Niko Nagengast| Sustainable Product (Systems) Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Niko Nagengast| Sustainable Product (Systems) Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Phd candidate, University Bayreuth, Germany

Niko David Nagengast is a Ph.D. candidate specializing in sports technology, complex systems engineering, and sustainable design. He is currently pursuing joint Ph.D. research at Deakin University and the University of Bayreuth, focusing on biomechanical optimization, sustainability, and additive manufacturing. Niko has a background in sports engineering and has gained practical experience through various research assistant roles, including material scaling and product development. He is passionate about creating functional, environmentally sustainable products and systems, applying his technical expertise to engineering, design, and social innovation. Niko is also an active participant in charitable events and initiatives supporting global communities.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

πŸŽ“ Education

Niko’s education includes a Bachelor of Sports Engineering from Otto-von-Guericke University, followed by a Master’s in Sports Technology at the University of Bayreuth. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at both Deakin University and the University of Bayreuth. His studies emphasize complex system engineering, sustainable product design, and mechatronics. Niko has also participated in various specialized programs, such as a parametric design course in Madrid and model-based system engineering training.

πŸ’Ό Experience

Niko has a diverse professional background, including roles as a research assistant at multiple universities and in the technology sector. He has worked on projects related to sustainable product development, additive manufacturing, and biomechanics. His freelance work includes collaboration with companies like Headis GmbH and Aevolution. Niko has also contributed to product designs in various industries, including fitness equipment, material scaling, and sensor system development for chairs. Additionally, he has worked as a technical assistant for the Austrian Ski Association and supported the Austrian Alpine World Cup team.

πŸ† Awards & Honors

Niko has earned recognition for his work, including 2nd place in the Red Bull Basement innovation challenge and head organizing charity events raising significant funds for global causes. His contributions have extended to charity projects focused on disaster relief, such as a bicycle ride after an earthquake in Mozambique and resource acquisition efforts in Ecuador and Germany. Niko’s dedication to social responsibility complements his academic and professional pursuits.

πŸ”¬ Research Focus

Niko’s research focuses on sustainable engineering, additive manufacturing, and biomechanical optimization. He is developing algorithmic workflows for designing optimized hand ortheses, sustainable product design tools, and evaluating component recycling. His work also includes assessing mechatronic systems in sports technology and the environmental impact of products. Niko explores integrating parametric design principles to create functional and eco-friendly solutions, with an emphasis on material efficiency, system engineering, and sustainable development in sports-related applications.

Conclusion

Niko Nagengast is a promising young scientist whose academic and professional endeavors have already made meaningful contributions to sustainable product design, sports technology, and biomechanics. His innovative approach, combined with his strong technical skills and commitment to sustainability, makes him a strong candidate for the Young Scientist Award. By continuing to expand his interdisciplinary collaborations and engaging more with international research communities, Niko has the potential to become a leading figure in the fields of engineering and sustainable design.

Publication Top Notes

  1. A Combined Reverse Engineering and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Remanufacturing a Classic Car Part
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: AC Kyaw, N Nagengast, C Usma-Mansfield, FK Fuss
    • Citation: 11
  2. Thermo-mechanical recyclability of additively manufactured polypropylene and polylactic acid parts and polypropylene support structures
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: N Nagengast, C Bay, F DΓΆpper, HW Schmidt, C Neuber
    • Citation: 9
  3. A Review of Biomechanical and Physiological Effects of Using Poles in Sports
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: M Saller, N Nagengast, M Frisch, FK Fuss
    • Citation: 6
  4. Design for sustainable additive manufacturing (DfsAM): preparation and validation of a transversely isotropic simulation model for FFF components made from virgin and recycled materials
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: N Nagengast, T Scharl, M Frisch, C Neuber, H RuckdΓ€schel, HW Schmidt, …
    • Citation: 3
  5. Environmental Assessment of Recycled Petroleum and Bio-Based Additively Manufactured Parts via LCA
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: C Bay, N Nagengast, HW Schmidt, F DΓΆpper, C Neuber
    • Citation: 2
  6. Multi-Domain Assessment of Thermomechanical Recycling Based on Bio-Based and Petroleum-Based Additively Manufactured Components
    • Year: 2025
    • Authors: N Nagengast, N Mandel, C Bay, F DΓΆpper, C Neuber, HW Schmidt, …
    • Citation: Not yet cited
  7. A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach to Implement Renewable Energy System into Sport Facilities
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: N Nagengast, C Usma-Mansfield, A Kopf, FK Fuss, W Schellong
    • Citation: Not yet cited
  8. A Product-Driven Sustainability Guideline–Methodological Conception and Implementation Based on a Lifestyle Sports Shoe
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: N Nagengast, L Tapprich, FK Fuss
    • Citation: Not yet cited
  9. An Explorative Study on Sustainable Surfboard Technology: From State-of-the-Art Literature to Interdisciplinary Integration
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: N Nagengast, C Usma-Mansfield, FK Fuss
    • Citation: Not yet cited
  10. Vibration Analysis of Various Wooden Ski Cores Using Laser Vibrometry
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: M Frisch, N Nagengast, FK Fuss
    • Citation: Not yet cited
  11. Detection of Muscle Contractions Using Pressure Sensor Arrays
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: T Scharl, N Nagengast, L Rheinheimer, K Schmitt, R Wegner, FK Fuss
    • Citation: Not yet cited

 

Janak Sapkota | Sustainable Materials | Best Innovation Award

Dr. Janak Sapkota | Sustainable Materials | Best Innovation Award

Janak Sapkota is a visionary in sustainable materials and a senior R&D manager at UPM Kymmene Oy, Finland. With an MBA in International Business and a PhD in Natural Science, he combines technological expertise with business acumen to drive innovation in circular economy applications. Renowned for fostering collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions, Janak is recognized for his leadership in developing cellulose-based materials and innovative R&D projects. He is an open-minded team player with a strong international presence.

Profile

Scholar

Education πŸŽ“

MBA, International Business Management (2022) – LAB University of Applied Sciences, Finland. PhD in Natural Science, Polymeric (Nano) Materials and Composites (2016) – University of Fribourg, Switzerland. M.Sc. (Tech.) in Materials Science and Engineering (2012) – Tampere University of Technology, Finland. B.Sc. in Physics (2009) – Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Experience πŸ§‘β€πŸ«

Senior R&D Manager (2024-present) – UPM Kymmene Oy, Finland. Research Manager (2023-2024) – UPM Kymmene Oy, Finland. Research Manager (2022-2023) – UPM Kymmene Oy, Finland. Visiting Scientist (2019-2022) – Research Center for Applied Science and Technology, Nepal. Postdoctoral Researcher (2016-2018) – MontanuniversitΓ€t Leoben, Austria. Doctoral Researcher (2012-2016) – Adolphe Merkle Institute, Switzerland.

πŸ† Awards and Honors

  • Nepal Bidhya Bhusan β€œKa” (2017)
  • Grant Reviewer – Qatar National Research Fund (2018)
  • Accessor – Australian Research Council (2019)
  • Grant Reviewer – Latvian Academy of Sciences (2020)
  • Member – American Chemical Society (2021)
  • Associate Member – International Society for Development and Sustainability (2023)
  • CEC Member – Circular Economy Club, UK (2023)

πŸ”¬ Research Focus

Janak’s research focuses on sustainable materials, particularly cellulose-based products, polymer composites, and additive manufacturing. He emphasizes the development of innovative solutions for circular economy applications and seeks to enhance material properties and processing techniques. His work includes exploring bio-inspired materials, advancing polymer processing methods, and collaborating on international projects aimed at sustainability and technological advancement. He has contributed significantly to over 60 publications, including peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and holds multiple patents in his field.

Conclusion

Janak Sapkota stands out as a strong candidate for the Best Innovation Award due to his comprehensive experience in sustainable materials, a solid educational foundation, and a proven ability to lead interdisciplinary projects. His commitment to advancing knowledge and technology, coupled with his international collaboration efforts, positions him well for recognition in innovation. Addressing the areas for improvement, particularly in broader industry engagement and public outreach, can further enhance his impact and contribution to the field. Overall, Janak’s profile aligns closely with the award’s criteria, making him a deserving nominee.

Publications πŸ“š

  • Effect of the Printing Bed Temperature on the Adhesion of Parts Produced by Fused Filament Fabrication
    • Authors: M. Spoerk, J. Gonzalez-Gutierrez, S. Sapkota Janak, Schuschnigg, …
    • Journal: Plastics, Rubber and Composites
    • Year: 2019
    • Pages: 17-24

 

  • Parametric Optimization of Intra-and Inter-layer Strengths in Parts Produced by Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing of Poly (Lactic Acid)
    • Authors: M. Spoerk, F. Arbeiter, H. Cajner, J. Sapkota, C. Holzer
    • Journal: Journal of Applied Polymer Science
    • Volume: 134
    • Article ID: 45401
    • Year: 2017

 

  • Anisotropic Properties of Oriented Short Carbon Fibre Filled Polypropylene Parts Fabricated by Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing
    • Authors: M. Spoerk, C. Savandaiah, F. Arbeiter, G. Traxler, L. Cardon, C. Holzer, …
    • Journal: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
    • Volume: 232
    • Year: 2018

 

  • Shrinkage and Warpage Optimization of Expanded-Perlite-Filled Polypropylene Composites in Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing
    • Authors: M. Spoerk, J. Sapkota, G. Weingrill, T. Fischinger, F. Arbeiter, C. Holzer
    • Journal: Macromolecular Materials and Engineering
    • Volume: 302, Issue 10
    • Article ID: 1700143
    • Year: 2017

 

  • Additive Manufacturing of Zirconia Parts by Fused Filament Fabrication and Solvent Debinding: Selection of Binder Formulation
    • Authors: S. Cano, J. Gonzalez-Gutierrez, J. Sapkota, M. Spoerk, F. Arbeiter, …
    • Journal: Additive Manufacturing
    • Volume: 26
    • Pages: 117-128
    • Year: 2019

 

  • Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Glass-Spheres-Filled Polypropylene Composites for Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing
    • Authors: M. Spoerk, C. Savandaiah, F. Arbeiter, J. Sapkota, C. Holzer
    • Journal: Polymer Composites
    • Year: 2017

 

Neelarnab Dutta | Product Design |Best Researcher Award

Dr. Neelarnab Dutta | Product Design |Best Researcher Award

Dr at MIT ADT University,  India

Neelarnab Dutta is a distinguished designer and innovator with 15 years of experience in industrial design, R&D, and medical device innovation. His diverse expertise encompasses animation, transportation design, and product design, with notable contributions to advanced healthcare solutions. As the founder of Inochicare Pvt. Ltd., he has commercialized patented technologies aimed at improving wound healing. Neelarnab has received several prestigious awards, including the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship and the Stanford Biodesign Fellowship, reflecting his commitment to excellence in design and innovation.

Profile

Scholar

Education πŸŽ“

Neelarnab Dutta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Design, which laid the foundation for his successful career in industrial design. He pursued a Master’s degree in Product Design, further enhancing his design thinking and engineering capabilities. His academic journey was enriched by participation in advanced programs like the Stanford Biodesign Fellowship, where he honed his skills in medical device innovation. His education emphasizes user-centered design and engineering, equipping him with the tools to address real-world challenges through innovative solutions.

Experience πŸ’Ό

Neelarnab has held several significant positions throughout his career, including Associate Professor at MIT-ADT University and Prime Minister’s Research Fellow at IIT Guwahati. He founded Abhedya Innovations, developing medical technologies for cancer screening. As Co-Founder of Inochi Care, he led projects focusing on chronic wound healing solutions. His previous roles included Lead Product Designer at Tata Elxsi and Member of Engineering Staff at the Electronics and Telecommunication Research Institute in South Korea, showcasing his extensive experience in design and innovation across various sectors.

Awards and Honors πŸ†

Neelarnab has received numerous accolades for his contributions to design and innovation. He was awarded the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship in 2020 for his Ph.D. research and the prestigious Biodesign Fellowship in 2016. His startup, Inochicare, has garnered multiple grants, including the BIRAC-Biotechnology Ignition Grant and the BIRAC-Industry Innovation Programme Grant. He has also been recognized with the BIRAC-TIE Winner Award for his innovative work in wound healing technologies, highlighting his impactful contributions to healthcare design.

Research Focus πŸ”¬

Neelarnab’s research primarily focuses on medical device innovation, particularly in the areas of wound healing and cancer screening technologies. He is passionate about developing user-centered designs that address unmet medical needs. His expertise extends to product design methods, ergonomics, and usability engineering, emphasizing the importance of enhancing user experience in medical technologies. With a strong commitment to advancing healthcare solutions, Neelarnab actively contributes to research publications and workshops, fostering a culture of innovation in design.

Conclusion

The candidate for the Best Researcher Award demonstrates exceptional strengths in innovative research, collaboration, and community engagement. Their contributions have not only advanced their field but also inspired future researchers. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in broader dissemination and grant acquisition, the overall impact of their work positions them as a strong contender for this recognition. With continued dedication to refining their skills and outreach efforts, they are poised to achieve even greater accomplishments in their academic and professional journey.

Publications Top Notes

  • From industrial design to healthcare innovationβ€”a comparative study on the role of user-centered design and Stanford biodesign process
    Cited by: 5
    Year: 2021
    Source: Design for Tomorrowβ€”Volume 3: Proceedings of ICoRD 2021, 665-677

 

  • Wound dressing for combined negative pressure and fluid delivery system
    Cited by: 3
    Year: 2023
    Source: US Patent 11,596,555

 

  • Understanding Medical Technology Innovation in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: Factors, Impact, and a Model Proposal
    Cited by: Not specified
    Year: 2024
    Source: She Ji: The Journal of Design, Economics, and Innovation 10 (2), 192-222

 

  • Investigating Usability of Conversational User Interfaces for Integrated System-Physical Interactions: A Medical Device Perspective
    Cited by: Not specified
    Year: 2024
    Source: International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 1-34

 

  • Investigating Usability of Conversational User Interfaces for Interactive Artificial Intelligence System: A Medical Device Perspective
    Cited by: Not specified
    Year: Not specified
    Source: Available at SSRN 4357029

 

Chi Ma | Mechanical Design | Best Scholar Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Chi Ma β€Œ | Mechanical Design|Best Scholar Award 

Assoc Prof Dr at Chi Ma Chongqing University China

Dr. Ma Chi, an Associate Professor at Chongqing University, specializes in numerical control equipment. Over the past five years, he has authored or coauthored 40 SCI papers with an average impact factor of 6.7355, earning over 1700 citations. His research, published in top journals like Int. J. Mach. Tools Manuf. and ASME’s J. Manuf. Sci. E-T, has garnered significant academic and industrial acclaim. He holds more than 20 national invention patents, contributing to substantial economic and social benefits. Dr. Ma has led six major research projects and serves on several prestigious editorial and professional committees.

Profile

 

 

πŸ“šEducation 

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University (2012-2017) Advisor: Prof. Xuesong Mei. B.Eng. in Mechanical Design, Manufacture, and Automation, Xi’an Technological University (2008-2012)

✨ Work Experience

Postdoctoral Fellow / Associate Professor, Chongqing University (2018-Present) Lecturer, Chongqing University (2018-2020) Joint Ph.D. Student, University of California, Berkeley (2016-2017) Advisor: Prof. David B. Bogy

πŸ§‘β€πŸ”¬Research Interests

High-efficiency and precision processing, Thermal error prediction and compensation in machining equipment, Simulation modeling of machining errors, Topology optimization in cooling systems for machining tools

πŸ… Professional Achievements

Publications: Authored/coauthored 50 SCI papers, average impact factor: 6.7355 Key journals: Int. J. Mach. Tools Manuf., ASME’s J. Manuf. Sci. E-T, J. Manuf. Process., Mech. Syst. Signal Pr. Citations: Over 1700 on SCI. Patents: Holds over 20 national invention patents. Projects: Presided over six major scientific research projects including National Key Research and Development Plan projects Participated in multiple high-profile projects like National Defence Project, National Natural Science Foundation key projects. Awards: First Prize of Chongqing Municipal Scientific and Technological Progress First Prize of Technological Invention of Machinery Industry Silver Prize of the 24th China Patent Award

πŸ“Š Project Undertaking

I have presided over a total of six scientific research projects including the National Key Research and Development Plan projects, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) top/youth projects, the Chongqing Natural Science Foundation top projects, the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and the Chongqing Municipal Overseas Returned Scholars Support Plan projects, and participated in two major special projects, the National Defence Project, the National Natural Science Foundation key projects, the 04 Scientific and Technological Major Special Projects, and the National Key Research and Development Plan projects, among others, for six projects.

 

Publications Top Notes πŸ“

 

  1. πŸ“„ Li M, Ma C*, Zeng S, et al. Cooling water jacket design of motorized spindle system using multi-objective topology optimization[J]. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2023, 224: 120112.
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.120112
  2. πŸ“„ Li M, Zeng S, Hu J, Ma C*. Free-mounted cooling plate multi-objective topology optimization method towards precision machine tool heat dissipation An experimental and numerical study[J]. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2023, 241: 124394.
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2023.124394
  3. πŸ“„ Li M, Ma C*, Liu J, et al. Topology optimization design of cooling water jacket structure for high-speed spindle-bearing system[J]. Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 2023, 102: 1-22.
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2023.07.034
  4. πŸ“„ Li M, Ma C*, Liu J, et al. Thermal error prediction of precision boring machine tools based on extreme gradient boosting algorithm-improved sailed fish optimizer-bi-directional ordered neurons-long short-term memory neural network model and physical-edge-cloud system[J]. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 2024, 127: 107278.
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2023.107278
  5. πŸ“„ Luo F, Ma C*, Liu J, et al. Effect of gas-liquid phase change of axial rotating heat pipe on fluid-thermal-solid behaviors of high-speed spindle[J]. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2023, 232: 121117.
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.121117
  6. πŸ“„ Luo F, Ma C*, Liu J, et al. Theoretical and experimental study on rotating heat pipe towards thermal error control of motorized spindle[J]. International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 2023, 185: 108095.
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2022.108095
  7. πŸ“„ Zeng S, Ma C*, Liu J, et al. Sequence-to-sequence based LSTM network modeling and its application in thermal error control framework[J]. Applied Soft Computing, 2023, 138: 110221.
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2023.110221
  8. πŸ“„ Gui H, Liu J, Ma C*, et al. Industrial-oriented machine learning big data framework for temporal-spatial error prediction and control with DTSMGCN model[J]. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 2023.
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-023-02095-3
  9. πŸ“„ Zhang L, Liu J, Ma C*, et al. Intelligent integrated framework towards high-accuracy machining[J]. Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal, 2023, 40: 101359.
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jestch.2023.101359
  10. πŸ“„ Luo F, Ma C*, Liu J, et al. Thermal error prediction and control method combining residua-based one-dimensional convolution-minimum gate unit model with physical-data-edge-cloud terminal architecture[J]. Neural Computing and Applications, 2023, 41: 103234.