Abel Villa | Bioeconomy of Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abel Villa | Bioeconomy of Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr at University of Manizales, Colombia

Abel Villa, PhD in Science and Technology Studies, has over 10 years of experience in multicultural and multilingual settings across Mexico, Germany, and the UK. He specializes in international business, logistics, and value chain analysis in agriculture, focusing on organic and sustainable markets. With expertise in export operations, sustainable business models, and producer-centered value distribution, Abel has managed international logistics and spearheaded large-scale export projects. His academic work centers on collective learning dynamics and capacity development for farmers in value chains.

Profile

Orcid

šŸŽ“ EducationĀ 

Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies: University of Edinburgh, UK. Researched collective learning dynamics in organic agriculture across three case studies. Developed a framework for continuous producer training to enhance capabilities in value chains. International Certifications: Bilingual proficiency (English-Spanish) and B2-level German, enabling work across international contexts.

šŸ’¼ Experience

Project Manager (2013-2018): University of Edinburgh, UK. Studied organic farming practices and conceptualized frameworks for producer capacity building.. International Director of Logistics & Sales (2007-2009): Agro Eureka SA & CV, Mexico. Managed international logistics, increasing organic food exports to the U.S. by 50%. Oversaw $2M B2B food export operations, ensuring quality control, customs compliance, and efficient supply chain management.

šŸ† Awards & Honors

Successfully developed and implemented international logistics models, achieving a 50% growth in organic food exports. Designed and executed a $2M export model under Incoterm DDP, ensuring seamless operations in the U.S. market. Recognized for contributions to sustainable value distribution and strengthening agricultural producer capabilities.

šŸ”¬ Research Focus

Sustainable Agriculture: Analyzed collective learning processes in organic farming to enhance producer knowledge and training. Value Chains: Focus on equitable value distribution strategies for small-scale producers in international agriculture markets. Market Mechanisms: Researching sustainable business models that foster lasting relationships and economic growth for farmers.

Conclusion

Abel Villaā€™s combined expertise in academic research and international agricultural logistics makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative approaches to value chain analysis, sustainability, and producer empowerment demonstrate his significant impact on both research and industry. With further focus on publishing and emerging technologies, he has the potential to become a leading figure in sustainable agriculture and international value chain research.

šŸ“šPublicationsĀ 

  1. Title: A Critical Analysis of the Dynamics of Stakeholders for Bioeconomy Innovation: The Case of Caldas, Colombia
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Carlos Humberto GonzƔlez Escobar; Juan Carlos Granobles Torres; Abel Osvaldo Villa Rodrƭguez

 

  1. Title: Analysis of Impact of Crop Diversification at Regional Level and for Consumers Based on Selected Value Chains
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Villa Rodriguez Abel Osvaldo; Rowan Dumper-Pollard; Katie Bliss; Ambrogio Costanzo; Antoine Messean; Clementine Antier; Anton Riera; Sylvain QuiƩdeville; Hansueli Dierauer; Didier Stillmant et al.

 

  1. Title: Characteristics of Successful Value Chains
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Villa Rodriguez Abel Osvaldo; Rowan Dumper-Pollard; Chiara Tuoni; Daniele Vergamini; Victoria Schoen; Fabio Bartolini; Robert Borek; Alma Thiesmeier; Zaira Ambu; Arthur Follebout et al.

 

  1. Title: Building Successful Value Chains for Diversified Cropping Systems, Using Hodmedods as an Example
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Villa Rodriguez Abel Osvaldo; Rowan Dumper-Pollard; Katie Bliss; Josiah Meldrum

 

  1. Title: How to Support the Development of Crop Diversification? The Importance of an Approach at the Value Chain Level
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Villa Rodriguez Abel Osvaldo; ClĆ©mentine Antier; Philippe V. Baret; Walter Rossing; M’hand Fares; LoĆÆc Viguier; Antoine MessĆ©an

 

  1. Title: Procesos de Aprendizaje y ModernizaciĆ³n Productiva en el Agro del Noroeste de MĆ©xico: Los Casos de la Agricultura Comercial de la Costa de Hermosillo, Sonora y la Agricultura OrgĆ”nica de la Zona Sur de Baja California Sur
    Year: 2013
    Authors: Villa Rodriguez Abel Osvaldo; Alvaro Bracamonte Sierra

 

Pardis Roozkhosh | Supply Chain | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Pardis Roozkhosh | Supply Chain | Women Researcher Award

Dr at Allameh Tabataba’e University of Tehran,Ā  Iran

Pardis Roozkhosh is a Ph.D. candidate in Industrial Management at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, specializing in operations research and resilient supply chains with additive manufacturing. She holds an M.S. in Industrial Engineering and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Sadjad University and Birjand University, respectively. She has worked as a teaching assistant and researcher at various prestigious universities, focusing on supply chain optimization, machine learning, and blockchain in industrial settings. Pardis has co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers and is recognized for her significant contributions to industrial engineering. She was honored with the Alborz Prize in 2024.

Profile

Scopus

šŸŽ“ EducationĀ 

Pardis completed her Ph.D. in Industrial Management (Operations Research) at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2024 with a perfect GPA of 4.00/4.00. Her thesis, “Resilient Supply Chain with Additive Manufacturing Capability,” focused on optimizing supply chain systems using advanced technologies. She earned her M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Sadjad University in 2018, with a thesis on solving partial inspection problems. She completed her B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Birjand University of Technology in 2015, where she laid the foundation for her career in industrial systems optimization.

šŸ’¼ Experience

Pardis has extensive teaching experience across several universities, including Allameh Tabatabaā€™i University, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, and Sadjad University. She has taught courses in statistics, inventory control, probability theory, financial management, and project management, among others. In addition to her teaching roles, she has contributed as a research assistant, working on projects related to logistics, supply chain optimization, and agrovoltaic modeling. Her research has been applied in both academic and industrial settings, enhancing the practical application of industrial engineering principles.

šŸ† Awards & Honors

Pardis has received multiple accolades, including the prestigious Alborz Prize, the Iranian equivalent of the Nobel Prize, in 2024. She was ranked among the top 5% of students in the nationwide Ph.D. entrance exam (Conquer) in February 2019. She also served as an executive assistant at the Journal of Systems Thinking in Practice (2022). Her achievements highlight her excellence in academia, research, and contribution to the field of industrial management.

šŸ”¬ Research Focus

Pardisā€™ research focuses on resilient supply chains, additive manufacturing, optimization models, and machine learning techniques in industrial settings. She explores the integration of blockchain, smart contracts, and Internet of Things (IoT) for enhancing supply chain sustainability and reliability. Her work includes developing models for cost uncertainty, supply chain design, and system reliability, with applications in real-world industrial problems. Pardis is particularly interested in the intersection of operations research, technology, and sustainability, aiming to revolutionize modern supply chain management.

Conclusion

Mohd Ashraf Bhat is a talented and dedicated scholar whose contributions to Functional Analysis and Operator Theory mark him as an emerging leader in the field. His exceptional research, teaching contributions, and numerous awards and recognitions demonstrate his potential to make a lasting impact. With his commitment to expanding his research horizons and collaborative efforts, Bhat is a deserving candidate for the Best Scholar Award.

šŸ“šPublicationsĀ 

  1. Trainable Monte Carlo-MLP for Cost Uncertainty in Resilient Supply Chain Optimization with Additive Manufacturing Implementation Challenges
    • Authors: Roozkhosh, P., Ghorbani, M.
    • Journal: Applied Soft Computing
    • Volume: 168
    • Article No.: 112501
    • Year: 2025

 

  1. A New Method to Optimize the Reliability of Repairable Components with a Switching Mechanism and Considering Costs and Weight Uncertainty
    • Authors: Roozkhosh, P., Saghih, A.M.F.
    • Journal: International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Production Research
    • Volume: 35(3), pp. 183-206
    • Year: 2024

 

  1. A Novel Integrated Supply Chain Model to Manage Perishable Products Demand and Quality by Applying IoT in Vendor-Managed Inventory
    • Authors: Bafandegan Emroozi, V., Modares, A., Roozkhosh, P., Agarwal, R.
    • Journal: Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability
    • Volume: 8(4), pp. 1163-1191
    • Year: 2024

 

  1. Dynamic Analysis of Bitcoin Price Under Market News and Sentiments and Government Support Policies
    • Authors: Roozkhosh, P., Pooya, A.
    • Journal: Computational Economics
    • Volume: 64(2), pp. 1163-1198
    • Year: 2024

 

  1. Presenting a New Model for Evaluating the Factors Affecting Equipment Reliability Using System Dynamics
    • Authors: Modares, A., Pooya, A., Emroozi, V.B., Roozkhosh, P.
    • Journal: Quality and Reliability Engineering International
    • Volume: 40(5), pp. 2864-2890
    • Year: 2024

 

  1. Prioritizing Barriers to Resilience in Blood Supply Chains: An Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach
    • Authors: Sibevei, A., Roozkhosh, P.
    • Journal: Operations Research Forum
    • Volume: 5(2), 44
    • Year: 2024

 

  1. Designing a Changeable Multi-Level Supply Chain Network with Additive Manufacturing Capability and Costs Uncertainty: A Monte Carlo Approach
    • Authors: Roozkhosh, P., Pooya, A., Soleimani Fard, O., Bagheri, R.
    • Journal: Operational Research
    • Volume: 24(1), 5
    • Year: 2024

 

  1. A New Model to Optimize the Human Reliability Based on CREAM and Group Decision Making
    • Authors: Bafandegan Emroozi, V., Modares, A., Roozkhosh, P.
    • Journal: Quality and Reliability Engineering International
    • Volume: 40(2), pp. 1079-1109
    • Year: 2024

 

  1. Revolutionizing Supply Chain Sustainability: An Additive Manufacturing-Enabled Optimization Model for Minimizing Waste and Costs
    • Authors: Roozkhosh, P., Pooya, A., Soleimani Fard, O., Bagheri, R.
    • Journal: Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability
    • Volume: 8(1), pp. 285-300
    • Year: 2024

 

  1. Improving Quality and Reducing Costs in Supply Chain: The Developing VIKOR Method and Optimization
    • Authors: Emroozi, V.B., Kazemi, M., Modare, A., Roozkhosh, P.
    • Journal: Journal of Industrial and Management Optimization
    • Volume: 20(2), pp. 494-524
    • Year: 2024

 

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 šŸŽ“

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 šŸ§‘ā€šŸ«

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) – MontanuniversitƤt Leoben, Austria. Doctoral Researcher (2012-2016) – Adolphe Merkle Institute, Switzerland.

šŸ† Awards and Honors

  • Nepal Bidhya Bhusan “Ka” (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)

šŸ”¬ 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 šŸ“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