Mr. Luis Carlos Pereira Pinto | Laser Radar | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Luis Carlos Pereira Pinto | Laser Radar | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Luis Carlos Pereira Pinto, Institute of Telecommunications, Portugal

Luís Pinto is a dedicated and skilled telecommunications engineer with a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Coimbra, where he specialized in Mobile and Optical Communications, Networks, and Services. His academic path is marked by strong performance, culminating in a master’s thesis titled “High-resolution FMCW Lidar using a directly modulated semiconductor laser”, which earned a top grade. Luís has gained valuable research experience as a research technician at ISR Coimbra and currently holds a research grant at the Instituto de Telecomunicações in Coimbra, focusing on laser chirp nonlinearity compensation and photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design using Ansys Interconnect. He is the author of a journal article published in Sensors (MDPI) and has presented his work at the ICTON 2025 conference in Barcelona. In addition, he has contributed to projects involving applied machine learning and audio signal processing. With strong technical skills in programming, simulation, and system optimization, Luís is enthusiastic about advancing in the field and contributing to the future of telecommunications through research and innovation.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability: Luis Pinto – Best Researcher Award

Luis Pinto is an emerging researcher in the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering, with a strong focus on Telecommunications, Optical Communications, and Advanced Sensing Technologies. With both academic excellence and hands-on experience in high-impact projects, Luis demonstrates strong potential for innovation and leadership in cutting-edge research.

Education

MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Coimbra, 2022 – 2024
Final Grade: 17/20

  • Specialization in Telecommunications (Mobile and Optical Communications, Networks and Services)

  • Master’s Thesis: “High-resolution FMCW Lidar using a directly modulated semiconductor laser”
    Thesis Grade: 19/20

BSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Coimbra, 2019 – 2022
Final Grade: 14/20

  • Specialization in Telecommunications (Mobile and Optical Communications, Networks and Services)

Additional Training

  • Short-Term Course on Robotics & Applied Machine Learning

Work Experience

Research Technician
Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT), Coimbra
December 2024 – Present

  • Developed and validated pre-distortion algorithms to compensate for laser chirp nonlinearity

  • Used Ansys Interconnect for photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design

  • Characterized Fraunhofer HHI components

  • Delivered the first InP-based PIC design version

  • Optimized system performance through simulations and experimental testing

Laboratory Technician (Summer Internship)
Coficab Portugal
July 2020

Research Grant Recipient
Institute of Systems and Robotics (ISR), Coimbra
January 2023 – July 2023

  • Contributed to the “Audiology for All: A4A” project

  • Developed audio signal processing algorithms

  • Used MATLAB and Python to enhance real-time sound monitoring and analysis

  • Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to improve audio accessibility

Publications and Conferences

  • Journal Article:
    “Enhanced High-Resolution and Long-Range FMCW LiDAR with Directly Modulated Semiconductor Lasers”,
    published in Sensors (MDPI), 2025.
    DOI: 10.3390/s25134131

  • Conference Presentation:
    Presented “High Resolution Optical Ranging using a Linearized Directly Modulated DFB Laser” at ICTON 2025, Barcelona, July 2025

Publication Top Notes:

Enhanced High-Resolution and Long-Range FMCW LiDAR with Directly Modulated Semiconductor Lasers

High-resolution FMCW LiDAR using a directly modulated semiconductor laser

Prof. Xiaoji Niu | Sensor Fusion Awards | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xiaoji Niu | Sensor Fusion Awards | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Xiaoji Niu, Wuhan University, China

Dr. Xiaoji Niu is a distinguished professor at the GNSS Research Center of Wuhan University, where he has been leading a team of approximately 20 researchers since March 2010. His expertise lies in integrated navigation systems, particularly in the integration of Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Dr. Niu has been pivotal in advancing deep integration technology for high-precision GNSS/INS systems, aimed at enhancing Position and Orientation Systems (POS) for mobile mapping applications. Prior to his current role, he served as a senior scientist at Shanghai SiRF Technology Co., Ltd., where he spearheaded research and development on dead-reckoning technology and played a key role in the production release of inertial-aided GPS firmware. Dr. Niu’s academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Navigation and Control from Tsinghua University, where he focused on micromachined attitude measurement units for satellite TV antenna stabilization, and a B.Sc. with honors in Mechanical Engineering. His contributions to the field are recognized internationally, underscoring his commitment to advancing navigation technologies.

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS

Research for Best Researcher Award: 

Professor Xiaoji Niu, currently at the GNSS Research Center of Wuhan University, is a highly accomplished researcher with a notable record in navigation and integrated systems. His extensive experience and impressive contributions to the field make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Navigation and Control
    Institution: Tsinghua University, China
    Department: Department of Precision Instruments
    Duration: Sep 1997 – Dec 2002
    Dissertation: “Micromachined Attitude Measurement Unit with Application in Satellite TV Antenna Stabilization”
    Supervisor: Prof. Zhongyu Gao
  • B.Sc. (with Honors)
    Institution: Tsinghua University, China
    Departments:

    • Department of Precision Instruments (Mechanical Engineering, Major)
    • Department of Automation (Electrical Engineering, Minor)
      Duration: Sep 1992 – Jul 1997

Work Experience

  • Professor
    Institution: GNSS Research Center, Wuhan University
    Duration: Mar 2010 – Present
    Responsibilities:

    • Leading a team of approximately 20 researchers, including 2 postdoctoral researchers.
    • Research on Integrated Navigation Systems (INS and GNSS/INS integration).
    • Deep integration technology for GNSS/INS.
    • Commercializing high-precision GNSS/INS integration techniques for Position and Orientation Systems (POS) for Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS).
    • Developing compact and low-cost MEMS INS for land vehicles and UAV applications.
  • Senior Scientist
    Institution: Shanghai SiRF Technology Co., Ltd
    Department: Advanced Technologies Dept.
    Duration: Feb 2007 – Feb 2010
    Responsibilities:

    • Leading R&D on Dead-Reckoning (DR) technology, including inertial-aided GPS.
    • Technical lead for DR production projects.
    • Started production release of DR firmware in Q2 2008; released to three customers with shipments of over 500k chips, leading to product shipments by two customers.
  • Research Scientist
    Institution: The University of Calgary, Canada
    Department: Mobile Multi-Sensor System (MMSS) Research Group
    Duration: Oct 2005 – Feb 2007
    Responsibilities:

    • Led projects including:
      • Intermap Project (2006-2007): “Assessment of the Intermap Navigation Software and Hardware” (funded by Intermap Technologies Inc.).
      • SiRF Project – Phase II (2005-2006): “Inertial Aided GPS (Phase II)” (funded by SiRF Technology Inc.).
        Supervisor: Dr. Naser El-Sheimy
  • Postdoctoral Fellow
    Institution: The University of Calgary, Canada
    Department: Mobile Multi-Sensor System (MMSS) Research Group
    Duration: Feb 2003 – Sep 2005
    Responsibilities:

    • Led projects including:
      • SiRF Project – Phase I (2005): “Inertial Aided GPS (Phase I)” (funded by SiRF Technology Inc.).
      • MEMS Project (2003-2005): “Next Generation MEMS-Based Navigation System for Vehicles and Personal Location and Navigation” (funded by GEOIDE, Network Center of Excellence).
        Supervisor: Dr. Naser El-Sheimy

Publication top Notes:

Multi-level information fusion enhanced by scene constraint: Key to improve autonomous positioning accuracy in urban underground pipeline using MEMS inertial sensors

Onboard multi-source fusion train positioning method based on railway track irregularity matching

INS-Aided GNSS Pseudo-Range Error Prediction Using Machine Learning for Urban Vehicle Navigation

RANSAC-Based Fault Detection and Exclusion Algorithm for Single-Difference Tightly Coupled GNSS/INS Integration

An Iterative Method for the Distance Constraints in a Multi-Sensor Positioning System

Assist Prof Dr. Qinghua Yang | Sensor Fusion Award | Best Researcher Award

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Assist Prof Dr. Qinghua Yang | Sensor Fusion Award | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Qinghua Yang, Shanghai university, China

Yang Qinghua, born in August 1980, is currently a Special Associate Researcher at Shanghai University’s School of Mechanical Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. from the School of Automation Science and Electrical Engineering at Beihang University (2008-2012), a Master’s degree from Shandong University of Technology in Computer Science (2005-2008), and a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Engineering and Technology at the same institution (2003-2005). His research areas include integrated avionics testing for civil aircraft, indoor positioning sensors, and the development of aircraft bus signal simulators. He has led and participated in numerous high-profile research projects, including collaborations with China Commercial Aircraft Co., LTD., and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Notable projects include the development of PACU simulators, high-frequency communication failure mechanisms, and aircraft hydraulic energy system testing.

Professional Profile:

Summary of Suitability:

Qinghua Yang’s research covers critical technological advancements in sensing systems, avionics, and autonomous control, making him a well-rounded and highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His multidisciplinary expertise, innovative methods, and leadership in both academic and applied research projects underline his exceptional contributions to science and engineering.

Education Experience:

  • Ph.D. in Automation Science and Electrical Engineering, Beihang University (2008.9 – 2012.6)
  • Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Shandong University of Technology (2005.9 – 2008.7)
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and Technology, Shandong University of Technology (2003.9 – 2005.7)

Work Experience:

  • Special Associate Researcher at Shanghai University, School of Mechanical Engineering
    • Focus areas:
      1. Integrated avionics integrated test for civil aircraft
      2. Indoor positioning sensors
      3. Research and development of aircraft bus signal and corresponding ground reception signal simulator

Publication top Notes:

A Novel Method and System Implementation for Precise Estimation of Single-Axis Rotational Angles

Optimization of PMSM for EV based on Vibration and Noise Suppression

Multi-Scale Indoor Scene Geometry Modeling Algorithm Based on Segmentation Results

Movable Surface Rotation Angle Measurement System Using IMU

An improved torque sensorless speed control method for electric assisted bicycle with consideration of coordinate conversion

Autonomous Trajectory Tracking Control for a Large‐Scale Unmanned Helicopter under Airflow Influence

 

Dr. Akito Higatani | Intelligent Sensors | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Akito Higatani | Intelligent Sensors | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Akito Higatani, Hanshin Expressway Co., Ltd., Japan

Akito Higatani is an accomplished professional in traffic engineering, currently serving as Assistant Manager in the Planning Department at Hanshin Expressway Co., Ltd. With a career spanning 18 years, he has made significant contributions to the field through his research and practical insights into traffic management and efficiency. Dr. Higatani’s academic journey began at Kyoto University, Japan, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Undergraduate School of Global Engineering, specializing in Transportation Engineering and Management. He continued his studies at Kyoto University, obtaining a Master’s degree in Urban Management, focusing on traffic efficiency in urban expressways. His doctoral studies also at Kyoto University culminated in a Doctor of Engineering degree, where his research focused on planning patrolling schedules in urban expressway networks considering traffic incidents and network performance fluctuations. Dr. Higatani has contributed extensively to the field through peer-reviewed papers and presentations at international conferences. His research, such as studying traffic volume fluctuations and travel time reliability measures in the Hanshin Expressway Network, has been instrumental in advancing understanding and strategies in traffic engineering.

 

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS

 

Education:

Akito Higatani pursued his academic journey at Kyoto University, Japan, specializing in Transportation Engineering and Management.

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Undergraduate School of Global Engineering, April 2000 – March 2004): Akito completed his undergraduate studies with a focus on Transportation Engineering and Management. His graduation thesis investigated traffic flow observation using image data.
  • Master of Engineering (Department of Urban Management, April 2004 – March 2006): Continuing his studies at Kyoto University, Akito delved deeper into urban traffic management, particularly focusing on traffic efficiency at merging sections of urban expressways using image data.
  • Doctor of Engineering (Department of Urban Management, April 2012 – March 2015): Akito pursued his doctoral studies, specializing in planning patrolling schedules within urban expressway networks. His dissertation focused on optimizing schedules considering traffic incidents and network performance fluctuations.

Work Experience:

Akito Higatani has accumulated extensive experience in traffic engineering and management, primarily at Hanshin Expressway Co., Ltd.

  • Assistant Manager, Planning Department: Akito has been serving as an Assistant Manager since joining Hanshin Expressway in April 2006. His role involves strategic planning within the Planning Department, focusing on optimizing traffic flow and efficiency across the expressway network.

Academic Achievements:

Akito Higatani has contributed significantly to the field of traffic engineering through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations:

 

Publication top Notes:

Assessing the Impacts of Autonomous Vehicles on Road Congestion Using Microsimulation

An investigation into the appropriateness of car-following models in assessing autonomous vehicles

Driving simulator experiment on speed reduction during earthquake on an urban expressway

A study of traffic volume fluctuation considering traffic incidents in hanshin expressway network

Slippage test of frictional high strength bolted joints with adhesives for corroded damaged steel members