Prof. Velislava Lyubenova | Online Monitoring Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Velislava Lyubenova, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Bulgaria

Professor Velislava Noreva Lyubenova is a distinguished Bulgarian researcher in the field of biotechnological systems and process control. Currently serving as the Scientific Secretary of the Institute of Robotics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IR-BAS), she also leads the Section of Mechatronic Bio/Technological Systems. With over three decades of research experience, she holds two doctoral degrees, including a Doctor of Technical Sciences, and has developed innovative methodologies for the monitoring and adaptive control of biotechnological processes. Professor Lyubenova has led or participated in more than 30 national and international research projects, including EU-funded Erasmus and Structural Fund programs. She has supervised multiple PhD students, delivered invited lectures at prestigious institutions globally, and published over 200 papers in high-impact journals. Her notable accolades include the “Marin Drinov” Young Scientist Award from BAS and memberships in international scientific organizations. A skilled communicator and academic leader, she continues to advance interdisciplinary research in bioengineering and control systems.

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Prof. Velislava Noreva Lyubenova

Prof. Velislava Noreva Lyubenova exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with over three decades of sustained excellence in biotechnological process monitoring and control, and a robust leadership profile in national and international R&D projects. With dual doctoral degrees (Ph.D. and Doctor of Technical Sciences) and a long-standing affiliation with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, she has led or participated in over 29 major research projects—spanning EU programs, Structural Funds, and academic exchanges.

🎓 Education & Qualifications

🧠 Doctor of Technical Sciences, Institute of Robotics – BAS (2016)
🎓 Ph.D. in Technical Sciences, TU-Sofia (1988–1993) – Dissertation on parameter estimation and state variables in biotechnological processes
📡 Radio Electronics Engineer, TU-Sofia, Faculty of Radioelectronics (1982–1987)

💼 Work Experience

👩‍🔬 Scientific Secretary, Institute of Robotics – BAS & Member of PNEC Technical Sciences (2022–present)
👩‍🏫 Professor & Head, Section “Mechatronic Bio/technological Systems”, IR-BAS (2017–present)
🧪 Associate Professor, Bioengineering, ISRI-BAS (2015–2016)
🧬 Associate Professor, Section “Bioengineering”, ISIR-BAS (2010–2015)
🤖 Associate Professor, Adaptive & Robust Control Section, IUSI-BAS (2005–2010)
🧠 Associate Professor, Knowledge-Based Management Systems, IUSI-BAS (2000–2005)
🔬 Research Fellow, Adaptive Control & Knowledge-Based Systems, IUSI-BAS (1994–2000)
👩‍💻 Research Fellow, Adaptive Control Section, Bioprocessing & Automation, BAS (1992–1994)

🏆 Achievements

🧪 Developed innovative technologies for monitoring and control of biotechnological processes
📊 Led and participated in over 29 projects (15 international, 14 national)
🧑‍🏫 Supervised 3 Ph.D. students (2 completed, 1 ongoing)
🖥️ Expert in MATLAB, LABVIEW, and Microsoft Office for biotechnological control systems
🌍 Delivered 21 invited lectures (15 abroad, 6 in Bulgaria)
📚 Published 200+ papers, many in high-impact journals like AIMS Bioengineering and Engineering in Life Sciences

🥇 Awards & Honors

🏅 Marin Drinov Young Scientist Award, General Assembly of BAS (1998)
🧬 Reviewer for major journals: Journal of Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, Processes, etc.
📝 Editorial Board Member of multiple peer-reviewed journals
🧑‍🔬 Member of multiple scientific and expert committees at BAS (including examination and academic jury panels)
🌐 Member of 2 international and 1 national scientific organizations

Publication Top Notes:

A System Designed for Modelling, Monitoring, and Control of Fermentation Processes, Powered by Metaheuristic Algorithms

Contemporary Bioprocesses Control Algorithms for Educational Purposes

Simultaneous State and Kinetic Observation of Class-Controllable Bioprocesses

Escherichia coli cultivation process modelling using abc-ga hybrid algorithm

Investigation of fermentation regimes for the production of low-alcohol and non-alcohol beers

Metaheuristic Algorithms: Theory and Applications

Model-based monitoring of biotechnological processes-a review

Dr. Li Qin | Monitoring Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Li Qin, Zhejiang Ocean University, China

Dr. Li Qin is a faculty member in the Department of Information Engineering at Zhejiang Ocean University, China. He earned his Ph.D. in Information and Communication Engineering from Dalian Maritime University in 2019, where he also completed his M.S. and B.S. degrees. He was a visiting Ph.D. student at the Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, from 2017 to 2018. Before joining Zhejiang Ocean University in 2024, he served as an associate research fellow and lecturer at Ningbo University and was a visiting scholar at Zhejiang University. His research focuses on information engineering and related technologies.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Suitability of Li Qin, Ph.D., for the Best Researcher Award

Dr. Li Qin demonstrates a strong academic background and research experience in the field of Information and Communication Engineering. His contributions to multidisciplinary research, particularly in marine science, engineering, and tunnel lighting systems, highlight his diverse expertise. Below is an evaluation based on key award criteria:

📚 Education

🎓 Ph.D. in Information and Communication Engineering (Mar. 2015 – Jan. 2019)
🔹 Dalian Maritime University, China

🎓 Visiting Ph.D. Researcher (Sept. 2017 – Sept. 2018)
🔹 Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, TX, USA

🎓 M.S. in Electronic Science and Technology (Sept. 2013 – Mar. 2015)
🔹 Dalian Maritime University, China

🎓 B.S. in Electronic Information Science and Technology (Sept. 2009 – July 2013)
🔹 Dalian Maritime University, China

🏢 Professional Experience

👨‍🏫 Lecturer (June 2024 – Present)
🔹 Department of Information Engineering, Zhejiang Ocean University, China

🧑‍🔬 Associate Research Fellow (Dec. 2022 – May 2024)
🔹 Department of Information Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, China

🎓 Visiting Scholar (Sept. 2022 – Sept. 2023)
🔹 Ocean College, Zhejiang University, China

👨‍🏫 Lecturer (Jan. 2019 – Dec. 2022)
🔹 Department of Information Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, China

🏆 Achievements, Awards & Honors

🌟 Outstanding Research Contribution – Recognized for significant contributions to Information and Communication Engineering
📜 Published Multiple Research Papers – Articles in prestigious SCI/EI-indexed journals
🏅 Government and Institutional Grants – Secured funding for various research projects
🔬 Key Research Areas – Wireless Communications, Signal Processing, Ocean Information Engineering