Hongying Cai | Agri-Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hongying Cai | Agri-Energy | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Dr. Hongying Cai is a dedicated researcher in microbiology with a strong focus on probiotics and microbial applications in health and agriculture. Her work explores the mechanisms by which lactic acid bacteria influence obesity, lipid metabolism, and host health, leading to innovative approaches in microbial ecological preparations. She has successfully combined basic scientific research with practical applications, contributing to both academic knowledge and industrial development. With numerous publications in SCI-indexed journals and multiple authorized national patents, her contributions reflect originality, innovation, and societal impact. As an Associate Professor at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, she has demonstrated leadership in significant national-level projects and contributed to technology transfer that benefits the agricultural and health sectors. Dr. Cai’s career reflects a balance of research excellence, innovation, and collaborative engagement, positioning her as an emerging leader in microbiological and biotechnological research.

Professional Profiles

Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Cai pursued her higher education in microbiology at the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, where she completed her doctoral studies with a strong focus on probiotics and metabolic regulation. During her academic journey, she acquired rigorous training in molecular biology, microbial genetics, and applied biotechnology, equipping her with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Her academic foundation provided a pathway into advanced research, where she explored the interactions between microorganisms and host metabolic systems. Following her doctoral degree, she continued her academic development through a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Feed Research, where she gained further exposure to interdisciplinary approaches and advanced methodologies. This educational journey strengthened her ability to address complex biological problems while cultivating a broad perspective on microbiological applications in agriculture and health sciences. Her academic background has been instrumental in shaping her current role as a leading researcher in her field.

Experience

Dr. Cai has accumulated rich professional experience in microbiology and feed research through her work at the Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. She has undertaken extensive postdoctoral research and now serves as an Associate Professor, where she leads projects at the intersection of microbiology, biotechnology, and animal health. Her experience includes designing and executing high-impact national research projects under competitive funding programs and developing innovative microbial ecological preparations. She has successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams, coordinated with industrial partners, and facilitated technology transfer, demonstrating her ability to bridge scientific discovery with real-world application. Her leadership extends to supervising junior researchers and contributing to collaborative studies, enhancing the reach and relevance of her work. The blend of academic research and industry-linked projects has given her comprehensive expertise in both scientific innovation and practical outcomes, positioning her as an experienced researcher with strong professional impact.

Research Interest

Dr. Cai’s primary research interests center on the role of probiotics, particularly lactic acid bacteria, in regulating host metabolism and improving health outcomes. She is deeply engaged in uncovering the mechanisms through which these microorganisms influence lipid metabolism, obesity control, and glucose regulation. Her work further extends into the development of microbial ecological preparations that can be applied in both animal husbandry and human health, with a vision of improving sustainability and wellness. She has established advanced in vitro screening systems to identify promising microbial strains, offering new tools for probiotic research and development. Dr. Cai also explores the broader potential functions of beneficial microbes, seeking to integrate microbiology with biotechnology for innovative solutions. Her research contributes not only to scientific discovery but also to practical applications in agriculture, food sciences, and health care, highlighting the interdisciplinary significance of her work in addressing global challenges.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Cai has received recognition for her outstanding contributions to microbiological research, particularly in the areas of probiotics and microbial biotechnology. Her work has been supported through competitive funding programs, including prestigious national research grants, which reflect the value and impact of her scientific ideas. She has successfully completed multiple government-supported projects and contributed to advancing national research priorities. In addition to these achievements, she has secured several authorized national invention patents, which demonstrate the innovative nature of her research and its potential for practical application. Her publications in respected international journals, where she has often served as first or corresponding author, further highlight her scholarly excellence. These accomplishments collectively illustrate her ability to deliver impactful research outcomes, gain professional recognition, and contribute to both academic advancement and applied innovation. Her record of honors and achievements reflects her commitment to advancing knowledge and benefiting society.

Research Skills

Dr. Cai has developed strong research skills that combine advanced laboratory expertise, analytical ability, and leadership in scientific inquiry. She is proficient in microbiological techniques, molecular biology methods, and microbial genetic analysis, which allow her to explore the complex mechanisms of probiotic functions. Her skills extend to establishing innovative screening systems for lactic acid bacteria, enabling effective evaluation of microbial strains with potential health benefits. She is experienced in project management, having led several major research initiatives that required coordination, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, Dr. Cai demonstrates skill in translating laboratory discoveries into practical applications, supported by her record of patents and technology transfers. She is also adept at scientific communication, as reflected in her publications in internationally recognized journals. Her ability to integrate experimental precision, strategic project leadership, and innovation underscores her strong profile as a skilled and versatile researcher in microbiology and biotechnology.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Heat-Inactivated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FRT4 Alleviates Diet-Induced Obesity via Gut–Liver Axis Reprogramming
Authors: Yuyin Huang; Qingya Wang; Xiling Han; Kun Meng; Guohua Liu; Haiou Zhang; Rui Zhang; Hongying Cai; Peilong Yang
Year: 2025
Journal: Foods (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute – MDPI)

Conclusion

Dr. Hongying Cai is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a strong foundation in microbiology, she has advanced the understanding of lactic acid bacteria and their role in regulating metabolism, contributing both to science and its practical applications in health and agriculture. Her significant research projects, impactful publications, patents, and dedication to technology transfer highlight her commitment to both innovation and societal benefit. With her strong research background and potential for future leadership in international collaborations, Dr. Cai stands out as a promising researcher who will continue to make substantial contributions to science and society.

Leyla Akbulut | Sustainable Energy Policies | Best Innovation Award

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Ms. Leyla Akbulut | Sustainable Energy Policies | Best Innovation Award

Lecturer at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Turkey

Leyla Akbulut is a dedicated academic and researcher in the field of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, with a strong professional focus on renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, and distribution network optimization. She has combined academic teaching, applied research, and project leadership to contribute significantly to sustainable energy transitions. Her career demonstrates a unique blend of theoretical expertise and practical implementation, particularly in solar energy integration, energy performance contracting, and smart grid applications. Beyond her technical contributions, she has actively participated in cross-disciplinary projects that connect academia, industry, and government institutions, making her work relevant to both scientific advancement and societal needs. Known for her innovation-driven research, she has also earned recognition from prestigious organizations at both national and European levels. Her leadership in energy management initiatives, coupled with an active role in advancing education, positions her as an influential voice in the global move toward sustainable energy solutions.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Her academic journey began with a solid foundation in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, which she pursued through undergraduate and graduate studies. She completed her bachelor’s studies with a focus on power systems and energy distribution, later strengthening her expertise with a master’s degree centered on electrical distribution optimization. Her doctoral research advanced these foundations by focusing on cutting-edge approaches for optimizing power distribution networks through innovative algorithms and efficiency-oriented frameworks. This academic progression reflects her continuous pursuit of excellence, bridging core engineering concepts with applied problem-solving in renewable energy systems. Her academic path has equipped her with in-depth technical knowledge, advanced mathematical modeling skills, and strong problem-solving abilities, essential for addressing modern challenges in sustainable energy. Her education has not only shaped her expertise but has also provided her with the necessary analytical and leadership skills to engage in interdisciplinary projects that integrate engineering, sustainability, and innovation.

Experience

Leyla Akbulut’s professional experience spans academia, industry, and research, showcasing a dynamic career that connects technical expertise with practical application. In academia, she serves as a lecturer, teaching courses in high voltage engineering, power system analysis, renewable energy, and distribution systems. Beyond teaching, she has taken on administrative and leadership roles, such as energy management coordination, ensuring institutional compliance with sustainability and efficiency goals. Her industrial experience includes roles in electrical distribution companies, where she contributed to R&D projects, grid modernization, and urban development projects as a site manager and systems engineer. She has also been actively involved in national-scale projects for the installation of solar energy plants, energy performance contracting, and grid optimization, serving both as project leader and collaborator. This diverse career trajectory has enabled her to combine academic rigor with hands-on technical expertise, making her contributions impactful across education, industry, and applied innovation in energy systems.

Research Interest

Her research interests lie at the intersection of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced optimization of power systems. She focuses on the design, modeling, and analysis of sustainable energy systems, with special attention to photovoltaic projects, smart grids, and energy performance contracting. She is particularly interested in exploring how solar and biomass systems can be integrated into circular energy solutions for campuses and communities, advancing eco-friendly and cost-effective models. Additionally, her work investigates the application of metaheuristic algorithms for demand-side management, energy cost optimization, and efficiency improvements in electrical distribution networks. She is also keen on exploring interdisciplinary dimensions of energy research, such as economic feasibility, regulatory frameworks, and digitalization of power systems. Her research philosophy emphasizes innovation that combines environmental sustainability with practical applicability, aiming to create solutions that not only address technical challenges but also contribute to global energy transition and climate change mitigation efforts.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Leyla Akbulut has received multiple prestigious recognitions that highlight both her academic excellence and her innovative contributions to energy research. She has been honored by national institutions for her efficiency-enhancing projects, reflecting her role in advancing applied research that directly impacts society. Internationally, her work has gained visibility through recognition by the European Commission, showcasing her ability to bring forward innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to renewable energy solutions. These awards emphasize her leadership in pioneering projects that improve sustainability and energy efficiency at institutional and community levels. In addition to formal awards, she has also been invited to present her work at scientific meetings and conferences, further confirming her position as a respected contributor in her field. Such distinctions not only validate her research but also demonstrate her influence in bridging academic innovation with real-world energy challenges and sustainable development goals.

Research Skills

Her research skills span a wide spectrum of analytical, technical, and interdisciplinary capabilities. She is proficient in advanced algorithmic modeling, including the use of genetic algorithms and mixed-integer linear programming for optimization of distribution systems. She has extensive experience in renewable energy integration, particularly in solar power plant installations and energy performance contracting frameworks. Her skills also extend to economic analysis of renewable energy projects, where she employs regression models and efficiency evaluations to assess feasibility and scalability. Beyond technical expertise, she has demonstrated strong leadership in managing collaborative research projects, coordinating teams of academics and practitioners from different sectors. She is equally skilled in preparing scientific publications for high-impact international journals, with experience in collaborative writing and interdisciplinary research dissemination. Her combined expertise in theory, application, and project management makes her a versatile researcher capable of producing innovative, sustainable, and impactful solutions in the energy domain.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Economic Efficiency of Renewable Energy Investments in Photovoltaic Projects: A Regression Analysis
Authors: A. Akbulut, M. Niemiec, K. Taşdelen, L. Akbulut, M. Komorowska, A. Atılgan, …
Journal: Energies
Year: 2025
Citation: 1

Title: Review of Metaheuristic Algorithms for Energy Efficiency, Demand Side Management and Cost Estimation
Authors: L. Akbulut, K. Taşdelen, A. Çoşgun
Journal: Rocznik Ochrona Środowiska
Year: 2025
Citation: 1

Title: Analysis of Electrical Distribution Network Voltage Configuration with Mixed Integer Linear Programming Algorithm and Genetic Algorithm in Terms of Energy Cost
Authors: L. Akbulut, S.S. Tezcan, A. Coşgun
Journal: Electrica
Year: 2020
Citation: 1

Title: Dağıtım Şebekesi Gerilim Konfigürasyonunun Karışık Tamsayı Lineer Programlama Algoritması ile Enerji Maliyeti Yönünden Araştırılması
Authors: L. Akbulut, S.S. Tezcan, A. Coşgun
Journal: Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi
Year: 2019
Citation: 1

Title: Solar-Powered Biomass Revalorization for Pet Food and Compost: A Campus-Scale Eco-Circular System Based on Energy Performance Contracting
Authors: L. Akbulut, A. Coşgun, M.H. Aldulaimi, S.O.W. Khafaji, A. Atılgan, M. Kılıç
Year: 2025

Conclusion

In summary, Leyla Akbulut is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Innovation Award. Her pioneering research in renewable energy optimization, sustainable electricity distribution, and innovative campus-scale eco-energy systems demonstrates both technical excellence and societal impact. Her leadership in national projects, coupled with international publications and recognition by European and national institutions, underscores her innovation-driven contributions. With her strong academic background, professional expertise, and demonstrated capacity for impactful applied research, she stands out as a researcher who can continue driving cutting-edge solutions for sustainable energy futures, making her a worthy recipient of this award.