Gayan Aravinda Abeygunawardane | Magnetoelectrics | Innovative Research Award

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Dr. Gayan Aravinda Abeygunawardane | Magnetoelectrics | Innovative Research Award 

Senior Lecturer at University of Moratuwa | Sri Lanka

Dr. Gayan Aravinda Abeygunawardane is a researcher in mechanics of advanced materials whose work spans computational modelling, material behavior, biomaterials, and applied structural analysis, contributing significantly to both scientific understanding and industrial innovation. His research integrates nonlinear finite element analysis, crystal plasticity, fracture modelling, multiphysics coupling, and materials characterization to address complex challenges in metallic glasses, steels, elastomeric systems, biomedical materials, and semiconductor engineering. His published work includes studies on shear band initiation in bulk metallic glasses, indentation-induced deformation localization, crack propagation in notched specimens, electroplasticity in steels, muscle-tissue biomechanics, thermal and mechanical behavior of tire compounds, heat-transfer enhancement using graphite, and 3D-printed cellulosic composites. He has contributed to computational frameworks for oxygen-diffusion-assisted crack growth, user-defined material subroutines for industry-grade FEA solvers, and predictive simulation tools for polymer and rubber manufacturing. His recent biomedical engineering research explores piezo-magnetostrictive laminates for wireless bone-healing stimulation, external-fixator performance, and hybrid scaffold mechanics. His work is disseminated through Scopus-indexed journals, international symposiums, and collaborative research outputs, totaling 65 citations, 11 documents, and an h-index of 4. His contributions include journal publications in materials science, biomechanics, polymer science, fracture mechanics, and computational modelling, alongside several conference papers and a national patent for a trilayer piezomagnetostrictive bone stimulator. His research demonstrates a consistent innovative trajectory, combining fundamental mechanics with applied engineering solutions across multiple disciplines.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Fernando, P. L. N., Abeygunawardane, A., Wijesinghe, P. C. I., Dharmaratne, P., & Silva, P. (2021). An engineering review of external fixators. Medical Engineering & Physics, 98, 91–103. (Cited by: 54)

Schiavone, A., Abeygunawardane-Arachchige, G., & Silberschmidt, V. V. (2015). Crack initiation and propagation in ductile specimens with notches: Experimental and numerical study. Acta Mechanica, 1–13. (Cited by: 25)

Somaweera, D., Abeygunawardane, A., Weragoda, S., & Ranathunga, S. (2021). Effect of vein graphite powder on mechanical, curing and thermal properties of solid tire vulcanizate. Materials Today: Proceedings. (Cited by: 10)

Wijekoon, N. K., Appuhamillage, G. A., Dassanayake, R. S., Liyanage, R. N., Mapage, D., Wijenayake, A., Lokuge, E. L., Rajapaksha, S. M., Abeygunawardane, G. A., & Senarath, N. D. D. (2024). Facile fabrication of 3D-printed cellulosic fiber/polylactic acid composites as low-cost and sustainable acoustic panels. Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment, 8, 100168. (Cited by: 7)

Nekouie, V., Abeygunawardane-Arachchige, G., Kühn, U., Roy, A., & Silberschmidt, V. V. (2014). Indentation-induced deformation localisation in Zr–Cu-based metallic glass. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 615, S93–S97. (Cited by: 7)

Mahmoud Afshari | Direct Metal Deposition | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mahmoud Afshari | Direct Metal Deposition | Best Researcher Award

Adjunct Professor at Ministry of Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran | Iran

Dr. Mahmoud Afshari’s research focuses on the integration of additive manufacturing, welding technologies, and composite materials design to advance high-precision fabrication methods in modern engineering. His body of work explores the mechanics, thermodynamics, and microstructural behavior of materials subjected to advanced manufacturing processes. Through the development of laser additive manufacturing models and friction stir welding simulations, Dr. Afshari has contributed to optimizing the thermal and mechanical performance of alloys such as Inconel 718, Ti-6Al-4V, and Al-Mg systems. His investigations have extended into polymer nanocomposites and fused filament fabrication (FFF), enhancing tensile modulus, hardness, and impact resistance through process-parameter optimization. His research outputs-comprising 30 Scopus-indexed publications with 168 citations and an h-index of 8-reflect rigorous experimentation combined with computational modeling. Notably, his recent articles in high-impact journals like Optics and Laser Technology, Journal of Molecular Structure, and Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics highlight his expertise in material characterization, heat-transfer simulation, and nanostructure control. Alongside his scholarly publications, Dr. Afshari’s patents on advanced thermal systems and automated machinery demonstrate his applied research orientation and industry relevance. His scientific productivity, innovation in simulation-based design, and multidomain mastery exemplify excellence in metallurgical and manufacturing research, marking him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Afshari, H., Taher, F., Alavi, S. A., Afshari, M., Samadi, M. R., & Allahyari, F. (2024). Studying the effects of FDM process parameters on the mechanical properties of parts produced from PLA using response surface methodology. Colloid and Polymer Science, 302(6), 955–970. Cited by: 26

Afshari, M., Bakhshi, S., Samadi, M. R., & Afshari, H. (2023). Optimizing the mechanical properties of TiO₂/PA12 nano-composites fabricated by SLS 3D printing. Polymer Engineering & Science, 63(1), 267–280. Cited by: 26

Afshari, M., Hamzekolaei, H. G., Mohammadi, N., Yazdanshenas, M., … (2023). Investigating the effect of laser cladding parameters on the microstructure, geometry and temperature changes of Inconel 718 superalloy using the numerical and experimental approaches. Materials Today Communications, 35, 106329. Cited by: 25

Taher, F., Afshari, M., Houmani, A., Samadi, M. R., Bakhshi, S., & Afshari, H. (2024). Simultaneous enhancement of the impact strength and tensile modulus of PP/EPDM/TiO₂ nanocomposite fabricated by fused filament fabrication. Colloid and Polymer Science, 302(3), 393–407. Cited by: 15

Hardani, H., Afshari, M., Samadi, M. R., Afshari, H., & López, S. A. (2025). An enhancement in the tensile modulus and bending resistance of polylactic acid/carbon nanotube composite by optimizing FFF process parameters. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 38(4), 1379–1403. Cited by: 13

Jing Wu | Plasmonic Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jing Wu | Plasmonic Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at  Nantong University | China

Dr. Jing Wu earned her doctorate in optics from Shanghai University and currently serves as a full-time faculty member in the School of Physical Science and Technology at Nantong University. Her primary research revolves around the controlled fabrication of plasmonic nanostructures and their application in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). She focuses on synthesizing noble-metal micro- and nanostructures with tailored optical properties for enhanced molecular detection sensitivity. Dr. Wu’s work integrates advanced nanofabrication, electromagnetic simulation, and molecular sensing techniques to design SERS-active substrates capable of detecting ultra-trace biomolecules. She has authored nearly 20 SCI-indexed papers, contributed to several invention patents, and led provincial-level research and teaching reform projects. Her scientific endeavors are dedicated to improving the precision and reliability of nanoscale optical sensors, contributing to advancements in materials science, biomedical engineering, and analytical chemistry. With 228 citations, 40 publications, and an h-index of 9 on Scopus, Dr. Wu has established a solid research profile reflecting both innovation and academic rigor. Her achievements underscore her role as a promising researcher in the fields of nanophotonics and plasmonic sensing.

Profile : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Wu, J., et al. (2025). A magnetic coupled organic SERS platform integrating acetonitrile-driven microextraction and hotspot enrichment: A new strategy for highly sensitive and precise detection of drug molecules in complex matrices. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2025.

Wu, J., et al. (2025). SERS technology in virus detection: Advances, challenges, and future perspectives, 2025.

Wu, J., et al. (2025). SERS detection of analgesics in serum based on Ag nanocubes for perioperative monitoring. Talanta, 2025. Citations: 4

Wu, J., et al. (2025). Advanced SERSome-based artificial-intelligence technology for identifying medicinal and edible homologs. Talanta, 2025.

Petr Sittner | Memalloys | Best Research in Metal Fatigue

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Dr. Petr Sittner | Memalloys | Best Research in Metal Fatigue

Head of Division at Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences | Czech Republic

Dr. Petr Šittner is an internationally renowned physicist and materials scientist specializing in shape memory alloys and martensitic transformations. He currently serves as the Head of the Functional Materials Department at the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (FZU). His scientific contributions span over three decades and include more than 350 publications, 6 patents, and leadership in major European research projects. He is fluent in English, Japanese, Russian, and German, and has held visiting researcher positions in Japan, China, Belgium, France, and Australia. Dr. Šittner’s expertise and leadership have been recognized through various awards, and he has organized and chaired numerous international scientific conferences. His research has significantly influenced the development of smart materials for industrial and biomedical applications, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in materials science.

Professional Profiles

Google Scholar

ORCID

Education

Dr. Šittner began his academic journey at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University in Prague, where he earned his master’s degree in Solid State Physics in 1983. His thesis focused on the structural superplasticity of single-phase Zn-Cd alloys, demonstrating early interest in deformation and material behavior. He continued his academic pursuit at the Institute of Physics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (ASCR), where he received his CSc. (equivalent to Ph.D.) degree in 1992. His doctoral research explored the cyclic deformation of bicrystals of bcc alloys such as Fe-Si and Fe-Cr. Throughout his education, he built a strong foundation in materials physics, crystallography, and thermomechanical behavior. His academic qualifications were further enriched by multiple international research fellowships and scientific exchanges, which deepened his practical and theoretical understanding of advanced metallic systems, especially shape memory and functional materials.

Professional Experience

Dr. Šittner’s professional career began with his doctoral studies at the Institute of Physics, ASCR (1987–1991), followed by positions as a scientist and senior scientist. From 1993 to 1995, he served as a Research Associate at Mie University in Japan. He became the Head of the Functional Materials Department in 2009 and has led the Condensed Matter Division since 2016. He served as Vice Director of the Institute from 2012 to 2017. His extensive international experience includes research visits to institutions in China, Japan, Belgium, Australia, and France. Dr. Šittner has chaired key conferences such as SMST 2013 and ESOMAT 2009 and has served in multiple scientific advisory and editorial roles. His leadership extends to large-scale international research collaborations and EU projects. His professional trajectory reflects consistent engagement with cutting-edge research and institutional development in the field of smart and adaptive materials.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Šittner has received numerous honors for his outstanding scientific work. In 1992, he was awarded by the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic for a set of best scientific works. He received the Society of Materials Science Japan Award in 1996 and the Society of Mechanical Engineers Japan Award in 2001 for his contributions to research on shape memory alloys. In 2016, he earned the Werner Von Siemens Award for the best scientific work. He also received recognition for the best paper in the journal Shape Memory and Superelasticity in both 2019 and 2020. In 2021, he was awarded the prestigious Praemium Academiae by the Czech Academy of Sciences. Dr. Šittner has also served as co-editor of several journal special issues and conference proceedings and played leading roles in organizing international symposia, which further highlights his standing in the global scientific community.

Research Focus 

Dr. Šittner’s research focuses on the physical behavior of smart materials, particularly shape memory alloys (SMAs), martensitic phase transformations, and advanced deformation processes in metallic systems. His work emphasizes the development and experimental validation of multiscale models for thermomechanical properties and transformation phenomena in SMAs. He has made significant contributions to the application of X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques for in-situ monitoring of phase transitions and internal stress evolution in materials. His research extends to the development of nonhysteretic superelastic alloys for use in biomedical and aerospace systems. Dr. Šittner has led numerous European research initiatives, including projects under the FP6 and FP7 frameworks, addressing smart textiles, actuator materials, and adaptive systems. His most recent projects involve advancing imaging methods at JPARC (Japan) and developing adaptive engineering materials through the Praemium Academiae grant. His research approach integrates experimental mechanics, modeling, and material design.

Conclusion 

Dr. Petr Šittner is an exceptional and highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His lifelong commitment to excellence in materials science, particularly in the smart alloy and shape memory field, combined with an outstanding publication record, impactful innovations, and global influence, place him among the top tier of researchers globally. While minor enhancements in outreach and public engagement could extend his impact, his scientific merit alone strongly supports his nomination.

Publications to Noted

Title: Transmission electron microscopy investigation of dislocation slip during superelastic cycling of Ni–Ti wires
Citations: 398
Year: 2011

Title: Magnetostatic interactions and forces between cylindrical permanent magnets
Citations: 283
Year: 2009

Title: On the origin of Lüders-like deformation of NiTi shape memory alloys
Citations: 283
Year: 2005

Title: Microstructure changes during non-conventional heat treatment of thin Ni–Ti wires by pulsed electric current studied by transmission electron microscopy
Citations: 262
Year: 2010

Title: R-phase transformation phenomena in thermomechanically loaded NiTi polycrystals
Citations: 237
Year: 2006

Title: In situ neutron diffraction investigation of deformation twinning and pseudoelastic-like behaviour of extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy
Citations: 236
Year: 2009

Title: Instability of cyclic superelastic deformation of NiTi investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction
Citations: 234
Year: 2015

Title: Grain-resolved analysis of localized deformation in nickel-titanium wire under tensile load
Citations: 213
Year: 2016

Title: Thermomechanical model for NiTi-based shape memory alloys including R-phase and material anisotropy under multi-axial loadings
Citations: 213
Year: 2012

Title: Anisotropy of martensitic transformations in modeling of shape memory alloy polycrystals
Citations: 213
Year: 2000

Shahida Kanwel | Smart Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shahida Kanwel | Smart Materials | Best Researcher Award 

Postdoctoral Researcher at Jiangsu University, China.

🌟 Dr. Shahida Kanwel is a dedicated Postdoctoral Researcher at the School of Management, Jiangsu University, China. She earned her Ph.D. in Business Management from Zhejiang University 🎓 and has since become a prominent voice in digital tourism, public health, and consumer behavior research. With over 542 citations, 13 SSCI/SCI publications, and international collaborations, Dr. Kanwel integrates psychological, behavioral, and environmental frameworks into her work 🌐💼.

She has contributed to both academia and industry, notably with the Hangzhou Global Cheongsam Day initiative 🎭 and healthcare service quality studies 🏥. Recognized with the Jiangsu Excellent Postdoctoral Program Award (2024) 🏅, she continues to publish impactful work and review for top-tier journals such as Scientific Reports and Frontiers in Public Health. Dr. Kanwel is a passionate researcher shaping the intersection of tourism, satisfaction, and sustainability 🌿📈.

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

📘 Ph.D. in Business Management

  • Zhejiang University, China.

  • Research focused on behavioral models in tourism, sustainability, and digital platforms 🌐✨

📘 Postdoctoral Research

  • Jiangsu University, School of Management 🏛️

  • Focus on interdisciplinary approaches combining SOR, TPB, and customer satisfaction frameworks 📊

📚 Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Kanwel has maintained high academic standards, published extensively in SSCI journals, and engaged in policy-relevant projects across China and Pakistan 🌍📑.

Professional Experience💼

Postdoctoral Researcher (2023–Present)

  • Jiangsu University, China.

  • Leading research in digital tourism, hospital satisfaction, and tourist behavioral models

Research Assistant / Lecturer

  • Experience in delivering undergraduate and postgraduate management courses

  • Guided students in research writing and publication 📚🖋️

Consultancy/Industry Experience

  • Worked on China’s Hangzhou Global Cheongsam Day project (2019–2020) 👘

  • Involved in applied research on healthcare service quality and environmental satisfaction in Pakistan and China 🌏

Research Focus 🔍

🥇 Jiangsu Excellent Postdoctoral Program Award (2024) – Awarded under Jiangsu’s Talent Fund Initiative for research excellence in postdoctoral studies.
🏵️ Honored by the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture during Hangzhou Global Cheongsam Day 2020 for cultural and academic contribution 🎭.
🌟 Recognized by academic reviewer boards and editorial panels for research quality and peer-review excellence.
📝 Editorial reviewer for top-tier journals including Scientific Reports, BMC Health Services, Current Psychology, and Frontiers in Public Health.

Awards and Honors

🧭 Dr. Kanwel’s interdisciplinary research bridges tourist behavior, digital satisfaction, and public health service delivery 🧠🌐.
📈 Her work models behavioral intention using SOR (Stimulus–Organism–Response) and TPB (Theory of Planned Behavior), enhancing customer experience design in tourism and health care sectors 🏞️🏥.
🗺️ She studies environmental sustainability, emotional engagement, and social media’s role in tourist behavior, particularly in developing and emerging markets 🌿📱.
🤝 Her research has high practical value for destination managers, hospital administrators, and policy-makers, contributing to improved satisfaction, loyalty, and environmental awareness.

Conclusion ✅

Dr. Shahida Kanwel demonstrates a clear trajectory of excellence, interdisciplinary innovation, and rising global impact. Her research addresses critical societal issues at the intersection of digital transformation, behavioral science, and tourism—areas of increasing importance in today’s academic and policy landscapes. Her strong citation record, editorial roles, and international collaborations highlight her as an emerging thought leader.

Despite minor areas for development in scholarly output formats (books/patents) and international project leadership, her academic depth, innovation, and societal contributions make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications to Noted📚

The influence of destination image on tourist loyalty and intention to visit: Testing a multiple mediation approach

Authors: S. Kanwel, Z. Lingqiang, M. Asif, J. Hwang, A. Hussain, A. Jameel

Journal: Sustainability 11(22), 6401

Citations: 289

Year: 2019

The effect of “women’s empowerment” on child nutritional status in Pakistan

Authors: A. Shafiq, A. Hussain, M. Asif, J. Hwang, A. Jameel, S. Kanwel

Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16(22), 4499

Citations: 77

Year: 2019

Promoting OPD patient satisfaction through different healthcare determinants: A study of public sector hospitals

Authors: A. Hussain, M. Asif, A. Jameel, J. Hwang, N. Sahito, S. Kanwel

Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16(19), 3719

Citations: 74

Year: 2019

Impact of tourism satisfaction and service quality on destination loyalty: A structural equation modeling approach concerning China resort hotels

Authors: A. Hussain, M. Li, S. Kanwel, M. Asif, A. Jameel, J. Hwang

Journal: Sustainability 15(9), 7713

Citations: 46

Year: 2023

Determinants of gender disparity in nutritional intake among children in Pakistan: Evidence from PDHS

Authors: A. Shafiq, A. Hussain, M. Asif, A. Jameel, S. Sadiq, S. Kanwel

Journal: Children 9(1), 7

Citations: 25

Year: 2021

The mediating effects of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on nurses’ intentions to adopt advanced technology

Authors: A. Hussain, M. Zhiqiang, M. Li, A. Jameel, S. Kanwel, S. Ahmad, B. Ge

Journal: BMC Nursing 24(1), 33

Citations: 14

Year: 2025

Green growth, economic development, and carbon dioxide emissions: an evaluation based on cointegration and vector error correction models

Authors: Y. Sun, M. Li, H. Sun, S. Kanwel, M. Zhang, N. Erum, A. Hussain

Journal: Energies 15(10), 3767

Citations: 9

Year: 2022

The influence of hospital services on patient satisfaction in OPDs: evidence from the transition to a digital system in South Punjab, Pakistan

Authors: S. Kanwel, Z. Ma, M. Li, A. Hussain, N. Erum, S. Ahmad

Journal: Health Research Policy and Systems 22(1), 93

Citations: 7

Year: 2024

Antecedents of Patient Loyalty: Exploring Mediating and Moderating Paradigms in Public Hospitals

Authors: A. Hussain, S. Kanwel, S. Khan, W.B. Alonazi, A. Malik, A.A. Khan

Journal: Patient Preference and Adherence, 527–542

Citations: 1

Year: 2025