Bilal Elhajjar | Engineering | Industry Impact Academic Award

Dr. Bilal Elhajjar | Engineering | Industry Impact Academic Award

Process Engineering & Development Manager at United Steel Industrial Co, Kuwait

Dr. Bilal Elhajjar is a seasoned engineering professional and academic with over 18 years of experience in the steel and energy industries. He specializes in process engineering, logistics optimization, hydrogen management, and supply chain strategies. As the Process Engineering, Development, and Logistics Manager at KWTSTEEL, he has led over 1000 projects, including steel plant revamps, cost reduction initiatives, and feasibility studies. His expertise spans project management, industrial research, and technical leadership, saving his company approximately $1 million annually through optimized logistics. Academically, he holds a PhD in Fluid Mechanics and has contributed to cutting-edge research in nanofluidics, heat transfer, and industrial process modeling, with multiple high-impact publications. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor and postdoctoral researcher, bridging academia and industry. His multidisciplinary knowledge and leadership in both industrial and academic settings make him a distinguished figure in engineering and applied research.

Professional Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Bilal Elhajjar holds a PhD in Fluid Mechanics and Heat and Mass Transfer from the University of Toulouse, where he graduated with the highest honors. He also earned a MicroMaster in Supply Chain Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2022. His academic journey includes a Master’s degree in Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer from the University of Toulouse, where he was the valedictorian, and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Lebanese University, also graduating as valedictorian. He has further specialized in renewable energy, earning Galileo Master Certificates in Hydrogen Energy and Renewable Energy Management & Finance from the Renewable Energy Institute. Additionally, he is a certified Hydrogen Energy Consultant Expert. Dr. Elhajjar has continuously enhanced his expertise through certifications in contract law (Harvard University), project management, and advanced quality techniques, equipping him with a strong foundation in both engineering and business management.

Experience 🌟

Dr. Bilal Elhajjar has over 18 years of professional experience spanning the steel, energy, and academic sectors. Since 2012, he has served as the Process Engineering, Development, and Logistics Manager at KWTSTEEL, where he has led over 1000 projects, optimizing supply chain operations, reducing costs, and enhancing plant efficiency. His expertise includes feasibility studies, process control, and commissioning steel plants and equipment. Prior to this, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Evry Val d’Essonne, where he developed engineering courses and collaborated with industries on applied research projects. He also worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toulouse, contributing to nanofluidics and heat transfer studies. His career includes research stints at the University of Calgary and collaborations with Airbus and Gaztransport. With a strong blend of industrial leadership and academic research, Dr. Elhajjar has significantly contributed to engineering advancements and operational excellence.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Bilal Elhajjar’s research interests span fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, nanofluidics, hydrogen energy, and industrial process optimization. His work focuses on enhancing efficiency in energy-intensive industries, particularly in steel manufacturing and hydrogen management. He has conducted extensive research on heat transfer modeling, separation of fluid mixtures, and the application of nanotechnology to improve thermal properties of fluids. His studies on Soret-driven convection and thermo-gravitational separation have contributed to advancements in porous media research. Additionally, he has explored hydrogen energy applications, sustainable industrial practices, and supply chain optimization. His research bridges academia and industry, applying scientific principles to real-world engineering challenges, including logistics efficiency and cost reduction in manufacturing. With numerous high-impact publications, Dr. Elhajjar continues to advance knowledge in energy systems, process engineering, and sustainable industrial solutions, making significant contributions to both theoretical research and practical industry applications.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Bilal Elhajjar has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to engineering, research, and industrial process optimization. He graduated as the valedictorian in both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, reflecting his academic excellence. His PhD in Fluid Mechanics from the University of Toulouse was awarded with the highest honors, acknowledging his pioneering research in heat transfer and fluid dynamics. Throughout his career, he has received various professional certifications and recognitions, including Galileo Master Certificates in Hydrogen Energy and Renewable Energy Management & Finance from the Renewable Energy Institute. His innovations in steel manufacturing and logistics optimization, which saved approximately $1 million annually, have positioned him as a leader in industrial process improvement. Additionally, he has been a visiting researcher at the University of Calgary and has collaborated with global organizations like Airbus and Gaztransport. His contributions continue to earn him recognition in both academic and industrial circles.

Research Skill  🔍 

Dr. Bilal Elhajjar possesses exceptional research skills in fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, nanofluidics, hydrogen energy, and industrial process optimization. He excels in numerical modeling, computational simulations, and experimental analysis, applying advanced methodologies to solve complex engineering challenges. His expertise includes finite element analysis, thermal modeling, and process simulation, which he has utilized in industrial research and academic studies. He has conducted groundbreaking research on Soret-driven convection, thermo-gravitational separation, and nanotechnology applications in heat transfer, leading to multiple high-impact publications. Dr. Elhajjar is adept at conducting feasibility studies, analyzing industrial processes, and optimizing supply chains, integrating research-driven strategies to enhance operational efficiency. His ability to bridge theoretical research with practical industry applications makes him a valuable contributor to both academia and engineering fields. With strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills, he continues to innovate in energy management, sustainable manufacturing, and process improvement.

Conclusion 

Dr. Bilal Elhajjar is a strong candidate for the Industry Impact Academic Award due to his extensive industrial expertise, leadership in engineering projects, and research contributions. His ability to bridge academia and industry is commendable, especially in process optimization, logistics, and hydrogen management. Strengthening the direct link between research and industry-wide impact could further enhance his application. Overall, his credentials align well with the award’s objectives.

Top Noted Publications 📚

  • Author(s): Bilal Elhajjar, Mohamed Samir Larhrib, Davide Mombelli

  • Year: 2025

  • Title: Consequences of Switching From Lime to Dololime Fines Injection in Electric Arc Furnace

  • Journal: Engineering Reports

  • DOI: 10.1002/eng2.70095

  • Type: Journal Article

  • Publication Date: March 2025

Mahdi Salehi | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Mahdi Salehi | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Professor at erdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

Dr. Mahdi Salehi is a Professor of Accounting at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, with a strong academic background, holding a PhD in Accounting. His research interests span a wide range of topics, including Corporate Governance, Audit Expectation Gaps, Financial Management, Auditing, and Capital Markets. With over 50 publications in internationally recognized journals, his work focuses on both theoretical and applied aspects of accounting, particularly in the context of emerging economies like Iran. Dr. Salehi’s research is widely cited, and his contributions to the fields of auditing, corporate governance, and financial markets make him a respected scholar in his discipline. Fluent in English, Farsi, and Turkish, he is actively engaged in global academic discourse, reflected in his presence on Google Scholar and Scopus.

Publication profile

Scopus Profile

Education Background

Dr. Mahdi Salehi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management (1997), a Master’s degree in Financial Management (2000), and a PhD in Accounting (2009). His master’s dissertation focused on the role of financial intermediaries in supporting companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. For his PhD, he conducted an empirical study on the corporate audit expectation gap in Iran, demonstrating his deep engagement with both theoretical and practical aspects of financial management and auditing. His solid educational foundation has supported his academic career, contributing to his expertise as a Professor of Accounting.

Research Experience

Dr. Mahdi Salehi is a seasoned researcher in accounting and finance, with a focus on areas such as corporate governance, audit expectation gap, ownership structure, and capital markets, particularly in emerging economies like Iran. Over the years, he has produced an extensive body of work, publishing more than 50 articles in internationally recognized and ISI-ranked journals. His research spans diverse topics, including fraud detection, audit independence, Islamic banking, and the role of financial intermediaries. Through his empirical studies, Dr. Salehi has contributed significantly to understanding the challenges and dynamics of accounting and financial systems in developing markets. His work is widely cited, and he has collaborated with both national and international scholars, demonstrating his active involvement in the global academic community.

Teaching and Mentoring Experience

Dr. Mahdi Salehi has extensive teaching and mentoring experience, currently serving as a Professor of Accounting at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Throughout his academic career, he has educated and guided students at various levels in accounting and financial management. His role as a professor demonstrates his commitment to shaping the next generation of accountants and financial professionals. With a focus on subjects such as financial management, auditing, and corporate governance, Dr. Salehi has also likely contributed to curriculum development and academic supervision, mentoring numerous graduate and postgraduate students in their research endeavors. His diverse research interests allow him to offer students a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of accounting and finance.

Work Experience

Dr. Mahdi Salehi is a distinguished professor of accounting at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, with extensive academic and research experience. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to the fields of financial management, corporate governance, auditing, and capital markets through his wide-ranging research, particularly focusing on the Iranian context. His work is well-recognized internationally, as evidenced by his numerous publications in reputable journals, including those indexed in ISI and Scopus. Dr. Salehi has addressed crucial topics such as the audit expectation gap, ownership structure, and the role of financial intermediaries, combining theoretical insights with empirical evidence. His research has garnered attention globally, showcasing his dedication to advancing knowledge in accounting and finance, especially within emerging markets.

Awards, Honours & Certificates

Dr. Mahdi Salehi has earned numerous awards, honors, and certificates throughout his distinguished academic career, reflecting his expertise and dedication to the field of accounting and finance. As a Professor of Accounting at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in research and teaching. His extensive publication record in highly ranked journals and his recognition as a leading scholar in areas such as Corporate Governance, Auditing, and Financial Management highlight his impact. Additionally, Dr. Salehi’s work has been widely cited, contributing to his international recognition. His achievements underscore his role as a prominent figure in his academic field.

Publication Top Notes

  • A Financial Stability Model for Iraqi Companies
    • Authors: Abdlkareem Ibrahim, N., Salehi, M., Amran Naji Al-Refiay, H., Lari Dashtbayaz, M.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Impact of corporate governance on tax avoidance
    • Authors: Salehi, M., Jabbari, S., Hosseiny, Z.N., Khargh, F.E.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Management psychological characteristics and earnings management
    • Authors: Salehi, M., Ahmed Jabbar, M., Orfizadeh, S.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 7
  • The effect of board effectiveness on the long-term company success and comparability of financial information
    • Authors: Salehi, M., Hassanzadeh, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Intellectual capital, social capital components and internal control weaknesses: evidence from Iran’s business environment
    • Authors: Salehi, M., Rajaeei, R., Khansalar, E., Edalati Shakib, S.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 6

Conclusion

Dr. Mahdi Salehi is a prolific and highly accomplished researcher in the field of accounting and finance. His work on Audit Expectation Gaps, Corporate Governance, and Financial Management in emerging markets has significant academic and practical value. His extensive publication record and long-standing academic career make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

 

Jizhuang Wang | Materials Science Award | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Jizhuang Wang | Materials Science Award | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Jizhuang Wang, Jinan University, China

Dr. Jizhuang Wang is an accomplished chemist and educator. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Hong Kong (2014-2018) under Associate Professor Tang Jinyao’s mentorship 🧪. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree at Northern University for Nationalities (2006-2010), guided by Professor Yang Jin, followed by a Master’s from China University of Petroleum (2010-2013) under Professor An Changhua’s supervision 🔬. Professionally, he serves as an Associate Professor at Jinan University (2020-present) 📚, following a postdoctoral tenure at the University of Hong Kong (2018-2020) and an engineering role at China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau 🌍.

Publication profile

Educational Background

Dr. Jizhuang Wang’s academic journey is both impressive and diverse. He completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Hong Kong (2014-2018), where he worked under the mentorship of Associate Professor Tang Jinyao 🧪. Prior to this, he earned a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology from China University of Petroleum (East China) (2010-2013), studying under Professor An Changhua 🔬. His educational foundation was laid at Northern University for Nationalities, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology (2006-2010), guided by Professor Yang Jin 📘. His education reflects a strong commitment to excellence in chemistry and engineering. 🌟

Professional Experience

Dr. Jizhuang Wang has built a distinguished career in academia and industry. Since 2020, he has been serving as an Associate Professor at Jinan University, contributing to academic research and teaching 📚. Before this, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Hong Kong (2018-2020), where he deepened his research expertise 🧪. His professional journey began in the industry as an Assistant Engineer at the China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau Tianjin Design Institute (2013-2014), where he gained valuable practical experience in engineering and design 🛠️. Dr. Wang’s career reflects a blend of academic excellence and industry knowledge. 🌟

Teaching

Dr. Jizhuang Wang is dedicated to teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students. He has instructed courses such as “Polymer Material Surface and Interface,” “Chemical Safety,” and “Laboratory Safety and Environmental Protection” at the undergraduate level 📘. For postgraduate students, he teaches “Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry,” “New Energy Materials and Devices,” and “Frontiers and Prospects of Inorganic Chemistry” 🔬. Dr. Wang has been recognized for his excellence in teaching, winning prizes in college-level teaching competitions 🏅. He has also mentored students to achieve significant awards, including the “Graduate National Scholarship” and top prizes in innovation and entrepreneurship competitions 🏆.

Research Focus

Dr. Jizhuang Wang’s research primarily focuses on nanotechnology and materials science. His work includes developing programmable artificial microswimmers for biomedical applications and exploring plasmonic nanoparticles for environmental and energy applications, such as CO₂ reduction and photocatalysis 🌍🔬. He has extensively studied light-driven micro/nanomotors and their biomedical potential, emphasizing innovations in nanomaterials and their applications in energy conversion and environmental protection ⚡🌿. His contributions to the synthesis and design of nanostructures, including photocatalysts and light-responsive materials, reflect a commitment to advancing sustainable and efficient technologies 🌟.

Publications Top Notes

Peng Jiap | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Peng Jiap | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Peng Jiap, Zhejiang University, China

Dr. Jiao Peng 🎓, male, is an assistant researcher with a Ph.D. in engineering from Zhejiang University (2021), mentored by Professor Chen Zhiping. He holds a bachelor’s degree from East China University of Science and Technology (2015). Specializing in the strength and stability of thin-walled structures and pressure-bearing equipment 💡, Dr. Peng has been involved in multiple high-profile research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. With over 20 publications, including 8 SCI papers as the first or corresponding author 📝, he has also applied for 3 national invention patents 📜.

 

Publication profile

Google Scholar

Education and Background

Jiao Peng, a male assistant researcher, achieved a postgraduate degree and holds a Ph.D. in engineering. He graduated from East China University of Science and Technology in June 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Subsequently, he earned his doctorate from Zhejiang University in September 2021, under the supervision of Professor Chen Zhiping.

 

Research Focus

Jiao Peng’s research primarily revolves around the buckling behavior and structural stability of thin-walled cylindrical shells and plates 🛠️. His work delves into various aspects such as localized axial compression loads, initial imperfection sensitivity, and the effects of geometric defects under non-uniform in-plane compression. Peng’s studies not only contribute significantly to understanding the mechanics of these structures but also advance methodologies in experimental and numerical analyses. His expertise extends to incorporating functionally graded materials and composite structures in enhancing structural performance, crucial for applications in pressure vessels, cylindrical shells, and related engineering domains 📊.

Fang Hou | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Fang Hou | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms Fang Hou,Utrecht university,Netherlands

🌟 Fang Hou is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate specializing in empirical software engineering, focusing on software ecosystem trust and quality. With over a decade of experience in international banking IT, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her research. Fang’s work on the TrustSECO project aims to establish trust within software frameworks through sentiment analysis and opinion mining. She has presented her findings at various prestigious conferences and contributed to notable publications. Fang’s commitment to enhancing software security and trustworthiness underscores her passion for improving global software systems. As a teaching assistant at Utrecht University, she shares her expertise in software ecosystem security. 🖥️🔍

Publication profile

google scholar

Research focus

Fang Hou is deeply immersed in the realm of Empirical Software Engineering, with a specific focus on understanding and enhancing trust within software ecosystems. Through extensive research and practical experience, Fang delves into the technical intricacies of software trust and quality assurance. Their dedication to this field is evident through a comprehensive exploration of trust evaluation methodologies and sentiment analysis tools development. Fang’s work not only contributes to the theoretical understanding of software ecosystems but also strives to implement practical solutions for securing and fortifying global software systems. 🌐🔍

Publication top notes

A systematic literature review on trust in the software ecosystem

Trustseco: A distributed infrastructure for providing trust in the software ecosystem

TrustSECO: an interview survey into software trust

Analyzing the Performance of the Unmanned Bank to Explore the Failure Reasons for AI Projects

The role of software trust in selection of open-source and closed software

Sentiment analysis for software quality assessment

A survey of the state‐of‐the‐art approaches for evaluating trust in software ecosystems

Athman Mgumia | Agricultural System of Innovation Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Athman Mgumia | Agricultural System of Innovation Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Athman Mgumia, COSTECH, Tanzania

Dr. Athman H Mgumia, PhD, is a distinguished figure in agricultural innovation and sustainable development 🌱. With over 20 years of experience, he’s the Director of the Centre for Development and Transfer of Technology at COSTECH, Tanzania 🇹🇿. Dr. Mgumia holds a PhD in Agricultural Innovation System and has authored numerous papers on innovation and technology transfer. His leadership fosters collaboration between academia, government, and private sectors, driving economic growth. Passionate about community service, he serves on various boards, advocating for science and technology. Dr. Mgumia’s dedication to advancing agricultural innovation makes him a respected figure in his field.

 

Publication Profile

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Athman H Mgumia’s research primarily focuses on agricultural innovation systems, particularly in Tanzania. His work delves into the characteristics of agricultural technology and the application of innovative systems within the Tanzanian context. Through extensive studies, such as examining the role of innovation intermediaries and understanding researchers’ perceptions and practices in technology development, Dr. Mgumia contributes significantly to advancing knowledge in this field. With a keen interest in fostering sustainable agricultural practices and promoting innovation, his research serves as a cornerstone for policymakers, academics, and practitioners striving to enhance agricultural development and technology transfer in Tanzania 🌱.

Publication Top Notes

The application of the agricultural innovation system approach in technology development in Tanzania: Researchers’ perceptions and practices

Contribution of innovation intermediaries in agricultural innovation: The case of agricultural R&D in Tanzania

Characteristics of agriculture technology and application of an agricultural innovation system in Tanzania