Kinga Grzech-Lesniak | Biotechnology | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Kinga Grzech-Lesniak | Biotechnology | Excellence in Research Award

Wroclaw Medical University | Poland

Prof. Kinga Grzech-Leśniak, DMD, MSc, PhD, is a clinician-scientist and Full Professor serving as Head of the Department of Integrated Dentistry and Director of the Laser Laboratory at Wroclaw Medical University, Poland, with an affiliated Full Professorship at Virginia Commonwealth University, USA. She holds advanced specialization in periodontology and oral pathology and a Master of Science in Laser Dentistry from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome. Her work is widely recognized and highly cited, reflecting strong translational impact. Her research interests center on photobiomodulation (PBM), antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), and nonsurgical and surgical laser applications for periodontal and peri-implant diseases, alongside oral microbiology and pathology to underpin evidence-based, minimally invasive care. Prof. Grzech-Leśniak has received major honors, including the World’s Top 2% Scientists recognition and the Polish Ministry of Health Scientific and Educational Award. She provides extensive international leadership across laser dentistry organizations and directs the EMDOLA European Master program. In conclusion, her integrated clinical expertise, rigorous science, and global leadership continue to advance laser-assisted dentistry and improve patient outcomes.


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Featured Publications


An In Vitro Study Comparing Debonding of Orthodontic Ceramic and Metal Brackets Using Er:YAG Laser and Conventional Pliers
Aous Abdulmajeed, Tiannie Phan, Kinga Grzech-Leśniak, Janina Golob Deeb, Applied Sciences, 2025.

Effects of Er:YAG and Nd:YAG Lasers with Photobiomodulation on Alveolar Bone Preservation Post-Extraction: A Randomized Clinical Control Trial
Magdalena Gryka-Deszczyńska, Zuzanna Grzech-Leśniak, Diana Dembicka-Mączka, et al., Photonics, 2025.

Photodithazine-Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Applications
Rafał Wiench, Jakub Fiegler-Rudol, Kinga Grzech-Leśniak, et al., International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025.

Jun Dong | Engineering and Technology | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Dong | Engineering and Technology | Research Excellence Award

Nanjing University of Science and Technology | China

Jun Dong is an early-career researcher and lecturer specializing in fluid mechanics, microfluidics, and biomechanics, with a strong focus on alveolar flows, particle transport, and lab-on-a-chip systems. He earned his PhD in Mechanics from Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), following a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design, Manufacturing and Automation.  He has been serving as a Lecturer in the School of Physics at Nanjing University of Science and Technology, where he actively combines teaching with independent and collaborative research. His work integrates experimental methods, numerical simulations, and microfluidic platform design to address fundamental and applied problems in pulmonary flow physics, chaotic advection, and microscale mixing. He has led multiple competitive youth-funded projects at national, provincial, and university levels and has contributed to several major research programs. Jun Dong has published extensively in high-impact international journals such as Physics of Fluids, Lab on a Chip, Biomicrofluidics, and Particuology. His scholarly output comprises approximately 17 scientific documents, with over 153 citations and an h-index of around 7, reflecting sustained academic impact. He has also received recognition through funded grants, invited talks, peer-review service for international journals, and granted invention patents. Overall, his research advances the understanding of micro- and bio-fluid dynamics and supports the development of next-generation microfluidic and biomedical engineering technologies.

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Synergistically Enhanced High-Efficiency Mixing in Multi-Stage Micro-Mixers with Hybrid Design
Dong, J., Liu, J., Lv, H., Zhu, Y., Wang, C., Particuology, 109, 26–44, 2026.

Revisiting Streak Reorientation in a Turbulent Channel Flow Subjected to Spanwise Oscillating Walls
Wang, C., Li, M., Ying, Y., Dong, J., Yao, J., Physics of Fluids, 37, 115123, 2025.

Tracking the Transport of Inhaled Particles in a Lung-on-a-Chip during Breathing Cycles
Lv, H., Dong, J., Chen, H., Yang, Y., Zhu, Y., Microfluidics and Nanofluidics, 29, 64, 2025.

Flow Topology and Mixing in Alveolar Edema: Unsteady Flow in Interconnected Cavities with Moving Walls
Dong, J., Lv, H., Wang, C., Yang, Y., Chen, H., Zhu, Y., Physics of Fluids, 36, 2024.

Three-Dimensional Critical Points and Flow Patterns in Pulmonary Alveoli with Rhythmic Wall Motion
Dong, J., Lv, H., Yang, Y., Cao, Y., Zhu, Y., Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 56, 475401, 2023.

Liudmila Alexandrova | Biology and Life Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Liudmila Alexandrova | Biology and Life Sciences | Research Excellence Award

EIMB RAS | Russia

Liudmila A. Alexandrova is a senior researcher at the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences (EIMB RAS), with a distinguished career spanning molecular biology, bioorganic and medicinal chemistry. She graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University and completed postgraduate studies at EIMB RAS, followed by international postdoctoral research in Czechoslovakia and Germany as an Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellow. Her research focuses on the mechanisms of action of antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agents, with particular emphasis on the design and synthesis of nucleosides and nucleotides modified by heterocyclic bases and carbohydrate fragments.  She has contributed to and led competitive research projects, including a Russian Science Foundation grant  and has received two awards from the Russian Academy of Sciences. An experienced mentor, she has supervised four PhD dissertations and more than 35 diploma theses, currently guiding postgraduate researchers. Her scholarly record is documented through international research profiles underscoring her lasting contributions to antimicrobial drug discovery and nucleoside chemistry.


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Alexander Zhgun | Engineering and Technology | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Alexander Zhgun | Engineering and Technology | Research Excellence Award

Group of Fungal Genetic Engineering, Federal Research Center | Russia

Alexander Alexandrovich Zhgun is a senior researcher and head of the Fungal Genetic Engineering Group at the Federal Research Center “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of the Russian Academy of Sciences, with more than three decades of scientific contribution in biotechnology and cultural heritage protection. He earned his biology degree from Lomonosov Moscow State University and completed a PhD focused on cytochromes P450, building a strong foundation in molecular and fungal biotechnology. His academic career progressed from researcher to group leader, culminating in his appointment as head of the fungal genetic engineering group. His research interests center on molecular diagnostics of biodeterioration, metabolic engineering of fungal strains, secondary fungal metabolites, and biotechnological strategies for protecting historical paintings from microbial damage. Under his leadership, innovative diagnostic systems and preventive technologies for biodegradation of cultural heritage have been developed, alongside pioneering studies that reframe painting-destructive fungi as valuable biotechnological resources.  His scholarly impact includes an h-index reported in the range of 15–16 with corresponding citation records across major databases. Overall, his work bridges fundamental science and applied innovation, delivering lasting impact in biotechnology, antimicrobial discovery, and cultural heritage conservation.

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Detection of Potential Biodeterioration Risks for Tempera Paintings in 16th-Century Exhibits from the State Tretyakov Gallery
A.A. Zhgun, D.A. Avdanina, K.V. Shumikhin, N.P. Simonenko, E.V. Lyubavskaya, et al.,
PLoS One, 15(4), e0230591, 2020. (Citations: 57)


A Novel L-Asparaginase from the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Thermococcus sibiricus: Heterologous Expression and Characterization
M.V. Dumina, A.A. Zhgun, M.V. Pokrovskaya, S.S. Aleksandrova, et al.,
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(18), 9894, 2021. (Citations: 41)


1,3-Diaminopropane and Spermidine Upregulate Lovastatin Production via LaeA Regulation in Aspergillus terreus
A.A. Zhgun, G.K. Nuraeva, M.V. Dumina, T.M. Voinova, et al.,
Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, 55(3), 243–254, 2019. (Citations: 37)


Application of Chitosan for Protection of 15th–16th Century Cultural Heritage Objects from Microbial Damage
A.A. Zhgun, D.A. Avdanina, B.T. Shagdarova, E.V. Troyan, et al.,
Materials, 15(21), 7773, 2022. (Citations: 12)

Elly Ogutu Isaya | Mechanical Engineering | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Elly Ogutu Isaya | Mechanical Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Budapest University of Technology and Economics | Hungary

Ogutu Isaya Elly is a mechanical engineering researcher and PhD candidate at the Géza Pattantyús-Ábrahám Doctoral School of Mechanical Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), specializing in advanced manufacturing and micromachining. He earned a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), China and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (J.K.U.A.T), Kenya. His academic experience includes active participation in nationally funded Hungarian research projects focused on AI-based predictive modeling for machining quality and on transient deformation, thermal, and tribological phenomena in fine machining of high-hardness metals. His research interests center on micromachining processes, burr formation mechanisms, and the integration of machine learning within Industry 4.0 manufacturing frameworks. His recent work on burr-size prediction and optimization provides industry-ready solutions to reduce deburring costs and improve surface integrity. He is currently a nominee for the Best Research Article Award, reflecting the applied impact and relevance of his research to modern manufacturing systems.

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Featured Publications

Surface Quality Prediction by Machine Learning Methods and Process Parameter Optimization in Ultra-Precision Machining of AISI D2 Using CBN Tool
U.L. Adizue, A.D. Tura, E.O. Isaya, B.Z. Farkas, M. Takács,
The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 129(3), 1375–1389, 2023. (Citations: 34)


Analysis, Modelling, and Optimization of Force in Ultra-Precision Hard Turning of Cold Work Hardened Steel Using the CBN Tool
O.I. Elly, U.L. Adizue, A.D. Tura, B.Z. Farkas, M. Takács,
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, 46, 2024. (Citations: 8)


Optimization of Ultra-Precision CBN Turning of AISI D2 Using Hybrid GA-RSM and Taguchi-GRA Statistical Tools
A.D. Tura, E.O. Isaya, U.L. Adizue, B.Z. Farkas, M. Takács,
Heliyon, 10(11), 2024. (Citations: 5)


Feed Optimization Based on Force Modelling and TLBO Algorithm in Milling Al 7075
O.I. Elly, Y. Yin,
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, 2024. (Citations: 2)


Burr Size Minimization Using a Surrogate Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Assisted Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) in Micromilling Hardened AISI H13
O.I. Elly, M. Takács, B.Z. Balázs,
The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 2026. (In Press)

Risely Almeida | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Risely Almeida | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Research Excellence Award

Universidade do Estado da Bahia | Brazil

Prof. Dr. Risely Ferraz Almeida is a Professor-Researcher in Agricultural Sciences with a strong focus on Soil Science, particularly soil organic matter and carbon dynamics, soil fertility, and sustainable development in Brazilian agriculture. She holds a solid multidisciplinary academic background in agronomy, soil science, data science, project management, and business management, complemented by three post-doctoral fellowships in Soil Science. Her research integrates agro-sustainability, agro-circular systems, fertilization strategies, greenhouse gas mitigation, and advanced data analysis to support innovation and sustainability in agricultural systems. She is the founder of GEMOF (Study Group on Organic Matter and Soil Fertility), which promotes scientific excellence, entrepreneurship, and outreach activities, and the creator of the SOIL LADIES initiative, encouraging female participation in Soil Science. Prof. Almeida has extensive teaching and advisory experience in undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programs, particularly in agribusiness and agronomy. Her work has contributed significantly to sustainable soil management, climate-smart agriculture, and innovation-driven agribusiness. Overall, her career reflects a strong commitment to scientific leadership, interdisciplinary research, and the advancement of sustainable and socially responsible agriculture.


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Featured Publications



The addition of molybdenum to urea changes its characteristics and can react with N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide
L.A. Moreira, R. Otto, F.B. Guerrini, H.W.P. Carvalho, R. Ferraz-Almeida, J.A. Bendassolli, J. Lavres Jr., E. Mariano,
Scientia Agricola, 2025.


Coffees with certification seals in marketing places of Perpignan (France) and Piracicaba (Brazil)
N.G. de Jail, C.H.B. Cyrino, R. Ferraz Almeida,
Revista de Investigación de Agroproducción Sustentable, 2025.


Potential of Sisal (Agave sisalana) residues for improving sisal plant growth and soil residue stocks in Bahia’s circular agriculture
R. Ferraz-Almeida, A.R. de Oliveira, C.J. Pinheiro, J.L. Oliveira, V.F. de Almeida, E.M. Arruda,
Agronomy, 2025.


Agricultural limestone market in Capanema, Pará: strategies to increase supply and demand
E.V. Lima, R. Ferraz Almeida, P.S.L. Lima,
Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental, 2025.


Bacillus-inoculated organomineral fertilizer in soybean crop during short-term: comparing sources and doses with mineral fertilizer
M.H.R. Franco, H.C. Belan, J.E.S. Maia, R.P. Mota, R. Ferraz-Almeida, R. de Camargo, E.M. Lemes,
Journal of Plant Nutrition, 2025.

Agata Rascio | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Agata Rascio | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Research Excellence Award

CREA-CI | Italy

Agata Rascio is a senior plant physiologist with more than four decades of scientific contribution in crop ecophysiology, genetic resources, and plant stress biology, with a primary focus on durum wheat and quinoa. She earned a PhD in Productivity and Sustainability of Mediterranean Agricultural Systems from CREA, Italy, holds a three-year Specialistic Diploma in Nutrition from the University of Pavia (Faculty of Medicine), and graduated with a first-class degree in Biology from the University of Pavia. Her professional career includes long-term service as Senior Research Scientist and Laboratory Director at CREA-CI in Foggia, professorship under the Italian Ministry of Public Education, and consultancy roles in crop physiology. Her research interests span abiotic stress tolerance, yield formation in semi-arid environments, phenotyping methodologies, induced mutagenesis for biodiversity enhancement, gene expression under environmental stress, and metabolomic and nutraceutical characterization of plant genetic resources. SActively engaged in global scientific networks and editorial activities, she has also contributed as an evaluator for major international programs. Her achievements include the Wheat Initiative Recognition Award for innovative phenotyping approaches supporting wheat improvement, underscoring her lasting influence on sustainable agriculture and crop resilience research.

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Enhanced osmotolerance of a wheat mutant selected for potassium accumulation
A. Rascio, M. Russo, L. Mazzucco, C. Platani, G. Nicastro, N. Di Fonzo,
Plant Science, 160(3), 441–448, 2001. (Citations: 113)

The accumulation of solutes and water binding strength in durum wheat
A. Rascio, C. Platani, G. Scalfati, A. Tonti, N. Di Fonzo,
Physiologia Plantarum, 90(4), 715–721, 1994. (Citations: 74)

Leaf morphology and water status changes in Triticum durum under water stress
A. Rascio, M.C. Cedola, M. Toponi, Z. Flagella, G. Wittmer,
Physiologia Plantarum, 78(3), 462–467, 1990. (Citations: 70)

Physiological responses to water stress following a conditioning period in berseem clover
A. Iannucci, A. Rascio, M. Russo, N. Di Fonzo, P. Martiniello,
Plant and Soil, 223(1), 219–229, 2000. (Citations: 64)

Characterisation of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) accessions for saponin content in a Mediterranean environment
G. De Santis, C. Maddaluno, T. D’Ambrosio, A. Rascio, M. Rinaldi, J. Troisi,
Italian Journal of Agronomy, 11(4), 2016. (Citations: 55)

Aizhan Omirbayeva | Energy and Sustainability | Young Scientist Award

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Mrs. Aizhan Omirbayeva | Energy and Sustainability | Young Scientist Award

L. N. Gumilyiev Eurasian National University | Kazakhstan

Omirbayeva Aizhan is a young researcher in Thermal Power Engineering with a strong academic foundation and growing international research profile. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Technical Sciences degree  in Thermal Power Engineering and is currently pursuing a PhD in the same field at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Her academic experience includes research, textbook authorship, laboratory guideline development, and student mentorship at the national level. Her primary research interests focus on coal gasification and solar-assisted coal gasification technologies, aiming to improve the efficiency and sustainability of Kazakhstan’s coal resources. She has received competitive research funding under the national  grant program and actively participates in international training programs on green energy and sustainability. Overall, her work demonstrates strong potential for advancing clean energy technologies and contributing to the next generation of sustainable power engineering research.


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Featured Publications


Analysis of Fuel Gasification Using Solar Technology: A Patent Review
M. Zhumagulov, A. Omirbayeva, D. Papurello,
Gases, 2026.


Review of Coal Gasification Technologies and Their Applicability in Kazakhstan (Part I)
M.G. Zhumagulov, A. Ö. Omirbayeva,
Bulletin of Toraighyrov University – Energetics Series, 2025.

Technological Features of Obtaining BeO and Beryllium Ceramics by Slip Casting Method
A. Omirbayeva,
Bulletin of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, 2018.

Arash Alipoor | Mechanical Engineering | Innovative Research Award

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Dr. Arash Alipoor | Mechanical Engineering | Innovative Research Award

Shiraz University | Iran

Arash Alipoor is a mechanical engineer specializing in experimental aerodynamics and energy conversion, with advanced expertise in wind tunnel testing and compressible flow. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Energy Conversion) from Shiraz University, where his doctoral research focused on the final testing and calibration of a transonic wind tunnel using the AGARD-B standard model, emphasizing error identification, measurement correction, and uncertainty compensation, with an excellent benchmark rating. He previously completed his M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Mechanical Engineering, concentrating on numerical and experimental fluid mechanics and passive thermal performance optimization. His academic and professional experience includes research and calibration activities at a transonic wind tunnel facility, university lecturing, and engineering supervision roles in municipal and construction sectors. His research interests encompass experimental aerodynamics, sub/transonic wind tunnel testing, compressible flows, leading-edge vortices, and vortex–shock interactions. He has authored peer-reviewed journal and conference papers in leading aerodynamics and thermal–fluid journals. His achievements include ranking first among graduate students in his specialization, selection as a member of the Iran National Elites Foundation, and receipt of the Sayyad Shirazi Award. Overall, his work contributes to improving aerodynamic measurement accuracy, experimental reliability, and advanced flow diagnostics in aerospace and energy systems.

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Data Quality Assessment of a Transonic Wind Tunnel Based on Testing of an AGARD-B Standard Model
A. Alipoor, M.M. Alishahi, M.H. Montazeri,
Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Mechanical Engineering, 2025.

Passive Thermal Performance Increase in Cisterns
N. Najafi, A. Alipoor, S.M.A. Najafi,
International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering, 5(2), 269–274, 2014. (Citations: 4)

Talal Al-Bazali | Petroleum Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Talal Al-Bazali | Petroleum Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

Kuwait University | Kuwait

Dr. Talal M. Al-Bazali is a distinguished petroleum engineering academic and industry expert with over two decades of combined experience in higher education, research, and the global oil and gas sector. His research spans petroleum economics, oil price volatility, drilling fluids engineering, shale wellbore stability, petrophysical and geomechanical properties of rocks, underbalanced drilling, clay mineralogy, alternative energy, and environmental engineering. Dr. Al-Bazali has led and participated in major funded research projects with Kuwait University, Kuwait Oil Company, and international industry consortia, and has supervised numerous M.S. theses and projects. Beyond academia, he has held senior industry and advisory roles, including Vice President at the World Petroleum Council, and serves on multiple international journal editorial boards. His contributions have been recognized with prestigious academic honors, and he remains a prominent voice bridging scientific research, engineering practice, and energy policy.

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A New Gravimetric–Swelling Test for Evaluating Water and Ion Uptake in Shales
J. Zhang, M.E. Chenevert, T. Al-Bazali, M.M. Sharma, SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, SPE-89831-MS, 2004. (Citations: 127)


Factors Controlling the Membrane Efficiency of Shales When Interacting with Water-Based and Oil-Based Muds
T.M. Al-Bazali, J. Zhang, M.E. Chenevert, M.M. Sharma, SPE International Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition (China), SPE-100735-MS, 2006. (Citations: 126)


Measurement of the Sealing Capacity of Shale Caprocks
T.M. Al-Bazali, J. Zhang, M.E. Chenevert, M.M. Sharma, SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, SPE-96100-MS, 2005. (Citations: 113)

Experimental Study of the Membrane Behavior of Shale During Interaction with Water-Based and Oil-Based Muds
T.M. Al-Bazali, Ph.D. Dissertation, The University of Texas at Austin, 2005. (Citations: 97)


The Impact of Water Content and Ionic Diffusion on the Uniaxial Compressive Strength of Shale
T. Al-Bazali, Egyptian Journal of Petroleum, 22(2), 249–260, 2013. (Citations: 84)