Antoni Mir Pons | Smart Materials | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Antoni Mir Pons | Smart Materials | Young Scientist Award

University of the Balearic Islands | Spain

Mr. Antoni Mir Pons is a Spanish civil engineer specializing in construction engineering and structural reinforcement, currently serving as a researcher at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technologies Engineering and Business Administration and Management from the University of Girona. He also earned a Master’s in Industrial Engineering from UIB, where he received the Best Master’s Thesis award. His doctoral research focuses on the effects of semi-cyclic loading on structural reinforcement using iron-based shape-memory alloys (Fe-SMA). Pons has contributed to several international conferences, including SMAR 2024 in Salerno and the 15th fib International PhD Symposium in Budapest, presenting studies on Fe-SMA reinforced concrete structures. His research interests encompass concrete structures and blasting, with a particular emphasis on the application of Fe-SMA for strengthening existing structures. He has been involved in various R&D projects, such as RESTART and CICLO-ESTRUCTURA, focusing on the resilience of concrete infrastructure and the structural effects of cyclic overloads on Fe-SMA reinforced concrete beams. Pons has published articles in peer-reviewed journals, including “Experimental study on semi-cyclic loading effects on Fe-SMA reinforced concrete structures” and “Effects of semi-cyclic loading on the recovery stresses of iron-based shape-memory alloy bars,” both co-authored with Sandra del Río Bonnín, Carlos Ribas, and Antoni Cladera. His Scopus profile indicates 4 documents, 2 citations and an h-index of 1. Additionally, he has teaching experience in laboratory practices for the Structures I course in the Technical Architecture program at UIB. Pons is also active on ResearchGate, where he shares his publications and collaborates with fellow researchers.

Profile: Scopus 

Feautured Publilcations

Mir Pons, A., Del-Río-Bonnín, S., Ruiz-Pinilla, J. G., & Cladera, A. (2025). Experimental study on recovery stress losses in Fe-SMA rebars under semi-cyclic loads considering different activation temperatures and multiple activations. Journal of Structural Engineering, 151(9), 04023109.

Mir Pons, A., Del-Río-Bonnín, S., Ribas, C., & Cladera, A. (2024). Experimental study on semi-cyclic loading effects on Fe-SMA reinforced concrete structures. Materials and Structures, 57(6), 1–16.

Mir Pons, A., Del-Río-Bonnín, S., Ribas, C., & Cladera, A. (2024). Effects of semi-cyclic loading on the recovery stresses of iron-based shape-memory alloy bars. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 859, 144151.

Mir Pons, A., Kustov, B., Ruiz Pinilla, J. G., & Cladera, A. (2024). Characterization of 11-mm Fe-SMA bars used as prestressing reinforcement in concrete structures. Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Smart Materials and Nanotechnology in Engineering (SMN 2024), 1–8.

Mir Pons, A., Del Río-Bonnín, S., Ribas, C., & Cladera, A. (2024). Effects of semi-cyclic loading on reinforced concrete beams strengthened with iron-based shape-memory alloy bars. Proceedings of the 15th fib International PhD Symposium in Civil Engineering, 1–8.

Raghukumar Bommenahalli | Mechanical Metallurgy | Best Researcher Award

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Raghukumar Bommenahalli | Mechanical Metallurgy | Best Researcher Award

Prinicipal Engineer at DEKRA Certification, Inc. | United States

Mr. Raghukumar Bommenahalli is a seasoned mechanical engineer with over two decades of industrial experience specializing in zero-emission transportation and energy infrastructure. Currently serving as Principal Engineer at DEKRA Certification Inc., he leads the Vehicle Innovation Grid Lab (ViGIL) and ADAS Data Collection Program, advancing California’s clean transportation initiatives through rigorous EV and EVSE testing, standards compliance, and interoperability validation. Prior to this, he was Program Manager for Codes and Standards at Nikola Motor Corporation, where he guided regulatory compliance and standards development for battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles, including cybersecurity frameworks and ADAS integration for heavy-duty trucks. His earlier role at Cummins Inc. as Codes and Standards Compliance Leader saw him authoring 40+ validation plans across UL, CSA, IEC, and EN standards while pioneering hydrogen fuel cell and BEV compliance programs. Raghukumar has also contributed to major engineering projects in roles with TAAL Technologies, Creative Synergies Group, Toyo Denki Power Systems, and Cummins Generator Technologies. He is actively involved in global standards development as a voting member on multiple SAE task forces and as Co-Chair of the CharIN NACI Task Force. With a strong academic foundation that includes an Executive Master’s in Engineering Management from St. Cloud State University, a Master’s in Machine Design, and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, he complements his technical expertise with certifications such as PMP, DFSS, and internal auditing. In addition to his leadership in compliance, testing, and certification, he contributes as a peer reviewer for leading journals, organizes technical conferences, and holds a registered design patent in EV charging efficiency.

Pofile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publication

Bommenahalli, R. (2025). Effect of nickel on the mechanical properties of spray-formed Al-15Si-2Cu alloy at elevated temperatures. Journal of Alloys and Compounds.

Bommenahalli, R. (2025). Computing device for enhancing charging efficiency in electric vehicle [Patent]. UK Intellectual Property Office.

Bommenahalli, R. (2025). Fuel cell Class 8 trucks: Pioneering the path to sustainable heavy transportation. Website article.

Bommenahalli, R. (2025). Navigating the future: Innovations reshaping the EV charging landscape. International Business Times.

Dechao Chen | Electrocatalysts | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Dechao Chen | Electrocatalysts | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher at Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Dr. Dechao Chen is a postdoctoral researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He has developed expertise in energy chemistry and environmental catalysis, with a strong focus on electrochemical devices and catalytic mechanisms. His academic journey has been marked by rigorous training and innovative contributions to advanced materials and sustainable catalytic systems. Dr. Chen has authored impactful publications in high-impact journals such as Advanced Materials, Nano Letters, Small, and Chemical Engineering Journal. His work explores critical areas including C–N coupling, ammonia synthesis, CO₂ reduction, and hydrogen production. He has also been awarded support from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation to further develop single-atom catalyst research. Driven by curiosity and dedication, Dr. Chen aims to bridge fundamental science with practical applications to address pressing global energy and environmental challenges.

Professional Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Education

Dr. Dechao Chen pursued his academic studies with a strong foundation in physics, materials science, and catalysis. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Information Engineering from Minnan Normal University, where he trained under the mentorship of Prof. Zhouan Zhou. His undergraduate work laid the groundwork for his interest in materials chemistry and catalysis. He then advanced his academic career at Hunan University, completing his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering under the guidance of Prof. Yongwen Tan. During his doctoral studies, he focused on nanostructured metal compounds, electrocatalysis, and the development of novel energy conversion materials. His dissertation involved exploring nanoporous two-dimensional materials and electrocatalytic mechanisms for nitrogen reduction and hydrogen evolution. Dr. Chen’s educational journey provided him with extensive expertise in materials synthesis, advanced characterization techniques, and catalytic processes, shaping him into a skilled researcher capable of addressing challenges in sustainable energy.

Experience

Dr. Dechao Chen has gained valuable research experience through academic and institutional roles in materials science and electrochemistry. Currently, he serves as a postdoctoral researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, working under Prof. Lili Han. His postdoctoral research emphasizes surface stress regulation and electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction using single-atom catalysts, supported by funding from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation. Prior to this, his doctoral research at Hunan University focused on nanoporous two-dimensional compounds with three-dimensional bicontinuous structures, as well as innovative strategies for scalable doping and alloying in transition metal dichalcogenides. He has also conducted collaborative work on gold- and ruthenium-based catalytic systems for nitrogen reduction and hydrogen production. With broad expertise in nanomaterials synthesis, structural analysis, and catalytic applications, Dr. Chen has established himself as a promising researcher in electrochemical energy conversion and environmental catalysis.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Dechao Chen has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to materials science and electrochemical catalysis through significant academic achievements. He received support from the prestigious China Postdoctoral Science Foundation to conduct research on surface stress regulation and CO₂ electroreduction using single-atom catalysts. His publications in highly ranked international journals, including Advanced Materials, Nano Letters, Small, and the Chemical Engineering Journal, serve as testament to his scholarly excellence and innovative contributions. His work has attracted recognition from the global scientific community, highlighting the relevance and originality of his research in energy chemistry and sustainable catalysis. While early in his career, his growing record of publications and funded research demonstrates his potential to achieve further honors and leadership roles in the future. Dr. Chen’s academic trajectory continues to establish him as an emerging figure in his field.

Research Focus

Dr. Dechao Chen’s research focuses on energy chemistry, environmental catalysis, and electrochemical devices. His work spans the development of advanced catalytic systems for C–N coupling, ammonia synthesis, water electrolysis, hydrogen evolution, and CO₂ reduction. He is particularly interested in the design and regulation of single-atom and dual-atom catalysts to optimize catalytic activity and selectivity. His doctoral and postdoctoral studies have also explored the synthesis of nanoporous two-dimensional metal compounds with bicontinuous three-dimensional structures, aiming to enhance surface area, electronic conductivity, and reaction kinetics. Additionally, he investigates the catalytic mechanisms underlying nitrogen reduction and hydrogen production, providing fundamental insights that guide material innovation. By combining advanced materials synthesis, state-of-the-art characterization techniques, and theoretical understanding, his research aims to address urgent global challenges in sustainable energy conversion and environmental remediation. Ultimately, Dr. Chen’s research contributes to advancing green chemistry solutions for next-generation energy technologies.

Publication top Notes

Rational strain engineering of single-atom ruthenium on nanoporous MoS₂ for highly efficient hydrogen evolution
Year: 2021
Citations: 344

Spontaneous Atomic Ruthenium Doping in Mo₂CTX MXene Defects Enhances Electrocatalytic Activity for the Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Year: 2020
Citations: 320

Identifying Electrocatalytic Sites of the Nanoporous Copper–Ruthenium Alloy for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Electrolyte
Year: 2020
Citations: 297*

Single-Atom Gold Isolated Onto Nanoporous MoSe₂ for Boosting Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction
Year: 2022
Citations: 102

Efficient electrosynthesis of formamide from carbon monoxide and nitrite on a Ru-dispersed Cu nanocluster catalyst
Year: 2023
Citations: 82

Scalable synthesis of nanoporous boron for high efficiency ammonia electrosynthesis
Year: 2020
Citations: 41

Conclusion

Dr. Dechao Chen is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His strong record of publications in top-tier journals, independent research funding, and contributions to the fields of electrocatalysis and sustainable energy place him among the most promising young researchers in materials science. With continued emphasis on industrial translation, leadership development, and innovation beyond academia, he is well-positioned to become a leading figure in his discipline. His profile reflects both scientific excellence and future potential, making him a compelling choice for this recognition.

Huajie Luo | Thermal Crystal | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huajie Luo | Thermal Crystal | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at University of Science and Technology Beijing | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huajie Luo is an accomplished researcher and associate professor at the University of Science and Technology Beijing, specializing in the design, structure, and performance regulation of ferroelectric ceramics and thin films. With over 60 published papers in high-impact journals, including Nature Communications, Science Advances, JACS, and Angewandte Chemie, he has made significant contributions to energy storage materials and piezoelectric technologies. His expertise spans from macroscopic electrostrain and energy density to atomic-level structural evolution using advanced synchrotron XRD, neutron diffraction, and total scattering techniques. Over the years, Dr. Luo has developed a strong profile in multi-scale crystal structure analysis and has been instrumental in unveiling mechanisms that enhance piezoelectric and energy storage performance in lead-free ceramics. With multiple national invention patents and recognition for his innovative contributions, Dr. Luo stands at the forefront of advancing sustainable and high-performance functional materials for energy applications.

Professional Profile

ORCID | Scopus

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huajie Luo pursued his higher education at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), where he embarked on a rigorous academic journey in materials science. He earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees in Physical Chemistry, with research focusing on the fundamental mechanisms and performance optimization of ferroelectric ceramics. His doctoral training emphasized advanced characterization techniques, including synchrotron XRD, neutron diffraction, and inverse Monte Carlo analysis, which allowed him to link structural evolution with macroscopic material properties. Following this, he undertook a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at USTB’s Department of Physical Chemistry  where he deepened his research on high-performance electroceramics and functional thin films. His strong educational background not only provided him with profound theoretical knowledge but also with highly practical experimental skills, positioning him as a promising scholar and innovator in crystallography, energy storage materials, and piezoelectric systems.

Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huajie Luo’s professional career reflects a steady progression through advanced academic and research roles at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB). After completing his doctoral studies, he became a postdoctoral researcher at USTB’s Department of Physical Chemistry, where he contributed to national-level projects focused on ferroelectric ceramics, synchrotron radiation analysis, and electrochemical energy storage. He was appointed associate professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, USTB. His role includes leading independent research projects, mentoring graduate students, and collaborating internationally on energy storage and structural design studies. Dr. Luo has also participated in major research programs such as China’s Key Research and Development initiatives, serving as both project leader and key contributor. His broad professional experience integrates materials chemistry, structural crystallography, and electroceramic design, providing both academic and industrial sectors with impactful solutions for energy storage, environmental sustainability, and next-generation materials innovation.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huajie Luo has received multiple recognitions for his outstanding contributions to materials science and engineering. He was selected for China’s prestigious 7th Postdoctoral Innovative Talent Program, an initiative by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security to support promising young scientists. He was named Outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Science and Technology Beijing, reflecting his exceptional contributions during his fellowship. He also earned the Wiley China High Contribution Author Award acknowledging the global impact of his research publications. Additionally, Dr. Luo was invited to join the Youth Editorial Board of Microstructures, highlighting his reputation as a rising leader in crystallography and electroceramics. His academic achievements are complemented by recognition in international conferences, where his oral and poster presentations have received attention in Japan, China, and global forums, solidifying his status as an innovative and influential researcher.

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huajie Luo’s research centers on the design, structural analysis, and performance optimization of ferroelectric ceramics and thin films. His work emphasizes regulating macroscopic properties such as electrostrain and energy storage by tailoring multi-scale crystal structures. Using advanced techniques like synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron scattering, and total scattering analysis, he investigates the evolution of both short- and long-range structures to reveal the mechanisms behind high piezoelectricity and capacitive energy storage. Dr. Luo has made significant breakthroughs in achieving giant electrostrain in lead-free piezoelectrics and developing high-efficiency energy storage ceramics, with results published in top-tier journals including Science Advances, JACS, and Angewandte Chemie. His research not only provides new scientific insights but also proposes practical solutions for sustainable energy storage materials. By bridging fundamental crystallography with applied materials design, Dr. Luo aims to contribute to cleaner, greener energy systems while pushing the boundaries of functional materials innovation.

Publication top Notes

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huajie Luo is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, given his impressive publication record, patents, and contributions to the understanding and development of lead-free ferroelectric ceramics with high electrostrain and energy storage properties. His research shows both academic depth and industrial applicability, making him a strong candidate. With expanded international collaborations and broader societal engagement, his impact could become even more profound.