Ao Wang | Biomass | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ao Wang | Biomass | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forestry | China

Dr. Ao Wang is an Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF) and currently serves as a visiting scholar at Nanyang Technological University, fostering international research collaborations. His professional expertise centers on the preparation and application of advanced functional carbon materials derived from biomass, with a particular focus on electrochemical energy storage. He has led major research projects, including national key programs and fundamental research initiatives at CAF. Dr. Wang’s contributions include elucidating the evolution mechanism of carbon microcrystals during lignin and cellulose pyrolysis, demonstrating that the isotropy of carbon crystal seeds drives the ordered growth of graphite-like microcrystals, and revealing the critical influence of catalyst-induced pore sizes on the formation of closed pore structures in energy storage carbon materials. He has published over 30 articles in high-impact journals such as Progress in Materials Science, Advanced Functional Materials, and Carbon Energy, and has been granted 8 invention patents. His research skills encompass biomass carbon material synthesis, catalytic carbonization, pore structure engineering, and electrochemical characterization for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, as well as supercapacitors. Dr. Wang continues to advance the field of biomass-derived carbon materials for energy storage, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable energy solutions and functional material innovation, with a documented record of 1,899 citations, 99 documents, and an h-index of 24.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Fan, M., Yuan, Q., Zhao, Y., Wang, Z., Wang, A., Liu, Y., Sun, K., Wu, J., Wang, L., … (2022). A facile “double‐catalysts” approach to directionally fabricate pyridinic N–B‐pair‐doped crystal graphene nanoribbons/amorphous carbon hybrid electrocatalysts for efficient … Advanced Materials, 34(13), 2107040. Cited by 163.

Fan, M., Wang, Z., Sun, K., Wang, A., Zhao, Y., Yuan, Q., Wang, R., Raj, J., Wu, J., … (2023). N–B–OH site-activated graphene quantum dots for boosting electrochemical hydrogen peroxide production. Advanced Materials, 35(17), 2209086. Cited by 150.

Wang, A., Sun, K., Xu, R., Sun, Y., Jiang, J. (2021). Cleanly synthesizing rotten potato-based activated carbon for supercapacitor by self-catalytic activation. Journal of Cleaner Production, 283, 125385. Cited by 118.

Chen, C., Sun, K., Huang, C., Yang, M., Fan, M., Wang, A., Zhang, G., Li, B., Jiang, J., … (2023). Investigation on the mechanism of structural reconstruction of biochars derived from lignin and cellulose during graphitization under high temperature. Biochar, 5(1), 51. Cited by 66.

Cao, M., Liu, Y., Sun, K., Li, H., Lin, X., Zhang, P., Zhou, L., Wang, A., Mehdi, S., … (2022). Coupling Fe3C nanoparticles and N‐doping on wood-derived carbon to construct reversible cathode for Zn–Air batteries. Small, 18(26), 2202014. Cited by 58.

 

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.

Christian Idogho | Solar Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Christian Idogho | Solar Energy | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | University of Vermont | United States

Mr. Christian Idogho is a Ph.D. Candidate in Materials Science at the University of Vermont, where he focuses on semiconductor thin-film growth, materials characterization, and renewable energy systems. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi (2020) and a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from Auchi Polytechnic. His professional and research experience spans multiple institutions and international collaborations, including advanced thin-film deposition projects using CVD, sputtering, and pulsed-laser deposition, as well as in-situ X-ray scattering studies at Brookhaven National Laboratory. He has also contributed to renewable energy forecasting research using machine learning at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and held teaching assistantships at both the University of Vermont and Auchi Polytechnic, mentoring students in physics and core engineering subjects. His research interests include semiconductor thin-film growth, thermoelectric materials, machine learning for clean energy forecasting, renewable energy systems, and advanced materials characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, AFM, and ellipsometry. Mr. Idogho’s research skills cover a wide spectrum, including COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, Python, CAD tools (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor), and simulation of photovoltaic and thermoelectric systems. His awards and honors include the Best Researcher Award in Machine Learning (2025), Best Undergraduate Thesis Award (2020), and the Olive Real Estate Science and Engineering Scholarship. He is also an active reviewer for journals such as Energy Research and Clean Energy and maintains memberships in Sigma Xi, the Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST), Material Advantage, NSBE, and Black in AI. Mr. Idogho’s contributions through publications in Energy Science & Engineering, Energies, and Unconventional Resources underscore his growing reputation in clean energy and advanced materials. With his vision, technical expertise, and commitment to international collaboration, he is positioned to become a global leader in sustainable energy materials and semiconductor research. Mr. Idogho’s growing academic impact is reflected in 21 citations, 4 documents, and an h-index of 1, demonstrating his emerging influence in materials science and renewable energy research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Maduabuchi, C., Nsude, C., Eneh, C., Eke, E., Okoli, K., Okpara, E., & Idogho, C. (2023). Renewable energy potential estimation using climatic-weather-forecasting machine learning algorithms. Energies, 16(4), 1603. Cited by: 25

2. Onuh, P., Ejiga, J. O., Abah, E. O., Onuh, J. O., Idogho, C., & Omale, J. (2024). Challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s renewable energy policy and legislation. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 23(2), 2354–2372.  Cited by: 15

3. Idoko, P. I., Ezeamii, G. C., Idogho, C., Peter, E., Obot, U. S., & Iguoba, V. A. (2024). Mathematical modeling and simulations using software like MATLAB, COMSOL and Python. Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 12(2), 62–95. Cited by: 6

4. Maduabuchi, C., Nsude, C., Eneh, C., Eke, E., Okoli, K., Okpara, E., & Idogho, C. (2023). Renewable energy potential estimation using climatic-weather-forecasting machine learning algorithms. Energies, 16(4), 1603.  Cited by: 3

5. Idogho, C., Abah, E. O., Onuh, J. O., Harsito, C., Omenka, K., Samuel, A., Ejila, A., & Idoko, I. P. (2025). Machine learning-based solar photovoltaic power forecasting for Nigerian regions. Energy Science & Engineering, 13(4), 1922–1934. Cited by: 1

Tesfa Nega Gesese | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Tesfa Nega Gesese | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer and Bioenergy research group coordinator | Bahir Dar University | Ethiopia

Mr. Tesfa Nega Gesese is a Lecturer and Bioenergy Research Group Coordinator at Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, with over seven years of teaching and research experience. He holds an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering and has built a strong academic foundation in renewable energy, waste valorisation, and greenhouse gas mitigation. His professional experience includes serving as a lecturer, course chair, and project leader, where he has coordinated large-scale research initiatives such as the mega project on integrated production of bioethanol, bio-hydrogen, and biogas from sesame stalk feedstock, as well as thematic research on computational modelling of anaerobic digestion and photosynthetic algae integration. His research interests span biomass valorisation, biofuels, pyrolysis, gasification, bio-composite materials, and sustainable energy systems. He has demonstrated advanced research skills in biomass pyrolysis kinetics, waste-to-energy conversion, and the development of renewable energy pathways tailored to local resources. Mr. Tesfa has authored and co-authored more than 15 peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, focusing on biomass conversion technologies, bio-based materials, and environmental sustainability. His leadership role as a bioenergy research coordinator has enabled him to foster collaborative research, mentor young scholars, and deliver impactful solutions addressing Ethiopia’s energy challenges. He has also contributed to the scientific community as a reviewer for international journals and as a member of the Society of Ethiopian Chemical Engineers. His dedication to research excellence has earned recognition through funded research projects and academic achievements that align with global sustainability goals. Overall, Mr. Tesfa is committed to advancing bioenergy innovation, expanding international collaborations, and influencing policy toward clean energy transitions. Mr. Tesfa Nega Gesese’s growing academic impact is reflected in 26 citations, 10 documents, and an h-index of 3, demonstrating his emerging influence in the field of bioenergy and sustainable engineering.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Mersha, D. A., Gesese, T. N., Sendekie, Z. B., Admase, A. T., & Bezie, A. J. (2024). Operating conditions, products and sustainable recycling routes of aminolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)–A review. Polymer Bulletin, 81(13), 11563–11579. Cited by: 20

2. Bantie, Z., Tezera, A., Abera, D., & Nega, T. (2024). Nanoclays as fillers for performance enhancement in building and construction industries: State of the art and future trends. In Developments in Clay Science and Construction Techniques. Cited by: 11

3. Gesese, T. N., Fanta, S. W., Mersha, D. A., & Satheesh, N. (2022). Physical properties and antibacterial activity of cotton fabric treated with methanolic extracts of Solanum incanum fruits and red onion peels. The Journal of The Textile Institute, 113(2), 292–302. Cited by: 6

4. Gesese, T. N., Getahun, E., & Getahun, A. A. (2024). Investigation of thermal degradation properties and chemical kinetic characteristics of biomass pyrolysis via TG/DTG and FTIR techniques: Sesame stalks as a potential source. International Journal of Energy Research, 2024(1), 8891126. Cited by: 4

5. Gesese, T. N., Getahun, E., & Getahun, A. A. (2025). Pyrolysis kinetics, thermodynamics, and reaction performance of wheat straw and water hyacinth using TGA‐DTG analysis: Bioenergy potential in Ethiopia. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, 19(3), 705–729.  Cited by: 2

 

Valeria Cafaro | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

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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

Kai-Li Wang | Solar Energy | Best Researcher Award

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 Assist. Prof. Dr. Kai-Li Wang | Solar Energy | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar | Soochow University | China

Dr. Kai-Li Wang, a distinguished researcher from Soochow University, Suzhou, China, is a leading expert in Materials Science & Engineering, focusing on organic and perovskite semiconductor devices and their physics. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from Soochow University under the supervision of Prof. Liang-Sheng Liao and Prof. Zhao-Kui Wang, following an M.Sc. in the same field from Henan Normal University and a B.Sc. in Physics from Xingyi Normal University for Nationalities. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Dr. Wang has developed exceptional expertise in perovskite material synthesis, vacuum evaporation deposition technology, single-junction/module/tandem device fabrication, and indoor/outdoor photovoltaic applications, contributing to innovative solutions for high-efficiency solar energy conversion. His professional experience includes leading national and international collaborative research projects, mentoring junior researchers, and co-inventing two patents on perovskite solar devices. Dr. Wang’s prolific research output encompasses over 80 peer-reviewed articles, including publications in top-tier journals such as Science, J. Am. Chem. Soc., Adv. Mater., Adv. Energy Mater., Adv. Funct. Mater., Nano Lett., Sci. Bull., and Chem. Sci., with 18 as first or co-first author. He has made notable contributions to understanding defect passivation, ion–dipole interactions, and large-scale perovskite film fabrication, demonstrating both scientific innovation and practical impact. Dr. Wang has received recognition for his research achievements and continues to engage in leadership roles, international collaborations, and mentoring initiatives, fostering the next generation of materials scientists. His growing academic impact is reflected in 4,642 citations by 3,858 documents, 92 documents, and an h-index of 31, demonstrating his significant and sustained influence in the field of perovskite photovoltaics.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Wang, R., Xue, J., Wang, K. L., Wang, Z. K., Luo, Y., Fenning, D., Xu, G., Nuryyeva, S., … (2019). Constructive molecular configurations for surface-defect passivation of perovskite photovoltaics. Science, 366(6472), 1509–1513. Citations: 1,164

2. Igbari, F., Wang, R., Wang, Z. K., Ma, X. J., Wang, Q., Wang, K. L., Zhang, Y., Liao, L. S., … (2019). Composition stoichiometry of Cs2AgBiBr6 films for highly efficient lead-free perovskite solar cells. Nano Letters, 19(3), 2066–2073. Citations: 343

3. Xue, J., Wang, R., Chen, X., Yao, C., Jin, X., Wang, K. L., Huang, W., Huang, T., … (2021). Reconfiguring the band-edge states of photovoltaic perovskites by conjugated organic cations. Science, 371(6529), 636–640. Citations: 284

4. Xue, J., Wang, R., Wang, K. L., Wang, Z. K., Yavuz, I., Wang, Y., Yang, Y., Gao, X., … (2019). Crystalline liquid-like behavior: Surface-induced secondary grain growth of photovoltaic perovskite thin film. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 141(35), 13948–13953. Citations: 225

5. Phung, N., Félix, R., Meggiolaro, D., Al-Ashouri, A., Sousa e Silva, G., … (2020). The doping mechanism of halide perovskite unveiled by alkaline earth metals. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 142(5), 2364–2374. Citations: 198

 

Miftah Fekadu Kedir | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Miftah Fekadu Kedir | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Ethiopian Forestry Development | Ethiopia

Dr. Miftah Fekadu Kedir, a distinguished researcher at Ethiopian Forestry Development, holds a Ph.D. in Bioenergy Development and Climate Change, an M.Sc. in Tropical Forestry, and a B.Sc. in General Forestry. With extensive experience in socio-economic and policy impact assessment, climate innovation, sustainable renewable energies, and carbon management, he has significantly contributed to Ethiopia’s green energy and climate adaptation initiatives. Dr. Kedir has led and coordinated national and international projects, including the National Industrial Forest Plantation Project, the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Division, and collaborative work with the African Forest Forum, DAAD, SNV, and the Barr Foundation (USA). His research focuses on bioenergy, improved biomass cookstoves, biogas, liquid biofuels, carbon storage, and greenhouse gas emission measurement, integrating policy, technological innovation, and socio-economic assessment. He has published 22 peer-reviewed articles in reputed journals such as Frontiers in Environmental Science, JAEID, Bionatura, and Sustainable Forestry, authored one book (ISBN: 978-3-659-56185-6), and contributed to multiple consultancy and industry projects on biogas, biofuels, and cookstoves. His work has demonstrated measurable impacts on indoor air quality, carbon emissions, deforestation, and sustainable energy adoption, while identifying key challenges in liquid biofuel production and policy implementation. As a mentor and educator, he has guided students in ATVET colleges and promoted capacity-building in forestry and renewable energy sectors. Dr. Kedir is a member of professional organizations including the African Forest Forum, Association of Ethiopian Soil Society, and AEGE, reflecting his commitment to advancing research and knowledge exchange. His growing academic impact is reflected in 22 citations by 22 documents, 2 indexed publications, and an h-index of 2, demonstrating his significant and sustained influence on bioenergy and climate change research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Miftah, F. K., & Mutta, D. (2024). Potential markets and policies for sustainable liquid biofuel production with emphasis to Eastern Africa countries: A review. Energy, Sustainability and Society, 14(1), 1. (Citations: 15)

2. Kedir, M. F., Onchieku, M. J., Ntalikwa, J. S., & Mutta, D. (2022). Developing circular economy in Eastern Africa through liquid biofuels: Cases of Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. African Forest Forum, 5. (Citations: 5)

3. Kedir, M. F. (2021). Pyrolysis bio-oil and bio-char production from firewood tree species for energy and carbon storage in rural wooden houses of southern Ethiopia. In African handbook of climate change adaptation (pp. 1313–1329). (Citations: 5)

4. Fekadu, M., Mekonnen, Z., & Tesfaye, M. (2021). Comparison of kitchen performance test on firewood consumption and emission of improved mirt and traditional three stone open cook stoves in Amaya, and Bure districts of Ethiopia. Climate Change, 7(23), 1–10. (Citations: 3)

5. Kedir, M. F. (2023). Prospects for rural transformation and socioenvironmental dilemma in the production and uses of liquid biofuels in Eastern Africa countries. In Rural Areas–Development and Transformations. (Citations: 2)

 

Carolina Santamarta | Carbon Neutral Technologies | Women Researcher Award

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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.