Martin Skitmore – Construction cost prediction – Best Researcher Award 

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

 

Sinan Xiao – Structural Reliability – Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Sinan Xiao - Structural Reliability - Best Researcher Award 

University of Bath - United Kingdom

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Sinan Xiao's academic journey began at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, China, where he pursued both his Bachelor's and PhD degrees in Flight Vehicle Design. His undergraduate studies, which spanned from September 2009 to July 2013, laid the foundational knowledge required for his advanced studies. Sinan then continued at the same university to earn his PhD from September 2013 to June 2018. His doctoral research focused on Structure Reliability and Global Sensitivity Analysis, which provided him with a robust framework in reliability sensitivity analysis, aimed at enhancing the dependability and robustness of aerospace structures. This period was crucial for Sinan as it equipped him with the skills and expertise necessary to navigate and contribute to the complex field of aerospace engineering and uncertainty quantification.

Professional Endeavors

After completing his PhD, Sinan embarked on a series of postdoctoral appointments that expanded his research experience across different countries and institutions. He started as a Post-doctor at the University of Stuttgart, Germany, from August 2018 to March 2021, where he worked on global sensitivity analysis of dynamic models with applications to hydrosystems. His tenure in Germany continued with a position at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH from February 2020 to March 2021, focusing on the computational frameworks for calibration and validation of mathematical models. In June 2021, Sinan joined the University of Bath in the UK as a Research Associate, engaging in Bayesian Uncertainty Quantification for aerospace composite structures, demonstrating his continued focus on enhancing model predictability and robustness in engineering applications.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Sinan Xiao’s contributions to the field are marked by his deep commitment to advancing the methodologies of uncertainty quantification, reliability analysis, and sensitivity analysis. His doctoral and post-doctoral research have notably contributed to the understanding and improvement of structural reliability and the development of robust modeling techniques in aerospace engineering. His significant projects include the Bayesian inversion of multi-Gaussian fields, the development of generalized global sensitivity analysis methods, and creating computational frameworks that improve the predictive accuracy of complex models. Sinan’s work is characterized by his innovative use of Bayesian statistical methods, Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations, and various other advanced statistical techniques to tackle the challenges in his field.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Sinan Xiao's scholarly excellence and research impact have been recognized with several awards and scholarships. He received the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation award from Northwestern Polytechnical University, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to aerospace engineering research. Additionally, his academic endeavors have been supported by prestigious scholarships such as the China Scholarship Council (CSC) scholarship and the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) scholarship, which facilitated his research collaborations and postdoctoral training in Germany.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Sinan’s research has not only advanced academic knowledge but also provided practical solutions to real-world problems in aerospace structures and beyond. His works are frequently cited in academic circles, underlining their relevance and impact on the field of engineering. Sinan also serves as a reviewer for several esteemed journals, contributing his expertise to uphold the quality and integrity of scholarly publications across various engineering disciplines.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking to the future, Sinan Xiao is poised to continue influencing the fields of uncertainty quantification and reliability engineering through both his ongoing research and teaching endeavors. He mentors young scholars and engineers, preparing the next generation to push the boundaries of aerospace engineering and computational analysis further. His interdisciplinary approach and international collaborations are likely to foster innovations that transcend traditional boundaries, enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of engineering applications worldwide. As Sinan progresses in his career, his work is expected to lead to more resilient and adaptive engineering practices, reflective of his deep expertise and forward-thinking mindset.

Citations

A total of  810 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.

 

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

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