Dr. Maria Luisa Tumminello | Transportation Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maria Luisa Tumminello, University of Palermo, Italy

Marialuisa Tumminello is a researcher and academic in Civil, Environmental, and Material Engineering specializing in transportation infrastructures at the University of Palermo, Italy. She earned her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Palermo, where she also completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Her research focuses on road transport network performance, microsimulation modeling, connected and automated vehicles, road safety, and the environmental sustainability of transport infrastructures. Marialuisa actively contributes to the scientific community as an Early Career Editor for the International Journal of Mathematical, Engineering and Management Sciences, Associate Editor for Municipal Engineer (Emerald Publishing), and Guest Editor for special issues on sustainable road design and AI-powered technologies in road management. She has extensive teaching experience, delivering courses on infrastructures for mobility and transportation across multiple academic years. Marialuisa also serves as a co-tutor and advisor for undergraduate and Ph.D. theses and is a frequent speaker at international conferences on transport systems and smart mobility.

Professional Profile:

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Summary of Suitability for the Best Researcher Award: Marialuisa Tumminello

Dr. Marialuisa Tumminello holds a Ph.D. in Civil, Environmental, and Material Engineering specializing in Transportation Infrastructures and Geomatics from the University of Palermo, Italy. With comprehensive expertise in road transport network performance, microsimulation modeling, and connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), she is at the forefront of research driving innovation in smart, sustainable transportation infrastructure.

🎓 Educational Qualifications

Ph.D. in Civil, Environmental and Material Engineering – Transportation Infrastructures Engineering and Geomatics
University of Palermo, Italy — 16/02/2018
Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering
University of Palermo, Italy — 28/03/2014
Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
University of Palermo, Italy — 29/02/2012

💼 Work Experience

Researcher (Scientific Disciplinary Sector CEAR-03/A – Roads, Railways and Airports)
University of Palermo (Department of Engineering), Italy — 2022 – Present
Research areas include:
• Performance analysis of road transport networks
• Microsimulation modelling
• Connected and automated vehicles
• Environmental sustainability of transport infrastructures
• Road safety and surrogate safety measures
• Traffic calming measures
Teaching Activities
• Instructor of Infrastructures for Mobility and Transportation courses (Bachelor level) for Town Planning, Urban Studies, and Safety Engineering students, University of Palermo (2021–2025 academic years)
• Co-tutor of PhD courses (AIM HIGHEST, Cycle XXXVII) — 2023-2024
• Advisor and co-advisor for bachelor theses in Civil and Safety Engineering — 2014–2023

🏆 Achievements & Honors

Editorial Roles:
• Early Career Editor, International Journal of Mathematical, Engineering and Management Sciences (IJMEMS) — 2023–Present
• Associate Editor / Reviewer, Municipal Engineer (Emerald Publishing) — 2024–Present
• Guest Editor for special issues on smart and sustainable road design and AI-powered technologies in road infrastructure for Smart Cities and Discover Applied Sciences journals — 2024–Present
Conference Speaker:
Presented research at multiple international conferences including:
• Transport Systems Theory and Practice (Poland, 2022, 2023, 2024)
• Engineering Mechanics Institute International Conference (Italy, 2023)
• Transport Problems International Scientific Conference (Poland, 2024)
• AIIT 4th International Conference on sustainable transport infrastructure (Italy, 2024)

Publication Top Notes:

A Microsimulation-Based Modelling Approach for Connected and Automated Vehicles on Roundabouts

Simulation-Based Analysis of “What-If” Scenarios with Connected and Automated Vehicles Navigating Roundabouts

Estimating pollutant emissions based on speed profiles at urban roundabouts: A pilot study

Passenger car equivalents for heavy vehicles at roundabouts. A synthesis review

Surrogate measures of safety at roundabouts in AIMSUN and VISSIM environment

Calibrating a microscopic traffic simulation model for roundabouts using genetic algorithms

Capacity-based calculation of passenger car equivalents using traffic simulation at double-lane roundabouts

Evaluation of Roundabout Safety Performance through Surrogate Safety Measures from Microsimulation

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kristián Čulík ,University of Žilina,Slovakia

Kristián Čulík is an Assistant Professor at the University of Žilina, Slovakia, where he teaches subjects related to transport management, smart cities, and business economics. With a Ph.D. in Transport and Communications, Kristián has extensive experience in both academia and industry, having worked on innovative research projects at the University Science Park and in urban planning. His expertise includes traffic engineering, urban transport planning, and digital graphics. Kristián is also a published researcher with several articles indexed in Web of Science, focusing on topics like micromobility, taxi market regulation, and smart parking solutions.

Professional Profile:

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Evaluation of Suitability for Best Researcher Award: Kristian Čulík

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Kristian Čulík’s diverse academic and professional background demonstrates a strong foundation in transport engineering, urban planning, and smart city concepts. His work as an Assistant Professor and Researcher at the University of Žilina highlights his dedication to advancing knowledge in the fields of transportation, traffic engineering, and smart city development.

🎓Education:

Kristián Čulík holds a Ph.D. in Transport and Communications from the Faculty of Operation and Economics of Transport and Communications at the University of Žilina, Slovakia, where he completed his doctoral studies from 2017 to 2020. His dissertation focused on the “Model of Human and Traffic System Interaction from the Road Safety Perspective,” and he was honored with the Dean’s Award for his publication efforts during his studies. Prior to this, Kristián earned his Master’s degree in Engineering from the same department, spanning from 2015 to 2017, where he was recognized with the Rector’s Award for outstanding academic performance. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in the same field, which he completed with distinction from 2012 to 2015. Kristián’s educational journey began at the Secondary Industrial School of Construction in Nitra, Slovakia, where he studied Civil Engineering from 2008 to 2012.

🏢Work Experience:

Kristián Čulík is an Assistant Professor at the University of Žilina’s Faculty of Operation and Economics of Transport and Communications in Slovakia, a position he has held since September 15, 2020. In this role, he teaches various subjects including the organization and management of transport, Smart City concepts, the economics of transport enterprises, business and financial management, and taxes and fees in road transport. Alongside his teaching responsibilities, Kristián served as a researcher at the University Science Park from January 11, 2021, to June 30, 2023, where he worked on the IcOTS project, focusing on innovative solutions for propulsion, energy, and safety components of transport vehicles

🏆Awards:

During his academic journey at the University of Žilina, Kristián Čulík was recognized for his exceptional achievements. He was awarded the Dean’s Award for his outstanding publications during his Ph.D. studies, showcasing his significant contributions to research. Additionally, Kristián received the Rector’s Award for outstanding academic performance during his Engineering studies, reflecting his dedication and excellence in his field.

Publication Top Notes:

“Possibilities of Legislative and Economic Support for Electromobility in Slovakia”
“Restriction of Mobility Due to Follow-Up Measures Caused by COVID-19”
“Legislatívne zmeny v taxislužbe a ich dopad na vozidlové parky podnikov poskytujúcich taxislužbu”
“Application of Wireless Magnetic Sensors in the Urban Environment and Their Accuracy Verification”
“Research into the Opinion of Professional Drivers on Improving Road Safety by Using the Front Brake Light”