Yang Chen | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yang Chen | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yang Chen | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award | PhD Candidate | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University | Hong Kong 

Mr. Yang Chen is a dedicated researcher in environmental and energy economics whose work integrates advanced computational methods with policy-relevant environmental analysis, contributing significantly to the understanding of carbon emissions, pollution control, and sustainability transitions. Mr. Yang Chen’s academic foundation is rooted in his doctoral studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he specializes in environmental modelling, causal complexity analysis, and machine-learning–assisted prediction systems. His education equips him with strong analytical abilities in econometrics, environmental impact assessment, and data-driven research methodologies, forming the backbone of his scholarly identity. Professionally, Mr. Yang Chen has engaged in several completed and ongoing research projects involving interdisciplinary teams and multi-institutional networks, allowing him to contribute to innovative work addressing global environmental and energy challenges. His research interests include carbon emission modelling, renewable energy policy evaluation, environmental pollution dynamics, and the application of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) combined with SHAP-based machine-learning frameworks, reflecting his commitment to methodological innovation and complex-systems thinking. Mr. Yang Chen’s research skills span statistical modelling, causal inference, policy impact analysis, machine learning for environmental prediction, scientific writing, and peer-review activities for high-impact journals, strengthening his role as a rising scholar in sustainability research. His publication record includes approximately ten papers in reputable JCR Q1 journals such as Building and Environment, Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Earth’s Future, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Journal of Environmental Management, demonstrating consistent scholarly productivity. In addition to journal articles, Mr. Yang Chen has contributed as an editorial board member to two academic books published by leading Chinese presses, reflecting recognition of his expertise. His citation metrics, including more than two hundred citations, an h-index of six, and multiple i10-index publications, further underscore the growing influence of his work. Although he is early in his career and has not yet accumulated major awards, Mr. Yang Chen’s recognition as a reviewer for top journals and his authorship in high-impact platforms demonstrate his academic credibility and emerging leadership within the research community. In conclusion, Mr. Yang Chen exemplifies the qualities of a forward-looking environmental economist whose combination of methodological innovation, strong publication output, and commitment to interdisciplinary sustainability research positions him for significant future contributions to global climate policy, environmental modelling, and academic leadership.

Profile:  ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Chen, Y., Luo, L., Feng, W., Wu, J., & Cai, W. (2025). Progressive prediction of embodied carbon emissions across stages of schematic design with machine learning. Journal of Cleaner Production. (Citations: 3)

  2. Chen, Y., Guo, X., Yi, W., Hong, J., & Wen, Q. (2025). Synergistic pollution and carbon reductions from the China National Sustainable Communities Pilot Policy. Energy. (Citations: 5)

  3. Zheng, S., Chen, Y., Hong, J., & Pu, Y. (2025). Global climate policy effectiveness analysis: Evidence from 49 countries, 1951–2018. Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis. (Citations: 2)

  4. Chen, Y., Hong, J., Wen, Q., Yi, W., & Zheng, S. (2024). The Janus-faced role of renewable energy development in global carbon reduction under renewable energy policies. Earth’s Future. (Citations: 12)

  5. Chen, Y., Lai, T., Hong, J., & Teng, Y. (2023). Path analysis of regional carbon lock-in and unlocking from a qualitative comparative perspective. In Proceedings of the International Symposium on Advancement of Construction Management and Real Estate. (Citations: 1)

  6. Chen, Y., Zhao, Z., Yi, W., Hong, J., & Zhang, B. (2023). Has China achieved synergistic reduction of carbon emissions and air pollution? Evidence from 283 Chinese cities. Environmental Impact Assessment Review. (Citations: 18)

  7. Chen, Y., Hong, J., Tang, M., Zheng, Y., Qiu, M., & Ni, D. (2022). Causal complexity of environmental pollution in China: A province-level fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. (Citations: 40)

 

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