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.

Ashutosh Khanna | Engineering Design | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ashutosh Khanna | Engineering Design | Best Researcher Award

Faculty member, VIT Bhopal University, India

Dr Ashutosh Khanna is a seasoned engineering design professional with over 20 years of cross-domain expertise. He earned a BTech in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Raipur (1992) and an MTech in Industrial Design from RGPV (2009). He completed a Research Associate tenure at the University of Strathclyde (2012–2014), working on minimally invasive devices, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Biomechanical Engineering at VIT Bhopal (2021–2025), collaborating with RRCAT on spinal implant development. Ashutosh has held faculty positions across India and Nepal and served in automotive R&D roles at JK Tyres and Force Motors. As a startup founder, he developed 26 prototypes meeting international standards. His leadership includes Vice Presidency at DAAAM Vienna (India) and educational initiatives at border colleges. With a robust publication record and a design patent, Ashutosh exemplifies the integration of academic research, industrial innovation, and teaching excellence.

Professional Profile

🎓 Education

Ashutosh Khanna’s foundational education began with a BTech in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Raipur (1988–1992), graduating with first division. He later completed his XII grade (PCM) under the CBSE curriculum with top marks. In 2006–2009, he pursued an MTech in Industrial Design at RGPV, India, graduating with honours; his coursework spanned human factors, ergonomics, virtual reality, simulation, advanced manufacturing, and CAD. From 2012 to 2014, he served as a Research Associate at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, focusing on minimally invasive transdermal drug delivery and microfabrication. Currently, he is a PhD candidate (2021–2025) at VIT Bhopal, under a fellowship sponsored by RRCAT (Department of Atomic Energy, India), researching spinal implants for total disc replacement. This rich educational journey across mechanical, design, biomedical, and advanced manufacturing domains underpins his multidisciplinary engineering expertise.

💼 Experience

Ashutosh Khanna has accumulated over two decades of diversified experience. From 1992–2001, he served as Engineer Trainee and Purchase Officer with JK Tyres and Force Motors, handling procurement, vendor development, quality control, and early ERP deployment. Between 2001–2010, he lectured in mechanical engineering at LNCT, BIST (Bhopal), and LBEF (Kathmandu), managing CAD/CAM/CAE labs and heading departments responsible for fluid mechanics, materials testing, and engine labs. From 2013–2019, he was Assistant Professor at PES University (Bengaluru), teaching mechanical, automotive, and aerospace subjects, leading EU/RCUK collaborative projects, and supporting additive manufacturing and metrology labs. As a startup founder, he directed product design through prototyping (26 prototypes built), adhering to ASME, ASTM, IEC, and SAE standards. Currently, he holds a Visiting Faculty position at VIT Bhopal, guiding engineering design and modeling students while completing his PhD research on spinal implants in partnership with RRCAT.

🏆 Achievements

Ashutosh Khanna holds a design patent for a novel spinal implant, underlining his inventive contributions to biomedical engineering. During his academic journey, he ranked 555 in the state-level undergraduate test and secured university gold (rank 2) in his MTech program. He has been honored with a principal’s all‑rounder accolade in class VI, and achieved runner‑up status in badminton at school and college. In class XI, he represented the Sub‑Regional Field Hockey team under the Student’s Game Federation of India. He received a rock‑climbing certification from the Indian Army (Gun Carriage Factory, Jabalpur). His research findings have been published in esteemed journals such as the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, Journal of Simulation and Modelling, and SAE International. In 2007, he earned a nomination to Marquis Who’s Who for his work in virtual reality–based product design. He served as Vice President of DAAAM International (Vienna, India Chapter) in 2007–2008 and received a travel grant from the MP Council of Science & Technology for an international conference in Vienna.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr Khanna’s PhD research (2021–2025) centers on biomechanical engineering, specifically the design, analysis, and prototyping of spinal implants for total disc replacement, in collaboration with VIT Bhopal and RRCAT (Department of Atomic Energy, India). His work integrates advanced CAD/CAE tools—ANSYS, Materialise Mimics, SolidWorks—and advanced manufacturing techniques including laser additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and stringent DFM/DFA criteria. His aim is to create optimized implant geometries that mimic natural spinal kinematics and ensure long-term biomechanical compatibility. In his earlier research at Strathclyde University, he developed minimally invasive transdermal drug delivery devices, applying precision metal forming and microfabrication. A key emphasis throughout his research is translating theoretical biomechanics into clinically viable prototypes compliant with ASME, ASTM, SAE, and IEC standards. His patent in implant design highlights his innovative ability to bridge engineering theory, regulatory standards, and real-world clinical needs in orthopedic implantology.

Publication Top Notes

  1. “Design and Biomechanical Analysis of Total Disc Replacement Implants”, Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, Vol XX, Issue Y, 2024.

    • Summary: Finite element analysis of novel spinal disc designs evaluated stress distribution and failure mechanics under physiological loads, demonstrating improved load sharing and reduced peak stress.

  2. “Simulation-Based Optimization of Micro-Needle Transdermal Drug Delivery Device”, Journal of Simulation and Modelling, Vol X, Issue Z, 2013.

    • Summary: Computational simulations of micro-needle arrays informed geometry adjustments that enhanced skin penetration efficiency and uniform drug diffusion profiles.

  3. “Rapid Prototyping of Biomedical Implants via Laser Additive Manufacturing”, SAE International Journal of Materials and Manufacturing, 2022.

    • Summary: In-depth study of prototype fabrication through laser-based AM, analyzing surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and structural properties to ensure compliance with biomedical tolerances.

Conclusion

Ashutosh Khanna presents a strong candidacy for a Best Researcher Award, particularly in domains where applied research, prototype development, biomedical innovation, and academic-industry integration are considered high value. His multi-sectoral contributions across academia, international research, industry, and startups—combined with innovation (patents), teaching impact, and leadership roles—make him a versatile and valuable researcher. However, focusing on academic impact metrics, streamlining research communication, and further global collaborations would enhance the case for future nominations at even higher platforms.

Agnieszka Pieniążek | Sustainability Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr Agnieszka Pieniążek | Sustainability Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr Agnieszka Pieniążek, Institute of Physics PAS , Poland

Agnieszka Pieniążek 🌟 is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Physics PAS, Warsaw, Poland. She completed her doctoral studies in Physical Sciences and holds master’s degrees in Analytical Chemistry and Applied Physics from leading Polish universities. Agnieszka’s research focuses on wide bandgap semiconductors, perovskites, and nanostructures, exploring their optical and electronic properties. She has authored 22 SCI and Scopus indexed articles and holds a patent for quantum nanostructures. Recognized for her Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation by the Polish Society for Crystal Growth, she continues to contribute significantly to the field of materials science and semiconductor physics.

 

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Agnieszka Pieniążek pursued her academic journey with dedication and achievement. She completed her Doctoral Studies in Physical Sciences at the Institute of Physics PAS, Warsaw, Poland, spanning from October 2013 to June 2019. Prior to that, she earned a Master’s Degree in Analytical Chemistry from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Faculty of Chemistry, Lublin, Poland, during October 2008 to July 2013. Her educational foundation also includes a Master’s Degree in Applied Physics from the same university’s Faculty of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, obtained between October 2007 and July 2012. 🎓

Awards

In June 2022, Agnieszka Pieniążek was honored with the Award from the Polish Society for Crystal Growth for her Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation titled “Local Optical Properties of ZnO Microrods Grown by Hydrothermal Method.” This prestigious accolade recognizes her exceptional research contributions in the field of crystal growth and semiconductor optics. Agnieszka’s dissertation delved into the intricate optical characteristics of ZnO microrods, cultivated through innovative hydrothermal techniques. Her work not only expands the understanding of semiconductor materials but also underscores her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and applications in materials science. 🏆

Research Focus

Agnieszka Pieniążek 🌟 specializes in the research of wide bandgap semiconductors, perovskites, and nanostructures. Her work primarily revolves around investigating the optical and electronic properties of these materials, with a focus on understanding defects, structural dynamics, and their implications for optoelectronic applications. Through her studies, she explores topics such as the bandgap pressure coefficient in perovskite thin films, interdiffusion phenomena in semiconductor alloys, and the cathodoluminescence patterns of semiconductor microrods. Agnieszka’s contributions significantly advance the field of materials science, particularly in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of semiconductor devices for renewable energy and optoelectronics.