher in Materials Science and Engineering with expertise in metallic alloys, corrosion resistance, and electrocatalysis. He earned his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Shandong University and currently works at Ludong University. His research focuses on the design and characterization of gold-based and copper-based alloys, exploring their structural, mechanical, and catalytic properties for applications in energy conversion and aerospace systems. He has authored more than 18 peer-reviewed papers in international journals such as Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, RSC Advances, and Journal of Alloys and Compounds. His works have collectively received over 153 citations with an h-index of 8 and document is 19. His studies include advances in nanoporous gold catalysts, colored gold alloys, and Cu–Cr–Zr rail materials for electromagnetic launch systems. He has led multiple national and provincial research projects and holds several patents related to rocket transport and launch technologies. His research interests include alloy microstructure, electrocatalytic mechanisms, corrosion resistance, and the development of multifunctional structural materials. He continues to contribute to innovative materials solutions for aerospace and energy technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Li, G., Chen, S., Li, Y., Liu, X., Li, F., Wang, P., Zang, G., Li, J., Ding, X., & Shen, K. (2025). Research on the structure, hardness, and corrosion resistance of colored 18 K gold. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance.

Shen, K., Gong, Q., Sun, Z., Sun, H., Ma, B., & Wang, W. (2024). Damage characteristics of Cu–Cr–Zr alloy rail of electromagnetic railgun after simulated launch. Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China, 34(8), 2589–2604.

Shen, K., Gong, Q., Zhang, H., Li, K., Sun, Z., Li, G., Hu, X., Liu, L., & Wang, W. (2022). Role of composition and texture on bifunctional catalytic performance of extruded Au–Cu alloys. RSC Advances, 12(35), 22492–22502.

Shen, K., Sun, H., Li, K., Liang, G., Gong, Q., Yan, Z., Kim, K., & Wang, W. (2021). Effect of chemical corrosion and alloying on the catalytic activity of 18 carat gold for the electro-oxidation of HCOOH. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 863, 158080.

Shen, K., Li, G., Chen, Q., Zhang, L.-C., & Wang, W. (2020). Catalytic activity of extruded and annealed Au–Ag alloys for the electro-oxidation of CH₃OH and HCOOH. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 815, 152409.

Sangam Sangral | Mechanical Metallurgy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sangam Sangral | Mechanical Metallurgy | Best Researcher Award

University of Palermo | Italy

Dr. Sangam Sangral is a researcher at the University of Palermo, Italy, specializing in materials processing, fatigue analysis, and additive manufacturing. He holds degrees in Mechanical and Materials Engineering, with a strong foundation in metallurgical research. His doctoral work focused on enhancing the fretting fatigue strength of titanium, nickel-based superalloys, and magnesium alloys using friction stir processing, complemented by international research collaboration in Japan. His contributions include studies on fatigue behavior, microstructural evolution, and additive manufacturing of smart and functional alloys such as Nitinol. He has completed several research projects on naval steel, metal matrix composites, and WAAM-based fabrication of alloys, demonstrating expertise in structure–property correlation and advanced material design. Dr. Sangral has published 9 documents in reputed SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, with 42 citations and an h-index of 5, reflecting his growing impact in materials engineering research. His work integrates experimental investigations with computational modeling, promoting sustainable and high-performance materials for industrial and biomedical applications. Through continuous innovation, he aims to advance the fields of fatigue, additive manufacturing, and materials characterization to support next-generation engineering solutions.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Sangral, S., & Sharma, R. (2022). Enhancement of fretting fatigue resistance in titanium alloys through friction stir processing. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, 31(8), 5204–5216.

Sangral, S., & Kumar, A. (2021). Microstructure and fatigue behavior of high-strength naval steel under low cycle loading conditions. Materials Today: Proceedings, 45, 3780–3788.

Sangral, S., & Rao, S. (2023). Influence of reinforced particles on fatigue life of Ni-based superalloys processed via friction stir technique. International Journal of Fatigue, 167, 107361.

Sangral, S., & Gupta, V. (2022). Fabrication and mechanical characterization of aluminum–steel joints using wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) with CMT process. Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 79, 995–1005.

Sangral, S., & Tanaka, H. (2024). Additive manufacturing of Nitinol alloys for biomedical applications: Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 889, 145674.