Giovanni Morales | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Giovanni Morales | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Doctor at Industrial University of Santander | Colombia

Dr. Giovanni Morales Medina is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Universidad Industrial de Santander, Colombia. Teaching, research, and industrial experience, he specializes in process modeling, simulation, optimization, and techno-economic evaluation of chemical processes. His career integrates academic leadership, applied research, and consultancy for the Colombian Institute of Petroleum and Ecopetrol. Dr. Morales has published extensively in high-impact journals and presented at leading international conferences, advancing knowledge in carbon capture, molecular simulation, and sustainable energy processes. He has also contributed significantly to curriculum development and ABET accreditation. His blend of research innovation, academic excellence, and practical engineering solutions makes him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award

Dr. Giovanni Morales Medina exemplifies excellence in research with impactful contributions to chemical engineering, energy transition, and process optimization. His expertise spans molecular simulation, artificial neural networks for process failure detection, and techno-economic assessments that support sustainable industrial practices. He has authored influential publications in journals such as The Journal of Physical Chemistry A, CT&F, and Waste and Biomass Valorization, and has presented at prestigious global conferences including AIChE and ECOS. Beyond publications, his work bridges academia and industry, delivering innovative solutions for petroleum refining, CO₂ capture, and renewable energy systems. His strong record of collaboration, knowledge dissemination, and applied innovation highlights his leadership in advancing chemical engineering research, making him a highly deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award.

Education 

Dr. Giovanni Morales Medina earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering  from Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), Colombia, where he also completed his B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering . His doctoral research centered on applying electronic structure calculations to study thermochemical properties, reaction mechanisms, and molecular modeling, laying the foundation for his expertise in simulation and computational chemistry. Complementing his academic degrees, he pursued specialized training in pedagogy, innovation in teaching, and engineering education, completing over 500 hours of certifications from UIS, SENA, and Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano. This strong educational background, blending advanced chemical engineering knowledge with modern teaching strategies, underpins his career as a researcher, educator, and consultant, equipping him to contribute to both scientific advancement and academic excellence.

Work Experience 

Dr. Morales has extensive professional experience spanning academia, industry, and consultancy. Since , he has served as Associate Professor at UIS, teaching process synthesis, simulation, and capstone design while contributing to ABET accreditation. Previously, he lectured in UIS’s Chemical Engineering and Refining & Petrochemical Master’s Program and held an associate professorship at Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano . In industry, he worked with Ecopetrol and the Colombian Institute of Petroleum (via TIP Ltda. and Ambiocoop Ltda.), focusing on molecular simulation, crude oil refining, and refinery optimization models. He also led projects on CO₂ capture, crude blending, and refinery planning. His diverse career reflects a unique integration of teaching, industrial innovation, and applied research across Colombia’s chemical engineering sector.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Morales has received recognition for his pioneering contributions to chemical engineering through numerous international presentations and intellectual property registrations. He has delivered oral and poster presentations at prestigious venues such as the AIChE Annual Meeting (USA), ECOS Conference (Greece), CLAQ (Colombia), and Canadian Conference on Computational Chemistry, reflecting the global relevance of his research. His registered software developments—CrudeExpert and CrudeOverlap—are innovative tools applied in petroleum refining, demonstrating his impact on industrial practice. Additionally, his involvement in ABET accreditation and curriculum development at UIS highlights his commitment to advancing engineering education. These achievements, coupled with his extensive publication record, position him as an influential researcher whose work has significantly contributed to both academia and industry in chemical engineering.

Research Focus 

Dr. Morales’s research focuses on process modeling, simulation, optimization, and sustainable energy systems. His expertise includes molecular dynamics and electronic structure calculations for analyzing reaction mechanisms, molecular properties, and carbon capture using liquids and solids. He has advanced the use of artificial neural networks for operational failure detection in chemical processes and applies techno-economic evaluation to assess energy transition technologies. His work bridges fundamental research with industrial applications, covering refinery optimization, virtual sensors, CO₂ management, and renewable resource valorization. By integrating computational chemistry, statistical data analysis, and advanced process simulation tools such as Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, MATLAB, and GAMS, his research delivers innovative solutions to modern energy and environmental challenges, advancing the frontiers of chemical engineering.

Publication Top Notes

  • Mathematical model of a falling film reactor for methyl ester sulfonation
    Year: 2009 | Cited by: 23

  • Theoretical comparison of ketene dimerization in the gas and liquid phase
    Year: 2008 | Cited by: 19

  • Prediction of density and viscosity of Colombian crude oils from chromatographic data
    Year: 2012 | Cited by: 10

  • Thermochemical properties and contribution groups for ketene dimers and related structures from theoretical calculations
    Year: 2009 | Cited by: 10

  • Molecular and multiscale modeling: Review on the theories and applications in chemical engineering
    Year: 2009 | Cited by: 9

  • Ajuste de curvas de propiedades de crudos: nueva metodología e implementación en el módulo CrudeExpert
    Year: 2012 | Cited by: 4

Conclusion

Prof. Morales Medina is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His strong record in chemical engineering research, innovation in modeling and simulation, and dedication to teaching and curriculum development make him stand out as both a scholar and mentor. With greater focus on international collaborations, wider dissemination of his work, and continuous pursuit of interdisciplinary research, he has the potential not only to lead within his field but also to shape future directions in sustainable chemical engineering.

Alexander Kustov | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Alexander Kustov |Renewable Energy
| Best Researcher Award

 

Assistant professor at. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry, Russia.

Dr. Alexander Kustov is a distinguished Russian chemist specializing in heterogeneous catalysis and nanomaterials. Born on June 1, 1987, he is an Assistant Professor and senior researcher affiliated with Moscow State University (MSU) and the N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry. With a Scopus Hirsch Index of 25 and 136 Scopus-indexed publications, his research focuses on catalytic oxidation, hydrogenation, and CO₂ conversion. He has contributed to numerous national research projects and led initiatives on sustainable energy and green chemistry. His groundbreaking work has earned him prestigious awards, including the Moscow Government Prize and the Innovator of Moscow award. His expertise in catalysis and environmental chemistry positions him as a leader in sustainable chemical research.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Scopus

Orcid

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award

 

Dr. Alexander Kustov is a highly accomplished researcher whose contributions to catalysis and nanomaterials have had a significant scientific and environmental impact. His pioneering work in CO₂ conversion, catalytic oxidation, and green chemistry has resulted in 136 Scopus-indexed publications and a Scopus H-index of 25. He has successfully led and participated in numerous government-funded research projects, developing innovative catalysts for sustainable energy applications. His recognition with the Moscow Government Prize and the Innovator of Moscow award highlights his excellence in research. Dr. Kustov’s ability to bridge fundamental chemistry with practical applications makes him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, recognizing his influential contributions to science and technology.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Alexander Kustov earned a Specialist degree in Chemistry from Moscow State University (MSU) in 2009, specializing in Physical Chemistry. His thesis, titled “Cobaltates of lanthanum LaCoO3 deposited on mesoporous matrices: synthesis, physicochemical and catalytic properties,” was supervised by Prof. Romanovsky B.V. He then pursued doctoral studies at the N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), obtaining his Ph.D. in 2013. His dissertation, supervised by Prof. Bogdan V.I., focused on “Heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of aromatic compounds, cyclohexane, and dimethyl ether under supercritical conditions.” His academic background has provided a strong foundation in catalysis, nanotechnology, and environmental chemistry, enabling him to contribute significantly to sustainable chemical processes.

🏢 Work Experience 

Dr. Alexander Kustov has extensive research experience in catalysis and nanomaterials. From 2004 to 2009, he was a student researcher at Moscow State University’s “Kinetics and Catalysis” laboratory. He then worked as a research engineer at the N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry (2009–2013), focusing on heterogeneous catalysis and supercritical fluid processes. Since 2013, he has been a researcher at the same institute and a senior researcher at Moscow State University’s Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry. In 2015, he joined the National Research Technological University “MISiS” as a senior researcher at the Laboratory of Nanochemistry and Ecology. His career is marked by leadership roles in key research projects on CO₂ utilization, catalytic processes, and nanomaterials.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Dr. Alexander Kustov has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to catalysis and environmental chemistry. In 2022, he received the Moscow Government Prize for advancements in energy efficiency and conservation. In 2023, he won the Innovator of Moscow award for his groundbreaking research in ecology and environmental protection. He has also played key roles in multiple research projects funded by RFBR, RCF, and MISiS, contributing to cutting-edge developments in catalysis, nanomaterials, and CO₂ conversion. His work in sustainable chemistry and novel catalytic systems has established him as a leading scientist in his field, earning him national and international recognition for his contributions to green chemistry and sustainable industrial processes.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Alexander Kustov’s research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, nanomaterials, and sustainable chemical processes. His expertise includes hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, oxidation reactions, adsorbents, and supercritical fluid chemistry. He has made significant contributions to the conversion of CO₂ into valuable chemical products, carbon dioxide gasification, and biomass utilization. His projects emphasize green chemistry, nanocatalysts, and hybrid materials for sustainable energy applications. Dr. Kustov has also worked extensively on structured nanoscale catalysts, hybrid nanomaterials, and advanced oxidation processes. His research combines fundamental chemical principles with practical applications to address environmental challenges, including carbon capture, energy efficiency, and pollution reduction. His work continues to shape the future of sustainable catalysis and green chemical processes.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

  • Finashina, E.D., Tkachenko, O.P., Kartavova, K.E., Tolkachev, N.N., & Kustov, L.M. (2025). Influence of the Rh Nanoparticle Size and Rh Precursor Nature on Decalin Ring Opening over Rh/Al2O3 Catalysts. Catalysis Letters.

  • Tedeeva, M.A., Mashkin, M.Y., Baybursky, V.L., Kustov, L.M., & Kustov, A.L. (2025). Effect of Chromium Precursor on the Catalytic Behavior of Chromium Oxide Catalysts in Oxidative Propane and Isobutane Dehydrogenation with Carbon Dioxide. Catalysts.

  • Zemlianskii, P.V., Kustov, A.L., Timofeeva, M.N., & Kustov, L.M. (2025). Microwave Irradiation as an Instrument for Tuning of Physicochemical and Catalytic Properties of MFe2O4 Spinels. [No source information available].

  • Makova, A., Tkachenko, O.P., Kapustin, G.I., Ter-Akopyan, M.N., & Kustov, L.M. (2025). Influence of the Ferrierite Zeolite Synthesis Method on Physicochemical and Catalytic Characteristics in the N2O Decomposition Reaction. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering.

  • Kuz’micheva, G.M., Domoroshchina, E.N., Kravchenko, G.V., Kustov, A.L., & Dorokhov, A.V. (2025). Preparation, Composition, Catalytic Properties of MFI-Type Zeolite Solid Solutions Hx[Al3+x Ti4+ySi4+12−x-yO24] with Al (x < 0.06) and Ti (y < 0.13) Content. Journal of Porous Materials.

  • Medvedev, A.A., Beldova, D.A., Nizameev, I.R., Kustov, A.L., & Kustov, L.M. (2025). Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Gasification of Fresh and Pyrolysis Residues of Macadamia F. Muell Nutshells: The Catalytic Properties of Na, K, and Co. Catalysts.

  • Zemlianskii, P.V., Morozov, D.V., Kapustin, G.I., Kustov, A.L., & Kustov, L.M. (2025). Correlations Between Synthetic Conditions and Catalytic Activity of LaMO3 Perovskite-Like Oxide Materials (M: Fe, Co, Ni): The Key Role of Glycine. ChemPhysMater. (1 citation).

  • Evdokimenko, N.D., Vikanova, K.V., Bazlov, A.I., Kustov, L.M., & Kustov, A.L. (2024). Effect of the Nature of Iron Precursors on the Activity of Fe-Containing Catalysts in CO2 Conversion. Applied Catalysis A: General.

  • Batkin, A.M., Tedeeva, M.A., Kalmykov, K.B., Beletskaya, I.P., & Kustov, A.L. (2024). Producing Methanol from CO2 on Cu–Zn-Catalyst on Commercial Supports: Effect of the Support and Conditions of the Reaction. Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry A.

NTUMBA LOBO | Energy Conversion | Best Researcher Award

 Ms. NTUMBA LOBO| Energy Conversion
| Best Researcher Award

PhD student at Nagoya Institute Of Technology, Japan

Ntumba Lobo is an accomplished researcher currently pursuing her PhD in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan. With a strong background in semiconductor materials, nuclear physics, and hydrogen storage, she has conducted extensive research in carrier lifetime measurements and material characterization. Her academic journey spans institutions in Japan, Germany, Ethiopia, and DR Congo, demonstrating her global research exposure. She has participated in prestigious conferences, presenting her work on semiconductors and energy materials. As a research assistant at Nagoya Institute of Technology, she actively contributes to advancing semiconductor technology. Her dedication, technical expertise, and innovative contributions position her as a leading figure in materials science and applied physics.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Orcid

google scholar

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award 

Ntumba Lobo is a distinguished candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her exceptional contributions to semiconductor materials and energy storage research. Her work has significantly advanced the understanding of carrier lifetime in semiconductors, benefiting applications in solar cells and optoelectronic devices. She has presented at renowned international conferences, authored impactful publications, and collaborated on interdisciplinary projects. Her research at Nagoya Institute of Technology and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg has led to innovations in semiconductor processing and characterization techniques. She possesses strong analytical skills, experimental expertise, and a commitment to scientific progress, making her a deserving recipient of this honor.

🎓 Education 

Ntumba Lobo’s academic credentials reflect her expertise in materials science, physics, and engineering. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan (2025), focusing on semiconductor materials. She completed her Master’s in Science and Engineering at Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan (2020), specializing in hydrogen storage materials. Her M.Sc. in Nuclear Physics from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia (2016) involved research on fusion reactions in nuclear materials. She earned her B.Sc. (Honors) in Physics from the University of Kinshasa, DR Congo (2012), conducting research on non-destructive concrete characterization using ultrasound. Additionally, she was an exchange student at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, where she worked on semiconductor crystallization techniques.

🏢 Work Experience 

Ntumba Lobo has extensive experience in research, teaching, and industry internships. Since 2020, she has been a Research Assistant at Nagoya Institute of Technology, working on semiconductor material development. She has completed internships at OSM Group Co., Ltd. (Japan) and For Delight Co. Ltd. (Japan), where she gained practical expertise in materials engineering and electronics. Previously, she conducted nuclear physics research at Centre Régional de Recherche Nucléaire, Kinshasa. She also served as a teaching assistant at the University of Kinshasa, mentoring students in physics and engineering principles. Her experience includes scientific research, material characterization, and experimental physics, making her a well-rounded researcher in semiconductor technology and applied materials science.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Ntumba Lobo has received numerous recognitions for her contributions to semiconductor materials, nuclear physics, and hydrogen storage research. She has been invited to present at international conferences, including the Solid-State Devices and Materials Conference (Japan), MRS Tanzania Conference, and Metal-Hydrogen Systems Symposium (China). Her research on carrier lifetime measurements and recombination velocity in lithium tantalate has been widely cited. She has been awarded scholarships and research grants to support her studies at Nagoya Institute of Technology, Shibaura Institute of Technology, and Addis Ababa University. Her work in materials engineering, energy storage, and semiconductor characterization has earned her fellowships and international research funding, cementing her reputation as a leading researcher.

🔬 Research Focus 

Ntumba Lobo’s research spans semiconductor materials, energy storage, and nuclear physics. She specializes in carrier lifetime analysis, surface recombination velocity, and semiconductor device optimization. Her contributions to metal halide perovskites, lithium tantalate, and hydrogen storage materials have direct applications in renewable energy and electronics. She has developed novel techniques to mitigate carrier trapping effects, enhancing the efficiency of solar cells and optoelectronic devices. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates solid-state physics, material science, and applied engineering to develop next-generation semiconductor devices and energy storage solutions. With a strong background in both experimental and computational methods, she continues to drive innovation in semiconductor characterization and sustainable energy materials.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

  • Lobo, N., Takasaki, A., Mineo, K., Klimkowicz, A., & Goc, K. (2019). Stability investigation of the γ-MgH₂ phase synthesized by high-energy ball milling. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 44(55), 29179-29188.

  • Kimilita, P. D., Hayashi, M., Nkomba, H. M., Fukunishi, H., Lobo, N., Mizuno, T., … (2023). Stable quasi-solid-state zinc-ion battery based on the hydrated vanadium oxide cathode and polyacrylamide-organohydrogel electrolyte. Electrochimica Acta, 462, 142702.

  • Lobo, N., Kawane, T., Matt, G. J., Osvet, A., Shrestha, S., Ievgen, L., Brabec, C. J., … (2022). Trapping effects and surface/interface recombination of carrier recombination in single-or poly-crystalline metal halide perovskites. Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, 61(12), 125503.

  • Lobo, N. T. (2016). Study of ²⁰Ne induced reaction in ⁵⁹Co: Incomplete and complete fusion. Addis Ababa University.

  • Lobo, N., Klimkowicz, A., & Takasaki, A. (2020). Effect of TiO₂ + Nb₂O₅ + TiH₂ catalysts on hydrogen storage properties of magnesium hydride. MRS Advances, 1-11.

  • Lobo, E. N. (2010). La super symétrie en physique quantique. Université de Kinshasa.

  • Lobo, N., Matt, G. J., Osvet, A., Shrestha, S., Kanak, A., Fochuk, P., Brabec, C. J., … (2024). Mitigation of carrier trapping effects on carrier lifetime measurements with continuous-wave laser illumination for Pb-based metal halide perovskite materials. Journal of Applied Physics, 135(7).

S. K. Tyagi | Clean Combustion of Solid Fuels | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. S. K. Tyagi | Clean Combustion of Solid Fuels | Best Researcher Award

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India

👨‍🎓 Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

S.K. Tyagi's academic journey began with a Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. His thesis titled "Application of Finite Time Thermodynamics and Second Law Evaluation of Thermal Energy Conversion Systems" laid the foundation for his extensive research in thermodynamics and energy systems. His early post-doctoral work took him to prominent institutions across Hong Kong and China, allowing him to build expertise in renewable energy and refrigeration systems.

💼 Professional Endeavors

S.K. Tyagi has over 25 years of professional experience in the field of energy studies. He has held various academic and research roles, including: Associate Professor at the Centre for Energy Studies, IIT Delhi, Scientist E/Director at Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Renewable Energy, Assistant Professor at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Brain Pool Scientist at Korea Institute of Energy Research, Multiple Post-Doctoral Fellowships at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Zhejiang University, and Xiamen University.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

S.K. Tyagi's research contributions span a wide range of topics within the energy sector, such as: Solar Thermal Applications, Exergy Analysis of Energy Conversion Systems, Biomass Characterization and Management, Hybrid Solar-Biomass Systems, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Phase Change Materials for Energy Conservation. His work on biomass combustion, solar hybrid systems, and energy-efficient cookstoves has played a crucial role in advancing renewable energy technologies. Tyagi has also contributed to the development of solar-biomass hybrid systems for atmospheric water generation, focusing on sustainable energy solutions for arid climates.

🌍 Impact and Influence

S.K. Tyagi's research has had a significant impact on renewable energy technologies, particularly in India. His projects on biomass-solar hybrid systems and clean biomass combustion for jaggery production have helped reduce environmental pollution and improve energy efficiency. His contributions have been widely recognized, with numerous citations in top energy journals, including Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.

🛠️ Technical Skills

S.K. Tyagi's technical expertise includes: Finite Time Thermodynamics, Exergy and Energy Analysis, Biomass Combustion Systems, Solar-Biomass Hybrid Systems, Biomass Cookstove Design and Dissemination. His knowledge in energy-efficient technologies and thermodynamics has enabled him to contribute to both academic research and practical energy solutions.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Throughout his career, S.K. Tyagi has been an active educator, holding teaching roles at institutions like IIT Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. His expertise in energy conversion systems, thermodynamics, and renewable energy technologies has inspired many students to pursue careers in energy studies.

🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions

S.K. Tyagi's legacy is built on his contributions to renewable energy research and sustainable development. His work has paved the way for new innovations in biomass energy, solar thermal applications, and hybrid energy systems. Moving forward, his research is likely to focus on further advancements in clean energy technologies, energy conservation, and sustainable development.

🎖 Honors and Awards

  • Brain Pool Fellowship from the Korea Foundation of Science & Technology
  • Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Hong Kong and China
  • Research Associate at the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), India

Tyagi's numerous awards and fellowships underscore his international recognition as a leader in energy studies.

📖  Notable Publications

Development of phase change materials based microencapsulated technology for buildings: a review

Authors: T.S. Kousks, V.V. Tyagi, S.C. Kaushik, T. Akiyama
Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Year: 2011

Recent advances in the development of biomass gasification technology: A comprehensive review

Authors: S.K. Sansaniwal, K. Pal, M.A. Rosen, S.K. Tyagi
Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Year: 2017

Advancement in solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) hybrid collector technology

Authors: S.C. Kaushik, S.K. Verma, V.V. Tyagi
Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Year: 2012

Energy and exergy analyses of thermal power plants: A review

Authors: S.C. Kaushik, V.S. Reddy, S.K. Tyagi
Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Year: 2011

State-of-the-art of solar thermal power plants

Authors: V.S. Reddy, S.C. Kaushik, K.R. Ranjan, S.K. Tyagi
Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Year: 2013