Yuming Yuan | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Yuming Yuan | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Researcher at South China University of Technology, China

Dr. Yuan Yuming  is an Assistant Researcher at the School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology . He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering from Harbin Engineering University in 2023, with international training at City University London . Specializing in wind turbine wake dynamics , he has led and contributed to multiple high-impact research projects funded by the NSFC and Guangdong Province, focusing on wake blockage effects and hybrid wake modeling. Dr. Yuan holds 5 patents related to wind energy innovation  and has published 4 SCI papers in top-tier journals such as Ocean Engineering. His work on hybrid wake methods has demonstrated up to 15.12% power gains in downstream turbines, significantly advancing offshore wind energy efficiency . He actively collaborates with renowned scholars and contributes to national labs, making him a rising talent in renewable energy research 🌱🔬.

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓Academic Background

Dr. Yuan Yuming is currently serving as an Assistant Researcher at the School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology. He earned his Doctorate in Engineering from Harbin Engineering University in December 2023, where he focused on ship and wind turbine engineering under the supervision of Professor Chao Wang. During his doctoral studies, he completed a joint training program at City University London, working with Professor Shiqiang Yan on numerical wave solvers. Dr. Yuan also holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from Harbin Engineering University and a Bachelor’s degree from Wuhan University of Technology. His research primarily explores wind turbine wake dynamics, wake blockage effects, and hybrid modeling techniques. He has led multiple nationally funded projects, holds five patents, and has published four SCI-indexed articles in reputable journals. His innovations have shown measurable performance gains in wind energy systems, establishing him as a promising figure in renewable energy research.

💼Professional Experience

Dr. Yuan Yuming is an Assistant Researcher at the School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, where he focuses on advanced wind energy systems and fluid dynamics. His professional journey includes leadership in nationally funded research projects such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Youth Science Fund and the Guangdong Province General Program. His expertise lies in the study of wind turbine wake interactions, hybrid wake modeling, and blockage effects within turbine arrays. Dr. Yuan also contributes to a key consultancy project under the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Architecture and Urban Science, where he researches dynamic characteristics of kinetic energy recovery systems. He has international collaborative experience through joint training at City University London and works closely with global experts in wave and wake modeling. With five patents and several high-impact publications, Dr. Yuan continues to drive innovation in renewable energy technologies.

🏅Awards and Honors

Dr. Yuan Yuming has been recognized for his contributions to renewable energy research through various prestigious awards and research grants. He is the recipient of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Youth Science Fund Project, which supports his work on wake blockage mechanisms in wind turbine arrays. Additionally, he was awarded a research grant under the General Program of the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province for his investigation into wake evolution mechanisms. These competitive funding programs highlight the scientific merit and innovation in Dr. Yuan’s work. He also plays a key role in a major project funded by the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Architecture and Urban Science, focusing on wind-wave integrated energy recovery systems. His research achievements, including patented technologies and publications in leading SCI journals, have positioned him as an emerging expert in wind energy engineering, earning recognition from both national institutions and international collaborators.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Yuan Yuming’s research is centered on the advancement of wind energy systems, with a particular focus on wind turbine wake dynamics and energy efficiency optimization. His work explores the complex interactions between turbines in wind farms, especially the in-field blockage effect, which influences power output and overall farm performance. He has developed a hybrid wake modeling method that combines potential and viscous flow theories to accurately simulate wake behavior, particularly in offshore floating wind turbines. This method has been experimentally and numerically validated, demonstrating significant performance improvements, including a 15.12% power gain for downstream turbines. Dr. Yuan’s research also includes numerical simulation techniques, aeroelastic analysis, and the design of wind-wave energy recovery systems. His innovative approaches have led to five patents and multiple high-impact journal publications. His ongoing projects, funded by national and provincial science foundations, aim to further enhance the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy technologies.

📖Publication Top Notes

Analysis of the blade aeroelastic effect on the floating offshore wind turbine wake in a focusing wave with a hybrid model
Year: 2023

A hybrid wake method for simulating yaw tandem wind turbine
Year: 2023

Experimental and numerical validation of a hybrid method for modelling the wake flow of two in-line wind turbines
Year: 2023

A hybrid method for modelling wake flow of a wind turbine
Year: 2023

Numerical simulation and performance analysis of in-field blockage effect between wind turbines
Year: 2023

⚙️Conclusion

Dr. Yuan Yuming is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the category of emerging researchers in renewable energy and engineering innovation. With a strong academic foundation including a Ph.D. in Engineering from Harbin Engineering University and international research experience at City University London, he has demonstrated outstanding research capabilities. His specialization in wind turbine wake dynamics has led to the development of an innovative hybrid wake method, validated through experimental and numerical analysis. He has served as PI/Co-PI on nationally funded projects, holds five patents in wind energy technology, and has published four SCI-indexed papers in reputable journals. His work has shown significant real-world impact, including a 15.12% power gain in downstream turbines, and he actively contributes to national laboratory research. His collaborations with global experts and leadership in technical innovation further affirm his suitability for this prestigious recognition.

 

 

Issa Fowai | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Issa Fowai | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Issa Fowai at University of Ottawa, Canada

Issa Fowai is a distinguished Ph.D. candidate in Civil Engineering at the University of Ottawa and an upcoming NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow at Queen’s University, Canada. A recipient of the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and multiple other awards, his research focuses on FRP-concrete interface mechanics, structural health monitoring, fire resilience of ultra-high-performance concrete, and rehabilitation of aging infrastructure. With international academic training from Canada, China, and Brazil, he has published impactful work in leading journals such as the ASCE Journal of Composites for Construction and presented at top FRP conferences. He has held various teaching roles and earned several teaching excellence awards, reflecting his dedication to both research and education. Fowai also contributes actively to scholarly service as a journal reviewer and is committed to equity and inclusion in academia. His interdisciplinary and globally relevant research positions him as a rising leader in structural engineering and infrastructure resilience.

Publication Profile

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Scopus

Google Scholar

🎓Academic Background

Issa Fowai is an accomplished scholar with a strong international academic foundation in civil engineering. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Harbin Engineering University in China, where he also received multiple academic honors and served as a lecturer. In 2020, he began his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at the University of Ottawa, Canada, supported by prestigious fellowships such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and the IBET PhD Fellowship. His doctoral research explores FRP-concrete interface bond mechanics, structural health monitoring, and the fire resilience of ultra-high-performance concrete. He has expanded his academic experience through visiting research appointments in Brazil and at Queen’s University in Canada, focusing on innovative testing methods for infrastructure rehabilitation. In Fall 2025, he is set to begin a postdoctoral fellowship at Queen’s University under the NSERC program. Fowai’s diverse educational journey reflects his dedication to advancing global knowledge in structural and materials engineering. 🌍

🏗️Professional Experience

Issa Fowai has accumulated diverse and impactful professional experience across academia, research, and engineering education. He served as a full-time lecturer at Harbin Engineering University from 2018 to 2020, teaching engineering mechanics and mentoring international students. Alongside, he worked as a part-time instructor in A-level and IGCSE mathematics, consistently achieving high student success rates. At the University of Ottawa, he has contributed significantly as a teaching assistant for both undergraduate and graduate courses, earning multiple teaching excellence awards. His research roles include graduate assistant positions and visiting research scholar appointments at Queen’s University and PUC-Rio, Brazil, where he engaged in advanced structural health monitoring and non-destructive testing. Fowai has also led initiatives as president of student organizations and actively participates in professional service, including peer-reviewing for top journals and serving on equity and inclusion committees. His practical and teaching experience underscores his commitment to advancing civil engineering education and practice.

🏅Awards and Honors

Issa Fowai has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his academic and professional journey. He is a recipient of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, one of Canada’s most competitive and esteemed research awards, and the Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology (IBET) PhD Fellowship, reflecting both academic excellence and leadership. He has also received the Ontario Graduate Scholarship and multiple institutional grants from the University of Ottawa and Queen’s University. Internationally, he was honored with the Outstanding Graduate Award and Outstanding International Student Scholarship at Harbin Engineering University. His commitment to teaching has earned him the 2025 Excellence Award for Teaching Assistants and the Faculty of Engineering Teaching Assistant Award. He also received scholarships and grants to conduct research in Brazil and Thailand and travel support from the American Concrete Institute. These accolades demonstrate his exceptional capabilities as both a researcher and educator in civil engineering.

🔬Research Focus

Issa Fowai’s research is centered on advancing the resilience, safety, and durability of civil infrastructure through innovative materials and monitoring technologies. His primary focus lies in the mechanics of externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) and their interaction with concrete interfaces, particularly under various loading and environmental conditions. He conducts finite element modeling to simulate interface behavior and optimize strengthening techniques. Additionally, Fowai explores smart sensing methods such as distributed fiber optic sensors and digital image correlation to monitor structural health in real time. His work also investigates the fire performance of ultra-high-performance concrete and employs non-destructive testing (NDT) to assess rehabilitated structures. Through international collaborations and hands-on laboratory research, including field assessments on historic bridges, he aims to enhance the longevity and performance of aging infrastructure. His multidisciplinary approach bridges structural engineering, material science, and data-driven diagnostics to contribute meaningfully to sustainable civil engineering practices.

📖Publication Top Notes

A glance at offshore wind turbine foundation structures
Year: 2016 | Cited by: 28 📚

Structural analysis of jacket foundations for offshore wind turbines in transitional water
Year: 2021 | Cited by: 5 📖

Evaluation of interfacial debonding of fibre-reinforced polymer using variable angle peel test
Year: 2022 | Cited by: 2 📘

Assessment of the CFRP–Concrete Interface Integrity of Original Champlain Bridge Diaphragms through Nondestructive and Semidestructive Testing
Year: 2025 | Cited by: 1 📙

Condition assessment of FRP-strengthened concrete bridge diaphragms using non-destructive testing
Year: 2023 | Cited by: 1 📗

Integrity assessment of CFRP-concrete interface on externally strengthened bridge diaphragms using direct tension pull-off test
Year: 2023  📄

Bond performance of deteriorated CFRP-concrete interface under different shear lap configurations: A Champlain Bridge case study
Year: 2024  📄

✨Conclusion

Issa Fowai is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in Civil Engineering, Structural Health Monitoring, and Infrastructure Resilience. With a Ph.D. (expected 2025) supported by Canada’s prestigious Vanier Scholarship and a forthcoming NSERC-funded postdoctoral fellowship at Queen’s University, his academic excellence is well established. His impactful research spans critical areas such as FRP–concrete interface performance, fire-resilient UHPC, and smart sensing technologies, with collaborations across Canada, China, Brazil, and Thailand. Fowai’s scholarly contributions include first-author papers in top-tier journals and conferences, addressing pressing infrastructure challenges like the Champlain Bridge retrofit. With over a decade of award-winning teaching experience and leadership in student and equity organizations, he combines academic rigor with a strong commitment to inclusion and professional service. His involvement in peer review and industry partnerships further underscores his applied impact and global relevance. Overall, Fowai’s research excellence, leadership, and dedication make him a compelling choice for this recognition.

 

 

Jacinta Okwako | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Jacinta Okwako | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jacinta Okwako at University of Nairobi, Kenya

Jacinta Okwako 🎓 is an innovative researcher in renewable energy, specializing in solar-powered smart window technologies 🌞🪟. With a PhD in Physics from the University of Nairobi and a Master’s in Energy Policy from PAUWES 🌍, she blends science, sustainability, and education seamlessly. Her work focuses on smart infrastructure, energy efficiency, and advanced material development ⚡🔬. Jacinta has taught physics at multiple institutions and thrives in multicultural, interdisciplinary research environments 🤝🌐. She’s presented internationally, won poster awards 🏅, and is passionate about solving global energy challenges for a greener future 🌱🌎.

Publication Profile

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Academic Background

Jacinta Okwako holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Nairobi (2020–present) , where she focuses on the fabrication and characterization of doped tungsten oxide nanoparticles for photoelectrochromic applications . She earned a Master’s in Energy Policy from PAUWES, Algeria (2016–2018) 🌍, researching energy efficiency in Kenyan industries. Additionally, she holds a Master’s in Physics (2013–2019) from the University of Nairobi, specializing in Cu₂ZnSnS₄ thin film characterization . Jacinta also completed a Bachelor of Education in Physics and Mathematics (2008–2012) 🎓 and scored an ‘A’ grade at Moi Forces Academy in 2006 🏅.

Professional Experience

Jacinta Okwako has built a solid career in education and research, currently serving as a Physics Lecturer at the Kenya Institute of Survey and Mapping since 2020. Her passion for teaching began at Moi Forces Academy, Mombasa (2012–2013) 🎓, and continued through Kianda School in Nairobi (2014–2015) and Windle Trust Kenya in Dadaab Refugee Camp (2015–2016) 📚, where she taught physics and mathematics. Her roles reflect dedication to shaping future scientists and addressing educational needs in both urban and underserved communities 💡🌱.

Awards and Honors

Jacinta Okwako has earned several prestigious certifications that showcase her commitment to continuous learning and innovation in energy and education. She attended the SE4A Summer School in Cameroon (2017), earning 3rd place for best poster presentation 🏅. She also participated in a Renewable Energy Summer School in Cologne, Germany , and the Solar Energy Materials Conference in Tunisia . Beyond energy, she completed Lay Counselling Training with UKaid in Garissa 🤝 and an Entrepreneurship Workshop for Scientists and Engineers in Nairobi (2014) 🧪, highlighting her multidisciplinary engagement.

Research Focus

Jacinta Okwako is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge research in renewable energy technologies, with a special focus on solar-powered smart window systems. Her goal is to contribute to sustainable, energy-efficient building solutions that align with global environmental priorities. With a strong interdisciplinary background in physics, energy policy, and education, she strives to drive innovation, support evidence-based policymaking, and engage in collaborative projects that tackle critical energy and environmental challenges 🌐🔥. Her work aims to bridge scientific discovery with real-world impact for a more sustainable and resilient future💡.

Publication Top Notes

Conclusion

Dr. Jacinta Okwako stands out as an exceptional candidate for the “Best Researcher Award” due to her impactful research in renewable energy, particularly in the development of photoelectrochromic smart window technologies that advance sustainable building solutions. Her academic achievements, including a PhD in Physics, multiple peer-reviewed publications, and collaborations with international institutions, reflect both scientific rigor and global relevance. Coupled with her interdisciplinary background in physics, energy policy, and education, she demonstrates a rare blend of innovation, technical depth, and societal impact. Her teaching experience, outreach in refugee settings, and recognition in international forums further highlight her as a well-rounded and inspiring researcher. 🌍🔬🏆

 

Zhi Li | Green Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Zhi Li | Green Technology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zhi Li at ShanDong Energy Group CO.,LTD., China

Zhi Li is a senior engineer at the National Engineering Research Center of Coal Gasification and Coal-Based Advanced Materials, ShanDong Energy Group Co., Ltd. With deep expertise in energy engineering and advanced materials, he has significantly contributed to national research initiatives in China. His work bridges innovative research with industrial applications, particularly in coal gasification and clean energy technologies. Zhi Li is known for his dedication to developing sustainable and efficient energy solutions. His strong academic and professional background, paired with his involvement in major R&D programs, positions him as a key figure in the field of energy innovation.

Publication Profile

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Academic Background

Zhi Li holds a Doctorate from Xi’an Jiaotong University, a prestigious institution renowned for engineering and technology research in China. During his doctoral studies, he focused on advanced chemical and energy systems, acquiring a deep understanding of industrial processes and sustainable technologies. He earned his Master’s degree from Qingdao University of Science and Technology, where he built a solid foundation in chemical engineering. His academic training has equipped him with both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills, enabling him to tackle complex challenges in energy conversion and material innovation. His education has laid the groundwork for a successful research career.

Professional Background

Zhi Li currently serves as a senior engineer at the National Engineering Research Center of Coal Gasification and Coal-Based Advanced Materials under ShanDong Energy Group Co., Ltd. In this role, he leads and contributes to key national projects, including the National Key R&D Program of China. His professional journey includes extensive work in industrial research, system optimization, and clean energy development. Zhi Li’s experience spans a wide range of energy technologies, with hands-on involvement in pilot plants, process design, and performance evaluation. His engineering expertise and practical contributions make him a vital asset in energy sector innovation.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not listed, Zhi Li’s role in major national programs like the National Key R&D Program of China highlights his recognized value in the scientific community. His senior engineering position and leadership at a national research center are in themselves acknowledgments of his expertise. It is likely that he has received commendations or internal accolades from institutional and industrial stakeholders for his contributions to energy research and development. His consistent involvement in high-impact research projects demonstrates the trust and recognition he has earned from both academic and professional peers.

Research Focus

Zhi Li’s research focuses on advanced and sustainable energy systems, particularly in the areas of Low Pressure OXO, Coal Gasification, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC). His work aims to improve the efficiency, safety, and environmental performance of industrial chemical and energy conversion processes. By integrating theoretical modeling with experimental validation, he contributes to both fundamental understanding and technological advancement. His focus on clean and renewable energy technologies aligns with global energy transition goals. Zhi Li’s innovative research supports China’s drive toward carbon neutrality and sustainable industrial development.

Publication Top Notes

📄 Stearic Acid Induced Hydrophobization of Pt/Al₂O₃ Catalysts to Boost the Stability of Preferential Oxidation of CO in Hydrogen
 Year: 2024

📄 A new pathway to integrate novel coal-to-methanol system with solid oxide fuel cell and electrolysis cell
 Year: 2024

📄 Enhancing the cycling stability of MgH₂ using nitrogen modified titanate
 Year: 2023

Conclusion

Based on his exceptional academic background, professional role, and impactful research, Zhi Li is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in fields emphasizing applied industrial innovation. With a PhD from Xi’an Jiaotong University and a Master’s from Qingdao University of Science and Technology, he possesses a robust technical foundation. As a Senior Engineer at the National Engineering Research Center under ShanDong Energy Group CO., LTD., he plays a pivotal role in national-level R&D, notably contributing to China’s Key R&D Program. His research in coal gasification, Low Pressure OXO, and SOFC/SOEC technologies aligns with critical national and global energy goals, showcasing both scientific excellence and real-world impact.

 

Sirine Saidi | Solar Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sirine Saidi | Solar Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sirine Saidi at National engineering school of Monastir, Tunisia

Sirine Saidi is a dedicated PhD student in Energy Engineering at the University of Monastir, Tunisia 🇹🇳, with a strong background in renewable energy systems, hydrogen technologies, and academic instruction 🎓. Passionate about innovation, she combines research, teaching, and hands-on engineering experience to contribute to the global energy transition 🌍. Her work bridges academia and industry, focusing on practical applications of sustainable technologies like PV systems and hydrogen production ⚡. Sirine is also an avid reader and a technology enthusiast, continuously seeking growth and excellence through both research and collaboration 🤝.

Publication Profile

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Academic Background

Sirine Saidi holds a National Doctoral Diploma in Energy Engineering from the University of Monastir 🏫, where she also completed her National Engineering Diploma in the same field. Prior to that, she earned a National Diploma for Entrance to Engineering Programs from ISSAT Gabès 🎓, following her Bachelor’s Degree in Experimental Sciences from Medenine Technical High School 🧪. Her academic path reflects a strong foundation in physics, chemistry, and energy systems, setting the stage for her advanced research in renewable energy and hydrogen technologies 🔬.

Professional Background

Sirine has gained diverse technical and academic experience through internships and teaching positions 👩‍🏫. She completed multiple internships in PV system design, hybrid power plants, and condenser sizing at major institutions like the Tunisian Chemical Group and SONEDE 🏭. She also served as a part-time lecturer at ENIM, teaching Energy Software (EES), Python programming, and fluid mechanics 💻. Her combined field and classroom experience have made her a versatile and impactful contributor to the energy engineering field ⚙️.

Awards and Honors

Sirine Saidi’s promising contributions have positioned her as a strong candidate for prestigious recognitions like the Best Researcher Award 🏆. Though formal awards are not listed yet, her impactful publications, international conference participation 🌐, and teaching excellence mark her as a rising star in energy research 🌟. Her published work in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and other reputable platforms demonstrate the academic rigor and practical relevance of her research 📚.

Research Focus

Sirine’s research focuses on renewable energy systems, specifically hydrogen production via PEM electrolyzers, thermodynamic modeling, and solar PV technologies ☀️🔋. She has published multiple papers on simulation and performance optimization using tools like MATLAB/Simulink, EES, and Python 🧠. Her work addresses key sustainability challenges, including green hydrogen, hybrid energy systems, and energy efficiency. With a balance of theoretical modeling and hands-on experimentation, her research contributes directly to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future 🌱⚡.

Publication Top Notes

📘 Numerical investigation of indirect parallel PVT solar systems using MATLAB/Simulink
Year: 2025 |  Author: S. Saidi, T. Brahim, A. Jemni | Journal: Engineering Research Express

Conclusion

Sirine Saidi is a highly qualified and competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a focused PhD in Energy Engineering and a strong track record in renewable energy research, particularly in hydrogen technologies, photovoltaic systems, and energy modeling. Her academic foundation is complemented by hands-on technical internships and impactful teaching roles at the National School of Engineering of Monastir. She has contributed to peer-reviewed journals like the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and Engineering Research Express, showcasing expertise in PEM electrolyzers, hydrogen compression, and PVT solar systems using tools like MATLAB/Simulink and EES. With a passion for sustainable energy, advanced simulation, and academic mentorship, Sirine embodies the qualities of a next-generation energy leader committed to addressing global energy challenges.