Prof. Dr. Hsien-Huang Wu | Automation Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hsien-Huang Wu | Automation Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hsien-Huang Wu, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

Dr. Hsien-Huang Wu is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Douliu, Taiwan. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Telecommunication Engineering from National Chiao Tung University in 1982 and 1986, respectively, and earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Arizona in 1993. His research focuses on artificial intelligence and computer vision, particularly for automated optical inspection (AOI) applications. With extensive industrial collaboration, Dr. Wu has worked with over 50 companies to develop innovative systems for automated inspection and production, bridging academic research and practical implementation.

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Hsien-Huang Wu

Dr. Hsien-Huang Wu stands out as a leading figure in the application of artificial intelligence and computer vision to industrial inspection and measurement systems. With a career spanning over three decades and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona, he currently serves as a Distinguished Professor at the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan—an acknowledgment of his academic stature and impact.

🎓 Education

  • 📍 B.S. in Telecommunication Engineering
    National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan – 1982

  • 📍 M.S. in Telecommunication Engineering
    National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan – 1986

  • 🌎 Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
    University of Arizona, Tucson, USA – 1993

💼 Work Experience

  • 👨‍🏫 Distinguished Professor
    Department of Electrical Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (NYUST), Douliu, Taiwan
    Current

🌟 Key Achievements

  • 🤖 Pioneering research in artificial intelligence and computer vision for automated optical inspection (AOI)

  • 🏭 Collaborated with 50+ companies to develop intelligent inspection and production automation systems

  • 🔬 Leader in applying cutting-edge AI techniques to real-world industrial measurement and inspection challenges

  • 📚 Significant contributor to academic and applied research in electrical and computer engineering

🏅 Awards & Honors

  • 🥇 Recognized as a Distinguished Professor at NYUST

  • 🏆 Multiple accolades and recognitions for industry collaboration and academic excellence

  • 🧠 Honored for impactful contributions to the field of automated inspection systems

Publication Top Notes:

Prototype design of an intelligent Internet of Things system combined green energy storage device

Distribution Analysis of Dental Plaque Based on Deep Learning

Automatic Optical Inspection for steel golf club

Dr. Hilaire Kpongbe | Chemical Ecology Awards | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Hilaire Kpongbe | Chemical Ecology Awards | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Hilaire Kpongbe, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Benin

Dr. Hilaire Kpongbe is an accomplished entomologist and chemical ecologist specializing in integrated pest management and nature-based surveillance systems. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from North-West University, South Africa, and an MSc in Agricultural Entomology from the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin, he has over a decade of interdisciplinary research experience across Africa. Dr. Kpongbe’s work focuses on semiochemical tools for sustainable pest control, aiming to reduce reliance on harmful insecticides while improving crop protection. He has held research and leadership roles at premier institutions including ICIPE and IITA, coordinated international projects, published scientific papers, and mentored PhD students. Notable recognitions include the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship and the ICIPE Governing Council Prize. He is also an active member of several professional entomology associations and serves as a peer reviewer for international journals.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Excellence in Research Award – Dr. Hilaire Kpongbe

Dr. Hilaire Kpongbe exemplifies Excellence in Research through his impactful work in entomology, chemical ecology, and integrated pest management, addressing real-world agricultural and environmental challenges. With over a decade of multidisciplinary research experience across prestigious institutions such as the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Kpongbe has consistently demonstrated scientific innovation, leadership, and global collaboration.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences (Behavioral and Chemical Ecology)
    North-West University, South Africa – Oct 2019
    🧪 Thesis: Insect behaviors & chemical ecology (plant-insect interactions)

  • M.Sc. in Agricultural Entomology (IPM)
    University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin – June 2014
    🌾 Focus: Integrated pest management and plant protection

  • B.Sc. in Life Sciences (Chemistry, Biology & Ecology)
    Université d’Abomey, Benin – Dec 2009
    🔬 Emphasis: Ecology of insects and plants

💼 Work Experience

  • Postdoctoral Fellow
    International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Kenya – Apr 2023 to Jan 2025
    🌿 Developed nature-based pest surveillance systems using semiochemicals
    🔍 Pheromone trap testing, plant odor analysis, GC/MS, insect rearing, and student supervision

  • Laboratory Manager
    International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Benin – Jan 2021 to Jan 2023
    🧫 Managed behavioral assays, lab equipment, and GC/MS operations

  • Consultant
    CIRAD, SGPI, IITA, icipe – Multiple periods (2019–2025)
    🧪 Expertise in pesticide residue analysis, environmental audits, and biocontrol strategies
    🌍 Worked across Kenya, Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, and Burkina Faso

  • DAAD Postdoctoral Fellow
    IITA, Benin – Oct 2021 to Sept 2022
    🧲 Validated aggregation pheromones and tested compatibility with natural enemies

  • PhD Research Fellow
    icipe, Kenya – Oct 2015 to Nov 2019
    🐛 Discovered and analyzed semiochemicals; led genetic studies on stink bugs
    🧬 Techniques: DNA extraction, PCR, GC/MS, EAD

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 🥇 2021 – DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship

  • 🏅 2019icipe Governing Council Prize for Best PhD Science Paper ($200)

  • 🎓 2017–2018 – International Bursary from North-West University, South Africa ($10,200)

🤝 Professional Affiliations

  • 🌍 Member, African Association of Insect Sciences (AAIS) (2021–Present)

  • 🐞 Member, Society of Entomologists of Benin (SERB) (2015–Present)

  • 🌱 Member, IITA Plant Health Network (2020–2022)

  • 📝 Peer Reviewer, International Journal of Tropical Insect Science (2023–Present)

Publication Top Notes:

Exploring levels of egg parasitism and variation in egg cuticular chemistry in different Clavigralla spp.

Isopentyl butanoate: aggregation pheromone of the brown spiny bug, Clavigralla tomentosicollis(Hemiptera: Coreidae), and Kairomone for the egg parasitoid Gryon sp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Livia Maglić | Environmental Monitoring Awards | Best IoT Sensing Technology Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Livia Maglić | Environmental Monitoring Awards | Best IoT Sensing Technology Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Livia Maglić, Faculty of Maritime Studies of the University of Rijeka, Croatia

Dr. Livia Maglić is an Associate Professor at the Maritime Faculty, University of Rijeka, Croatia, with a Ph.D. in Transport Systems and over 15 years of academic and research experience in maritime transport technology. She has taught at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, and actively participated in national and international research projects. Her expertise spans maritime education, sustainable port development, and transport system modeling. Dr. Maglić has also led major EU-funded initiatives such as PSAMIDES and held leadership roles in academic journals and workshops. She is recognized for her strong communication, project management, and technical skills in both maritime and interdisciplinary contexts.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Summary of Suitability for Best IoT Sensing Technology Award – Dr. Livia Maglić

Dr. Livia Maglić stands out as a seasoned academic and project leader whose expertise in maritime transport systems is increasingly aligned with IoT sensing technologies in the context of smart ports and sustainable maritime infrastructure. With nearly two decades of continuous involvement in university-level teaching and active participation in national and international research initiatives, Dr. Maglić’s experience reflects deep domain knowledge and technological application in real-world maritime settings.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Transport Systems (2016) – Maritime Transport Technology
    Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka 🛳️

  • Graduated Engineer of Maritime Transport (2007) – Technology and Organization of Transport
    Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka 📘

💼 Work Experience

  • Associate Professor (Nov 2023 – Present) 👩‍🏫
    Teaching at undergraduate to doctoral levels and leading research projects at the Maritime Faculty in Rijeka.

  • Assistant Professor (Oct 2018 – Nov 2023)

  • Titular Assistant Professor (May 2017 – Oct 2018)

  • Postdoctoral Researcher (May 2016 – May 2017)

  • Assistant/Young Researcher (Feb 2009 – Feb 2016)

  • High School Lecturer (Feb – July 2007) 🏫
    Pomorska škola Bakar

🏆 Achievements & Leadership

  • Project Leader of PSAMIDES (Ports Small and Medium Alliance for Sustainable Development) (2019–2022) ⚓

  • Work Package Leader in PANDORA project on maritime education excellence (led 20+ members) 👥

  • Scientific Journal SecretaryJournal of Maritime and Transportation Sciences 📑

  • Workshop Organizer & Leader – “Professional Practice” and “Business Idea to Marketing” workshops 🚢💡

🎖️ Awards and Honors

  • Leadership roles in EU-funded and institutional maritime development projects 🌍

  • Recognition for enhancing professional maritime education and employability skills through hands-on projects 🚀

Publication Top Notes:

Composition of Floating Marine Litter in Port Areas of the Island of Mallorca

Solving the Container Relocation Problem by Using a Metaheuristic Genetic Algorithm

The Microsimulation Model for Assessing the Impact of Inbound Traffic Flows for Container Terminals Located near City Centers

The Optimization Process for Seaside Operations at Medium-Sized Container Terminals with a Multi-Quay Layout

Voice Communication Systems Impact on Navigating Officers

Multi-Criterion Decision Model for Marina Location Selection in the County of Primorje and Gorski Kotar

Dr. Nan Liu | Intelligent Manufacturing Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nan Liu | Intelligent Manufacturing Awards | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Nan Liu, Hefei University of Technology, China

Dr. Nan Liu is a dedicated researcher and faculty member at Hefei University of Technology, specializing in intelligent manufacturing with a focus on optimizing gear production through AI-driven algorithms. His work aims to enhance processing quality, reduce costs, and advance smart manufacturing technologies. He has led research funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. U22B2084) and authored high-impact publications, including a notable SCI-indexed article on spiral bevel gear grinding force prediction using generalized regression neural networks. Dr. Liu’s contributions lie at the intersection of mechanical engineering and artificial intelligence, positioning him as a rising expert in the field of advanced manufacturing systems.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Nan Liu

Dr. Nan Liu demonstrates strong potential and emerging excellence in the domain of intelligent manufacturing, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence in gear processing. His current research under the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. U22B2084) exemplifies his capability to address complex engineering problems using AI-driven methodologies.

🎓 Education & Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical or Manufacturing-related field (inferred from expertise, institution not specified)

  • Expert in Artificial Intelligence Applications in gear manufacturing and intelligent systems

💼 Work Experience

  • Assistant Professor, Hefei University of Technology

  • Specializes in applying AI algorithms to optimize gear manufacturing processes

  • Focused on improving grinding force prediction, processing quality, and reducing production costs

🏆 Achievements

  • 🔬 Research Grant from National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. U22B2084)

  • 📄 Published a high-impact journal article in Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence (Elsevier, 2025)

  • 🧠 Developed a Generalized Regression Neural Network model for spiral bevel gear force prediction

  • 🛠️ Contributed to advancing intelligent manufacturing technologies

🥇 Award & Honors

  • 🏅 Award Category Preference: Best Research Scholar Award

  • 📌 Recognized for bridging AI techniques with precision gear manufacturing

Publication Top Notes:

Research on grinding force prediction of spiral bevel gear based on generalized regression neural network and undeformed grinding chips

Research on a nonlinear quasi-zero stiffness vibration isolator with a vibration absorber

Prof. Dr. Daniela Dragoman | Plasmonic Sensor Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Daniela Dragoman | Plasmonic Sensor Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Daniela Dragoman, University of Bucharest, Romania

Dr. Daniela Dragoman is a distinguished Romanian physicist and University Professor at the University of Bucharest, where she has been a faculty member since 1990 and a Doctoral Supervisor since 2004. With a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Limerick, Ireland, and a Dipl. Physics Eng. degree from the University of Bucharest, her expertise spans guided wave optics, nanostructures, quantum computing, and optoelectronic devices. Dr. Dragoman has served as Director of the Doctoral School of Physics since 2011 and has held prestigious research positions in France and Germany, including as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and Directeur de Recherche at LAAS-CNRS. Her teaching portfolio covers both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including courses in nonlinear optics, solar energy materials, and integrated optoelectronics. An accomplished researcher and mentor, she is recognized for her leadership in academic and international research environments.

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

SCOPUS

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Prof. Daniela Dragoman

Prof. Daniela Dragoman stands out as a highly accomplished and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her long-standing academic excellence, leadership in doctoral education, and influential research in the fields of optoelectronics, nanostructures, and quantum physics.

👩‍🏫 Work Experience

  • University Professor (Feb 2001–Present) – University of Bucharest, Romania

    • 🎓 Director, Doctoral School of Physics (since 2011)

    • 👩‍🔬 Doctoral Supervisor (since 2004)

    • 📚 MSc Courses: Quantum Computing, Nanostructures, Nonlinear Optics, Solar Energy Materials, etc.

    • 🧑‍🏫 BSc Courses: Solid State Physics (English)

  • Lecturer / Assistant Lecturer (Oct 1990–Jan 2001) – University of Bucharest

    • 📘 Courses: Advanced Optoelectronic Devices, Solid State Optoelectronics

  • Physics Engineer (Oct 1989–Sept 1990) – IRNE, Piteşti

    • 🔬 Research in pyroelectric devices

  • Visiting Professor & Researcher

    • 🇫🇷 CNRS, Saint-Etienne (1997, 2000) – Research in optics

    • 🇩🇪 Alex. von Humboldt Fellow, Univ. Mannheim (1998–1999, 2001–2002) – Optoelectronics

    • 🇫🇷 Directeur de Recherche, LAAS-CNRS, Toulouse (2008–2010) – Nanostructures

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Physics (1993) – University of Limerick, Ireland 🇮🇪

    • 📡 Specialization: Guided wave optics, modeling of fiber couplers

  • Dipl. Physics Engineer (MSc Equivalent) (1989) – University of Bucharest, Romania 🇷🇴

    • 🌌 Focus: Semiconductors, optics, general physics

🏆 Achievements & Honors

  • 🎖 Alex. von Humboldt Fellowship – Prestigious research grant (Germany)

  • 🌍 International recognition in optoelectronics, nanostructures, and quantum physics

  • 🗣 Taught and collaborated in multinational research environments (France, Germany, Ireland)

  • 🧑‍🔬 Directed numerous Ph.D. students and research teams

  • 📘 Contributed significantly to advanced education and curriculum development in quantum and nano sciences

Publication Top Notes:

Field-effect transistors based on nickel oxide doped with nitrogen semiconductor ferroelectrics for ultralow voltage switch (1 μV), low subthreshold swing and memory

Electric-Field-Induced Metal-Insulator Transition for Low-Power and Ultrafast Nanoelectronics

Graphene Monolayer Nanomesh Structures and Their Applications in Electromagnetic Energy Harvesting for Solving the Matching Conundrum of Rectennas

Room-temperature current modulation by an Y junction in graphene/hexagonal boron nitride

Quantum Graphene Asymmetric Devices for Harvesting Electromagnetic Energy

Demonstration of Microwave Harvesting Through Pyroelectricity in Cryogenic Conditions: A Quantum-to-Experimental Approach

Subthreshold slope below 60 mV/decade in graphene transistors induced by channel geometry at the wafer-scale

On the Transmission Line Analogy for Modeling Plasmonic Nanowire Circuits

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hossein Bagherpour | Machine Learning Awards | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hossein Bagherpour | Machine Learning Awards | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hossein Bagherpour, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina Universit, Iran

Dr. Hossein Bagherpour is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at Bu-Ali Sina University, where he has served since 2013. Holding a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Biosystems and Agricultural Machinery Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University and a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tehran, his interdisciplinary expertise bridges advanced engineering with agricultural innovation. Dr. Bagherpour is a leading researcher in the application of artificial intelligence and machine vision in precision agriculture, with a focus on plant disease detection, crop quality assessment, and robotic harvesting. He has supervised multiple Ph.D. and M.Sc. theses on deep learning, image processing, and AI-driven diagnostics for crops like rose, wheat, hazelnut, and quince. His contributions significantly advance smart farming technologies, offering solutions for enhanced productivity and sustainable agriculture in small and large-scale systems.

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Hossein Bagherpour

Dr. Hossein Bagherpour is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award, recognized for his pioneering work at the intersection of biosystems engineering, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture. As an Assistant Professor at Bu-Ali Sina University since 2013, Dr. Bagherpour has made significant contributions to the development and application of intelligent systems in agricultural automation and food quality assessment.

🎓 Education

  • 🧪 Ph.D. in Biosystems Engineering – Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

  • 🚜 M.Sc. in Agricultural Machinery Engineering – Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

  • ⚙️ B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Design of Machinery) – University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

🏢 Work Experience

  • 👨‍🏫 Assistant Professor, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University (2013–Present)

    • 📍 Faculty of New Agriculture, Room 207

    • 📍 Business Incubator Center No. 2, Room 7

🏆 Achievements & Contributions

  • 📊 Supervised numerous Ph.D. and M.Sc. theses focusing on AI, deep learning, and smart agricultural systems

  • 🤖 Developed algorithms for robotic harvesting, crop disease detection, and quality inspection using machine learning and computer vision

  • 📚 Published multiple research papers (see Google Scholar) in areas such as AI-based phenotyping, intelligent sensors, and agricultural robotics

🎖 Awards & Honors

  • 🌟 Recognized for advancing smart agriculture through AI integration

  • 🧠 Leader in AI-driven research in agricultural biosystems

Publication Top Notes:

Hyperparameter Optimization of ANN, SVM, and KNN Models for Classification of Hazelnuts Images Based on Shell Cracks and Feature Selection Method

Enhancing the Performance of YOLOv9t Through a Knowledge Distillation Approach for Real-Time Detection of Bloomed Damask Roses in the Field

Development and Optimization of a Novel Deep Learning Model for Diagnosis of Quince Leaf Diseases

Detection of different adulteration in cinnamon powder using hyperspectral imaging and artificial neural network method

Design, Construction, and Evaluation of a Precision Vegetable Reaper to Use in Small Plots

A New Method to Optimize Deep CNN Model for Classification of Regular Cucumber Based on Global Average Pooling

Dr. Conceicao Fortes | Maritime Hydraulics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Conceicao Fortes | Maritime Hydraulics | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Conceicao Fortes, National Laboratory of Civil Engineering, Portugal

Dr. Conceição Juana Espinosa Morais Fortes is a distinguished senior researcher and academic leader in the fields of civil and maritime engineering, currently serving as the Head of the Division of Ports and Maritime Structures at Portugal’s National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC). With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2002) and earlier degrees in both Mechanical and Civil Engineering from the University of Lisbon, she has combined technical depth with strategic leadership for over two decades. Her prolific career includes coordination of 47 national and European R&D projects (including Horizon 2020), involvement in 74 consultancy missions, and over 690 publications spanning journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, and technical reports. A dedicated mentor, she has supervised more than 100 academic theses at all levels, evaluated numerous doctoral and research grant applications, and contributed extensively to international scientific conferences and committees. Recognized with awards such as the Experimental Mechanics Best Article and LNEC’s ISI Article Award, Dr. Fortes has also made public contributions as a speaker on platforms like EmeraldPlanet TV. Her career exemplifies a rare blend of academic excellence, applied engineering innovation, and leadership in promoting women in STEM fields.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

SCOPUS

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Conceição Juana Espinosa Morais Fortes

Dr. Conceição Juana Espinosa Morais Fortes is an extraordinary figure in the fields of civil and maritime engineering, with a distinguished career defined by technical innovation, academic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advancing engineering science. Her multi-decade contributions, both in research and high-impact consulting, make her a standout nominee for the Best Researcher Award or the Lifetime Achievement Award.

🎓 Education

  • 📘 Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering – University of Lisbon, Portugal (2002)

  • 📗 M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering – University of Lisbon, Portugal (1993)

  • 📙 Licentiate in Civil Engineering – University of Lisbon, Portugal (1989)

🧑‍🔬 Work Experience

  • 🧪 Senior Research Officer – Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil (LNEC), Portugal (2006–Present)

  • Chief, Division of Ports and Maritime Structures – LNEC (2011–Present)

  • 🏗️ Expert in hydraulic and environmental engineering with decades of leadership at a national level

🌍 Achievements

  • 🔬 Research Projects: Led or contributed to 47+ R&D projects (Horizon 2020, FCT, Blue Fund, etc.)

  • 🏗️ Consultancy: Involved in 74+ high-level technical consulting projects for civil and maritime infrastructure

  • 📚 Publications:

    • 97 journal articles

    • 388 conference papers

    • 6 book chapters

    • 206 LNEC technical reports

  • 🎓 Academic Mentorship:

    • Supervised 9 PhDs, 15 Postdocs, 46 Master’s, and 34 Undergraduate theses

  • 🎤 Invited Speaker: 151 oral presentations, including 49 invited talks (e.g., EmeraldPlanet TV)

  • 🧑‍🏫 Evaluator & Organizer: Member of PhD panels, grant evaluator, award juries, and organizer of national/international conferences

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 🥇 Best Article AwardExperimental Mechanics, 2018

  • 📘 ISI Article Award – LNEC

  • 🌊 APRH Award – Best Research in Hydraulic Engineering, 2002–2003

  • 📡 International Recognition – Featured on EmeraldPlanet TV (Channel 10), USA, 2019

Publication Top Notes:

Experimental study of an onshore dual chamber oscillating water column device

Development of a Bayesian network-based early warning system for storm-driven coastal erosion

Experimental study on drag coefficient of flexible vegetation under non-breaking waves

Quantifying ship impact loads on fenders: Experimental approach

The Contribution of Drones to the Monitoring of Rubble-Mound Breakwaters

Experimental investigation of wave severity and mooring pretension on the operability of a moored tanker in a port terminal

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Khoi Phan | Ultrasonic Sensor Awards | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Khoi Phan | Ultrasonic Sensor Awards | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Khoi Phan, Can Tho University, Vietnam

Dr. Dinh Khoi Phan is an Associate Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Finance and Banking at Can Tho University, Viet Nam, where he has been actively contributing to academia since 2003. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance from Lincoln University, New Zealand (2013), a Master of Management from the University of the Philippines (2003), and a B.Sc. in Finance from Can Tho University (1999). His research spans rural finance, economic development, development finance, banking, behavioral finance, and cryptocurrency. Dr. Phan has led and participated in numerous government-funded research projects focused on agricultural policy, SME support, risk management in rice crop insurance, and smart city development in the Mekong River Delta. He is also the author and co-author of several books and book chapters addressing financial systems and socio-economic development in Vietnam. Through his leadership, academic work, and practical contributions, Dr. Phan has become a prominent figure in Vietnam’s financial research and policy landscape.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Dinh Khoi Phan

Dr. Dinh Khoi Phan is an accomplished scholar and academic leader whose research spans finance, rural development, and economic transformation in the Mekong River Delta. With a Ph.D. in Finance from Lincoln University, New Zealand, and over two decades of academic and policy-driven research experience, he exemplifies the qualities sought in a Best Researcher Award recipient.

🎓 Education

  • 📘 Ph.D. in Finance – Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand (April 2013)

  • 📗 Master of Management – University of the Philippines, Los Baños (June 2003)

  • 📕 B.Sc. in Finance – Can Tho University, Viet Nam (September 1999)

👨‍🏫 Work Experience

  • 🧑‍🏫 Associate Professor & Dean, Faculty of Finance and Banking, Can Tho University (2020–present)

  • 📚 Lecturer, Department of Finance and Banking, Can Tho University (2012–present)

  • 📖 Lecturer, Department of Economics, Can Tho University (2005–2012)

  • 📖 Lecturer, Agricultural Economics, Can Tho University (2003–2005)

  • 🔬 Research Assistant & 👨‍🏫 Teaching Assistant, Commerce Division, Lincoln University (2011)

🏆 Achievements & Recognitions

  • 📖 Published Author of multiple Vietnamese books on finance and economics

  • 📘 Led and contributed to 9 major research projects focused on rural development, insurance, SMEs, and smart city planning in the Mekong Delta

  • 💼 Policy Influence through development strategies funded by national and provincial governments

  • 🌱 Specialized in microfinance, economic development, and agricultural risk management in Southeast Asia

Publication Top Notes:

Dirichlet Mixed Process Integrated Bayesian Estimation for Individual Securities

Predictors of Return on Assets and Return on Equity for Banking and Insurance Companies on Vietnam Stock Exchange

Asymmetries in responses of commercial banks in a transitional economy to countercyclical monetary policy: The case of Romania

The Transmission Mechanism of Russian Central Banks Countercyclical Monetary Policy since 2011: Evidence from the Interest Rate Pass-Through

The impact of microcredit on rural households in the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam

Formal and informal rural credit in the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam: Interaction and accessibility

 

Prof. Dr. Nelson Gutierrez | Automation Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Nelson Gutierrez | Automation Awards | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Dr. Nelson Gutierrez, UTE University, Ecuador

Dr. Nelson Ramiro Gutiérrez Suquillo is an Ecuadorian researcher and academic known for his interdisciplinary work at the intersection of robotics, renewable energy, and intelligent industrial systems. He serves as a research lecturer at Universidad UTE since 2015 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Robotics. He holds master’s degrees in Renewable Energies & Energy Sustainability and Materials Science & Technology, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering and Information Networks. His research spans AI-driven diagnostics, mobile robotics for humanitarian applications, sustainable mechanical design, and advanced signal processing. With publications in journals such as Sensors, Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología, INCISCOS, and Enfoque UTE, his work demonstrates a strong commitment to practical, impactful innovation. Dr. Gutiérrez combines technical depth with applied focus, contributing significantly to Ecuador’s academic and technological landscape through research, teaching, and development projects.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Nelson Ramiro Gutiérrez Suquillo

Nelson Ramiro Gutiérrez Suquillo stands out as a versatile and impactful researcher whose work bridges robotics, renewable energy, AI-driven diagnostics, and sustainable engineering. His strong academic background, ongoing PhD in robotics, and dual master’s degrees in renewable energy and materials science demonstrate a deep and interdisciplinary technical foundation.

🎓 Education

  • 🧠 Ph.D. in Robotics (Ongoing) – Focused on mobile robotics, system identification, and intelligent systems

  • Master’s in Renewable Energies & Energy Sustainability – Expertise in sustainable technologies and systems

  • 🔬 Master’s in Materials Science & Technology – Specialized in material behavior and simulation

  • 📡 Bachelor’s in Electronic Engineering and Information Networks – Strong foundation in electronics and industrial communication

💼 Work Experience

  • 👨‍🏫 Docente Investigador (Research Lecturer)Universidad UTE (Since 2015)
    Leads research in robotics, AI for diagnostics, and energy sustainability

  • 🤖 Collaborator on applied robotics projects, including mobile platforms and humanitarian demining

  • ⚙️ Industrial systems innovator: developed prototypes for diagnostics and sustainable machinery

🏆 Achievements & Publications

  • 📚 Published in Sensors, Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología, INCISCOS, and Enfoque UTE

  • 🔍 Contributions include:

    • AI for predictive maintenance 🧠

    • System modeling of differential robots 🤖

    • Sustainable mechanical systems 🌱

    • Wavelet-based sEMG signal processing 🧾

    • ABS brake simulation using finite elements 🛞

🥇 Awards & Honors

  • 🏅 Recognized at national and institutional levels for contributions to sustainable innovation and applied robotics

  • 🧑‍🔬 Active leader in Ecuador’s academic and research ecosystem, mentoring students and spearheading interdisciplinary projects

Publication Top Notes:

Comparison of Two System Identification Approaches for a Four-Wheel Differential Robot Based on Velocity Command Execution

Optimization of Fault Prediction by A.I. in Industrial Equipment: analysis of the operating parameters of a Bench Grinder

Application of Model-Based Design for Filtering sEMG Signals Using Wavelet Transform

Diseño de Robot Móvil para tareas de Desminado Humanitario

Análisis por el método de elementos finitos del comportamiento de las pastillas de freno ABS con base de acero y zinc discretizando el elemento continuo utilizando software CAE

Analysis by the Finite Element Method of the Behavior of the Brake Pads Using CAE Software

Diseño y construcción de un prototipo para la extracción continua de aceite de la semilla Sacha Inchi con un proceso de prensado en frío

 

Dr. Diego Guffanti | Robotics Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Diego Guffanti | Robotics Awards | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Diego Guffanti, UTE University, Ecuador

Dr. Diego Andrés Guffanti Martínez is an Ecuadorian researcher and professor specializing in robotics, machine learning, and biomechanical analysis. He holds a B.S. in Electronics, Automation and Control from the Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE (2014), an M.S. in Electromechanical Engineering (2017), and a Ph.D. in Automatics and Robotics (2021), both from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). Currently serving as a professor in the Mechatronics Engineering department at UTE University in Ecuador, he also directs the ROBOGAIT project—an advanced mobile robotic platform for human gait analysis. He has held postdoctoral and research positions at UPM’s Centre for Automation and Robotics (CAR-CSIC), contributing significantly to non-invasive robotic systems for medical diagnostics and rehabilitation. With multiple peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Sensors, IEEE RA-L, and Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Dr. Guffanti’s work focuses on integrating 3D vision, mobile robotics, and supervised learning for real-world human movement analysis. He is also Editor-in-Chief of the journal Enfoque UTE and continues to drive innovation in human-centered robotic technologies.

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Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Diego Andrés Guffanti Martínez

Dr. Diego Andrés Guffanti Martínez is a dynamic and impactful researcher in the fields of robotics, mechatronics, and biomechanical systems. His academic and professional trajectory is marked by a blend of innovative project leadership, international collaboration, and dedication to both research and education.

🎓 Education

  • 🧑‍🎓 B.S. in Electronics, Automation & Control
    Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Ecuador (2008–2013)

  • ⚙️ M.S. in Electromechanical Engineering
    Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain (2016–2017)

  • 🤖 Ph.D. in Automatics and Robotics
    Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain (2018–2021)

  • 🧾 Certified SolidWorks CSWA
    Quito, Ecuador (2025–Present)

💼 Work Experience

  • 🏫 Professor
    UTE University, Mechatronics Engineering Dept., Ecuador (2022–Present)

  • 🔬 R2 Researcher (Postdoc)
    Polytechnic University of Madrid (Mar 2022 – Oct 2022)

  • 🤖 Postgraduate Researcher
    Polytechnic University of Madrid, ROMERIN project (Oct 2020 – Jun 2021)

  • 🎓 Professor
    Equinoccial Technological University (2017–2018)

  • 🧮 Professor (Mathematics)
    University of the Armed Forces – ESPE (2014–2016)

  • 🛠️ Designer
    ALBAN Electrificaciones y Telecomunicaciones (2014)

  • 🧰 Automation Designer
    SIELMEC – Automatización y Control (2013)

🏆 Achievements & Awards

  • 📚 Editor-in-Chief, Enfoque UTE Journal

  • 🤖 Director, ROBOGAIT UTE Project

  • 🎖️ Doctoral Fellowship
    Instituto de Fomento al Talento Humano, SENESCYT (2018)

  • 🥇 Master’s Fellowship
    Instituto de Fomento al Talento Humano, SENESCYT (2016–2017)

  • 🧠 Top of Graduating Class
    Instituto Julio Moreno Espinosa, Mathematical Physicist (2008)

Publication Top Notes:

Comparison of Two System Identification Approaches for a Four-Wheel Differential Robot Based on Velocity Command Execution

Technological Advancements in Human Navigation for the Visually Impaired: A Systematic Review

A Comprehensive Review of Vision-Based Sensor Systems for Human Gait Analysis

Robotics‐driven gait analysis: Assessing Azure Kinect’s performance in in‐lab versus in‐corridor environments

Supervised learning for improving the accuracy of robot-mounted 3D camera applied to human gait analysis

RoboGait: sistema robótico no invasivo para el análisis de la marcha humana

Performance of a Mobile 3D Camera to Evaluate Simulated Pathological Gait in Practical Scenarios