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

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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

🎓 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.

💼 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.

🏆 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.

🔬 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 Döpper, 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 Ruckdäschel, 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 Döpper, 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 Döpper, 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

 

Abel Villa | Bioeconomy of Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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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

🎓 Education 

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.

💼 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.

🏆 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.

🔬 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 Villa’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.

📚Publications 

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

 

  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 Quiédeville; 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; Clémentine Antier; Philippe V. Baret; Walter Rossing; M’hand Fares; Loïc Viguier; Antoine Messéan

 

  1. Title: Procesos de Aprendizaje y Modernización Productiva en el Agro del Noroeste de México: Los Casos de la Agricultura Comercial de la Costa de Hermosillo, Sonora y la Agricultura Orgánica 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

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Dr. Pardis Roozkhosh | Supply Chain | Women Researcher Award

Dr at Allameh Tabataba’e University of Tehran,  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

🎓 Education 

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.

💼 Experience

Pardis has extensive teaching experience across several universities, including Allameh Tabataba’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.

🏆 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.

🔬 Research Focus

Pardis’ 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.

📚Publications 

  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

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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 🎓

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 🧑‍🏫

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

🏆 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)

🔬 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 📚

  • 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