Alex Tro-Cabrera | Energy Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr Alex Tro-Cabrera | Energy Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain

Alex Tro-Cabrera is a researcher in training at the Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU) in the Department of Electronic Technology. He holds a degree in Renewable Energy Engineering (2021) and a master’s in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (2022). His doctoral research, under the EHUkhi project, focuses on photovoltaic potential in buildings, community energy models, and sustainability financing. He has worked at the Instituto de Ingeniería Energética (UPV) and DEBEGESA, contributing to thermal energy systems and microgrid feasibility studies. He is a member of EKOPOL, a multidisciplinary research group on political economy and ecology.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Orcid

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Strong Academic Background
    Alex Tro-Cabrera holds a Master’s in Research in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability from the University of the Basque Country (EHU/UPV) and a Bachelor’s in Renewable Energy Engineering from the same institution. His academic progression demonstrates a clear focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
  2. Active Research Contributions
    He is currently a doctoral researcher in Electronic Technology at the University of the Basque Country and is part of the EKOPOL research group, recognized by the Basque Government. His work focuses on photovoltaic integration in buildings, energy communities, and sustainability impacts, aligning well with modern energy transition challenges.
  3. Publications in High-Impact Journals
    • “A methodology for assessing rooftop solar photovoltaic potential using GIS open-source software and the EROI constraint” (Energy and Buildings, 2025)
    • “Energy rehabilitation of a construction quality control laboratory” (Engineering Thermodynamics Conference, 2022)
    • “Optimización de la instalación PV del LCCE” (2022, Universidad del País Vasco)
      These works highlight his expertise in GIS-based solar energy assessments, photovoltaic optimization, and building energy efficiency, demonstrating both theoretical and applied research impact.
  4. Industry & Professional Experience
    • Worked at the Instituto de Ingeniería Energética (Universitat Politècnica de València) as a Thermal Lab Technician (2017).
    • Interned at DEBEGESA, analyzing microgrid viability (2019).
      His past industry experience, coupled with his academic research, makes him a well-rounded candidate for the award.
  5. Research Funding and Recognition
    He is funded by the Eusko Jaurlaritza’s Programa Investigo (2022-2024), which supports outstanding early-career researchers. His involvement in a government-backed project (EHUkhi) further solidifies his research credibility.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • Broader International Exposure: While he has strong regional recognition, increased collaboration with international research institutions or projects would strengthen his global impact.
  • Diversification of Research Publications: Expanding publications in high-impact international journals and participating in leading global conferences could enhance his academic profile.

EDUCATION 🎓

  • Máster en Investigación en Eficiencia Energética y Sostenibilidad – Universidad del País Vasco (2022)
  • Grado en Ingeniería de Energías Renovables – Universidad del País Vasco (2021)
  • Técnico Superior en Energías Renovables – CIPFP Catarroja (2017)

EXPERIENCE 🏆

  • Investigador predoctoral – Universidad del País Vasco (2022–Present)
  • Investigador en prácticas – DEBEGESA (2019)
  • Técnico Superior en Investigación – Instituto de Ingeniería Energética, UPV (2017)

AWARDS AND HONORS 🏅

  • Programa Investigo – Eusko Jaurlaritza (2022–2024)

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

  • Renewable Energy – Photovoltaics, Micro-wind, Biomass
  • Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) – Environmental and social impacts
  • Energy Communities – Collective self-consumption models
  • Sustainability & Ecologism – Green energy transitions

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES 📄

  • A methodology for assessing rooftop solar photovoltaic potential using GIS open-source software and the EROI constraintEnergy and Buildings (2025)
  • Optimización de la instalación PV del LCCEUniversidad del País Vasco (2022)
  • Energy rehabilitation of a construction quality control laboratoryConference on Engineering Thermodynamics (2022)

CONCLUSION

Alex Tro-Cabrera is an outstanding researcher in renewable energy, photovoltaics, and energy sustainability. His combination of academic excellence, impactful research, practical experience, and government-backed projects makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. With further international collaborations and diversified high-impact publications, he can establish himself as a leading expert in sustainable energy solutions.

Lijia Wan | Lithium Extraction from Seawater | Best Researcher Award

Dr Lijia Wan | Lithium Extraction from Seawater | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, Nanchang Institute of Technology, China

Lijia Wan is a dedicated researcher with expertise in the fields of radio physics, physical chemistry, and chemical engineering. Having earned his Ph.D. in Radio Physics from East China Normal University, Shanghai, China, he is currently associated with Nanchang Institute of Technology. With a keen focus on advanced materials, he has significantly contributed to the development of high-performance electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. His academic journey and research output, including an h-index of 12 and over 1,200 citations, reflect his commitment to advancing science and technology.

PROFILE

Scopus

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Exceptional Academic Background: Dr. Lijia Wan holds a Ph.D. in Radio Physics from the prestigious East China Normal University, Shanghai, with a strong foundation in chemistry and physical chemistry from Xiangtan University and Jiujiang University, respectively.
  2. Extensive Research Contributions: With 22 publications, an h-index of 12, and over 1,200 citations, Dr. Wan has made a significant impact in areas such as high-performance electrode materials, lithium-ion battery technologies, and advanced nanocomposites.
  3. Diverse Expertise: His research spans interdisciplinary areas, including:
    • Design and synthesis of electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (e.g., metal oxides and MXenes).
    • Development of novel materials for energy storage and conversion.
    • Environmental applications, such as tetracycline removal and microwave absorption using advanced nanomaterials.
  4. Collaboration and Teamwork: Demonstrates excellent collaboration skills, having worked with 93 co-authors and contributed to diverse, impactful research projects.
  5. Problem-Solving Skills: Successfully addressed critical challenges in material science and electrochemistry, evidenced by highly cited publications and innovative solutions like Fe3O4/N-doped carbon architectures and Cu-doped graphene.
  6. Innovative Approach: His work integrates theoretical and experimental techniques to enhance energy storage systems, offering practical applications in sustainability and technology.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

  1. Grant Acquisition: While Dr. Wan has demonstrated research excellence, there is no mention of awarded grants in the current profile. Securing independent research funding could further strengthen his credentials.
  2. Broader Recognition: Expanding the scope of publications to include high-impact review articles or books could enhance his visibility and establish him as a thought leader in his field.
  3. Interdisciplinary Applications: While his expertise in energy storage is impressive, integrating his research into broader fields such as environmental remediation or biomedical applications could diversify his impact.

EDUCATION

🎓 Ph.D. in Radio Physics (2017–2021): East China Normal University, Shanghai, China. Advisor: Prof. Likun Pan.
🎓 M.S. in Chemistry (Physical Chemistry) (2014–2017): Xiangtan University, Hunan, China. Advisor: Prof. Gangtie Lei.
🎓 B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Technology (2008–2013): Jiujiang University, Jiangxi, China.

EXPERIENCE

🔬 Postgraduate Researcher (2021–Present): Conducting innovative research on lithium-ion battery electrode materials at Nanchang Institute of Technology.
🔬 Graduate Research Assistant (2014–2021): Focused on designing and synthesizing high-performance materials for advanced energy storage.
🔬 Undergraduate Projects (2008–2013): Explored chemical engineering methodologies to develop sustainable technologies.

AWARDS AND HONORS

🏆 Outstanding Graduate Award (2021): Recognized by East China Normal University for exceptional research.
🏆 Best Paper Award (2020): Awarded for excellence in academic publishing in applied material sciences.
🏆 Research Excellence Recognition (2017): Honored by Xiangtan University for contributions to physical chemistry.

RESEARCH FOCUS

🔍 Development of high-performance electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
🔍 Synthesis and application of metal oxides and MXene-based materials.
🔍 Advanced energy storage solutions for sustainable technologies.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

  • 📚 Improvement of tetracycline removal using amino acid ionic liquid modified magnetic biochar.
  • 📚 In situ construction of rod-shaped Fe₃O₄/N-doped carbon for lithium-ion extraction.
  • 📚 Cu-doped graphene Cu/N₂OG as a high-performance battery anode.
  • 📚 Nest-Like Molybdenum Diphosphide-Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite for Lithium-Ion Storage.
  • 📚 TiB₄ and SrB₈ monolayers: High capacity and zero strain-like anode materials.
  • 📚 In-situ construction of CNTs/laterite composites for enhanced microwave absorption.
  • 📚 Interfacial electric field tuning for enhanced bisphenol A removal.
  • 📚 Correction: Mixing behavior of p-terphenyl-3,5,3′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid with trimesic acid.
  • 📚 A strategy to synthesize highly luminescent GdVO₄:Eu³⁺/CDs nanocomposite.
  • 📚 Hollow tubular NiCo-layered double hydroxide@Ag nanowire structure for flexible batteries.

CONCLUSION

Dr. Lijia Wan is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his prolific academic contributions, innovative research, and interdisciplinary impact in advanced materials and energy storage. His work exemplifies excellence, and with further accomplishments in grant acquisition and interdisciplinary applications, he could solidify his reputation as a global leader in his field.