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.

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

Mehdi Safaei | Sustainable Energy | Renewable Energy Education Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehdi Safaei | Sustainable Energy | Renewable Energy Education Award

Assistant Professor | Istanbul Gelişim University | Turkey

Dr. Mehdi Safaei is an accomplished scholar with over 12 years of teaching and research experience in Industrial Engineering, specializing in supply chain management, logistics optimization, and sustainable supply networks. He earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering (Logistics and Supply Network) from the University of Bremen, Germany in 2014, graduating with magna cum laude distinction and a perfect GPA, supported by the prestigious IGS scholarship. He also holds an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, Iran, where he ranked first in the highly competitive national entrance examination. Professionally, Dr. Safaei has served as Assistant Professor at Istanbul Gelisim University since 2019, leading TÜBİTAK-funded projects, publishing extensively, and supervising more than 400 undergraduate and 30 graduate theses. His previous roles include Assistant Professor at Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Lecturer at the University of Tehran and Al-Zahra University, and Research Assistant at BIBA-LogDynamic, Germany, where he received three Best Paper Awards. His research interests include dynamic supply network design, green supply chain management, machine learning in logistics, crisis management, and Industry 4.0 integration. He is skilled in supply chain modeling, project management, risk analysis, and quantitative research, with advanced expertise in simulation, ERP systems, and statistical analysis. A dedicated mentor and collaborator, he has translated key logistics texts, authored two books, and published 40+ journal and conference papers in reputed outlets such as IEEE, Elsevier, and Scopus-indexed journals. His professional affiliations include INFORMS, CSCMP, EurOMA, IISE, and IAENG, reflecting his active engagement with the global research community. Dr. Safaei’s outstanding achievements have earned him honors such as “Magna Cum Laude” recognition, national top rankings, and multiple international awards. Dr. Safaei’s growing academic impact is reflected in 132 citations, 17 documents, and an h-index of 7, demonstrating his significant and sustained influence in the field of industrial engineering and sustainable supply chain management.

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

Featured Publications

1. Alsharif, A. H., Salleh, N. Z. M., Baharun, R. B., & Safaei, M. (2020). Neuromarketing approach: An overview and future research directions. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology, 98(7), 915–925. Cited by 65

2. Safari, Y., Abdollahi, S. A., Mahmoudi, M., Safaei, M., Taghinia, F., & Pasha, P. (2023). Numerical study of heat transfer of wavy channel supercritical CO2 PCHE with various channel geometries. International Journal of Thermofluids, 18, 100330. Cited by 32

3. Mosier, W., Elhadary, T., Elhaty, I. A. M., & Safaei, M. (2020). Crisis management and the impact of pandemics on religious tourism. Dublin Institute of Technology Conference Proceedings. Cited by 30

4. Safaei, M. (2014). An integrated multi-objective model for allocating the limited sources in a multiple multi-stage lean supply chain. Economic Modelling, 37, 224–237. Cited by 26

5. Safaei, M., & Thoben, K. D. (2014). Measuring and evaluating of the network type impact on time uncertainty in the supply networks with three nodes. Measurement, 56, 121–127. Cited by 20

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

Miftah Fekadu Kedir | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

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 | ScopusORCID

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)

 

Jihan Ahmad As-sya’bani | Energy Justice | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jihan Ahmad As-sya’bani | Energy Justice | Best Researcher Award

Master Student at Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Germany

Jihan Ahmad As-sya’bani is a dedicated researcher in the field of renewable energy, with expertise spanning wind energy, biogas, and sustainable energy transitions. With a background in physics and advanced training in renewable energy technologies, he has combined scientific rigor with applied solutions to address global energy challenges. His academic journey and professional engagements reflect a balance of technical depth, policy-level insight, and community impact. He has actively contributed to international projects, renewable energy modeling, and the development of national standards for biogas systems. Beyond research, he has demonstrated strong leadership through team coordination, stakeholder engagement, and mentoring roles in both academic and community-based initiatives. His work emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and global responsibility in energy development, making him a well-rounded candidate with significant contributions to science, society, and environmental stewardship. His professional trajectory highlights both strong research capability and impactful community engagement.

Professional Profile 

ORCID Profile 

Education

Jihan’s educational foundation began with a degree in physics, where he explored advanced topics such as plasma physics and quantum mechanics, supported by thesis research on computational models in toroidal systems. Building on this scientific base, he pursued a master’s program in sustainable renewable energy technologies, specializing in wind energy and energy systems optimization. His academic training was strengthened by a prestigious international fellowship, reflecting both his academic excellence and his potential to contribute to global sustainable development. His studies combined rigorous coursework, laboratory practice, and applied field training in renewable energy systems, enabling him to bridge theoretical principles with practical applications. Participation in specialized schools and workshops in plasma physics, fusion technology, and renewable energy further broadened his knowledge and international exposure. Through this academic path, he developed the technical expertise, interdisciplinary perspective, and global outlook required to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.

Experience

Jihan’s professional experience demonstrates a strong integration of research, applied science, and community development. As a research assistant at a leading wind energy research institute, he worked on high-performance simulations of wind farm wake effects, supporting advanced optimization models for renewable energy systems. In parallel, his work with a biogas technology company focused on carbon accounting, plant operation planning, and sustainable waste-to-energy solutions. He has also served as team leader for a multi-stakeholder river conservation project, where he coordinated governmental, private, and community actors to achieve long-term environmental protection goals. Earlier roles include contributing to national-scale biogas programs that improved rural energy access, teaching physics under international curricula, and assisting in laboratory and aerospace research projects. This diverse experience highlights his ability to operate across academic, industrial, and social sectors, making meaningful contributions at both technical and community levels. His career reflects adaptability, leadership, and multidisciplinary expertise.

Research Interest

Jihan’s research interests lie at the intersection of renewable energy technologies, sustainability, and global energy transitions. His work primarily focuses on wind energy simulation and optimization, biogas quality improvement, and carbon accounting methods for sustainable energy systems. He is deeply interested in advancing modeling tools that integrate data-driven methods with high-performance computing to optimize renewable energy deployment. Alongside technical work, he also pursues studies on policy and fairness in global energy transitions, particularly in comparing responsibilities between developed and developing regions. His interest extends to fusion energy and plasma physics, where he has participated in specialized training and workshops to explore emerging frontiers in energy research. By combining technical simulation, applied renewable projects, and policy-level analysis, his research seeks to contribute both to scientific advancement and to practical frameworks for global sustainability. He aspires to bridge academic research with real-world implementation for maximum societal impact.

Awards and Honors

Jihan has earned recognition for his academic and professional excellence through competitive fellowships, certifications, and research project grants. He was awarded a prestigious postgraduate fellowship that supports outstanding scholars in development-related fields, highlighting his potential to contribute globally to sustainable energy. His research initiatives have been supported through institutional research funding, enabling him to conduct comparative studies on fairness in energy transitions and develop practical renewable energy innovations. He has also been a co-researcher in projects backed by national standardization agencies, contributing to policy-relevant outcomes such as biogas quality requirements. In addition, he has received advanced certification in greenhouse gas inventory methodology under international guidelines, strengthening his credibility in climate-related fields. His academic achievements include strong international exposure through schools and workshops, often awarded on a competitive basis. These honors reflect his intellectual merit, leadership potential, and ongoing commitment to advancing renewable energy research and global sustainability.

Research Skills

Jihan possesses a wide range of research skills that combine computational, technical, and analytical expertise. He is proficient in high-performance computing applications, enabling him to handle complex wind farm simulations and optimize models for renewable energy projects. His technical toolkit includes numerical modeling, energy systems analysis, and simulation software relevant to wind, solar, and biogas research. In addition, he has strong capabilities in carbon accounting, life-cycle analysis, and environmental impact assessment, which strengthen the policy and sustainability dimensions of his work. His laboratory experience ranges from computational physics to plasma and atomic experiments, providing a robust scientific foundation. Complementing these are practical project management and community engagement skills, gained through leadership in renewable energy and conservation projects. He is also adept in technical writing, scientific communication, and presenting research at international platforms. Together, these skills position him as a versatile researcher capable of contributing across academic, industrial, and policy domains.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Assessing Global Responsibility: Comparative Analysis of Fairness in Energy Transition Between Developing and Developed Countries
Authors: Jihan Ahmad As-sya’bani; Muhammad Zubair Abbas; Alzobaer Alshaeki; Herena Torio
Year: 2025
Journal: Sustainability (MDPI)

Title: Hydrogen Sulfide Presence in Low-Pressure Biogas and Desulphurizer Performance Comparison Towards Its Development of International Standard
Authors: Bendjamin Benny Louhenapessy; Muhammad Haekal Habibie; Yosi Aristiawan; Jihan Ahmad As-sya’bani; Krisna Wijaya
Year: 2023
Journal: AIP Conference Proceedings – XVII Mexican Symposium on Medical Physics

Title: Kajian Mekanika Kuantum dalam Sistem Koordinat Toroidal
Authors: Jihan Ahmad As-sya’bani; Muhammad Farchani Rosyid; Muhammad Nur
Year: 2017
Journal/Source: Undergraduate Thesis, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Title: Assessing Global Responsibility: Comparative Analysis of Fairness in Energy Transition Between Developing and Developed Countries
Authors: Jihan Ahmad As-sya’bani
Year: 2025
Journal/Source: Preprints (MDPI)

Conclusion

Jihan Ahmad As-sya’bani presents an impressive blend of academic excellence, multidisciplinary research experience, and international engagement in renewable energy and sustainability. His contributions to biogas standardization, wind energy simulations, and policy-relevant projects highlight his commitment to advancing clean energy solutions. His leadership in community-based renewable energy projects, coupled with a strong academic foundation and international exposure, make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With his ongoing research trajectory and leadership potential, Jihan is well-positioned to become a future global leader in the field of sustainable energy research.