Benjamin Tawiah | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Benjamin Tawiah | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

Dr. Benjamin Tawiah is a seasoned Senior Lecturer in Textiles and Fashion at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. With over four years of university-level teaching experience and a robust background in textile innovation, he is known for integrating dynamic pedagogy and research excellence. Dr. Tawiah is passionate about mentoring the next generation of textile scholars, blending creativity and technical skills to elevate education and research in fashion technology. His career is rooted in sustainability, energy efficiency, and advanced material applications, making him a thought leader in the global textile industry. 🌍👕📚

Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Tawiah earned his Ph.D. in Textiles and Clothing Technology from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2019, focusing on eco-friendly flame retardants. He holds a Master of Engineering in Textile Engineering from Jiangnan University, China (2016), and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Art (Fashion and Textiles) from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana (2010). His academic journey also includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Information Systems from GIMPA, Ghana, and a Post-Secondary Teacher Certificate from SDA College of Education. 🎓📖🧪

💼 Experience

Dr. Tawiah is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, leading innovative research in sustainable polymers and energy-efficient materials. He has held previous roles including Senior Lecturer at KNUST in Ghana, where he supervised MPhil and PhD students and taught courses across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His past roles also include a Research Associate at the City University of Hong Kong, and a high school teacher under Ghana Education Service. His rich experience bridges education, research, and material innovation. 🏫🧵🔬

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Tawiah’s research spans sustainable textiles, flame-retardant materials, energy storage systems, and smart fiber technologies. He focuses on bio-based materials, polymer composites, and multifunctional textiles for fire safety and energy efficiency. His work also explores advanced colorants and dyeing processes, reflecting a strong commitment to ecological sustainability and smart fashion innovation. His cross-disciplinary research bridges chemistry, material science, and fashion technology. 🧪♻️🧵

🏅 Awards

Dr. Tawiah has received multiple accolades, including the “Most Cited Senior Member” award (2022–2023) from the Faculty of Art at KNUST, and the “Second Runner-Up: Most Promising Senior” in the College of Art and Built Environment (2024). He was also a two-time recipient of the Jiangnan University President Scholarship for Best International Student during his Master’s program. His awards celebrate both academic excellence and research impact. 🥇🏆📘

📚 Publications

“Recent Advances in Zinc Anodes for High-Performance Aqueous Zn-Ion Batteries”
Authors: H. Jia, Z. Wang, B. Tawiah, Y. Wang, C.Y. Chan, B. Fei, F. Pan
Journal: Nano Energy
Year: 2020
Citations: 612
Link to article

“Interface Decoration of Exfoliated MXene Ultra-Thin Nanosheets for Fire and Smoke Suppressions of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer”
Authors: B. Yu, B. Tawiah, L.Q. Wang, A.C.Y. Yuen, Z.C. Zhang, L.L. Shen, B. Lin, B. Fei
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2019
Citations: 391
Link to article

“Manufacturing, Mechanical and Flame Retardant Properties of Poly (Lactic Acid) Biocomposites Based on Calcium Magnesium Phytate and Carbon Nanotubes”
Authors: W. Yang, B. Tawiah, C. Yu, Y.F. Qian, L.L. Wang, A.C.Y. Yuen, S.E. Zhu, E.Z. Hu
Journal: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Year: 2018
Citations: 173
Link to article

“Functionalization of MXene Nanosheets for Polystyrene Towards High Thermal Stability and Flame Retardant Properties”
Authors: J.Y. Si, B. Tawiah, W.L. Sun, B. Lin, C. Wang, A.C.Y. Yuen, B. Yu, A. Li, W. Yang
Journal: Polymers
Year: 2019
Citations: 136
Link to article

“Highly Efficient Flame Retardant and Smoke Suppression Mechanism of Boron Modified Graphene Oxide/Poly (Lactic Acid) Nanocomposites”
Authors: B. Tawiah, B. Yu, R.K.K. Yuen, Y. Hu, R. Wei, J.H. Xin, B. Fei
Journal: Carbon
Year: 2019
Citations: 128
Link to article

“DOPO-Decorated Two-Dimensional MXene Nanosheets for Flame-Retardant, Ultraviolet-Protective, and Reinforced Polylactide Composites”
Authors: Y. Zhou, Y. Lin, B. Tawiah, J. Sun, R.K.K. Yuen, B. Fei
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2021
Citations: 111
Link to article

“A Facile and Sustainable Approach for Simultaneously Flame Retarded, UV Protective and Reinforced Poly (Lactic Acid) Composites Using Fully Bio-Based Complexing Couples”
Authors: Y. Zhou, B. Tawiah, N. Noor, Z. Zhang, J. Sun, R.K.K. Yuen, B. Fei
Journal: Composites Part B: Engineering
Year: 2021
Citations: 107
Link to article

“Advances in Flame Retardant Poly(Lactic Acid)”
Authors: B. Tawiah, B. Yu, B. Fei
Journal: Polymers
Year: 2018
Citations: 102
Link to article

“Microporous Boron Based Intumescent Macrocycle Flame Retardant for Poly (Lactic Acid) with Excellent UV Protection”
Authors: B. Tawiah, Y. Zhou, R.K.K. Yuen, J. Sun, B. Fei
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Year: 2020
Citations: 83
Link to article

“Advances in the Development of Antimicrobial Agents for Textiles: The Quest for Natural Products”
Authors: B. Tawiah, W. Badoe, S. Fu
Journal: Fibres & Textiles in Eastern Europe
Year: 2016
Citations: Not specified

Conclusion

Based on his robust teaching experience, substantial research contributions, mentorship abilities, and notable publications in renowned journals, Benjamin Tawiah is well-suited for the Best Researcher Award. His work continues to impact both academia and industry, and with further interdisciplinary collaborations, his influence in the field could grow even more.

 

Idan Chiyanzu | Biogas production | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Idan Chiyanzu | Biogas production | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa

🌍 Dr. Idan Chiyanzu is a seasoned researcher and academic specializing in Renewable Energy and Bioprocess Engineering. With over a decade of experience in academia and industry, he has made significant contributions to the fields of bio-energy, anaerobic digestion, and sustainable agro-industrial applications. Currently, he serves as a Senior Researcher at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), South Africa, where he leads innovative projects focused on renewable energy and infrastructure. Dr. Chiyanzu is an accomplished author with a strong publication record, an H-index of 7, and over 446 citations on Scopus. 🎓✨

Publication Profile

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Education

📘 Dr. Chiyanzu holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (2009) from the University of Cape Town, specializing in Bioprocess Engineering and Industrial Microbiology. His groundbreaking doctoral research explored the biocatalytic applications of thermostable nitrile hydratase. He also earned an M.Sc. in Chemistry (2004) with a focus on antiparasitic protease inhibitors, and a B.Sc. in Chemistry with Education (2000) from the University of Zambia. 🎓🔬

Experience

🔬 Dr. Chiyanzu has extensive experience in research and academia, having held various roles, including Postdoctoral Fellow, Assistant Lecturer, and Acting Research Team Manager. Currently, as a Senior Researcher at ARC, he supervises teams working on renewable energy and agroprocessing technologies. His career spans institutions such as the University of Cape Town, North-West University, and Stellenbosch University, where he taught bioprocess engineering and mentored emerging scientists. 🌱💡

Research Interests

💡 Dr. Chiyanzu’s research focuses on renewable energy technologies, biogas production, and bioenergy process optimization. He is passionate about advancing sustainable agriculture through energy efficiency and innovative biotechnological solutions. His interests also include metabolic pathway reconstruction in microbial systems for bioethanol and bioethylene production. 🌾⚡

Awards

🏆 Dr. Chiyanzu has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the NRF Scarce-Skills Grant for postdoctoral research at North-West University and the NRF Indigenous Knowledge System Grant for his work at the Agricultural Research Council. These accolades highlight his contributions to renewable energy and bioprocess engineering. 🌟

Publications

Sihlangu E, Luseba D, Regnier T, Magama P, Chiyanzu I, Nephawe KA (2024). “Investigating Methane, Carbon Dioxide, Ammonia, and Hydrogen Sulphide Content in Agricultural Waste during Biogas Production.” Sustainability, 16(12):5145. DOI: 10.3390/su16125145.

Magama P, Chiyanzu I, Mulopo J (2022). “A systematic review of sustainable fruit and vegetable waste recycling alternatives and possibilities for anaerobic biorefinery.” Bioresource Technology Reports, Volume 18, 101031. DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2022.101031.

Magama P, Chiyanzu I, Mulopo J (2022). “A parametric experimental validation of a biorefinery concept based on anaerobic digestion of fruit and vegetable waste.” Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, 16(4): 972-985. DOI: 10.1002/bbb.2324.

Manyako KE, Chiyanzu I, Mulopo J, Abdulsalam J (2022). “Pilot-Scale Evaluation of Concentrating Solar Thermal Technology for Essential Oil Extraction and Comparison with Conventional Heating Sources for Use in Agro-Based Industrial Applications.” ACS Omega, 7(24): 20477-20485. DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02485.

Chiyanzu I (2021). “The reconstruction of metabolic pathways in selected bacterial and yeast strains for the production of bio-ethylene from crude gly.” (Incomplete citation).