Shiqun Wu | Renewable Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Shiqun Wu | Renewable Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Shiqun Wu, East China University of Science and Technology, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shiqun Wu is a rising star in the field of photocatalysis and molecular activation. He earned his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry from East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), where he is currently serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering. With over 20 SCI-indexed publications and 10+ patents, Dr. Wu is known for his pioneering work in atomic-level catalyst design aimed at addressing energy and environmental challenges. His contributions focus on the green transformation of CH₄, CO₂, and N₂ in alignment with China’s “carbon peaking and neutrality” strategy. Recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including Shanghai’s “Rising Star” Talent Program and national innovation grants, Dr. Wu also actively mentors young scientists. His innovative approach and sustained research excellence make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Shiqun Wu began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry at the East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) from 2012 to 2016. Demonstrating academic excellence and research potential, he pursued a Ph.D. at ECUST (2016–2021), under the mentorship of Prof. Jinlong Zhang, a foreign academician of the European Academy of Sciences. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Wu developed advanced photocatalytic materials and published in top-tier journals such as JACS and Angew. Chem. His doctoral thesis laid the groundwork for molecular transformation through atomic-level engineering, particularly for carbon-neutral strategies. After completing his Ph.D., he continued as a postdoctoral fellow at ECUST (2021–2024), further advancing his specialization in photocatalytic activation of small molecules. Dr. Wu’s academic training emphasizes high-impact research and innovation, positioning him as a leading scholar and educator in applied chemistry and environmental catalysis.

Experience

Dr. Wu has built an impressive academic career at East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), where he has progressed from student to Associate Professor. From 2021 to 2024, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow, collaborating with Prof. Jinlong Zhang on projects involving atomic-level catalyst design and molecular transformation. In June 2024, he was appointed as an Associate Professor at the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at ECUST. His current academic responsibilities include leading national research projects, mentoring graduate students, and contributing to the development of photocatalysis as a transformative solution for energy and environmental sustainability. His academic service includes roles in national youth scientific committees and editorial boards. Dr. Wu’s experience bridges cutting-edge research and practical implementation, demonstrating leadership in China’s national “dual-carbon” strategy and contributing to sustainable innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research Projects

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shiqun Wu has garnered significant recognition and support for his outstanding research contributions through a series of prestigious grants and fellowships 💼💡. He is currently a recipient of the First-Class Discipline Construction Grant from ECUST, valued at 250,000 CNY, supporting his ongoing research initiatives 🧪📘. Additionally, he is funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) – Young Scientists Fund with 300,000 CNY, and is part of the Shanghai “Rising Star” Talent Program (Sailing Plan) with 200,000 CNY 🏅🚀. His earlier achievements include the highly competitive Postdoctoral Innovative Talent Support Program, for which he was awarded 630,000 CNY, and the Shanghai “Super Postdoc” Incentive Program, receiving 300,000 CNY 💰🎓. Furthermore, he successfully completed the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Tier 1) grant, amounting to 120,000 CNY 📜🔬. These accolades reflect his dynamic potential and commitment to advancing chemical research in China and beyond 🌍🔍.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Shiqun Wu has received numerous prestigious awards that reflect his excellence and innovation in research. These include the Gold Award (Shanghai Region, 2024) and Bronze Award (National Final, 2023) in the China International University Student Innovation Competition, where he served as first advisor. He also won the Gold Award at the 9th China “Internet+” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (Shanghai, 2023). As a postdoctoral researcher, he was honored with the Shanghai “Super Postdoc” Incentive, Postdoctoral Innovative Talent Support Program, and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Tier 1). Notably, he was selected as an Outstanding Graduate of Shanghai (2021) and received the National Graduate Scholarship (2019) and ACS Graduate Research Achievement Prize (Third Prize, 2019). His recognitions demonstrate a consistent track record of academic leadership, mentorship, and innovative research in energy conversion and carbon neutrality.

Research Focus

Dr. Wu’s research centers on the design and mechanism-driven control of photocatalytic materials for energy conversion and environmental remediation. His work particularly targets the green transformation of inert molecules such as methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrogen (N₂)—key to achieving carbon neutrality and energy sustainability. He engineers catalysts at the atomic level, optimizing surface active sites and promoting selective molecule activation under solar irradiation. Dr. Wu’s approach integrates nanotechnology, material science, and physical chemistry, supported by his deep understanding of spin polarization, molecular orbital engineering, and reaction kinetics. With over 20 SCI publications in journals like JACS, Angew. Chem., Adv. Mater., and Chem, his work contributes significantly to catalytic innovations that reduce greenhouse gases and enhance renewable energy utilization. He also leads national and regional grants and participates in the development of China’s energy strategy through fundamental and application-oriented research.

Publication Top Notes

Ga-Doped and Pt-Loaded Porous TiO2–SiO2 for Photocatalytic Nonoxidative Coupling of Methane

Non‐oxidative Coupling of Methane: N‐type Doping of Niobium Single Atoms in TiO2–SiO2 Induces Electron Localization

Single-Atom High-Valent Fe(IV) for Promoted Photocatalytic Nitrogen Hydrogenation on Porous TiO2-SiO2

Construction of Single Ni Atom-Immobilized ZIF-8 with Ordered Hierarchical Pore Structures for Selective CO2 Photoreduction

Recent advances in photo-enhanced dry reforming of methane: A review

Noble‐Metal‐Free Materials for Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Detection

High-density frustrated Lewis pairs based on Lamellar Nb2O5 for photocatalytic non-oxidative methane coupling

Oliver. O Apeh | Renewable Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Oliver. O Apeh | Renewable Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr Oliver. O Apeh, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Dr. Oliver O. Apeh is an accomplished physicist and researcher specializing in solar energy, the Food-Energy-Water Nexus, and blockchain applications. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa (2021), with a dissertation on solar photovoltaic system performance. His research integrates machine learning, renewable energy, and sustainability to address global challenges. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, he supervises students and contributes to groundbreaking studies on energy optimization. With numerous academic publications, awards, and professional memberships, Dr. Apeh’s work significantly impacts renewable energy advancements. His dedication to sustainability and innovation makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 🌞🔬📚

Publication Profile

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Education  

Dr. Oliver O. Apeh 🎓 is a dedicated physicist specializing in solar energy and materials science. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa (November 2021) 🌞, with a thesis on the comparative performance of 3-kWp solar photovoltaic systems under varying meteorological conditions in Alice, Eastern Cape. He holds an M.Sc. in Physics and Astronomy (December 2015) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he researched nanostructured zinc oxide thin films 🏗️. Additionally, he completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Physics Education from the National Open University of Nigeria (December 2014) 📚. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Physics and Astronomy (July 2011) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he synthesized and characterized tungsten oxide using the chemical bath method ⚛️. His expertise bridges renewable energy, nanomaterials, and education, contributing to sustainable technology advancements.

Experience

Dr. Oliver O. Apeh is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Johannesburg Business School, University of Johannesburg 🇿🇦 (2022–Present), where he supervises Honors and Master’s students while researching the Food-Energy-Water Nexus, machine learning applications in solar energy, and blockchain for energy systems 🔬⚡📊. Since 2023, he has also been a Visiting Lecturer at Eduvos Higher Institution, Midrand Campus 🇿🇦, teaching undergraduate students and guiding Honors research 👨‍🏫📖. Previously, he was a Research Assistant at the University of Fort Hare 🇿🇦 (2018–2021), conducting experiments and authoring research papers. In addition, he served as a Student Administrator (2020–2021), assisting international students with visa applications 🌍📝. Dr. Apeh also lectured physics and mathematics at NCM Computer and Business Academy, Fort Beaufort 🇿🇦 (2021) 📚🔢. His career is marked by significant contributions to teaching, supervision, and research, demonstrating his dedication to academia and innovation 🚀🎓.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Oliver O. Apeh is a distinguished scholar and educator with a strong commitment to research and teaching. He was a recipient of the prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) Grant Award at the University of Fort Hare (2017–2021) 🏅, supporting his groundbreaking research. His academic excellence was further recognized through the University of Fort Hare Doctoral Research Award (2017–2021) 🎓, reflecting his outstanding contributions to knowledge. Dr. Apeh’s dedication to discipline and time management earned him a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Punctuality from St. Cyprian’s Science School in 2014 ⏳. His passion for teaching was evident early in his career when he received the Best Science Teacher Award at Community Secondary School, Aguibeje in 2003 🏆. These accolades showcase his unwavering dedication to education, research, and mentorship, making him a respected figure in academia and beyond. ✨📚

Research Focus

Dr. Oliver O. Apeh’s research focuses on renewable energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaics, machine learning applications in energy systems, and the Food-Energy-Water Nexus. His studies investigate blockchain for energy optimization, sustainability in agri-food industries, and solar forecasting techniques. He has authored numerous high-impact publications on energy efficiency, grid resilience, and economic growth through renewable energy. His work bridges the gap between technology and sustainability, aiming to solve global energy challenges using data-driven and AI-enhanced methodologies. With a multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Apeh advances clean energy innovations, offering insights into smart energy management and climate-friendly solutions. ☀️🔗📊

Publication Top Notes

Contributions of solar photovoltaic systems to environmental and socioeconomic aspects of national development—A review

Monthly, seasonal and yearly assessments of global solar radiation, clearness index and diffuse fractions in alice, South Africa

Properties of nanostructured ZnO thin films synthesized using a modified aqueous chemical growth method

The water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus scenario in Africa: Perspective and policy implementations

Performance evaluation of Bi2O3@GO and Bi2O3@rGO composites electrode for supercapacitor application

Modeling and experimental analysis of battery charge controllers for comparing three off-grid photovoltaic power plants

Electrical and meteorological data acquisition system of a commercial and domestic microgrid for monitoring pv parameters

 

 

Helena Ramos | hybrid energy solutions | Excellence in Research Award

Helena Ramos | hybrid energy solutions | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Dr Helena Ramos, University of Lisbon, IST, CERIS, Portugal

Prof. Dr. Helena Ramos is a leading civil engineer and academic with expertise in hydraulics, hydropower, and water-energy efficiency 🌊🔋. She earned her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering in 1995 from IST, University of Lisbon, where she is now a professor. Her research focuses on innovative energy solutions, such as pumped hydropower storage and hybrid systems 🌍💧. She has contributed to major projects like REDAWN and FP7-HYLOW, earning numerous awards, including multiple “Water Editor’s Choice” recognitions 🏆📜. Outside academia, she has served as a consultant and advisor on hydraulic projects, making substantial impacts in sustainable energy and water management ⚙️💡.

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

Prof. Dr. Helena Ramos 🎓 has a distinguished academic background in Civil Engineering. She earned her initial degree in Civil Engineering from IST, University of Lisbon, in 1983 🏗️. Pursuing her passion for hydraulic and water resources, she completed an MSc in 1987 💧, followed by a PhD in Civil Engineering in 1995 🎓. Further solidifying her expertise, she achieved her Habilitation title in 2005 🌟. Throughout her career, Prof. Ramos has contributed significantly to academia and research, advancing knowledge in her field and inspiring future engineers through her work and dedication to civil engineering.

Main Research Interests 

Prof. Dr. Helena Ramos is a leading researcher in hydraulic engineering, specializing in hydropower, energy recovery, and the water-energy nexus 🌊⚡. Her innovative contributions in pumped hydropower storage and hybrid energy solutions have advanced the field, promoting sustainable and efficient water-energy systems 🔋💧. With a focus on integrating renewable energy sources and optimizing resource use, Prof. Ramos’s work addresses critical global challenges in energy sustainability and resource management 🌍💡. Her research not only drives technological advancements but also supports eco-friendly practices that benefit both the environment and energy sector ♻️🔋.

Experience 

Prof. Dr. Helena Ramos has an extensive teaching career in Civil and Environmental Engineering, spanning over four decades. At institutions such as IST, ESTB, AFA, and AM, she has held roles as Coordinator and Lecturer across numerous specialized courses, including Hid 1 and Hid 2, covering theory, practical sessions, and labs since 1982. Her contributions include postgraduate courses like Hid Hidro Comp and MFH and master’s level courses like AH and EIA, where she was a leader in Environmental Engineering. Her expertise and dedication to teaching and curriculum development have enriched the field immensely. 📘🏗️🌊

Research Projects 

🌍 Prof. Dr. Helena Ramos has led multiple prestigious EU-funded projects, including the REDAWN and HYLOW initiatives. Her work focuses on energy recovery in water networks and the advancement of innovative hydropower systems. These projects have resulted in practical solutions and tools that support sustainable energy use within water distribution systems, enhancing both efficiency and environmental stewardship. Prof. Ramos’s efforts contribute significantly to the global push for greener infrastructure, driving advancements that promote energy conservation and resource management. Her expertise continues to shape the future of sustainable energy in water distribution networks. ⚡💧

Supervision of Theses 

🌊📚 Prof. Dr. Helena Ramos has an impressive track record in supervising MSc and PhD theses, alongside guiding postdoctoral research associates. Her mentorship has been a driving force in shaping future experts in hydraulic and civil engineering, fostering the growth of knowledge and innovation in these fields. Through her guidance, many of her mentees have progressed to influential roles, contributing to the industry and academia alike. Prof. Ramos’s dedication to mentorship and collaboration reflects her commitment to advancing research and developing a skilled new generation of professionals. 🌟👩‍🏫📈

Awards

Prof. Dr. Helena Ramos is a distinguished expert in geologic and civil engineering, particularly known for her pioneering work in micro-hydropower and energy management. Her accolades include her paper on “Dynamic Effects in Micro-Hydro Modelling” being spotlighted by Water Power & Dam Construction in 2003 🌊📘. She has twice been recognized in Who’s Who in Science and Engineering for her impactful research 🏅. Recent awards include multiple “Editor’s Choice” honors from Water journal for her innovative studies on sustainable water networks and energy recovery 🌍💧, notably for work on hybrid pumped hydro storage and sustainable irrigation solutions in 2020-2021 ⚙️🌱.

research focus

Prof. Dr. Helena Ramos specializes in hydraulic engineering, focusing on optimizing water distribution systems, minimizing leakage, and enhancing energy efficiency. Her research delves into the dynamics of hydraulic transients, the impact of pipe-wall viscoelasticity, and advanced techniques for leak detection, such as inverse transient analysis. A notable part of her work involves using Pumps as Turbines (PAT) for sustainable energy production within water networks. Through innovative modeling and experimental methods, Dr. Ramos addresses challenges in water resource management, balancing system performance with environmental sustainability. 🌊🔍💧⚙️⚡️💡

Publication top notes

Pressure control for leakage minimisation in water distribution systems management

The dynamic effect of pipe-wall viscoelasticity in hydraulic transients. Part II—Model development, calibration and verification

The dynamic effect of pipe-wall viscoelasticity in hydraulic transients. Part I—Experimental analysis and creep characterization

Energy production in water distribution networks: A PAT design strategy

Standing wave difference method for leak detection in pipeline systems

Case studies of leak detection and location in water pipe systems by inverse transient analysis