Christelos Kapatais | Nanostructured Materials | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Christelos Kapatais | Nanostructured Materials | Research Excellence Award

West Attica General Hospital “Agia Varvara” | Greece

Mr. Christelos Kapatais presents a focused and promising research profile centered on hepatology, metabolic disorders, and therapeutic evaluation. His scholarly contributions address clinically significant areas such as NAFLD, ALD, viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and treatment-response monitoring, reflecting relevance to translational and applied research. He has authored 2 Scopus-indexed documents, receiving 2 citations, with an established Scopus h-index of 1, demonstrating emerging academic impact. His work emphasizes evidence-based analysis, multidisciplinary collaboration, and data-driven interpretation, supporting improved disease understanding and therapeutic strategies. The consistency of his research direction and documented publication output supports his suitability for consideration under the Research Excellence Award, particularly as an early-stage contributor to the field.

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Featured Publications

Danielle Viviana Ochoa Arbeláez | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Danielle Viviana Ochoa Arbeláez | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

Lecturer at National University of Colombia | Colombia

Dr. Danielle Viviana Ochoa Arbeláez’s research emphasizes the application of biophotonics and optical technologies to address complex challenges in biomedical science. Her work explores laser- and LED-based irradiation as non-invasive tools for studying cellular responses, contributing to advances in leukemia research, optical diagnostics, and experimental biomedical instrumentation. She combines chemical, pharmacological, and engineering principles to develop innovative experimental approaches with translational potential in health sciences. Her scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and conference papers. As reflected in her Scopus profile, she has 10 documents, an h-index of 1, and 2 citations, underscoring her emerging impact as a woman researcher.

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Featured Publications

Abdelrahman Salman | Corrosion Resistance | Advanced Surface Treatment Award

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Dr. Abdelrahman Salman | Corrosion Resistance | Advanced Surface Treatment Award

Researcher at Tomsk Polytechnic University | Russia

Dr. Abdelrahman Salman is a materials and nuclear engineering researcher whose work centers on developing advanced surface-treatment strategies for enhancing the corrosion resistance, stability, and functional performance of metallic alloys used in nuclear reactor systems. His research focuses on thin-film coating technologies, thermo-physical diagnostics, and nondestructive evaluation techniques that enable precise characterization of surface integrity under extreme operational conditions. He has engineered and tested thin-film layers that modify corrosion pathways in fast-reactor alloys, investigated adhesion behavior and microstructural evolution in protective coatings, and identified new corrosion-resistant phenomena in emerging materials. His development of a ThermoEMF-based diagnostic device has provided a novel method for real-time temperature monitoring of micro-scale surfaces, expanding analytical capabilities for thermal-mechanical behavior of coated materials. Through advanced methods such as SEM, XRD, XRF, ECT, sputtering deposition, and specialized NDT approaches, he analyzes degradation mechanisms critical to nuclear safety and component life-cycle management. His scholarly output includes 3 Scopus-indexed publications, 6 citations, and an h-index of 2, supported by active participation in over 15 technical conferences and multiple invited research presentations. His work continually integrates experimental innovation with reactor-relevant problem-solving, contributing valuable insights to thin-film engineering, corrosion mitigation, and materials diagnostics. Salman’s growing recognition in the field reflects his strong research capabilities and his commitment to developing robust surface-treatment technologies essential for next-generation nuclear energy systems.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Salman, A., Syrtanov, M., & Lider, A. (2025). High-temperature oxidation effect of protective thin layers Ta/Cr coatings on Zr-1Nb alloy for corrosion-resistant components of nuclear reactors. Materials Letters, 379, 137646.
Cited by: 4

Salman, A. M., Lider, A. M., & Lomygin, A. D. (2025). Surface treatment techniques and control methods for enhancing corrosion resistance and very thin films management in fast nuclear reactors. Results in Surfaces and Interfaces, 100468.
Cited by: 3

Salman, A. M., Kudiiarov, V. N., & Lider, A. M. (2025). Low resistivity measurement of chromium coatings on zirconium alloys E110 for the production of accident-resistant core components of nuclear reactors. Russian Physics Journal, 1–9.

Salman, A. M., Syrtanov, M. S., & Lider, A. M. (2024). Non-destructive testing of a Zr-1Nb zirconium alloy with a protective Cr/Mo thin layers coating for the production of corrosion-resistant components of nuclear reactors. Perspektivnye Materialy Konstruktsionnogo i Funktsional’nogo Naznacheniya.

Salman, A. M., Kudiyarov, V. N., & Lider, A. M. (2024). Non-destructive techniques on zirconium alloy E110 with chromium coatings for the production of emergency-resistant core components of nuclear reactors. Perspektivnye Materialy Konstruktsionnogo i Funktsional’nogo Naznacheniya.

 

Abdellah Marzoug | Contact Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Abdellah Marzoug | Contact Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon | France

Mr. Abdellah Marzoug is a researcher specializing in mechanics, tribology, and multiscale modeling, with a focus on rough surface contact behavior and damage mechanisms relevant to high-performance materials and engineering systems. His work integrates theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental correlation to understand micropitting, fatigue initiation, and crack propagation in mechanical components, particularly in the context of transmission systems and surface-engineered materials. He has contributed to the advancement of analytical and computational frameworks for contact pressure prediction and roughness-induced stress fields, including his peer-reviewed publication in the International Journal of Solids and Structures (2025), which provides closed-form solutions for contact pressure distributions generated by 2D rough profiles. His research portfolio also includes contributions to structural mechanics and stress intensity modeling through conference publications and collaborative studies. He has presented his findings at internationally recognized scientific venues, such as the Leeds-Lyon Symposium on Tribology and the International Conference on Computational Contact Mechanics, reflecting growing visibility in the global research community. His research strengths lie in fatigue modeling, multiscale analysis, rough surface characterization, and constitutive modeling of materials under complex loading conditions, contributing to improved reliability, optimization, and predictive assessment of mechanical systems used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publications

Marzoug, A., Chaise, T., Raoult, I., Ye, W., Duval, A., & Nelias, D. (2025). Closed-form solutions for contact pressure distribution generated by 2D rough profiles. International Journal of Solids and Structures.

Delattre, B., Marzoug, A., & Villars, O. (2024). Facteurs d’intensité de contrainte dans un PSE 3D modélisé par Super-Element. Colloque National en Calcul de Structures (CSMA 2024).

Xulong Ren | Surface Treatment | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Xulong Ren | Surface Treatment | Best Researcher Award

Guilin University of Electronic Technology | China

Mr. Xulong Ren is a developing metallurgical researcher whose work centers on high-energy beam surface treatment and microstructural modification of metallic materials, with particular emphasis on scanning electron beam polishing, in situ alloying, and beam-induced strengthening mechanisms. His research advances the understanding of temperature field behaviour, energy density optimization, and microstructural evolution during electron beam processing of alloys such as TC4, contributing to improved surface morphology, enhanced mechanical properties, and more precise control of material behaviour under high-energy input. He has produced a growing body of scientific work comprising 22 research documents, supported by 99 citations, and he maintains a Scopus h-index of 6, reflecting his emerging influence within the field. His publications document experimental and simulation-based approaches to optimize beam parameters, analyze rotational and radial thermal gradients, and investigate the microstructural responses of metals subjected to advanced surface treatment techniques. Through involvement in funded projects such as the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation and collaborations on national research initiatives, he has contributed to methodological improvements and innovative processing strategies for electron beam–assisted material modification. His work also includes analysis of beam–material interactions, ceramic–metal interface strengthening, and the design of polishing models for precision surface engineering. His contributions extend to research on nanostructured material polishing mechanisms and scanning beam fusion effects, reflecting a consistent focus on advancing industrially relevant metal surface engineering techniques. His expanding publication record, combined with ongoing research activity, positions him as a promising and impactful researcher in metallurgical process innovation.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Li, X., Yang, J., Ren, X., Song, J., Long, F., Qiu, M., Li, Y., & Su, Y. (2025). Temperature field simulation and experimental investigation for column-faced 45 steel via ultrafast electron beam scanning. Surface and Coatings Technology. (Cited: 4)

Li, X., Yang, J., Ren, X., Song, J., Long, F., Qiu, M., & Su, Y. (2025). Eutectic resolidification and ultrafast self-quenching of the microstructure in the surface layer of high-speed steel by scanning electron beam treatment. Vacuum. (Cited: 1)

Li, X., Yang, J., Ren, X., Song, J., Long, F., Qiu, M., Li, Y., & Su, Y. (2026). Analysis and experimental verification of the temperature field model for dynamic defocus electron beam processing of TC4 titanium alloy surfaces. International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 220(B).

Ren, X., Huang, X., Li, X., & Gao, S. (2025). Exploring the effect of beam current on the microstructure and properties of Vc/Ni alloying layer on 40Cr surface through electron beam surface alloying. Preprint.

Wei, D., Yang, F., Sui, X., Mo, Z., & Ren, X. (2024). Surface microstructure evolution and enhanced properties of Ti-6Al-4V using scanning electron beam. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. (Cited: 1)

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.

Oriol Gavalda Diaz | Micromechanics | Best Researcher Award

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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

Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

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.