Yao-Ching Hsieh | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yao-Ching Hsieh | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Professor | National Sun Yat-sen University | Taiwan

Prof. Yao-Ching Hsieh is a distinguished professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at National Sun Yat-sen University, with extensive expertise in battery charging technology, power electronic converters, power factor correction, and wireless power transfer, focusing on innovative solutions for energy efficiency and grid integration of renewable energy. He has led significant research projects, including the “Wireless Battery Charging System for Under Water Vehicles” funded by the National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan, and collaborated with industry on projects such as EMI analysis of MOSFETs in adapter circuitry. Prof. Hsieh has contributed to power electronics through the development of soft-switching techniques for interleaved converters, novel charge-equalization topologies for battery strings, and center-tapped pickup winding methods to enhance wireless power transfer efficiency. An active IEEE member, he has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, served in editorial capacities, and engaged in international research collaborations. His work bridges theoretical innovation and practical applications, advancing energy systems and sustainable technologies while mentoring emerging engineers. Prof. Hsieh continues to drive innovation in battery and power electronics research, contributing to energy-efficient solutions and renewable energy integration, with a documented record of 3,729 citations, 139 documents, and an h-index of 25.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Hsieh, Y.-C., et al. (2024). Light load analysis and topology morphing between full-/half-bridge DC-to-DC converter. International Journal of Electronics. citation-1

Hsieh, Y.-C., et al. (2023). High-efficiency bidirectional resonant WPT system for electric vehicles. International Journal of Power Electronics and Drive Systems. citations-3

Hsieh, Y.-C., et al. (Conference Paper). Light-load conversion efficiency enhancement for three-phase dual active bridge DC-DC converters. citation-1

Hsieh, Y.-C., et al. (Conference Paper). A DC power connector with voltage spike suppression. citation-1

Hsieh, Y.-C., et al. (2025). State of health estimation for LiFePO4 batteries using incremental capacity analysis. Conference Paper.

Derese Kebede Teklie | Renewable Energy | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Derese Kebede Teklie | Renewable Energy | Best Academic Researcher Award

Researcher | Istanbul Technical University | Ethiopia

Dr. Derese Kebede Teklie is an accomplished scholar in Development and Environmental Economics with a strong focus on the intersection of green economy, institutional quality, and sustainable development in Africa. Born on August 19, 1988, in Arsi, Ethiopia, he holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Istanbul Technical University, Turkey, under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mete Han Yağmur. He is also pursuing a second Ph.D. in Green Economy and Sustainability at Brescia University, Italy, expanding his expertise in environmental policy and sustainable growth. Dr. Teklie earned his M.Sc. in Development Economics from Debre Markos University, Ethiopia, and a B.A. in Economics from Mekelle University. His academic journey has been enhanced by international exposure through the Erasmus Exchange Program at Istanbul Kültür University, fostering global research collaboration and cross-cultural learning. Professionally, he serves as an Assistant Researcher at Istanbul Technical University, contributing to projects on Africa’s economic growth, environmental sustainability, and green innovation. Previously, he worked as a Lecturer at Rift Valley University, Ethiopia, and held key roles in NGO project coordination and government research institutes, demonstrating his versatility across academia, research, and community development. His research interests include environmental economics, green growth, renewable energy policy, institutional development, and econometric modeling. Dr. Teklie is skilled in advanced analytical tools such as STATA, SPSS, EViews, MATLAB, Python, and CGE modeling, reflecting his technical proficiency in empirical research. His publications in Sustainability and the International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy address pressing issues in Africa’s environmental and economic transformation. Recognized for his academic dedication and contributions to sustainable development, Dr. Teklie continues to advance impactful interdisciplinary research and international collaboration. Dr. Derese Kebede Teklie’s academic impact is reflected in his growing recognition with 19 citations, 3 documents, and an h-index of 2, highlighting his emerging influence in environmental and development economics research.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Teklie, D. K., & Yağmur, M. H. (2024). The Role of Green Innovation, Renewable Energy, and Institutional Quality in Promoting Green Growth: Evidence from African Countries. Sustainability, 16(14), 6166.

2. Teklie, D. K., & Yağmur, M. H. (2024). Effect of Economic Growth on CO₂ Emission in Africa: Do Financial Development and Globalization Matter? International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 14(1), 121–140.

3. Teklie, D. K., & Doğan, B. (2024). Analyzing the Dynamics: Asymmetric Effects of Economic Growth, Technological Innovation, and Renewable Energy on Carbon Emissions in Africa. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 14(5), 509–519.

4. Teklie, D. K. (2021). Rural Household Poverty and Its Determining Factors: A Poverty Analysis Using Alternative Measurement Approaches. International Journal of Advanced Research.

Vahed Ghiasi | Renewable Energy | Pioneer Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Vahed Ghiasi | Renewable Energy | Pioneer Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Malayer university | Iran

Dr. Vahed Ghiasi is an accomplished civil and geotechnical engineer with a Ph.D. in Geotechnical and Geological Engineering from University Putra Malaysia (2012), where his research focused on the effects of weak rock geomechanical properties on tunnel stability. He currently serves as Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Civil and Architecture Engineering, Malayer University, Iran, with extensive experience in supervising graduate students, managing large-scale research projects, and contributing to both national and international engineering initiatives. His professional expertise encompasses tunnel engineering, soil-structure interaction, foundation engineering, advanced soil mechanics, and landslide hazard assessment, supported by practical work in seismic and earth dam engineering. Dr. Ghiasi has led numerous research projects, including international collaborations on landslide hazard mapping using neural networks and fuzzy logic, while publishing over 130 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals such as SN Applied Sciences, Results in Engineering, Geomechanics and Engineering, and Natural Hazards. He is also an active contributor to the global scientific community, serving on editorial boards for journals like SN Applied Sciences and Applied Engineering and Technology, and reviewing for more than 20 international journals. His research interests include geotechnical design, tunnel stability analysis, landslide risk assessment, soil improvement, and advanced numerical modeling techniques, utilizing software such as PLAXIS, PHASE 2 FEM, and FDM. Dr. Ghiasi’s professional involvement extends to memberships in prominent societies including SEAGS, IGS, ITA-AITES, ASCE, and IEM, and he has been recognized with awards such as the Most Outstanding Iranian Student in Malaysia (2011) and Superior Researcher of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Malayer University (2019–2023). His work demonstrates a commitment to advancing geotechnical engineering knowledge, mentoring future engineers, and contributing to resilient infrastructure development. Dr. Ghiasi’s growing academic impact is reflected in 316 citations, 45 documents, and an h-index of 11, demonstrating his sustained influence in geotechnical engineering research.

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

Featured Publications

1. Safaei, M., Omar, H., Huat, B. K., Yousof, Z. B. M., & Ghiasi, V. (2011). Deterministic rainfall induced landslide approaches, advantage and limitation. Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 16, 1619–1650. Cited by 47

2. Mafian, S., Huat, B. B. K., & Ghiasi, V. (2009). Evaluation on root theories and root strength properties in slope stability. European Journal of Scientific Research, 30(4), 594–607. Cited by 43

3. Ghiasi, V., & Koushki, M. (2020). Numerical and artificial neural network analyses of ground surface settlement of tunnel in saturated soil. SN Applied Sciences, 2(5), 939. Cited by 42

4. Kazemian, S., Prasad, A., Huat, B. B. K., Ghiasi, V., & Ghareh, S. (2012). Effects of cement–sodium silicate system grout on tropical organic soils. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 37(8), 2137–2148. Cited by 38

5. Safaei, M., Omar, H., Yousof, Z. B. M., & Ghiasi, V. (2010). Applying geospatial technology to landslide susceptibility assessment. Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 15(G), 677–696. Cited by 31

 

Ahmet Elbir | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ahmet Elbir | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Süleyman Demirel University | Turkey

Dr. Ahmet Elbır, Ph.D. in Energy Systems from Süleyman Demirel University (2021), is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in thermodynamic systems, renewable energy, and sustainable energy optimization. His educational background includes multiple degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Energy Systems Engineering, culminating in advanced research on transcritical CO₂ heat pumps and ground-source heat pump thermodynamics. Professionally, he serves as a Lecturer at Süleyman Demirel University’s Renewable Energy Research Center (YEKARUM), contributing to national and international research projects, including biogas reactor design and hybrid energy storage systems. His research interests encompass energy and exergy analysis, thermodynamic cycle optimization (Kalina, ORC, Brayton, and Rankine cycles), AI-assisted energy modeling, phase-change materials for energy storage, and sustainable cooling and heating technologies. Dr. Elbır possesses strong research skills in experimental and theoretical thermodynamic analysis, Python and AI-based simulation, fuzzy logic modeling, energy system optimization, and environmental impact assessment of industrial processes. His extensive publication record includes articles in top-tier journals such as Applied Thermal Engineering, Journal of Building Engineering, Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, and multiple international conference proceedings, alongside chapters in scientific books on renewable energy and thermodynamic systems. He has also contributed to editorial work at YEKARUM and actively mentors students in energy research projects. Recognized for his scientific contributions, Dr. Elbır has received accolades for innovative approaches in energy efficiency and sustainable system design. His leadership in research, academic service, and community engagement underscores his commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions and mentoring the next generation of engineers. Dr. Elbır’s growing academic impact is reflected in 12 citations, 18 documents, and an h-index of 2, demonstrating his sustained influence in energy systems and renewable energy research.

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

Featured Publications

1. Akarslan, K. F., Elbır, A., & Şahin, M. E. (2023). Wool drying process in heat-pump-assisted dryer by fuzzy logic modelling. Thermal Science, 27(4 Part B), 3043–3050. Cited by 6

2. Öztürk, M., Elbır, A., & Özek, N. (2011). Akdeniz bölgesine gelen güneş radyasyonunun ekserji analizi. In Proc. 6th International Advanced Technologies Symposium (IATS’11). Cited by 6

3. Öztürk, M., Elbır, A., Özek, N., & Yakut, A. K. (2011). Güneş hidrojen üretim metotlarının incelenmesi. 6th International Advanced Technologies Symposium (IATS’11), 16–18. Cited by 5

4. Elbır, A. (2010). Toprak kaynaklı ısı pompasının termodinamik analizi. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü. Cited by 5

5. Elbır, A., Kodaloğlu, F. A., Üçgül, İ., & Şahin, M. E. (2022). Thermodynamic analysis of refrigerants used in ORC-VCC combined power systems for low temperature heat sources. Thermal Science, 26(4 Part A), 2855–2863. Cited by 4

Valeria Cafaro | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Valeria Cafaro | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

Post – Doc researcher | National Research Council of Italy – Institute of BioEconomy| Italy

Dr. Valeria Cafaro is a dedicated Post-Doctoral Researcher at the National Research Council of Italy – Institute of BioEconomy (CNR–IBE), Catania, Sicily, specializing in crop physiology, sustainable agronomic practices, and genetic improvement of Mediterranean crops under abiotic stress. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science (Doctor Europaeus, University of Catania), where her research focused on strategies to improve crop resilience and productivity under challenging climate conditions. Professionally, she contributes to the Agritech PNRR project on tomato adaptation to climate change and collaborates on research initiatives including Multicanapa and Ricinolio. Her research interests encompass plant adaptation to drought, salinity, and climate variability, seed biology, sowing optimization, and integrating molecular tools with field experimentation to improve yield, quality, and nutraceutical properties. Dr. Cafaro’s research skills include advanced plant phenotyping, statistical data analysis, experimental design, and development of sustainable crop management protocols. She has authored 11 peer-reviewed articles in Scopus/WoS-indexed journals, with one under review, and presented over 20 contributions at international conferences such as SIA, SOI, EUBCE, and ISHS, earning multiple awards for excellence in plant physiology and agronomy research. She serves as Guest Editor for Horticulturae (Special Issue: “Seed Biology in Horticulture: From Dormancy to Germination”) and peer reviewer for reputed journals including Agronomy, Plants, and International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Professionally, she is a member of the Società Italiana di Agronomia (SIA) and holds formal qualifications as Agronomist and Biologist. Dr. Cafaro’s growing academic impact is reflected in 59 citations, 15 documents, and an h-index of 5, demonstrating her significant and sustained influence in the field of crop physiology and climate-resilient agriculture.

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

Featured Publications

1. Badagliacca, G., Testa, G., La Malfa, S. G., Cafaro, V., Lo Presti, E., & Monti, M. (2024). Organic fertilizers and bio-waste for sustainable soil management to support crops and control greenhouse gas emissions in Mediterranean agroecosystems: A review. Horticulturae, 10(5), 427. Cited by: 28

2. Arlotta, C., Ciacciulli, A., Strano, M. C., Cafaro, V., Salonia, F., Caruso, P., & Others. (2020). Disease resistant citrus breeding using newly developed high resolution melting and CAPS protocols for Alternaria brown spot marker assisted selection. Agronomy, 10(9), 1368. Cited by: 24

3. Cafaro, V., Alexopoulou, E., Cosentino, S. L., & Patanè, C. (2023). Germination response of different castor bean genotypes to temperature for early and late sowing adaptation in the Mediterranean regions. Agriculture, 13(8), 1569. Cited by: 12

4. Lippolis, A., Gezan, S. A., Zuidgeest, J., Cafaro, V., van Dinter, B. J., Elzes, G., & Others. (2025). Targeted genotyping (90K-SPET) facilitates genome-wide association studies and the prediction of yield-related traits in faba bean (Vicia faba L.). BMC Plant Biology, 25(1), 558. Cited by: 3

5. Cafaro, V., Alexopoulou, E., Cosentino, S. L., & Patanè, C. (2023). Assessment of germination response to salinity stress in castor through the hydrotime model. Agronomy, 13(11), 2783. 
Cited by: 6

Renjith Krishnan | Bioenergy | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Renjith Krishnan | Bioenergy | Young Researcher Award   

R&D Engineer | Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation | United Arab Emirates

Dr. Renjith Krishnan is a distinguished mechanical engineer and educator with nearly a decade of experience in science and engineering, specializing in sustainable energy, waste management, biofuel production, lithium-ion batteries, and Industry 5.0 applications. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Mizoram, India (2022), with a thesis on the production, characterization, and testing of bamboo biodiesel in a variable compression ratio engine. He also holds an M.Tech in Computer Integrated Manufacturing from the University of Calicut (2015) and a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kerala (2013). Dr. Krishnan has served in multiple academic and industry roles, including Assistant Professor positions at Saveetha Engineering College, Madanapalle Institute of Technology & Science, and SHM Engineering College, as well as R&D Piping Engineer at Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation, UAE. His research interests encompass biofuels, biomass gasification, lithium extraction, machine learning for sustainability, and clean energy systems. He possesses strong research skills in experimental design, process optimization, computational modeling, and data analysis using tools such as Ansys, SolidWorks, Origin, and Python. Dr. Krishnan has an impressive publication record, including Q1 and Q2 journals such as Cleaner Engineering and Technology, Energy Science & Engineering, and Environmental Science and Pollution Research, along with 14 patents in areas ranging from water flow measurement to portable air purifiers. He actively contributes to professional communities as a member of the World Society of Sustainable Energy Technologies and AICTSD and has completed certifications in AI, Python, and Product Management. Dr. Krishnan is committed to mentoring students and fostering innovation in academia and industry. He is the recipient of multiple recognitions for his teaching and research. His growing academic impact is reflected in 80 citations, 9 documents, and an h-index of 4, demonstrating his significant and sustained influence in the field of sustainable energy and mechanical engineering.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Krishnan, R., & Gopan, G. (2024). A comprehensive review of lithium extraction: From historical perspectives to emerging technologies, storage, and environmental considerations. Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 20, 100749. Cited by: 64

2. Krishnan, R., Hauchhum, L., Gupta, R., & Pattanayak, S. (2018). Prediction of equations for higher heating values of biomass using proximate and ultimate analysis. In 2nd International Conference on Power, Energy and Environment: Towards Smart Technology. IEEE.  Cited by: 28

3. Gopan, G., Hauchhum, L., Pattanayak, S., Kalita, P., & Krishnan, R. (2022). Prediction of species concentration in syngas produced through gasification of different bamboo biomasses: A numerical approach. International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering, 13(4), 1383–1394. Cited by: 9

4. Krishnan, R., Hauchhum, L., Gupta, R., & Gopan, G. (2022). Production and characterisation of biodiesel extracted from Indian bamboos. International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 31(3), 316–331. Cited by: 6

5. Gopan, G., Hauchhum, L., Kalita, P., Krishnan, R., & Pattanayak, S. (2021). Parametric study of tapered fluidized bed reactor under varied taper angle using TFM. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2396(1), 020020. Cited by: 4

 

Muhammad Ali Shahbaz | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Ali Shahbaz | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | University of Engineering and Technology | Pakistan

Dr.-Ing. Muhammad Ali Shahbaz is an accomplished academic and researcher in Mechanical Engineering, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Automotive Engineering Centre, University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, Pakistan. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, where his research focused on developing advanced endoscopic optical diagnostics for combustion engines, including temperature imaging, fuel film analysis, and soot incandescence studies. His M.Sc. research involved visualization of flame fronts using OH*-chemiluminescence and LIF techniques, and he holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from UET Lahore with a thesis on biodiesel synthesis and engine performance. Professionally, he has over 14 years of teaching and research experience, having supervised multiple master’s and bachelor’s theses, reviewed and developed graduate curricula, and advised government agencies on EV policy and emissions testing standards. His research interests span optical diagnostics for internal combustion engines, alternative fuels, pyrolysis for bio-oil and biochar, waste-to-energy technologies, renewable energy systems, and integrated solid waste management. He possesses strong experimental and analytical skills in LIF, chemiluminescence, soot imaging, MATLAB, instrumentation, and pyrolysis systems. Dr. Shahbaz has contributed to major projects including EU Horizon 2020 research, biodiesel optimization funded by HEC Pakistan, and vibration analysis for electric vehicle development. His work is widely published in reputed journals such as Applied Optics, Experiments in Fluids, and Energy Science & Engineering and presented at global conferences including the Gordon Research Conference and European Combustion Meeting. He is the recipient of multiple awards including the Best Teacher Award and DAAD Scholarship. His growing academic impact is reflected in 2,940 citations, 139 documents, and an h-index of 31, demonstrating his significant and sustained influence in the field of combustion diagnostics and sustainable energy research.

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

Featured Publications

1. Munir, M. A., Habib, M. S., Hussain, A., Shahbaz, M. A., Qamar, A., Masood, T., Sultan, M., Mujtaba, M. A., Imran, S., Hasan, M., Akhtar, M. S., Ayub, H. M. U., & Salman, C. A. (2022). Blockchain adoption for sustainable supply chain management: Economic, environmental, and social perspectives. Frontiers in Energy Research, 10, 899632. (Cited by 150)

2. Razzaq, L., Mujtaba, M. A., Shahbaz, M. A., Nawaz, S., Khan, H. M., Hussain, A., & others. (2022). Effect of biodiesel–dimethyl carbonate blends on engine performance, combustion and emission characteristics. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 61(7), 5111–5121.  (Cited by 33)

3. Nawaz, A., Ahmed, Z., Shahbaz, A., Khan, Z., & Javed, M. (2014). Coagulation–flocculation for lignin removal from wastewater – A review. Water Science and Technology, 69(8), 1589–1597. (Cited by 27)

4. Shahbaz, M. A., Jüngst, N., Grzeszik, R., & Kaiser, S. A. (2021). Endoscopic fuel film, chemiluminescence, and soot incandescence imaging in a direct-injection spark-ignition engine. Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, 38(4), 5869–5877. (Cited by 12)

5. Nawaz, A., Shahbaz, M. A., & Javed, M. (2015). Management of organic content in municipal solid waste – A case study of Lahore. International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 15(1), 15–23. (Cited by 8)

 

Suresh Kumar Patra | Energy Education | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Patra | Energy Education | Best Researcher Award

Distinguished Professor | Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan | India

Dr. Suresh Kumar Patra is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, and Visiting Professor at the Satananda Institute of Astronomy, Puri. He earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics Theory from the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, where his thesis focused on the relativistic mean-field study of beta-stable and beta-unstable nuclei. His professional career spans over two decades at the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, where he progressed from Senior Lecturer to Professor before assuming his current role. Dr. Patra’s international experience includes postdoctoral fellowships and visiting research roles in Germany (Alexander von Humboldt Fellow), Japan (Monbusho Fellow), Spain, the United Kingdom (EPSRC Fellow), Taiwan, Portugal, and collaborations at GSI Darmstadt, University of Barcelona, and University of Surrey. His research interests include nuclear structure, neutron star physics, relativistic mean-field theory, superheavy nuclei, quarkyonic matter, and the role of dark matter in astrophysical phenomena. He has successfully led several major Indo-German, DST-SERB, BRNS, and international collaborative projects. Dr. Patra is an accomplished research mentor, having supervised more than 17 Ph.D. students and guided postdoctoral fellows, many of whom are now faculty members worldwide. Skilled in advanced computational physics, FORTRAN programming, and modeling of nuclear many-body systems, he also serves as an active reviewer for high-impact journals such as Physical Review C, Physical Review Letters, Nuclear Physics A, and JCAP. Beyond research, he contributes to science outreach as Vice-President of the Samanta Chandra Sekhar Amateur Astronomers’ Association and Patron Member of the Odisha Physical Society. His growing academic impact is reflected in 4,205 citations by 1,920 documents, 241 indexed publications, and an h-index of 35, demonstrating his significant and sustained influence on global nuclear physics research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID 

Featured Publications

1. Kumar, B., Patra, S. K., & Agrawal, B. K. (2018). New relativistic effective interaction for finite nuclei, infinite nuclear matter, and neutron stars. Physical Review C, 97(4), 045806. Cited by 187.

2. Patra, S. K., & Praharaj, C. R. (1991). Relativistic mean field study of light medium nuclei away from beta stability. Physical Review C, 44(6), 2552. Cited by 178.

3. Del Estal, M., Centelles, M., Viñas, X., & Patra, S. K. (2001). Pairing properties in relativistic mean field models obtained from effective field theory. Physical Review C, 63(4), 044321. Cited by 163.

4. Patra, S. K., Wu, C. L., Praharaj, C. R., & Gupta, R. K. (1999). A systematic study of superheavy nuclei for Z = 114 and beyond using the relativistic mean field approach. Nuclear Physics A, 651(2), 117–139. Cited by 142.

5. Del Estal, M., Centelles, M., Viñas, X., & Patra, S. K. (2001). Effects of new nonlinear couplings in relativistic effective field theory. Physical Review C, 63(2), 024314. Cited by 135.

Carolina Santamarta | Carbon Neutral Technologies | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Carolina Santamarta | Carbon Neutral Technologies | Women Researcher Award

PHD student at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid | Spain

Carolina Santamarta is an accomplished industrial engineer with a diverse career spanning engineering, management, and renewable energy research. She has successfully transitioned from leading businesses in tourism, health, and education to re-engaging in advanced research within the industrial and renewable energy sectors. Her work reflects a balance between academic rigor and practical application, as she integrates her background in industrial operations with a focus on sustainable energy solutions. As a researcher, she is deeply committed to the study of renewable fuels and innovative approaches to energy generation, seeking to contribute toward global clean energy transitions. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has demonstrated strong leadership through business ownership, project management, and STEM education initiatives for children, reflecting her broader vision of contributing both to scientific progress and social development. Her adaptability, entrepreneurial mindset, and research focus make her a dynamic figure in the renewable energy field.

Professional Profile 

ORCID Profile 

Education

Carolina’s academic journey demonstrates her dedication to engineering and sustainable development. She earned her degree in Industrial Engineering at Universidad Carlos III Madrid, where she gained expertise in materials science, mechanical systems, and industrial processes. Building upon this strong foundation, she later pursued a Master’s in Renewable Energies, which allowed her to expand her knowledge into sustainable technologies such as solar, wind, and biomass energy systems. Currently, she is engaged in doctoral research in renewable fuels, an area of growing global importance. Her Ph.D. work integrates applied engineering with environmental sustainability, with the goal of advancing innovative and practical energy solutions. Throughout her education, Carolina has complemented her formal studies with hands-on use of advanced tools like Pvsyst and CHEQ4, enabling accurate modeling and evaluation of renewable energy projects. Her academic progression highlights both intellectual rigor and a clear focus on addressing real-world sustainability challenges through advanced research.

Experience

Carolina brings a wealth of professional experience that spans industrial manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and educational innovation. Early in her career, she contributed to leading industrial companies, managing machinery maintenance, manufacturing processes, and continuous improvement teams in fiberglass factories. These roles equipped her with strong technical expertise and an understanding of quality control in large-scale operations. Later, she moved into business leadership, where she managed and co-owned organizations in healthcare and tourism, overseeing budgets, human resources, and organizational strategy. Her role at Tesla Cool Lab further demonstrated her ability to connect technology with education by developing scientific and technological programs for children, fostering early interest in STEM fields. This breadth of experience reflects her ability to integrate managerial and technical expertise, balancing industrial problem-solving with entrepreneurial innovation. Her career trajectory illustrates her adaptability and her commitment to applying engineering knowledge across different industries while aligning with her growing research ambitions.

Research Interest

Carolina’s research interests lie primarily in renewable energy, with a focus on renewable fuels and their role in enabling sustainable energy transitions. She is particularly interested in developing and optimizing energy systems that integrate solar, wind, and biomass resources, with an emphasis on clean fuel technologies that can serve as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. Her work is aimed at bridging the gap between industrial-scale applications and academic innovation, seeking solutions that are not only technically efficient but also economically and environmentally viable. In addition, she is passionate about exploring tools and modeling techniques that allow accurate forecasting and evaluation of renewable energy projects, ensuring reliability and scalability. Carolina’s research vision also includes contributing to the development of community-based and decentralized energy solutions, promoting accessibility and resilience in energy systems. By aligning her technical expertise with sustainability goals, she strives to support global efforts toward climate change mitigation.

Awards and Honors

Carolina has earned recognition for her leadership and innovative contributions across different fields, blending her engineering background with business success and social engagement. Her achievements include directing successful companies in healthcare and tourism, where she demonstrated strong entrepreneurial leadership and effective resource management. Her initiative in founding Tesla Cool Lab has been widely appreciated for advancing STEM education among young learners, nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers. In the industrial sector, she has been acknowledged for her ability to lead continuous improvement processes, enhance production efficiency, and uphold high standards of quality control. These accomplishments underscore her capability to excel in diverse professional environments while maintaining a commitment to innovation and social responsibility. Her transition into advanced renewable energy research further highlights her perseverance and dedication to professional growth, reflecting an inspiring career path that combines scientific advancement with meaningful societal impact.

Research Skills

Carolina possesses a robust set of research skills that integrate her industrial background with advanced knowledge in renewable energy technologies. She is proficient in using specialized tools such as Pvsyst and CHEQ4 for solar and wind resource evaluation, alongside online platforms for assessing hydrological and renewable potential. These technical abilities enable her to conduct comprehensive analyses and design energy systems with precision. In addition to her technical expertise, she brings strong project management skills, having managed complex budgets, human resources, and continuous improvement initiatives in industrial and business contexts. Her multilingual abilities allow her to effectively collaborate on international research projects, while her leadership experience equips her to guide teams toward achieving research objectives. Carolina’s skills also extend to bridging academic research with applied practice, ensuring her work has real-world impact. This combination of analytical rigor, technical expertise, and leadership makes her well-suited for interdisciplinary renewable energy research.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Decentralized Model for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production from Residual Biomass Gasification in Spain
Authors: Carolina Santamarta Ballesteros; David Bolonio; María-Pilar Martínez-Hernando; David León; Enrique García-Franco; María-Jesús García-Martínez
Year: 2025
Journal: Resources (Published by Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

Conclusion

Carolina Santamarta is a deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award due to her unique blend of industrial engineering expertise, renewable energy research, and leadership across multiple sectors. Her commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions, combined with her entrepreneurial drive and community-building efforts, reflects both academic promise and societal impact. With her ongoing Ph.D. research in renewable fuels and her proven capacity for leadership and innovation, she is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the renewable energy sector and inspire future generations of women in science and engineering.