Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda Diaz | Micromechanics | Best Researcher Award

Imperial College London | United Kingdom

Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda-Diaz is a materials scientist whose research bridges advanced ceramics, fracture mechanics, and structural composites. His work focuses on pushing the limits of mechanical performance by combining experimental micromechanics with state-of-the-art characterisation methods. Through his leadership, he has contributed significantly to the understanding of fracture processes at micro, nano, and atomic scales, establishing new pathways to engineer tougher structural and functional ceramics. His academic journey has been shaped by training in aerospace and materials engineering, leading to his role as a lecturer in ceramics at Imperial College London. He has held research positions at leading institutions, collaborated with industrial partners, and built strong networks across academia and industry. Beyond research, he has contributed to education, outreach, and mentorship, inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists. With more than two dozen publications and patents, his work reflects both academic excellence and industrial relevance.

Professional Profile

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Education

Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda-Diaz pursued his academic path across leading European institutions, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona. He then specialized further with a master’s degree in aerospace engineering, focusing on structures and materials, from the Université de Bordeaux in France. Building on this foundation, he completed his doctoral studies in manufacturing and materials engineering at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. His PhD research combined advanced micromechanical testing and characterisation of structural ceramics and composites, guided by internationally recognized experts in the field. This educational trajectory provided him with an integrated understanding of both the theoretical and applied aspects of aerospace structures, materials design, and ceramic composites. His cross-disciplinary academic formation positioned him to develop novel experimental methods, address complex material challenges, and lead high-impact research in fracture mechanics, ceramics, and composite structures.

Experience

Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda-Diaz has developed a dynamic academic career that spans postdoctoral research, independent fellowship positions, and a lectureship at Imperial College London. His early postdoctoral research centered on micromechanical testing and in-situ characterisation, enabling breakthroughs in the understanding of ceramic and composite fracture processes. He later secured a transitional assistant professorship at the University of Nottingham, supported by competitive fellowship funding, where he led independent projects on fracture mechanics and ceramic composites. Returning to Imperial College London, he took on the role of lecturer in ceramics within the Department of Materials, where he now directs a growing research group equipped with advanced in-situ testing facilities. His teaching portfolio includes undergraduate and postgraduate courses in fracture mechanics, surfaces and interfaces, and structural ceramics. He has also supervised multiple doctoral and master’s students, guiding them through projects funded by both national research councils and industrial collaborations.

Awards and Honors

Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda-Diaz has received several notable fellowships and recognitions that highlight his academic leadership and research excellence. Among them is the prestigious Transitional Assistant Professor Fellowship, awarded through the EPSRC Composites Manufacturing Hub, which provided long-term support for independent research at the University of Nottingham. He was also offered the María Zambrano Fellowship from the Spanish government, acknowledging his international standing as an early-career researcher. His invited talks at major international conferences, including gatherings organized by the European Ceramic Society, UCSB, and the International Ceramics Congress, have further reinforced his reputation as a leading expert in ceramics and fracture mechanics. In addition, he has been entrusted with organizing conferences and summer schools, such as the CASC Summer School in Ceramics, reflecting his strong role in scientific community building. His contributions are widely recognized by peers, journals, and institutions across the field of materials science.

Research Focus

The research of Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda-Diaz centers on advancing the mechanical performance of ceramics and ceramic composites by developing innovative experimental testing and characterisation techniques. His vision is rooted in understanding fracture across multiple length scales, from atomic-level mechanisms to structural behavior. By employing advanced in-situ methods in optical, SEM, and TEM platforms, his group investigates crack-tip behavior, interfacial fracture, and thermomechanical degradation. His work not only advances fundamental scientific knowledge but also has direct industrial applications, particularly in aerospace, energy, and structural engineering. He collaborates extensively with industry partners to explore repair, healing, and performance optimization of ceramic composites under extreme conditions. With over 28 publications in leading journals, his research combines rigorous scientific inquiry with practical relevance. He also places strong emphasis on training the next generation of researchers, embedding mentorship, teaching, and sustainability into his research program.

Publication top Notes

The new challenges of machining Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs): Review of surface integrity
Cited by: 356
Year: 2019

State-of-the-art of surface integrity in machining of metal matrix composites
Cited by: 249
Year: 2019

Grain refinement mechanism of nickel-based superalloy by severe plastic deformation–mechanical machining case
Cited by: 178
Year: 2019

Towards understanding the cutting and fracture mechanism in ceramic matrix composites
Cited by: 125
Year: 2017

On understanding the microstructure of SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) after a material removal process
Cited by: 113
Year: 2019

Real-time insight into the multistage mechanism of nanoparticle exsolution from a perovskite host surface
Cited by: 43
Year: 2023

Precursor engineering of hydrotalcite-derived redox sorbents for reversible and stable thermochemical oxygen storage
Cited by: 42
Year: 2022

Conclusion

Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda-Diaz is exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. His strong record of publications, successful acquisition of competitive grants, and demonstrated leadership in both academic and industrial collaborations place him among the most promising researchers in advanced materials. His combination of scientific excellence, mentorship, and community engagement aligns perfectly with the award’s vision to honor impactful and innovative researchers. With further expansion into broader interdisciplinary and international arenas, his influence on the future of materials science is set to grow even stronger.

Mr. Ehsan Hedayati | Fracture Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Director at Islamic Azad University | Iran

Ehsan Hedayati is a highly accomplished researcher in mechanical engineering with over 8 years of expertise in advanced manufacturing, biomechanics, medical imaging, and material mechanics. He serves as the Director of the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory at Fadak Kaveh Company and holds editorial and reviewer roles for over 18 international journals. His academic and research contributions have earned him a place among the top reviewers globally, according to Publons–Web of Science. Ehsan is also a member of prestigious organizations such as the International Association of Engineers and the Young Researchers and Elites Club. His research combines numerical simulations with experimental work, focusing on composite materials, deep drawing processes, and biomedical applications. His publications in high-ranking journals have been recognized with numerous citations, and he has also won best paper awards. Ehsan Hedayati continues to be a significant contributor to mechanical engineering both in Iran and globally.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | Scopus

Education

Ehsan Hedayati earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing & Production) from Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Iran, in 2017, where he graduated with distinction, ranking 2nd in his class and earning a perfect thesis score. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing & Production Technology Engineering from the University of Applied Science and Technology (Yadak Resan Kaveh Center), graduating first in his class with top thesis marks. His academic journey began with an associate degree in Machine Tool Engineering at the same university, where he again ranked first in his class. Throughout his academic career, Ehsan demonstrated academic excellence and a strong focus on applied engineering and research. His deep interest in biomechanics, material science, and simulation-based engineering laid the foundation for his impactful career in research and development.

Experience

Since 2015, Ehsan Hedayati has served as Director of the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory at Fadak Kaveh Company in Iran, where he oversees research in mechanics, materials, and biomechanics. He has led applied research on corrosion resistance, subcutaneous defect identification using ultrasonic waves, and optimal preform design for deep drawing operations. Earlier in his career (2012–2013), he worked as a lab expert in Manufacturing & Production at Azad University, Sama Branch. In addition to industrial research, he has taught technical subjects like differential equations, material resistance, and design using CATIA and ABAQUS. His experience spans both academic and applied settings, equipping him with a unique combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on problem-solving skills. His contributions in simulation, software integration, and product testing have been widely recognized and have significantly advanced production quality and innovation within his institution.

Awards & Honors

Ehsan Hedayati has received numerous accolades for his contributions to science and engineering. He ranks among the top reviewers on Publons–Web of Science and has reviewed over 78 manuscripts across 19 respected journals. He won the best paper award at the 1st National Automotive Industry Conference in 2012. He graduated top of his class during both his B.Sc. and Associate Degree programs, earning perfect thesis scores and multiple commendations. He received merit-based scholarships from the Young Researchers and Elites Club and earned financial grants for publishing ISI-indexed articles. Additionally, he is a member of the International Association of Engineers and the International Association of Advanced Materials, further validating his global standing. His editorial contributions to the Journal of Recent Research in Science and Technology and commitment to academic excellence have made him a respected figure in mechanical and biomedical engineering communities.

Research focus

Ehsan Hedayati’s research is grounded in mechanical engineering with interdisciplinary applications in biomedical and advanced manufacturing. His main interests include mechanics of materials, composite optimization, finite element modeling, and ultrasonic wave analysis for medical diagnostics. He has investigated corrosion resistance in automotive components, deep drawing of non-rotating parts, and penetration modeling in ceramic/aluminum targets using SPH methods. His work also extends to biomechanics, where he has studied subcutaneous defect identification using ultrasonic reflections. His research merges computational modeling tools like ABAQUS and SPH with hands-on mechanical analysis. A unique feature of his research is the integration of computer simulations with experimental validation to address real-world engineering problems, particularly in material failure, fatigue, and forming processes. He is also active in applying these principles in medical imaging and ultrasonic diagnostics, bridging the gap between mechanical and biomedical fields.

Publications to Notes

Numerical investigation of penetration in Ceramic/Aluminium targets using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics method and presenting a modified analytical model
Year: 2017
Citations: 38

Using extended finite element method for computation of the stress intensity factor, crack growth simulation and predicting fatigue crack growth in a slant-cracked plate of 6061-T651 aluminum alloy
Year: 2014
Citations: 27

Evaluating Impact Resistance of Aluminum 6061-T651 Plate using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method
Year: 2018
Citations: 7

Detection and identification of subcutaneous defects using ultrasonic waves in reflective test
Year: 2021
Citations: 6

Critical buckling load analysis of truck chassis using arc-length method
Year: 2015
Citations: 5

Numerical Investigation of the Impact of Punch Speed on the Deep Drawing of Square Aluminum Sheet Using Finite Element Method
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Ehsan Hedayati is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His interdisciplinary expertise, impactful publication history, and active service to the global scientific community highlight his deep commitment to advancing mechanical and biomedical engineering. With increased international project involvement, his research excellence could reach even greater heights.