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.

Jekaterina Nikitina | Management and Innovations | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. Jekaterina Nikitina | Management and Innovations | Women Researcher Award

Researcher, Riga Technical University, Latvia

Jekaterina Nikitina, a Latvian national, is an accomplished executive board member and co-founder at 2AM SIA, Riga, with a focus on strategic decision-making and advanced materials. With a background in engineering economics, she’s a research assistant at Riga Technical University (RTU), specializing in circular economy and sustainable solutions. She holds a Master’s in Management from the University of Latvia and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Management Science and Economics. Jekaterina’s diverse career spans hospitality management, international project coordination, and expertise in industrial sectors such as aerospace and additive manufacturing. Passionate about sustainability, she drives various research initiatives and is a guest lecturer, delivering expertise on circular economy and sustainability. With a proven track record of innovation, leadership, and high-level presentations at global conferences, Jekaterina is committed to advancing sustainable practices in industry and academia. 🚀🌍📚

Profile

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Education

Jekaterina Nikitina’s academic journey reflects her commitment to innovation and sustainability. She is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Riga Technical University (RTU), Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management, where her research centers on “The Economic Efficiency of Circular Recycling Materials in Latvia.” Her previous academic endeavors include a Master’s in Social Sciences in Management from the University of Latvia, specializing in International Economy and Business. During her studies, she participated in the Erasmus+ program at the University of Deusto, Spain, and University of Borås, Sweden. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Management from the University of Latvia, focusing on technological integration and systems. This educational foundation equips her with comprehensive knowledge to excel in circular economy research, project management, and the application of zero-waste technologies. 🌱🎓📈

Experience

Jekaterina Nikitina brings over a decade of professional experience in management, research, and international collaboration. As an Executive Board Member & Co-founder at 2AM SIA, she plays a key role in strategic decisions, managing aerospace and additive manufacturing projects. She has contributed to groundbreaking work in the aerospace sector, focusing on advanced materials. At Riga Technical University, Jekaterina works as a research assistant in the Institute of Biomedicine Engineering and Nanotechnologies, conducting scientific research, managing projects, and presenting at international conferences. She previously served as a manager at Globales America Hotel, overseeing operations with a team of 100+ employees. Jekaterina has also worked in diverse roles, including project assistant at the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science and tax transaction coordinator at Global Blue Slovakia. With her versatile experience, Jekaterina excels at managing complex projects and fostering cross-border collaborations. 💼🌍🔬

Research Focus

Jekaterina Nikitina’s research focuses on advancing sustainability, particularly through circular economy principles and zero-waste technologies. Her Ph.D. research delves into the economic efficiency of circular recycling materials in Latvia, aiming to assess the environmental and financial viability of implementing sustainable materials. As a research assistant at Riga Technical University, she explores innovative techniques in material processing, including magnetic pulse powder compaction and vibrational spectroscopy. Jekaterina has worked on numerous EU-funded scientific projects, including the development of protective materials and non-destructive inspection tools for 3D metal-printed products. Her research aligns with global trends in reducing waste, improving the life cycle of materials, and fostering sustainable practices in industries like aerospace, biomedicine, and construction. Through her work, she actively contributes to shaping the future of sustainable innovation in materials science and manufacturing. 🌿🔬🌍

Publication Top Notes

  • Magnetic Pulse Powder Compaction – Metals (MDPI) – Accepted, to be published soon.
  • Assessment of the Properties and Structure of Porous Titanium Samples via Magnetic Pressing – Modern Materials and Manufacturing (MMM2025) – Submitted.
  • Economic Efficiency and Benefits of Integrating Metal Materials in the Building Industry – Work in progress.
  • Processing of Latvian Peat and Waste Coffee as a Biocomposite Material for Oil Spill Collection – Agronomy Research, 22(1), 146–156. DOI: 10.15159/AR.24.040.
  • Sustainable Lifecycle of Perforated Metal Materials – Materials (MDPI), April 11. DOI: 10.3390/ma16083012.
  • Recycling of Aluminum-Based Composites Reinforced with Boron-Tungsten Fibres – Materials (MDPI), April 29. DOI: 10.3390/ma15093207.
  • Features of Magnetic-Pulse Pressing of Powders in an Electrically Conductive Sheath – 12th International Symposium on Powder Metallurgy.
  • High Porous Titanium Powder Elements for Vacuum Metallization – Journal of Physics: Conference Series.
  • Sintered Titanium Powder Aerators and Their Applications – Riga Technical University Conference.
  • Problem of Plagiarism in the Academic Area – 4th International Scientific and Practical Student Conference.
  • Investigation of a Shock Freezing Concept with Additional Electromagnetic Field Exposure – Indexed in Web of Science / SCOPUS.
  • Application of the Infiltration Method in the Manufacture of Complex-Shaped Products from Several Metal-Powder Elements – Belarus National Academy of Sciences.

 

 

Nadhim Hamah Sor | Construction Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nadhim Hamah Sor | Construction Materials | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, University of Garmian, Iraq

Nadhim Abdulwahid Hamah Sor is a Lecturer at the University of Garmian, specializing in Civil Engineering. He holds a Ph.D., MSc., and BSc. in Civil Engineering, with a focus on sustainable construction materials and advanced concrete technology. His career is marked by a deep commitment to improving the environmental impact of the construction industry through innovative materials, particularly geopolymer and self-compacting concrete. He has published extensively in top-tier journals and contributed to numerous research projects. With over 1,800 citations, an H-index of 22, and a significant international research collaboration network, Dr. Sor’s work has had a profound impact on the field. He is also actively engaged in consulting and applying his findings in practical industry projects. His expertise is highly recognized in the academic community, and he continues to be a driving force in the development of eco-efficient and sustainable materials for construction.

Education 

Dr. Nadhim Abdulwahid Hamah Sor completed his Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in Civil Engineering, followed by a Master of Science (MSc.) in the same field. He later obtained his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, specializing in sustainable construction materials. His academic journey provided a strong foundation in advanced civil engineering topics, particularly focusing on concrete materials and their environmental impact. His educational background is complemented by a robust research career that includes numerous publications in highly respected journals such as Sustainability, Cleaner Materials, and European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering. His studies and research have been pivotal in pushing forward the concept of green and sustainable construction practices, with a particular focus on geopolymer concrete, self-compacting concrete, and recycling waste materials. Dr. Sor’s academic excellence and his ongoing pursuit of knowledge continue to shape his contributions to the field of civil engineering.

Experience 

Dr. Nadhim Abdulwahid Hamah Sor has extensive teaching and research experience in the field of Civil Engineering. As a Lecturer at the University of Garmian, he is involved in both undergraduate and postgraduate instruction, specializing in construction materials, concrete technology, and sustainable building practices. Over the years, he has supervised numerous research projects, guiding students and fellow researchers through complex investigations in sustainable construction. His professional journey includes leading various research projects, including those funded by prestigious research bodies like the Harran University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (HÜBAP). Dr. Sor’s work spans academia and industry, as he has been involved in consultancy projects aimed at improving construction practices with eco-friendly materials. His contributions to industry collaborations have made significant strides in promoting the adoption of geopolymer and self-compacting concrete, both of which have substantial environmental benefits. He remains a committed mentor, guiding the next generation of civil engineers.

Research Focus 

Dr. Nadhim Abdulwahid Hamah Sor’s research focuses primarily on sustainable construction materials, with particular attention to advanced concrete technologies. His work includes the development and application of geopolymer concrete, self-compacting concrete, and eco-efficient materials designed to reduce the environmental footprint of construction projects. His research investigates the use of waste products, such as fly ash, plastic waste, and corn cob ash, in concrete formulations to enhance their performance while reducing reliance on traditional cement. He has also explored the use of nano-materials to modify the properties of concrete, improving durability, strength, and sustainability. Dr. Sor is particularly interested in recycling materials within construction and their potential to replace conventional aggregates and binders. His research aims to develop practical, cost-effective solutions that can be adopted in the real world, promoting a circular economy in the construction industry while reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Compressive strength of sustainable geopolymer concrete composites: a state-of-the-art review 🌍🔬
  2. Geopolymer concrete as a cleaner construction material: An overview on materials and structural performances ♻️🏗️
  3. Innovative modeling techniques including MEP, ANN, and FQ to forecast the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete modified with nanoparticles 🤖🔧
  4. Rubberized geopolymer composites: A comprehensive review 🏠♻️
  5. Compressive strength of geopolymer concrete composites: a systematic comprehensive review, analysis, and modeling 💪🧱
  6. Performance of Self-Compacting mortars modified with Nanoparticles: A systematic review and modeling 🔍🧪
  7. The impact of nano clay on normal and high-performance concrete characteristics: a review 🧫🏗️
  8. Synergic effect of metakaolin and groundnut shell ash on the behavior of fly ash-based self-compacting geopolymer concrete 🌿🌍
  9. Thermal conductivity and hardened behavior of eco-friendly concrete incorporating waste polypropylene as fine aggregate ♻️🔥
  10. Development of eco-efficient lightweight self-compacting concrete with high volume of recycled EPS waste materials 🏗️♻️

Vijay Sood | Power Electronics Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof Vijay Sood | Power Electronics Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof Vijay Sood , Ontario Tech University, Canada

Dr. Vijay Kumar Sood 🌟 is a highly accomplished Canadian engineer and academic based in Brooklin, Ontario. With a distinguished career spanning academia and industry, he holds a Ph.D. from the University of Bradford, UK, and has been recognized as a Fellow by IEEE, Engineering Institute of Canada, and Canadian Academy of Engineering. Dr. Sood currently serves as an Associate Professor at Ontario Tech University, where he contributes significantly to research and education in power electronics and systems.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Sood’s academic journey includes a Ph.D. from the University of Bradford, UK, in 1977, an M.Sc. from the University of Strathclyde, UK, in 1969, and a B.Sc. (Hons.) from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, in 1967. He has also pursued additional courses in Project Management, Reliability Centred Maintenance, and various simulation packages.

Experience

Throughout his career, Dr. Sood has held key positions such as Senior Researcher at Hydro-Québec’s Institut de recherche, Adjunct Professor at Concordia University, and Editor for prominent IEEE journals. His roles have included teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses, conducting extensive research in power systems simulation, and leading numerous projects in HVDC transmission and advanced controls.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Sood’s contributions have earned him prestigious awards including Fellowships from IEEE and the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and recognition from the Engineering Institute of Canada and IEEE Canada. His notable honors include the IEEE Third Millennium Award and the CP Railway Engineering Medal.

Research focus

Dr. Sood’s research focuses on power electronic applications in power systems 🌐, with particular emphasis on HVDC, FACTS, and microgrid technologies. His work integrates advanced simulation studies, neural network applications, and control systems for enhanced grid stability and renewable energy integration.