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.

Yingnan Li | Urban renewal | Best Researcher Award

Prof Yingnan Li | Urban renewal | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor, Jiangsu University, China

Yingnan Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Design at Jiangsu University, China. With a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from Seoul National University, she specializes in ecological landscape planning, urban thermal environments, and climate-adaptive urban design. Yingnan is recognized as a ‘Dual-Creation Doctor’ in Jiangsu Province and has received numerous accolades, including the Social Science Outstanding Youth award in Zhenjiang. As a member of the American Geophysical Union and the Jiangsu Civil Architecture Society’s Landscape Architecture Committee, she contributes to several academic journals. Her extensive design experience includes urban renewal and landscape design projects, significantly enhancing her students’ competitive success in various national and international competitions.

Profile

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic Excellence: Dr. Yingnan Li holds a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from a prestigious institution (Seoul National University) and has published over 10 academic papers in reputable journals. Her research on ecological landscape planning, urban thermal environments, and climate adaptive design is both relevant and impactful.
  2. Research Impact: Her work has significant implications for urban sustainability and climate resilience, addressing pressing global challenges such as urban heat islands and ecosystem service evaluation. The breadth of her research reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in these critical areas.
  3. Professional Recognition: Dr. Li has received several awards, including recognition as an Excellent Academic Mentor and Excellent Instructor at Jiangsu University, highlighting her contributions to education and mentorship. Her involvement in notable academic societies and competitions further underscores her standing in the academic community.
  4. Active Engagement: She regularly presents her research at international conferences and serves as a reviewer for leading journals, demonstrating her active engagement in the scientific community and her commitment to advancing research in her field.
  5. Student Success: Dr. Li’s guidance has led her students to win numerous prestigious awards in design competitions, showcasing her effectiveness as an educator and her ability to inspire and cultivate talent in future professionals.
  6. Practical Application of Research: Her extensive experience in design practice complements her academic work, allowing her to translate theoretical research into practical applications, which enhances the relevance of her research findings.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: While Dr. Li’s work is commendable, exploring interdisciplinary collaborations could enhance her research impact. Engaging with experts from fields such as urban planning, public health, and environmental science could lead to more comprehensive studies.
  2. Broader Outreach: Expanding her research’s public engagement and outreach efforts could further enhance its visibility and applicability. This could include workshops, community projects, or partnerships with local governments.
  3. Funding Opportunities: Actively seeking external funding for research projects could help expand the scope of her work and enable larger-scale studies that could contribute even more significantly to the field.
  4. Publication Strategy: Focusing on publishing in high-impact journals and diversifying the publication types (e.g., reviews, policy papers) could enhance her academic visibility and influence.

Education 

Yingnan Li earned her Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from Seoul National University, South Korea, from September 2014 to August 2018, under the supervision of Youngkeun Song. Before this, she obtained her Master’s degree in Horticulture from Yanbian University, where she studied from September 2012 to June 2014. Yingnan completed her undergraduate studies in Landscape Architecture at the same institution, graduating in June 2012. This strong academic foundation has equipped her with comprehensive knowledge and skills in landscape architecture and environmental design, enabling her to address complex ecological and urban challenges effectively. Her educational journey reflects a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for sustainable design practices.

Experience 

Yingnan Li’s professional journey includes significant roles in academia and research. Since September 2018, she has been an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Design at Jiangsu University, where she also serves as a Master’s Supervisor. Prior to this, she worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Southeast University from November 2019 to December 2021. Additionally, she was a researcher at the Environmental Planning Institute of Seoul National University from December 2021 to December 2023, supported by the CSC Young Backbone Teacher Grant. Yingnan has a wealth of experience in design practice, completing projects focused on urban renewal, rural transformation, and residential landscapes. Her expertise bridges theory and practice, enhancing both her research contributions and her students’ educational experiences.

Awards and Honors 

Yingnan Li has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to academia and student mentorship. In 2023, she was named the Excellent Academic Mentor of Jiangsu University for the 2022-2023 academic year. She was also honored as an Excellent Instructor at the 11th Chinese National College Student Digital Media Technology Works and Creativity Competition in 2023. Her students have thrived under her guidance, achieving multiple awards in various competitions, including the Chinese National Digital Art Design Competition and the Asia Design Academic Year Award. In 2021, she received the Outstanding Award for her performance in the English Teaching Competition at Jiangsu University. Her involvement in the Jiangsu province high-level innovation and entrepreneurship talent plan further underscores her commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in the field of environmental design.

Research Focus 

Yingnan Li’s research interests encompass ecological landscape planning, urban thermal environments, climate-adaptive urban design, and ecosystem service evaluation. She aims to understand the interaction between urban landscapes and their ecological functions, particularly in the context of climate change. Her work on microclimate variations in urban green spaces has provided insights into enhancing thermal comfort and urban resilience. Yingnan’s research also focuses on quantifying ecosystem services provided by urban trees and green spaces, contributing to more sustainable urban planning practices. By integrating scientific knowledge with design, she strives to promote environmental sustainability and enhance the quality of urban life. Her scholarly contributions are reflected in over ten academic papers and various presentations at international conferences, showcasing her commitment to advancing the field of environmental design.

Publication Top Notes

  • Optimization of vegetation arrangement to improve microclimate and thermal comfort in an urban park 🌳
  • Spatial and temporal patterns of microclimates at an urban forest edge and their management implications 🌲
  • Quantifying tree canopy coverage threshold of typical residential quarters considering human thermal comfort and heat dynamics under extreme heat ☀️
  • Zonal classification of microclimates and their relationship with landscape design parameters in an urban park 🏞️
  • Evaluation and prediction of land use change impacts on ecosystem service values in Nanjing City from 1995 to 2030 🌍
  • The Impacts of Morphology of Traditional Alleys on Thermal comfort: A case study of Da Long Wang Xiang in Zhenjiang, China 🏘️
  • Measuring and Modeling the Influences of Street Tree Species on Microclimate and Pedestrian Comfort 🚶‍♀️
  • Microclimate Variations in Urban Green Spaces Depending on Site Characteristics 🌿

Conclusion

Dr. Yingnan Li is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, demonstrating exceptional contributions to the field of landscape architecture and environmental design. Her academic achievements, professional recognition, and dedication to mentoring students position her as a leading figure in her field. By addressing the suggested areas for improvement, Dr. Li can further amplify her impact and continue to lead innovative research in ecological landscape planning and climate adaptive urban design. Recognizing her with this award would not only honor her past accomplishments but also encourage her ongoing contributions to academia and society.