Zhongjun Yan | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

Dr. Zhongjun Yan | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhongjun Yan | Energy and Sustainability | Associate Professor | Hunan University of Humanities Science and Technology | China

Dr. Zhongjun Yan is a distinguished scholar and lecturer at the School of Energy and Electrical Engineering, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology. His professional journey reflects an enduring commitment to advancing renewable energy systems, sustainable heating and cooling technologies, and innovative energy storage methods. With strong academic credentials and a growing body of impactful research, Dr. Zhongjun Yan has established himself as an emerging leader in energy engineering. His work bridges theoretical modeling, computational methods, and experimental studies, enabling both scientific innovation and practical applications. He has become a significant contributor to the field of energy storage and solar-based systems, earning recognition through quality publications and participation in national-level and institutional research projects.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Zhongjun Yan earned his doctoral degree in Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning Engineering from Hunan University, where his research was focused on the unconstrained melting process of phase change materials and the enhancement of heat transfer in thermal storage systems. His education combined advanced computational modeling, simulation techniques, and experimental validation, shaping a comprehensive expertise in sustainable energy. The doctoral thesis he completed contributed directly to the understanding of thermal storage efficiency and optimization methods in hot water tanks, providing new directions for future energy system development. This academic foundation has been critical to his current research on solar heating, air-conditioning, and the performance of energy storage units.

Experience

In his role as a lecturer, Dr. Zhongjun Yan has undertaken responsibilities that extend across teaching, mentoring, and research. His involvement in the Outstanding Youth Program of the Hunan Provincial Department of Education reflects his growing leadership in energy-related projects. He has contributed to the design and execution of research focusing on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), unconstrained melting phenomena, and heat transfer enhancement. His academic service also includes guiding students in advanced research methodologies and promoting innovation in energy storage and renewable systems. Moreover, Dr. Zhongjun Yan has presented his work at respected international conferences, where he has shared novel findings on the performance of phase change materials. Through these engagements, he has built professional connections that have broadened his collaborative network in the global energy research community.

Research Interest

Dr. Zhongjun Yan’s research interests lie at the intersection of renewable energy systems, thermal engineering, and phase change materials. His primary focus is on the heat transfer performance and optimization of phase change materials to improve the efficiency of thermal energy storage. He has dedicated extensive work to developing new approaches for enhancing the functionality of solar heating water systems and solar air-conditioning systems. Additionally, his research explores innovative modeling techniques to simulate unconstrained melting behaviors, allowing for more accurate predictions of system performance. His long-term vision is to create energy storage and distribution methods that can significantly reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and address the growing global demand for sustainable solutions.

Award

Dr. Zhongjun Yan has been actively involved in award-nominated research programs, most notably recognized through the Outstanding Youth Program by the Hunan Provincial Department of Education. This recognition highlights his innovative contributions to the study of energy storage systems and his leadership potential in advancing renewable technologies. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of engineering solutions in energy efficiency positions him as a strong candidate for international recognition and professional excellence awards.

Selected Publications

  • Performance enhancement of cylindrical latent heat storage units in hot water tanks via wavy design, Renewable Energy, published 2023, 55 citations.

  • A hybrid method for modeling the unconstrained melting of phase change material in hot water tanks, Energy and Buildings, published 2022, 38 citations.

  • Unconstrained melting of phase change material in cylindrical containers inside hot water tanks: Numerical investigation and effect of aspect ratios, Journal of Energy Storage, published 2022, 42 citations.

  • Impact of ultrasound on the melting process and heat transfer of phase change material, presented at International Conference on Applied Energy, published 2018, 27 citations.

Conclusion

Dr. Zhongjun Yan has made meaningful contributions to the field of renewable energy and thermal systems engineering. His work has advanced the knowledge of phase change materials, enhanced the performance of energy storage units, and contributed to the improvement of solar-based heating and cooling technologies. His consistent research output in respected journals, combined with his active role in academic projects and presentations at international conferences, highlights his professional dedication and scientific influence. Dr. Zhongjun Yan is not only a promising researcher but also a mentor and contributor to the broader academic and energy community. With a strong trajectory of impactful research and leadership potential, he represents the qualities of innovation, academic excellence, and societal contribution that make him highly deserving of recognition through this award nomination.

 

Saheed Bello | Renewable Energy Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

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.

Jonathan Ruiz Esquius | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

Dr. Jonathan Ruiz Esquius | Energy | Best Researcher Award

ComFuturo Research Fellow, Carbon Science and Technology Institute, Spain

Jonathan Ruiz Esquius is a dynamic researcher specializing in nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion. Currently a ComFuturo Research Fellow at the Instituto Nacional del Carbón in Oviedo, Spain, he has a rich background in catalysis and electrochemical applications. With a passion for sustainable energy solutions, Jonathan’s innovative contributions have propelled advancements in oxygen evolution catalysts and hydrogen production materials. 🌍🔬

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education

Jonathan has cultivated his expertise in nanotechnology and chemistry through rigorous academic training, with a focus on the development of electrocatalysts for clean energy technologies. His journey reflects a strong foundation in materials science and nanotechnology, with an eye toward addressing global energy challenges. 🎓📘

Experience

Jonathan’s career spans top institutions, including his role as a ComFuturo Research Fellow at Instituto Nacional del Carbón (2023-present). He has also served as a Research Fellow at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga, Portugal, where he focused on energy storage and conversion nanomaterials. Earlier, he was a Research Assistant at Cardiff University’s School of Chemistry, contributing to the field of electrocatalysis. 🏛️⚡

Research Focus

Jonathan’s research is driven by a commitment to developing advanced electrocatalysts for energy conversion, with a particular focus on hydrogen production and oxygen evolution reactions. His work involves the design of high-entropy materials and mixed-metal oxides to improve efficiency and sustainability in energy processes. His cutting-edge research supports the development of clean energy technologies. ⚙️🌱

Awards and Honours

Jonathan’s innovative research contributions have earned him recognition in the scientific community, notably his appointment as a ComFuturo Research Fellow. His achievements in electrocatalysis and energy storage underline his commitment to advancing sustainable technologies. 🏅✨

Publications Top Notes

“Self-supported FeCoNi(OHy)Ox oxy-hydroxide doped with Cr and Cu as robust low-loading catalyst for the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction” was published in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy in October 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.10.160.
“Mixed iridium-nickel oxides supported on antimony-doped tin oxide as highly efficient and stable acidic oxygen evolution catalysts” appeared in Materials Futures in December 2023 DOI: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad16d2.
“High entropy materials as emerging electrocatalysts for hydrogen production through low-temperature water electrolysis” in Materials Futures DOI: 10.1088/2752-5724/accbd8.