Mennatullah Hendawy | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mennatullah Hendawy | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award 

Technical University of Munich | Germany

Dr. Mennatullah Hendawy is an interdisciplinary and purpose-driven urban planner whose work bridges socio-technical design, ethics, smart cities, mediatization, visualization, and data for social good. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor and holds multiple research affiliations, including with the University of California, Santa Cruz, Technical University of Munich, and the Centre for Advanced Internet Studies in Germany. Dr. Hendawy earned her PhD in Planning, Building, and Environment from the Technical University of Berlin with the highest distinction (summa cum laude), where her research focused on the digitalization and communication of urban planning in a mediatized world. Her impressive academic career includes over 20 scholarly publications, cited by 93 documents, and an h-index of 6, reflecting the significant impact of her research in urban studies and digital ethics. She has been recognized internationally through numerous awards, fellowships, and third-party grants exceeding, including funding from the European Cooperation in Science and Technology and Facebook’s Ethics in AI Research Initiative for Africa. Dr. Hendawy continues to advance interdisciplinary research that connects technology, society, and sustainable urban development

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications 

Hamza, S. A., Azouz, N., Hammam, R., & Hendawy, M. (2025). UX placemaking towards the inclusion of persons with disabilities in public places in Egypt's Greater Cairo Region. Cities.

Hendawy, M. (2025). After the hype: The uncertain future of Smart Cities. [Book chapter].

Md Mamunur Rashid | Earth | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Md Mamunur Rashid | Earth| Best Researcher Award

University of Southern Mississippi | United States

Dr. Md Mamunur Rashid is an accomplished researcher and Assistant Professor of Coastal Risk and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi, USA. He earned his Ph.D. in Water Engineering (Hydro-climatology) from the University of South Australia. His research contributions span hydro-climatology, compound flooding, climate change impacts, and environmental data analysis. With a strong academic publication record, he has authored 33 peer-reviewed journal articles, 33 conference papers, and one book chapter, demonstrating sustained productivity and international collaboration. According to Google Scholar metrics, Dr. Rashid’s work has accumulated 1,419 citations, reflecting significant scholarly influence, with an h-index of 20 and an i10-index of 30, indicating both productivity and impact across his career. His research outputs appear in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications Earth & Environment, Scientific Reports, and Journal of Hydrology. He has secured multiple research grants from leading organizations including the U.S. EPA, NSF, and NOAA, contributing to coastal flood resilience and hydrologic risk modeling. Dr. Rashid also serves as a co-guest editor for Weather and Climate Extremes (Elsevier) and as a committee member of the ASCE Task Committee on Compound Flooding, underscoring his growing leadership in coastal and climate risk research.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

  • Rashid, M. M., Moftakhari, H., & Moradkhani, H. (2024). Stochastic simulation of storm surge extremes along the contiguous United States coastlines using the max-stable process. Communications Earth & Environment, 5, Article 39.

  • Camus, P., Haigh, I. D., Quinn, N., Wahl, T., Benson, T., Gouldby, B., Nasr, A. A., Rashid, M. M., Enríquez, A. R., Darby, S. E., & de Almeida, G. A. M. (2024). Tracking the spatial footprints of extreme storm surges around the coastline of the UK and Ireland. Weather and Climate Extremes, Article 100662.

  • Ali, J., Wahl, T., Enríquez, A. R., Rashid, M. M., Morim, J., Gall, M., & Emrich, C. T. (2023). The role of compound climate and weather extreme events in creating socio-economic impacts in South Florida. Weather and Climate Extremes, Article 100625.

Rinal Prasad | Renewable Energy Management | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rinal Prasad | Renewable Energy Management | Best Researcher Award

University of Fiji | Fiji

Rinal Rinay Prasad, a highly accomplished Mathematics and Physics educator from Fiji, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in the field of education and renewable energy integration. With a Master’s in Renewable Energy Management from the University of Fiji and a Postgraduate qualification in Education from the University of the South Pacific, he has effectively combined academic excellence with practical sustainability initiatives. Over his career, he has held several key roles including Head of Department at Nadarivatu High School, Bucalevu Secondary School, and South Taveuni Secondary School, before joining Thames High School, New Zealand, as a Mathematics Teacher. His remarkable achievements include leading Kamil Muslim College to victory in the “Zayed Sustainability Prize” and implementing solar and biogas projects funded by Digicel and Fiji Water, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable education. His research and contributions to renewable energy and education have gained scholarly recognition, with an H-index of 5, 12 published documents, and 220 citations, reflecting the growing academic impact of his work. A visionary educator and sustainability advocate, Rinal continues to inspire students and communities through his innovative teaching methods, commitment to academic excellence, and dedication to promoting renewable energy solutions within educational environments

Profile: Oricd

Featured Publications

Prasad, R. R. (2025, September 28). Decarbonising island kitchens: Assessing the small-scale flexible balloon digester’s clean cooking potential in Fiji. Journal of Renewable Energy and Sustainability, 12(3), 45–58.

Dongting Yue | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dongting Yue | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dongting Yue | Shanghai University | China

Dr. Dongting Yue is an accomplished environmental scientist affiliated with the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. With a strong academic background and international research exposure, he specializes in nanocatalysis, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, and wastewater treatment technologies. His career includes a postdoctoral fellowship and visiting scholarship at leading institutions in China and Australia. Dr. Yue has published extensively in high-impact journals and actively contributes to advancing photo(electro)catalytic applications in environmental remediation. His work reflects a commitment to sustainable solutions and innovative environmental engineering strategies through interdisciplinary research.

Profile

Scopus
Google Scholar 

Education

Dr. Dongting Yue holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2014–2017), where he specialized in nanomaterials, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, and organic wastewater treatment. He also earned a Master’s degree in the same field from Shandong University (2011–2014) and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Jinan (2006–2010). He further advanced his academic career as a postdoctoral fellow and associate researcher at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Shanghai University, respectively, and gained international experience as a visiting scholar at the University of Queensland in 2019–2020.

Experience

Dr. Dongting Yue is currently serving as an Associate Researcher at Shanghai University since October 2020. Previously, he was a postdoctoral fellow at Shanghai Jiao Tong University from 2017 to 2020, where he worked with Profs. Yixin Zhao and Xudong Yang. During 2019–2020, he expanded his research horizons as a visiting scholar at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, under Dr. Chengzhong Yu. His professional journey encompasses advanced research on nanomaterials, photo(electro)catalysis, and water purification technologies, contributing to numerous high-impact publications and national research grants in environmental science and engineering.

Research Focus

Dr. Dongting Yue’s research is centered on the development of nanocatalysts and electrode materials for advanced environmental applications. His core focus lies in photo(electron)-catalytic hydrogen evolution and Fenton-like reactions for wastewater treatment. He actively explores the synthesis of nanostructured materials and their integration into innovative catalytic systems for pollutant degradation and clean energy production. His studies on photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide generation and nitrate reduction have opened new avenues for low-energy, high-efficiency water treatment. Dr. Yue’s work significantly contributes to environmental nanotechnology, aiming to address pressing global issues such as water contamination and sustainable energy.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Dongting Yue has received multiple accolades for his academic and research excellence. He was honored with the “Second Prize for Subject Report” and “Second Prize for Poster Display” at the Graduate Academic Forum of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2016). He was recognized as an “SJTU-ATAL Outstanding Student” and received the “Outstanding Graduate” award from Shandong University and Shandong Province in 2014. He was a recipient of the prestigious “Qugeping Scholarship” from the China Environmental Protection Foundation and won a “Third Prize” in the Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Competition. Early in his academic career, he also earned a third-class scholarship at the University of Jinan.

Publications Top Notes

FeOOH quantum dots coupled g-C3N4 for visible light driving photo-Fenton degradation of organic pollutants

Citation: 289

Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Vol. 237, pp. 513–520, 2018

Authors: X. Qian, Y. Wu, M. Kan, M. Fang, D. Yue, J. Zeng, Y. Zhao

Carbon quantum dots decorated Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposite with enhanced photocatalytic oxidation activity for VOCs

Citation: 287

Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Vol. 193, pp. 16–21, 2016

Authors: X. Qian, D. Yue, Z. Tian, M. Ren, Y. Zhu, M. Kan, T. Zhang, Y. Zhao

Visible light assisted heterogeneous Fenton-like degradation of organic pollutant via α-FeOOH/mesoporous carbon composites

Citation: 271

Journal: Environmental Science & Technology, Vol. 51(7), pp. 3993–4000, 2017

Authors: X. Qian, M. Ren, Y. Zhu, D. Yue, Y. Han, J. Jia, Y. Zhao

Lead-free double perovskite Cs₂AgBiBr₆/RGO composite for efficient visible light photocatalytic H₂ evolution

Citation: 243

Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Vol. 268, 118399, 2020

Authors: T. Wang, D. Yue, X. Li, Y. Zhao

Highly efficient utilization of nano-Fe(0) embedded in mesoporous carbon for activation of peroxydisulfate

Citation: 214

Journal: Environmental Science & Technology, Vol. 53(15), pp. 9081–9090, 2019

Authors: Y. Wu, X. Chen, Y. Han, D. Yue, X. Cao, Y. Zhao, X. Qian

Mesoporous TiO₂ films coated on carbon foam based on waste polyurethane for enhanced photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs

Citation: 137

Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Vol. 212, pp. 1–6, 2017

Authors: X. Qian, M. Ren, D. Yue, Y. Zhu, Y. Han, Z. Bian, Y. Zhao

Hydrophilic mesoporous carbon as iron (III)/(II) electron shuttle for visible light enhanced Fenton-like degradation of organic pollutants

Citation: 131

Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Vol. 231, pp. 108–114, 2018

Authors: X. Qian, M. Ren, M. Fang, M. Kan, D. Yue, Z. Bian, H. Li, J. Jia, Y. Zhao

A novel polynary fatty acid/sludge ceramsite composite phase change materials and its applications in building energy conservation

Citation: 95

Journal: Renewable Energy, Vol. 76, pp. 45–52, 2015

Authors: H. He, P. Zhao, Q. Yue, B. Gao, D. Yue, Q. Li

NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheet catalysts with Fe as electron transfer mediator for enhanced persulfate activation

Citation: 85

Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, Vol. 11(3), pp. 968–973, 2020

Authors: D. Yue, X. Yan, C. Guo, X. Qian, Y. Zhao

CuO nanosheet as a recyclable Fenton-like catalyst prepared from simulated Cu(II) waste effluents by alkaline H₂O₂ reaction

Citation: 74

Journal: Environmental Science: Nano, Vol. 6(1), pp. 105–114, 2019

Authors: M. Fang, R. Zheng, Y. Wu, D. Yue, X. Qian, Y. Zhao, Z. Bian

Photocatalytic remediation of ionic pollutant

Citation: 74

Journal: Science Bulletin, Vol. 60(21), pp. 1791–1806, 2015

Authors: D. Yue, X. Qian, Y. Zhao

Conclusion

Dr. Dongting Yue stands as a dedicated environmental scientist whose contributions span innovative catalyst development and eco-friendly water treatment methods. His comprehensive academic training, international collaborations, and sustained research excellence have established him as a rising leader in environmental nanotechnology. With a strong publication record, prestigious grants, and multiple honors, Dr. Yue continues to push the boundaries of photo(electro)catalytic applications. His interdisciplinary approach addresses critical environmental challenges, promoting sustainable technologies for energy and water purification. He is poised to make even greater contributions to global environmental sustainability through continued research, innovation, and scientific collaboration.

Yalun Lei | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yalun Lei | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yalun Lei, College of design and Innovation Tongji University, China.

Dr. YaLun Lei 🧠🎨 is a design researcher at Tongji University, specializing in Sustainable Design and Urban Space Innovation 🌿🏙️. With a Ph.D. in Design from Shanghai University and postdoctoral work at Tongji, he combines big data, deep learning, and human-environment interaction to enhance historic streetscapes and preserve cultural heritage 🧱📊. His SCI-indexed research drives meaningful change in spatial design, community well-being, and the metaverse. A true visionary connecting technology and design 🔍💡.

Profile

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. YaLun Lei began his academic journey in design with a deep-rooted interest in sustainability and innovation. He earned his Ph.D. in Design from Shanghai University, where he developed a robust foundation in design theory and research methodologies. Further refining his expertise, he completed postdoctoral research at Tongji University, exploring the intersection of design, technology, and urbanism. These formative years laid the groundwork for his pioneering work in sustainable urban and fashion design.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently positioned at the College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University in Shanghai, Dr. Lei has carved a niche in interdisciplinary design research. His work spans collaborative street design, cultural heritage preservation, and immersive metaverse experiences. By integrating big data, deep learning, and human-computer interaction, he brings a futuristic approach to traditional design disciplines, making his professional endeavors both socially impactful and technologically advanced.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus On Environmental Science

Dr. Lei’s research centers on sustainable urban space design and human-field interaction, with a core aim to enhance how people perceive and interact with their environments. His contributions focus on using advanced digital tools—like deep learning, space syntax, and design algorithms—to improve urban living conditions. He has led research on collaborative street enhancement under the “People’s City” initiative, pushing the boundaries of how design can serve both functionality and emotional human experience.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Lei’s interdisciplinary approach has influenced urban planners, policymakers, and academics alike. His innovative blend of traditional spatial analysis with modern AI techniques has redefined street and community design strategies in China and beyond. His involvement in metaverse-related heritage preservation marks him as a visionary in the integration of digital realms with urban cultural narratives.

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Lei possesses cutting-edge research skills in design algorithms, big data mining, deep learning, and human-computer interaction. These technical proficiencies allow him to tackle complex urban and environmental challenges with a systems-thinking approach. His ability to translate these skills into real-world urban design solutions makes his work highly applicable and impactful.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Lei’s forward-thinking research has earned him recognition on platforms such as Global Best Achievements Awards. His dedication to enhancing public spaces and design intelligence continues to bring him acclaim in academic and design circles.

🏛️ Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Lei is poised to leave a legacy of innovation in sustainable design, especially in how public environments can be made more inclusive, efficient, and culturally rich. Looking forward, he aims to continue developing immersive experiences for heritage preservation and refine AI-driven tools that enhance human-environment interactions. His work promises lasting value in bridging design with ecology, psychology, and smart technologies.

Publications Top Notes

  1. 🌆 Measurement of Spatial Heterogeneity in Street Restorative Perceptions and Street Refinement Design
    🗞️ Journal: Scientific Reports
    📅 Year: 2025

  2. 🏙️ Evaluating and Comparing Human Perceptions of Streets in Two Megacities by Integrating Street-View Images, Deep Learning, and Space Syntax
    🗞️ Journal: Buildings
    📅 Year: 2024

  3. 🌞 Investigation and Evaluation of Insolation and Ventilation Conditions of Streetscapes of Traditional Settlements in Subtropical China
    🗞️ Journal: Buildings
    📅 Year: 2023

  4. 🌿 Coupling Coordination and High-Quality Development Pathways Between Tourism, Economy, and Ecology Among the Arid and Semi-Arid Region of Northwestern China
    🗞️ Journal: Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society
    📅 Year: 2024

  5. 🏘️ Analysis on Spatial Characteristics and Adaptation Mechanism of Miao Traditional Settlement in Qiandongnan, China
    🗞️ Journal: Mathematical Problems in Engineering
    📅 Year: 2022