Somnath Nandi | Data-informed Decision Making | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Somnath Nandi | Data-informed Decision Making | Best Researcher Award

Jadavpur University | India

Mr. Somnath Nandi is a PhD Research Scholar at the Additive Manufacturing Research Group (AMRG), CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), India, affiliated with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR). His research focuses on functionally graded material (FGM) development, mechanical and tribological characterization, and process optimization in Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). He has contributed to several funded projects, including the design of SS-Ni transition metals-based electrodes for green hydrogen generation, bimetallic structure development for Tata Steel, and remanufacturing of railway brake shoes. Mr. Nandi holds an M.E. in Production Management from Jadavpur University and a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from the Government College of Engineering and Textile Technology, Berhampore. His published works in reputed SCI-indexed journals such as Progress in Additive Manufacturing, Materials Letters, and Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance highlight his expertise in optimization, digital twins, and sustainable manufacturing. His research interests span metal additive manufacturing, tribology, hybrid manufacturing, and digital monitoring systems. A GATE-qualified engineer (2021, 2022), he is an active member of professional societies including IIM and IAENG. Mr. Nandi has authored 10+ scientific documents, achieving an h-index of 3 with over 45 citations, reflecting his growing impact in the field of advanced manufacturing.

Profiles : Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Biswas, S., Nandi, S., Hussain, M. S., Mandal, A., & Mukherjee, M. (2025). “Influence of heat input on the interfacial characteristics of SS316L–In718 bi-metallic deposition for wire arc additive manufacturing.” Materials Letters.

Nandi, S., Biswas, S., & Mukherjee, M. (2025). “Optimization of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Parameters for Steel–Aluminum Bimetallic Interface: A Comparative Study of Metaheuristic and Machine Learning Approaches.” Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, 35(6).

Ahammed, A. A. C. P., Nandi, S., Paul, A. R., Sreejith, B., MJ, J., & Mukherjee, M. (2025). “On the Characteristic Evaluation of Bimetallic Interface of Carbon Steel (EN31) and Aluminium (AA4043) for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing.” Metals and Materials International, 1–18.

Pendokhare, D., Nandi, S., & Chakraborty, S. (2025). “A comparative analysis on parametric optimization of abrasive water jet machining processes using foraging behavior-based metaheuristic algorithms.” OPSEARCH, 1–42.

Dieter Vollath | Data collection | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Dieter Vollath | Data collection | Best Researcher Award

NanoConsulting | Germany

Prof. Dr. Dieter Vollath is a distinguished physicist and nanotechnology expert with a profound impact on the development and industrial application of nanoscale materials. As the Head of NanoConsulting in Stutensee, Germany, he has played a key role in advancing innovative nanomaterial technologies, bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical solutions. His extensive career spans leadership roles in research institutions and universities across Europe and the USA, contributing significantly to the fields of material science, nanostructured materials, and their technological implementation. Prof. Vollath has combined academic excellence with industry-focused innovation, influencing modern approaches to nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and functionalization.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Prof. Vollath pursued his academic journey in physics at the University of Technology in Vienna, Austria, where he developed a strong foundation in material sciences and nanotechnology. He successfully completed his diploma and doctoral studies at this institution, focusing on the theoretical and experimental aspects of materials engineering. His commitment to education extended further as he acquired the right to teach at a university level, demonstrating his expertise and scholarly contributions to the field. This academic background has served as the cornerstone for his pioneering work in nanomaterials and advanced materials engineering.

Experience

Prof. Vollath has amassed a remarkable career marked by his contributions as both a scientist and leader in the field of nanotechnology. He spent several decades at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe in Germany, where he began as a scientist and progressed to group leader, spearheading innovative research initiatives. Additionally, he has held significant positions internationally, including a notable research tenure at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the USA. His academic involvement includes his longstanding affiliation with the University of Technology in Graz, Austria, where he contributed to research, teaching, and mentoring emerging scientists. As the founder and head of NanoConsulting, he has provided strategic guidance and expert solutions for the development of nanomaterials in industrial and research sectors.

Research Interest

Prof. Vollath’s research is deeply rooted in nanotechnology and materials science, with a particular emphasis on nanostructured materials, their synthesis, and practical application. His work focuses on understanding the fundamental properties of nanomaterials and applying this knowledge to develop innovative solutions for various industries, including electronics, energy storage, coatings, and catalysis. He is widely recognized for advancing the field of nanoparticle synthesis, exploring their physicochemical behaviors, and integrating them into real-world technological processes. His research also includes investigating the surface chemistry and structural stability of nanomaterials, bridging the gap between theoretical insights and applied science.

Awards and Recognitions

Prof. Vollath has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to nanotechnology and material sciences. His pioneering work has been acknowledged internationally through invitations to collaborate with leading research laboratories and academic institutions. His achievements reflect not only his innovative research but also his dedication to fostering collaboration between academic research and industrial applications. These accolades underscore his role as a thought leader in advancing the global understanding and utilization of nanostructured materials.

Publications

Stamate, E., Culea-Florescu, A.-L., Miron, M., Piraianu, A.-I., Dumitrascu, A.G., Fulga, I., Fulga, A., Patrascanu, O.S., Iancu, D., Ciobotaru, O.C., et al. (2025). “Simulation of Agglomeration Processes Using Stochastic Processes—Case of Limited Space in a Box” in Micro.

Stamate, E., Culea-Florescu, A.-L., Miron, M., Piraianu, A.-I., Dumitrascu, A.G., Fulga, I., Fulga, A., Patrascanu, O.S., Iancu, D., Ciobotaru, O.C., et al. (2023). “Agglomeration of particles stored in a box” in Firephyschem.

Stamate, E., Culea-Florescu, A.-L., Miron, M., Piraianu, A.-I., Dumitrascu, A.G., Fulga, I., Fulga, A., Patrascanu, O.S., Iancu, D., Ciobotaru, O.C., et al. (2021). “Surface stress of gold nanoparticles revisited” in International Journal of Solids and Structures.

Stamate, E., Culea-Florescu, A.-L., Miron, M., Piraianu, A.-I., Dumitrascu, A.G., Fulga, I., Fulga, A., Patrascanu, O.S., Iancu, D., Ciobotaru, O.C., et al. (2021). “Criteria ruling particle agglomeration” in Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology.

Stamate, E., Culea-Florescu, A.-L., Miron, M., Piraianu, A.-I., Dumitrascu, A.G., Fulga, I., Fulga, A., Patrascanu, O.S., Iancu, D., Ciobotaru, O.C., et al. (2020). “Surface energy of Au nanoparticles depending on their size and shape” in Nanomaterials.

Stamate, E., Culea-Florescu, A.-L., Miron, M., Piraianu, A.-I., Dumitrascu, A.G., Fulga, I., Fulga, A., Patrascanu, O.S., Iancu, D., Ciobotaru, O.C., et al. (2020). “Agglomerates of nanoparticles” in Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology.

Stamate, E., Culea-Florescu, A.-L., Miron, M., Piraianu, A.-I., Dumitrascu, A.G., Fulga, I., Fulga, A., Patrascanu, O.S., Iancu, D., Ciobotaru, O.C., et al. (2020). “Determination of particle size distributions and transformation enthalpies from the temperature course of a phase transformation” in Journal of Nanoparticle Research.

Stamate, E., Culea-Florescu, A.-L., Miron, M., Piraianu, A.-I., Dumitrascu, A.G., Fulga, I., Fulga, A., Patrascanu, O.S., Iancu, D., Ciobotaru, O.C., et al. (2019). “Energy distribution in an ensemble of nanoparticles and its consequences” in Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Dieter Vollath stands as a visionary in the field of nanotechnology, whose contributions have shaped both academic research and industrial practice. With a career spanning multiple decades, he has seamlessly combined theoretical expertise with practical innovation, inspiring future generations of researchers and driving advancements in material sciences. Through his leadership at NanoConsulting and his affiliations with esteemed research institutions, he continues to promote the integration of nanotechnology into modern industries, creating pathways for sustainable and high-performance materials of the future.

Mazhar Ahmed Memon | CO2 Reduction | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mazhar Ahmed Memon | CO2 Reduction | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mazhar Ahmed Memon | CO2 Reduction – Tianjin University | China

Dr. Mazhar Ahmed Memon is a dynamic and driven researcher in the field of Chemical Engineering, with a focused specialization in catalysis for carbon dioxide (CO₂) conversion into sustainable fuels. Backed by over eight years of engineering and research experience, he has cultivated a profound understanding of catalyst synthesis, surface characterization, and process optimization. His ongoing Ph.D. research at Tianjin University, China, is centered on the effect of dopants on Ni/ZrO₂-based catalysts for CO₂ methanation, positioning him at the forefront of environmentally conscious energy innovation. As the founder and team leader of DCUBE Engineering Solutions, Dr. Memon blends technical prowess with entrepreneurial spirit, leading projects with a strategic vision for sustainability and innovation.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS | ORCID | GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Education

Dr. Memon holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Tianjin University, where his research contributes to global carbon mitigation strategies through advanced catalytic processes. His doctoral work investigates the role of dopants in enhancing Ni/ZrO₂-based catalysts for CO₂ methanation. He previously earned a Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering (2019) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering (2016), both from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan. His academic journey is marked by government-sponsored scholarships and a consistent focus on energy production optimization, laying a strong foundation for his research trajectory.

Experience

Dr. Memon’s career spans roles in academia, research, and industry. Since 2020, he has led DCUBE Engineering Solutions, a company dedicated to energy and infrastructure services, where he manages strategic growth, resource allocation, and project development. Prior to this, he served as Project Engineer and Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer at A.U Engineering Construction & Pvt. Limited (2016–2019), gaining critical experience in project execution, compliance audits, and pipeline construction methods. His blend of hands-on engineering, leadership, and business acumen equips him to drive impactful, multidisciplinary initiatives in research and development sectors.

Research Interests

His research interests lie at the intersection of catalysis, environmental engineering, and sustainable energy. He focuses on CO₂ methanation, catalyst development and modification, and the application of advanced materials such as perovskites for enhanced catalytic activity. Dr. Memon is skilled in material characterization techniques including HR-TEM, XPS, XRD, BET, and TGA. His broader aim is to contribute to the advancement of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, thereby addressing critical challenges in climate change and renewable energy systems.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Memon’s academic and research excellence has earned him several accolades. He received a prestigious Ph.D. scholarship from the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) and a Federal Government Scholarship for his master’s studies, both testaments to his scholarly promise. During his undergraduate studies, he was awarded a laptop by the Prime Minister of Pakistan for his outstanding performance. He has also been acknowledged by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) International for his volunteer contributions and served as a student chapter representative at the PAPG-SPE Technical Conference. Additionally, he has presented innovative CO₂ modeling tools and gas-lift optimization systems in academic competitions.

Publications

Heterogeneous Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Methanation: A View on Catalytic Performance
  • Authors: YL Mazhar Ahmed Memon, Yanan Jiang, Muhammad Azher Hassan, Muhammad Ajmal, …

  • Journal: Catalysts

  • Year: 2023

Ni–CaZrO₃ with perovskite phase loaded on ZrO₂ for CO₂ methanation
  • Authors: MA Memon, W Zhou, M Ajmal, Y Jiang, C Zhang, J Zhang, Y Liu

  • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol. 92, pp. 1202–1213

  • Year: 2024

Active pairs of Cu⁰/Cu⁺ for CO₂ hydrogenation
  • Authors: W Zhou, MA Memon, M Niu, X Fan, Y Jiang, X Zhang, Y Liu

  • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol. 104, pp. 49–58

  • Year: 2025

Ligand-regulated Ni-based coordination compounds to promote self-reconstruction for improved oxygen evolution reaction
  • Authors: M Ajmal, X Guo, MA Memon, M Asim, C Shi, R Gao, L Pan, X Zhang, …

  • Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol. 12 (29), pp. 18294–18303

  • Year: 2024

Catalyst breakthroughs in methane dry reforming: Employing machine learning for future advancements
  • Authors: S Ameen, MU Farooq, S Umer, A Abrar, S Hussnain, F Saeed, MA Memon, …

  • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

  • Year: 2024

Understanding the Well Control Procedures for optimizing the Well Control System during Drilling
  • Authors: GZB Muhammad Arsalan Sultan, Mazhar Ahmed, Muzamil Ali

  • Journal: American Journal of Computing and Engineering, Vol. 5 (2), pp. 24–38

  • Year: 2022

Anshika Singh | Predictive Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Anshika Singh | Predictive Analytics | Best Researcher Award

IIT BHU | India

Author Profile

Scopus

🧑‍🎓 Summary

Anshika Singh, a final-year B.Tech student in Civil Engineering at IIT (BHU), Varanasi, with a CGPA of 8.76. I am passionate about combining sustainable construction practices with modern technologies like machine learning to improve infrastructure systems. Through diverse internships, research projects, and leadership roles, I have developed strong skills in technical problem-solving, team collaboration, and project execution. My academic journey reflects a commitment to engineering excellence, innovation, and social impact.

🎓 Education

I am currently pursuing a B.Tech in Civil Engineering at IIT (BHU), Varanasi, with an overall CGPA of 8.76 and strong semester performances, including 9.43 in Semester VII. I completed my Class XII from Rani Laxmi Bai Memorial Inter College, UP Board, with 79.40% in 2020, and my Class X from the same school with 89.16% in 2018. My academic background has built a solid foundation in structural mechanics, transportation engineering, and geotechnical engineering.

🏗️ Professional Experience

As an intern at Gammon Engineers & Contractors Pvt. Ltd. under the NHAI project from May to July 2024, I contributed to the Varanasi Ring Road Project, particularly on a 1.47 km segmental bridge. I conducted quality tests such as Slump Cone, Sieve Analysis, and soil testing, while also learning about topographic surveys, well foundations, and pre-stressed concrete construction. This experience strengthened my understanding of on-site construction workflows and quality control systems in large-scale infrastructure.

🔬 Academic Projects

My current undergraduate project, “Leveraging AI for Affordable Pavement Performance Assessment”, involves developing a user-friendly GUI and applying ML models such as Random Forest, Decision Trees, and KNN on a dataset of 1,200 samples to predict pavement properties like CT Index and permanent strain, reducing the need for costly lab testing.
Another project, “Performance Evaluation of Sustainable Concrete”, involved testing 300+ concrete mixes with GGBS and fly ash, achieving up to 40 MPa compressive strength and a 15% reduction in water absorption, promoting eco-friendly alternatives in concrete.
In the project “Land Use/Land Cover Evolution and Forecasting in Jabalpur”, I analyzed 30 years of satellite data using a machine learning model with 98% accuracy, helping forecast future urban expansion for sustainable planning.

🛠️ Technical Skills

My technical toolkit includes AutoCAD, STAAD.Pro, MATLAB, and Python for analysis and design, as well as scikit-learn, pandas, and Tkinter for data analysis and GUI development. I am also proficient in material testing, mix design, and survey techniques, enabling me to connect software tools with real-world engineering applications.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a Senior Induction Mentor in the Student Counselling Service, I helped conduct 100+ interviews, trained 25 mentors, and guided 200+ freshmen, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for new students. I also served as the DUGC Student Representative (2023–24), where I collaborated with faculty to implement curriculum improvements, positively impacting over 800 students and initiating policy reforms for academic betterment.

🔬 Research Interest

My core research interests include sustainable construction materials, transport infrastructure design, and the use of machine learning in civil engineering. I am particularly drawn to AI-driven solutions for pavement evaluation, urban land-use forecasting, and green material innovation, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional engineering and technological advancement.

🏅 Academic Citations & Achievements

I successfully qualified GATE 2024 in Civil Engineering and received an award at the Global Road Construction Conference 2024 in Jaipur for outstanding contribution. Additionally, I was recognized for an impactful poster presentation at the Research and Innovation Day 2024 at IIT (BHU), showcasing my work in AI-integrated pavement analysis.

📖Publications

Data‑driven predictive models for evaluating optimum binder content and volumetric properties of bituminous mixtures using design variables, 2025

Ahmed Degnah – Metallurgical Engineering – Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Ahmed Degnah - Metallurgical Engineering - Best Researcher Award 

King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology - Saudi Arabia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ahmed Abdulaziz Degnah began his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Umm Al-Qura University (KSA) in 2010. During his undergraduate studies, he demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication, evidenced by his GPA of 3.32/4.0 with Second Honor. His graduation project on Torsional Vibration & Fault Diagnosis showcased his early interest in engineering research and problem-solving.

Building on his undergraduate success, Ahmed pursued a Master's degree in Materials Science & Engineering from Rutgers University New Brunswick (USA), graduating in 2015 with a commendable GPA of 3.323/4.0. His master's thesis, focusing on the Effect of Solvent on Melting Gel Behavior, delved into the intricate properties of materials, laying the groundwork for his future research endeavors.

His academic pursuits culminated in a Doctorate of Philosophy in Metallurgical Engineering from The University of Utah (USA) in 2019. With an outstanding GPA of 3.96/4.0, Ahmed showcased his dedication to academic excellence. His Ph.D. dissertation, titled "Design, Synthesis, and Properties of Titanium Metal Matrix Composites Based on Ti-B-Fe System," underscored his expertise in metallurgical engineering and materials science.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ahmed's professional journey reflects a commitment to research and academic excellence. He commenced his career as a Research Assistant at the National Center for Aeronautical Technology, KACST, from January 2011 to August 2013. This role provided him with invaluable experience in conducting research and contributing to cutting-edge projects in the field of aeronautical technology.

His academic prowess led him to serve as a Teaching Assistant at The University of Utah from August to December 2019, where he imparted knowledge in Mechanical Metallurgy. Additionally, he assumed the role of Assistant Professor at KACST, first in the National Center for Aeronautical Technology from February 2020 to April 2022, and currently in the National Center for Advanced Materials Technologies since April 2022. As an Assistant Professor, Ahmed plays a pivotal role in shaping the minds of future engineers and researchers while actively contributing to groundbreaking research projects.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ahmed's research contributions are significant and far-reaching. His publications span various prestigious journals and conferences, demonstrating the breadth and depth of his expertise. His research interests encompass diverse areas such as additive manufacturing, alloy design, materials characterization, and composite materials.

He has made notable contributions to understanding the micro-scale deformation behavior of additively manufactured alloys, investigating the role of precipitation and solute segregation on material properties, and exploring novel powder metallurgy processing techniques for titanium alloys. Moreover, his research on high-entropy alloys, polymer matrix composites, and advanced materials for high-temperature applications showcases his versatility and innovation in materials science and engineering.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Ahmed has garnered recognition for his outstanding contributions. He has received numerous appreciation certificates, underscoring his excellence in academia and research. His dedication to teaching and mentoring is evident through the workshops and short courses he has taught, aimed at enriching the knowledge and skills of aspiring engineers and researchers.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Ahmed's work has had a profound impact on the field of materials science and engineering. His research findings have contributed to advancing the understanding of material properties and processing techniques, paving the way for innovations in various industries including aerospace, automotive, and biomedical.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Ahmed continues to pursue excellence in academia and research, his legacy is one of innovation, mentorship, and academic leadership. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and pushing the boundaries of materials science, he is poised to make significant contributions to solving complex engineering challenges and shaping the future of advanced materials technologies. Through his dedication to education, research, and professional development, Ahmed Abdulaziz Degnah is an inspiring figure whose contributions will continue to resonate within the scientific community for years to come.