Velislava Lyubenova | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Velislava Lyubenova | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Academician at Bulgarian Academy of Science, Institute of Robotics, Bulgaria

Velislava Lyubenova is a distinguished Bulgarian researcher and professor with over 30 years of experience in biotechnological process control, mechatronics, and adaptive systems. She currently serves as the Head of the Mechatronic Bio/technological Systems Section at the Institute of Robotics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), and has held various academic and leadership roles across BAS institutions. She has led more than 10 national and international research projects, participated in numerous European programs, and supervised several PhD students. With over 200 scientific publications, many in high-impact journals, and invited lectures delivered at leading international institutions, she is widely recognized for her scientific contributions. Her expertise includes the development of innovative monitoring and control systems using tools like MATLAB and LABVIEW. An awardee of the “Marin Drinov” prize for young scientists, Lyubenova is also actively involved in academic governance, expert committees, and editorial boards, reflecting her deep commitment to scientific advancement and education.

Professional Profile 

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Education

Velislava Lyubenova holds a strong academic background in technical sciences and engineering. She earned her engineering degree in Radio Electronics from the Technical University of Sofia, followed by a Ph.D. in Automation with a dissertation focused on parameter estimation and biotechnological process monitoring. Her academic journey culminated with a Doctor of Technical Sciences degree from the Institute of System Engineering and Robotics (ISIR) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), specializing in adaptive control and modeling of complex biotechnological systems. Her education blends deep technical knowledge with applied research capabilities, laying the foundation for a career in both theoretical and experimental domains. Her academic formation reflects a continuous pursuit of knowledge and specialization in interdisciplinary areas, preparing her to work across the fields of electronics, biotechnology, and control systems. This educational path has also enabled her to contribute to curriculum development and mentor future generations of researchers in her field.

Professional Experience

Professor Velislava Lyubenova has built a prolific career at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, progressing from a research fellow to a professor and head of department at the Institute of Robotics. Her early work in adaptive and robust control systems evolved into specialized research in bioengineering and mechatronic systems for biotechnology. She has served as Scientific Secretary at IR-BAS and has been a key figure in national expert commissions and scientific councils. Over her career, she has led and coordinated numerous national and international research projects, many involving cross-disciplinary collaboration. Her leadership roles include project management, supervision of PhD students, and delivery of advanced lecture courses. She also coordinates Erasmus programs and plays a pivotal role in academic exchange and cooperation. Her professional trajectory showcases a blend of scientific innovation, team leadership, and academic mentorship, making her a respected figure in both the Bulgarian and broader European research communities.

Research Interest

Velislava Lyubenova’s research is deeply rooted in the interdisciplinary fields of bioengineering, automation, and mechatronics. Her primary interest lies in the modeling, monitoring, and adaptive control of biotechnological processes, where she develops innovative methodologies to improve efficiency and reliability. She integrates control theory with practical applications using environments like MATLAB and LABVIEW, creating real-time monitoring systems that bridge theoretical concepts with industrial needs. Her work often addresses complex system dynamics in bioprocesses and seeks to optimize process performance through intelligent control algorithms. Additionally, she explores knowledge-based and adaptive systems that contribute to the advancement of next-generation biotechnological platforms. Her collaborative research also extends into European Union projects, educational initiatives, and technology transfer programs, reflecting a holistic approach to scientific inquiry. With a strong focus on experimental validation, her research continues to influence the development of advanced technologies in the fields of bioprocess engineering and industrial automation.

Award and Honor

Throughout her distinguished career, Velislava Lyubenova has received notable recognition for her contributions to science and research. A significant early milestone was her receipt of the “Marin Drinov” Young Scientist Award from the General Assembly of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in 1998—an honor bestowed upon promising researchers demonstrating exceptional scientific potential. She has also been invited to deliver over 15 specialized lectures at prestigious institutions abroad and six within Bulgaria, signifying her international recognition as a subject-matter expert. Her active involvement in over 30 international and national conferences further underscores her scientific engagement. Beyond individual accolades, her roles as a reviewer, jury member, editorial board member, and lecturer reflect a broader institutional and peer recognition of her expertise. These honors represent both her academic excellence and leadership in advancing science and education, and they demonstrate her lasting impact on the Bulgarian and global research landscape.

Conclusion

Velislava Lyubenova stands out as an accomplished and influential researcher in the fields of biotechnological systems and automation. Her extensive education, progressive professional experience, and leadership in multidisciplinary research projects position her as a key contributor to both national and international scientific advancement. Her ability to combine theoretical models with practical applications, mentor young scientists, and contribute to global academic forums speaks to her depth of expertise and dedication. She has earned peer and institutional recognition for her scientific work, making her a respected leader in her field. Her over 200 publications, contributions to prestigious journals, and active engagement in scientific committees demonstrate both productivity and academic integrity. With a strong foundation in research and innovation, and an enduring commitment to education and collaboration, Velislava Lyubenova is exceptionally well-qualified for honors such as the Best Researcher Award. Her career reflects a lifelong dedication to the pursuit of scientific excellence and societal impact.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Indirect adaptive linearizing control of a class of bioprocesses–Estimator tuning procedure
    Authors: MN Ignatova, VN Lyubenova, MR García, C Vilas, AA Alonso
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 31

  • Title: Kinetic characteristics of alcohol fermentation in brewing: state of art and control of the fermentation process
    Authors: V Shopska, R Denkova, V Lyubenova, G Kostov
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 21

  • Title: Adaptive control of fed-batch process for poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate production by mixed culture
    Authors: M Ignatova, V Lyubenova
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 16

  • Title: Control of biotechnological processes-new formalization of kinetics: Theoretical aspects and applications
    Authors: M Ignatova, V Lyubenova
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 15

  • Title: Model-based monitoring of biotechnological processes—a review
    Authors: V Lyubenova, G Kostov, R Denkova-Kostova
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 12

  • Title: Adaptive control of the Simultaneous Saccharification—Fermentation Process from Starch to Ethanol
    Authors: S Ochoa, V Lyubenova, JU Repke, M Ignatova, G Wozny
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 12

  • Title: An efficient hybrid of an ant lion optimizer and genetic algorithm for a model parameter identification problem
    Authors: O Roeva, D Zoteva, G Roeva, V Lyubenova
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 11

  • Title: Control of one stage bio ethanol production by recombinant strain
    Authors: V Lyubenova, S Ochoa, J Repke, M Ignatova, G Wozny
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 11

  • Title: Escherichia coli Cultivation Process Modelling Using ABC-GA Hybrid Algorithm
    Authors: O Roeva, D Zoteva, V Lyubenova
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 10

  • Title: Reaction rate estimators of fed-batch process for poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production by mixed culture
    Authors: V Lyubenova, M Ignatova, M Novak, T Patarinska
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 10

  • Title: Dynamics Monitoring of Fed-batch E. coli Fermentation
    Authors: A Zlatkova, V Lyubenova
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 8

  • Title: Encapsulation of brewing yeast in alginate/chitosan matrix: Kinetic characteristics of the fermentation process at a constant fermentation temperature
    Authors: I Petelkov, V Lyubenova, A Zlatkova, V Shopska, R Denkova, M Kaneva, …
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 8

  • Title: On-line estimation in a distributed parameter bioreactor: Application to the Gluconic Acid production
    Authors: MR García, C Vilas, E Balsa-Canto, VN Lyubenova, MN Ignatova, …
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 8

  • Title: Metaheuristic algorithms: theory and applications
    Authors: S Ribagin, V Lyubenova
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 7

  • Title: CASCADE SENSOR FOR MONITORING OF DENITRIFICATION IN ACTIVATED SLUDGE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS
    Authors: V Lyubenova, M Ignatova
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 7

Anna Plichta | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Anna Plichta | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research and Teaching Assistant Professor, Cracow University of Technology, Poland

Dr. Anna Plichta is a Research and Teaching Assistant Professor at Cracow University of Technology, Poland, where she also works at the International Center of Education. With a multifaceted background in Comparative Literature and Computer Science, she combines insights from the humanities with advanced computational techniques. Dr. Plichta holds a PhD in Computer Science from Politechnika Wrocławska (2019) and has a strong academic foundation with degrees from Jagiellonian University and Politechnika Krakowska. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and applied computer science, with practical applications in energy systems, motor diagnostics, and microbiology. With a commitment to educational excellence and international collaboration, Dr. Plichta has been a key figure in research and teaching at the university for over a decade.

Profile

Strengths for the Award

  1. Diverse Research Interests and Impact: Dr. Plichta’s work spans multiple domains including comparative literature, computer science, machine learning, electrical engineering, and applied mathematics. This interdisciplinary approach showcases her ability to bridge distinct fields, offering innovative solutions to complex problems. Notably, her research on bacterial classification using machine learning methods and energy consumption forecasting using machine learning reflects her versatility and the relevance of her work to contemporary scientific and industrial challenges.
  2. High Citation Impact: Her publication titled “Deep learning approach to bacterial colony classification” has received 134 citations, which demonstrates significant influence and recognition in the scientific community. This kind of citation impact highlights the relevance and utility of her research findings.
  3. Technological Innovation: Her contributions to induction motor fault detection using machine learning techniques (e.g., simulated annealing and genetic algorithms) are highly practical, with clear industrial applications. This emphasizes her role in driving innovation in applied fields, particularly in electromechanical systems and energy sectors, making her work not only academic but also relevant to real-world problems.
  4. Academic Leadership and Teaching: As a Research and Teaching Assistant Professor at Cracow University of Technology, Dr. Plichta combines academic instruction with significant research involvement. Her active engagement in the International Center of Education is a testament to her dedication to fostering a new generation of researchers and students.
  5. Publication Quality: Dr. Plichta consistently publishes in peer-reviewed journals and presents at high-level conferences like those organized by the European Council for Modelling and Simulation. This speaks to her engagement with the broader academic community and her ability to produce high-quality research.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work: While Dr. Plichta’s interdisciplinary work is commendable, further expanding collaborations with other research groups and international institutions could enhance the visibility and impact of her work. Expanding collaborative efforts, especially with industry partners, could help bring more practical applications to the forefront.
  2. Public Outreach and Dissemination: While her publications and citations are notable, there could be a more concerted effort to engage with the general public or non-academic stakeholders, particularly in areas like bacterial classification and energy forecasting, where her research could have significant societal impact. This could include public lectures, podcasts, or participation in science communication events.
  3. Further Publishing in High-Impact Journals: Publishing in higher-impact journals (e.g., Nature, IEEE Transactions) could further boost the international recognition of her work. While her current journal choices are respected, elevating the visibility of her research in top-tier outlets may further her career and contribute to the recognition of her as a leading expert in her field.

Education

Dr. Anna Plichta’s academic journey blends the study of literature and technology. She earned a BA in Comparative Literature (2005) and MA in Comparative Literature (2007) from Jagiellonian University. Her fascination with technology led her to pursue an MA in Computer Science (2010) from Politechnika Krakowska, followed by a PhD in Computer Science from Politechnika Wrocławska (2019). Her doctoral research focused on applying computational methods to real-world engineering challenges, a field that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications. With this strong foundation, she applies machine learning and AI techniques to diverse areas such as energy forecasting, motor fault detection, and bacterial classification. Dr. Plichta’s educational background not only demonstrates her expertise in both the arts and sciences but also her commitment to lifelong learning and interdisciplinary research.

Experience 

Dr. Anna Plichta has had a distinguished career as a Research and Teaching Assistant Professor at Cracow University of Technology since 2010. She has been an integral part of the university’s International Center of Education since 2015, fostering international research collaboration. Dr. Plichta’s professional experience spans both teaching and research, with a particular emphasis on computational techniques applied to energy systems, mechanical engineering, and biology. She has developed and taught courses related to machine learning, AI, and applied computer science. Her academic leadership extends to guiding postgraduate students and conducting collaborative research projects. Dr. Plichta’s expertise in energy consumption modeling, motor diagnostics, and microbial classification has positioned her as a thought leader in these domains, contributing to over 17 published works. She is also involved in the advancement of international education, contributing to the university’s global research network.

Research Focus 

Dr. Anna Plichta’s research focuses on applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to solve complex problems in fields ranging from energy systems to biological data analysis. Her work in forecasting energy consumption uses advanced computational techniques to predict energy demands in clusters, supporting sustainable energy solutions. In the area of electromechanical engineering, she has applied genetic algorithms and wavelet analysis to detect faults in induction motors, such as inter-turn short circuits. Additionally, her research in microbiology explores the use of image analysis and neural networks to identify bacterial species, contributing to more accurate and efficient diagnostic methods. Dr. Plichta is deeply invested in interdisciplinary research, bringing together computational methods with practical applications in industries such as energy, engineering, and healthcare. She is particularly interested in improving the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic techniques and optimizing energy consumption through AI-driven models.

Publication 

  1. Forecasting Energy Consumption in Energy Clusters using Machine Learning Methods 📊💡
  2. Matrix Similarity Analysis of Texts Written in Romanian and Spanish 📚🔍
  3. Identification of Inter-turn Short-Circuits in Induction Motor Stator Winding Using Simulated Annealing ⚡🔧
  4. Application of Genetic Algorithm for Inter-turn Short Circuit Detection in Stator Winding of Induction Motor ⚙️🧠
  5. Recognition of Species and Genera of Bacteria by Means of the Product of Weights of the Classifiers 🦠🔬
  6. Application of Image Analysis to the Identification of Mass Inertia Momentum in Electromechanical Systems with Changeable Backlash Zone ⚙️🔍
  7. Application of Wavelet-Neural Method to Detect Backlash Zone in Electromechanical Systems Generating Noises 🔧🌊
  8. Methods of Classification of the Genera and Species of Bacteria Using Decision Tree 🌱📈
  9. Deep Learning Approach to Bacterial Colony Classification 🧬🤖
  10. The DDS Synthesizer (for FPGA Platform) for the Purpose of Research and Education 💻📚

Conclusion

Dr. Anna Plichta is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her multidisciplinary approach, significant research contributions, high citation impact, and leadership in academia. She has demonstrated a consistent ability to tackle complex challenges through computational methods, contributing valuable knowledge to both the scientific community and industrial sectors. Her work, particularly in machine learning and electromechanical systems, is both innovative and impactful.While there are always areas for improvement, such as expanding collaborative efforts and public outreach, these do not overshadow her significant academic achievements. Dr. Plichta’s track record of high-quality research and teaching, along with her contribution to solving real-world problems, make her an excellent contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Bita Ayati | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Bita Ayati | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Bita Ayati , Tarbiat Modares University , Iran

Dr. Bita Ayati is a distinguished researcher in the field of engineering, known for her innovative contributions to materials science and sustainable engineering practices. She earned her PhD in Engineering from [University Name], where her groundbreaking research focused on [specific topic or project]. Dr. Ayati has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and has been recognized with several awards for her impactful work. Currently, she serves as a faculty member at [Institution Name], where she teaches and mentors aspiring engineers while leading advanced research projects. Her dedication to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the engineering community makes her a leading figure in her field.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Scholar

 

Awards

Dr. Bita Ayati has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her academic career, recognizing her outstanding contributions to education and research. She was honored as the Best University Professor at Tarbiat Modares University in both 2023 and 2017, and named Best University Researcher in 2016. In March 2015, she received the Young Researcher Award at the 10th Annual Dr. Taghi Ebtekar Environmental Awards. Her scholarly works have also been acknowledged, with nominations for Best Book at IRDA 2012 and winning the Students’ Book of the Year Award in 2011. Additionally, she has been recognized as the Best Researcher at Tarbiat Modares University in 2010 and received the Best Paper Award at CELCO in 2007. Dr. Ayati achieved First Rank in her Ph.D. program and was also recognized as the top Ph.D. student in Iran for the academic year 2004-2005. Her accolades include the Thematic Man and Biosphere (MAB) Young Scientist Award from UNESCO in 2002 and top rankings in her Master’s and Bachelor’s programs at Sharif University of Technology.

 

Education

Dr. Bita Ayati holds a Ph.D. in Civil (Environmental) Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University, completed in March 2005. She also earned her M.Sc. in Civil (Environmental) Engineering from Sharif University of Technology between 1996 and 1998. Earlier, she obtained her B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the same institution, graduating in 1996. Her academic journey reflects a strong foundation in both engineering disciplines, emphasizing her commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation.

Experience

Dr. Bita Ayati has extensive professional experience in environmental engineering, currently serving as the Head of the Environmental Engineering Division at Tarbiat Modares University since June 2023, after previously holding the same position from March 2020 to March 2022. She has been an Associate Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty since September 2010 and served as an Assistant Professor from July 2005 to September 2010. Additionally, Dr. Ayati led the Environmental Engineering Laboratory since 1999 and was a member of the HSE Committee from December 2012 to October 2016. Earlier in her career, she contributed to Yekom Consulting Engineering, focusing on the literature review of environmental assessments from 1996 to 1997. Her leadership and academic roles highlight her commitment to advancing the field of environmental engineering.

Professional Training

Dr. Bita Ayati has pursued extensive professional training to enhance her expertise in environmental engineering and related fields. Notable courses include the “Plastics: Impacts and Action” online course from Cornell University (2021) and participation in the Water Initiative South Asia (WISA) in Istanbul (2018). She attended the Matchmaking Workshop between the Leibniz Association and Iranian Researchers in Berlin (2017), as well as the Middle East and North Africa Group Invitation Program by the Japan Foundation (2017). Additionally, Dr. Ayati was part of the International Visitor Leadership Program in the USA focused on wetland management (2016) and attended an EABRN-UNESCO training workshop on Remote Sensing & GIS in Beijing (2011). Her training also includes various workshops in Iran on clean air strategies, water treatment, and hazardous waste management, demonstrating her commitment to professional development in environmental issues.

Publication Top Notes

M.G. Rahimi, Removal of petroleum hydrocarbons from wastewater using photolysis-moving bed biofilm reactor hybrid system, Accepted for Publication in Journal of Advanced Environmental Research and Technology.

R. Haririyan Javan, M. Seyyedi, B. Ayati, Evaluation of treatment and energy efficiencies of an advanced electrochemical system for Chlorella removal equipped with aluminum, graphite, and RGO nanoparticle-coated cathodes, Journal of Water Science and Engineering, January 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wse.2023.12.004.

S. Gan, Y. Meng, Z. Lin, C. Zheng, A. Zhu, H. Ganjidoust, B. Ayati, A. Huo, Efficient Removal of Antimony (V) from Antimony Mine Wastewater by Micrometer Zero-Valent Iron, Langmuir, 2023, 39(42), 14945–14957, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01787.

H. Sadati, B. Ayati, Using A Promising Biomass-Based Biochar in Photocatalytic Degradation: Highly Impressive Performance of RHB/SnO2/Fe3O4 for Elimination of AO7, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2023, 22(6), 1445-1462, https://doi.org/10.1007/s43630-023-00389-2.

M.G. Rahimi, B. Ayati, R.D. Webster, Removal of Petroleum Hydrocarbons from Wastewater using Photolysis-Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor Hybrid System, Journal of Advanced Environmental Research and Technology, 2023, 1(3), 25-34.

M.A. Mousavian, S. Hosseini, B. Ayati, Bioelectricity Generation and Decolorization of Reactive Blue 221 Using a Modified Cathode Dual-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell, Water, 2023, 15(1), 101, https://doi.org/10.3390/w15010101.

S. Entezari, M. Abdullah Al, A. Mostashari, H. Ganjidoust, B. Ayati, J. Yang, Microplastics in urban waters and its effects on microbial communities: A critical review, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2022, 29(59), 88410-88431, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-23810-2.

M. Ghalebizade, B. Ayati, Modeling, Optimization and Kinetic Investigation of Acid Orange 7 Degradation using Ozonation in A Cylindrical Reactor with Recirculation Flow with RSM, Modares Civil Engineering Journal, 2022, 22(4), 19-31. (In Persian)

M. Seyyedi, B. Ayati, Design and Optimization of a Sequential and Hybrid AOP System using RSM, Applied Water Engineering and Research, 2023, 11(3), 381-393, https://doi.org/10.1080/23249676.2022.2125092.

F. Habibi, M. Seyyedi, B. Ayati, Synthesis and Application of Reusable and Magnetic RGO/Fe3O4 Nanocomposites in BR46 Removal from an Aqueous Solution; Future Prospects of an Efficient Adsorption Platform, Journal of Materials and Environmental Science, 2022, 13(8), 900-913.