Thien Tich Truong – Renewable energy – Outstanding Scientist Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Thien Tich Truong - Renewable energy - Outstanding Scientist Award 

Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology - Vietnam

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Thien Tich Truong's academic journey commenced with a fervent pursuit of knowledge in Mechanical Engineering, culminating in a doctoral degree in 2001 from the esteemed Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), a constituent university of Vietnam National University. Notably, his doctoral studies were supported by the prestigious DAAD Scholarships, which underscored his early academic promise and commitment to scholarly excellence.

Professional Endeavors

Since 2007, Dr. Truong has served as an Associate Professor at HCMUT, where his dedication to teaching, research, and academic leadership has been exemplary. His tenure as Vice President (2012-2023) and subsequent appointment as President (from 2023) of the Vietnam Solid Mechanics Association mark significant milestones in his professional journey, reflecting his esteemed standing within the academic community and his contributions to the advancement of his field.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Truong's research endeavors have spanned various domains within Mechanical Engineering, with a particular emphasis on Computational Mechanics & Optimization. His pioneering work encompasses diverse areas such as structural analysis, numerical methods, material models, optimization techniques, computational fluid dynamics, and biomechanics. Noteworthy among his contributions are advancements in structural strength assessment, metalworking simulation, heat transfer analysis, and biomechanical modeling, all of which have profound implications for industry, academia, and society at large.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Truong's scholarly achievements have been recognized both nationally and internationally. His leadership roles within academic associations and his stewardship of collaborative research projects have garnered accolades and prestigious grants. Notably, his coordination of international scientific endeavors, such as the Vietnam Ireland Bilateral Education Exchange (VIBE) projects and the Asia-Link initiative, underscores his capacity to foster cross-cultural partnerships and facilitate knowledge exchange on a global scale.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Truong's research outputs have had a tangible impact on various sectors, ranging from renewable energy to healthcare. His work on wave power stations and renewable energy solutions underscores his commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Furthermore, his contributions to biomechanics have implications for healthcare, sports performance optimization, and the design of rehabilitation equipment, thereby enhancing human well-being and quality of life.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Truong continues to spearhead groundbreaking research and academic initiatives, his legacy as a visionary leader and scholar is assured. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers, fostering international collaborations, and addressing pressing societal challenges ensures that his influence will endure for years to come. With an unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation, Dr. Thien Tich Truong remains at the forefront of advancing knowledge and shaping the future landscape of Mechanical Engineering and Computational Mechanics.

Citations

A total of 565 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.

 

Ilias Stamatelos – Electrocatalysis – Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Ilias Stamatelos - Electrocatalysis - Best Researcher Award 

Forschungszentrum Jülich - Germany

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Ilias Stamatelos embarked on his academic journey at the prestigious National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), where he pursued a Diploma in Chemical Engineering. This initial phase of his education laid the foundation for his specialized skills in chemical processes, particularly focusing on areas pivotal to energy conversion and storage technologies. His time at NTUA was marked by a rigorous curriculum that shaped his analytical and problem-solving skills, essential for his later research in electrochemical engineering.

Professional Endeavors

After completing his diploma, Ilias transitioned to a PhD program at RWTH Aachen University, where he delved deeper into Electrochemical Engineering. His doctoral research focused on the "Development of electrode architectures and novel membrane electrode assembly concepts for CO2 electrolyzers," a topic at the cutting edge of renewable energy technology. Following his PhD, Ilias joined Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, first as a PhD student and then as scientific personnel within the Electrochemical Process Engineering group. Here, he expanded his expertise by working on novel CO2 electrolyzers and alkaline water electrolysis, key technologies for sustainable energy systems.

Contributions and Research Focus On Electrocatalysis

Throughout his professional career, Ilias Stamatelos has concentrated on the development and optimization of technologies for CO2 electrolysis and water electrolysis. His work involves the synthesis and optimization of catalysts and the fabrication of catalyst layers and membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs), critical components of electrolyzers. These efforts are geared towards improving the efficiency and scalability of devices that convert CO2 into useful chemicals and fuels, thereby addressing crucial aspects of the energy transition towards greener alternatives.

Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Ilias's work has not only contributed to scientific advancements but has also been recognized through various awards and grants, such as the Mitacs-Globalink Award. This acknowledgment from peers and leading scientific organizations highlights his significant contributions to the field of electrochemical engineering and his potential to drive further innovations.

Impact and Influence

The research carried out by Ilias Stamatelos at institutions like Forschungszentrum Jülich and Queen’s University has positioned him as a notable figure in the realm of electrochemical technologies. His work on catalyst synthesis and MEA fabrication has crucial implications for the scalability of electrolyzers, potentially lowering the barriers for the widespread adoption of these technologies. By improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these systems, his research contributes directly to the enhancement of sustainable and renewable energy landscapes globally.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Ilias Stamatelos is poised to make lasting contributions to the field of electrochemical engineering. His ongoing projects on CO2 and water electrolysis are not only pivotal for achieving energy sustainability but also for reducing global carbon emissions. His focus on mentoring and supervising MSc students ensures that his knowledge and passion for green technologies are passed on to the next generation of engineers and researchers, thereby amplifying his impact on the field.

Ilias's trajectory shows a clear path towards leadership in developing technologies that harness chemical processes for environmental benefit. His future work will likely continue to focus on refining these technologies and possibly exploring new avenues within electrochemical applications, setting a robust example for future innovations in green technology solutions.

Citations

A total of 10 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.