YANG WANG | Geothermal Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr YANG WANG | Geothermal Energy | Best Researcher Award

Senior Engineer, Shanghai Geological Engineering Exploration (Group) Co., Ltd, China

Yang Wang is a dedicated researcher and engineer specializing in geotechnical and environmental engineering. With extensive experience in energy conversion, groundwater science, and CO₂ geological sequestration, he has contributed significantly to the field. Currently serving as a Senior Engineer at Shanghai Geological and Mineral Engineering Survey (Group) Co., Ltd., he has led high-impact projects, mentored junior engineers, and collaborated on innovative solutions for complex geological challenges. His research focuses on energy piles, aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES), and thermo-hydro-mechanical simulations, with multiple publications in top-tier journals. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Hydraulic Engineering from Tongji University, complementing his M.S. from Beijing Normal University and B.S. from China University of Geosciences. His expertise and scholarly contributions have earned him recognition in the engineering community, with a strong citation record reflecting his impact.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Scopus

EDUCATION 🎓

📍 Tongji University, Shanghai, China
🛠️ Ph.D. in Civil and Hydraulic Engineering (2020 – 2024)

  • Focused on energy geotechnics, aquifer thermal energy storage, and geotechnical simulations.

📍 Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
🌊 M.S. in Groundwater Science and Engineering (2009 – 2012)

  • Specialized in CO₂ sequestration, groundwater flow modeling, and hydrological analysis.

📍 China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
💧 B.S. in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering (2005 – 2009)

  • Gained expertise in water resources management, hydrological modeling, and environmental sustainability.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 🏢

🔹 Shanghai Geological and Mineral Engineering Survey (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
📌 Senior Engineer (2014 – Present)

  • Led geotechnical and environmental engineering projects, ensuring high-quality execution.
  • Conducted advanced geotechnical modeling for subsurface conditions and environmental impacts.
  • Developed innovative solutions for geological challenges and mentored junior engineers.
  • Conducted rigorous site investigations for safer construction practices.

🔹 Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
📌 Assistant Researcher (2012 – 2013)

  • Conducted research on energy conversion technologies and sustainable energy solutions.
  • Managed experimental setups, data collection, and analysis for research projects.
  • Contributed to scientific publications and internal reports on energy efficiency.

AWARDS & HONORS 🏅

🏆 Recognized for excellence in geotechnical engineering research.
📜 Multiple publications in high-impact scientific journals.
🔬 Contributor to groundbreaking studies in energy piles and ATES systems.
🎖️ Active member of geotechnical and hydrology research communities.
📊 Strong citation record reflecting research impact.

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔍

🌍 Energy Geotechnics – Investigating energy piles and thermal effects in geotechnical structures.
💧 Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) – Modeling thermal and hydromechanical interactions in aquifers.
🏗 Geotechnical Engineering – Advanced simulations for subsurface stability and environmental impact.
CO₂ Sequestration – Numerical analysis of CO₂ storage efficiency in saline aquifers.
Renewable Energy Solutions – Enhancing efficiency of geothermal and energy storage systems.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES 📚

1️⃣ Full-scale in-situ experimental study on the bearing capacity of energy piles under varying temperature and multiple mechanical load levels. Acta Geotechnica, 2023.
2️⃣ Thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled simulation of land subsidence due to aquifer thermal energy storage system in soft soils. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2024.
3️⃣ Operation optimization for aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) systems based on a surrogate model-assisted method. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2025.
4️⃣ Numerical investigation of the storage efficiency factor for CO₂ geological sequestration in saline formations. Energy Procedia, 2013.
5️⃣ Investigation of CO₂ storage capacity in open saline aquifers with numerical models. Procedia Engineering, 2012.
6️⃣ Three-dimensional heat transfer-seepage coupling simulation of large-scale buried pipe cluster ground source heat pump system. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, 2024.
7️⃣ Thermomechanical analysis of energy piles using a novel load-transfer approach considering soil coupling effects. Computers and Geotechnics, 2024.

Aldona Migała-Warchoł | Sustainable Energy | Best Paper Award

Dr Aldona Migała-Warchoł | Sustainable Energy | Best Paper Award

Depertment of Enterprise Management, Rzeszow University of Technology, Poland

Aldona Migała-Warchoł is an Assistant Professor at the Rzeszów University of Technology in Poland. With extensive expertise in quantitative methods, she specializes in Descriptive and Mathematical Statistics, Econometrics, Forecasting, and Statistical Analysis. She has actively participated in international conferences across Europe, presenting research on socio-economic development and human development indices. As a lecturer under the Erasmus+ Programme, she has conducted seminars at universities in Turkey, Portugal, Lithuania, and Cyprus. Her research focuses on modeling socio-economic development, living standards, and economic indicators within the European Union. She has contributed significantly to academia through numerous peer-reviewed publications and collaborations. Additionally, she has served as an Economic Expert for the Regional Center for International Debate, supporting budget planning initiatives. With a Ph.D. in Economics from the Cracow University of Economics, her dissertation analyzed spatial differentiation in quality of life. Her work continues to impact economic modeling and policy-making.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Extensive Academic and Research Experience – With over a decade as an Assistant Professor, Aldona Migała-Warchoł has significantly contributed to quantitative methods, econometrics, and statistical analysis.
  2. Significant Contributions to Socio-Economic Development Research – Her work focuses on modeling socio-economic development in the European Union, using advanced statistical and econometric methods.
  3. International Recognition and Engagement – She has presented research at prestigious international conferences in Turkey, Lithuania, France, and Cyprus, demonstrating global influence.
  4. Strong Publication Record – With multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals and contributions to international conferences, her research is widely cited, especially in socio-economic modeling and quality-of-life assessments.
  5. Involvement in European Research Initiatives – Participation in the Erasmus+ Programme as a lecturer and seminar leader highlights her contribution to academic exchange and collaboration.
  6. Diverse Research Topics – Her studies cover human development indices, economic security, sustainable development, and statistical modeling, showcasing interdisciplinary expertise.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  1. Higher Citation Impact – While her research is well-recognized, increasing citations in high-impact journals could further solidify her influence in the field.
  2. Expanded Collaboration – More international research collaborations, particularly in cross-country comparative studies, could enhance the global reach of her work.
  3. Policy Implementation – Bridging the gap between theoretical models and real-world policy applications could increase the practical impact of her research.

EDUCATION 

Aldona Migała-Warchoł earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the Cracow University of Economics in 2010, with a dissertation titled “Spatial Differentiation of Quality of Life and Standard of Living in Podkarpackie Voivodeship,” supervised by Professor Tadeusz Grabiński. She previously obtained a Master of Science degree from the same institution in Information Technology and Econometrics, specializing in Information Technology in Economics. As part of her master’s program, she participated in the English Track Program for one semester. Her master’s thesis, supervised by Professor Ryszard Tadeusiewicz, focused on “Artificial Neural Networks and Their Use in Economics and Management.” Throughout her academic journey, she has developed expertise in quantitative methods, economic modeling, and statistical analysis. Her education laid the foundation for her extensive research on socio-economic development, human development indices, and statistical applications in economic forecasting, influencing her contributions to academia and international research collaborations.

EXPERIENCE 

Aldona Migała-Warchoł has been an Assistant Professor at Rzeszów University of Technology since 2013, teaching courses such as Descriptive Statistics, Econometrics, and Forecasting. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor at the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów (2010–2012), where she taught statistical analysis and economic modeling. She has actively participated in the Erasmus+ Programme as a visiting lecturer at universities in Turkey, Portugal, Lithuania, and Cyprus. As a conference speaker, she has presented research on socio-economic development in European countries at international events in France, Turkey, and Lithuania. Additionally, she worked as an Economic Expert at the Regional Center for International Debate (2008–2016), focusing on budget planning. She also served as the University Coordinator for ECTS at the University of Information Technology and Management (2003–2012), managing student exchange programs. Her experience bridges academia and applied economic research in international contexts.

AWARDS AND HONORS 

Aldona Migała-Warchoł has received multiple recognitions for her contributions to socio-economic research and quantitative analysis. Her work in modeling economic development has been acknowledged through invitations to present at prestigious international conferences. She has been a keynote speaker at various academic events, including the International Science and Technology Conference (ISTEC) in Paris. Under the Erasmus+ Programme, she has been recognized as a distinguished visiting lecturer at institutions such as Akdeniz University in Turkey and Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias in Portugal. Her research publications in high-impact journals on socio-economic indicators and economic forecasting have garnered citations and recognition within the academic community. Her role as an Economic Expert at the Regional Center for International Debate under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs further highlights her expertise in policy-driven economic planning. Her consistent contributions continue to shape economic research and policy discussions in the European Union.

RESEARCH FOCUS 

Aldona Migała-Warchoł specializes in socio-economic modeling, statistical analysis, and economic forecasting. Her research primarily focuses on the application of quantitative methods to assess economic development, living standards, and the Human Development Index (HDI) in European Union countries. She has conducted extensive studies on the impact of education, innovation, and economic indicators on human development. Her work integrates econometric models, cluster analysis, and artificial intelligence-based techniques such as neural networks to analyze economic trends. She has examined spatial differentiation in living standards, analyzing regional disparities and economic growth patterns. Additionally, her research extends to sustainable development and the circular economy within the European context. Her contributions, including high-impact journal publications and conference presentations, provide valuable insights for policymakers, economists, and researchers. Through interdisciplinary approaches, she continues to explore innovative methodologies in economic modeling, contributing to academic advancements and practical applications in economic planning.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

  1. Living Standards of EU Countries’ Residents: Impact of Education and Innovation
  2. Ranking Poziomu Życia w Powiatach w Latach 2003-2012 z Uwzględnieniem Korelacji Przestrzennych
  3. Ocena Zróżnicowania Poziomu Życia Mieszkańców Województwa Podkarpackiego
  4. The Application of Customized Human Development Index to the Analysis of Socio-Economic Development of the European Union Member States
  5. Testing the Polish Society Security
  6. Perspektywy Rozwoju Transportu Lotniczego Typu Cargo
  7. Wpływ Kapitału Ludzkiego na Wyniki Finansowe Organizacji
  8. Forecasting the Number of Cases and Deaths from COVID-19
  9. Wykorzystanie Analizy Skupień do Klasyfikacji Powiatów Województwa Podkarpackiego według Wybranych Wskaźników Rozwoju Społeczno-Gospodarczego
  10. Specyfika Systemu Rachunkowości Krajów Reprezentujących Model Anglosaski i Kontynentalny
  11. The Circular Economy vs the Sustainable Development Approach to Production and Consumption: The Case of the European Union Countries
  12. The Influence of the Economic Situation on the Socio-Economic Development in the European Union Countries by Means of the Modified HDI Index
  13. The Research of Socio-Economic Development in the European Union Countries with an Application of the Modified HDI Indicator
  14. Modeling of Socio-Economic Development in European Union Countries
  15. Wykorzystanie Analizy Korespondencji do Opisu Jakości Życia Mieszkańców Województwa Podkarpackiego
  16. Wykorzystanie Metodologii Wskaźnika HDI do Badania Poziomu Życia Mieszkańców Krajów Unii Europejskiej
  17. Classification of the European Union Countries with an Application of the Modified Human Development Index
  18. Innowacyjność Gospodarki a Poziom Życia Mieszkańców Państw Unii Europejskiej
  19. The Analysis of Changes in Mortality in Traffic in the European Union Countries in the Period 1991-2011
  20. Ograniczenia Funkcji Komunikacyjnej Opakowań Produktów Spożywczych Użytkowanych Przez Starszych Konsumentów

CONCLUSION

Aldona Migała-Warchoł is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her impactful research in socio-economic development, extensive teaching experience, and global academic engagements. Strengthening citation impact and enhancing practical policy applications could further solidify her candidacy.

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.