Aida Nikbakht | High Temperature Corrosion | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Aida Nikbakht | High Temperature Corrosion | Research Excellence Award

Chakmers University of Technology | Sweden

Ms. Aida Nikbakht’s research addresses critical challenges in corrosion and materials durability, with particular emphasis on magnesium alloys, advanced coatings, and high-temperature corrosion mechanisms in aggressive salt environments. Her work integrates experimental investigation with thermodynamic analysis to elucidate degradation pathways and improve material performance in demanding industrial conditions. She has contributed peer-reviewed publications in well-recognized international journals, advancing understanding of silane-based composite coatings, intergranular fluoride attack, and corrosion mitigation strategies. These studies are relevant to both biomedical and energy-related applications, reflecting strong interdisciplinary impact. According to her Scopus profile, her research output comprises 5 indexed publications, accumulating 71 citations, with an h-index of 2, indicating growing scholarly influence and recognition within the research community. Overall, her publication quality, citation impact, and thematic relevance collectively demonstrate research excellence and justify strong consideration for the Research Excellence Award.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

100

75

50

25

0

Citations
71
Documents
5
h-index
2

Featured Publications


Redox mechanisms and metal fluoride stability in alkali fluoride corrosion – confirmed by experiment

Corrosion Science, 2026 · Journal Article
DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2025.113538
Contributors: Aida Nikbakht; Per Malmberg; Behnam Bahramian; Christine Geers


High Temperature Corrosion of Inconel 625 and Pure Nickel in Contact with Fluoride Melts

ECS Meeting Abstracts, 2023 · Journal Article
DOI: 10.1149/MA2023-02452195mtgabs
Contributors: Aida Nikbakht; Behnam Bahramian; Christine Geers


Preparation of PEO/silane composite coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy and investigation of its properties

Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2021 · Journal Article
DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2021.159995
ISSN: 0925-8388

Wenli Deng | Lubrication | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Wenli Deng | Lubrication | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Tsinghua University | China

Prof. Dr. Wenli Deng is an accomplished materials science researcher recognized for her work at the intersection of friction, superlubricity, and interface science, where she has advanced the understanding of ultra-low-friction mechanisms and high-performance surface interactions. Her research focuses on developing and characterizing materials and engineered surfaces capable of reducing wear, enhancing durability, and improving energy efficiency across a wide range of mechanical and industrial applications. With a portfolio of 38 scholarly documents, 329 citations, and a Scopus h-index of 11, she has established a sustained scientific presence and influence in the field of tribology. Her studies integrate experimental tribological analysis with material design strategies, enabling innovations in lubrication behavior, surface engineering, and nanoscale contact mechanics. Prof. Deng’s contributions have been strengthened through the publication of professional books, peer-reviewed articles, and international conference presentations, which collectively highlight her expertise in addressing longstanding challenges in mechanical reliability and interface performance. Her research outcomes support next-generation engineering solutions that aim to minimize frictional losses and extend material service life, making her work valuable to industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and energy systems. With sustained research activity and impactful scientific contributions, she stands as a strong and deserving candidate for recognition in the Best Researcher Award category.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Chen, X., Deng, F., Liu, Z., Liu, S., Chen, Y., Xing, X., Deng, W., Wang, Y., Yu, J., & Li, C. (2025). Investigating the broom-like inclusions in type Ib diamond single crystal synthesized by high pressure high temperature. Fullerenes, Nanotubes and Carbon Nanostructures.
Citation: 1

Chen, H., Deng, F., Xie, H., Chen, X., Xing, X., Liu, Z., … (2025). Interfacial structure and performance analysis of PcBN composites with metal/ceramic binder. International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials.
Citation: 2

Liu, Z., Deng, F., Chen, X., Ma, J., Xing, X., Chen, H., … (2025). The effect of Ni on the growth of type-IIa diamonds. Diamond and Related Materials.
Citation: 1

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.

 

Suleyman Sukuroglu | Corrosion Resistance Alloy | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Mr. Suleyman Sukuroglu | Corrosion Resistance Alloy | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Gumushane University | Turkey

Mr. Suleyman Sukuroglu is a materials and surface engineering researcher whose work centers on advanced coating technologies, particularly micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), applied to lightweight structural alloys such as magnesium, aluminum, titanium, and NiTi. With 149 citations, 12 Scopus-indexed publications, and an h-index of 7, he has contributed substantially to understanding and improving the mechanical, corrosion, wear, adhesion, tribocorrosion, and biocompatibility properties of ceramic and nanocomposite coatings. His studies involve the incorporation of functional nanoparticles-including TiB₂, ZnO, h-BN, graphene oxide, Ag, MoS₂, and sodium pentaborate-into oxide layers to enhance structural stability and multifunctional performance. He has published high-quality research demonstrating improvements in coating morphology, oxide layer integrity, and interfacial adhesion, contributing to the advancement of durable and corrosion-resistant surfaces for both industrial and biomedical applications. His work on NiTi shape-memory alloys and WE43 magnesium alloys has expanded knowledge on biocompatible coatings, corrosion control, and surface modification strategies for engineering systems. His research output appears in respected international journals such as Materials Today Communications, Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, Applied Physics A, Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, and multiple materials science conference proceedings. He has also contributed to national research projects involving tribological optimization, nanoparticle-reinforced oxide layers, and coating performance evaluation under challenging environments. Through sustained scientific output, a clear thematic research focus, and contributions to materials characterization and surface technologies, he has established a recognized academic profile within the fields of metallurgical engineering and surface modification science.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Belet, A. K., Şüküroğlu, S., & Şüküroğlu, E. E. (2025). Investigation of structural and adhesion properties of ZnO and h-BN doped TiO₂ coatings on Cp–Ti alloy. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology.

Şüküroğlu, S. (2025). Characterization, corrosion, adhesion and wear properties of Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃:TiB₂ composite coating on Al 7075 aluminum alloy by one-step micro-arc oxidation method. Materials Today Communications.

Şüküroğlu, S., Şüküroğlu, E. E., Totik, Y., Gülten, G., Efeoğlu, İ., & Avcı, S. (2024). Corrosion and adhesion properties of MAO-coated LA91 magnesium alloy. Materials Science and Technology.

Şüküroğlu, S., Totik, Y., Şüküroğlu, E. E., & Avcı, S. (2024). Investigation of corrosion properties of LA-91 alloy coated with MAO method. Journal of the Chinese Society of Mechanical Engineers, Transactions of the Chinese Institute of Engineers, Series C.

Şüküroğlu, S. (2023). Al 2024 alaşımı üzerine mikro ark oksidasyon yöntemiyle B4C ilaveli kompozit kaplamaların büyütülmesi. Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi.

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).

Yanhong Wang | Wear Resistant Coating | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Yanhong Wang | Wear Resistant Coating | Best Researcher Award

University of Science and Technology Beijing | China

Yanhong Wang is a metallurgical engineering researcher specializing in wear-resistant coatings for steel substrates, with a focus on advancing long-life materials that support low-carbon industrial transformation. Her work emphasizes the design, preparation, and performance optimization of coatings that enhance abrasion resistance under severe service conditions. Through her Scopus-indexed publication, “A Review of Wear-Resistant Coatings for Steel Substrates: Applications and Challenges” in Metals (2025), she provides a comprehensive assessment of coating technologies including thermal spray processes, laser cladding, chemical and physical vapor deposition, and emerging hybrid approaches. ORCID currently indexes 1 research document and an h-index of 1, reflecting her growing scholarly influence. Her research highlights the interplay between coating microstructure, bonding mechanisms, mechanical performance, and environmental durability, identifying key factors that determine coating reliability in high-wear environments. By analyzing failure modes, synergistic strengthening strategies, and the compatibility of coating materials with steel substrates, she contributes essential insights for designing next-generation protective layers. Her work also evaluates industrial applicability, cost-effectiveness, and the sustainability benefits of durable surface engineering solutions, positioning her research within the broader goals of carbon neutrality and reduced resource consumption. Through systematic knowledge integration, she provides valuable guidance for future research directions and industrial innovation in metallurgical coatings.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publication

Wang, Y., Feng, C., Lin, T., Zhu, R., Zhang, J., Yang, H., Yi, S., He, J., Tu, M., & Wei, G. (2025). A review of wear-resistant coatings for steel substrates: Applications and challenges. Metals.

 

 

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)

Muhammad Mubeen | Anti-Corrosion | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Muhammad Mubeen | Anti-Corrosion | Young Scientist Award

University of Science and Technology of China | China

Dr. Muhammad Mubeen is a highly motivated and accomplished researcher in the field of materials science and engineering, currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Science and Technology of China, following an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology and a B.Sc. in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. Mubeen has made significant contributions to corrosion-resistant coatings, nanomaterials, and advanced composite materials, authoring 25 documents with a total of 620 citations and an h-index of 12 according to Scopus. His key publications include studies on anti-corrosion self-healable epoxy coatings reinforced with Guanine-MRS@MoS2 heterostructures, heterostructured melamine resin spheres@GO epoxy composites for automotive applications (Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024), and the development of automated rust detection networks for steel structures (Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, 2025). Mubeen’s research experience spans the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, fabrication of smart coatings for Zn-Al-Mg coated steel, and exploration of Nitinol alloys for biomedical applications. He has also actively engaged in professional internships at Pepsico, Inc., and PECS Industries, contributing to engineering, supply chain, and corporate affairs projects. His accolades include the Chinese Government Scholarship, PEEF Merit-Based Scholarship, and recognition for best research posters and interuniversity leadership. In addition to research, he has volunteered with organizations such as the Edhi Foundation and Bike Angel Association of China, reflecting his commitment to societal impact and STEM outreach.

Profile : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Murtaza, H., Zhao, J., Tabish, M., Wang, J., Mubeen, M., Zhang, J., & Zhang, S. (2024). Protective and flame-retardant bifunctional epoxy-based nanocomposite coating by intercomponent synergy between modified CaAl-LDH and rGO. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 16(10), 13114–13131.

Mubeen, M., Zhao, J., Tabish, M., Wang, J., Mahmood, M., Murtaza, H., & Jawad, M. (2024). Heterostructured melamine resin Spheres@GO reinforced epoxy composite achieving robust corrosion-resistance of Zn-Al-Mg coated steel for automotive applications. Chemical Engineering Journal, 499, 156070.

Mahmood, M., Mubeen, M., Wang, W., Tabish, M., Murtaza, H., & Jawad, M. (2025). Mechanically robust and self-healing protective coating for Zn-Al-Mg coated steel enhanced by benzotriazole-5 carboxylic acid intercalated MgAlCe ternary LDH. Progress in Organic Coatings, 201, 109107.

Flehan, A., Jinna, L., Tabish, M., Kumar, A., Mohammed, Y. A. Y. A., & Mubeen, M. (2023). Development of anti-corrosion and hydrophobicity of a nanostructured Ce-La film via the PDA post-treatment modification. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 968, 172139.

Khalid, S., Mubeen, M., Tabish, M., Jawad, M., Malik, M. U., Ilyas, H. M. A., & others. (2025). When low-dimensional nanomaterials meet polymers: A promising configuration for flame retardancy and corrosion protection. Chemical Engineering Journal, 515, 163678.

Bel Abbes Bachir Bouiadjra | Adhesive Joining | Best Researcher Award

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Bel Abbes Bachir Bouiadjra | Adhesive Joining | Best Researcher Award

Head of Research Lab at Djillali Liabes University | Algeria

Prof. Dr. Bel Abbes Bachir Bouaiadjra is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, with extensive expertise in materials science, fracture mechanics, and composite structures. He has also served as a visiting professor at King Saud University in Riyadh. A distinguished scholar, he won the prestigious Scopus Award in Materials Science for his outstanding research contributions. His scientific work focuses on nanomaterials, biopolymers, biocomposites, polymer testing, and the fatigue and fracture of aircraft structures, composites, biomaterials, and bimaterials such as ceramic–metal assemblies. Over his career, he has directed significant projects, including the study of residual stresses in ceramic-metal assemblies and the influence of micro-defects in cement mantles on hip prostheses. His international collaborations include research with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (Saudi Arabia), the University of Tours (France), and the University of La Rochelle (France). Professor Bouaiadjra has authored numerous publications in ISI-indexed journals, addressing advanced topics such as bonded composite patch repair of aircraft structures, optimization of polymer composites, fatigue crack growth, and finite element analyses of biomedical implants. According to his Scopus profile, he has produced more than 166 publications, with over 2,946 citations and an h-index of 32, reflecting the global impact of his research in mechanical and materials engineering. His academic excellence, international visibility, and leadership in collaborative projects underscore his role as a leading figure in fracture mechanics and advanced composite materials.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Feautured Publications

Bouchkara, N. H. M., Albedah, A., Benyahia, F., Mohammed, S. M. A. K., & Bouiadjra, B. A. B. (2021). Experimental and numerical analyses of the effects of overload on the fatigue life of aluminum alloy panels repaired with bonded composite patch. International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences, 22(4), 1012–1024. Cited by: 12

Kaddour, S., Bennouna, M. S., Aour, B., Bouiadjra, B. A. B., Benaissa, A., & Bouanani, M. F. (2019). Numerical investigation of the adhesive damage used for the repair of A5083 H11 aluminum structures by composites patches. International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa, 44, 22–33. Cited by: 4

Ali, B. M., Chikh, E. O., Meddah, H. M., & Bouiadjra, B. A. B. (2019). Plasticity effect on the mechanical behavior of an amorphous polymer. International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa, 43, 1–12. Cited by: 3

Khellafi, H., Bouziane, M. M., Djebli, A., Mankour, A., Bendouba, M., Bouiadjra, B. A. B., & Chikh, E. O. (2019). Investigation of mechanical behaviour of the bone cement (PMMA) under combined shear and compression loading. Journal of Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, 41, 37–45. Cited by: 5

Kaddour, S., Aour, B., Bouiadjra, B. A. B., Bouanani, M. F., & Khelil, F. (2018). Analysis of crack propagation by bonded composite for different patch shapes repairs in marine structures: A numerical analysis. International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa, 35, 175–185. Cited by: 7

Salah, H., Bouziane, M. M., Fekih, S. M., Bouiadjra, B. A. B., & Benbarek, S. (2018). Optimisation of a reinforced cement spacer in total hip arthroplasty. Journal of Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, 35, 35–42. Cited by: 6

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.