Ana Margarida Bento | Risk and Resilience Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Ana Margarida Bento | Risk and Resilience Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Portugal

Ana Margarida Bento is a dedicated researcher in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, specializing in bridge scour risk assessment and coastal protection. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Porto, Portugal, focusing on risk-based analysis for scour prediction. Currently, she is a Postdoctoral Researcher at CIIMAR, working on projects such as BriSK and POSEIDON, aiming to enhance scour risk management in a changing climate. With multiple research scholarships and international collaborations, she has contributed significantly to the field of hydraulic engineering. Her expertise spans numerical modeling, experimental analysis, and risk-based methodologies. Ana has authored influential publications in top-tier journals, shaping the understanding of scour evolution around bridge piers and hydraulic infrastructures. She actively collaborates with global research institutions, strengthening her impact on sustainable water resource management and engineering resilience.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

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Scopus

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Extensive Research in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering:
    Ana Margarida Bento has made significant contributions to bridge scour prediction, hydraulic infrastructures, and risk-based methodologies, as evidenced by her publications and research projects.

  2. High Citation Impact and Published Research:

    • Multiple publications in high-impact journals, including Engineering Structures, Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, and Ocean Engineering.
    • Citations on crucial topics such as scour analysis, bridge failure mechanisms, and hydraulic flow predictions.
    • Recent publications in 2024 demonstrate active and ongoing contributions to her field.

  3. Diverse and International Research Experience:

    • Worked with institutions across Portugal, Norway, Italy, and Brazil.
    • Postdoctoral research in multiple funded projects (BriSK, POSEIDON, AQUABREAK), showcasing strong international collaboration.
    • Experience with prestigious organizations such as CIIMAR, ISISE, and the University of Minho.

  4. Strong Funding and Project Management Background:

    • Secured funding from renowned organizations like the Foundation for Science and Technology, National Innovation Agency, and EEA Grants Portugal.
    • Leadership in high-profile research initiatives such as AQUABREAK, BriSK, and POSEIDON.

  5. Interdisciplinary Contributions:

    • Research spans bridge scour risk, coastal protection, machine learning applications in hydraulic engineering, and nature-based solutions for water resource management.
    • Recent work on AI-driven predictive models for scour depth further strengthens her research impact.

AREAS FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS

  1. Increased Industry Collaboration:

    • While her research is robust in academia, further collaboration with industry stakeholders in hydraulic infrastructure development could enhance real-world application impact.

  2. Broader Public Engagement and Outreach:

    • Increasing involvement in public policy recommendations, engineering guidelines, or outreach programs could expand the societal impact of her work.

  3. Higher Leadership in Research Consortia:

    • Leading multi-institutional research projects or securing personal research grants as a principal investigator would further elevate her status in the field.

EDUCATION 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering (2016–2021)
    University of Porto, Portugal – Research focused on risk-based analysis of bridge scour prediction.
  • Master’s in Hydraulic Engineering (2015–2016)
    University of Porto, Portugal – Studied hydrodynamics and flow features in bridge piers.
  • Master’s in Water Resources Engineering (2014–2015)
    University of Porto, Portugal – Conducted numerical and experimental research on bridge scour.
  • International Internship (2017)
    Turin Polytechnic, Italy – Participated in Erasmus+ PEP-UP program, focusing on industry-related research.
  • International Internship (2013)
    FAACZ, Brazil – Worked on irrigation dam construction through IAESTE exchange program.

EXPERIENCE 🏗️

  • Postdoctoral Researcher, CIIMAR – University of Porto (2025–Present)
    Leading the BriSK project on climate-based bridge scour risk analysis.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, CIIMAR – University of Porto (2022–2025)
    Conducted research on scour prediction and protection under the POSEIDON project.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Minho (2022)
    Developed a smart port infrastructure management system.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Minho (2021–2022)
    Worked on InfraCrit project for critical infrastructure management.
  • Ph.D. Researcher, LNEC & FEUP (2016–2021)
    Specialized in risk-based analysis of bridge scour.
  • Research Intern, Instituto Superior Técnico (2013)
    Collaborated on NetFluv project, analyzing fluvial hydraulics.

AWARDS & HONORS 🏆

  • Best Researcher Award in Hydraulic Engineering (2023)
  • EEA Grants Portugal Award for Coastal Protection Research (2023)
  • Foundation for Science and Technology Scholarship (2016–2021)
  • Erasmus+ International Research Exchange Fellowship (2017)
  • IAESTE International Research Collaboration Recognition (2013)
  • Scientific Excellence Award, University of Porto (2020)
  • Highly Cited Author in Engineering Structures (2020)

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Ana Margarida Bento’s research revolves around hydraulic engineering, bridge scour prediction, and coastal protection. She applies risk-based methodologies, numerical modeling, and experimental techniques to improve the resilience of hydraulic structures. Her work explores scour evolution, erosion mechanisms, and protection measures for bridges and offshore structures. Currently, she focuses on climate-driven risk assessment and nature-based solutions for sustainable infrastructure. Ana also investigates machine-learning applications in hydraulic engineering and contributes to advancing coastal defense systems. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates environmental sustainability with engineering innovation, ensuring long-term safety and efficiency in water resource management.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES 📚

  • Risk-based methodology for scour analysis at bridge foundations 🏗️
  • Direct estimate of the breach hydrograph of an overtopped earth dam 🌊
  • Characterization of the scour cavity evolution around a complex bridge pier 🔍
  • A comprehensive review on scour and scour protections for offshore structures ⚓
  • Advanced characterization techniques of scour around a bridge pier model 🛠️
  • Scour development around an oblong bridge pier: Numerical and experimental study 💡
  • Image-based techniques for scour analysis in laboratory settings 📷
  • Experimental characterization of the flow field around oblong bridge piers 🌊
  • Failure by overtopping of earth dams: Hydrograph quantification 🏞️
  • Physics-based and machine-learning models for scour depth prediction 🤖
  • Improved assessment of maximum streamflow for risk management 🚰
  • A novel and simple passive absorption system for wave flumes 🌊
  • Characterization of dam breaching following overtopping 🏗️
  • Fluid–soil–structure interactions in semi-buried tanks under seismic conditions 🌍
  • Assessment of scour risk in hydraulic infrastructures: A bridge case study 🌉

CONCLUSION

Ana Margarida Bento is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering. Her extensive research output, international collaborations, and leadership in critical research projects make her a strong contender. By expanding her industry ties and taking on more leadership roles, she can further solidify her position as a global expert in hydraulic engineering and bridge scour prediction.

Baki Ozturk | Structural Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr Baki Ozturk | Structural Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr, Hacettepe University, Turkey

Baki Ozturk is a Professor of Civil Engineering at Hacettepe University, Turkey. With over two decades of experience, his research focuses on earthquake engineering, structural dynamics, and seismic performance of buildings. He has made significant contributions to the fields of structural control, reinforced concrete, and vibration analysis, publishing extensively in these areas. Professor Ozturk holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University, USA, and has held various academic positions, including Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at Nigde University, Turkey. Throughout his career, he has collaborated on a variety of research projects related to structural vulnerability and seismic risk.

Profile

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Scopus

Strengths for the Award

Professor Baki Ozturk is an accomplished researcher with a diverse and impactful body of work. His expertise in earthquake engineering, structural dynamics, and the seismic performance of buildings has led to over 20 years of contributions in both academia and practical applications. With a strong academic background, having completed a Ph.D. at Purdue University and a M.Sc. from Middle East Technical University, his research is well-regarded globally. His work, particularly on seismic drift response, structural control systems, and reinforced concrete, has been cited extensively, reflecting its significance in the field. He has contributed to various innovative studies in structural optimization, passive damping devices, and seismic vulnerability assessments, directly influencing the safety and resilience of structures in earthquake-prone areas. His extensive publication record, including top journals, and his collaboration with international researchers further highlight his academic stature.

Areas for Improvement

While Professor Ozturk’s research focuses on critical and impactful areas in earthquake engineering, expanding his involvement in interdisciplinary studies could further enhance his work. As the field of structural engineering continues to evolve, incorporating newer technologies such as AI-driven models, machine learning for predictive analysis, or advanced materials for seismic protection could strengthen his research output. Additionally, broadening the scope of his work to include large-scale real-world testing or pilot projects could provide deeper insights into the practical applications of his findings, making them even more influential in real-world construction practices.

Education

Baki Ozturk completed his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at Purdue University, USA (1997-2003), focusing on the seismic drift response of building structures. He holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Turkey (1994-1997). His Ph.D. dissertation, supervised by Prof. Mete A. Sozen, explored seismic drift responses in seismically active regions. Ozturk’s academic background also includes experience in mathematics as an instructor at Purdue University during 2000-2002, strengthening his interdisciplinary approach to civil engineering problems.

Experience

Professor Ozturk has over 20 years of academic experience, beginning as an Instructor at Nigde University in 2003 and progressing to Associate Professor and Professor positions. He served at Nigde University from 2003 to 2013 before joining Hacettepe University in 2013, where he currently holds a professorship. Additionally, he has contributed to the field of mathematics as an instructor at Purdue University from 2000 to 2002. His expertise spans earthquake engineering, structural control, and reinforced concrete, impacting both academic and practical aspects of civil engineering.

Awards and Honors

Professor Ozturk has received various recognitions for his significant contributions to civil engineering research. His research work has been widely cited and continues to influence the field of structural engineering. In addition to his academic positions, Ozturk has received accolades for his work in seismic vulnerability analysis and structural optimization. He has also been involved in several international collaborations, further establishing his reputation in the global academic community. His publications and research have earned him invitations to present at prominent engineering forums.

Research Focus

Baki Ozturk’s research focuses on earthquake engineering, particularly the seismic performance of reinforced concrete structures and structural control systems. He has explored topics such as the seismic vulnerability of buildings, the role of passive dampers in multistory structures, and the optimization of viscous dampers for seismic protection. His work also includes vibration analysis, soil-structure interaction, and the development of seismic vulnerability indices for building typologies. He aims to improve the resilience of structures in seismically active areas, promoting safety and reducing earthquake-induced damage.

Publication Top Notes

  1. A European Association for the Control of Structures joint perspective. Recent studies in civil structural control across Europe 🌍📚
  2. Transverse vibration analysis of Euler-Bernoulli beams using analytical approximate techniques 📊📐
  3. Analysis of efficiency of passive dampers in multistorey buildings 🏢💨
  4. Development of A Uniform Seismic Vulnerability Index Framework for Reinforced Concrete Building Typology 🏠💔
  5. Seismic drift response of building structures in seismically active and near-fault regions 🌍🏚️
  6. Optimal Design and Distribution of Viscous Dampers for Shear Building Structures under Seismic Excitations 🔧🏗️
  7. Homotopy perturbation method for free vibration analysis of beams on elastic foundation 🌟💡
  8. Improved Vulnerability Index Methodology to Quantify Seismic Risk and Loss Assessment in Reinforced Concrete Buildings 🛠️⚠️
  9. Seismic behavior of two monumental buildings in historical Cappadocia region of Turkey 🏛️⛑️
  10. Optimization of Elastic Spring Supports for Cantilever Beams 🏗️🔧
  11. Free vibration analysis of tapered beam-column with pinned ends embedded in Winkler-Pasternak elastic foundation 🔩📏
  12. Exploring the effects of tuned mass dampers on the seismic performance of structures with nonlinear base isolation systems 🌍📉
  13. Influence of Soil-Structure Interaction on the Optimum Design of Passive Damping Devices ⚖️🌍
  14. Optimum vertical location and design of multiple tuned mass dampers under seismic excitations ⚙️🏢
  15. Analytical solution for free vibration analysis of beam on elastic foundation with different support conditions 🔍📐
  16. Free vibration analysis of beam on elastic foundation by the variational iteration method 📘💡
  17. Improvement of Building Resilience by Viscous Dampers 🛠️🔧
  18. A numerical approach to determine viscosity-dependent segregation in fresh concrete ⚙️🏗️
  19. Vibration analysis of plates with curvilinear quadrilateral domains by discrete singular convolution method 🧩📏
  20. Optimal Damper Allocation in Shear Buildings with Tuned Mass Dampers and Viscous Dampers 🏢

Conclusion

Professor Baki Ozturk’s research in earthquake engineering, particularly regarding seismic risk and structural resilience, positions him as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work has provided valuable contributions to structural design and safety, influencing both academic literature and practical applications. By continuing to expand his research focus and incorporating cutting-edge technologies, he can further enhance his contributions to the field. Therefore, based on his impressive body of work, impact, and ongoing academic leadership, Professor Ozturk is highly deserving of this recognition.