Rifat Yildirim | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Rifat Yildirim | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Isparta University of Applied Sciences, Sütçüler Prof. Dr. Hasan Gürbüz Vocational School | Turkey

Assist. Prof. Dr. Rifat Yıldırım is a dedicated scholar at Isparta University of Applied Sciences, Sütçüler Prof. Dr. Hasan Gürbüz Vocational School, Türkiye, specializing in sustainable waste management, bioenergy production, and environmental biotechnology. He earned his academic qualifications with a strong foundation in environmental engineering and biotechnology, focusing on developing sustainable technologies that align with circular bioeconomy principles. Over the years, Dr. Yıldırım has gained extensive professional experience through his involvement in multiple TÜBİTAK-funded projects, including leadership roles as Principal Investigator and R&D Personnel in initiatives related to biogas production, composting systems, and biofilter development. His expertise extends to optimizing composting and anaerobic digestion processes using machine learning and multi-criteria decision-making models, which contribute to resource efficiency, carbon reduction, and energy recovery from organic wastes. Dr. Yıldırım’s research interests encompass waste-to-energy technologies, microbial ecology, environmental risk assessment, and renewable energy systems, where he applies innovative methodologies to address global sustainability challenges. His research skills include bioenergy modeling, statistical optimization, environmental monitoring, and decision-support system development, reflecting a multidisciplinary and solution-driven approach. He has published several papers in prestigious journals such as Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, and Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, advancing the scientific understanding of sustainable waste valorization. Dr. Yıldırım has also contributed to scientific literature with books (ISBN: 978-625-398-818-0, 978-625-398-826-5) and has trained students in national environmental programs. His commitment to integrating scientific innovation with sustainability goals underscores his growing prominence in environmental science and bioenergy research. Dr. Rifat Yıldırım’s academic impact is reflected in his emerging recognition with 5 citations, 4 documents, and an h-index of 2, highlighting his promising influence in sustainable bioenergy and environmental biotechnology research.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Yıldırım, R. (2025, July 31). Analysis of composting methods for sustainable management of biodegradable waste using decision‐making techniques. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 1–14.

2. Yıldırım, R. (2025, June 17). Comparative analysis of alternatives for sustainable management of biodegradable waste. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management.

3. Yıldırım, R. (2025, January 29). Machine learning applications in biogas and methane production: A bibliometric analysis. Preprint.

4. Yıldırım, R. (2025, January 9). Bibliometric analysis of biological pretreatments in biogas processes. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 34(2), 1439–1443.

5. Ekinci, K., Çiftçi, F., Kumbul, B. S., Yıldırım, R., Solak, M., & Çoban, V. (2023, October). Co-fermentation of macroalga Elodea canadensis in different mixing ratios with dairy manure. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 13, 14185–14192.

6. Yıldırım, R. (2023, August 21). Biyogaz üretim süreçlerinde kullanılacak en uygun risk değerlendirme metodolojisinin analitik hiyerarşi prosesi ile belirlenmesi. Niğde Ömer Halisdemir Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 12, 1130–1140.

You Qiang | Nanotechnology for Renewable Energy | Best Faculty Award

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Prof. Dr. You Qiang | Nanotechnology for Renewable Energy | Best Faculty Award

Professor | University of Idaho | United States

Dr. You Qiang, a distinguished Professor of Physics at the University of Idaho, has dedicated over four decades to pioneering research in nanoparticles and nanomaterials, with a particular focus on nanoclusters, nanocomposites, and their magnetic, optical, and transport properties. He received his B.S. in Engineering Physics from Hefei University of Technology, China, an M.S. in Physics from Harbin Institute of Technology and the Chinese Academy of Space Technology, and his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Freiburg, Germany. His professional journey includes significant roles as Research Scientist and Senior Scientist at the University of Freiburg, Research Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and since 2002, a progressive career from Assistant to Full Professor at the University of Idaho, where he also holds an adjunct appointment in Nuclear Engineering. Dr. Qiang’s research interests lie in the synthesis and characterization of advanced nanomaterials and their application to nuclear energy, radiation detection, and radioactive waste separation, integrating fundamental physics with practical technological solutions. His research skills span experimental synthesis, advanced spectroscopy, ion irradiation studies, and nanoscale materials characterization, contributing to high-impact publications in JACS, Nanoscale, Environmental Science & Technology, Advanced Functional Materials, and Journal of Physical Chemistry C. Beyond his scholarly output, he has demonstrated strong leadership as President of the Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering, organizer and chair of multiple international conferences, and editorial board member for leading journals. His dedication to mentorship has been recognized with multiple Alumni Awards for Excellence in Graduate Student Mentorship, underscoring his commitment to training the next generation of scientists. Dr. Qiang’s academic impact is substantial, with his growing recognition reflected in 2,906 citations, 97 documents, and an h-index of 27, demonstrating his influential role in advancing nanomaterials and nuclear energy research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Haberland, H., Mall, M., Moseler, M., Qiang, Y., Reiners, T., & Thurner, Y. (1994). Filling of micron‐sized contact holes with copper by energetic cluster impact. Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A: Vacuum, Surfaces, and Films, 12(5), 2925–2930. Cited by: 540

2. Wang, C. M., Baer, D. R., Thomas, L. E., Amonette, J. E., Antony, J., & Qiang, Y. (2005). Void formation during early stages of passivation: Initial oxidation of iron nanoparticles at room temperature. Journal of Applied Physics, 98(9), 094308. Cited by: 331

3. Wang, C., Baer, D. R., Amonette, J. E., Engelhard, M. H., Antony, J., & Qiang, Y. (2009). Morphology and electronic structure of the oxide shell on the surface of iron nanoparticles. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 131(25), 8824–8832. Cited by: 290

4. Qiang, Y., Antony, J., Sharma, A., Nutting, J., Sikes, D., & Meyer, D. (2006). Iron/iron oxide core-shell nanoclusters for biomedical applications. Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 8(3), 489–496. Cited by: 262

5. Baer, D. R., Amonette, J. E., Engelhard, M. H., Gaspar, D. J., Karakoti, A. S., Kuchibhatla, S. V. N. T., & Qiang, Y. (2008). Characterization challenges for nanomaterials. Surface and Interface Analysis, 40(3–4), 529–537. Cited by: 189

Mojtaba Alirahmi | Renewable Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mojtaba Alirahmi | Renewable Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral at Aalborg University | Denmark

Dr. Mojtaba Alirahmi is a distinguished researcher and process engineer recognized among the leading scientists in sustainable energy systems. His expertise spans operational research, energy system modeling, bioenergy, electrolysis, CCUS, and Power-to-X technologies, with a strong focus on practical solutions for decarbonization. He has contributed significantly to plant-wide process modeling, dynamic simulation, multivariable control, and techno-economic analysis of green fuel production, including hydrogen, methane, and ammonia. As a globally acknowledged scholar, he has established a reputation for excellence in mathematical optimization and interdisciplinary collaboration. His work bridges theory and application, demonstrating how advanced simulation, optimization, and system integration can drive innovation in renewable energy and carbon management. With an impressive publication record, active participation in international research projects, and mentorship of students, Dr. Alirahmi continues to influence both academia and industry. His career reflects a balance of scientific discovery, applied engineering, and dedication to building a sustainable energy future.

Professional Profiles

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Mojtaba Alirahmi pursued his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Aalborg University, where his research focused on renewable energy integration, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and Power-to-X pathways. His doctoral studies involved developing advanced models for system optimization, thermal management, and sustainable fuel production, contributing new methods to energy efficiency research. His academic journey began with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, where he specialized in solar energy applications, multi-generation systems, and exergo-economic assessments. This strong foundation enabled him to apply both mechanical and chemical engineering principles to renewable energy challenges. Throughout his academic training, he engaged in advanced computational modeling, multi-objective optimization, and comparative analyses of energy systems. His education has been marked by innovation, a drive for solving global energy issues, and a continuous pursuit of excellence. The combination of theoretical knowledge and applied research has equipped him with the skills and insights to address pressing challenges in sustainable energy systems.

Experience

Dr. Mojtaba Alirahmi has accumulated diverse research and professional experience through roles at globally recognized institutions. As a postdoctoral researcher, he worked on projects focused on carbon capture and transportation in biomass CHP plants, combining academic research with industrial applications. His international research internships at institutions such as MIT, the University of Pau, and the Technical University of Denmark allowed him to collaborate on projects in oxy-combustion, waste heat recovery, and offshore infrastructure repurposing. Earlier roles as a research assistant involved optimizing energy systems, developing sustainable fuel technologies, and advancing renewable integration strategies. Beyond academia, he has actively contributed to industry-related projects, providing practical insights into process optimization and techno-economic analysis. His professional journey reflects a consistent focus on interdisciplinary problem-solving, global collaboration, and the application of cutting-edge modeling tools. These experiences have shaped him into a researcher who not only advances scientific understanding but also delivers impactful solutions to energy challenges.

Research Interest

Dr. Mojtaba Alirahmi’s research interests lie at the intersection of renewable energy, optimization, and sustainable systems. His work explores energy storage technologies such as compressed air, hydrogen, and thermal storage, alongside Power-to-X pathways, including power-to-gas, power-to-liquid, and power-to-chemicals systems. He is deeply engaged in advancing renewable sources like wind, solar, biomass, and fuel cells, integrating them into efficient energy frameworks. His studies in thermodynamics and multi-objective optimization focus on improving energy, exergy, and economic performance, while also addressing environmental sustainability. He has shown strong interest in refrigeration and desalination cycles, including heat pumps, absorption chillers, reverse osmosis, and multi-effect distillation, linking them with broader energy strategies. Additionally, he is keen on techno-economic analysis, uncertainty management, and machine learning applications for energy systems. His research is driven by the vision of accelerating the transition toward clean and efficient energy solutions, positioning him at the forefront of global efforts in sustainable technology development.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mojtaba Alirahmi has received multiple recognitions for his outstanding contributions to renewable energy research and process engineering. He has been acknowledged among the top global researchers in sustainable energy and mathematical optimization, underscoring his academic impact and leadership. His publications include several highly cited papers, with some ranked among the most influential works in the field of hydrogen and electrolyzers. His achievements also include conference best paper awards, travel grants for international scientific events, and recognition for the excellence of his master’s thesis. In addition to personal accolades, he has contributed as a reviewer for numerous international journals, further reflecting his influence on the scientific community. His consistent recognition demonstrates not only his academic productivity but also his innovation, collaboration, and impact on both research and practice. These honors highlight his role as a forward-thinking researcher whose contributions are shaping the advancement of clean energy systems worldwide.

Research Skills

Dr. Mojtaba Alirahmi possesses advanced research skills that span modeling, simulation, optimization, and experimental analysis. He is highly proficient in MATLAB, machine learning techniques, and multi-objective optimization algorithms such as NSGA-II, MOPSO, and MOGWO, which he applies to complex energy systems. His technical expertise extends to simulation platforms including Aspen HYSYS, TRNSYS, ANSYS, and COMSOL, allowing him to model and analyze a wide range of renewable and conventional processes. He has strong capabilities in thermo-economic assessment, dynamic process control, and uncertainty management, making his research both comprehensive and practical. Additionally, his proficiency with CAD software and scientific visualization tools supports his ability to design, simulate, and communicate results effectively. Beyond technical expertise, he demonstrates strong collaboration, leadership, and mentoring skills, contributing to both academic and industry projects. His ability to integrate theory with practice makes him a versatile researcher capable of advancing innovations in sustainable energy technologies.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Multi-objective design optimization of a multi-generation energy system based on geothermal and solar energy
Authors: SM Alirahmi, SR Dabbagh, P Ahmadi, S Wongwises
Year: 2020
Citations: 315

Title: Comprehensive assessment and multi-objective optimization of a green concept based on a combination of hydrogen and compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems
Authors: SM Alirahmi, AR Razmi, A Arabkoohsar
Year: 2021
Citations: 275

Title: A comprehensive techno-economic analysis and multi-criteria optimization of a compressed air energy storage (CAES) hybridized with solar and desalination units
Authors: SM Alirahmi, SB Mousavi, AR Razmi, P Ahmadi
Year: 2021
Citations: 272

Title: A green hydrogen energy storage concept based on parabolic trough collector and proton exchange membrane electrolyzer/fuel cell: thermodynamic and exergoeconomic analyses
Authors: AR Razmi, SM Alirahmi, MH Nabat, E Assareh, M Shahbakhti
Year: 2022
Citations: 199

Title: Multi-criteria design optimization and thermodynamic analysis of a novel multi-generation energy system for hydrogen, cooling, heating, power, and freshwater
Authors: SM Alirahmi, M Rostami, AH Farajollahi
Year: 2020
Citations: 165

Title: Green hydrogen & electricity production via geothermal-driven multi-generation system: Thermodynamic modeling and optimization
Authors: SM Alirahmi, E Assareh, NN Pourghassab, M Delpisheh, L Barelli, …
Year: 2022
Citations: 154

Title: Multi-objective optimization of a biomass gasification to generate electricity and desalinated water using Grey Wolf Optimizer and artificial neural network
Authors: F Musharavati, A Khoshnevisan, SM Alirahmi, P Ahmadi, …
Year: 2022
Citations: 152

Title: A Sustainable model for the integration of solar and geothermal energy boosted with thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for electricity, cooling and desalination purpose
Authors: E Assareh, SM Alirahmi, P Ahmadi
Year: 2021
Citations: 145

Title: Energy, exergy, and exergoeconomics (3E) analysis and multi-objective optimization of a multi-generation energy system for day and night time power generation-Case study …
Authors: SM Alirahmi, E Assareh
Year: 2020
Citations: 131

Title: Soft computing analysis of a compressed air energy storage and SOFC system via different artificial neural network architecture and tri-objective grey wolf optimization
Authors: SM Alirahmi, SF Mousavi, P Ahmadi, A Arabkoohsar
Year: 2021
Citations: 105

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Mojtaba Alirahmi is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his groundbreaking contributions in renewable energy systems, optimization methods, and Power-to-X technologies. His strong publication record, global collaborations, and leadership in advancing sustainable solutions demonstrate his impact on both academic and industrial domains. With his dedication to innovation, mentorship, and cross-disciplinary research, he is well-positioned to drive future advancements in clean energy and inspire the next generation of researchers.