Madalina Irina Ghilvacs | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Madalina Irina Ghilvacs | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Dr | The University of National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest | Romania

Dr. Madalina Irina Ghilvacs is a dedicated researcher specializing in automotive and mechanical engineering, with a research emphasis on sustainable energy systems and emission reduction technologies. Her scholarly contributions focus on waste heat recovery from internal combustion engines, particularly through the application of Organic Rankine Cycle systems. She has also explored biofuels, diesel engine performance, and environmentally friendly fuel alternatives, contributing to the advancement of cleaner automotive technologies. With 7 scientific publications, 44 citations, and an h-index of 3, her work reflects measurable academic influence. Her research is published in indexed journals and international conference proceedings, demonstrating her engagement in global scientific discourse. Her interdisciplinary approach supports innovation in energy efficiency and climate-conscious engineering solutions.

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Featured Publications

Esdras Ngezahayo | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esdras Ngezahayo | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor in Geotechnical Engineering | University of Birmingham | United Kingdom

Dr. Esdras Ngezahayo is an accomplished Assistant Professor in Geotechnical Engineering and the Deputy Head of the Birmingham Geotechnics Group at the University of Birmingham. With nearly fifteen years of experience in higher education, his academic and research trajectory reflects a commitment to advancing transportation geotechnics, soil stabilization, infrastructure resilience, and sustainability. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering with a specialization in soil erodibility and has led or contributed to major international research projects on sustainable road pavements and railway infrastructure. Dr. Ngezahayo has mentored over forty MSc students and currently supervises six PhD researchers, demonstrating strong dedication to academic mentorship and leadership. His scholarly impact includes over twenty-five peer-reviewed publications, funded projects exceeding £165,000, and editorial roles in leading journals. A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and active member of international geotechnical societies, he remains committed to innovative teaching, global research collaboration, and engineering for climate resilience and social equity.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Esdras Ngezahayo’s educational foundation is rooted in civil engineering, culminating in a PhD in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering) from the University of Birmingham, where he investigated the Erodibility of Soils in Rural Roads. His postgraduate journey began with a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering and Management, also from Birmingham, where he focused on Expansive Soils and Underground Pipes. Prior to this, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology, during which he developed a feasibility study for pedestrian bridge construction in urban areas. Most recently, he completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) to enhance his teaching pedagogy and leadership in academia. This academic evolution, complemented by multiple international scholarships and fellowships, forms the basis for his interdisciplinary expertise in sustainable infrastructure development, engineering education, and applied soil mechanics, allowing him to integrate global perspectives into his research and classroom instruction.

Experience

Dr. Ngezahayo brings a wealth of academic and research experience from his current role as Assistant Professor at the University of Birmingham, where he leads modules, supervises multi-level research, and contributes to strategic direction as Deputy Head of the Birmingham Geotechnics Group. His past roles include Research Fellow and Teaching Fellow within the same institution, where he contributed to significant industry-funded projects such as CRISPS and authored several technical reports. Before relocating to the UK, he held leadership positions in Rwanda, including Head of Civil Engineering at Rwanda Polytechnic and Visiting Lecturer roles in universities across Rwanda and Kenya. He has managed technical laboratories, mentored over forty MSc students, and led geotechnical investigations tied to climate resilience. With deep knowledge in road materials, slope stability, and rural infrastructure, Dr. Ngezahayo blends field expertise with academic rigor, making him an influential figure in both teaching and engineering practice across the Global North and South.

Research Interests

Dr. Esdras Ngezahayo’s research interests lie at the intersection of geotechnical engineering and climate resilience. His work addresses the behaviour of problematic soils, particularly in the context of rural and urban infrastructure subjected to climate change. Key topics include erosion and soil stability, shrink-swell phenomena in clay soils, slope stability, buried utilities, and transportation geotechnics. He is actively engaged in investigating sustainable materials for road construction, including rice husk ash and modified epoxy asphalt, and has contributed to assessing geotextile effectiveness in railway subgrades. His interdisciplinary work also explores equity in transportation systems for vulnerable populations. With a growing research portfolio, Dr. Ngezahayo aims to contribute toward net-zero goals by focusing on sustainable geotechnical solutions for developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. He is a prominent contributor to global discussions on infrastructure adaptation and has presented his work at leading international conferences and in collaborative research initiatives.

Awards

Dr. Ngezahayo’s academic journey is decorated with numerous awards and recognitions. He secured full PhD studentship funding twice  to investigate geotechnical challenges like gully erosion and electrokinetic stabilization of clay soils, funded by EPSRC and the University of Birmingham. His laboratory received  infrastructure grant to modernize testing facilities. He received the ICE West Midlands Commendation and CIHT-PIARC Awards for best research in sustainable mobility and adapting road infrastructure to climate change. The Horizon Award for teaching and learning excellence was bestowed by the University of Birmingham, reflecting his pedagogical leadership. He also earned a C-DICE micro-credential badge for innovation in net-zero-aligned research. Earlier recognitions include the Commonwealth Scholarship for PhD studies and a national scholarship for his MSc. These accolades underscore his contributions across academia, research innovation, and professional development in engineering for global sustainability and education excellence.

Top Noted Publications

Title: Evaluating the Use of Rice Husk Ash for Soil Stabilisation
Year: 2025
Cited by: 1

Title: Effectiveness of FTIR as an Antifraud Approach for Modified Epoxy Asphalt
Year: 2023
Cited by: 3

Title: Calibration of Rainfall Simulator for Soil Erodibility in Unpaved Roads
Year: 2021
Cited by: 4

Title: Modelling Erosion in Unpaved Roads
Year: 2021
Cited by: 2

Title: Advances in Understanding Soil Erodibility
Year: 2019
Cited by: 6

Conclusion

Dr. Esdras Ngezahayo is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His significant contributions to sustainable and climate-resilient geotechnical solutions, strong academic leadership, and impactful collaborations demonstrate both depth and breadth in his research portfolio. With further expansion in international research leadership and scholarly impact, he is poised to become an even more influential figure in the global civil engineering research community.

Fernando Bruno Dovichi Filho | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Fernando Bruno Dovichi Filho | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor, UNIFEI/UFSCAR, Brazil

Fernando Bruno Dovichi Filho 🇧🇷 is a Brazilian Mechanical Engineer with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in energy systems, renewable energy, and thermal modeling. With a rich blend of academic and research experience, he is currently a Substitute Professor at the Federal Institute of São Paulo (IFSP – Piracicaba campus). His work focuses on computational modeling, biomass energy, and sustainability-driven technologies, actively contributing to Brazil’s bioenergy development. Fernando’s background includes hands-on research in high-precision machining, hybrid propulsion, and energy conversion systems.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Fernando completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2017–2022) at the Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), where he analyzed the technical and economic potential of electricity generation from biomass in Minas Gerais 🌱⚡. He earned his Master’s degree (2013–2015) at the same institution, refining thermal property estimation methods. His Bachelor’s in Industrial Mechanical Engineering (2008–2012) from ETEP Faculdades included a project on optical glass machining 🔧📐, showcasing his early inclination toward precision engineering and energy systems.

Experience 💼

With teaching and research roles across premier institutions, Fernando’s career spans from academia to aerospace research. Currently a full-time Substitute Professor at IFSP – Piracicaba (2023–present), he develops curricula, teaches engineering courses, and guides research and extension projects 🧑‍🏫📊. He previously served as a Substitute Professor at IFMS in 2016. As a PBIC/CNPq Research Fellow, he contributed to advanced propulsion research at both IAE and IEAv from 2009 to 2012, specializing in hybrid rocket engines, high-voltage discharges, and detonation studies using NASA CEA software 🚀💻.

Research Interest 🔍

Fernando’s research integrates renewable energy, thermal systems, and decision-making methodologies. His main focus is on biomass-based electricity generation, thermophysical property modeling, and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) with GIS integration 🌍🧪. He is also keen on advancing thermal estimation techniques, applying hybrid modeling tools like MATLAB and EES, and evaluating the technology readiness of green energy solutions in Brazil and globally.

Awards 🏆

Fernando’s research integrates renewable energy, thermal systems, and decision-making methodologies. His main focus is on biomass-based electricity generation, thermophysical property modeling, and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) with GIS integration 🌍🧪. He is also keen on advancing thermal estimation techniques, applying hybrid modeling tools like MATLAB and EES, and evaluating the technology readiness of green energy solutions in Brazil and globally.

Publications 📄

📖 Evaluation of TRL for biomass electricity technologies, Journal of Cleaner Production, 2021
DOI Link – Cited in renewable energy feasibility studies worldwide.

📖 GIS-MCDM methodology for biomass selection, Agriculture, 2025
DOI Link – A key reference for geo-spatial biomass planning.

📖 An approach to technology selection, Energy, 2023
DOI Link – Cited in works addressing clean technology prioritization.

📘 Book Chapter: From Crops and Wastes to Bioenergy, Woodhead Publishing, 2025

Publisher Link – Cited by authors in sustainable agriculture and energy.

Conclusion

Based on his research achievements, publications, and experience, Fernando Bruno Dovichi Filho is a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to sustainable energy solutions and his expertise in thermal systems optimization and renewable energy systems demonstrate his potential to make a significant impact in the field. With some further emphasis on international collaborations and publishing in top-tier journals, he is well-positioned to continue making meaningful contributions to research.

Michela Robba | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Michela Robba | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, University of Genoa, Italy 📝

Michela Robba is an Associate Professor at the University of Genoa, Italy. She has a distinguished academic career that spans over two decades, focusing on sustainable management of energy and environmental systems. Her research blends optimization techniques with environmental and energy applications, working towards sustainable resource use, minimizing environmental impacts, and enhancing decision-making systems. 🌍💡

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Michela Robba earned her PhD in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering in 2004 from the University of Genoa, Italy, focusing on sustainable groundwater planning and management. Prior to that, she completed her MS in Environmental Engineering in 2000 at the same institution, specializing in urban solid waste management. 🏫📚

Experience 💼

Robba began her academic career in 2004 as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Genoa. She has held several academic roles, including Assistant Professor (2012-2018) and Associate Professor (2018-present). She also worked as a Consultant from 2009 to 2012, where she applied her expertise in biomass management and sustainability at companies like PDC S.r.l. and RINA. 🌱💼

Research Interests 🔬

Robba’s research interests lie in the optimization and control of environmental and energy systems, particularly focusing on sustainable resource use. She integrates optimization techniques, systems analysis, and GIS-based Decision Support Systems (EDSS) for the management of water resources, renewable energy, smart grids, and waste management. Her work includes modeling for water management, energy production from renewable resources, and the operational control of microgrids. 🌿⚡

Awards 🏆

Michela Robba has received several accolades throughout her career. Notably, her MS thesis on solid waste management earned an award for publication excellence in 2000. She has also been recognized for her contributions to sustainable energy and environmental engineering. 🌟🎖️

Publications Top Notes 📖

An unconstrained optimization approach to the stochastic traffic assignment with electric vehicles

Published in: Control Engineering Practice, 2025

Cited by: 0
Link to article

Energy Management System for Polygeneration Microgrids, Including Battery Degradation and Curtailment Costs

Published in: Sensors, 2024

Cited by: 0
Link to article

Scenario Generation Based on Ant Colony Optimization for Modelling Stochastic Variables in Power Systems

Published in: Energies, 2024

Cited by: 0
Link to article

An Optimization Model for the Optimal Control of the Oxygen Excess Ratio in a Hydrogen Fuel Cell System

Published in: IFAC-PapersOnLine, 2024

Cited by: 0
Link to article

Techno-Economic Assessment of a Large-Scale Electrolysis Plant in Hydrogen and Ancillary Service Markets

Published in: IFAC-PapersOnLine, 2024

Cited by: 0
Link to article

Optimizing a Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem with Scheduled Arrival, Split Deliveries within Time Windows and Emission Consideration

Published in: IFAC-PapersOnLine, 2024

Cited by: 0
Link to article

Smart Grid Stochastic Optimization with Ant Colony-based Scenario Generation

Published in: IFAC-PapersOnLine, 2024

Cited by: 0
Link to article

A decentralized optimization approach to the power management of electric vehicles parking lots

Published in: Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks, 2024

Cited by: 4
Link to article

Conclusion 🏆

Overall, Michela Robba’s career showcases a relentless pursuit of excellence in sustainable resource use, environmental systems optimization, and energy management. Her research continues to provide valuable insights into the operational control of microgrids, waste management, and renewable energy systems, all contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices. Her recognition as a Best Researcher would be a well-deserved acknowledgment of her years of dedication and impactful contributions to both academia and industry. 🌱🔬

Mr. Konstantinos Polychronakis | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Konstantinos Polychronakis | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Konstantinos Polychronakis, AUTH, Greece

Konstantinos Polychronakis is a skilled Mechanical Engineer specializing in energy management and system optimization, currently advancing environmental initiatives at AMBIO S.A. With prior experience as a Thermal Engineer at Spacedot, he has excelled in designing nanosatellite thermal systems that meet ESA and ECCS standards. His expertise extends to a range of software tools and programming languages, including MATLAB and ESATAN-TMS, enabling him to address complex engineering challenges.

Profile

Based on the provided information, Konstantinos Polychronakis appears to be a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award,” especially if the focus is on innovation and practical applications in energy management and thermal systems. Let’s break down the evaluation according to strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion:

Strengths for the Award

Strong Technical Expertise:

Extensive experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on energy management and system optimization.

Proficiency in advanced software like MATLAB, Python, ESATAN-TMS, ANSYS, and CAD tools, demonstrating a high level of technical skill.

Research and Project Experience:

Successfully conducted thermal design optimization for a nanosatellite project, meeting strict standards (ESA & ECCS requirements).

Currently working on a post-graduate thesis involving CFD and thermal analysis of floating solar PVs, showcasing cutting-edge research in renewable energy.

Educational Background:

Holding an Integrated Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and pursuing an MSc in Energy Production & Management, which aligns well with current industry needs.

Multilingual Proficiency:

Proficient in English (C2), with advanced knowledge of French (C1), which is beneficial for international collaboration and publications.

Areas for Improvement

Broader Publication Record:

There is no mention of peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations. Increasing visibility through scientific publications would strengthen the research profile.

Industry-Academia Collaboration:

While the candidate has a strong industry background, enhancing collaborations with academic research groups could lead to more comprehensive research outcomes.

Leadership in Research Projects:

The experience mentioned focuses on participation and contributions. Taking on a leadership role in major projects or research studies could further highlight capabilities.

Education 🎓📚

Konstantinos holds an Integrated Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2023) and is pursuing an MSc in Energy Production & Management at the National Technical University of Athens (expected 2025). His academic work includes a thesis on optimizing insulation thickness in residential buildings in Greece and ongoing research on thermal analysis of floating solar PV technologies.

Experience 💼🔧

Konstantinos is currently a Mechanical Engineer at AMBIO S.A., where he focuses on optimizing energy systems for environmental projects. Previously, he worked as a Thermal Engineer at Spacedot, contributing to nanosatellite thermal design by selecting thermal control materials and using ESATAN-TMS for temperature distribution analysis, ensuring satellite component safety across mission phases.

Research Interest 🔍🔋

Passionate about sustainable engineering, Konstantinos’ research interests include renewable energy systems, multi-objective optimization, and thermal analysis for aerospace applications. His ongoing postgraduate research involves using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to analyze thermal properties of floating solar PV systems, comparing various technologies for optimal energy efficiency.

Awards 🏆🎖️

Konstantinos has been recognized for his innovative approach in mechanical engineering, receiving accolades in energy management and environmental optimization. His technical contributions have earned him award nominations within the engineering community.

Publications 📑🔗

“Thermal Design Optimization for Nanosatellites”,

“Energy Management Strategies in Environmental Engineering”

 

Conclusion

Konstantinos Polychronakis demonstrates significant potential as a nominee for the “Best Researcher Award,” given his expertise in thermal engineering, innovative approach to energy systems, and ongoing research in renewable energy technologies. To enhance his candidacy, he could focus on expanding his publication record and seeking leadership roles in future projects. Overall, his background and skills align well with the award’s objectives, making him a suitable and promising candidate.