Xilei Dai | Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Prof. Dr. Xilei Dai | Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Professor | Chongqing University | China

Prof. Dr. Xilei Dai is a distinguished faculty member at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University, with recognized expertise in the fields of smart building control, energy optimization, and sustainable building technologies. His academic profile is well established with 2,206 citations by 2,085 documents, 38 documents published, and an h-index of 17, demonstrating the strong impact and relevance of his research. He has influential publications in top-tier journals such as Applied Energy, Building Simulation, Building and Environment, and Energy and Buildings. One of his highly influential papers on green building has been widely acknowledged by peers, earning significant citations and recognition as an ESI highly cited work. His editorial contributions include serving as an associate editor for the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, further underlining his commitment to advancing knowledge in renewable energy and sustainability. Prof. Dr. Xilei Dai research focuses on building decarbonization strategies by integrating IoT-based technologies, artificial intelligence control systems, distributed energy resources, and battery storage, offering impactful solutions that reduce both energy consumption and carbon emissions. He has successfully led innovative projects such as the development of NetZero Building Energy Management Systems through AI-driven HVAC system control, reflecting his dedication to creating practical solutions with far-reaching implications for sustainable urban development. His research not only addresses pressing environmental challenges but also bridges the gap between optimization theory and real-world applications in energy system economics. With an expanding body of highly cited work, editorial leadership, and a strong focus on innovative building energy systems, Prof. Dr. Xilei Dai continues to contribute significantly to the global effort of achieving smart, efficient, and environmentally responsible building environments.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar | Staff Page |

Featured Publications

Cao, X., Dai, X., & Liu, J. (2016). Building energy-consumption status worldwide and the state-of-the-art technologies for zero-energy buildings during the past decade. Energy and Buildings, 128, 198–213.

Dai, X., Liu, J., & Zhang, X. (2020). A review of studies applying machine learning models to predict occupancy and window-opening behaviours in smart buildings. Energy and Buildings, 223, 110159.

Liu, J., Dai, X., Li, X., Jia, S., Pei, J., Sun, Y., Lai, D., Shen, X., Sun, H., Yin, H., … (2018). Indoor air quality and occupants’ ventilation habits in China: Seasonal measurement and long-term monitoring. Building and Environment, 142, 119–129.

Dai, X., Huang, L., Qian, Y., Xia, S., Chong, W., Liu, J., Ieva, A. D., Hou, X., & Ou, C. (2020). Deep learning for automated cerebral aneurysm detection on computed tomography images. International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, 15, 715–723.

Dai, X., Liu, J., Li, X., & Zhao, L. (2018). Long-term monitoring of indoor CO2 and PM2.5 in Chinese homes: Concentrations and their relationships with outdoor environments. Building and Environment, 144, 238–247.

 

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.

Danish Khan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Danish Khan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant | Zhejiang University | China

Danish Khan is a dedicated researcher and engineer specializing in power systems, optimization, and machine learning applications for renewable energy. With a Ph.D. from Zhejiang University and a master’s from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, his work enhances the performance of grid-connected inverters and battery energy storage systems. Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Hong Kong Industrial Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Centre (FLAIR), he advances smart energy systems through control design and AI integration.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Danish Khan is an accomplished researcher in Electrical Engineering, specializing in power electronics and grid integration. He earned his Ph.D. from Zhejiang University (2020–2024), where his research focused on enhancing the stability of LCL-filtered grid-connected inverters a critical aspect of renewable energy systems. Prior to this, he completed his Master’s degree at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2017–2020), conducting in-depth studies on resonance peak mitigation to improve power quality and system reliability. His academic foundation was laid at COMSATS University, Islamabad, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (2012–2016). Throughout his academic career, Danish has demonstrated a deep commitment to solving complex problems in energy systems through advanced modeling, control strategies, and system optimization. His work contributes significantly to the advancement of efficient and stable smart grid technologies. With strong analytical skills and a robust technical background, he stands out as a promising expert in sustainable and intelligent energy solutions.

Experience

Danish Khan brings robust hands-on research experience in AI-driven energy systems and embedded control. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at FLAIR, Hong Kong, where he is actively engaged in the development of robotic-energy integration systems, merging advanced artificial intelligence techniques with power electronics. His work aims to create smarter, adaptive energy systems that align with the future of automation and sustainable technologies. Prior to this, he served as a Research Assistant at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he was involved in both academic and technical roles, managing lecture events and spearheading the development of novel inverter control strategies. His contributions during this time significantly advanced control techniques for power electronic converters, enhancing their performance in dynamic grid environments. Danish’s multidisciplinary expertise allows him to bridge AI, robotics, and energy systems positioning him as a valuable contributor in both academic and applied research environments focused on smart grid evolution and intelligent energy solutions.

Research Interests

Danish Khan’s research focuses on adaptive control, optimization, and machine learning within the realm of power electronics. He develops advanced control strategies for grid-connected inverters, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and battery energy storage solutions, aiming to enhance system efficiency and stability. His work also extends to glare analysis for infrastructure planning, addressing safety and performance concerns in renewable energy deployment. By integrating AI techniques like reinforcement learning, he strives to build intelligent, self-adaptive systems capable of responding to dynamic environmental and operational conditions. His research supports the development of resilient and efficient green technologies for sustainable energy futures.

Awards

Danish has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Chinese Government Scholarship for his Ph.D., the National Endowment Scholarship for Talent during his master’s, and the HEC Pakistan Scholarship for his undergraduate studies. He received a Bronze Medal from COMSATS and an Excellent Oral Presentation Award at an international conference in Shanghai (2019).

Top Noted Publications

Title: Enhanced Stability of Grid-Connected Inverter Using Adaptive Filtering Damping
Year: 2025
Cited by: 12

Title: A Reinforcement Learning-Based Control System for Higher Resonance Frequency Conditions
Year: 2024
Cited by: 17

Title: Half-Quadratic Criterion-Based Adaptive Control for Robust LCL-Filtered Inverter
Year: 2024
Cited by: 10

Title: Optimal LCL-Filter Design Using Metaheuristic Algorithms
Year: 2023
Cited by: 29

Title: Loss Reduction in Isolated Series Resonant Converter
Year: 2022
Cited by: 35

Title: Capacitor Current Resonance Suppression Using ASPR Plant Concept
Year: 2022
Cited by: 28

Conclusion

Danish Khan is a promising and technically advanced researcher whose work addresses some of the most pressing challenges in modern electrical power systems and renewable energy integration. With a solid research portfolio, strong publication record, hands-on experience, and international education, he stands out as a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award especially in emerging areas such as AI-powered energy systems and adaptive inverter control.

Xiangming Hu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Xiangming Hu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Shandong University of Science and Technology, China

Professor Xiangming Hu is a distinguished academic at the College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology in Qingdao, China. He also serves as the Deputy Director of the State Key Laboratory for Mine Disaster Prevention and Control. His work primarily focuses on developing innovative solutions for mine safety and environmental protection.

Profile​

Scopus

Education 🎓

Professor Hu earned his Ph.D. from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2014. Prior to that, he completed his M.Sc. at the Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2011 and his B.Sc. at Nankai University in 2008.​

Experience 🏢

From 2015 to 2019, Professor Hu was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Denmark. He then served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Aarhus University from 2019 to 2020. In 2020, he joined Shandong University as a Professor.​

Research Interests 🔬

Professor Hu’s research focuses on the capture and catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide, as well as the catalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds. His work aims to develop sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.​

Awards 🏆

Professor Hu has been recognized with several awards, including the “Qilu Young Scholars” program from Shandong University (2020-2025). He has also received funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation.​

Publications 📚

Study on the influence of dry ice phase change behavior on the micropore structure and hydration properties of mining grouting materials based on experiments and molecular simulations
Published in: Construction and Building Materials, 2024
Cited by: Link to article​

Synchronous hydrogen and electricity production by dual-cathodes in a bioelectrochemical system
Published in: Journal of Cleaner Production, 2024
Cited by: Link to article​

​Study on flame propagation and inherent instability of hydrogen/ammonia/air mixture
Published in: Fuel, 2024
Cited by: Link to article​

Study on the cooperation mechanism of urea-hydrolysis bacteria and biosurfactant bacteria for dust suppression
Published in: Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024
Cited by: Link to article​

​Deep integration of pyrolysis kinetics and pyrolysis mechanism of polyimide aerogels
Published in: Fuel, 2024
Cited by: Link to article

🏁 Conclusion

Professor Xiangming Hu is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research portfolio is not only prolific but also directly aligned with pressing environmental challenges. His leadership position, international academic background, and impactful research outputs make him highly deserving of this honor. A few enhancements in outreach and innovation commercialization would further solidify his global research influence.