BALARAM KUNDU | Solar Energy | Lifetime achievement Award

Prof. Dr BALARAM KUNDU | Solar Energy | Lifetime achievement Award

Professor, Jadavpur University, India

Dr. Balaram Kundu is a distinguished professor in Mechanical Engineering at Jadavpur University, India. With a career spanning over two decades, he has made significant contributions to heat transfer, nanomaterials, and thermal systems. He earned his Ph.D. from IIT Kharagpur and has held prestigious positions at Hanyang University, South Korea, and other international institutions. Recognized among the top 2% of global scientists by Stanford University (2020-2024), Dr. Kundu has collaborated with researchers worldwide, including Japan, the USA, and Thailand. His work focuses on innovative solutions for energy efficiency, biomedical applications, and sustainable technologies. A recipient of numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award (2024), he continues to inspire future engineers and researchers.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Kundu graduated with a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Durgapur (1993) and an M.E. in Thermal Engineering from IIEST Shibpur (1995). He completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur in 2000. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in thermal sciences and engineering, paving the way for his groundbreaking research in heat transfer, nanomaterials, and energy systems. His international exposure includes visiting faculty roles at Saga University, Japan, and Hanyang University, South Korea, enriching his expertise in global research methodologies.

Experience 💼

Dr. Kundu began his career as a Lecturer at Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College (1998-2002) and joined Jadavpur University in 2003, rising to Professor. He served as a Research Professor at Hanyang University, South Korea (2010-2012), under the Brain Korea 21 program. His international collaborations include research stints in Japan, the USA, Thailand, and Turkey. He has also been invited to join institutions like King Mongkut’s University of Technology, Thailand, and Sejong University, South Korea. His extensive teaching and research experience spans heat transfer, thermal systems, and energy optimization, making him a global leader in mechanical engineering.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Kundu has been recognized among the top 2% of global scientists by Stanford University (2020-2024). He received the Lifetime Achievement Award (2024), Outstanding Scientist Award (2021), and Distinguished Scientist Award (2017). Other accolades include the VIFFA Outstanding Faculty Award (2015), Teacher’s Excellence Award (2015), and Institutional Medal for Best Paper (1999). His contributions to thermal sciences and engineering have earned him international acclaim, with invitations to prestigious institutions worldwide. These honors reflect his dedication to advancing research and education in mechanical engineering.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Kundu’s research focuses on heat transfer in composite materials, nanomaterials, and biological systems. He explores applications in hyperthermia treatment, solar energy, thermal insulation, and thermoelectric generators. His work also includes analytical heat transfer, extended surface heat transfer, and electro-osmotic flow. By integrating fractional derivatives and advanced mathematical models, he addresses complex thermal challenges in engineering and biomedical fields. His research aims to optimize energy systems, improve thermal management, and develop sustainable technologies, contributing to global advancements in mechanical engineering and applied sciences.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. Parametric optimization of solar air heaters with dimples on absorber plates using metaheuristic approaches.
  2. Two-Dimensional Analysis of Absorber Plates in Solar Collectors with a Nonlinear Plate Temperature at the Tube Section.
  3. Experimental and meta-heuristic optimization for the highest thermo-hydraulic performance of a solar air heater.
  4. A Review of Artificial Intelligence Methods in Predicting Thermophysical Properties of Nanofluids.
  5. A Review of Thermoelectric Generators in Automobile Waste Heat Recovery Systems.
  6. Parametric Optimization of Solar Air Heaters Having Hemispherical Protrusion Roughness.
  7. Analytical model for extremum analysis of moistened fins involving all nonlinear energy exchange processes.
  8. Multi-objective optimization of electrokinetic energy conversion efficiency and entropy generation.
  9. Exergy evaluation of integrated liquefier-cryocondensation and cryosorption helium purification systems.
  10. Review and Analysis of Electro-Magnetohydrodynamic Flow and Heat Transport in Microchannels.

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Balaram Kundu is a trailblazer in mechanical engineering, with a career marked by groundbreaking research, international collaborations, and numerous accolades. His contributions to heat transfer, nanomaterials, and energy systems have positioned him as a global leader in the field. Through his innovative research and dedication to education, he continues to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists, driving advancements in sustainable technologies and thermal sciences.

Inês Flores-Colen – Environmental – Women Researcher Award

Inês Flores-Colen - Environmental - Women Researcher Award

Instituto Superior Técnico - Portugal

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

👷‍♀️ CIVIL ENGINEERING EXPERTISE

Inês Flores-Colen is a Full Professor at the Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, specializing in the Construction Scientific Area of the Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Environment. With a career starting in 1996, she has earned her MSc in 2002 and PhD in Civil Engineering in 2009. Her professional journey has been marked by significant contributions to the fields of construction and civil engineering, making her a leading expert in her domain.

📚 PROLIFIC PUBLISHER AND EDITOR

Inês has an extensive publication record that includes 3 books, 8 book chapters, and over 100 papers in international journals. She has also contributed 60 technical-scientific reports and 35 international congress papers. Her editorial experience includes serving as Editor of International Techitt (2014-2017), and she is currently the Editorial Board Member of three international journals and the Director of the magazine Pedra e Cal, which focuses on conservation and rehabilitation.

🧪 RESEARCH PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

Inês has actively participated in 15 competitively financed research programs, with 4 ongoing international projects. Notably, she is involved in DG4HEALTH (a digital twin platform for hospital facility management) and SHELLTER, which focuses on the reuse of aquaculture waste for construction materials. As a Principal Investigator, her projects include WGB_Shield and Nanorender, and she has led the Instituto Superior Técnico team in two subcontracted projects related to smart roofing systems and advanced waterproofing technologies.

🎓 SUPERVISION OF RESEARCHERS

Inês has a wealth of experience in guiding future engineers and researchers, having supervised 4 Post-doc researchers, 12 PhD students, and 102 Masters students. Her leadership in mentoring emerging scholars has played a vital role in advancing research in civil engineering and construction.

🏗️ RESEARCH INTERESTS IN CONSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION

Her research interests are diverse and cutting-edge, focusing on innovative and sustainable construction, pathology, inspection, in-situ testing, and rehabilitation of buildings. Inês is a pioneer in the development of aerogel-based renders for thermal rehabilitation, contributing to advancements in mortars and ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems). Her work is vital in improving building performance and sustainability.

🏅 INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND STANDARDIZATION CONTRIBUTIONS

Inês is an active member of European and international standardization committees, including CEN/TC348, ISO TC 267, and CEN/TC318. She is also part of national committees CT 94 and CT 192, showcasing her influence in shaping industry standards. Her national patent on aerogel-based thermal render, published in 2019, further underscores her innovative contributions to civil engineering.

🔬 LEADER OF THE PERCOAT RESEARCH GROUP

Inês founded the PERCOAT - Performance of Coatings and Buildings Solutions research group in 2020. Through this initiative, she continues to drive forward research in the field of building maintenance and innovative construction solutions. Her leadership has positioned PERCOAT as a key player in developing sustainable building technologies.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Blue Circular Economy—Reuse and Valorization of Bivalve Shells: The Case of Algarve, Portugal
Authors: Magalhães, F.C., Bellei, P., Flores-Colen, I., da Costa, E.M.
Journal: Recycling
Year: 2024

Effects of hygrothermal and natural aging on the durability of multilayer insulation systems incorporating thermal mortars with EPS and aerogel
Authors: Parracha, J.L., Veiga, R., Nunes, L., Flores-Colen, I.
Journal: Cement and Concrete Composites
Year: 2024

Characterization and performance of building composites made from gypsum and woody-biomass ash waste: A product development and application study
Authors: Pedreño-Rojas, M.A., Porras-Amores, C., Villoria-Sáez, P., Morales-Conde, M.J., Flores-Colen, I.
Journal: Construction and Building Materials
Year: 2024

An Evaluation of the Luminous Performance of a School Environment Integrating Artificial Lighting and Daylight
Authors: Miranda, D.T., Barreto, D., Flores-Colen, I.
Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)
Year: 2024

Guidelines to reduce the effects of urban heat in a changing climate: Green infrastructures and design measures
Authors: Pereira, C., Flores-Colen, I., Mendes, M.P.
Journal: Sustainable Development
Year: 2024

Geoffrey Ssebabi Mutumba – Energy Economics – Excellence in Research

Geoffrey Ssebabi Mutumba - Energy Economics - Excellence in Research

Kyambogo University - Uganda

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID

🎓 EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Geoffrey Ssebabi Mutumba holds a Ph.D. in Energy Economics and Governance from Makerere University, completed in 2024. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, specializing in Economics and Geography, followed by a Master of Arts in Economic Policy and Planning, both from Makerere University. Geoffrey's strong foundation in economics has equipped him to contribute significantly to the field of energy economics and policy.

🏫 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Geoffrey has been a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics at Kyambogo University since 2011. His expertise in economics has also led him to serve as a Visiting Lecturer at the United Nations University for Peace in 2024. Over the years, Geoffrey has become a respected academic, recognized for his contributions to teaching and research in energy economics.

📚 RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS

Geoffrey’s research focuses on energy consumption, economic growth, and renewable energy in Uganda. He has published numerous papers in reputable journals, including the "Journal of Energy Research and Reviews" and "SN Business & Economics." His work provides critical insights into the prospects and challenges of energy development in Uganda, particularly in the context of sustainable development.

🎤 CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION

Geoffrey has actively participated in various international conferences, sharing his research findings on energy economics. Notable among these was his presentation on electricity consumption and economic growth in Uganda at the Moi University International Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2020. His involvement in such events highlights his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field.

📘 TEACHING AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

At Kyambogo University, Geoffrey teaches courses such as Microeconomics, Policy Analysis, and Public Sector Economics at the graduate level. Beyond teaching, he has played a pivotal role in curriculum development, serving as a panelist for the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) and contributing to the integration of tax education into Uganda's secondary school curriculum.

🤝 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Geoffrey is deeply involved in community work, particularly in education and curriculum development. He has served as a consultant for the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and contributed to various educational initiatives at the Ministry of Education and Sports. His dedication to improving education in Uganda is evident through his ongoing efforts in curriculum reform and teacher education programs.

📈 LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE

Geoffrey has demonstrated strong leadership within Kyambogo University, where he served as the Faculty and Departmental Examination Coordinator from 2016 to 2023. He also held the position of Secretary Finance for the Kyambogo University Academic Staff Association from 2015 to 2020, where he contributed to the financial management and welfare of academic staff.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Electricity Consumption and Economic Growth: Evidence from the East African Community
Journal: Energy Strategy Reviews
Year: 2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2024.101431

Title: Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Consumption and Economic Growth in Uganda
Journal: SN Business & Economics
Year: 2022
DOI: 10.1007/s43546-022-00220-7

Title: The Effects of Gross Domestic Product and Energy Consumption on Carbon Dioxide Emission in Uganda (1986-2018)
Journal: International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy
Year: 2022
DOI: 10.32479/ijeep.12552

Title: Readiness of Nuclear Energy Development in Uganda
Journal: Journal of Energy Research and Reviews
Year: 2022
DOI: 10.9734/jenrr/2022/v10i130244

Muhammad Ali Ijaz Malik – Renewable fuels for engine performance optimization – Best Researcher Award

Muhammad Ali Ijaz Malik - Renewable fuels for engine performance optimization - Best Researcher Award

University of Technology - Australia

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

MUHAMMAD ALI IJAZ MALIK: DRIVING INNOVATION IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING 🚀

Muhammad Ali Ijaz Malik is a seasoned mechanical engineer with a remarkable seven-year track record in diverse industrial and research environments. Armed with a Master’s in Automotive Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore-Pakistan, with a specialization in engine performance optimization through renewable fuel sources, he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia. 🎓

LEADING THE WAY IN ENERGY CONVERSION TECHNOLOGIES ⚙️

As one of the emerging researchers in the field of energy conversion technologies, Muhammad Ali Ijaz Malik has made significant contributions, boasting 18 research publications in reputable international journals. His research interests span across energy conservation and management, biofuels, sustainability, bio-lubricants, emissions control techniques, engine performance optimization, electric vehicle technology, and tribology, reflecting his commitment to driving innovation in mechanical engineering. 💡

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS 🏅

With a stellar academic background, including a Master's degree with distinction and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Muhammad Ali Ijaz Malik has demonstrated exceptional academic prowess throughout his educational journey. His research and development competency indicators, including 172 citations and a notable H-Index of 09, underscore his impactful contributions to the field. 📚

RECOGNIZED FOR EXEMPLARY CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEADERSHIP 🌟

Muhammad Ali Ijaz Malik's dedication and leadership qualities have been acknowledged through various awards and honors, including recognition for organizing prestigious events and leading successful fundraising campaigns. Additionally, his impactful research techniques and scientific writing have been acknowledged by esteemed organizations such as ASME. 👏

COMBINING TEACHING AND RESEARCH EXCELLENCE 📝

With a passion for both research and teaching, Muhammad Ali Ijaz Malik has served as a Research Assistant and Lecturer, engaging in research activities and imparting knowledge to future generations of engineers. His dedication to academia and research continues as a Ph.D. candidate, where he actively contributes to cutting-edge research endeavors. 📊

PUBLISHED WORKS AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE 💻

Muhammad Ali Ijaz Malik's research contributions extend to numerous publications in reputable journals, addressing critical topics such as environmental assessment of hydroxy-diesel mix and combustion chamber modifications' impact on performance. His technical proficiency in software tools and interpersonal skills, including leadership, teamwork, and analytical abilities, further enhance his ability to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact in the field of mechanical engineering. 📈

DRIVING INNOVATION TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE 🌱

With a relentless commitment to advancing energy conversion technologies and sustainability, Muhammad Ali Ijaz Malik stands at the forefront of innovation in mechanical engineering. His passion for research, combined with his academic excellence and leadership qualities, positions him as a driving force in shaping a sustainable future through engineering innovation. 🌟

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

A review of recent advances in the synthesis of environmentally friendly, sustainable, and nontoxic bio-lubricants: Recommendations for the future implementations 2023 (11)

Response surface methodology application on lubricant oil degradation, performance, and emissions in SI engine: A novel optimization of alcoholic fuel blends 2023 (13)

Use of methanol-gasoline blend: a comparison of SI engine characteristics and lubricant oil condition 2022 (14)

Acetone–Gasoline Blend as an Alternative Fuel in SI Engines: A Novel Comparison of Performance, Emission, and Lube Oil Degradation 2023 (16)

Enviro-Economic Assessment of HHO–CNG Mixture Utilization in Spark Ignition Engine for Performance and Environmental Sustainability 2022 (17)