Francesca Vecchi | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Francesca Vecchi | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Francesca Vecchi | Energy and Sustainability | PhD | Polytechnic University of Bari | Italy

Francesca Vecchi is an Italian researcher specializing in sustainability engineering, renewable energy communities, and urban energy planning, with a strong academic background in urban and territorial planning. Currently pursuing her PhD at Politecnico di Bari in collaboration with Concordia University, she focuses on integrating renewable energy communities into urban areas through energy market mechanisms and policy analysis. Her research combines GIS-based tools, energy modelling, and solar analysis to optimize mixed-use urban neighbourhoods, with international experience as a visiting scholar in Canada at Toronto Metropolitan University and Concordia University. She has authored multiple publications in high-impact journals, contributed to notable projects such as ICELL, S2E, and Tools4Cities, and received several prestigious awards and scholarships, including the Ermenegildo Zegna Founder’s Scholarship and AiCARR Thesis Award. Francesca’s work is marked by interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to advancing sustainable urban energy solutions.

Professional Profile 

Education  

Francesca Vecchi holds a PhD in Sustainability Engineering and Safety in Civil and Industrial Buildings from Politecnico di Bari, conducted in collaboration with Concordia University in Montreal, where her research focuses on integrating renewable energy communities into urban contexts. She earned a Master’s degree in Planning for the Global Urban Agenda from Politecnico di Torino, an international program aligned with the United Nations’ New Urban Agenda, complemented by her participation in the Alta Scuola Politecnica, a prestigious multidisciplinary program jointly run by Politecnico di Milano and Politecnico di Torino. She also completed a Bachelor’s degree in Urban, Territorial and Landscape-Environmental Planning from Politecnico di Torino, enriched by an Erasmus semester at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. Her educational path began with a High School Diploma in languages from Liceo Scientifico Manfredo Fanti, which included a cultural exchange experience at Burlingame High School in San Francisco, USA.

Professional Experience

Francesca Vecchi has gained extensive professional and research experience across academic, international, and project-based environments. At Politecnico di Bari, she has been actively engaged in research on renewable energy communities, energy network management, and the integration of renewables in urban and coastal cities. As a visiting scholar at Concordia University in Montreal, she contributed to projects such as ICELL and S2E, developing energy remuneration and sharing policies, simulating energy communities, and integrating occupancy profiles into urban energy modelling tools. She also worked on demographic scenario simulations for Montreal districts, assessing both energy and financial impacts. Earlier, as a visiting scholar at Toronto Metropolitan University, she developed her master’s thesis on urban building energy modelling and solar assessment. Additionally, she served as a learning support teacher at Politecnico di Torino, assisting students with general learning needs. Her professional journey reflects a consistent commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, technical innovation, and the advancement of sustainable urban energy systems.

Research Interest

Francesca Vecchi’s research interests center on the integration of renewable energy communities within urban environments, with a strong focus on energy market mechanisms, policy analysis, and sustainable urban planning. She is particularly engaged in developing GIS-based energy assessments, multi-scalar urban energy modelling, and solar analysis to optimize building and district-level performance. Her work explores mixed-use neighbourhoods, residential occupancy patterns, and the diffusion of renewable energy policies in different socio-political contexts. She is also interested in applying advanced simulation tools to assess energy and financial impacts, fostering cross-disciplinary approaches that bridge engineering, planning, and policy-making to accelerate the energy transition and support climate-resilient cities.

Award and Honor

Francesca Vecchi has received multiple awards and honors in recognition of her academic excellence, research contributions, and commitment to sustainability. She was awarded the AiCARR Thesis Award for outstanding work on energy efficiency and sustainable well-being, and earned a Certificate of Merit at the AIGE/IIETA International Conference for her research on solar analysis in urban contexts. She is a recipient of the prestigious Ermenegildo Zegna Founder’s Scholarship, enabling advanced research abroad, and has been honored by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Carpi for achieving top grades in both her master’s and bachelor’s studies. Her distinctions reflect not only her high academic performance but also the innovative and practical impact of her research in the fields of renewable energy and sustainable urban planning.

Publications Top Noted

National Geodatabase to Map Consumptions for Energy Transition
Year: 2025

Energy remuneration mechanisms for renewable energy communities: Insights from a mixed-use district
Year: 2025

Modelling the complexity of interconnected energy systems at different urban scales: a critical review
Year: 2025

Modelling tools for the assessment of Renewable Energy Communities
Year: 2024

Solar analysis for an urban context from GIS to block-scale evaluations
Year: 2024

Self-Sufficiency Building Energy Modelling from Urban to Block-Scale with PV Technology
Year: 2023

Data-driven urban building energy models for the platform of Toronto
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Francesca Vecchi stands out as a highly promising and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her combination of technical skill, cross-cultural research experience, policy insight, and consistent scholarly output not only positions her as an emerging leader in renewable energy and sustainable urban systems but also aligns closely with the award’s aim to recognize impactful, forward-looking research that addresses global challenges.

Saheed Bello | Renewable Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Saheed Bello | Renewable Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Saheed Bello | Renewable Energy Technologies | Research Associate | University of Cambridge-EPRG | United Kingdom

Dr. Saheed Bello is a Research Associate at Cambridge Judge Business School, specializing in the economic analysis of climate change mitigation technologies and energy system transitions. His work focuses on designing policy-driven transition scenarios, integrating socioeconomic, technological, and policy data to deliver evidence-based recommendations for decarbonization to policymakers and industry stakeholders. With prior academic roles at Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham, as well as consultancy and research positions in Nigeria’s energy sector, he brings extensive expertise in energy economics, policy evaluation, and sustainable development. His contributions include high-impact publications, international collaborations, and practical development projects, such as delivering sustainable rural water facilities. Equipped with strong analytical, programming, and econometric skills, Dr. Bello bridges academic research with real-world policy applications, advancing both scholarly knowledge and global sustainability efforts.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Saheed Bello holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from Loughborough University, where his research combined economics and management science to address complex challenges in energy policy and sustainability. He earned a Master of Science in Energy Economics and Policy from the University of Surrey, specializing in energy regulation and policy frameworks that support sustainable energy transitions. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, providing him with a solid foundation in economic theory, social systems, and policy analysis. This strong and diverse educational background underpins his interdisciplinary approach to research, blending economic modeling, policy evaluation, and sustainability studies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Saheed Bello has built a distinguished professional career spanning academia, research, and policy consultancy, with a strong focus on energy economics, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. He currently serves as a Research Associate at Cambridge Judge Business School, where he conducts policy-oriented economic analyses of climate change mitigation technologies and energy system transitions, engaging stakeholders and advising policymakers on decarbonization strategies. His previous academic roles include University Teacher at Loughborough University and Associate Lecturer at the University of Nottingham, where he facilitated advanced training in econometrics, financial economics, and data analysis for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Research Analyst/Technical Assistant at Brickfield Road Associate Limited, delivering evidence-based policy briefs for the Lagos State Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria, and as a Research Assistant at the MacArthur Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law in Nigeria, contributing to national and international projects on energy governance and resource management. This diverse professional experience reflects his ability to bridge rigorous academic research with practical policy solutions.

Research Interest

Dr. Saheed Bello’s research interests lie at the intersection of energy economics, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development, with a particular focus on the economic evaluation of clean energy technologies and policy-driven energy transitions. He is deeply engaged in exploring how market dynamics, policy incentives, and technological innovation can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and low-carbon infrastructure. His work also investigates the impacts of carbon pricing, geopolitical risks, and institutional quality on energy consumption patterns and investment decisions. In addition, he has a strong interest in the design and assessment of integrated policy frameworks that align economic growth with environmental sustainability, especially in emerging and developing economies. By combining advanced econometric modeling, data analytics, and policy analysis, Dr. Bello seeks to provide evidence-based insights that inform decision-making for governments, industry stakeholders, and international organizations working toward global decarbonization goals.

Award and Honor

Dr. Saheed Bello has earned recognition for his academic excellence, research contributions, and commitment to sustainable development through various professional achievements and scholarly engagements. While much of his acknowledgment comes in the form of research publications in high-impact journals, invitations to present at prestigious forums such as the Cambridge Energy Policy Forum, and leadership roles in international development projects, his expertise has also been validated through competitive training programs and certifications from globally respected institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the Econometric Society, and the SDG Academy. His successful track record in securing research collaborations, delivering impactful policy recommendations, and contributing to sustainable infrastructure initiatives underscores the esteem in which he is held within the academic and policy communities, positioning him as a notable contributor to the global energy transition discourse.

Publications Top Noted

Evaluating the Methodology of Setting Electricity Prices in Nigeria
Year: 2013

Reinvestigating the Co-Movements between Stock Market and Exchange Rates: An Augmented Vector Autoregression Analysis
Year: 2022

Evaluating the Nexus between Energy Demand and Economic Growth Using the VECM Approach: Case Study of Nigeria, China, and the United States
Year: 2017

Experience Curves for Electrolysis Technologies
Year: 2024

Examining the Effect of Geopolitical Risks on Renewable Energy Consumption in OECD Countries
Year: 2024

conclusion

Dr. Bello’s track record of impactful research, academic leadership, and tangible societal contributions makes him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His ability to merge rigorous economic analysis with sustainable development goals positions him as a scholar whose work not only advances academic understanding but also contributes meaningfully to solving urgent global challenges.

saeid shabani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

saeid shabani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr saeid shabani, AREEO, Iran

Assist. Prof. Dr. Saeid Shabani is a distinguished forestry researcher specializing in forest monitoring, natural hazards, and sustainable ecosystem development 🌳🌍. He holds a Ph.D. in Forestry from Tarbiat Modares University, Iran (2015), where he developed models for predicting soil and forest stand disturbances caused by logging 🏗️🌲. His research integrates GIS, machine learning, and statistical modeling to assess forest fragmentation, carbon stock monitoring, and climate change impacts 📊🛰️. Dr. Shabani has led numerous projects on afforestation, ecosystem assessments, and genetic variations in tree species 🌱🔬. His publications in high-impact journals, along with his role as a reviewer for esteemed scientific outlets, solidify his reputation as a leading expert in forestry research 📖🌿. With expertise in ArcGIS, R, and SPSS, he bridges the gap between technology and environmental conservation 💻🍃. His dedication to sustainable forest management makes him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏅👏.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Saeid Shabani earned his Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of Guilan, Iran (2005) 🌲, where he developed a strong foundation in forest management and conservation. He pursued his Master of Science in Forestry at Tarbiat Modares University (2009) 📊, focusing on the relationship between forest gaps, physiographic factors, and vegetation in Lalis Forest, Nowshahr 🌳🗺️. He further advanced his expertise with a Ph.D. in Forestry from the same institution (2015) 🏗️, specializing in modeling soil and forest stand disturbance caused by logging operations 🏞️🔍. Dr. Shabani’s academic journey emphasizes sustainable forest ecosystem development, leveraging GIS, machine learning, and data-driven modeling 📈🌍. His interdisciplinary research bridges ecological conservation and technological advancements to enhance forestry management strategies 💡🌱.

Experience

Dr. Saeid Shabani has extensive experience in forestry research, specializing in forest monitoring, sustainable development, and climate impact assessments 🌍🌿. He has led and collaborated on multiple projects across the Hyrcanian and Arasbaran forests, focusing on afforestation, forest road monitoring, and carbon stock assessment 🏞️📊. His expertise in GIS, R, and machine learning has enabled him to develop predictive models for forest stand disturbances and susceptibility to environmental threats like snowstorms and windthrow 🌪️🛰️. As a scientific reviewer, he contributes to journals such as Scientific Reports, Turkish Journal of Forestry, and Ecology of Iranian Forests 📖📝. He has also been involved in standardizing forestry job competencies and ecosystem differentiation. His impactful work in forest conservation and ecosystem modeling positions him as a leading researcher in environmental sustainability and forestry science

Awards & Honors

Dr. Saeid Shabani has received multiple recognitions for his groundbreaking contributions to forestry research 🌿🏆. His work on forest sustainability, ecosystem monitoring, and climate resilience has earned him prestigious awards and funding. He was a recipient of the Chinese Government Scholarship 🎓🇨🇳 and has won Best Paper Awards for high-impact forestry research in journals like the European Journal of Forest Research 📜🏅. His expertise as a reviewer has been acknowledged with Reviewer Recognition Awards from Scientific Reports, South African Geographical Journal, and Journal of Forest Research & Development 🔍📖. He has secured project grants from environmental organizations for studies on afforestation, soil health, and carbon stock modeling 🌲💰. His Excellence in Forestry Research Award highlights his innovative use of GIS and machine learning in forest monitoring 🏗️🛰️. Through his dedication to sustainable forestry and advanced modeling techniques, he has cemented his reputation as an award-winning researcher in environmental science.

Research Focus

Dr. Saeid Shabani is a distinguished researcher specializing in forest monitoring, ecosystem sustainability, and climate impact assessment 🌲🌎. His expertise lies in applying GIS, machine learning, and statistical modeling to predict forest disturbances caused by natural hazards and human activities 🛰️📊. His research focuses on forest fragmentation and logging impact modeling 🏗️🌳, assessing the effects of snowstorms, windthrow, and climate change on forest ecosystems ❄️🌪️, and evaluating carbon stock in Hyrcanian and Arasbaran forests 🌱📈. Additionally, he contributes to afforestation efforts and sustainable forest management strategies 🌿♻️ while analyzing soil health and biodiversity conservation in forest stands 🔬🍂. Through cutting-edge methodologies, he develops innovative solutions to preserve global forest ecosystems and mitigate environmental risks 🌍💡. His work plays a vital role in policy-making and sustainable forestry development, ensuring the long-term health of natural resources.

Publication Top Notes

  • 📜 Spatial Prediction of Soil Disturbance Caused by Forest Logging Using Generalized Additive Models and GISEuropean Journal of Forest Research 🏗️🌲

  • 🌍 Forest Stand Susceptibility Mapping During Harvesting Using Logistic Regression and Boosted Regression Tree ModelsGlobal Ecology and Conservation 📊🛰️

  • 📏 Spatial Modeling of Forest Stand Susceptibility to Logging OperationsEnvironmental Impact Assessment Review 🏞️📉

  • ❄️ Modeling the Susceptibility of Uneven‑Aged Broad‑Leaved Forests to Snowstorm DamageEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research 🌨️🌲

  • 🌡️ How Do Different Land Uses/Covers Contribute to Land Surface Temperature and Albedo?Sustainability 🏡🌞

  • 🌱 Soil Health Reduction Following Conversion of Primary Vegetation Covers in Semi-Arid EnvironmentsScience of the Total Environment 🏜️🌾

  • 🗺️ Modeling and Mapping of Soil Damage Caused by Harvesting in Caspian Forests Using CART and RF TechniquesJournal of Forest Science 📈📊

  • 🌪️ Prediction of Windthrow Phenomenon in Deciduous Temperate Forests Using Logistic Regression & Random ForestCerne Journal 🌳💨

Masoud Mahdianpari | Environmental Science | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award

Masoud Mahdianpari | Environmental Science | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award

Dr Masoud Mahdianpari, Memorial University of Newfoundland/C-CORE, Canada

Based on the provided information, Dr. Masoud Mahdianpari is indeed a strong candidate for the Research for Research Hypothesis Excellence Award. His extensive educational background, professional experience, and contributions to the field of remote sensing and data science highlight his qualifications.

Publication profile

google scholar

Educational Background

Dr. Masoud Mahdianpari holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland (2015-2019), along with a Master’s in Remote Sensing Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Geomatics Engineering, both from the University of Tehran (2010-2013, 2006-2010). His robust academic foundation has equipped him with advanced knowledge in remote sensing and data analysis.

Professional Experience

Currently serving as a Cross-appointed Professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Remote Sensing Technical Lead at C-CORE, Ottawa, Dr. Mahdianpari has significant experience in applying machine learning and remote sensing technologies. His previous roles include Remote Sensing Scientist and Research Assistant at C-CORE, where he has developed expertise in image processing, feature extraction, and target detection.

Research Expertise

Dr. Mahdianpari specializes in machine learning, big data technologies, and radar remote sensing. His work encompasses high-resolution image processing, environmental monitoring, and GHG emission estimation. He is leading several projects focused on wetland mapping and methane emission estimation in the Arctic, leveraging advanced remote sensing data and cloud computing platforms.

Professional Appointments

As an associate editor for various journals, including IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters and Frontiers in Environmental Science, Dr. Mahdianpari contributes to the academic community and promotes high-quality research. He is a member of several professional societies, such as IEEE and ASPRS, demonstrating his active engagement in the field.

Recent Honors and Awards

Dr. Mahdianpari has been recognized for his contributions to science, including being ranked in the top 1% of scientists worldwide (2023-2024) and receiving multiple awards for his research excellence. Notably, he has secured grants such as the NSERC Discovery Grant (2022-2027) and the Microsoft AI for Earth grant, highlighting his innovative work in environmental monitoring.

Project Leadership

Dr. Mahdianpari is currently leading the ESA Carbon Science Cluster project, aiming to enhance methane emission estimates from wetlands in the Arctic. This project underscores his leadership in addressing critical environmental challenges and advancing remote sensing methodologies.

Research Interests

His research focuses on environmental monitoring and wetland mapping using remote sensing data, emphasizing machine learning and multi-sensor image classification. Currently, he leads projects related to greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring, showcasing his commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues.

Project Experience

He currently leads a project for the European Space Agency focused on improving methane emission estimates from wetlands, an initiative of significant environmental importance. This role emphasizes his leadership in research that impacts global environmental policies.

Publications and Presentations

Dr. Mahdianpari has authored numerous influential publications, including studies on remote sensing image classification and advanced machine learning applications in environmental monitoring. His research has contributed significantly to the field, evidenced by his citations and presentations at major international conferences.

Conference Contributions

He has presented at several prestigious conferences, showcasing his research on water quality monitoring and electrical potential preservation. His publications in leading journals further establish his reputation as a thought leader in remote sensing and environmental science.

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Masoud Mahdianpari’s outstanding qualifications, research contributions, and recognition in the field make him a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Research Hypothesis Excellence Award. His dedication to advancing remote sensing technology and addressing pressing environmental issues through innovative research exemplifies excellence in academic and applied research.

Publication top notes

Google Earth Engine for geo-big data applications: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Support vector machine versus random forest for remote sensing image classification: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Very deep convolutional neural networks for complex land cover mapping using multispectral remote sensing imagery

Random forest wetland classification using ALOS-2 L-band, RADARSAT-2 C-band, and TerraSAR-X imagery

The first wetland inventory map of newfoundland at a spatial resolution of 10 m using sentinel-1 and sentinel-2 data on the google earth engine cloud computing platform

Deep convolutional neural network for complex wetland classification using optical remote sensing imagery

A new fully convolutional neural network for semantic segmentation of polarimetric SAR imagery in complex land cover ecosystem

Comparing deep learning and shallow learning for large-scale wetland classification in Alberta, Canada

A systematic review of landsat data for change detection applications: 50 years of monitoring the earth

Bagging and boosting ensemble classifiers for classification of multispectral, hyperspectral and PolSAR data: a comparative evaluation

 

Atena Mirbolook | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Atena Mirbolook | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Atena Mirbolook, Urmia University, Iran

Dr. Atena Mirbolook is a distinguished soil scientist with a Ph.D. in Soil Chemistry and Fertility from Urmia University (2014-2020) 🌱. She also holds an M.S. and B.S. in Agriculture Engineering – Soil Science from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad 🌾. As a lecturer at Payame Noor University and an educational expert at Ferdowsi University, she has made significant contributions to soil science research. Her work focuses on innovative fertilizers to enhance nutrient uptake and crop yields. Dr. Mirbolook has published extensively, with notable research on slow-release fertilizers and nutrient efficiency 📚. She is an active member of the Iranian Soil Science Association 🌐.

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

I hold a Ph.D. in Soil Chemistry and Fertility from Urmia University, where I was the top graduate in 2020 🏆. Prior to this, I earned my M.S. in Agricultural Engineering with a focus on Soil Science from Ferdowsi University in Mashhad, graduating as the second top student in 2006 🥈. My academic journey began with a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering, also from Ferdowsi University, where I graduated as the second top student in 2003 🌱. My educational background has provided me with a strong foundation in soil science and agricultural engineering.

Experience

As a lecturer at Payame Noor University in Mashhad, Iran, I bring a wealth of expertise in educational practices, supported by my role as an educational expert at Ferdowsi University. My involvement with the Iranian Soil Science Association underscores my dedication to advancing environmental knowledge. Additionally, as a research and development expert at Song of Soil & Sun Fajr Parsian Company, I actively contribute to innovative initiatives in agriculture and environmental sustainability. 🌱 My career path reflects a commitment to education, research, and practical application, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of soil science and its implications for our environment.

Research focus

Dr. A. Mirbolook’s research primarily focuses on enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency in plants through innovative fertilization strategies. 🌱 His work spans the synthesis and application of chelates such as Zn-amino acid and -chitosan complexes to improve zinc uptake in beans and wheat. Additionally, he explores the fortification of bread wheat with micronutrients like zinc and iron through organic complexes, highlighting their efficacy compared to traditional forms like ZnSO4. 🍞 His studies contribute significantly to agricultural sustainability by investigating novel slow-release fertilizers and their impact on crop growth, nutrient concentrations, and yield, addressing critical issues in modern farming practices.

Publication top notes

Synthesized Zn(II)-Amino Acid and -Chitosan Chelates to Increase Zn Uptake by Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Plants

Fortification of Bread Wheat Using Synthesized Zn-Glycine and Zn-Alanine Chelates in Comparison with ZnSO4 in a Calcareous Soil

Effects of chromium on enzymatic/nonenzymatic antioxidants and oxidant levels of Portulaca oleracea L.

Phytoremediation of Cr+ 6 in contaminated soil using Portulaca oleracea

Effect of a new slow-release zinc fertilizer based on carbon dots on the zinc concentration, growth indices, and yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Fortification of bread wheat with iron through soil and foliar application of iron-organic-complexes

Comparison of chemical, physical characteristics and maturity of produced vermicompost from cow manure treated with sugar beet molasses, aeration and soil

The effect of different concentrations of nano-molybdenum and calcium fertilizers on growth parameters and nodulation of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Synthesis and characterization of the Schiff base Fe (II) complex as a new iron source in nutrient solution

New Slow-Release Urea Fertilizer Fortified with Zinc for Improving Zinc Availability and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Maize

Effect of Iron Chelates and their Application Methods on Iron Nutrition Status of Bean Plant (Phaseolus vulgaris) in a Calcareous Soil