Wanxuan Yao | Climate change mitigation technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wanxuan Yao | Climate change mitigation technologies | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel | Germany

Dr. Ben Wanxuan Yao is an accomplished climate scientist specializing in biogeochemical modelling, carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and carbon capture and storage (CCS). His research integrates modelling, data analysis, and environmental assessment to evaluate the technical feasibility, effectiveness, and societal implications of carbon mitigation technologies. With extensive experience in developing CDR evaluation frameworks, he has advanced the global understanding of marine-based carbon removal and its integration within policy and sustainability contexts. He has led multidisciplinary research initiatives focused on site-specific CDR and CCS portfolio development, aligning scientific innovation with national and international climate goals. His work encompasses quantitative modelling of oceanic carbon and nutrient cycles, AI-based parameter calibration on high-performance computing systems, and holistic assessments of carbon sequestration techniques. His findings have been published in leading international journals, including Geophysical Research Letters, Earth’s Future, Environmental Research Letters, and Global Change Biology, providing critical insights into the environmental, economic, and ethical dimensions of marine carbon removal technologies. Beyond research, he has played a key role in facilitating collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and industry through workshops, think tanks, and conferences, strengthening the interface between science and decision-making in the field of climate solutions. His expertise in geospatial data analysis, system modelling, and sustainable innovation has positioned him as a valuable contributor to the evolving landscape of carbon management and environmental strategy. Dr. Yao’s academic excellence and research influence are reflected in his growing global recognition, with 67 citations, 8 publications, and an h-index of 5, underscoring his impactful contributions to the advancement of climate modelling and carbon removal science.

Featured Publications

1. Somes, C. J., Dale, A. W., Wallmann, K., Scholz, F., Yao, W., Oschlies, A., Muglia, J., & Achterberg, E. P. (2021). Constraining global marine iron sources and ligand‐mediated scavenging fluxes with GEOTRACES dissolved iron measurements in an ocean biogeochemical model. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 35(8), e2021GB006948. Cited by: 30

2. Frenger, I., Landolfi, A., Kvale, K., Somes, C. J., Oschlies, A., Yao, W., & Koeve, W. (2024). Misconceptions of the marine biological carbon pump in a changing climate: Thinking outside the “export” box. Global Change Biology, 30(1), e17124. Cited by: 27

3. Yao, W., Kvale, K. F., Achterberg, E., Koeve, W., & Oschlies, A. (2019). Hierarchy of calibrated global models reveals improved distributions and fluxes of biogeochemical tracers in models with explicit representation of iron. Environmental Research Letters, 14(11), 114009. Cited by: 15

4. Kvale, K., Keller, D. P., Koeve, W., Meissner, K. J., Somes, C. J., Yao, W., & Oschlies, A. (2020). Explicit silicate cycling in the Kiel Marine Biogeochemistry Model, version 3 (KMBM3) embedded in the UVic ESCM version 2.9. Geoscientific Model Development Discussions, 1–46.Cited by: 10

5. Yao, W., Kvale, K. F., Koeve, W., Landolfi, A., Achterberg, E., Bertrand, E. M., & Oschlies, A. (2022). Simulated future trends in marine nitrogen fixation are sensitive to model iron implementation. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 36(3), e2020GB006851. Cited by: 6

Dr. Wanxuan Yao’s work advances global climate solutions by integrating biogeochemical modelling with carbon removal science, enhancing the precision of Earth system projections and guiding sustainable carbon management strategies for policymakers and industry. His research bridges scientific innovation and environmental governance, driving impactful progress toward a low-carbon, resilient future.

Zhenghao Yang | Carbon Neutral Technologies | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Zhenghao Yang | Carbon Neutral Technologies | Young Scientist Award

Doctor | Air Force Engineering University | China

Dr. Zhenghao Yang is a distinguished researcher at the Air Force Engineering University, Xi’an, China, specializing in advanced combustion systems, energy conversion efficiency, and sustainable propulsion technologies. With 16 publications, 113 citations, and an h-index of 6, he has established a growing academic presence in renewable and green energy research. His work focuses on optimizing combustion and energy conversion mechanisms under specialized and extreme operating conditions, particularly for high-altitude applications in aerospace systems. A notable example of his research is the study titled “Optimization research of combustion and energy conversion efficiency of elliptical rotary engine at high altitude using green hydrogen fuel” (Renewable Energy, 2026), which exemplifies his innovative efforts in integrating hydrogen-based propulsion technologies as sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil-fuel engines. His expertise encompasses computational fluid dynamics (CFD), thermodynamic modeling, performance optimization, and hybrid energy system integration, contributing to advancements in energy efficiency and emission reduction. Collaborating with 18 co-authors across various institutions, Dr. Yang demonstrates strong interdisciplinary engagement that connects mechanical engineering, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability. His research holds significant relevance for both aviation and defense sectors, addressing global challenges related to clean energy utilization, decarbonization, and eco-efficient propulsion. Through his continued exploration of hydrogen-fueled engines and high-performance energy systems, Dr. Zhenghao Yang contributes meaningfully to the worldwide transition toward sustainable energy technologies and low-carbon innovation, positioning himself as a promising leader in the field of green propulsion research.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Yang, Z., Jia, G., Fang, Z., Du, Y., He, G., & Wang, Z. (2026). Optimization research of combustion and energy conversion efficiency of elliptical rotary engine at high altitude using green hydrogen fuel. Renewable Energy.

2. Yang, Z., Du, Y., Jia, G., Gao, X., Fang, Z., He, G., & Wang, Z. (2025). Clean combustion of a hydrogen-doped elliptical rotary engine based on turbulent jet ignition: Synergistic enhancement of thermodynamic and emission performance via flow field coupling. Energy Conversion and Management.

3. Yang, Z., Du, Y., Jia, G., Gao, X., He, G., & Wang, Z. (2025). Effect of multi-hole passive jet ignition on thermodynamic and combustion characteristics of hydrogen-doping elliptical rotary engine in high-altitude environment. Energy.

4. Yang, Z., Jia, G., Du, Y., Fang, Z., Gao, X., He, G., & Wang, Z. (2025). Investigation of high-tumble chamber of ammonia-hydrogen fueled elliptical rotary engine based on turbulence and combustion characteristics. Fuel.

5. Du, Y., Yang, Z., Zhang, Z., Wang, Z., He, G., Wang, J., & Zhao, P. (2024). Control strategy optimization exploration of a novel hydrogen-fed high-efficiency X-type rotary engine hybrid power system by coupling with recuperative organic Rankine cycle. Energy.

Dr. Zhenghao Yang’s research advances the development of clean, high-efficiency hydrogen-fueled rotary engines, contributing to global decarbonization, sustainable aviation, and next-generation propulsion technologies. His innovative work bridges energy science and engineering, fostering breakthroughs that support a greener and more energy-efficient future for society and industry alike.