Vivek Garg | Waste-to-Energy Conversion | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vivek Garg | Waste-to-Energy Conversion | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer and Applied Engineering Research Specialist at University of Greenwich | United Kingdom

Dr. Vivek Garg is an accomplished researcher and technical leader specializing in powder technology, bulk solids handling, mineral processing, and formulation science. Currently serving as a Senior Lecturer and Applied Engineering Research Specialist at the University of Greenwich, he leads interdisciplinary projects across the pharmaceutical, food, chemical, and environmental sectors. His expertise lies in bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application, delivering scalable solutions for formulation design, process optimization, and test method development. He has successfully secured competitive research funding and major consultancy projects, demonstrating his ability to attract resources and deliver measurable impact. His scholarly contributions include research publications in reputed international journals, patents in advanced systems and technologies, and book chapters addressing innovative engineering solutions. Widely recognized for his innovation and leadership, Dr. Garg actively contributes to scientific communities through invited talks, technical committees, and journal reviewing, while mentoring early-career researchers.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Vivek Garg’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in engineering and applied sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Bulk Solids and Handling from the University of Greenwich, where his research focused on powder flow properties and their implications in industrial applications. Prior to that, he completed his Master’s degree in Thermal Engineering from Thapar University, where he expanded his expertise in advanced mechanical processes and energy systems. He began his academic pursuit with a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from IET Bhaddal, India, where he built the fundamental skills that would later shape his career as a researcher. Throughout his education, Dr. Garg has combined theoretical knowledge with practical experimentation, contributing to his expertise in formulation, process optimization, and sustainable solids handling. His academic achievements have been complemented by his strong engagement with industrial projects, enabling him to integrate academic learning with practical engineering challenges.

Experience

Dr. Vivek Garg brings over a decade of professional and research experience in powder technology, formulation science, and mineral processing. At the University of Greenwich, he has worked as a Senior Lecturer and Applied Engineering Research Specialist, where he has led industry-oriented R&D and consultancy projects, developed laboratory rigs for powder characterization, and guided students and researchers. His work spans diverse sectors including pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals, and environmental systems, focusing on developing innovative methods for powder flow measurement, material characterization, and process optimization. Earlier in his career, he contributed to engineering roles in leading industries such as Federal Mogul Goetze and Bhushan Power and Steel, where he provided solutions that improved efficiency and reduced operational costs. Through his consultancy and collaborative projects, he has partnered with global industries and academic institutions, successfully translating research outcomes into practical solutions. His leadership in project execution demonstrates his ability to deliver high-impact results.

Research Interest

Dr. Vivek Garg’s research interests lie in the study and advancement of powder technology and bulk solids handling, with applications across pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries. He focuses on powder formulation and characterization, including flowability, compressibility, segregation, and caking, which are crucial factors in ensuring product quality and process efficiency. He also explores advanced topics such as air permeability, fluidization behavior, and the development of lab-to-full scale rigs for material characterization. In addition, his work in additive manufacturing, particularly 3D tablet printing, highlights his interest in combining pharmaceutical innovation with engineering design. He is equally committed to exploring sustainable solids handling, addressing industrial challenges in waste processing and renewable material applications. His approach integrates experimental methods, material science, and computational modeling to develop innovative solutions that bridge scientific research with industrial needs. By pursuing these areas, Dr. Garg aims to strengthen global research and innovation in material science and engineering.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Vivek Garg has been widely recognized for his contributions to engineering research and innovation through multiple prestigious awards. He has received distinctions for innovation in powder technology, materials handling, and applied research, demonstrating his ability to deliver high-impact solutions that bridge academia and industry. His recognition includes awards celebrating rising talent, newcomer contributions, and international excellence in young research, highlighting both his early promise and continued professional success. Beyond institutional awards, Dr. Garg has earned accolades from professional associations and industrial organizations, affirming the global relevance of his work. These honors reflect his ability to consistently push the boundaries of powder technology and applied engineering. His leadership in winning competitive research grants, along with contributions to interdisciplinary collaborations, further validates his achievements. Collectively, these recognitions underscore his growing influence in his field and affirm his position as a researcher of international distinction, committed to advancing science and innovation.

Research Skills

Dr. Vivek Garg has developed a strong portfolio of research skills that combine experimental expertise, analytical rigor, and project leadership. He is highly skilled in powder characterization techniques such as particle size analysis, powder flow testing, air permeability, and compressibility studies, supported by tools including DVS, SEM, ImageJ, and pycnometers. He has experience in developing bespoke laboratory rigs and smart test facilities that enable real-time monitoring of powder behavior, a key contribution to both academic research and industrial applications. In addition, his knowledge extends to design software such as SolidWorks and simulation approaches that integrate characterization techniques into virtual toolkits. He has also gained expertise in project management, having secured competitive funding, managed budgets, and led multi-disciplinary research teams. His ability to translate experimental insights into industrial solutions demonstrates both technical competence and applied innovation. These skills, combined with strong stakeholder engagement, make him a versatile and impactful researcher.

Publication Top Notes

Title: An investigation into the flowability of fine powders used in pharmaceutical industries
Authors: V. Garg, S.S. Mallick, P. García-Trinanes, R.J. Berry
Year: 2018
Citations: 93

Title: An experimental investigation on the effect of particle size into the flowability of fly ash
Authors: L. Rohilla, V. Garg, S.S. Mallick, G. Setia
Year: 2018
Citations: 32

Title: An experimental study on free-surface rolling segregation and correlations with angle of repose and particle sphericity
Authors: T. Deng, V. Garg, H. Salehi, M.S.A. Bradley
Year: 2020
Citations: 25

Title: A study of particle adhesion for cohesive powders using a novel mechanical surface energy tester
Authors: T. Deng, V. Garg, M.S.A. Bradley
Year: 2021
Citations: 19

Title: 3D Printing of Personalised Carvedilol Tablets Using Selective Laser Sintering
Authors: A.G. Tabriz, Q. Gonot-Munck, A. Baudoux, V. Garg, R. Farnish, O. Katsamenis, et al.
Year: 2023
Citations: 18

Title: Comparative studies of powder flow predictions using milligrams of powder for identifying powder flow issues
Authors: T. Deng, V. Garg, L.P. Diaz, D. Markl, C. Brown, A. Florence, M.S.A. Bradley
Year: 2022
Citations: 18

Title: Correlations between segregation intensity and material properties such as particle sizes and adhesions and novel methods for assessment
Authors: T. Deng, V. Garg, H. Salehi, M.S.A. Bradley
Year: 2021
Citations: 18

Title: A new method for assessing powder flowability based on physical properties and cohesiveness of particles using a small quantity of samples
Authors: V. Garg, T. Deng, M. Bradley
Year: 2022
Citations: 12

Title: Optimising Spread-Layer Quality in Powder Additive Manufacturing: Assessing Packing Fraction and Segregation Tendency
Authors: H. Salehi, J. Cummins, E. Gallino, V. Garg, T. Deng, A. Hassanpour, et al.
Year: 2023
Citations: 8

Title: Electrostatic Charging of Fine Powders and Assessment of Charge Polarity Using an Inductive Charge Sensor
Authors: T. Deng, V. Garg, M. Bradley
Year: 2023
Citations: 8

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Vivek Garg exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher through his pioneering contributions in powder technology, interdisciplinary research leadership, and impactful industrial collaborations. His scholarly output, patents, and recognition through awards such as the Best Innovation Award and the Rising Star Award reflect his dedication to advancing both scientific knowledge and industrial practices. With his proven track record of innovation, community engagement, and future-oriented research in sustainable solids handling and pharmaceutical technologies, Dr. Garg is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His potential for continued leadership and global research impact positions him as an emerging leader in engineering science and applied technology.

Leyla Akbulut | Sustainable Energy Policies | Best Innovation Award

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

Lecturer at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Turkey

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

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

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

Experience

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

Research Interest

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

Awards and Honors

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

Research Skills

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

Publication Top Notes

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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