Assist Prof Dr. Masoud Fathali | Railway Engineering | Best Researcher Award
Masoud Fathali is an Assistant Professor and the Head of the Rail Transportation Department at the Road, Housing, and Urban Development Research Center (BHRC) in Tehran, Iran. With a robust academic background, he earned his PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology, focusing on railway ballast materials. Fathali has significant experience in railway engineering, with a postdoctoral degree from the Iran University of Science and Technology in collaboration with Luleå University of Technology. His work is widely recognized, earning numerous awards and patents. He has authored several technical books and over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, contributing extensively to railway infrastructure and high-speed railways research. His research interests include life cycle cost analysis, railway track systems, and the application of innovative materials in rail transport.
Profile
🎓 Education
Post Doctoral in Railway Engineering Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) in association with Luleå University of Technology (LUT), Sweden (2020) Research Proposal: “Selection of High-Speed Railways Track Systems Using RAMS-LCC Engineering”. Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT), Tehran, Iran (2017) Thesis: “Evaluation of the Effects of Tire Derived Aggregates on the Properties of Railway Ballast Materials” Master of Engineering in Railway Track Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran (2008) Thesis: “Suggestion and Analysis of New Humped Slab Track for Desert Railways” Bachelor of Engineering in Railway Track and Structures Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran (2001-2005) Thesis: “Investigation and Analysis of Ballast‐less Track Systems”
🏆 Honors & Awards
Letter of Appreciation from BHRC for training “Railway Track and Structures courses” (2024). Superior Researcher of Iran Ministry of Roads & Urban Development (2021-2022). Appreciation Letter from Iran Plan & Budget Organization for the “Master Plan of Iran Railway Code” (2020). John Jarrett Davis Prize for ‘Evaluation of humped slab track performance in desert railways’ (2012). Superior Researcher in the Railway Engineering Industry, selected by the Iranian Association of Rail Transport Engineering (2011)
Strengths for the Award
Masoud Fathali demonstrates exceptional qualifications for the Best Researcher Award in the field of railway engineering:
- Extensive Academic Background: He has completed a PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering, followed by a Postdoctoral study in Railway Engineering, showcasing deep expertise in his field.
- Research Contributions: His research focuses on critical aspects of railway engineering, including track system selection, life cycle cost analysis, and the use of innovative materials like tire-derived aggregates. His work is relevant and impactful, particularly in the context of high-speed railways and desert railways.
- Professional Recognition: Masoud has been recognized as a Superior Researcher by the Iran Ministry of Roads & Urban Development (2021-2022) and has received numerous awards and letters of appreciation for his contributions to railway engineering. His patents and publications further demonstrate his commitment to advancing the field.
- Leadership Roles: As the Head of the Rail Transportation Department at the BHRC Research Center, he has not only contributed to research but also played a key role in guiding and managing research initiatives, reflecting strong leadership abilities.
Areas for Improvement
- International Collaboration: While Masoud has engaged in some international projects (e.g., collaboration with Italian Railways), expanding his international collaborations and joint publications could enhance his global recognition and influence.
- Interdisciplinary Research: Incorporating more interdisciplinary approaches, such as integrating environmental sustainability with railway engineering, could broaden the impact of his research.
- Public Engagement: Increasing his visibility through public speaking, workshops, or social media could help in disseminating his research to a wider audience, including policymakers and industry professionals.
📚 Publications