Vilma Petkova | Qualitative Research | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Vilma Petkova | Qualitative Research | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography “Acad. Ivan Kostov”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Bulgaria

Prof. Vilma Petkova is an eminent chemist-engineer and researcher specializing in inorganic materials science, crystallography, thermal analysis, and environmentally clean technologies. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Technology and Metallurgy and has over three decades of academic and research experience, serving in positions ranging from Assistant Professor to full Professor at the Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and New Bulgarian University. Her research spans inorganic substances, nanomaterials, cement and construction materials, fertilizers, solid-phase kinetics, thermal and X-ray analysis, spectroscopy, and eco-friendly materials. Prof. Petkova has supervised numerous bachelor, master, and Ph.D. students, actively participated in over 130 national and international conferences, and contributed to more than 193 publications, including 89 indexed in IF/SJR journals, accumulating 904 citations across 744 documents with an h-index of 18. She has led and participated in national and international research projects, served on scientific councils, editorial boards, and accreditation panels, and received recognition for her leadership in thermal analysis and materials science. Her expertise integrates material characterization, environmental chemistry, biotechnology, and sustainable development. Prof. Petkova continues to advance research, mentor emerging scientists, and contribute to global knowledge in material science and chemistry, promoting innovations that balance technological progress with environmental sustainability.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Petkova, V., Mihaylova, K., Serafimova, E., Titorenkova, R., Tsvetanova, L., & Trikkel, A. (2025). “Impact of High Energy Milling and Mineral Additives on a Carbonate–Quartz–Apatite System for Ecological Applications.” Materials.

Petkova, V., Mihaylova, K., Kaljuvee, T., & Piroeva, I. (2025). “Induced structural changes within a natural apatite-calcite system via short-time mechanochemical activation.” Materials Chemistry and Physics.

Petkova, V., Stoyanov, V., Mihaylova, K., & Kostova, B. (2025). “Impact of pozzolanic and inert powders on the microstructure and thermal chemistry of cement mortars.” Ceramics International.

Stoyanov, V., Petkova, V., Mihaylova, K., & Shopska, M. (2024). “A Study of the Influence of Thermoactivated Natural Zeolite on the Hydration of White Cement Mortars.” Materials.

Serafimova, E., & Petkova, V. (2022). “BTEX exposure in indoor air in schools in Bulgaria.” IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering.

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

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

Danica Krstovska – Physics Data Analysis Award – Best Researcher

Prof Dr. Danica Krstovska - Physics Data Analysis Award - Best Researcher

Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics - Macedonia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof Dr. Danica Krstovska embarked on her academic journey with a strong focus on theoretical condensed matter physics. Her foundational education included a Bachelor of Science in theoretical physics from the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Macedonia. She continued her studies with a Master of Science in Physics, exploring the sound attenuation ratio of acoustic waves in quasi-two-dimensional conductors in a magnetic field. Her academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Physics, specializing in theoretical condensed matter physics, where her dissertation delved into electroacoustic and thermomagnetic phenomena in low-dimensional organic conductors.

Professional Endeavors

Prof Dr. Krstovska's professional career has been marked by a progression from teaching assistant roles to prominent positions in academia. She has held roles such as Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and currently, Chair of the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Macedonia. Her academic responsibilities encompass a wide range of courses in mathematical methods, quantum mechanics, quantum information physics, electrodynamics, special theory of relativity, and calculus-based physics.

Contributions and Research Focus On Physics Data Analysis Award

Prof Dr. Krstovska's research interests lie at the intersection of electroacoustic and thermomagnetic phenomena in low-dimensional organic conductors. She has investigated various aspects of these phenomena, including angular dependent magnetothermopower, magneto-thermopower of single closed orbit systems, and magnetic field-induced superconductivity. Her research projects have garnered significant attention and have been supported by prestigious institutions and funding bodies. Additionally, Dr. Krstovska has made significant contributions to educational projects focused on the continuous education of physics teachers and market needs analysis for physics study profiles.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof Dr. Krstovska's contributions to the field of theoretical condensed matter physics have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. Notable among these are the Best Scientist award at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, the Nature Publishing Group Travel Award, the NSF Science and Engineering Highlight, and the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award. Her consistent dedication to research excellence has earned her accolades both nationally and internationally.

Impact and Influence

Prof Dr. Krstovska's work has had a significant impact on the field, particularly in understanding the electronic properties of layered organic conductors and exploring novel phenomena such as magnetothermopower and quantum oscillations. Her research findings have been disseminated through invited talks, scientific visits, and presentations at conferences worldwide, showcasing the depth and breadth of her contributions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a leading figure in theoretical condensed matter physics, Prof Dr. Krstovska's legacy is characterized by her pioneering research, exemplary teaching, and commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge. Her future contributions are likely to further enrich the field, as she continues to mentor students, collaborate with international researchers, and explore new avenues for understanding the intricate behaviors of low-dimensional organic conductors. Prof Dr. Krstovska's dedication to excellence serves as an inspiration to aspiring physicists and underscores the importance of curiosity-driven inquiry in pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding.

Citations

  • Citations   115
  • h-index       6
  • i10-index   3

Notable Publication