Alessandro De Oliveira Rios | Climate Change | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Alessandro De Oliveira Rios | Climate Change | Excellence in Research Award

Full Professor | Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul | Brazil

Dr. Alessandro de Oliveira Rios is a distinguished researcher affiliated with the University Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil. With an exceptional academic record, he has authored over 160 scientific publications and received more than 6,600 citations, reflecting his significant impact in food science, biotechnology, and sustainable materials, supported by an h-index of 47 that highlights his sustained research excellence. His work focuses on biodegradable materials, natural bioactive compounds, food packaging innovations, and plant-based product development, exploring advances such as microencapsulation of Amazonian buriti fruit oil for oxidative stability in meat products, biodegradable sodium alginate films enriched with carotenoids, and intelligent nonwoven indicators for food spoilage detection. By integrating green chemistry, food engineering, and material science, his research emphasizes circular economy principles and eco-innovative strategies that minimize environmental impact. Beyond materials innovation, Dr. Rios contributes to functional foods and nutrition science, studying the stability of phenolic and carotenoid compounds in regional fruits like Caryocar brasiliense and developing plant-based and hybrid burger formulations aligned with global sustainability goals. Collaborating with over 350 international co-authors across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, he has established a strong global research network, publishing in leading journals such as Food Hydrocolloids, Food Research International, and Biomass. Through his pioneering, interdisciplinary contributions, Dr. Rios advances sustainable food systems, environmental protection, and public health, reinforcing his reputation as one of Brazil’s leading scientific voices in food innovation and sustainability, while actively supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through impactful, real-world applications of biotechnological research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Rios, A. de O., et al. (2025). Microcapsules with Amazonian buriti fruit oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) on maintaining oxidative stability of ground beef. Food Hydrocolloids. Citations: 7

2. Rios, A. de O., et al. (2025). Biodegradable sodium alginate films incorporated with lycopene and β-carotene for food packaging purposes. Food Science and Technology International. Citations: 11

3. Rios, A. de O., et al. (2025). Hybrid and plant-based burgers: Trends, challenges, and physicochemical and sensory qualities. [Open Access Review]. Citations: 6

4. Rios, A. de O., et al. (2024). Unlocking the potential of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.): Stability of phenolic compounds, carotenoid profile, and vitamin A after drying. Food Research International. Citations: 6

5. Rios, A. de O., et al. (2024). Efficient and sustainable production of intelligent nonwovens as indicators of food spoilage through solution blow spinning of proteins and natural pigments from agri-food waste. Food Control.
Citations: 11

Dr. Alessandro de Oliveira Rios’s pioneering research advances sustainable food systems and green technologies, bridging science, industry, and environmental innovation. His work transforms biodegradable materials and natural bioactives into practical solutions that reduce waste, enhance food security, and support global sustainability goals.

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.