ROMILDO DIAS TOLEDO FILHO | Civil engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. ROMILDO DIAS TOLEDO FILHO | Civil engineering | Best Researcher Award

PROFESSOR, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro / UFRJ / COPPE, Brazil

Romildo Dias Toledo Filho is a Brazilian engineer and academic specializing in Civil Engineering, particularly in concrete structures and new materials. He is a full professor at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), where he also contributes to the Postgraduate Program in Civil Engineering. Toledo Filho holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from PUC-Rio and has gained extensive international experience through a postdoctorate at Technische Universität Dresden in Germany. With a strong focus on sustainable and innovative construction materials, he has led significant research on bio-concretes, recycled materials, and composites, contributing to advances in structural durability and performance. He is also a recognized figure in the academic community, having received numerous awards and honors for his research in materials science, concrete technologies, and sustainable construction practices.

Profile

Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic Excellence and Expertise:
    • Romildo Dias Toledo Filho is a highly accomplished professional in the field of Civil Engineering, with a strong focus on structural engineering, materials science, and sustainable construction. His Ph.D. (1997) and postdoctoral research (2010) have equipped him with significant expertise in the development of new materials, particularly in the areas of concrete, fibers, and biocomposites.
    • His deep knowledge of sustainable construction materials, particularly bio-concretes and recycled aggregates, aligns perfectly with current trends in sustainable development.
  2. Outstanding Contributions to Research:
    • Toledo Filho has made significant contributions to engineering research, with a focus on new material development, durability, and structural performance. His published work spans numerous high-impact journals and covers innovative topics such as bamboo bio-concrete, recycled concrete, and self-sensing materials.
    • He has co-authored papers on cutting-edge topics, such as the use of bamboo, jute, and sisal fibers in concrete, fire performance of bio-concretes, and advancements in sustainable concrete mixtures, showcasing both theoretical and experimental research expertise.
    • His recent works on “magnetic nanoparticles for oil and gas industry applications” and “the fire performance of wood bio-concrete” further demonstrate his versatility and ability to address interdisciplinary challenges.
  3. Mentorship and Leadership:
    • Romildo Dias Toledo Filho has been an influential mentor, having guided numerous graduate and post-graduate students. He has consistently earned accolades for mentoring high-quality dissertations and theses, reflected in the numerous awards his students have won under his supervision.
    • His leadership in guiding research teams, securing grants, and his role as a member of prestigious committees (e.g., INBAR Bamboo Construction Task Force) show his ability to lead and impact research communities at both national and international levels.
  4. Recognition and Awards:
    • Toledo Filho has received multiple prestigious awards throughout his career, including the “Cientista do Nosso Estado” by FAPERJ (2013, 2016), “Luiz Alfredo Falcão Bauer” award, and “Vale-CAPES de Ciência e Sustentabilidade”. These accolades highlight his influential role in advancing civil engineering research and his contributions to the development of sustainable engineering practices.
    • His research outputs have been consistently recognized by professional bodies such as IBRACON, AEERJ, and CAPES.
  5. Collaborations and Impact:
    • His involvement in international collaborations (e.g., Technische Universität Dresden, China’s INBAR) and contributions to industry-sponsored research projects demonstrate his ability to bridge academic research with real-world applications.
    • Toledo Filho has played a key role in the development of innovative materials and techniques that have practical applications in construction, offering solutions that enhance sustainability and durability in infrastructure.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Dissemination of Research:
    • While Toledo Filho’s work is well-respected in specialized journals, there may be an opportunity to further increase the visibility of his research by engaging more extensively with broader media platforms, interdisciplinary conferences, and public policy forums. This would help extend the reach and applicability of his findings, particularly in terms of policy-making for sustainable construction.
  2. Increased Industry Partnerships:
    • Toledo Filho’s research has notable industrial relevance, particularly in the development of bio-concretes and sustainable construction materials. Strengthening partnerships with industry leaders and fostering more collaborative projects could help accelerate the real-world adoption of his innovations.
  3. Focus on Practical Application:
    • While Toledo Filho’s work is highly academic and theoretically sound, translating some of his research into more practical, easily adoptable technologies for small-to-medium construction firms could have a broader impact. Increased emphasis on field trials or pilot projects could help bring his research to a more applied audience.

Education

Romildo Dias Toledo Filho completed his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at PUC-Rio (Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro) in 1997, under the guidance of Khosrow Ghavami. His research focused on the durability, toughness, and resistance of fiber-reinforced mortars and concretes. Prior to his Ph.D., he earned a Master’s in Civil Engineering at PUC-Rio in 1986, under the supervision of Pedrito Rocha Filho, exploring the compressibility and behavior of soil materials. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), completed in 1983. Later, Toledo Filho pursued a postdoctoral research at Technische Universität Dresden in Germany from 2009-2010, supported by CAPES, where he further developed his expertise in advanced materials for sustainable construction.

Experience 

Romildo Dias Toledo Filho is a Titular Professor at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), where he has worked since 1999. At UFRJ, he is involved in the Postgraduate Program in Civil Engineering, where he contributes to the development of cutting-edge research on sustainable building materials. He has been associated with the Associação Brasileira de Parques Tecnológicos e Incubadoras de Empresas (ANPROTEC) since 2024. Throughout his career, Toledo Filho has collaborated internationally, including a postdoctoral stint at Technische Universität Dresden in Germany (2009-2010). He is known for his work on fiber-reinforced concrete, bio-concretes, and the use of recycled materials in construction. As a researcher, he has led multiple projects funded by CAPES and FAPERJ, aiming to improve concrete’s durability and sustainability. His academic and practical contributions have cemented his position as a leader in Brazil’s civil engineering community.

Awards and Honors 

Romildo Dias Toledo Filho has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to civil engineering research. In 2023, he was awarded Menção Honrosa for several projects related to bio-concrete and sustainable construction materials at the 12th SIAC at UFRJ. These included works on bio-concrete with bamboo, eco-friendly bricks, and the use of recycled materials. He also won Cientista do Nosso Estado by FAPERJ (State of Rio de Janeiro Research Support Foundation) in 2016, 2013, and 2010. His research on sustainable materials and concrete technology earned him the “Luiz Alfredo Falcão Bauer” award for excellence in concrete research in 2009, alongside several mentions for his outstanding doctoral and master’s students’ work. In 2018, he was inducted as a Titular Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and is also part of the INBAR Bamboo Construction Task Force.

Research Focus

Romildo Dias Toledo Filho’s research primarily focuses on the development and application of sustainable construction materials. His work explores bio-concretes, a type of concrete incorporating organic materials such as bamboo and jute fibers, and investigates their physical and mechanical properties for structural applications. He has a significant interest in recycled aggregates, particularly from construction waste like recycled concrete powder and ceramic aggregates, aiming to improve concrete performance while minimizing environmental impact. His expertise also extends to the study of pozzolanic materials, such as rice husk ash, in enhancing the durability and sustainability of concrete. Additionally, he works on the integration of advanced composites in civil engineering, focusing on fiber-reinforced concrete for improved toughness and resistance. Toledo Filho is passionate about developing materials that reduce the carbon footprint of construction, as well as promoting durability and long-term performance in concrete structures.

 Publications

  1. “Enhancing mortar performance: A comparative study on particle size of recycled concrete powder and metakaolin in binary and ternary blends” 🏗️
  2. “Effect of hot water and corona discharge treatments on the bonding behavior of jute fibers in polyester matrix” 🌱
  3. “Improving mortar properties using traditional ceramic materials ground to precisely controlled sizes” 🏛️
  4. “Numerical Modeling of Cathodic Protection for Sustainable Cementitious Materials Incorporating Rice Husk Ash” 🔋
  5. “Experimental investigation on the fire performance of wood bio-concrete using Cone Calorimeter” 🔥
  6. “Influence of Recycled Concrete Powder on Rheology of Printable Cement-Based Matrixes” 🖨️
  7. “Effect of Moisture on Electrical Resistivity and Self-Sensing Behavior of a Cement Paste” 💧
  8. “A Comprehensive Experimental Study on the Physical Performance and Durability of Bamboo Bio-Concrete” 🎋
  9. “Short Jute Fiber Reinforced Cement Mortar for Out-of-Plane Strengthening of Masonry Prisms” 🧱
  10. “A Comprehensive Approach for Designing Low Carbon Wood Bio-Concretes” 🌍

Conclusion

Romildo Dias Toledo Filho is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work in the field of Civil Engineering, especially regarding sustainable materials and innovative construction technologies, has made significant contributions to both academic research and real-world applications. His numerous awards, leadership in mentoring, and extensive publication record underscore his stature as a leader in his field.The areas for improvement are minor compared to the depth and breadth of his contributions. With some additional focus on broader dissemination and industry partnerships, Toledo Filho’s work could have even greater societal impact. Given his outstanding qualifications, leadership, and continued innovation, he is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Serkan SUBAŞI | Consruction Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Serkan SUBAŞI | Consruction Materials | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Düzce University, Turkey

Serkan Subaşı, born in 1976, is a renowned Turkish academic and researcher in the field of civil engineering. He holds a prominent position as a professor at Düzce University, where he has made significant contributions to the development of building materials and construction techniques. His academic career spans over two decades, focusing on innovative research in concrete and composite materials. Subaşı has collaborated with various institutions and has earned recognition for his expertise, including multiple awards for his research and innovations. In addition to his academic roles, Subaşı has been actively involved in various administrative, advisory, and leadership positions in both national and international projects. His commitment to advancing technology in the civil engineering sector continues to influence his teaching and research pursuits.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Academic Background:
    • Prof. Dr. Serkan Subaşı holds a comprehensive academic history with bachelor’s degrees in both Construction Education and Civil Engineering, followed by a Master of Science and Doctorate in Civil Engineering, which showcases his deep understanding of the field.
    • His dissertation topics reflect a focus on practical and advanced topics in construction materials, which is aligned with his subsequent work in material engineering.
  2. Research Excellence:
    • Prof. Subaşı has authored and co-authored numerous high-impact articles on various cutting-edge topics like biocomposite foams, hybrid polymer composites, and cement slurry-based materials, with a focus on sustainability, energy storage, and material performance. His work, such as studies on phase change materials and electromagnetic shielding, directly contributes to the advancement of building materials science and sustainable construction.
    • Notable publications include prestigious journals like Construction and Building Materials, Journal of Building Engineering, and Applied Thermal Engineering, where his works have addressed pressing global challenges, including energy efficiency and carbon reduction in buildings.
  3. Innovation in Patents:
    • Prof. Subaşı has received multiple patent awards, with notable achievements in the 8th İstanbul International Patent Fair, where he received 1st and 3rd place awards in 2023. This highlights his strong inclination towards translating research into practical, marketable solutions, demonstrating leadership in innovation within his field.
  4. Leadership and Administrative Contributions:
    • Prof. Subaşı has taken on significant administrative roles in academia, such as Head of Department at Düzce University, Head of various departments related to construction education and materials science, and served as a key figure in the establishment and management of Düzce Teknopark. His ability to combine research with leadership in academia and technology transfer significantly enhances his profile.
  5. Awards and Recognitions:
    • He has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing Award from Elsevier, Yayın Teşvik Ödülü from TÜBİTAK, and multiple Başarı Belgesi and Takdir Belgesi from Düzce University, reflecting his significant contributions to both academia and the broader scientific community.
  6. Collaboration and Networking:
    • His involvement in regional and international scientific boards (e.g., DÜBİT, TÜBİTAK, and Marmara Development Agency) demonstrates his broad influence in shaping research agendas and fostering collaboration within the scientific community. He also plays a central role in various committees focused on advancing technology transfer and scientific innovation.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader International Collaboration:
    • Although Prof. Subaşı has substantial academic influence within Turkey, expanding collaborations with international research institutions could further elevate his visibility and the impact of his work. International partnerships, especially on large-scale, cross-border projects, would allow for broader dissemination of his findings and foster further global innovation.
  2. Focus on Interdisciplinary Research:
    • While Prof. Subaşı has a strong foundation in civil engineering and materials science, greater integration of interdisciplinary approaches, such as incorporating AI, data science, or advanced computational modeling into his research, could open new avenues for innovation. Collaborating with experts in these fields might enhance the scope and impact of his work.
  3. Mentorship and Early Career Development:
    • Although Prof. Subaşı has led numerous administrative and academic projects, expanding his efforts in mentoring early career researchers, graduate students, and junior faculty could significantly strengthen the academic community. Investing in the next generation of researchers will help build a sustainable, vibrant research environment.

Education

Serkan Subaşı completed his Bachelor’s degree in Construction Education at Abant İzzet Baysal University in 1997 and later earned a second Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Karabük University in 2022. He pursued his graduate studies at Gazi University, where he obtained a Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 2001. Subaşı then completed his Ph.D. in 2005 at Gazi University, focusing on the effects of formwork coatings on concrete properties. His extensive education laid a solid foundation for his academic and research endeavors in building materials and construction techniques, which continue to shape his career. Throughout his academic journey, he worked under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Metin Arslan, whose mentorship has been a key factor in Subaşı’s research success.

Experience

Serkan Subaşı has accumulated over 25 years of experience in academia and research. Beginning his career as a research assistant at Gazi University, he quickly advanced to Ph.D. roles and later became an Assistant Professor at Düzce University. He has held several academic leadership positions, such as Head of the Department of Building Education and Construction Engineering at Düzce University. Subaşı became an Associate Professor in 2010 and a full Professor in 2015, specializing in building materials and civil engineering. His leadership extends beyond teaching, having served as a general manager of Düzce Teknopark and a board member for various institutions. His extensive experience also includes consulting roles in major industrial and technological projects, enhancing his reputation as a leader in the field.

Awards and Honors

Serkan Subaşı’s career has been marked by numerous awards and recognitions. Among his prestigious honors are the 3rd place at the 2nd Istanbul International Patent Fair (2017), the “Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing” award by Elsevier (2016), and the 1st place in the Istanbul International Patent Fair (2023). He has also received several accolades from Düzce University, including recognition for his publishing success and contributions to the academic community. In 2024, he received two notable awards for his projects at the Düzce-Bolu Ar-Ge Project Fair, including the “El-Cezeri Technology Leaders” and “Uluğ Bey Science and Research” awards. These honors reflect Subaşı’s continuous impact on both academia and industry, particularly in the fields of engineering and innovation.

Research Focus

Serkan Subaşı’s research focuses primarily on advanced building materials, including concrete composites, hybrid polymers, and phase change materials (PCMs) for energy efficiency in buildings. He explores the effects of different formwork coatings on concrete properties and works extensively on sustainable materials for construction. His studies also cover the electromagnetic interference shielding of mortars incorporating carbon nanotubes and the development of novel composites for thermal energy storage. Subaşı has contributed to enhancing the sustainability of buildings by focusing on innovative materials like microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) and biocomposites for climate regulation. His research is aimed at creating eco-friendly and energy-efficient construction solutions.

Publications

  1. Biocomposite foams consisting of microencapsulated phase change materials for enhanced climatic regulation with reduced carbon dioxide emissions in buildings 🌱🏗️
  2. Experimental investigation of mechanical and physical properties of glass fiber reinforced concretes produced with different magnetized waters 🔬🧱
  3. Engineering properties of hybrid polymer composites produced with different unsaturated polyesters and hybrid epoxy ⚙️📐
  4. Investigation of electromagnetic interference shielding performance of ultra-high-performance mortar incorporating single-walled carbon nanotubes and steel fiber 🛡️🔩
  5. Production and assessment of UV-cured resin coated stearyl alcohol/expanded graphite as novel shape-stable composite phase change material for thermal energy storage ☀️🧊
  6. Physico-mechanical properties and thermal monitoring performance of thermal enhanced cement slurry-coated LWAs containing microencapsulated phase change material 🔥🏠
  7. Enhancing sustainability with waste hemp-shive and phase change material: Novel gypsum-based composites with advanced thermal energy storage properties 🌿💡
  8. Microencapsulated phase change material/wood fiber-starch composite as novel bio-based energy storage material for buildings 🌳🛠️
  9. 3D-printed polylactic acid-microencapsulated phase change material composites for building thermal management 🖨️🌍
  10. Characterisation and energy storage performance of 3D printed-photocurable resin/microencapsulated phase change material composite 🏗️💡

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Serkan Subaşı is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic and research achievements in the field of civil engineering, especially in sustainable building materials and energy-efficient construction, are exemplary. His significant contributions to both research and the industry, as well as his active role in leadership positions at Düzce University and various scientific boards, highlight his value to the field. The key strength of Prof. Subaşı lies in his consistent innovation, with impactful publications, patents, and recognition from leading academic and industry bodies. His continued focus on practical solutions, sustainable construction, and advanced materials science makes him a key figure in the future development of these areas. By expanding his international collaborations and engaging further in interdisciplinary research, Prof. Subaşı could enhance his impact even more. Overall, his accomplishments not only contribute to advancing knowledge but also drive tangible improvements in the built environment, making him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.