Ms Niloufar Salehi | Circular Supply Chains | Best Researcher Award

MS Niloufar Salehi , KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Sweden

Niloufar Salehi is a dedicated PhD candidate at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, specializing in Circular Manufacturing Systems. With over five years of experience, Niloufar excels in developing data-driven decision-support tools that facilitate the transition to sustainable manufacturing practices. Her strategic and analytical mindset empowers her to address complex challenges in the field, aiming for innovative solutions that contribute to a circular economy. Niloufar’s collaborative spirit has fostered partnerships with international universities and research institutes, enriching academic discourse and resulting in numerous publications. She is deeply committed to sustainability, believing that urgent action is needed to ensure a better future.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

1. Expertise in Circular Manufacturing: Niloufar has a deep understanding of Circular Manufacturing Systems, demonstrated through her extensive research and development of decision-support tools. Her work directly contributes to advancing sustainable practices in manufacturing.
2. Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Her ability to tackle complex challenges through multi-method simulation modeling shows a high level of analytical competence, making her a valuable asset in the field.
3. Successful Project Management: Niloufar has effectively led and contributed to multiple EU-funded projects, showcasing her leadership in data gathering, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
4. Collaborative Research Contributions: She has established fruitful collaborations with over four international universities, resulting in several impactful publications, reflecting her ability to work well in diverse research environments.
5. Teaching and Mentoring: Her experience in teaching and supervising students demonstrates her commitment to knowledge dissemination and nurturing the next generation of researchers.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Impact Communication: While her research is impactful, enhancing her communication skills to reach broader audiences could amplify the visibility of her contributions.
2. Networking Expansion: Increasing her involvement in industry conferences and workshops may provide additional platforms for sharing her research and establishing more collaborations.
3. Interdisciplinary Approaches: Exploring intersections with other disciplines, such as social sciences or policy-making, could enrich her research and broaden its applicability.

Education 

Niloufar holds a PhD in Production Engineering from KTH Royal Institute of Technology (2018–2024), where her thesis focuses on creating multi-method simulation model-based decision-support tools for Circular Supply Chain implementation. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned an MSc in Energy Systems Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Iran (2014–2017), achieving a GPA of 17.78/20 and ranking in the top 10% of her class. Her master’s thesis concentrated on optimizing recovery technologies for municipal solid waste through a multi-criteria decision-making model, highlighting her strong foundation in sustainability. Niloufar’s academic journey began with a BSc in Chemical Engineering, also from Sharif University (2009–2013), where she laid the groundwork for her future research in sustainable engineering practices and environmental management.

Experience 

Niloufar’s professional journey spans significant roles, including her current position as a PhD candidate at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, where she leads data gathering and project management efforts for multiple EU-funded projects. Notably, she has contributed to Horizon Europe’s DiCiM project, focusing on digitalized value management for Circular Manufacturing Systems. In her role within H2020 ReCiPSS, she has been instrumental in transitioning linear supply chains to circular ones, developing multi-method simulation models that assess economic, environmental, and technical performance. Additionally, Niloufar has experience as a researcher at Sharif Energy Research Institute, where she conducted techno-economic analyses related to anaerobic digestion. Her extensive teaching experience includes courses on Circular Manufacturing Systems at KTH and guest lectures at various institutions, demonstrating her commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering future generations in the field.

Research Focus 

Niloufar’s research focuses on Circular Manufacturing Systems, specifically the development of decision-support tools that facilitate the implementation of circular supply chains. She employs multi-method simulation models to analyze the complexities of manufacturing systems and support sustainable practices. Her work emphasizes data-driven solutions for transitioning traditional linear supply chains into circular frameworks, addressing the urgent need for sustainability in manufacturing. Key areas of interest include resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the integration of digital technologies in manufacturing processes. Niloufar’s research contributions also explore stakeholder dynamics in circular supply chains, ensuring that economic, environmental, and technical aspects are considered for effective decision-making. Through collaboration with international partners and participation in various EU-funded projects, she aims to enhance academic knowledge and provide practical solutions that drive the adoption of circular economy principles in manufacturing.

Publications Top Notes

• Amir, S., Salehi, N., Roci, M., Sweet, S., & Rashid, A. (2022). Towards circular economy: A guiding framework for circular supply chain implementation. 📚
• Roci, M., Salehi, N., Amir, S., Shoaib-ul-Hasan, S., Asif, F. M. A., Mihelič, A., & Rashid, A. (2022). Towards circular manufacturing systems implementation: A complex adaptive systems perspective using modelling and simulation as a quantitative analysis tool. 🌍
• Roci, M., Salehi, N., Amir, S., Asif, F. M. A., Shoaib-ul-Hasan, S., & Rashid, A. (2022). Multi-method simulation modelling of circular manufacturing systems for enhanced decision-making. 🛠️
• Salehi, N., Amir, S., Roci, M., Shoaib-ul-Hasan, S., Asif, F. M. A., Mihelič, A., Sweet, S., & Rashid, A. (2024). Towards circular manufacturing systems implementation: An integrated analysis framework for circular supply chains. 🔄
• Asif, F. M., Salehi, N., & Lieder, M. (2022). Consumer Perceptions of the Circular Business Model: A Case of Leasing Strollers. 👶
• Kokare, S., Asif, F. M. A., Mårtensson, G., Shoaib-ul-Hasan, S., Rashid, A., Roci, M., & Salehi, N. (2021). A comparative life cycle assessment of stretchable and rigid electronics: a case study of cardiac monitoring devices. ❤️
• Shoaib-ul-Hasan, S., Roci, M., Asif, F. M. A., Salehi, N., & Rashid, A. (2021). Analyzing temporal variability in inventory data for life cycle assessment: Implications in the context of circular economy. 📊
• Villamil Velasquez, C., Salehi, N., & Hallstedt, S. I. (2020). How Can Information and Communications Technology Support the Link Between Circular Economy and Product Life Cycle Management? – a Review. 💻
• Salehi, N., Mahmoudi, M., Bazargan, A., & McKay, G. (2019). Exergy and Life Cycle-Based Analysis. In C. M. Hussain (Ed.), Handbook of Environmental Materials Management (pp. 1057–1078). 📖

Conclusion

Niloufar Salehi exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in the field of Circular Manufacturing Systems. Her strong foundation in data-driven decision support, coupled with her project management and collaborative skills, positions her as a frontrunner for the Best Researcher Award. With targeted improvements in communication and networking, she has the potential to significantly elevate her impact in both academic and industrial contexts.