Vanessa Durán Grados | Energy | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Vanessa Durán Grados | Energy | Women Researcher Award

PhD at University of Cádiz, Spain

Vanesa Durán Grados is an accomplished researcher specializing in maritime safety and environmental protection. Her work has been published in prestigious international journals such as Marine Pollution Bulletin and Applied Sciences, reflecting her commitment to addressing critical global challenges. With research focusing on the declaration of the Strait of Gibraltar as an environmentally controlled area and enhancing ship navigation safety in varying sea conditions, she demonstrates a strong dedication to sustainability, marine conservation, and technological innovation. Vanesa’s publications, indexed in top-tier databases and journals with high impact factors, highlight her contribution to multidisciplinary engineering and environmental sciences. Although her current publications show collaboration and significant involvement, further leadership roles in research projects could strengthen her academic profile. Active in 2023 with high-quality outputs, she embodies the spirit of emerging women researchers making impactful contributions to science and society, making her a strong candidate for recognition through research awards.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile

Education

Vanesa Durán Grados has pursued a solid academic foundation in engineering and marine sciences, equipping her with the expertise necessary for multidisciplinary research. Although specific degree details are not provided in the available information, it is evident that her education has emphasized maritime studies, environmental sciences, and applied engineering principles. Her academic journey has prepared her to tackle complex global challenges, such as marine pollution control and navigational safety. It can be inferred from her research outputs and publications in high-impact journals that she has achieved a postgraduate-level education, likely including a Master’s degree and ongoing or completed doctoral work. Her academic training integrates technical skills with a deep understanding of environmental and sustainability issues, allowing her to contribute effectively to scientific advancements. Overall, her education lays a strong foundation for her research activities and her growing professional recognition within the fields of environmental and maritime engineering sciences.

Professional Experience

Vanesa Durán Grados has established herself as an emerging researcher with meaningful contributions to environmental protection and maritime safety. Her professional experience includes active collaboration in multidisciplinary research projects, producing scientific articles recognized in international journals such as Marine Pollution Bulletin and Applied Sciences. Vanesa has demonstrated the ability to work in diverse, collaborative research teams, engaging with experts across fields to address complex marine and navigational challenges. Through her research on creating environmentally controlled maritime zones and improving ship navigation under various sea states, she has shown a strong capacity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Her role in impactful research projects, alongside senior researchers, reflects her growing reputation in both environmental science and engineering disciplines. As she advances her career, gaining leadership roles in projects, supervising students, and engaging in broader scientific initiatives will further enhance her professional standing and contribution to the scientific community.

Research Interest

Vanesa Durán Grados’ research interests center around maritime environmental protection, navigational safety, and multidisciplinary engineering solutions. She is particularly focused on issues such as marine pollution control and the operational behavior of ships in varying sea states, crucial for both environmental sustainability and maritime industry efficiency. Her recent work on promoting the Strait of Gibraltar as an environmentally controlled area reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems from anthropogenic impacts. Simultaneously, her research into improving navigational safety by analyzing shipmaster control in different sea conditions highlights her technical expertise and concern for operational risk mitigation at sea. Vanesa’s research intersects engineering, environmental science, and policy advocacy, reflecting a holistic approach to solving contemporary maritime challenges. She shows strong potential to expand her research scope into areas such as green shipping technologies, coastal management, and marine policy reform, contributing innovative solutions for sustainable and safe marine operations globally.

Award and Honor

While specific awards and honors have not been detailed in the current curriculum vitae excerpt, Vanesa Durán Grados’ achievements suggest she is a strong candidate for recognition through research awards, especially those honoring emerging women scientists. Her publications in high-impact, indexed journals—such as Marine Pollution Bulletin and Applied Sciences—are notable accomplishments in themselves and indicate academic excellence. Publishing in Q1 and Q2 journals reflects peer acknowledgment of the quality and relevance of her work in environmental sciences and engineering. Awards for women researchers often consider research excellence, societal impact, and leadership potential, all of which Vanesa exhibits through her focus on environmental conservation and maritime safety. As her career progresses, it is highly likely that she will receive formal accolades from academic institutions, professional organizations, and international scientific bodies. Recognizing her now with a Women Researcher Award would encourage further contributions and leadership in her field.

Conclusion

Vanesa Durán Grados represents the new generation of researchers driving interdisciplinary innovation in maritime safety and environmental sustainability. Her academic foundation, growing professional experience, impactful research, and active contributions to high-quality international journals demonstrate strong potential for a distinguished research career. Although early in her professional journey, she already shows clear evidence of dedication, technical excellence, and societal relevance in her work. Her focus on critical global issues such as marine ecosystem protection and safer maritime navigation positions her research at the intersection of environmental stewardship and technological advancement. By fostering her leadership skills and expanding her research collaborations, Vanesa is poised to become a significant influence in her fields. Recognizing her achievements through a Women Researcher Award would not only acknowledge her current accomplishments but also support her continued growth as a future leader in environmental and marine engineering sciences.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Nanoparticles on electric, gas and diesel buses in mass transit buses of Bogotá, Colombia
    Authors: D. Vargas, B.R. Galvis, C.V. Durán Grados (C. Vanesa), C. Bernal
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 2 citations

  • Title: Towards the declaration of the Strait of Gibraltar as an environmental controlled area
    Authors: J. Moreno-Gutiérrez (Juan), C.V. Durán Grados (C. Vanesa)
    Year: 2023

 

 

Sufia Sultana | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sufia Sultana | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Research Associate at Cranfield University, United Kingdom

Dr. Sufia Sultana is a dedicated environmental researcher with a strong academic and practical background in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Environmental Studies. With a passion for sustainable development and a keen focus on data-driven solutions, she has worked extensively to address sanitation challenges in low-resource settings. Her PhD research at Cranfield University, under the EPSRC Water-WISER program, involved spatially representing faecal pollution in unsewered urban catchments using open-source data, providing innovative methodologies for sanitation planning. Her academic journey has taken her from Bangladesh to the UK, consistently focused on the intersections of environment, health, and data science. Over the years, she has built a robust portfolio of publications and research contributions, particularly in environmental monitoring, spatial modeling, and water quality analysis. Beyond academia, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to community outreach and education, having volunteered in various support roles in both the UK and Bangladesh. Dr. Sultana’s unique blend of technical expertise, real-world field experience, and dedication to impactful research places her at the forefront of interdisciplinary environmental science, with a continued goal of contributing to resilient, sustainable, and equitable urban systems.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Sufia Sultana holds an exceptional academic record across multiple disciplines relevant to environmental and water sciences. She earned her PhD in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) from Cranfield University (2019–2024), supported by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water-WISER. Her doctoral research focused on spatial analysis of sanitation infrastructure using open-source data, contributing novel approaches to environmental health monitoring. Prior to her PhD, she completed an MSc in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the University of Portsmouth (2017–2018), graduating with Merit, where she focused on river water degradation using remote sensing. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Water Resources Development from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, where she explored wetland change using GIS. Her academic journey began with a BSc and MSc in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Throughout her education, she developed technical skills in spatial analysis, statistical modeling, and remote sensing tools such as ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, Python, and SQL. Her diverse academic background reflects a comprehensive understanding of environmental systems, data-driven analysis, and applied geospatial technologies—providing a solid foundation for addressing complex challenges in global sanitation and water sustainability.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sultana brings a rich and varied portfolio of professional experience across academic, technical, and community-based roles. Her research career includes working as a Research Assistant at the University of Portsmouth in 2019, where she contributed to a study on rural water supply in Myanmar, involving digital terrain analysis, satellite data, and hydrological modeling. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Remote Sensing and GIS Assistant at Bangladesh’s national space agency, SPARRSO, contributing to thematic mapping and aerial photo interpretation. She has also held several GIS roles with development consulting firms and government-supported urban planning projects in Bangladesh, enhancing her expertise in field data collection, map digitization, and client training. Beyond research, she has supported education and community service in the UK, working as a teaching assistant, outreach volunteer, and hospice volunteer. These roles reflect her ability to communicate complex topics, collaborate across diverse teams, and contribute to broader social initiatives. Dr. Sultana’s professional background is characterized by an effective blend of technical skill, practical fieldwork, and community engagement, reinforcing her value as a multidisciplinary researcher who can bridge science, policy, and public needs.

Research Interests

Dr. Sultana’s research interests are centered on environmental sustainability, sanitation management, spatial data science, and water quality monitoring. Her work often combines field-based data collection with advanced geospatial analysis to address pressing challenges in low-resource urban settings. A key focus of her research has been understanding and visualizing the distribution of faecal pollution and sanitation access in unsewered urban catchments. She is particularly interested in leveraging open-source geospatial data and developing new methods for spatial representation that can inform equitable infrastructure planning. Her past projects have included water quality degradation analysis in Dhaka megacity using satellite imagery, as well as wetland mapping and land use change detection over time. Dr. Sultana also has a growing interest in resilience planning, particularly within food and water systems, and how climate and urbanization impact environmental health. Through her academic work and collaborations, she continues to explore the intersections of geoinformatics, environmental justice, and sustainable development. Her multidisciplinary approach allows her to contribute meaningfully to research projects across sectors, from sanitation planning to environmental policy, and she remains committed to producing actionable research that supports both scientific advancement and community well-being.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her academic and research career, Dr. Sufia Sultana has earned recognition for her scholarly contributions and technical skills. Her most prominent academic distinction is being selected for the prestigious EPSRC-funded Water-WISER Doctoral Training Programme, which is a collaborative initiative between Cranfield University, the University of Leeds, and Loughborough University. This program supports top-tier researchers in the field of water and sanitation and is highly competitive. Dr. Sultana has also published several peer-reviewed journal articles in respected international journals such as Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, and Journal of Environmental Advances, further affirming her credibility and contribution to the research community. Her early research on wetland area changes in Dhaka also received commendation for its relevance to urban environmental policy. While formal awards beyond her doctoral funding are limited in the current record, her continuous academic achievements, including a Merit in her MSc and leadership in field and research projects, reflect her dedication and excellence. As she continues to expand her research collaborations and engage in policy-relevant science, Dr. Sultana is well-positioned for future honors and leadership roles in the global environmental research arena.

Conclusion

Sufia Sultana is a highly suitable and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work combines technical excellence, interdisciplinary approaches, and social relevance—particularly in environmental sustainability, public health, and sanitation. Her published research, particularly using open-source data to address WASH issues in vulnerable regions, reflects innovation and a deep commitment to impactful science. With continued focus on expanding global collaborations and translating research into practice, she is poised to make even greater contributions to her field.

Publications Top Notes

Author(s): Sultana, M.S., Waine, T.W., Bari, M.N., Tyrrel, S.F.

Year: 2025

Title: An analysis of factors that influence the spatial pattern of faecal matter flow in unsewered cities

Journal: Science of the Total Environment

Citations: As of now, the article has 0 citations (based on the information you provided).

Ivan Simeonov | Anaerobic Digestion | Most Reader’s Article Award

Dr. Ivan Simeonov | Anaerobic Digestion | Most Reader’s Article Award

Retired scientist at Institut of microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria.

Ivan Simeonov, PhD, Professor, is a highly experienced scientist specializing in bioautomatics and anaerobic digestion. He has made significant contributions in modeling, monitoring, and optimization of biotechnological processes, particularly in the anaerobic digestion of organic waste. With numerous international collaborations, he has worked across Europe, Asia, and Russia. He is a respected member of scientific societies, and his research has been widely published in leading journals. Simeonov continues to engage in cutting-edge research, with a focus on environmental biotechnology and renewable energy systems 🌍💡🌿. His work has earned him recognition both in Bulgaria and internationally 🏆🔬.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

ORCID

Suitability for Most Reader’s Article Award

Prof. Ivan Simeonov, PhD, is a highly accomplished researcher in bioautomatics and environmental biotechnology. His extensive contributions to anaerobic digestion, mathematical modeling, and process optimization have made a lasting impact on sustainable engineering and renewable energy. With 281 scientific papers and a global collaborative network spanning France, China, and Russia, his research has significantly advanced waste-to-energy technologies.

Education and Experience:

  • 1966: School 32 “Kliment Ohridski”, Sofia, Bulgaria 🎓
  • 1971: Technical University of Sofia, Electrical Faculty, Specialty Automatics ⚙️
  • 1971–1973: University of Paris VI and Ecole Supérieure d’Electricité, France 🇫🇷
  • 1981: PhD in Engineering (Automatics), Technical University of Sofia 🎓🔧
  • 1986-2020: Head of Research Group at the Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology 🧪
  • 2012-2016: Deputy Director, Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology 🌍
  • International collaborations in Russia, Ukraine, China, France, and Finland 🌍

Professional Development 

Ivan Simeonov’s professional development spans decades of international collaboration and scientific advancement. Over the years, he has honed his expertise through numerous guest professorships and research positions, including in France, Russia, and China. Simeonov’s work has significantly contributed to the fields of anaerobic digestion and bioautomatics, with a focus on sustainable energy and waste management technologies 🌱. His involvement in projects funded by the European Space Agency and Bulgarian National Science Fund showcases his expertise and leadership in the research community 🌌. His role as an invited researcher and professor across global institutions highlights his ongoing commitment to scientific innovation ✨📚.

Research Focus 

Professor Simeonov’s research focuses on environmental biotechnology, renewable energy, and anaerobic digestion systems. His expertise lies in the mathematical modeling, monitoring, and optimization of biotechnological processes, especially in the degradation of organic waste for energy production 🔋🌿. He is dedicated to advancing the understanding of two-stage anaerobic digestion, producing methane and hydrogen from agricultural and lignocellulosic waste. Through his international collaborations, he works on the development of intelligent control systems and optimal technologies that enhance the efficiency of biogas production, contributing significantly to sustainable energy solutions 🌍. His work is crucial to achieving eco-friendly waste management practices 🌱.

Awards and Honors:

  • President, NGO “Ecological Engineering and Environment Protection” 🌍
  • Member of the governing body, “John Atanasoff” Society of Automatics and Informatics 📚
  • Member, Technical Committee of IFAC TC 8.4 Biosystems and Bioprocesses 🏆
  • 531 citations (Scopus), h-index: 13 📈
  • Scientific collaborator in projects funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund and European Space Agency 🚀

Publication Top Notes

  1. Title: Two-Stage Anaerobic Digestion for Green Energy Production: A Review

    • Authors: I.S. Simeonov, E.I. Chorukova, L.V. Kabaivanova
    • Year: 2025
  2. Title: A volatile fatty acids adaptive observer-based hierarchical optimal controller design to maximum gas production of two-stage anaerobic digestion process

    • Authors: H. Li, Y. Tian, H. Wang, I.S. Simeonov, N.D. Christov
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  3. Title: Trajectory tracking of two-stage anaerobic digestion process: A predictive control with guaranteed performance and saturated input, based on ultra-local model

    • Authors: D. He, H. Wang, Y. Tian, N.D. Christov, I.S. Simeonov
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 6
  4. Title: Special Issue “Modelling and Optimal Design of Complex Biological Systems”

    • Authors: J. Harmand, A.E. Rapaport, N.S. Dimitrova, I.S. Simeonov
    • Year: 2023
  5. Title: Newton-Based Extremum Seeking for Dynamic Systems Using Kalman Filtering: Application to Anaerobic Digestion Process Control

    • Authors: Y. Tian, N. Pan, M. Hu, L.V. Kabaivanova, N.D. Christov
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 4

Tzu Hsuan Chiang | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Tzu Hsuan Chiang | Energy | Best Researcher Award

professor at National United University, Taiwan

Prof. Tzu Hsuan Chiang is a distinguished researcher in energy engineering, specializing in electrocatalysis and hydrogen energy systems. She is currently a Professor at the Department of Energy Engineering at National United University, Taiwan. With a strong academic background and a commitment to advancing sustainable energy technologies, she has made significant contributions to the development of high-efficiency, low-cost electrocatalysts for water electrolysis. Her pioneering research in non-precious metal composite electrodes and scalable electrolysis technologies has helped bridge the gap between academia and industry. Through government-funded projects and collaborations with industry partners, she continues to drive innovation in green hydrogen production, contributing to the global transition toward clean energy solutions. Her work has led to multiple patents and technology transfers, further solidifying her reputation as a leading expert in the field.

Professional Profile

Education

Prof. Chiang earned her Ph.D. from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University between 2002 and 2006, where she conducted groundbreaking research in materials science and electrocatalysis. Her doctoral studies laid the foundation for her expertise in the synthesis of metal oxides, Schiff base complexes, and heteroatom-doped catalysts, essential for improving electrochemical reactions. Her academic journey was marked by a strong focus on applied research, aiming to enhance energy conversion and storage technologies. The rigorous training and research experience she gained during her Ph.D. propelled her into a successful academic career, equipping her with the knowledge to tackle challenges in renewable energy. Her continuous pursuit of learning and interdisciplinary research has allowed her to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements in energy engineering.

Professional Experience

Prof. Chiang began her academic career as an Associate Professor at National United University in 2009, a position she held until 2015. During this period, she actively contributed to both teaching and research, mentoring students and advancing electrochemical energy technologies. In 2015, she took on a Visiting Scholar position at the University of Tokyo, where she expanded her research network and collaborated on cutting-edge hydrogen energy projects. Upon returning, she was promoted to Professor at National United University, where she continues to lead innovative research on electrocatalysis and green hydrogen production. Her extensive experience in academia and industry collaborations has positioned her as a key figure in energy sustainability, with her work influencing both scientific advancements and practical industrial applications.

Research Interest

Prof. Chiang’s research focuses on the development of high-performance electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which are critical for hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolysis. She specializes in designing cost-effective, durable materials for alkaline, acidic, and seawater electrolysis, aiming to enhance efficiency in hydrogen production. Her studies on Schiff base chelating ligands for non-precious metal composite electrodes have significantly improved electrocatalytic stability and activity. Additionally, she is involved in scaling up large-area alkaline electrolyzer modules, ensuring practical applications for industrial hydrogen production. Her interdisciplinary approach combines materials science, electrochemistry, and engineering, making her a leading researcher in next-generation sustainable energy solutions.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Chiang has received multiple awards for her contributions to energy research and electrochemical engineering. Her work has been recognized with government research grants, demonstrating the impact and importance of her studies in hydrogen energy. She has also been honored with patents and technology transfers, reflecting the practical applications of her innovations in industrial settings. Her contributions to academia have been acknowledged through invitations to international conferences and research collaborations, solidifying her reputation as a leader in electrochemical energy research. Through her dedication to sustainable energy solutions, she continues to inspire the next generation of researchers and engineers, leaving a lasting impact on the field of renewable energy.

Conclusion

Prof. Tzu Hsuan Chiang is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her groundbreaking work in hydrogen energy, electrocatalysis, and industry-academia collaboration. Her ability to bridge scientific innovation with real-world applications makes her a leading figure in green energy research. However, enhancing global visibility and research diversification could further solidify her standing as the best candidate for the award.

Publications Top Noted

1. Trifunctional Electrocatalysts for Zn-Air Batteries and Water Splitting

  • Author(s): Chiang, Tzuhsuan; Chen, Yusi
  • Year: 2023
  • Journal: Catalysis Science and Technology
  • Citations: 1

2. Cerium Vanadium Oxide for Methanol Electrooxidation in Fuel Cells

  • Author(s): Chiang, Tzuhsuan; Rao, K. Narasimha; Hsu, Jiawei
  • Year: 2022
  • Journal: Electrocatalysis
  • Citations: 3

 

Yousif Elmosaad | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yousif Elmosaad | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Head of Public Health Department, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Yousif Elmosaad is a dedicated public health expert with extensive experience in academia and healthcare. He has contributed to the design of several public health study programs and has served in various leadership roles across academic institutions in Saudi Arabia and Sudan. His work spans community health, environmental health, and public health leadership, with numerous publications in international journals. 🌍📚

Publication profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Elmosaad holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health from the University of Malaya-Gezira University (2016), a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Malaya (2002), a Master of Science in Public Health and Environmental Health from the University of Khartoum (1998), and a Bachelor of Public Health and Environmental Health from the University of Khartoum (1993). 🎓🌿

Experience

Dr. Elmosaad has held pivotal roles at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, including serving as Coordinator of the Public Health Program and being a member of several committees focused on academic accreditation, quality assurance, and public health curriculum review. His leadership also extends to Qassim University and the Ministry of Health in Sudan, where he managed preventive medicine and vector control programs. 🏫👨‍⚕️

Research Focus

Dr. Elmosaad’s research interests include public health education, community health, environmental health, and health policy. He is particularly focused on enhancing the quality of public health systems and improving community health practices in Saudi Arabia and beyond. 🌱📊

Awards and Honors

Dr. Elmosaad has been an active member of advisory and scientific committees, contributing to several prestigious conferences in Saudi Arabia. He has received recognition for his work in public health education, especially his involvement in designing public health programs and health education study plans. 🏆🎖️

Publications

Dr. Elmosaad has authored multiple research articles in renowned journals. His recent studies have focused on vaccination awareness in Sudan, teachers’ influence on school environments, and preoperative patient blood management in Saudi Arabia. His publications have gained international citations, showcasing his impact in the field of public health. 📑🌐

Community Awareness and Perception Regarding Vaccination against COVID-19, Concerns about Side Effects in Gezira State, Sudan (Biomedicine, 2024), cited by several studies on vaccination efforts in developing regions. Read here

Teachers’ Perceptions of Their Influence on Student Practices to Enhance the School Environment: A Cross-Sectional Study in Governmental General Education Schools in Al-Ahsa Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Cureus, 2024), frequently cited in educational health research.

Appraisal of Awareness of Medical Staff about Preoperative Patient Blood Management in Saudi Arabia: A Questionnaire-Based Study (Italian Journal of Medicine, 2023), cited by research on medical staff practices in surgical care.