Xinyu Tan | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Xinyu Tan | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award

University College London | China

Ms. Xinyu Tan is an emerging architect and researcher from University College London, specializing in environmental and computational design. She holds a degree from The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, and previously studied at the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts, where she built a strong foundation in fine arts and digital design. Her research focuses on AI-driven urban design, architectural visualization, and sustainable spatial systems that integrate environmental awareness with advanced digital fabrication. With experience at HKS Asia Pacific Design Consulting in Singapore and Shanghai Rosso Cultural & Art Co., Ltd., she has contributed to international projects such as the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Stadium and urban renewal programs emphasizing community and heritage. Ms. Tan has received numerous awards including the Archisource Drawing of the Year 2021, the Zijin Award for Architectural Design, and multiple national recognitions for creativity and environmental design excellence. As a Teaching Assistant at DigitalFUTURES 2025, she supported AI-based interdisciplinary workshops. Her academic performance has earned several scholarships and distinctions, with her artworks preserved by the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts. reflecting her growing research impact in architectural innovation.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publication

Tan, X. (2025). Visual perception-informed urban design toolkit: Computational urban morphology optimisation to inform real-time perceived safety. Journal of Urban Management. (Open Access).

 

Khaled Alhosani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Khaled Alhosani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ajman Municipality and Planning Department | United Arab Emirates

Dr. Khaled Mueen Alhosani is a distinguished leader in environmental governance, sustainable urban development, and public health innovation. As the Executive Director of the Public Health and Environment Sector at the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman, he has spearheaded transformative reforms, integrated smart infrastructure systems, and advanced Ajman’s vision of becoming a model city for sustainability and climate resilience. With over 17 years of experience in public sector leadership, Dr. Alhosani is widely recognized for his contributions to waste-to-resource innovation, circular economy integration, air quality enhancement, and climate neutrality strategies. His efforts have set new benchmarks in sustainable city management and contributed to Ajman’s recognition on regional and international platforms.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

ORCID

Education

Dr. Alhosani holds a PhD in Sustainable Waste Management from the University of Bolton, UK, where his doctoral research established a reference framework for empowering public-private partnerships in advancing sustainable waste management within the circular industry economy. He also earned an MSc in Groundwater Engineering and Management from Ajman University, a BSc in Plant Sciences in Arid Regions from United Arab Emirates University, a Diploma in Human Resources from ITAC Institute, and completed a Leadership Transition Programme at INSEAD Business School, France. His academic journey reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation bridging environmental sciences, resource management, and leadership development.

Experience

Throughout his career, Dr. Alhosani has held pivotal roles shaping public health and environmental policy. As Executive Director of the Public Health and Environment Sector in Ajman, he has led major initiatives in climate neutrality, smart environmental monitoring, and resource-efficient urban infrastructure. Previously, as Director of the Public Health and Environment Department, he developed early sustainability programs and enhanced municipal governance systems. His tenure at the Ministry of Environment & Water saw him lead national plant protection strategies and coordinate agricultural health projects across the GCC. Beyond administrative roles, he has contributed as an adjunct lecturer, research collaborator, and mentor, fostering emerging talent in sustainable development and ISO integration.

Research Interests

Dr. Alhosani’s research is centered on sustainable waste management, climate change mitigation, renewable energy integration, and smart city environmental policies. His published work spans frameworks for public-private partnership empowerment, circular economy models, air quality management, AI-enhanced educational frameworks for sustainability, and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through landfill waste reduction. His collaborations with international researchers and organizations have driven advancements in floating wind-H2 technology, sustainable education, and innovative waste-to-energy systems.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Alhosani’s leadership has been recognized through multiple awards and honors, including accolades for his role in transforming Ajman into an environmentally friendly city and his contributions to public sector excellence. He has overseen projects that have achieved significant milestones, such as the 100% reuse of treated wastewater for agriculture, the successful implementation of a single-use plastic bag reduction campaign, and Ajman Parks receiving the Green Flag Award for international sustainability standards. He has also been instrumental in establishing the Ajman Carbon Neutrality Roadmap and aligning educational institutions with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. His achievements extend to international forums, where he has represented Ajman at COP28, UN Global Compact workshops, and the Hamid Bin Rashid International Sustainability Award initiatives.

Publications

Alhosani, K.M., Kaied, Y.O., Darwish, A.S., Al-Kayiem, H.H., Farrell, P. (2025). “A Framework for Public-Private Partnerships Empowerment Towards Zero Industrial Waste in the UAE.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology.

Darwish, A.S., Alhosani, K.M., Al-Kayiem, H.H. (2025). “AI-Enhanced Sustainable Educational Framework for a Greener World.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology.

Kaied, Y.O., Alhosani, K.M., Darwish, A.S., Farrell, P. (2025). “Air Quality Management Strategic Framework for Future Sustainable Cities.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology.

Bhutto, Y.A., Pandey, A.K., Saidur, R., Alhosani, K.M. (2025). “Enabling the Thermal Performance of Lauric Acid Phase Change Material Integrated with Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes for Sustainable Thermal Energy Storage Solution.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology.

Kalidasan, B., Pandey, A., Alhosani, K.M., Darwish, A.S. (2025). “Harnessing Coconut Shell Carbon Micro Particles for Enhanced Optical Absorbance and Sustainable Energy Storage in Organic Phase Change Materials.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology.

Conclusion

Dr. Khaled Mueen Alhosani is a visionary figure whose expertise bridges policy, research, and innovation to deliver tangible environmental and public health outcomes. His leadership continues to shape Ajman’s sustainable future through ambitious projects in circular economy, climate action, smart city systems, and cross-sectoral collaboration. With an unwavering commitment to knowledge sharing, mentorship, and international partnership building, Dr. Alhosani exemplifies the integration of academic excellence with pragmatic governance. His work serves as a reference point for municipalities and organizations aspiring to achieve net-zero emissions, resilient infrastructure, and globally recognized environmental performance.

Caixia Gao | Environmental Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Caixia Gao | Environmental Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Ningbo University | China

Prof. Caixia Gao is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of architecture, urban planning, and urban design, with a focus on the relationship between urban form, planning policy, and sustainable development. She is currently an Associate Professor and Executive Head of the Architecture Discipline at Ningbo University, China, where she also supervises master’s students. With a strong international profile, she has served as an academic visitor at Birmingham City University, UK, collaborating on advanced research into urban morphology, planning strategies, and the integration of historical and local architectural forms into modern policy frameworks. Prof. Gao has made significant scholarly contributions through publications in prestigious journals, books, and international conference presentations, establishing herself as an authority in urban design policy, morphological analysis, and architectural theory.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Prof. Gao holds a Ph.D. in Architecture and Urban Planning from Nanjing University, where her doctoral research focused on the relationship between street block morphology and urban policy in Chinese cities. She also earned a Master’s degree in Architecture from Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, specializing in the architectural characteristics of historical religious buildings, particularly the Catholic churches of Ningxia. Her foundational studies were completed at Ningxia University, where she specialized in urban planning and architectural design. This rigorous academic training has given her an in-depth understanding of both the technical and cultural dimensions of architecture and planning, positioning her to bridge local traditions with global urban design challenges.

Experience

Over her academic career, Prof. Gao has combined teaching, research, and leadership in both China and abroad. She has worked extensively at Ningxia University, contributing to urban and rural planning research before moving to Ningbo University, where she currently leads the Architecture Discipline. Internationally, her visiting appointment at Birmingham City University enriched her expertise in Western planning policies and comparative studies of urban design between China and the UK. Her teaching portfolio covers a wide range of subjects, including theory and methods of planning, architectural design, urban and rural planning, landscape design, housing architecture, and graduation projects supervision. She has also actively guided student innovation projects and national-level competitions, demonstrating her strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of architects and urban planners.

Research Interests

Prof. Gao’s research is grounded in the study of urban form and policy, exploring how planning frameworks shape the vitality and sustainability of cities. Her work examines the interaction between morphology, land use, planning regulations, and urban vitality, particularly in historical and city-centre contexts. She is deeply interested in policy control methods of urban blocks that integrate historical and local architectural forms, advancing strategies for sustainable regeneration of historical areas. Additionally, she explores rural planning methods, architectural theory, and design creation, combining academic theory with practical urban design solutions. Her research also increasingly incorporates computer visualization and virtual simulation technologies, positioning her at the forefront of innovation in urban morphology and design policy research.

Awards and Recognitions

Prof. Gao has received recognition through competitive national and provincial research projects, supported by organizations such as the China Scholarship Council, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and regional social science foundations in Zhejiang and Ningxia. These projects have focused on urban design, local morphological optimization, sustainable development, and educational innovation. Her funded research underscores her role as a leading scholar shaping both theoretical and applied aspects of architectural planning and design. In addition, her active participation in international conferences such as the International Seminar on Urban Form (ISUF) and the International Forum on Urbanism (IFoU) highlights her global engagement and contributions to advancing scholarly dialogue in urban morphology.

Publication

Gao, C., & Zhou, X. (2025). Design strategies for the street spaces of fishing village based on traditional architectural typology: the case of Limin Village in Ningbo of coastal China. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering.

Conclusion

Prof. Caixia Gao’s academic career represents a harmonious integration of research, teaching, and practice in architecture and urban planning. By focusing on the interplay between urban form, planning policy, and cultural heritage, she contributes innovative solutions to contemporary urban challenges while preserving historical identity. Her dual exposure to Chinese and international contexts allows her to provide comparative insights that are invaluable for advancing sustainable urban development. With a commitment to both scholarly excellence and student mentorship, Prof. Gao continues to push the boundaries of architectural and planning research, ensuring her work remains relevant to the evolving demands of cities and societies worldwide. Her vision for the future lies in combining urban design strategy, historical preservation, and advanced digital technologies, paving the way for innovative, culturally sensitive, and sustainable cities.

Muna Salameh – Sustainable Architecture Award –  Women Researcher

Dr. Muna Salameh - Sustainable Architecture Award -  Women Researcher

Ajman university - United Arab Emirates

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Muna Salameh embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from AN Najah National University in Palestine, where she demonstrated exceptional dedication and earned honors. She furthered her studies with a Master's degree in Urban Planning from the same institution, showcasing her commitment to interdisciplinary learning. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment from BUID, where she delved deep into the realms of sustainable architecture, heritage preservation, and landscape design.

Professional Endeavors

With a solid academic foundation, Dr. Salameh transitioned into professional roles, blending practice with academia seamlessly. She honed her skills through practical experience in architecture while simultaneously documenting buildings and teaching architectural courses in various institutions across Palestine and the UAE. Since 2004, she has been a stalwart member of the faculty at Ajman University, where she has made significant contributions to both teaching and research in the field of architecture.

Contributions and Research Focus On Sustainable Architecture Award

Dr. Salameh's research focus encompasses several critical areas within the realm of architecture and sustainable built environment. Her work delves into the impact of courtyard orientation on the thermal performance of school buildings, the role of heritage conservation in sustainable modern urban designs, and the enhancement of student satisfaction through innovative school courtyard designs. She has also explored comparative analyses of thermal conditions between modern and traditional districts in hot-arid climates, shedding light on sustainable design solutions for diverse environments.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Salameh has garnered widespread recognition for her contributions to academia and research. Her papers have been published in esteemed journals and presented at prestigious conferences, earning accolades such as the Best Presentation Award at the 6th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ICACE2022). Additionally, her open-access paper has been acknowledged by Elsevier for its substantial contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), further solidifying her status as a thought leader in the field.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Salameh's research has had a profound impact on the field of sustainable architecture and urban planning, influencing both academic discourse and practical applications. By bridging the gap between heritage conservation and sustainability, her work has paved the way for innovative approaches to modern urban design in hot-arid climates. Her emphasis on student satisfaction and performance through thoughtful architectural interventions underscores her commitment to creating environments that foster learning and well-being.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Salameh continues her academic pursuits, her legacy is marked by a dedication to pushing the boundaries of sustainable architecture and urban planning. Her multifaceted approach, encompassing research, teaching, and community engagement, sets a benchmark for future generations of architects and scholars. Looking ahead, she remains committed to addressing global challenges through her research, advocating for environmentally conscious design practices, and nurturing the next wave of architectural innovators.

In summary, Dr. Muna Salameh's journey from early academic pursuits to her current role as an esteemed Assistant Professor at Ajman University is a testament to her passion, dedication, and profound impact on the field of architecture and sustainable built environment. Her contributions, accolades, and future aspirations all reflect a commitment to excellence and a vision for a more sustainable and equitable built environment.

Citations

  • Citations   94
  • h-index       5
  • i10-index    3

Notable Publication

 

 

Shikha Patel – Urban Analytics Award – Women Researcher

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Shikha Patel embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's in Architecture from Gujarat University, India, where she honed her foundational understanding of architectural principles and design. Building upon this, she pursued a Master's in Architecture (Urban Design) from Visvesvaraya Technological University, India, where she not only deepened her expertise in urban design but also showcased exemplary performance by receiving the Gold Medal from VTU, India. This early academic success laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in the field of urban planning and design.

Professional Endeavors

Following her academic pursuits, Shikha delved into the professional realm, bringing her architectural expertise to various roles. She commenced her career as a Junior Architect at SHS Designs, India, where she played a crucial role in the delivery of residential buildings, showcasing her ability to navigate the intricacies of design and construction processes. Subsequently, she transitioned into roles with increasing responsibilities, including Retail Planner at Tesco HSC, India, and Business Development Manager at 100 Krafts, India, where she demonstrated her capacity to manage projects from inception to implementation.

Contributions and Research Focus On Urban Analytics Award

Dr. Shikha's transition into academia marked a significant shift in her career trajectory, where she embarked on a path of research and teaching. Her research interests encompass urban planning, sustainable development, and environmental conservation, with a focus on leveraging her expertise in architecture and urban design to address contemporary urban challenges. Through her publications and conference presentations, such as those focusing on the impact of urban design on mental health and the relationship between land use dynamics and land surface temperatures, Shikha has contributed valuable insights to the academic discourse in her field.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Shikha's contributions to the field of urban planning and architecture have been recognized through various accolades and achievements. Notably, she received the LEED Green Associate certification, underscoring her commitment to sustainable design practices. Additionally, her publication in the Building and Environment journal on the impact of urban planning on human thermal comfort in Doha, Qatar, signifies her standing as a respected researcher in her field.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Shikha's work extends beyond the confines of academia, as evidenced by her involvement in projects with organizations such as the United Nations and Qatar University. Her participation in initiatives related to sustainable development and environmental research underscores her commitment to effecting positive change on a global scale. Through her interdisciplinary approach and collaborative endeavors, Shikha has positioned herself as a thought leader in the intersection of architecture, urban planning, and environmental sustainability.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Shikha continues to advance in her career, her legacy lies in her multifaceted contributions to the fields of architecture and urban planning. Her commitment to addressing pressing urban challenges, coupled with her dedication to research and education, positions her as a driving force in shaping sustainable and resilient urban environments. Looking ahead, Shikha's future contributions are poised to further advance the discourse on urban sustainability and influence positive change in communities worldwide.

Notable Publication