Andrea Piccolo | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Andrea Piccolo | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Project Officer, European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, Italy 

Andrea Piccolo is a dedicated Science for Policy Researcher at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, contributing to Galileo satellite navigation projects. With a robust background in telecommunications engineering, he has played key roles in GNSS security, receiver design, and space service volume applications. His expertise spans spaceborne receiver development, signal processing, and navigation systems, shaping the future of satellite navigation.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Andrea Piccolo earned his MSc in Telecommunications Engineering with a focus on Digital Signal Processing and Remote Sensing from Politecnico of Milan (2014) and his BSc in Telecommunications Engineering from Università degli Studi del Sannio (2011). His academic journey laid the foundation for his expertise in GNSS technology, satellite navigation, and space applications.

Experience 🚀

Andrea has an extensive career in satellite navigation and GNSS systems, working with Thales Alenia Space Italy and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. He has contributed to projects like Galileo, Moonlight LCNS, and NEOSAT, leading receiver design, GNSS signal processing, and performance evaluation. His work focuses on EU space programs, secure satellite communication, and spaceborne receiver innovations.

Research Interests 🔬

Andrea specializes in GNSS security, satellite navigation, signal processing, and in-orbit validation. His research contributes to interference monitoring, onboard orbit determination, and GNSS test bench calibration for space applications. His expertise enhances global navigation systems and future space-based positioning technologies.

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

Andrea’s contributions to GNSS and satellite navigation research have been widely recognized. His work on LEO-PNT, Galileo receivers, and GNSS security has earned him accolades in the European space industry. His involvement in EU-funded projects and international technical forums highlights his impact on global satellite navigation advancements.

Publications 📚

[2025] Interference Monitoring from Low Earth Orbit: The OPS-SAT ExperimentEng. Proc. 2025, 88, 8

[2025] Robust Precise on Board Orbit Determination Exploiting T-RAIM for LEO-PNTInternational Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation

[2024] Design and Testing of NewSpace Galileo Receiver for LEO Precise Onboard Orbit DeterminationION GNSS+ 2024

[2024] GNSS Test Bench Calibration for Space Service Volume ApplicationsMetroAeroSpace 2024

[2024] Interference Monitoring from Low Earth Orbit: The OPS-SAT ExperimentEng. Proc. 2024

Conclusion 🏆

Based on his research achievements, contributions to GNSS security, and international recognition, Andrea Piccolo is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work is highly relevant to global satellite navigation advancements, making him a valuable asset to the research community. With further interdisciplinary collaborations and leadership in mentorship, his impact can be even greater in the future.

Michela Robba | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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. 🌱🔬