Mircea-Iosif Rus | Emerging Research Trends | Outstanding Contribution Award

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Dr. Mircea-Iosif Rus | Emerging Research Trends | Outstanding Contribution Award

Nird Urban Incerc Cluj-napoca Branch | Romania

Dr. Mircea-Iosif Rus is a Romanian economist and senior researcher with extensive expertise in economic sciences, sustainable innovation, and research management. He serves as Branch Director and Level I Scientific Researcher at NIRD URBAN INCERC, Cluj-Napoca, and is an expert within Romania’s National Committee for Accreditation of Academic Titles. With over three decades of experience spanning academia, administration, and R&D, he has authored numerous publications and led high-impact projects in energy, construction, and eco-innovation. His research excellence is recognized nationally and internationally, particularly in applying blockchain and AI technologies to sustainable development and smart construction.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education 

Dr. Rus holds a PhD in Economic Sciences and multiple postgraduate qualifications, including in Civil and Commercial Law, Quantitative Economics and Finance, and Library & Communication Science, all from Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca. He also earned bachelor’s degrees in Political Science, Economics, and Management. His multidisciplinary academic background combines economics, law, and political studies with applied research training. His higher education reflects a strong foundation in public finance, econometrics, business law, and communication. These academic credentials have equipped him to engage in cross-sectoral research and contribute to policy development and financial leadership in scientific and innovation-based institutions.

Professional Experience 

Dr. Rus brings over 35 years of professional experience, with a core focus on economic research and development. Since 1999, he has held key positions at NIRD URBAN INCERC, rising from Economist to Branch Director and Senior Scientific Researcher. His roles have included financial coordination, project leadership, and administrative management of national and European R&D projects. He also served as Economic Director at TERMOCAD SRL and managed wholesale operations at NAPOCOM SA. His strategic roles in research management and national scientific committees underscore his expertise in innovation, finance, and policy implementation in the construction and energy sectors.

Awards & Recognition 

Dr. Rus has received numerous awards for his contributions to research and innovation. His accolades include multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals at EUROINVENT, INVENTCOR, and iCAN exhibitions for pioneering work in green buildings, AI in construction, and sustainable composite materials. He has been honored by prestigious institutions such as the Romanian Inventors Forum, the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, and international associations. His innovative work on blockchain, R&D governance, and alternative energy has earned Diplomas of Excellence and Special Awards for impact, creativity, and interdisciplinary contribution across the fields of engineering, economics, and environmental sustainability.

Research Skills

Dr. Rus is skilled in designing, managing, and evaluating complex research and development initiatives. His expertise includes economic modeling, cost-benefit analysis, and financial oversight in scientific projects. He specializes in sustainability-focused research, integrating AI, blockchain, and composite materials into smart urban infrastructure. His experience spans national core programs, EU-funded projects, and cross-disciplinary research involving economics, engineering, and policy. He is adept in research communication, strategic innovation management, and quantitative analysis, demonstrated through his extensive publications and active participation in accredited exhibitions. As a certified project and innovation manager, he advances research that bridges academic inquiry and real-world technological solutions.

Publications

Inflaţia în România în perioada de tranziţie

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Vol. Specializare, Integrare si Dezvoltare, Editura Sincron, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2003

Finanţarea activităţii de cercetare-dezvoltare. Studiu comparativ

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Sesiunea de Comunicări Ştiinţifice a Facultăţii de Ştiinţe Economice, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2004

Politici monetare aplicate în România în perioada tranziţiei

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Sesiunea de Comunicări Ştiinţifice a Facultăţii de Ştiinţe Economice, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2004

Ţintirea directă a inflaţiei. Studiu comparativ

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Vol. Lumea Financiară – Prezent şi Perspective, Casa Cărţii de Ştiinţă, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2004

Analiza comparativă a metodelor utilizate pe plan internaţional pentru estimarea costurilor şi formarea preţurilor în activitatea de construcţii

Authors: Rus M.-I., Simion C., Enulescu C.
Journal/Source: Acta Technica Napocensis, Proceedings of the International Conference, Constructions 2008, Editura Napoca Star, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2008

Research and its place in economical development

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Acta Technica Napocensis, Nr. 53, Editura Universităţii Tehnice Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2010

Fields of research activity

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Acta Technica Napocensis, Nr. 53, Editura Universităţii Tehnice Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2010

Martin Skitmore – Construction cost prediction – Best Researcher Award 

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Prof. Martin Skitmore - Construction cost prediction - Best Researcher Award 

Bond University - Australia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Martin Skitmore's academic journey began with a solid foundation in construction and surveying, transitioning from his early career as a Quantity Surveyor in the industry to his academic pursuits. Starting as a Lecturer at the University of Salford, he gradually climbed the ranks, demonstrating a keen interest in research and leadership within academia.

Professional Endeavors

Throughout his career, Skitmore held pivotal roles in prestigious institutions such as the University of Salford and Queensland University of Technology. His leadership roles, including Professor, Discipline Leader, and Head of School, underscore his commitment to shaping the academic landscape in construction management and property disciplines. Moreover, his extensive teaching experience and curriculum development efforts reveal a dedication to nurturing future professionals in the field.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Skitmore's contributions extend beyond the confines of academia, with active involvement in numerous committees and appointments both internally and externally. His engagement with organizations like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) demonstrates a commitment to advancing industry standards and policies. Additionally, his involvement in international collaborations and visiting appointments highlights a global perspective in his research endeavors.

Accolades and Recognition

Over the years, Skitmore has garnered recognition for his scholarly contributions and leadership. His editorial roles in esteemed journals and his organization of international conferences showcase his influence in academia. Furthermore, his involvement in advisory boards and external examinations underscores his reputation as a trusted authority in the field.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Skitmore's work has made a significant impact on construction management and property disciplines, particularly in areas such as construction procurement, building economics, and project management. His research outputs, coupled with his teaching and mentoring efforts, have influenced generations of scholars and practitioners in the field.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Skitmore continues to contribute to academia and industry, his legacy is one of scholarly excellence and professional integrity. His dedication to research, teaching, and service has laid the groundwork for future advancements in construction management and property disciplines. Moving forward, his focus on developing frameworks for improvement in various aspects of construction projects promises to leave a lasting impact on the field.

Martin Skitmore's illustrious career exemplifies a lifelong commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in construction management and property disciplines, cementing his status as a leading figure in the academic community.

Notable Publication

 

Umair Jalil Malik – Application of ML in Civil Engineering – Young Scientist Award 

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Mr. Umair Jalil Malik - Application of ML in Civil Engineering - Young Scientist Award 

National University of Sciences & Technology - Pakistan

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Umair Jalil Malik embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the prestigious National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. During his undergraduate years from September 2019 to June 2023, he demonstrated exceptional aptitude in structural engineering, majoring in Structural Engineering, and maintained an outstanding CGPA of 3.81/4.00. His academic pursuits were characterized by a keen interest in innovative and sustainable concrete technology, evidenced by his thesis titled "Evaluation of Effective Stiffness of High-performance Fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC)/Engineered Cementitious Composite at the Material Level, cross-section Level, and Structural Level."

Professional Endeavors

Mr. Umair's professional journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for research and development in civil engineering. He engaged in various roles, including his current position as a Laboratory Engineer at NUST, Pakistan, where he delivers lectures, advises students, and manages lab operations. His tenure as a Junior Engineer at INN Consulting Engineers and a Research Assistant under the supervision of Dr. Rao Arsalan Khushnood showcased his versatility and capacity for in-depth research, data analysis, and project documentation.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Umair's research interests span a wide array of topics crucial to advancing civil engineering practices. Notably, his research articles and publications demonstrate a focus on cutting-edge areas such as High-performance Fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC)/Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC), Engineering Geopolymer Composite (EGC), innovative and sustainable concrete technology including 3D Printed Concrete, Micro-Mechanical Modeling, and applications of Machine Learning in civil engineering. His contributions to journals and ongoing research projects underscore his dedication to advancing knowledge and technology in these critical domains.

Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Umair's academic and professional achievements have been recognized through various honors and awards. He secured the 5th position in the National Competition on Design of long-span buildings organized by NED UET Karachi, Pakistan, showcasing his prowess in structural design and seismic evaluation. Additionally, his consistent academic performance earned him multiple merit-based scholarships at NUST. Furthermore, he received research funding for his Final Year Project from Prime Engineering & Testing Consultants, further validating the significance of his work in the industry.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Umair's contributions extend beyond academic and professional realms, as evidenced by his active involvement in volunteer experiences and leadership roles within various societies and organizations. His commitment to social responsibility, evident through initiatives such as providing education to street children and organizing donation drives, highlights his holistic approach to making a positive impact on society.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Umair is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field of civil engineering. His diverse skill set, encompassing technical expertise, research acumen, and leadership abilities, positions him as a catalyst for innovation and progress in the industry. Through ongoing research endeavors, collaborative projects, and mentorship roles, Umair is set to leave a lasting legacy in advancing sustainable infrastructure development, seismic resilience, and cutting-edge construction technologies, thereby shaping the future landscape of civil engineering both locally and globally.

Notable Publication

 

Zhiyong Chen | Best Researcher Award | Timber Structures; Modelling; Analysis

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Congratulations Zhiyong Chen | Best Researcher Award - Award Winner 2023

Dr Zhiyong Chen : Timber Structures; Modelling; Analysis

Congratulations to Dr. Zhiyong Chen on receiving the Best Researcher Award in Timber Structures, Modelling, and Analysis!  Your exceptional contributions have earned you the prestigious International Research Data Analysis Excellence Award.  Your dedication to advancing research in these fields is truly commendable. Well done on this outstanding achievement!

Professional Profiles:

Early Academic Pursuits:

Dr. Zhiyong Chen embarked on his academic journey by earning a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology in 2004. His early exposure to structural design, including a project on the structural design of a large-span glulam stadium, set the foundation for his future in timber structures.

He pursued a Master's degree in Structural Engineering at Harbin Institute of Technology, completing his thesis on the performance of nail connections in shear walls of light wood frame buildings. This laid the groundwork for his specialization in timber connections and systems.

Dr. Chen further advanced his academic pursuits by obtaining a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology in 2011. His dissertation, focused on the behavior of typical joints and the structure of the Yingxian Wood Pagoda, showcased his early contributions to the understanding of ancient timber structures.

Professional Endeavors:

Dr. Chen's professional journey has been marked by significant contributions to the field of timber structures and analysis. Starting as a Research Assistant at Vestas Technology Blades in Singapore, he progressively moved through roles like Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of New Brunswick, Research Scientist at the Wood Science and Technology Centre, and eventually attaining the position of Senior Scientist at FPInnovations.

His tenure at FPInnovations, a leading Canadian research institute, showcases his commitment to advancing timber construction. From an Instructor to a Senior Scientist, Dr. Chen has demonstrated expertise in building systems and timber engineering.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Dr. Zhiyong Chen's research contributions have significantly impacted timber engineering. His work spans various aspects, from seismic performance and fire resistance to the development of innovative timber connections. Notably, his research on the seismic response of braced heavy timber frames and the structural performance of balloon mass timber shear walls has gained recognition.

He has also been actively involved in guiding graduate students, sharing his knowledge and expertise. His teaching experience and supervision of Ph.D. students reflect his commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers.

Accolades and Recognition:

Dr. Chen's dedication to excellence in research has not gone unnoticed. His receipt of the Best Researcher Award and recognition at the International Research Data Analysis Excellence Awards underscore his outstanding achievements in timber structures, modeling, and analysis.

Impact and Influence:

Dr. Chen's research has not only advanced the understanding of timber structures but has practical implications for the construction industry. His work on seismic performance, energy dissipation, and fire resistance has the potential to shape the future of timber construction practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

As a seasoned professional in the field, Dr. Zhiyong Chen's legacy lies in his substantial contributions to timber engineering. His research, mentorship, and leadership roles at FPInnovations position him as a trailblazer in the field. Looking forward, his ongoing work and commitment to research excellence continue to shape the future of timber structures and inspire the next generation of researchers.

Notable Publications:

Citations:

A total of  692  citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

Citations                692

h-index  19            16

i10-index                23