Ksenia Velmozhina | Аlternative energy | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Ksenia Velmozhina | Аlternative energy | Best Researcher Award

Research engineer at Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University, Russia

Ksenia Velmozhina is a research engineer at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University with a strong focus on sustainable technologies and renewable energy systems. Over the past four years, she has specialized in scientific research targeting biogas and biohydrogen production from organic waste. Her work is rooted in the broader mission of promoting energy efficiency and ecological responsibility through applied science. Ksenia’s scientific approach combines creativity, analytical rigor, and a dedication to environmental innovation, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to real-world sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and patented solutions.

Profile

Scopus

EDUCATION

Ksenia completed her Bachelor’s degree in Technosphere Safety from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University in 2021, where her thesis explored the implementation of green building standards in Russia. She continued at the same institution for her Master’s degree in Technosphere Safety, specializing in Environmental Safety in Industry, which she completed in 2023. Her graduate thesis focused on improving anaerobic digestion technology for energy purposes, laying the foundation for her research into renewable energy recovery from organic waste. Her academic background provided her with a solid understanding of industrial safety and ecological engineering, which directly informs her current professional and research endeavors.

EXPERIENCE

Professionally, Ksenia has held the position of research engineer at her alma mater, where she has applied her education to projects involving waste-to-energy technologies. Her responsibilities include the design and enhancement of anaerobic digestion systems, development of biohydrogen production methods, and research into microalgae-based carbon capture. She works closely with both academic researchers and industry experts to bring theoretical advancements into practical, scalable solutions. Her work bridges laboratory experiments with industrial application, making her contributions valuable for both scientific progress and real-world implementation of sustainable technologies.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Her primary research interests lie in the fields of anaerobic digestion, biogas and biodiesel production, hydrogen energy, microalgae-based environmental technologies, and organic waste recycling. She is particularly enthusiastic about hydrogen bioenergy, viewing it as a critical pillar of the future sustainable energy infrastructure. Ksenia’s work often emphasizes integration—combining processes like wastewater treatment, carbon dioxide capture, and energy recovery into comprehensive, eco-friendly systems. Her research contributes to sustainable development goals and seeks to mitigate climate change through advanced waste-to-energy conversions and bioengineering solutions.

AWARD

Ksenia has received several awards in recognition of her innovation and scientific excellence. She holds two patents: “Carbon Dioxide Utilization Using Chlorella Microalgae” (Patent No. 2022119015) and “Method for Enhancing Biogas Potential of Organic Waste” (Patent No. 2826145). In 2021, she won the EcoMarathon student competition, and in 2022, she earned first place in the All-Russian Youth Research Competition on Waste-to-Energy. Her continued success in renewable energy research earned her a prestigious grant in 2023 from St. Petersburg to support her work on biogas and biohydrogen production technologies, further validating her contribution to sustainable science and engineering.

PUBLICATION

Ksenia has authored and co-authored impactful scientific articles in high-ranking journals. In 2025, she co-authored “Development of a technological scheme for the utilization of carbon dioxide and the production of biohydrogen using microalgae” in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, cited for advancing CO₂-to-fuel methods. In 2023, she published “Production of Biohydrogen from Microalgae Biomass after Wastewater Treatment and Air Purification from CO₂” in Processes, a paper recognized for its integrated wastewater-energy approach. Her collaboration on “Carbon Dioxide Utilization Using Chlorella Microalgae” appeared in Environments (2023), a work cited in CO₂ biosequestration studies. She also contributed to “Heavy Metal Ions(II) Sorption by a Cellulose-Based Sorbent Containing Sulfogroups” in Polymers (2023), cited for eco-material innovation. Her 2024 review “Review of modern strategies for the development of hydrogen bioenergy” in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy outlined global hydrogen policies and pathways. Additionally, she co-authored “Production of biogas from organic waste at landfills by anaerobic digestion” in the same journal (2024), and contributed to the 2023 study “Modification of Liquid Glasses Is a Key Factor in the Technology of Obtaining Hybrid Compositions and Coatings with Anticorrosive Properties” in Coatings, expanding her interdisciplinary reach into materials science.

CONCLUSION

In view of her impressive scientific contributions, innovative mindset, and commitment to solving environmental challenges through research, Ksenia Velmozhina is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Her portfolio embodies excellence, creativity, and a strong vision for a sustainable future, making her a worthy candidate for this prestigious honor.

Anietie Etim | Clean Fuels | Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges Award

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Dr Anietie Etim | Clean Fuels | Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges Award

Durban University of Technology, South Africa

Dr. Anietie Okon Etim is a distinguished Chemical Engineer specializing in renewable energy, sustainable fuels, and green catalysis. With a PhD from Durban University of Technology (2018-2022), an MSc from Obafemi Awolowo University (2013-2015), and a BSc from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (2004-2009), he has built a robust academic foundation. His research focuses on biomass conversion, waste recycling, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Etim is a postdoctoral researcher at Durban University of Technology, contributing to clean energy and biomass valorization. He is a member of prestigious organizations like SAICHE, NSE, and WSSET, and has received numerous awards, including the NRF postdoctoral fellowship. A prolific researcher, he has published extensively and presented at international conferences.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Scopus

Education 🎓

  • PhD Chemical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, South Africa (2018-2022)
  • MSc Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria (2013-2015)
  • BSc Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria (2004-2009)

Dr. Etim’s academic journey reflects his dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Experience 💼

  • Postdoctoral Researcher, Durban University of Technology (2023–Present): Leading clean energy research, biomass valorization, and co-supervising students.
  • Research Assistant, Durban University of Technology (2020–2021): Conducted research on waste cooking oil decolorization.
  • Doctoral Researcher, Durban University of Technology (2018–2022): Explored advanced biomass liquid fuels and feedstock hybridization.
  • Master’s Researcher, Obafemi Awolowo University (2012–2015): Optimized biodiesel synthesis using heterogeneous catalysts.

His expertise spans green catalysis, process optimization, and bioenergy systems.

Awards and Honors 🏆

  • NRF Postdoctoral Fellowship Award (2023)
  • DUT Doctoral Training/Support Award (2022)
  • S&F-NRF-TWAS African Renaissance PhD Fellowship (2018–2021)
  • Invited speaker at global conferences like GSPEE2024, Catalysis Expo-2022, and Biofuels Meet 2022.

These accolades highlight his contributions to sustainable energy and environmental research.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Etim’s research focuses on:

  • Renewable energy and sustainable fuels 🌱
  • Biomass conversion to fuels and petrochemicals ⚙️
  • Waste recycling and bioenergy ♻️
  • Green catalysis and biosorbents �
  • Wastewater treatment and environmental pollution control 💧
  • Simulation, modeling, and optimization of bio-processing systems 📊

His work aims to address climate change and promote sustainable development.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. Sustainable biodiesel production via biogenic catalyzed transesterification of baobab oil methyl ester and optimization process.
  2. Synthesis of a highly efficient mesoporous green catalyst from waste avocado peels for biodiesel production.
  3. Recursive Neural Network–Particle Swarm optimization of biodiesel from Hevea brasiliensis.
  4. A novel green bio-composite catalyst for linseed-marula oil blend methyl ester production.
  5. Evaluation of in-situ and ex-situ hybridization in transesterification of vegetable oils.
  6. Optimization of flaxseed oil methyl ester synthesis using bio-alkaline catalyst.
  7. Green heterogeneous catalyst from bicomponent biowaste for linseed oil methyl ester.
  8. Potential of Carica papaya peels in transesterification of used vegetable oil.
  9. Transesterification and optimization of marula seed oil methyl ester synthesis.
  10. Effectiveness of biogenic waste-derived catalysts in biodiesel production.
  11. Application of agricultural waste-based catalysts in biodiesel synthesis.
  12. Potential of ripe plantain peels as an eco-friendly catalyst for biodiesel synthesis.

Conclusion 🌍

Dr. Anietie Okon Etim is a leading researcher in renewable energy and sustainable chemical engineering. His innovative work in biomass conversion, green catalysis, and waste valorization has significantly contributed to environmental sustainability. With numerous publications, awards, and international recognitions, Dr. Etim continues to drive advancements in clean energy and climate change mitigation. His dedication to research and education inspires future generations to pursue sustainable solutions for a greener planet.

Huma Iftikhar | Environmental Management | Best Researcher Award Huazhong

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Ms Huma Iftikhar | Environmental Management | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Researcher, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

Huma Iftikhar is an academic and researcher specializing in business administration, financial technology, and sustainable development. She completed her PhD in Business Administration at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China, where her research focused on the impact of financial technology and business-centric tourism on inclusive green growth. Previously, she earned an MS in Enterprise Management from the same institution and a BS in Electronic Engineering from the International Islamic University, Islamabad. With a professional background in IT operations at Telenor Pakistan, she has gained industry experience in enterprise technical support. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor (Postdoctoral Researcher Track) at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Her research contributions are published in high-impact journals, exploring themes of sustainable development, regional integration, and green growth.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Orcid

Scopus

EDUCATION 🎓

Huma Iftikhar obtained her PhD in Business Administration from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China (2020-2024), with a dissertation on the role of financial technology and business-centric tourism in inclusive green growth. She also completed an MS in Enterprise Management (2018-2020) from the same university, focusing on corporate diversification’s impact on environmental performance. Her bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering (2008-2012) from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, included a final year project on interactive smart room technology for individuals with disabilities. Her academic journey demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach, blending business, finance, sustainability, and engineering principles.

EXPERIENCE 💼

Currently, Huma Iftikhar is an Assistant Professor (Postdoctoral Researcher Track) at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where she focuses on sustainable business practices and financial technology. Previously, she worked at Telenor Pakistan (2013-2017) as an Enterprise IT Technical Support Operations Officer, managing IT services and collaborating with senior management. Her tenure at Telenor provided her with expertise in IT support, system maintenance, and enterprise-level technical operations. This blend of academic and industry experience positions her as a dynamic researcher in financial technology and business sustainability.

AWARDS AND HONORS 🏆

Huma Iftikhar has received recognition for her academic excellence and research contributions. She secured a prestigious doctoral fellowship at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Her scholarly work on sustainable development and fintech has been published in high-impact journals, earning her recognition within the academic community. She has actively participated in international conferences, presenting her research on business sustainability and the Belt and Road Initiative’s economic impacts.

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Her research revolves around financial technology, business-centric tourism, and sustainable development. She examines the intersection of fintech and regional economic integration, particularly in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, she explores the role of corporate governance, institutional quality, and environmental regulations in achieving green growth. Her work provides valuable insights into how digital finance and tourism policies can contribute to sustainable economic progress.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES 📚

📌 Paving towards the sustainable development goals: Analyzing the nexus of financial technology, business-centric-tourism, and green growth – Journal of Environmental Management (Dec 2024)
📌 Renewable energy transition and regional integration: Energizing the pathway to sustainable development – Energy Policy (Oct 2024)
📌 From regional integrated development toward a sustainable future: Evaluating the Belt and Road Initiative’s spillover impact between tourism, fintech, and inclusive green growth – Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy (June 2024)
📌 Impact of tourism on sustainable development in BRI countries: The moderating role of institutional quality – PLOS ONE (April 2022)

CONCLUSION 🌟

Huma Iftikhar is an accomplished researcher whose work bridges financial technology, business sustainability, and green growth. Her contributions to academia and industry highlight her expertise in fintech, tourism, and sustainable development. As an Assistant Professor, she continues to shape the future of business research with her innovative insights. 🚀

Xi Huang | Optimization Of Integrated Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Xi Huang | Optimization Of Integrated Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D. Candidates, Southeast University, China

Xi Huang is a dedicated researcher in the field of integrated energy systems, with a particular focus on optimization and planning. He earned his B.S. degree from Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China, in 2019, and his M.S. degree from China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing in 2023. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the School of Mathematics, Southeast University, Nanjing, China. Huang’s academic journey has been driven by a deep interest in modeling and improving energy systems, especially those that integrate renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro power. Through his research, he strives to support the transition to sustainable energy systems by enhancing energy efficiency and optimizing system operations.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Research Excellence: Xi Huang has made significant contributions to the field of integrated energy systems, focusing on optimizing the integration of renewable energy sources. His publications in prominent journals such as Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Nature Communications, and Actuators highlight his research depth and impact.
  2. Innovative Approach: Huang’s work on high temporal resolution multi-objective optimization models for wind-solar-hydro power integration demonstrates innovation and practical applicability to real-world energy systems. His involvement in carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) for achieving net-zero emissions further highlights his focus on addressing critical global challenges like climate change.
  3. Academic Development: Huang’s academic background is strong, having completed his B.S. and M.S. degrees from reputable Chinese institutions, with ongoing Ph.D. research at Southeast University. His ability to collaborate with international researchers and publish high-quality papers is a testament to his capabilities and future potential.
  4. Citations and Impact: Huang’s research has been cited 61 times, indicating recognition and influence in the scientific community. This is an essential indicator of the relevance and significance of his work.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Collaboration: While Huang has already collaborated with a diverse set of researchers, expanding his network to include more interdisciplinary fields could further enhance the impact and applicability of his work. Collaborating with industry partners might also provide a pathway for translating his research into tangible energy solutions.
  2. Public Outreach: As a researcher in an applied field like energy systems, increasing public engagement through conferences, workshops, and media could amplify the importance of his work and raise awareness of his research among policymakers, industries, and the general public.
  3. Further Research Diversification: Although his focus on renewable energy integration is valuable, expanding his research to address related areas such as energy storage, grid resilience, or the economic impacts of energy policies could broaden the scope of his contributions and make his work more holistic.

Education

Xi Huang’s educational background spans several prestigious institutions in China. He completed his B.S. degree at Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China, in 2019. Following this, he pursued a Master’s degree at the China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, where he graduated in 2023. Huang is currently advancing his academic career by pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics at Southeast University, Nanjing, China. His work at Southeast University focuses on mathematical modeling, planning, and optimization in the context of integrated energy systems, with the goal of supporting the development of more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. His academic training has equipped him with a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of energy systems, preparing him for a future in cutting-edge research and innovation.

Experience

Xi Huang has gained valuable research experience throughout his academic journey, particularly in the area of integrated energy systems. During his Master’s program at the China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, he worked extensively on projects related to the optimization of renewable energy integration, where he developed models to enhance the efficiency and reliability of energy systems. Huang’s experience includes the application of multi-objective optimization techniques to assess the complementary potential of wind, solar, and hydro power sources. His doctoral research at Southeast University involves further exploration of energy system modeling, with a focus on system integration and optimization for more sustainable energy solutions. Through his publications and collaborations with international scholars, Huang has developed a strong academic and practical understanding of energy systems, making significant contributions to the field.

Awards and Honors 

Xi Huang has been recognized for his academic excellence and contributions to energy system research. His work has garnered attention in various international journals, leading to citations from top researchers in the field. As a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate, Huang has received multiple scholarships during his studies at Jiangnan University and China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing. His exceptional performance in research projects has earned him recognition within the academic community, with his work being published in respected journals like Nature Communications and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Huang’s research contributions are also supported by his active participation in academic conferences, where he has presented papers on energy optimization. His consistent dedication to advancing the field of integrated energy systems has earned him various awards and honors, solidifying his standing as a rising star in his field.

Research Focus 

Xi Huang’s research focuses on the modeling, planning, and optimization of integrated energy systems, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy integration. His work aims to support the transition towards sustainable energy systems by addressing challenges related to energy generation, distribution, and consumption. Huang is particularly interested in exploring the complementary potential of different renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydro power, and how these can be integrated into grid systems to enhance energy efficiency and reliability. His research also delves into the application of multi-objective optimization models to balance the diverse and often conflicting goals of energy production, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, Huang is investigating strategies for achieving net-zero emissions in China’s power sector, using advanced technologies like carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS). Through his work, he seeks to contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change and promote a sustainable energy future.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Complementary potential of wind-solar-hydro power in Chinese provinces: Based on a high temporal resolution multi-objective optimization model 🌬️🌞💧, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2023)
  2. A net-zero emissions strategy for China’s power sector using carbon capture utilization and storage ♻️🌍, Nature Communications (2023)
  3. System Control Strategies for Renewable Energy-Integrating Grids via Voltage Source Converter-Based High-Voltage Direct Current Technology ⚡🔋, Actuators (2024

Conclusion

Xi Huang has demonstrated a strong research portfolio, with significant publications in high-impact journals and a clear focus on tackling global energy challenges. His contributions to renewable energy integration and climate mitigation strategies position him as a promising researcher in his field. Despite opportunities for further collaboration and outreach, his current achievements and potential for future innovation make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work is not only scientifically relevant but also has real-world applications, making him deserving of recognition for his contributions to integrated energy systems and sustainable development.