Andrés Robalino-López | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Andrés Robalino-López | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Andrés Robalino-López, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ecuador

Prof. Dr. Andrés Robalino-López is a distinguished academic and researcher at Escuela Politécnica Nacional (EPN), Ecuador, with an extensive background in environmental technologies, innovation, and complex systems. With a PhD earned cum laude from Universidad de Huelva, Spain, he combines academic rigor with practical leadership in research, innovation ecosystems, and entrepreneurship. As a key figure in Ecuador’s academic landscape, he serves as Deputy Dean, program coordinator, and research director. Internationally recognized through affiliations with MIT’s REAP program and the Academy of Sciences of Ecuador, his interdisciplinary contributions span environmental modeling, innovation management, and sustainable development. His research has informed policy, supported national and international projects worth over $500K, and been published in high-impact journals. His commitment to systemic transformation through science, education, and public policy underscores his eligibility for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Robalino-López earned his PhD in Environmental Technologies (cum laude) from Universidad de Huelva, Spain (2014), focusing on carbon emissions and sustainable development using system dynamics. He also holds Master’s degrees in Control Engineering (2012) and Environmental Technologies (2011) from the same university. He completed an MBA in Innovation (2022) from Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Ecuador. His engineering foundation was laid at Escuela Politécnica Nacional (2008), where he graduated cum laude in ICT. He has undertaken postgraduate studies in Energy and Environment at Glasgow Caledonian University, UK (2010) and served as a visiting researcher at Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy (2013). His academic training is rounded out by executive programs at MIT, Berkeley, Taiwan, Brazil, and other global institutions, reflecting a strong and continuous commitment to interdisciplinary and global education.

Experience

Prof. Robalino has over a decade of academic and research leadership at Escuela Politécnica Nacional, serving as Full Professor, Deputy Dean, and Program Coordinator for multiple postgraduate and research initiatives. Internationally, he has represented Ecuador in MIT’s REAP program since 2017, leading entrepreneurship and innovation acceleration. His role as Horizon Europe – NCP for EIT and various positions such as Department Chair, Innovation Transfer Coordinator, and External Auditor (CES) underscores his systemic impact. His hands-on engagement in over a dozen research projects and development initiatives—totaling more than $500K in funding—spans renewable energy, sustainability, and technological innovation. He is also a sought-after lecturer, teaching in postgraduate and PhD programs, with additional experience in collaborative research in Spain and Italy. His leadership blends academic depth with policy-level engagement and international collaboration.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Robalino’s contributions have been widely recognized. He was awarded Best Researcher by CEDIA in 2023, following a nomination in 2022. In 2020, he was inducted into the Academy of Sciences of Ecuador, and in 2019, he received commendation from MIT-REAP for contributions to innovation ecosystems in Quito. At a national level, EPN awarded him the Research Production Award (2015). He is a recipient of numerous prestigious fellowships, including the SENESCYT Dissertation Fellowship (2011–2014), Fundación Carolina, AUIP, and Erasmus, supporting studies in Spain, the UK, and Italy. Additionally, he has secured research grants for international residencies and led funded projects across multiple organizations. These accolades highlight not only his academic excellence but also his real-world impact in sustainable development, innovation management, and capacity building in Ecuador and beyond.

Research Focus

Dr. Robalino’s research lies at the intersection of environmental systems, complex system dynamics, innovation ecosystems, and technology management. His doctoral work pioneered carbon emission modeling and environmental sustainability forecasting in Ecuador using system dynamics and decomposition analysis. He has expanded this approach to entrepreneurship ecosystems, policy scenario evaluation, and sustainability indicators. His recent projects focus on organizational innovation, carbon neutrality strategies, and macroeconomic-environmental modeling. He emphasizes the use of interdisciplinary frameworks to inform national energy and sustainability policies, as seen in collaborations with CEDIA, CONQUITO, and MIT-REAP. His work often combines quantitative modeling, foresight methodologies, and system thinking to guide public and private sector strategies. By integrating research with policy, Dr. Robalino creates actionable insights for sustainable and innovation-driven development across Latin America.

Publication Top Notes

  • Studying the relationship between economic growth, CO2 emissions, and the EKC in Venezuela (1980–2025)
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2015), 215 citations
    Groundbreaking analysis on the Environmental Kuznets Curve, combining system dynamics and econometrics.

  • System dynamics modeling for renewable energy and CO2 emissions: A case study of Ecuador
    Energy for Sustainable Development (2014), 175 citations
    Pioneering use of system dynamics to simulate energy policy impacts on emissions.

  • System dynamics modelling and the environmental Kuznets curve in Ecuador (1980–2025)
    Energy Policy (2014), 104 citations
    Introduced scenario-based carbon forecasting in Ecuadorian policy research.

  • CO2 emissions convergence among 10 South American countries. A study of Kaya components
    Carbon Management (2016), 65 citations
    Comparative study highlighting regional energy-environment dynamics.

  • Regional cooperation in environmental protection via e-government
    Environment. Technologies. Resources (2017), 20 citations
    Explores digital governance for sustainable development in Andean nations.

Emad Kazemzadeh | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Emad Kazemzadeh | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr Emad Kazemzadeh, Ferdowsi university of Mashhad, Iran

Emad Kazemzadeh is a dedicated researcher in Energy and Environmental Economics, recently completing a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran (2022-2023) under Associate Professor Narges Salehnia’s supervision. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics (2022) and has conducted research at the University of Coimbra, Portugal. Emad’s teaching experience spans Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and energy financing at Ferdowsi and Payam-e-Noor universities. He has also served as a research assistant for distinguished professors and presented at international conferences, including one on income inequality’s impact on ecological footprints. 🌍📊📉👨‍🏫

Publication profile

google scholar

Education 

Dr. Emad Kazemzadeh is a dedicated Post-Doctoral Researcher specializing in Energy and Environmental Economics at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran (2022-2023) 🌍📊, under the mentorship of Associate Professor Narges Salehnia. He completed a research course at the University of Coimbra, Portugal (2020-2021) 🇵🇹📈, supervised by Professor José Alberto Fuinhas. Dr. Kazemzadeh earned his Ph.D. in Economics, focusing on energy and environmental topics, from Ferdowsi University (2016-2022) 🎓🌱. His academic journey began with an M.Sc. in Economics from Sistan and Baluchestan University (2012) and a B.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Farhangian (2008) ➕📐.

Experience

Emad Kazemzadeh has been actively engaged in teaching a range of B.Sc. economics courses across Iran. Currently, he teaches Microeconomics I and Principles of Economics (3 units) at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (2023–2024). Previously, he lectured on Financing and Energy Contracts at the same institution (2021–2023) and Principles of Economics (2 units) in 2022. Emad also taught Macroeconomics I and Microeconomics I and II at Payam-e-Noor University in Ilam, Darreshahr, from 2016 to 2018. His experience highlights his commitment to shaping future economists. 📘📊✨

Conferences and presentations

In a recent seminar at the University of Coimbra, Portugal, the focus was on “The Impact of Income Inequality and Economic Complexity on Ecological Footprint,” analyzing these factors over an extended period 🌍📉. Additionally, research on Iran’s business landscape was presented at the First International Conference on Economics, Management, Accounting, and Social Sciences, titled “Investigation of the Business Environment in Iran and the Introduction of Influential Institutions” 📊🇮🇷. At the Second International Conference on Future Research, Management, and Economic Development, insights were shared through “Analysis of Business Partners of Iran’s Automobile Market,” highlighting market trends and partnerships in this sector 🚗📈.

Awards

Dr. Emad Kazemzadeh was honored as Iran’s Best Researcher by the Ministry of Education in 2023 🏆🇮🇷. Known for his dedication to advancing educational research and innovation 📚🔍, Dr. Kazemzadeh has made significant contributions that shape the academic landscape of Iran. His work emphasizes progressive learning methods, student engagement strategies, and impactful educational policies 🎓💡. This recognition highlights his role as a thought leader in the field, inspiring educators and researchers nationwide 🌐👩‍🏫👨‍🏫. Dr. Kazemzadeh’s achievements reflect his commitment to fostering a brighter future for Iran’s education system and its learners 🌱📖.

Research focus

Ehsan Kazemzadeh’s research primarily focuses on environmental economics, exploring the interactions between income inequality, economic complexity, renewable energy, and ecological sustainability 🌍📉. His studies analyze the ecological footprint and how factors like globalization, renewable energy policies, and energy efficiency impact sustainability in emerging economies and Latin American countries 🌱🔋. Kazemzadeh’s work also investigates the effectiveness of electric and hybrid vehicles in reducing emissions, using complex models and quantitative methods like quantile regression and data envelopment analysis. His research provides vital insights for policymakers aiming to balance economic growth with ecological preservation and cleaner energy solutions 🚗💨📊.

Publication top notes

The impact of income inequality and economic complexity on ecological footprint: an analysis covering a long-time span

The impact of renewable energy policies on deaths from outdoor and indoor air pollution: Empirical evidence from Latin American and Caribbean countries

Globalization, renewable energy consumption, and agricultural production impacts on ecological footprint in emerging countries: using quantile regression approach

Do energy efficiency and export quality affect the ecological footprint in emerging countries? A two-step approach using the SBM–DEA model and panel quantile regression

Measuring the economic efficiency performance in Latin American and Caribbean countries: An empirical evidence from stochastic production frontier and data envelopment analysis

Effect of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on PM2. 5 emissions in 29 European countries

Assessing influential factors for ecological footprints: A complex solution approach

Jonathan Ruiz Esquius | Energy | Best Researcher Award

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.

Agnese Rapposelli | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Agnese Rapposelli | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Prof Agnese Rapposelli, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Italy

Dr. Agnese Rapposelli is a Senior Assistant Professor of Economic Statistics at “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy, since November 2021. She holds a Ph.D. in Statistics from the same university and achieved National Scientific Qualification as Associate Professor in 2017. Her research focuses on dynamic methodologies for evaluating complex systems, statistical models for spatial analysis, and the impact of environmental pollution on health 🌍📊. Dr. Rapposelli has also been a visiting scholar at Warwick Business School and holds professional qualifications as a chartered accountant and accounting auditor.

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

🎓 Achieving academic excellence, I earned a Ph.D. in Statistics from “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy, with a thesis on efficiency evaluation and Data Envelopment Analysis under Prof. Mauro Coli’s guidance in April 2006. I previously completed a Laurea in Economics, summa cum laude, at the same university in July 2002, finishing in 3.5 years instead of 4. My high school journey culminated in a Scientific Lyceum diploma with a focus on lab courses and languages (French/English), scoring 54/60 in July 1998. Professionally, I am a certified Chartered Accountant since November 2012 and an Accounting Auditor since January 2014. 📊📚✈️

Experience

Dr. Agnese Rapposelli has been a dedicated lecturer at “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy. Since 2013, they have taught courses in Statistics, Econometrics, and Quantitative Methods, all held in English. 📊 From 2019-2024, Dr. [Name] taught Statistics and Basic Econometrics for the PhD in Accounting, Management, and Business Economics program. 📈 In 2014-2015, they lectured on Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in Management and Business Administration. 📚 Additionally, in 2013-2014, they focused on Econometric Methods in Finance and Business Administration. 📉 Their commitment to education and expertise in these fields have made them a valuable asset to the university. 🎓

Research project

From 2024-2025, I serve as Principal Investigator for the University of Chieti-Pescara’s PRIN 2022 PNRR project on the circular economy through the lens of mathematics for signal processing 🔍🔄. In 2022, I investigated statistical models for spatial analysis 📊🌍, and in 2021, I focused on spatial-temporal models to examine environmental pollution’s impact on human health 🌿🧬. From 2020 to 2019, my research analyzed corporate governance and financial performance 📈🏢. Earlier, from 2007-2013, I participated in evaluating complex systems 🧩. In 2007-2008, I evaluated airline efficiency ✈️, and in 2002-2003, I worked on strategic planning and performance measurement for Air One SpA 📉📊.

Awards

From 2024-2025, I served as the Principal Investigator for the PRIN 2022 PNRR research project “Circular Economy from the Mathematics for Signal Processing Perspective” at the University of Chieti-Pescara. I received the Best ItAIS Conference Paper award for my study on carbon emissions and economic growth, presented in 2022. My work on waste sector efficiency earned special mentions at international workshops in 2021 and 2022. I also won the Best Track Award in 2021. In 2020 and 2019, I was ranked first in my department for MIUR research funds based on scientific production. 📊🌍🏆

Research focus

A Rapposelli’s research focuses primarily on environmental efficiency and waste management, as well as the inclusion of disabled individuals in the labor market. His work involves evaluating the joint environmental and cost performance of municipal waste systems, the impact of green technology and environmental policies on ecological footprints, and the efficiency of urban waste services. Additionally, Rapposelli has conducted significant research on the employment of disabled people in Italy, analyzing the effectiveness of laws and policies aimed at their inclusion. His studies employ methods such as data envelopment analysis to assess efficiency and policy implications. 🌍♻️👨‍🦽📊

Publication top notes

Evaluating joint environmental and cost performance in municipal waste management systems through data envelopment analysis: Scale effects and policy implications

Improving waste production and recycling through zero-waste strategy and privatization: An empirical investigation

The impact of green technology innovation, environmental taxes, and renewable energy consumption on ecological footprint in Italy: Fresh evidence from novel dynamic ARDL …

Monitoring environmental efficiency: an application to Italian provinces

Inclusion of disabled people in the Italian labour market: an efficiency analysis of law 68/1999 at regional level

Efficiency evaluation in an airline company: some empirical results

Employment of disabled people in the private sector. An analysis at the level of Italian Provinces according to article 13 of law 68/1999

The factors affecting Italian provinces’ separate waste-collection rates: An empirical investigation

Assessing efficiency of urban waste services and the role of tariff in a circular economy perspective: An empirical application for Italian municipalities

Regional performance trends in providing employment for persons with disabilities: Evidence from Italy