Xu Zhang | Human Geography | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xu Zhang | Human Geography | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Wuhan University of Technology China

Xu Zhang is an Associate Professor at Wuhan University of Technology’s School of Resources and Environmental Engineering. His research delves into cultural and creative economies, urban and regional development, and city networks. With a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Amsterdam, he brings a global perspective to his studies. Xu has published extensively in leading journals, exploring China’s cultural industries, creative urban networks, and globalization’s impact on urban development. As an educator and researcher, he strives to bridge academic knowledge with real-world applications, particularly within the dynamic context of urban China.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education

PhD in Human Geography (2010-2015): University of Amsterdam, focused on restructuring Pearl River Delta cities in the service economy. Master’s in Human Geography (2008-2010): Sun Yat-sen University, exploring urban planning and development. Bachelor’s in Geographic Information Systems (2004-2008): Central South University, specializing in geoscience and spatial systems.

💼 Experience 

Associate Professor (2015-Present): Wuhan University of Technology, teaching and researching urban geography and spatial planning. Principal Investigator: Multiple projects on urban networks, cultural economies, and digital music industries funded by China’s Natural Science Foundation. Author: Numerous publications on global city networks, creative industries, and performing arts markets in China.

🏆 Awards and Honors 

Natural Science Foundation Grants: Secured multiple research projects on creative urban networks and cultural economies. Best Paper Awards: Recognized for insightful contributions to urban and regional geography. International Journal Reviewer: Serves as a reviewer for leading geography and urban studies journals.

🔬 Research Focus

Cultural and Creative Economies: Exploring digital music and film industries. Urban and Regional Development: Analyzing urbanization and regional transformations in China. City Networks: Investigating city connections through global cultural production and consumption. Globalization Impacts: Studying knowledge circulation and creative industries in Chinese cities

Conclusion 

Xu Zhang is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His prolific output, global perspective, and impactful projects establish him as a leader in human geography and urban studies. Addressing areas such as interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement would further enhance his profile. His dedication to advancing research in cultural and creative economies makes him a deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition.

Publication

1. Spaces of Collaboration? Geography and Functionality of Coworking Spaces in China
  • Authors: Zhang, X., Liang, H., Yin, Z.
  • Published in: Applied Geography, 2025.
  • Focus: Explores the spatial and functional characteristics of coworking spaces in China, examining their role in fostering collaboration.

 

2. From Protectionist to Regulator: Policy-Driven Transformation of Digital Urban Networks in China’s Online Gaming Industry
  • Authors: Zhang, X., Huang, Y., Zou, X.
  • Published in: Sustainability (Switzerland), 2024.
  • Focus: Analyzes policy shifts in China’s online gaming sector and their impact on digital urban networks.

 

3. The Digital Practice of Internet-Famous Sites and the Production of New Spatial Forms
  • Authors: Guo, W., Zhou, S., Zhang, M., Li, D., Dong, H.
  • Published in: Tropical Geography, 2024.
  • Focus: Investigates how digital practices influence spatial forms at popular internet sites in China.

 

4. Exploring Music Geography Beyond the West: Clustering and Mobility of Chinese Musicians in the Digital Era
  • Authors: Zhang, X., Chu, X., Liang, H., He, J.
  • Published in: Geoforum, 2024.
  • Focus: Studies the geographies of Chinese musicians and their mobility within digital ecosystems.
5. Exploring the Geographies of Transnational Higher Education in China
  • Authors: Li, Y., Song, C., Zhang, X., Li, Y.
  • Published in: Geographical Research, 2024.
  • Focus: Examines the spatial dynamics of transnational higher education institutions in China.

 

6. Decentralizing the Power of Fashion? Geographies and Inter-Place Connections of Fashion Cities through Fashion Weeks
  • Authors: Zhang, X., Zhang, Y., Chen, T., Qi, W.
  • Published in: Urban Geography, 2024.
  • Focus: Analyzes the decentralization of fashion capitals through the lens of fashion weeks.

 

7. Spatiotemporal Distribution and Network Characteristics of World Cultural Cities: International Film Festivals Perspective
  • Authors: Zhou, R., Zhang, X., Huang, G.
  • Published in: World Regional Studies, 2023.
  • Focus: Investigates cultural cities’ global networks through international film festivals.

 

8. Structure and Influencing Factors of the Global Cooperation Network of E-Sports Teams
  • Authors: Qu, H., Zhang, Y., He, J., Zhang, X.
  • Published in: Tropical Geography, 2023.
  • Focus: Studies the spatial structure and influencing factors of global e-sports team networks.

 

9. Research Progress and Prospects of Chinese Cybergeography in the Digital Transition Context
  • Authors: He, J., Wang, M., Xi, G., Dai, J., Zhang, X.
  • Published in: Tropical Geography, 2023.
  • Focus: Reviews progress and future directions in Chinese cybergeography research amidst digital transitions.

 

10. Spatial Structure and Impacting Factors of Urban Networks in China Based on Cultural Performance Consumption
  • Authors: Xie, M., Huang, G., Zhang, X.
  • Published in: World Regional Studies, 2022.
  • Focus: Explores urban network structures through the lens of cultural performance consumption.

 

 

Luís Laím | Civil | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Luís Laím | Civil | Best Researcher Award

Luís Miguel dos Santos Laím is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, Portugal. He holds a PhD in Fire Safety Engineering, and is an Integrated Research Member of ISISE. His academic journey includes various invited positions and significant involvement in teaching, research, and consultancy in the field of Civil Engineering, particularly in structural fire engineering, optimization, and computational intelligence.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓Education

Licentiate Degree in Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, 2007, grade: 17/20. Integrated Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, 2008, grade: 17/20 Ph.D. in Fire Safety Engineering, University of Coimbra, 2013, approved with distinction and honour

💼Experience

Invited Assistant Professor (2014–2019), University of Coimbra. PhD Researcher (2019–2023), ISISE, University of Coimbra. Assistant Professor (2023–present), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra. Co-supervisor of 11 Master’s Theses and 4 PhD Theses

🏆Awards and Honors

PhD with Distinction and Honour, University of Coimbra. Best Paper Award, International Conferences. Recognition as Reviewer for over 100 scientific journals. Principal Investigator, Fire_Improv_ColdFSteel Project

🔬Research Focus

Structural Fire Engineering. Fire Testing Methods and Fire Dynamics. Structural Analysis & Optimization. Computational Intelligence & Performance-based Design. Steel & Composite Structures

Conclusion

Luís Laím stands out as a highly skilled researcher and educator whose work has contributed significantly to the advancement of structural fire safety and fire dynamics. His exceptional academic achievements, combined with his leadership in research and consultancy, make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By continuing to build on his solid foundation and engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations, Laím has the potential to further elevate his influence in the field of civil engineering.

Publications

  • Experimental and numerical analysis on the structural behaviour of cold-formed steel beams
    • Authors: L Laim, JPC Rodrigues, LS da Silva
    • Published in: Thin-Walled Structures, 72, 1-13
    • Year: 2013
    • Summary: This study investigates the structural behavior of cold-formed steel beams, combining experimental and numerical analyses to understand their performance under different loading conditions.

 

  • Review of the high temperature mechanical and thermal properties of the steels used in cold formed steel structures–The case of the S280 Gd+ Z steel
    • Authors: HD Craveiro, JPC Rodrigues, A Santiago, L Laím
    • Published in: Thin-Walled Structures, 98, 154-168
    • Year: 2016
    • Summary: This review focuses on the high-temperature mechanical and thermal properties of the S280 Gd+ Z steel used in cold-formed steel structures, emphasizing its behavior under fire conditions.

 

  • Behaviour of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire
    • Authors: JPC Rodrigues, L Laím, AM Correia
    • Published in: Composite Structures, 92 (5), 1263-1268
    • Year: 2010
    • Summary: The study explores the behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete columns when exposed to fire, highlighting their fire resistance and performance under high temperatures.

 

  • Buckling resistance of axially loaded cold-formed steel columns
    • Authors: HD Craveiro, JPC Rodrigues, L Laím
    • Published in: Thin-Walled Structures, 106, 358-375
    • Year: 2016
    • Summary: This paper examines the buckling resistance of axially loaded cold-formed steel columns, providing insights into their stability and failure mechanisms.

 

  • Buckling resistance of concrete-filled cold-formed steel (CF-CFS) built-up short columns under compression
    • Authors: R Rahnavard, HD Craveiro, RA Simões, L Laím, A Santiago
    • Published in: Thin-Walled Structures, 170, 108638
    • Year: 2022
    • Summary: The study investigates the buckling resistance of concrete-filled cold-formed steel built-up short columns under compression, offering guidance for their design and performance.

 

  • Buckling behavior of closed built-up cold-formed steel columns under compression
    • Authors: HD Craveiro, R Rahnavard, L Laím, RA Simões, A Santiago
    • Published in: Thin-Walled Structures, 179, 109493
    • Year: 2022
    • Summary: This paper analyzes the buckling behavior of closed built-up cold-formed steel columns subjected to compression, focusing on their load-bearing capacity and structural integrity.

 

  • Cold-formed steel columns made with open cross-sections subjected to fire
    • Authors: HD Craveiro, JPC Rodrigues, L Laím
    • Published in: Thin-Walled Structures, 85, 1-14
    • Year: 2014
    • Summary: The study explores the behavior of cold-formed steel columns with open cross-sections when exposed to fire, assessing their fire resistance and structural stability.

 

  • Concrete-filled cold-formed steel (CF-CFS) built-up columns under compression: Test and design
    • Authors: R Rahnavard, HD Craveiro, M Lopes, RA Simões, L Laím, C Rebelo
    • Published in: Thin-Walled Structures, 179, 109603
    • Year: 2022
    • Summary: This paper presents experimental tests and design recommendations for concrete-filled cold-formed steel built-up columns under compression, contributing to the understanding of their performance.

 

  • Flexural behaviour of beams made of cold-formed steel sigma-shaped sections at ambient and fire conditions
    • Authors: L Laím, JPC Rodrigues, HD Craveiro
    • Published in: Thin-Walled Structures, 87, 53-65
    • Year: 2015
    • Summary: The study investigates the flexural behavior of cold-formed steel beams with sigma-shaped sections under both ambient and fire conditions, providing insights into their structural performance under fire exposure.

 

 

 

Dongwook Kim | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dongwook Kim | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Civil Smart Engineering Team at DL E&C South Korea

Dongwook Kim, Ph.D., is a Senior Manager in the Civil Smart Engineering Team at DL E&C, Seoul, Korea. With a profound academic background in civil engineering, he specializes in modular construction, composite structures, and BIM technologies. Dr. Kim has significantly contributed to smart construction advancements, earning a reputation as an expert in integrating cutting-edge machine learning and digital engineering practices. His collaborative initiatives span industry, government, and academia, aiming to revolutionize infrastructure development. A prolific contributor to technical committees and academic forums, he is deeply involved in shaping national BIM standards and promoting smart construction technologies.

Publication Profile

Orcid

🎓Education

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (2011-2016) – Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea (GPA: 4.41/4.50). M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering (2007-2009) – Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea (GPA: 4.31/4.50). B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering (2001-2007) – Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea (GPA: 3.65/4.50).

💼Experience

Dr. Kim has extensive experience in civil engineering, holding key roles at DL E&C, Daelim Industrial Co., and Chungsuk Engineering. As a Senior Manager, he spearheads initiatives in BIM and smart construction technologies. His academic tenure includes serving as a Research and Teaching Assistant at Chung-Ang University, where he contributed to composite structures research. Dr. Kim’s expertise extends to technical advisory roles, guiding infrastructure and digital construction projects.

🏆Awards and Honors

Chairperson for Construction BIM Standards Curriculum Development (2024). Numerous roles in national BIM committees, shaping Korea’s digital construction policies. Recognized for excellence in smart construction technologies through advisory and academic achievements.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Kim’s research spans modular construction, composite structures, and BIM technologies. He explores machine learning applications, smart construction innovations, and digital engineering. His focus is on modular CFT columns, fast construction using BIM, and enhancing infrastructure design with AI integration.

Conclusion

Dr. Dongwook Kim’s outstanding academic credentials, substantial contributions to smart construction, and active role in shaping BIM standards make him a prime candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His continuous involvement in cutting-edge projects and technical committees demonstrates his leadership in the transformation of the civil engineering industry. With some focused attention on integrating newer technological advancements, particularly in AI, his research has the potential to drive significant innovation in the construction sector.

Publications

  1. Cyclic Performance of Prefabricated Bridge Piers with Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes and Improved Bracing Connection Detail
    Journal: Applied Sciences
    Date: 2024-12-17
    DOI: 10.3390/app142411810
    Contributors: Dongwook Kim, Chi-Ho Jeon, Ki-Tae Park

 

  1. Soil Sharing and Equipment Operations Through Digitalization of Large-Scale Earthworks
    Journal: Buildings
    Date: 2024-12-15
    DOI: 10.3390/buildings14123981
    Contributors: Dongwook Kim

 

  1. An Experimental Study on the Deterioration Behaviour of External Tendons Due to Corrosion
    Journal: KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering
    Date: 2023-12
    DOI: 10.1007/s12205-023-0316-5
    Contributors: Dongwook Kim, Chi-Ho Jeon, Chang-Su Shim

 

Richard Tol | Environmental Economics | Best Researcher Award

Prof.  Richard Tol | Environmental Economics | Best Researcher Award 

Professor. University of Sussex,  United Kingdom

Richard Simon Jozef Tol, born on December 2, 1969, in Hoorn, Netherlands, is a distinguished economist specializing in climate change and sustainability. He is a Professor of Economics at the University of Sussex and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with decades of experience in environmental and energy economics. Tol has held academic positions worldwide, contributing extensively to global policy dialogues on climate change. As a lead author for the IPCC, he was part of the team awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. He is a prolific researcher with high international rankings in economics and environmental sciences.

Profile

Scopus

orcid

Scholar

🎓 Education

Ph.D. in Econometrics: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (1992-1997), focusing on decision analysis for climate change. M.Sc. in Econometrics: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (1988-1992), specializing in time series and decision analysis.

💼 Experience

Professor of Economics, University of Sussex (2012–Present). Professor of Economics of Climate Change, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2008–Present). Research Professor, Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin (2006–2011). Adjunct Professor, Carnegie Mellon University and Trinity College Dublin. Visiting Scholar: Princeton University, University College London, and University of Victoria.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Member: Academia Europaea (2010–). Contributor: Nobel Peace Prize (2007, with IPCC and Albert Gore Jr.). GTAP Research Fellow (2007-2010) for contributions in environmental economics. IDEAS/RePEc ranking: Top 100 economists globally (2024). Research.com recognition in economics (#21) and environmental sciences (#54).

🔬 Research Focus

Richard Tol’s research centers on climate change economics, focusing on energy systems, sustainability, and global policy impacts. He utilizes econometric models to analyze environmental and energy issues, contributing to IPCC reports and sustainable economic strategies. His work spans carbon pricing, adaptation, and decision-making under uncertainty.

Conclusion

Professor Richard Tol’s extensive contributions to climate change economics, his leadership roles in academia, and his high research impact make him a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work exemplifies excellence in integrating economics with global environmental challenges, making him highly deserving of this recognition. By further broadening his interdisciplinary reach and public engagement, his influence could extend even further in shaping global sustainability efforts.

Publications 📚

  • Indicators for Social and Economic Coping Capacity—Moving Toward a Working Definition of Adaptive Capacity
    Authors: G Yohe, RSJ Tol
    Year: 2002

 

  • The Economic Effects of Climate Change
    Author: RSJ Tol
    Year: 2009

 

  • Considering the Energy, Water and Food Nexus: Towards an Integrated Modelling Approach
    Authors: M Bazilian, H Rogner, M Howells, S Hermann, D Arent, D Gielen, et al.
    Year: 2011

 

  • Coastal Flood Damage and Adaptation Costs Under 21st Century Sea-Level Rise
    Authors: J Hinkel, D Lincke, AT Vafeidis, M Perrette, RJ Nicholls, RSJ Tol, et al.
    Year: 2014

 

  • The Marginal Damage Costs of Carbon Dioxide Emissions: An Assessment of the Uncertainties
    Author: RSJ Tol
    Year: 2005

 

  • Estimates of the Damage Costs of Climate Change. Part 1: Benchmark Estimates
    Author: RSJ Tol
    Year: 2002

 

  • The Economic Impacts of Climate Change
    Author: RSJ Tol
    Year: 2018

 

  • Weathering Climate Change: Some Simple Rules to Guide Adaptation Decisions
    Authors: S Fankhauser, JB Smith, RSJ Tol
    Year: 1999

 

  • Sea-Level Rise and Its Possible Impacts Given a ‘Beyond 4°C World’ in the Twenty-First Century
    Authors: RJ Nicholls, N Marinova, JA Lowe, S Brown, P Vellinga, D De Gusmao, et al.
    Year: 2011

 

  • Estimates of the Damage Costs of Climate Change, Part II. Dynamic Estimates
    Author: RSJ Tol
    Year: 2002

 

  • Impact of Climate on Tourist Demand
    Authors: W Lise, RSJ Tol
    Year: 2002

 

  • Climate Change and International Tourism: A Simulation Study
    Authors: JM Hamilton, DJ Maddison, RSJ Tol
    Year: 2005

 

  • The Social Cost of Carbon: Trends, Outliers, and Catastrophes
    Author: RSJ Tol
    Year: 2008

 

Chixin Xiao | Smart Grid | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chixin Xiao | Smart Grid | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Xiangtan University China

Chixin Xiao is a Professor of Computer Science at Xiangtan University, China, with extensive experience in computational intelligence and power engineering. He has held academic roles at the University of Essex, the University of Newcastle, and Hong Kong Cyberport, and his work focuses on smart grid resilience and electricity market optimization.

Publication profile

Scopus

Orcid

Education 🎓

Chixin earned his Master’s degree in Computer Science from Xiangtan University in 2004, his first Ph.D. in Computer Application Technology from Central South University in 2009, and his second Ph.D. in Power Engineering from the University of Wollongong, Australia, in 2021.

Experience 💼

Chixin Xiao has served in various academic positions at leading institutions, including the University of Essex and the University of Newcastle, Australia. Currently a professor at Xiangtan University, he continues his research and teaching despite COVID-19 restrictions.

Awards and Honors 🏆

As a Senior Member of IEEE, Chixin Xiao has been recognized for his contributions to computational intelligence and power engineering, earning accolades for his research on smart grid systems and power system modeling.

Research Focus 🔬

Chixin’s research centers on computational intelligence, focusing on smart grid resilience, power system planning, and optimization in electricity markets. His work aims to improve energy efficiency and the reliability of power systems.

Publication

  1. Blockchain-based Anonymous Authentication and Data Aggregation for Advanced Metering Infrastructure in Smart Grid
    • Authors: T. Pei, Z. Hou, J. Zhou, C. Xiao, J. Zou
    • Published In: International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  1. Online Sequential Extreme Learning Machine Algorithm for Better Predispatch Electricity Price Forecasting Grids
    • Authors: C. Xiao, D. Sutanto, K.M. Muttaqi, K. Meng, Z.Y. Dong
    • Published In: IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, 2021
    • Citations: 17

 

  1. Multi-period Data Driven Control Strategy for Real-time Management of Energy Storages in Virtual Power Plants Integrated with Power Grid
    • Authors: C. Xiao, D. Sutanto, K.M. Muttaqi, M. Zhang
    • Published In: International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 2020
    • Citations: 12

 

  1. Hierarchical Data-Driven Optimization Scheme Compatible with the Conception of Solid-State Power Substation for Real-time VPP Management
    • Authors: C. Xiao, D. Jiang, B. Shu, M. He
    • Published In: 2023 IEEE International Conference on Energy Technologies for Future Grids, 2023
    • Citations: 0

 

  1. A Hybrid of Multidisciplinary Design and Multi-Objective Optimization for Solving Combined Heat and Power Environmental Economic Dispatch
    • Authors: C. Xiao, Z. Hu, Z. Piao, D. Jiang
    • Published In: 2023 IEEE IAS Global Conference on Emerging Technologies, 2023
    • Citations: 0

 

  1. Decision Making Based on Tradeoff Solving for Economic Emission Dispatch in Combined Heat and Power Environment
    • Authors: C. Xiao, D. Jiang, Z. Hu
    • Published In: IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, 2022
    • Citations: 0

 

  1. Minimizing Immune Costs in Social Networks Through Reinforcement Learning
    • Authors: H. Nie, P. Li, Y. Zhou, X. Wang, C. Xiao
    • Published In: Communications in Computer and Information Science, 2022
    • Citations: 0