Raouf Hassan | Environmental Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raouf Hassan | Environmental Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award 

Associate professor at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University ,Saudi Arabia

Dr. Raouf Ahmed Mohamed Hassan is an Associate Professor of Civil and at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a Ph.D. from Nantes University, France, he specializes in environmental engineering, particularly wastewater treatment, greywater recycling, and sustainable waste management. He began his academic journey in Egypt, earning his B.Sc. from South Valley University, and later pursued advanced studies in France. Dr. Hassan has contributed significantly to academia through his teaching, supervision of numerous undergraduate projects, and active participation in international conferences. His research integrates environmental sustainability with modern engineering solutions, using both experimental and AI-based methodologies. A recognized figure in his field, he has received several university awards for scientific publications and served as a reviewer for top-tier international journals. Multilingual and globally engaged, Dr. Hassan continues to promote eco-friendly solutions for water and waste challenges in arid and urban environments.

👨‍🔬 Professional Profile

✅ Strengths for the Award

  1. Robust Academic Foundation

    • Trained in both Egypt and France, Dr. Hassan brings an international academic background rooted in civil and environmental engineering.

    • His Ph.D. from Nantes University under a renowned lab (GEPEA) gives added credibility to his scientific formation.

  2. High-Impact Research Contributions

    • Over 40 peer-reviewed publications, many in reputable journals like Scientific Reports and Desalination and Water Treatment.

    • Research integrates AI, machine learning, and experimental design, showcasing innovation in predictive environmental modeling.

  3. Award-Winning Excellence

    • Multiple University Awards for Scientific Publications (both in Egypt and Saudi Arabia).

    • Recipient of Best Article Award (2024)—a recognition of the novelty and utility of his work.

  4. Applied Focus on Sustainable Solutions

    • Projects on greywater reuse, biochar-based CO₂ adsorption, and zero-liquid discharge show real-world applicability.

    • Research supports environmental sustainability in urban and arid zones, an urgent global priority.

  5. Academic Leadership and Teaching

    • 20+ years of academic service across leading institutions.

    • Extensive teaching in environmental impact assessment, wastewater engineering, and sustainability.

    • Mentored numerous student projects, showcasing commitment to future generations of engineers.

  6. Global Perspective

    • Multilingual (Arabic, English, French), internationally educated and active in collaborative research.

    • Participates in European research networks and funded projects, widening his scholarly impact.

🎓 Education

Dr. Raouf Hassan earned his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from South Valley University, Egypt, where he developed a strong foundation in infrastructure and environmental systems. He pursued his M.Sc. and Ph.D. at Nantes University, France, specializing under the GEPEA Laboratory. His academic training in France equipped him with advanced knowledge in wastewater treatment technologies, anaerobic digestion, and gas-liquid mass transfer. During his postgraduate studies, Dr. Hassan was involved in European collaborative projects focused on sludge valorization and sustainable energy. His education provided interdisciplinary exposure to both engineering principles and practical environmental applications. Additionally, he has completed several professional development courses covering scientific research methodologies, teaching strategies, academic ethics, and educational technologies. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Dr. Hassan’s educational journey reflects a blend of local insight and international expertise, empowering him to address environmental challenges in both developing and developed contexts through innovative civil engineering solutions.

🧑‍🏫 Experience

Dr. Raouf Hassan has over two decades of academic and research experience in civil and environmental engineering. He currently serves as Associate Professor at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia, a position he has held since 2025 after serving as Assistant Professor there since 2017. Earlier, he worked as a faculty member and department head at Aswan University and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport in Egypt. His teaching portfolio includes undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as water and wastewater treatment, environmental impact assessment, and hydraulic systems. Dr. Hassan has supervised numerous student projects addressing urban water infrastructure, air pollution, and waste management in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Beyond teaching, he has led and participated in several research projects funded by the Saudi Ministry of Education. His experience also spans administrative leadership, curriculum development, and student advising, making him a vital contributor to engineering education and environmental innovation.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Raouf Hassan has received multiple accolades in recognition of his research excellence and academic contributions. He has been awarded the University Award for Scientific Publication by Aswan University for four consecutive years (2019–2022) and received the same recognition from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in 2021 and 2022. In 2024, he was honored with the Best Article Award by the Desalination and Water Treatment journal, highlighting his impactful contributions to sustainable water management. He also held a postdoctoral fellowship in 2013 at Nantes University, supported by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education. In addition to these achievements, Dr. Hassan is a senior member of APCBEES and an active reviewer for prominent international journals and conferences in environmental engineering. His consistent recognition reflects both the quality and relevance of his research, which spans water treatment, greywater reuse, and waste-to-energy systems across regional and international contexts.

🔬 Research Focus on Environmental Engineering

Dr. Raouf Hassan’s research is centered on sustainable environmental engineering, particularly focusing on wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, sludge valorization, and solid waste management. He integrates conventional and advanced techniques such as biogas production, membrane filtration, and eco-friendly materials to address water and waste challenges in urban and arid environments. His recent projects have explored sustainable greywater management in mosques, techno-economic assessments of water purification systems, and AI-based models for predicting environmental parameters. Dr. Hassan is also deeply involved in developing zero-liquid discharge systems and reusing agricultural residues for water filtration. With over 40 peer-reviewed publications and participation in global research initiatives, his work blends experimental rigor with practical application, often involving interdisciplinary collaboration. His research is funded by major bodies like the Deanship for Research & Innovation and the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Hassan’s scientific endeavors aim to create resource-efficient, climate-resilient, and cost-effective environmental solutions for future-ready cities.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Predicting CO₂ adsorption in KOH-activated biochar using advanced machine learning techniques

Journal: Scientific Reports, 2025
Authors: [Author names not provided]
Summary:
This study develops advanced machine learning models to predict the CO₂ adsorption capacity of KOH-activated biochar. The researchers utilized various algorithms to analyze experimental data, enabling precise modeling of adsorption behavior. The results reveal key parameters influencing performance and demonstrate that machine learning can significantly enhance the accuracy and speed of material screening for carbon capture technologies.

Machine learning frameworks to accurately estimate the adsorption of organic materials onto resin and biochar

Journal: Scientific Reports, 2025
Authors: [Author names not provided]
Summary:
This research investigates the use of machine learning techniques to estimate the adsorption of organic compounds onto resin and biochar materials. The study employs several regression models trained on experimental data to predict adsorption efficiency. Findings show that machine learning offers a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional methods in evaluating adsorbent materials for applications in environmental remediation and water purification.

🧾 Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Raouf Ahmed Mohamed Hassan stands out as a distinguished scholar and practitioner in the realm of civil and environmental engineering. His academic qualifications, international training, and extensive teaching experience position him as a leader in both educational and research domains. His multidisciplinary approach bridges environmental sustainability with engineering innovation, addressing pressing issues such as wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and air quality assessment. Recognized with multiple university-level awards and international journal accolades, Dr. Hassan continues to contribute meaningfully to science and society. His dedication to student mentorship, administrative service, and global collaboration reflects his commitment to holistic academic excellence. Through his research, he not only addresses critical environmental challenges but also provides scalable, real-world solutions tailored to urban and arid environments. As the world grapples with climate change and resource scarcity, Dr. Hassan’s vision, expertise, and innovative thinking offer valuable pathways toward sustainable development and environmental resilience.

Mohammad-Mahdi Pazuki | Energy Systems Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr Mohammad-Mahdi Pazuki | Energy Systems Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D Student, KN Toosi University, Iran

Mohammad-Mahdi Pazuki is an accomplished researcher and engineer specializing in energy systems and policy analysis. He has made significant contributions to sustainable energy transitions through innovative research and interdisciplinary projects. His work blends advanced technologies, such as machine learning and optimization algorithms, with real-world applications in renewable energy solutions. He is dedicated to addressing critical energy challenges in Iran and beyond, and his commitment to academic excellence is evidenced by his top rankings in national exams and university performance. He actively engages in teaching and mentorship, fostering the next generation of engineers and researchers.\

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

  1. Innovative Research: Mohammad-Mahdi Pazuki has made significant contributions to the field of energy systems through his advanced research in energy policy analysis, optimization, and renewable energy solutions. His work, especially in machine learning applications for carbon capture and renewable energy systems, showcases his ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with practical energy solutions.
  2. Strong Academic Background: With an impressive GPA of 18.88/20 in his M.Sc. in Energy Systems Engineering, he ranks second in his university. His academic achievements, alongside his top ranking in the national university entrance exam, highlight his dedication and competence in his field.
  3. Diverse Skill Set: Pazuki’s proficiency in programming (MATLAB, Python), machine learning, and energy system modeling demonstrates a robust technical skill set. His ability to apply various optimization algorithms and engage in CFD simulation further solidifies his expertise.
  4. Publications and Projects: He has authored and contributed to multiple high-quality publications, many of which are under review or in progress. His diverse projects, ranging from solar desalination systems to energy policy assessments, indicate a well-rounded approach to research and practical applications.
  5. Teaching and Leadership Experience: His role as a teaching assistant and involvement in organizing significant conferences and projects reflect strong communication and leadership abilities. His participation in judging panels for technology festivals demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Impact Assessment: While his research is innovative, further emphasis on the societal and environmental impacts of his work could enhance its relevance. Developing frameworks to measure these impacts could provide more comprehensive insights into the implications of his research.
  2. Networking and Collaboration: Although he has engaged in various projects, expanding his professional network through international collaborations could lead to more diverse perspectives and opportunities for joint research initiatives.
  3. Public Engagement: Increasing public engagement through outreach initiatives or community projects related to energy sustainability could enhance the visibility of his work and promote awareness of renewable energy technologies.

Education

Mohammad-Mahdi holds a Master’s degree in Energy Systems Engineering from K.N. Toosi University of Technology, where he achieved a GPA of 18.88/20, ranking second in his program. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the same institution, with a GPA of 14.93/20. His academic journey began with a diploma in Physics and Mathematics from Roshd High School, where he graduated with a GPA of 19.70/20. His education has equipped him with a strong foundation in engineering principles, energy systems, and policy analysis, enabling him to tackle complex challenges in sustainable energy.

Experience

Mohammad-Mahdi’s professional experience encompasses a variety of research and engineering roles. He has served as a researcher at Niroo Research Institute and the Energy Integration Lab, contributing to projects on energy policy, optimization, and renewable technologies. He has also held executive positions, including Chief Operating Officer at a digital marketing agency. His internships in construction and power plant engineering have provided practical insights into the energy sector. Additionally, he has taught courses in system dynamics and decision-making, showcasing his dedication to education and knowledge dissemination in the field of energy systems.

Research Focus

Mohammad-Mahdi’s research interests span energy policy and economics, system dynamics, renewable energy, and machine learning applications. He is particularly focused on enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability through innovative solutions, such as geothermal poly-generation systems and carbon capture technologies. His work in electricity demand-side management aims to inform effective policymaking for sustainable energy transitions. He also explores the integration of renewable energy in urban settings and the socio-environmental implications of energy systems. His interdisciplinary approach combines technical expertise with an understanding of environmental and social challenges in the energy sector.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Enhancing efficiency in an innovative geothermal poly-generation system for electricity, cooling, and freshwater production through integrated multi-objective optimization: A holistic approach to energy, exergy, and enviro-economic effects”
  • “An Intelligent Solvent Selection Approach in Carbon Capturing Process: A Comparative Study of Machine Learning Multi-Class Classification Models”
  • “Solar-Powered Bitcoin Mining: Bridging Economic Viability with Environmental Sustainability”
  • “Exploring Evaporation Dynamics in Solar Stills: Influence of Fabric Material Composition and Brine Concentration”
  • “Optimization and Analysis of Adsorption Desalination Systems: Integrating Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) with Environmental, Economic, and Exergy Analyses”
  • “The evaporation experiments on carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube/polyvinyl alcohol – polyester (3D CNT/PVA-PET) fabric with hole array”
  • “Modeling and assessment of Iran’s electricity demand-side management (DSM) policies applying system dynamics (SD) approach”
  • “Intelligent Energy Management: Strategies, Applications, and Policy Implications” (Book in progress)

Conclusion

Mohammad-Mahdi Pazuki stands out as a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his innovative contributions to energy systems, strong academic credentials, diverse skill set, and impactful research. By focusing on enhancing the societal impact of his work and expanding his collaborative efforts, he can further elevate his research profile and contribute meaningfully to the field of energy sustainability. His commitment to advancing energy policy and technology positions him as a promising researcher poised to make significant contributions in the future.