Lydia Papadaki | Economics | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Lydia Papadaki | Economics | Young Scientist Award

Researcher, ATHENA RC Greece

Lydia Papadaki, based in Athens, Greece, is a dynamic researcher and project manager specializing in climate innovation, circular economy, and sustainable development. With an active role at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) and the ATHENA Research and Innovation Centre, she has been instrumental in European and international projects such as ARSINOE, DOORS, and IntelCOMP. Lydia’s professional journey includes leadership roles in hubs like EIT Climate-KIC Greece and UN SDSN Greece, fostering systemic solutions in sustainability and business transformation. Alongside her academic pursuits, she actively engages in teaching and mentoring, delivering lectures and trainings across Europe and the Mediterranean region. She brings a rich background combining economics, project coordination, innovation policy, and entrepreneurship development, positioning herself as a key contributor to Europe’s climate action and green transition efforts. Lydia’s work integrates multidisciplinary expertise to support the achievement of sustainable economic models and climate resilience.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Lydia Papadaki is currently pursuing a PhD in Economics at the School of Economics, Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), Greece, since November 2019, as part of a rigorous four-year program. Her doctoral studies focus on environmental economics, innovation systems, and sustainable business models, reflecting her strong commitment to integrating economic principles with climate resilience. In addition to her ongoing PhD, Lydia has built a robust foundation in economics and international market analysis, further enhanced through internships and specialized research activities. Her academic journey has been deeply interdisciplinary, blending economic theory with real-world applications in environmental policy, circular economy frameworks, and regional development strategies. Through her education, Lydia has acquired expertise not only in advanced economic modeling but also in the governance of sustainability initiatives, preparing her to contribute actively to research, policymaking, and innovation in global and European contexts.

💼 Experience

Lydia Papadaki’s career spans leading research and managerial positions across prominent organizations, including ReSEES at AUEB and the ATHENA Research Centre, where she contributes to major EU-funded projects like ARSINOE, CATALYST, TICHE Academy, DOORS, and IntelCOMP. She previously managed EIT Climate-KIC Hub Greece (2019–2022), orchestrating training programs like Pioneers into Practice and Climathons across multiple cities. As Manager at UN SDSN Greece (2019–2022), she developed and coordinated SDG-related activities, workshops, and youth programs. Earlier, Lydia gained valuable industry experience during internships at the Embassy of Greece in Rome and Olympic Brewery’s Finance Department. Her work blends research, innovation, project management, and teaching, encompassing topics such as circular economy, sustainable business transformation, and climate innovation. Lydia’s trajectory reflects her passion for systemic change, interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering sustainable development, making her a significant contributor in both academic and professional sustainability networks.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Throughout her vibrant career, Lydia Papadaki has been closely associated with prestigious European programs and international initiatives that have recognized her commitment to sustainable development and innovation. She has been a key contributor to multiple award-winning Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+ projects like ARSINOE, DOORS, and IntelCOMP. Although specific personal awards are not individually listed, Lydia’s active involvement in large-scale, competitively funded projects valued in millions of euros highlights her exceptional competence and the trust placed in her abilities. Her teaching engagements at elite programs like the UN SDSN ESG Programme and her role in initiatives like Maritime ClimAccelerator also underscore the recognition of her expertise in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and climate innovation. Additionally, her leadership roles in projects co-funded by EIT Climate-KIC, such as Circular Learning Hub and CE Beacons, position her among Europe’s emerging leaders driving the green transition and systemic innovation movements.

🔬 Research Focus

Lydia Papadaki’s research focus revolves around sustainable economic models, circular economy transitions, climate innovation, and systemic solutions for resilience. She is deeply engaged in EU-funded research projects addressing critical issues like climate adaptation (ARSINOE), marine and maritime innovation (DOORS), smart specialization strategies (CE in S3), and AI-based policymaking platforms (IntelCOMP). Lydia actively explores how innovation ecosystems can foster greener, more resilient economies through cross-sector collaboration. Her research interests also include the water-energy-food nexus, circular business models, and regional climate adaptation strategies. Through her work at ReSEES, ATHENA RC, and AUEB, Lydia applies interdisciplinary approaches to integrate environmental sustainability with socio-economic development. She consistently seeks to bridge academic research and practical implementation, aiming to influence policy, corporate strategy, and community resilience. Lydia’s research supports transformative change across sectors, aligning with EU Green Deal goals and sustainable development frameworks, making her a forward-thinking researcher in Europe’s green economy landscape.

Conclusion

Lydia Papadaki is highly suitable for the Young Scientist Award. She exhibits an exceptional academic record, strong research engagement in sustainability and environmental economics, real-world project leadership, and international academic exposure. While a greater volume of high-impact publications and further interdisciplinary expansion would strengthen her case in the future, her current achievements, dedication, and trajectory already make her a deserving and promising candidate for this honor.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Water for tomorrow: A living lab on the creation of the science-policy-stakeholder interface
Year: 2022
Author: A Alamanos, P Koundouri, L Papadaki, T Pliakou, E Toli

Title: A system innovation approach for science-stakeholder interface: theory and application to water-land-food-energy nexus
Year: 2022
Author: A Alamanos, P Koundouri, L Papadaki, T Pliakou

Title: Integrated fleet optimization under techno-economic shipping and environmental constraints: the MaritimeGCH model
Year: 2024
Author: A Alamanos, O Nisiforou, JA Garcia, L Papadaki, P Koundouri

Title: New challenges and opportunities for sustainable ports: The Deep Demonstration in maritime hubs project
Year: 2020
Author: V Alexandropoulou, P Koundouri, L Papadaki, K Kontaxaki

Title: Sustainable shipping: levers of change
Year: 2020
Author: A Papandreou, P Koundouri, L Papadaki

Title: Integrating water-food-energy nexus with climate services: modelling and assessment for a case study in Africa
Year: 2020
Author: P Koundouri, L Papadaki

Title: Tackling Single-Use-Plastic in small touristic islands to reduce marine litter: co-identifying the best mix of policy interventions
Year: 2023
Author: A Guittard, E Akinsete, E Demian, P Koundouri, L Papadaki, X Tombrou

Title: Accelerating Science-Driven Blue Growth via a Competitive Intelligence Cloud/HPC Platform for AI-Based STI Policy Making
Year: 2022
Author: P Koundouri, N Theodossiou, Y Ioannidis, H Papageorgiou, …

Title: Sustainable shipping: levers of change. The Ocean of Tomorrow
Year: 2021
Author: A Papandreou, P Koundouri, L Papadaki

Title: Circular Economy in National Smart Specialisation Strategies: The Case of Greece
Year: 2021
Author: L Tsipouri, P Koundouri, L Papadaki, MD Argyrou

Engin KAYMAZ | biosystem engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Engin KAYMAZ | biosystem engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Erciyes University Turkey

Engin Kaymaz is a dedicated researcher in biosystems engineering with strong expertise in irrigation technologies and agricultural water management. He currently works at Kayseri Şeker Fabrikası Anonim Şirketi, applying his academic insights to practical challenges in agricultural production. Kaymaz earned his PhD in Biosystems Engineering from Erciyes University, Turkey, where he specialized in evapotranspiration modeling using solar radiation data. His research has resulted in multiple international journal publications focusing on irrigation scheduling, crop water stress indices, and water-use efficiency in crops like black cumin, sugar beet, and fenugreek. Engin is passionate about developing sustainable and data-driven solutions in agricultural hydrology and contributes actively to research projects, including a TÜBİTAK-funded study enhancing water productivity in sugar beet irrigation. He combines scientific rigor with hands-on agricultural knowledge, making him a valuable contributor to both academic and industrial research in Turkey’s agri-tech sector.

Publication Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Engin Kaymaz holds a PhD in Biosystems Engineering from Erciyes University, completed in 2024, with an exceptional CGPA of 3.94/4.00. His doctoral work focused on the use of solar radiation data in evapotranspiration modeling specific to the Mediterranean region. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s degree (with thesis) also in Biosystems Engineering at Erciyes University between 2017 and 2020, earning a CGPA of 3.88/4.00. His thesis analyzed reference evapotranspiration using frequency analysis and solar radiation data. Engin began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Biosystems Engineering at Erciyes University, graduating in 2017 with a CGPA of 2.5/4.0. His progressive academic background reflects a solid foundation and growing specialization in irrigation technologies, water resource management, and agricultural climatology. Throughout his studies, Engin demonstrated both analytical expertise and technical proficiency, laying the groundwork for his current research contributions to agricultural sustainability and hydrological modeling.

💼 Experience

Engin Kaymaz is currently employed as a full-time researcher at Kayseri Şeker Fabrikası A.Ş. since January 2025. In this role, he applies his expertise in irrigation and biosystems engineering to improve agricultural efficiency and sugar beet production. His work bridges academic research and industrial application, focusing on optimizing water usage and yield relationships. In addition to his industry role, Kaymaz has participated in multiple research initiatives during his postgraduate studies, contributing to the development of irrigation strategies, reference evapotranspiration models, and field-level experiments. His past involvement in TÜBİTAK projects and academic collaborations showcases his ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in both institutional and practical settings. With a hands-on understanding of agricultural infrastructures and environmental data systems, Engin continues to advance solutions tailored to Turkey’s regional agricultural challenges, particularly in water-scarce areas, emphasizing sustainability and innovation.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Engin Kaymaz has been a recipient of multiple prestigious grants and support programs from TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey). These include doctoral and postgraduate performance bursaries under the 2250-Lisansüstü Bursları Performans Programı between 2022 and 2024. He also received funding and participated in the BİDEB-2244 University-Industry Collaboration Model, contributing to a long-term project focused on enhancing water productivity in sugar beet irrigation, active from 2020 to 2027. These recognitions reflect both his academic excellence and practical relevance in agricultural research. His outstanding academic records—earning high GPAs during his master’s and doctoral studies—further underscore his commitment to excellence. Engin’s research presentations at national and international conferences also mark his academic visibility and contribution to knowledge sharing in the fields of irrigation, agricultural hydrology, and water resource engineering.

🔬 Research Focus

Engin Kaymaz’s research is primarily centered on agricultural water management, irrigation systems, and evapotranspiration modeling. His PhD and ongoing work explore the use of solar radiation data to improve reference evapotranspiration predictions, especially in the Mediterranean climate. He is particularly interested in optimizing irrigation scheduling using indices such as the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) and spectral vegetation indices. His recent studies have examined the water-yield relationship in sugar beet and fenugreek crops under deficit irrigation strategies. He also investigates the integration of remote sensing and hydrometeorological data into irrigation decision-making tools. Engin’s goal is to enhance water use efficiency and ensure sustainable agriculture through data-driven, climate-adaptive practices. His research outputs, including peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers, contribute significantly to the fields of biosystems engineering, agricultural climatology, and smart irrigation technologies.

Conclusion

Engin Kaymaz is a highly promising candidate for the Young Scientist Award, with a solid academic background, impactful publications, and active participation in nationally significant research. His focus on irrigation technologies, evapotranspiration modeling, and agricultural hydrology positions him well in the field of biosystem engineering. With greater international collaboration, enhanced English skills, and leadership roles in large-scale projects, he can elevate his research career to the next level. Strongly recommended with scope for growth.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Assessment of Biochemical Composition, Mineral Content, and Fatty Acid Profile in Maize (Zea mays) Cultivars Under Water Stress and Excessive Water Using Biplot Analysis
Year: 2025
Author: Beyza Çiftci, Ihsan Serkan Varol, Engin Kaymaz, Sevgi Saylak, Mahmut Kaplan

 

 

Hareesh Kumar Rapolu | Information Technology | Excellence in Research

Mr. Hareesh Kumar Rapolu | Information Technology | Excellence in Research

Infoshare, United States

Hareesh Kumar Rapolu is a seasoned software engineer with over 10 years of experience in full-stack Java/J2EE development and microservices architecture. He is known for building scalable applications using Spring Boot, Axon, CQRS, and MongoDB, while leveraging cloud technologies like AWS and GCP. Hareesh has consistently delivered robust solutions for diverse industries, including retail and healthcare, with organizations such as Finish Line and Indiana’s Gateway to Work. His hands-on expertise in Angular, ReactJS, Kafka, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines reflects his commitment to modern DevOps and agile practices. An engineer driven by precision and innovation, Hareesh blends deep technical acumen with cross-functional collaboration, excelling in both back-end systems and UI development. His core strengths lie in event-driven architecture, RESTful services, database modeling, and system integration. Hareesh is also passionate about security practices, performance optimization, and automation. He continues to drive high-impact, cloud-native solutions tailored to enterprise-grade applications.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Hareesh Kumar Rapolu holds a Master of Engineering from the University of Missouri, Columbia (2014–2015) with a GPA of 3.39, where he gained advanced knowledge in software design and systems engineering. Prior to this, he earned his Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad (2009–2013), graduating with a 73% (GPA 3.5). His educational background laid a solid foundation in programming languages, algorithms, and data structures, which he has continuously built upon through professional practice. At both institutions, Hareesh demonstrated excellence in software development, participating in academic projects that emphasized distributed computing, object-oriented programming, and network security. His academic career fostered not only technical competence but also analytical thinking and team collaboration, which would shape his career in enterprise application development. These credentials have proven instrumental in his role as a full-stack developer and microservices architect in top-tier projects.

💼 Experience

Hareesh brings a decade of software engineering experience, currently serving as a Senior Java Software Engineer at Finish Line Inc. since July 2020. There, he led microservices development using Spring Boot, MongoDB, Kafka, GCP, and CI/CD pipelines. Prior to that, he worked on the Achieve Portal project (2019–2020), where he developed full-stack solutions with Angular, ReactJS, CQRS, and Axon frameworks. From 2018 to 2019, he contributed to E2BP, a portal enhancing user access to health and financial services. In each role, Hareesh played a pivotal part in end-to-end development, from UI/UX design to RESTful APIs, integrating cloud services, Elasticsearch, and containerization tools like Docker. He has expertise in implementing security filters, Spring Auditing Framework, and Redux-based state management. With experience spanning UI engineering, backend APIs, and cloud integration, Hareesh is recognized for delivering agile, scalable, and secure enterprise-grade applications across diverse domains.

🏆 Awards & Honors

While formal recognitions are not explicitly listed, Hareesh Kumar Rapolu’s extensive technical portfolio reflects a track record of excellence and high-impact contributions to complex software systems. His continued employment in high-responsibility roles across major organizations like Finish Line Inc. and the State of Indiana highlights his recognized value as a top-performing software engineer. He has successfully implemented performance-critical applications using Axon, Kafka, and Spring Boot, and has built secure, efficient APIs and UI platforms that are praised by stakeholders for robustness and scalability. Hareesh’s skillful use of CI/CD practices and container orchestration has led to reduced deployment times and improved development pipelines. His proactive leadership, cross-functional communication, and technical mentorship within Agile teams have made him a go-to developer for critical system components. Through innovation, reliability, and dedication, Hareesh continues to earn professional appreciation and repeat engagements in enterprise-grade projects.

🔬 Research Focus

Though primarily an industry practitioner, Hareesh Kumar Rapolu’s work reflects a strong alignment with research themes in cloud computing, microservices architecture, and event-driven systems. His focus lies in scalable system design using Axon Framework, CQRS, and Spring Boot with MongoDB for persistent event sourcing. Hareesh also explores cloud-native development, leveraging platforms like AWS and Google Cloud for big data processing and storage. He applies modern DevOps practices including Jenkins CI/CD pipelines, Docker containerization, and Elastic Stack for logging and monitoring. Security and API governance are other key interests, implementing OAuth2, CSRF filters, and API documentation via Swagger. On the frontend, he researches component reusability and performance optimization using Angular, React, and Redux. While not affiliated with academic research, his contributions to enterprise-grade systems often push the boundaries of modern software design principles and continuous delivery, echoing academic rigor and innovation in real-world development scenarios.

Conclusion

Hareesh Kumar Rapolu demonstrates exceptional technical and professional software engineering skills with rich experience in real-world, large-scale systems. However, for a Excellence in Research, it is recommended he supplement his strong industry foundation with academic publications, collaborative research, or patents to align more closely with the traditional metrics of research recognition. He is a promising candidate for applied research awards or innovation-focused recognitions, and with some strategic focus on scholarly outputs, could soon be a competitive contender for research excellence honors.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Authentication and authorization techniques – A case study on Multifactor authentication with AWS IAM
Year: 2024
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: Role of Mongo DB in Big Data. NoSQL solution for real-time data processing
Year: 2024
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: Comparative Analysis of Agile and Waterfall Methodologies in Modern Software Development
Year: 2024
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: DevSecOps for Java Applications: Implementing CI/CD Pipelines on AWS
Year: 2023
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: Testing strategies for Microservices- Manual to automated testing
Year: 2023
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: Scalable Microservices Development Using Java and AWS Lambda
Year: 2023
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: Selenium Automation analysis in E-commerce
Year: 2023
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: Spring security framework in microservices architecture- Implementing Gateway Integration
Year: 2023
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: Data management with NoSQL DB for enterprise-level applications
Year: 2022
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: A case study on containerizing applications with Docker and Apache Tomcat
Year: 2022
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: Automated testing in Java-Comparative analysis of Automated testing tools
Year: 2021
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: Comparative analysis on SOAP and REST- for Enterprise level applications
Year: 2021
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: Streaming Data Ingestion into BigQuery Using Streamsets
Year: 2021
Author: HK Rapolu

Title: Building Microservices with CQRS Axon Framework- challenges and best practices
Year: 2021
Author: HK Rapolu

Fabian Fries| Medicine and Dentistry | Young Scientist Award

Mrs. Fabian Fries| Medicine and Dentistry | Young Scientist Award

Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Germany

Dr. Fabian Fries is a Senior Consultant at Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany. He specializes in ophthalmology, with extensive international experience. After completing his medical studies at Saarland University, he trained as an ophthalmology resident. Dr. Fries has also worked in various global medical centers, including in the USA, Brazil, and Germany. His research in ophthalmology has contributed to a deeper understanding of ocular diseases, particularly those associated with aniridia and keratopathy. He holds multiple certifications in medical and clinical practices.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Fabian Fries completed his high school diploma (Abitur) in 2009 in Saarland, Germany. He pursued a degree in Medicine at Saarland University from 2009 to 2016, completing the State Medical Examination. Throughout his education, Dr. Fries participated in various internships and clinical rotations, including experiences at prestigious international institutions like Children’s of Alabama, USA, and Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba, Brazil. He further honed his skills through several specialized courses and certifications.

💼 Experience

Dr. Fries’ professional journey began with medical internships in Germany. From 2016 to 2021, he worked as an ophthalmology resident at Saarland University Medical Center. He gained international exposure through internships in the USA and Brazil, before taking on the role of Senior Consultant in 2021 at the same institution. His career has focused on advancing ophthalmology care, specifically in corneal diseases and ocular surface disorders, while mentoring medical students and residents.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Fries has earned several accolades, including scholarships from Saarland University and DAAD. He also received recognition for his contributions to ophthalmology research. His work has been widely cited, and he holds an impressive H-index of 16. Dr. Fries has been awarded for his academic achievements, including participation in prestigious international conferences. His research impact is reflected in numerous publications and his status as a prominent figure in his field.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Fries’ research primarily addresses ocular surface disorders, with a particular focus on congenital aniridia and keratopathy. His work includes investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying corneal diseases and evaluating therapeutic options for patients with these conditions. He is dedicated to advancing the understanding of tear film dynamics, ocular surface health, and treatment efficacy in congenital diseases, contributing significantly to the field of ophthalmology.

Conclusion

Dr. Fabian Fries is a highly qualified candidate for the Young Scientist Award, with an impressive blend of clinical experience, academic rigor, and international exposure. His dedication to advancing ophthalmology through research is evident from his significant contributions to the field. While his career trajectory is already exemplary, there are opportunities for further growth by broadening the scope of his research collaborations and increasing the visibility of his work. Given his potential and the quality of his achievements, Dr. Fries is well-deserving of this prestigious recognition.

Publication Top Notes

Title: PAX6 mutational status determines aniridia-associated keratopathy phenotype
Authors: N Lagali, B Wowra, FN Fries, L Latta, K Moslemani, TP Utheim, …
Year: 2020

Title: Early phenotypic features of aniridia-associated keratopathy and association with PAX6 coding mutations
Authors: N Lagali, B Wowra, FN Fries, L Latta, K Moslemani, TP Utheim, …
Year: 2020

Title: Abnormal neovascular and proliferative conjunctival phenotype in limbal stem cell deficiency is associated with altered microRNA and gene expression modulated by PAX6
Authors: L Latta, N Ludwig, L Krammes, T Stachon, FN Fries, A Mukwaya, …
Year: 2021

Title: Photoaging smartphone app promoting poster campaign to reduce smoking prevalence in secondary schools: the Smokerface Randomized Trial: design and baseline characteristics
Authors: TJ Brinker, J Holzapfel, TG Baudson, K Sies, L Jakob, HM Baumert, …
Year: 2016

Title: Dysfunction of the limbal epithelial stem cell niche in aniridia-associated keratopathy
Authors: U Schlötzer-Schrehardt, L Latta, A Gießl, M Zenkel, FN Fries, …
Year: 2021

Title: Expression of retinoic acid signaling components ADH7 and ALDH1A1 is reduced in aniridia limbal epithelial cells and a siRNA primary cell based aniridia model
Authors: L Latta, K Nordström, T Stachon, A Langenbucher, FN Fries, N Szentmáry, …
Year: 2019

Title: A medical student-delivered smoking prevention program, education against tobacco, for secondary schools in Germany: randomized controlled trial
Authors: TJ Brinker, AD Owczarek, W Seeger, DA Groneberg, CM Brieske, …
Year: 2017

Title: Enigmatic human tails: A review of their history, embryology, classification, and clinical manifestations
Authors: RS Tubbs, J Malefant, M Loukas, W Jerry Oakes, RJ Oskouian, FN Fries
Year: 2016

Sudhanshu Dixit | Hydrology and Natural Hazards | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Sudhanshu Dixit | Hydrology and Natural Hazards | Young Scientist Award

Indian Institute Of Technology Roorkee, India

Sudhanshu Dixit is a doctoral researcher at the Centre of Excellence in Disaster Mitigation and Management (CoEDMM), IIT Roorkee, India. He is pursuing his PhD under the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) scheme, focusing on disaster mitigation. Sudhanshu has previously worked as a Junior Research Fellow at IIT Gandhinagar, where he contributed to projects related to water resource engineering and extreme weather events. He is actively involved in developing early warning systems for Himalayan communities affected by rainfall-induced disasters.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Sudhanshu is currently pursuing a PhD at the Centre of Excellence in Disaster Mitigation and Management, IIT Roorkee, with a CGPA of 9.55. He completed his MTech in Water Resource Engineering at IIT Gandhinagar (CGPA: 9.00). He earned a BTech in Civil Engineering from Pandit Deendayal Energy University, India, with a CGPA of 7.52. His academic journey is complemented by extensive research on hydrological models and disaster mitigation frameworks.

💼 Experience

Sudhanshu Dixit has held various research roles, including a Doctoral Researcher at IIT Roorkee (2022-present) and Junior Research Fellow at IIT Gandhinagar (2018-2019). He has contributed to research on cascading hazards, rainfall-induced disasters, and hydropower generation potential in changing climate scenarios. Sudhanshu also worked as the PhD representative of the Centre Research Committee at IIT Roorkee. His research projects focus on the impact of glacier change and extreme weather on Himalayan communities.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Sudhanshu Dixit has received prestigious awards, including the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) from the MHRD, Government of India, to pursue his PhD. He was also awarded the MHRD fellowship for his master’s studies at IIT Gandhinagar. He competed in the Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon 2017 and has received a college-funded research project worth Rs. 1.5 lakh for his BTech research on open channel flow characteristics.

🔬 Research Focus

Sudhanshu Dixit’s research centers on disaster mitigation, specifically related to rainfall-induced cascading hazards in the Himalayas. His projects aim to develop frameworks for analyzing such disasters and early warning systems to mitigate their impact. He is also investigating the role of internal climate variability in hydropower generation potential and the impact of glacier change on river discharge in the Ravi River basin. Sudhanshu’s work aims to improve resilience in vulnerable mountain communities.

Conclusion

Sudhanshu Dixit demonstrates exceptional promise in disaster risk management and water resource engineering. His academic achievements, leadership in research projects, and proactive involvement in disaster risk reduction make him a strong candidate for the Young Scientist Award. To further enhance his impact, focusing on policy application and public engagement would amplify his contributions to the field and the community at large.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Chronicle of destruction: the Wayanad landslide of July 30, 2024
Authors: P.Y. Ali, P. Yunus, K.S. Sajinkumar, K. S. Gopinath, Girish G.S. Pradeep, G. S., S.L. Kuriakose, Sekhar Lukose

Ali Derakhshan | Civil Engineering Geotechnics | Best Researcher Award

Ali Derakhshan | Civil Engineering Geotechnics | Best Researcher Award

University of Science and Culture, Iran

Ali Derakhshan is a civil engineer specializing in geotechnical engineering with strong expertise in numerical modeling, foundation design, and energy-based geostructures. Holding an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Science and Culture, he has conducted extensive research on soil behavior under dynamic loads and innovative geotechnical solutions like micro energy piles and aluminum foam mitigation techniques. With several international journal publications and conference presentations across Europe and Iran, he actively contributes to the advancement of seismic-resilient infrastructure. He has also served as a teaching and research assistant and worked as a professional engineer and cost estimator since 2013.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Ali earned his M.S. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnics) from the University of Science and Culture, Tehran (2016–2020), with a thesis on sandy soil settlement under static and dynamic loads, and a GPA of 16.23/20. He previously completed his B.S. in Civil Engineering at Azad University of Share Qods (2011–2015), achieving a GPA of 17.08/20. During his studies, he successfully passed advanced courses like Numerical Modelling, Project Management, Soil Mechanics, and Engineering Economy. His academic background is complemented by multiple certifications in Python, AI, and machine learning from Coursera and major universities, enhancing his technical and computational abilities in solving complex geotechnical problems.

💼 Experience

Ali has held diverse roles across engineering, teaching, and research. He worked as a Design and Building Engineer at Fara Sazeh Construction Company (2013–2015), and since 2017, he has served as a Construction Engineer and Cost Estimator at View Construction Company. From 2022 to 2024, he was a Research Assistant at the Niroo Research Institute, contributing to laboratory setups and data analysis. Ali also held teaching assistantships at USC and Azad University, supporting courses in soil mechanics, steel/concrete structures, and numerical modeling. His professional strengths include cost estimation, structural design, blueprint drafting, and advanced numerical simulations.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Ali was the Salutatorian of his 2015 civil engineering cohort at Azad University and ranked among the top 10% admitted to graduate programs in Iran. He is a member of several esteemed organizations including the Iranian Society of Civil Engineering and the Young Researchers Club. He has won design contests like the Spaghetti Bridge (2014) and Small Steel Bridge (2013) competitions. His academic and extracurricular excellence, coupled with his technical proficiency, has earned him wide recognition among peers and faculty. He continues to demonstrate strong leadership and innovation in both academic and professional settings.

🔬 Research Focus

Ali’s research is centered on seismic resilience, soil-structure interaction, and sustainable geotechnical innovations. His published works explore aluminum foam for surface fault mitigation, 3D modeling of skin friction on piles, and geothermal energy solutions for foundations. He is deeply engaged in improving infrastructure safety through seismic fragility analysis, geofoam walls, and the application of machine learning in optimization. Ongoing projects include seismic simulation of slope topographies and the mechanical impacts of road salts. His broader interests span energy tunnels, passive solar systems, and the environmental challenges of urban development.

Conclusion

Ali Derakhshan is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award in his field, especially given his publication record, interdisciplinary contributions, technical capabilities, and global research presence. To further elevate his profile, he could work on increasing his independent research footprint, securing grants, and articulating long-term research goals.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Implementing micro energy piles: A novel geothermal energy harvesting technique for enhancing foundation safety and cooling system efficiency in electric power transformers
Cited by: 6
Year: 2024
Authors: AA Garakani, A Derakhshan

Title: Exploring the Efficacy of Aluminum Foam as an Innovative Solution to Mitigate Surface Faulting Effects on Shallow Foundations: A Numerical Investigation
Cited by: 4
Year: 2023
Authors: H Alielahi, A Tavasoli, A Derakhshan

Title: 3D numerical modeling of negative skin friction effects on tapered piles in soft soils
Cited by: 3
Year: 2024
Authors: H Alielahi, MA Rad, A Derakhshan

Title: Efficacy Assessment of Geosynthetic Liners on Seismic Response Mitigation of Slopes
Cited by: 1
Year: 2025
Authors: H Alielahi, A Derakhshan, M Kalhor

Title: Seismic fragility and resilience assessment of instrumented Cogswell concrete-faced rockfill dam using scalar and vector-valued approaches
Cited by: Not listed
Year: 2025
Authors: A Derakhshan, H Alielahi

Alireza Feizkhah | Trauma | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Alireza Feizkhah | Trauma | Young Scientist Award

Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Dr. Alireza Feizkhah is an Iranian physician, medical innovator, and prolific researcher affiliated with the Department of Medical Physics, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; born on February 23, 1999, he is an MD with exceptional contributions to interdisciplinary medical science, authoring over 70 ISI-indexed publications including in The Lancet, holding five patents (one international), and actively engaging as a keynote speaker, reviewer, and health technology advocate through roles such as Secretary-General of the Medical Futurology Association and founding member of the Gilan Clinical Technology Incubator Center.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Feizkhah completed his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Guilan University of Medical Sciences (2017–2023), ranking in the top 10% with a GPA of 17/20 and a thesis graded “Excellent” on NIRS-based cerebral oxygen monitoring in AAA surgery using machine learning; he collaborated with computer science faculty and held internships in affiliated hospitals; earlier, he earned his diploma in natural sciences from NODET Mirzakochackhan High School, Rasht, representing elite academic preparation through Iran’s gifted student network.

💼 Experience

He served as Graduate Research Fellow at the Burn and Regenerative Medicine Research Center (GUMS), collaborated in 3D bioprinting at Gilan Science and Technology Park, led multiple scientific and medical foresight committees, held leadership roles in student innovation, managed interdisciplinary health tech initiatives, contributed to establishing clinical technology infrastructure, chaired a medical startup incubator, and acted as company board chairman, while also mentoring geriatric startup programs and judging healthcare competitions, reflecting a deep blend of clinical, research, and entrepreneurial experience.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Feizkhah won first prize at the 29th Razi Research and Technology Festival (2023), received the Alborz Prize (Iranian Nobel), was Wiley Top Cited Researcher 2024, Provincial Top Technologist, and national Top Researcher 2024; he earned gold and bronze medals at Geneva and Nuremberg international invention festivals respectively for groundbreaking wound healing and drug delivery innovations, holds five patents including a WIPO international one, and is recognized for multiple national scientific contributions including mentoring and judging healthcare innovation events.

🔬 Research Focus

His research spans interdisciplinary medical technology and biomedical engineering, with emphasis on machine learning in surgical outcomes, mitochondrial transplantation, regenerative medicine, wound management, COVID-19 diagnostics, neuroscience in futurology, hydrogel biomaterials, and burn patient outcomes; he has participated in over 15 nationally funded projects by NIMAD and NASR, published high-impact research, and is deeply invested in transforming healthcare systems through early disease warning systems, remote ischemic therapies, and precision medicine strategies using AI and bioprinting technologies.

Conclusion

Dr. Alireza Feizkhah is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Young Scientist Award. His scientific productivity, innovative contributions, and research impact at a national level far exceed typical expectations for his age. His profile reflects a rare blend of clinical medicine, biomedical engineering, and innovation, underlined by numerous awards, patents, and publications.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Title: Global burden of 288 causes of death and life expectancy decomposition in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the …
    Year: 2024
    Authors: M Naghavi, KL Ong, A Aali, HS Ababneh, YH Abate, C Abbafati, …

 

  1. Title: Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
    Year: 2024
    Authors: JD Steinmetz, KM Seeher, N Schiess, E Nichols, B Cao, C Servili, …

 

  1. Title: Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050
    Year: 2024
    Authors: M Naghavi, SE Vollset, KS Ikuta, LR Swetschinski, AP Gray, EE Wool, …

 

  1. Title: Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
    Year: 2024
    Authors: VL Feigin, MD Abate, YH Abate, S Abd ElHafeez, F Abd-Allah, …

 

  1. Title: Global, regional, and national burden of neck pain, 1990–2020, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
    Year: 2024
    Authors: AM Wu, M Cross, JM Elliott, GT Culbreth, LM Haile, JD Steinmetz, …

 

  1. Title: Global, regional, and national incidence and mortality burden of non-COVID-19 lower respiratory infections and aetiologies, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis from the Global …
    Year: 2024
    Authors: RG Bender, SB Sirota, LR Swetschinski, RMV Dominguez, A Novotney, …

 

  1. Title: Global burden of peripheral artery disease and its risk factors, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
    Year: 2023
    Authors: MS Kim, J Hwang, DK Yon, SW Lee, SY Jung, S Park, CO Johnson, …

 

  1. Title: Global, regional, and national incidence of six major immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019
    Year: 2023
    Authors: D Wu, Y Jin, Y Xing, MD Abate, M Abbasian, M Abbasi-Kangevari, …

 

  1. Title: Effect of virtual reality-based interventions on pain during wound care in burn patients; a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Year: 2022
    Authors: N Norouzkhani, RC Arani, H Mehrabi, PB Toolaroud, PG Vajargah, …

 

  1. Title: Machine learning for burns clinical care: opportunities & challenges
    Year: 2022
    Authors: M Mobayen, MJ Ghazanfari, A Feizkhah, AE Zeydi, S Karkhah

 

 

SUJATA SHASHIDHAR KULKARNI | Climate science | Best Academic Researcher Award

Ms. SUJATA SHASHIDHAR KULKARNI | Climate science | Best Academic Researcher Award

Ms. Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee India

Dr. Sujata S. Kulkarni is an early-career hydrology researcher at IIT Roorkee with a strong academic record, interdisciplinary expertise, and global research collaborations. She integrates climate science, data analytics, and complex systems to understand Indian monsoon variability. Passionate about research and teaching, Sujata has worked with premier institutions like IITM Pune and PIK Germany. Her contributions span hydrology, climate impact modeling, and network science. She has published in reputed journals, presented internationally, and is a recipient of the prestigious PMRF fellowship. Her research informs policy and climate adaptation strategies, particularly in the context of Arctic teleconnections.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Sujata is pursuing her Ph.D. in Hydrology at IIT Roorkee with a perfect GPA of 10/10, following an M.Tech. in Civil Engineering from IIT Gandhinagar (2021, 9/10 CGPA). She completed her B.E. in Civil Engineering from BVBCET, VTU, Belgaum (2018, 9.52/10), secured 95.33% in Pre-University from Tungal PU Science College, and 96.48% in SSLC from St. Joseph’s School, Vijayapura. Her academic journey reflects consistent academic excellence, a deep interest in environmental systems, and a multidisciplinary approach blending engineering, hydrology, and computational tools.

💼 Experience

Sujata has taught Python and Disaster Management at COER under the PMRF deliverables and served as a Teaching Assistant for advanced hydrology courses (HYN513 & HYN555). She was a Research Associate at IIT Roorkee on a climate change impact project for São Paulo, Brazil. She has hands-on experience with climate model analysis, statistical downscaling, and environmental modeling. Sujata gained international exposure through her research visits to IITM Pune and PIK Germany, attended the Potsdam Summer School (2022), and coordinated key workshops on natural hazards in the Indian Himalayas, blending research with academic leadership.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Sujata is a Prime Minister’s Research Fellow and recipient of multiple fellowships, including CoPREPARE (PIK Germany, 2022) and MHRD Scholarship (M.Tech.). She earned a travel grant to EGU 2024, organized a DAAD-funded workshop on Indian Himalayan hazards, and secured funding from KSCST for her B.Tech. thesis. Sujata also ranked second in her undergraduate department, receiving a silver medal, and qualified GATE with 98.96 percentile. Her academic diligence was also recognized with the PM’s Student Scholarship for her undergraduate studies from 2014–2018.

🔬 Research Focus

Sujata’s research focuses on climate-hydrology interactions, particularly the predictive modeling of the Indian Summer Monsoon using Arctic teleconnections and complex network theory. She explores multiscale associations between Arctic sea ice variability and Indian precipitation patterns, advancing methods like wavelet analysis and SARIMA modeling. Her M.Tech. thesis analyzed interstate trade networks in India through network science. Her work bridges data science, hydrologic science, and climate policy, contributing to adaptive strategies against climate change. She also investigates biofilters, nanotechnology in water purification, and glacier dynamics, integrating science and sustainability.

Conclusion

Sujata S. Kulkarni is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Best Academic Researcher Award. Her academic record, interdisciplinary and internationally collaborative research, publications, technical competence, and commitment to both teaching and outreach demonstrate a comprehensive, impactful early-career research trajectory. With minor enhancements in independent funding and product-oriented outcomes, she is well on her way to becoming a leading scholar in climate-hydrology studies.

Publication Top Notes

  • Tracing spatiotemporal changes in agricultural and non-agricultural trade networks of India | 2023 | Kulkarni, S. and Agarwal, A.

  • Quantifying the association between Arctic Sea ice extent and Indian precipitation | 2023 | Kulkarni, S. & Agarwal, A.

  • Arctic sea ice variability and its multiscale association with Indian summer monsoon rainfall at different time scales | 2025 | Kulkarni, S. & Agarwal, A.

  • Complex networks in hydrologic sciences | Under Review (Submitted in June 2023) | Kulkarni, S., Öztürk, U., Marwan, N., Kurths, J., Merz, B., & Agarwal, A.

 

Shiva Kumar Vuppala | Data Engineering | Innovative Research Award

Mr. Shiva Kumar Vuppala | Data Engineering | Innovative Research Award

Mr. Shiva Kumar Vuppala, Corpay, United States

Mr. Shiva Kumar Vuppala is an accomplished IT professional with 11+ years of experience, including over 9 years in the USA, specializing in SQL Server, BI, ETL, and cloud integration. An IEEE Senior Member and active peer reviewer, he has contributed significantly to data analytics across industries including healthcare, finance, airlines, and tech. As a published researcher and recipient of the Global Recognition Award 2025, he’s known for designing enterprise-level solutions that improve performance and reduce processing times. Mr. Vuppala is also a judge for several tech awards and an active mentor in the global tech community. 🌍💻📊

Publication Profile

Orcid

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Mr. Vuppala earned his Master of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from McNeese State University, Louisiana, in 2015. During his academic tenure, he served as a Graduate Assistant, developing database-driven applications and visual analytics for university operations. His foundational studies in India were further enhanced by this U.S.-based postgraduate degree, which equipped him with both theoretical and hands-on expertise in data systems, algorithms, and analytics. His academic foundation underpins his professional success in building advanced BI solutions and ETL systems for complex enterprise requirements. 🎓📘🔢

💼 Experience

Shiva Kumar Vuppala has held senior-level data and BI roles across leading U.S. companies, including Corpay, Chen Tech, United Shore, and United Airlines. His expertise spans designing scalable ETL pipelines, BI dashboards, cloud-based integrations, and risk analytics tools. Notably, he improved data load times drastically and contributed to mission-critical financial and healthcare systems. From leading SQL Server-based solutions to implementing AI-driven predictive models, his work bridges innovation and operational efficiency. His experience also includes international roles in India, providing him with a diverse technological and cultural work perspective. 🏢🧠🛠️

🏆 Awards & Honors

Mr. Vuppala received the prestigious Global Recognition Award 2025 for his contributions to IT and analytics. He also earned the Thank You Award at Corpay for executing large-scale data migrations and tokenization projects. Additionally, the SAS Society honored him with the Eminent Fellow Membership (SEFM) for academic and research excellence. His accolades reflect a career defined by technical leadership, scholarly engagement, and peer contributions in data engineering, ETL systems, and secure data movement across global platforms. 🏅🌐🎖️

🔬 Research Focus

Mr. Vuppala’s research centers on data engineering, secure ETL workflows, real-time analytics, and AI-based anomaly detection. His publications in journals like IJFMR and IJSR explore topics such as machine learning in ETL, real-time data pipelines, military-grade secure data movement, and predictive modeling in airfare optimization. His work merges data processing with cybersecurity, emphasizing performance, scalability, and compliance. As a peer reviewer and IEEE conference contributor, his research supports innovations in business intelligence and high-frequency data management. 📈🧪🔍

Publication Top Notes

📄 “SECURE AND COMPLIANT DATA MOVEMENT FOR SENSITIVE MILITARY OPERATIONS” – SK Vuppala, International Journal of Information Security (IJIS), Vol. 4(1), 2025Cited by: [Data Not Available] 🔐🛰️📦

📄 “Challenges in Streaming ETL Pipelines for High-Frequency Data Ingestion and Real-Time Processing” – SK Vuppala, MR Sokkula, International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 6(6), 2024Cited by: [Data Not Available] 🔄📊⚙️

📄 “Implementing Machine Learning for ETL Data Transformation and Anomaly Detection” – SK Vuppala, MR Sokkula, International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 6(6), 2024Cited by: [Data Not Available] 🤖📉🔍

 

Cristian Salazar | Water quality | Young Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Cristian Salazar | Water quality | Young Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Ecuador

Assist. Prof. Dr. Cristian Salazar is an Ecuadorian environmental researcher and academic with extensive experience in water quality, ecological risk, and sustainable development. He holds a PhD in Earth Sciences and serves as Research Professor at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. His academic journey spans multiple roles across Ecuador and Russia, with a focus on environmental safety, sustainability, and chemical engineering. He is a prolific author with numerous peer-reviewed publications and is actively involved in international scientific conferences. Dr. Salazar is passionate about ecological preservation, climate change, and advancing global environmental education. 🌍📘🌱

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Salazar earned his PhD in Earth Sciences and MSc in Ecology and Environmental Management from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, where he developed a deep understanding of environmental systems and sustainable practices. He holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the Central University of Ecuador, where he was trained in chemical processes, water analysis, and environmental management. His academic education is complemented by specialized training in sanitation systems, atmospheric pollution, remote sensing, AI tools in education, and urban ecology, obtained from institutions in Ecuador, Russia, Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil. 🎓🌎📖

👨‍🏫 Experience

Dr. Salazar currently serves as Assistant at the Department of Environmental Safety in Moscow and Professor at the Higher Polytechnic School of Chimborazo, Ecuador. His professional journey includes teaching chemistry and sustainability, conducting research at RUDN University, and internships in oil analysis and water treatment. He has also taught at the Armed Forces University – ESPE. His work involves applying environmental assessment tools, guiding students in environmental culture, and developing reports based on field data. He actively integrates innovative teaching techniques like project-based learning and AI tools for academic advancement. 🧪🧑‍🏫🌿

🏅 Awards & Honors

Dr. Salazar received the Honorary Certification for Excellent Academic Performance at ESPOCH and secured First Place at the “From the Screw!” Festival in Russia in 2023. He was awarded PhD and Master’s scholarships by the Russian Ministry of Education and has earned recognition for excellence in scientific and technical creativity. His awards highlight both his academic rigor and creative approaches to environmental science. These accolades affirm his leadership in sustainable development education and innovative research across international platforms. 🏆🎖️🌍

🔍 Research Focus

Dr. Salazar’s research focuses on water quality assessment, ecological risk, wastewater management, and public health impacts of pollution. His studies explore sediment chemistry, disinfection technologies, and the use of stochastic models in environmental systems. He is also engaged in climate science, urban air pollution, and forest ecosystem management. His research combines fieldwork, statistical modeling, and life-cycle assessment to promote sustainable solutions. Through interdisciplinary approaches, he aims to protect ecosystems and improve environmental health standards, particularly in the Andean region. 💧📊🌳

Publication Top Notes

  • 🧪 Оценка риска для здоровья населения при употреблении питьевой воды города Латакунги и кантона Педро Висенте Мальдонадо (Республика Эквадор) — cited by 7, 📅 2022

  • 🔬 Environmental Assessment of Water Treatment Plants of the Republic of Ecuador and Comparative Analysis of Water Disinfection Technologies using the LCA Method — cited by 3, 📅 2022

  • 🌳 Identifying priority management of Ecuadorian forests based on the environmental integrated assessment — cited by 3, 📅 2020

  • ☁️ Quito’s coronavirus curfew: Escalating tropospheric ozone pollution — cited by 2, 📅 2020

  • 🌫️ Analysis of dynamic of tropospheric ozone and nitrogen dioxide in the highest region of the Quito city — cited by 1, 📅 2020

  • 💧 Stochastic State-Space Modeling for Sludge Concentration Height at the Ucubamba Guangarcucho Wastewater Treatment Plant —  📅 2025

  • 🌊 Мутные воды в понимании экологии водных загрязнении — 📅 2024

Conclusion

Assist. Prof. Dr. Cristian Salazar exemplifies the ideals of the Research for Young Researcher Award. His multidisciplinary work in environmental science and sustainability positions him as a strong candidate deserving of this recognition.