Donato Abruzzese | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Donato Abruzzese | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Rome “Tor Vergata” | Italy

Prof. Donato Abruzzese is an eminent scholar in structural and seismic engineering, holding an h-index of 11, with 31 documents and 380 citations across 340 publications. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” he has made significant contributions to the fields of structural analysis, cultural heritage preservation, and seismic safety of historical masonry structures. His research encompasses dynamic identification of ancient towers, IoT-based structural health monitoring, and innovative approaches to rehabilitation of monuments. Prof. Abruzzese has authored over 100 scientific papers published in high-impact international journals and conference proceedings. A member of RELUIS (National Laboratories of Seismic Engineering) and the Italian Association of Engineers, he has collaborated extensively with global institutions across the USA, China, Mongolia, Japan, and beyond. His expertise is recognized through peer-review roles for leading journals such as Journal of Cultural Heritage, Structural Health Monitoring, and Construction and Building Materials. He has received honors including Honorary Professor of Mongolian Technical University  and Distinguished Visiting Professor at Yangzhou University. Through his pioneering research in heritage structure resilience, advanced materials, and smart monitoring systems, Prof. Abruzzese continues to shape the evolution of civil and structural engineering worldwide.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Wang, P., Liu, G., Li, F., Li, S., Milani, G., & Abruzzese, D. (2025). Assessment of knot-induced degradation in timber beams: Probabilistic modeling and data-driven prediction of load capacity loss. Buildings, 15(12), 2058.

Liu, W., Yang, N., Liu, B., Feng, H., Wang, B., Du, K., & Abruzzese, D. (2025). Sensitivity analysis and optimization of user-defined parameters in covariance-driven stochastic subspace identification. International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics, 25(4).

Liu, W., Yang, N., Abruzzese, D., & Bai, F. (2024). Identification of dynamic characteristics of a heritage building—Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. In Advances in Structural Dynamics and Monitoring (pp. xxx–xxx). Springer.

Lettieri, R., Fazio, V., Abruzzese, D., Di Bartolomeo, E., D’Ottavi, C., Micheletti, A., Tiero, A., Duranti, L., Armuzza, V., & Licoccia, S. (2024). Influence of natural additives on the properties of a milk-based compostable bioplastic. RSC Advances, 14(xx), xxx–xxx.

Liu, W., Yang, N., Bai, F., & Abruzzese, D. (2023). Automatic identification of structural modal parameters under ambient excitation and its application to heritage timber structures. In Advances in Structural Engineering and Heritage Conservation (pp. xxx–xxx). Springer.

Li, F., Abruzzese, D., Milani, G., & Li, S. (2022). Influence of internal defects of semi-grouted sleeve connections on the seismic performance of precast monolithic concrete columns. Journal of Building Engineering, 51, 104009.

Abruzzese, D., Paterna, P., Marocchini, C., Vuth, S. M., Micheletti, A., Rosa, C., Tiero, A., & Sukaj, S. (2022). The necessary permanent WiFi health monitoring of the structures as condition for the smart buildings in smart cities. INGENIOUS, 1(1), 45–60.

Abruzzese, D. (2021). An iterative rectification procedure analysis for historical timber frames: Application to a cultural heritage Chinese pavilion. Engineering Structures, 236, 112083.

Abruzzese, D. (2021). Permanent monitoring of thin structures with low-cost devices. Curved and Layered Structures, 8(2), 145–154.

Abruzzese, D. (2020). Behavior of traditional Chinese mortise-tenon joints: Experimental and numerical insight for coupled vertical and reversed cyclic horizontal loads. Journal of Building Engineering, 32, 101575.

Abruzzese, D. (2020). BlockNet: A new flexible control architecture. In Proceedings of the 28th Mediterranean Conference on Control and Automation (MED) (pp. xxx–xxx). IEEE.

Abruzzese, D. (2020). Exoway: An exoskeleton on actuated wheels. arXiv Preprint, arXiv:2010.13393.

Abruzzese, D. (2020). IoT sensors for modern structural health monitoring: A new frontier. Procedia Structural Integrity, 26, 123–132.

Abruzzese, D. (2020). Multidisciplinary researches in cultural heritage studies: An approach on Akkale Cistern in Erdemli, Mersin. Cultural Heritage and Science, 5(1), 55–66.

 

Dhaarna | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Dhaarna | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

CEPT University | India

Author Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

From a young age, Dr. Dhaarna’s educational path reflected both depth and diversity. She began her academic journey at St. Francis Senior Secondary School, Hathras, and continued her secondary education at Delhi Public School, Aligarh, before moving to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for her Senior Secondary schooling. She pursued a Bachelor's in Architecture from ZHCET, AMU, where she also served as the Cultural Secretary. Her curiosity for planning led her to CEPT University, Ahmedabad, for a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning, where she was elected Academic Secretary and awarded a GATE scholarship. She then earned her Ph.D. from IIT Roorkee, focusing on Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus planning for the Bundelkhand region, supported by MHRD and the Newton Bhabha Scholarship.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Dhaarna is currently an Assistant Professor at CEPT University, where she teaches urban planning studios and engages students in foundational and developmental planning frameworks. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor at NICMAR University, Pune, where she not only taught a wide array of sustainability and planning subjects but also spearheaded the setup of the B-Arch program and led cultural initiatives. Her early career included critical field roles at Urban Management Centre, working on the Government of India’s NAMASTE program, and HCL Foundation’s Project Samuday, focusing on rural WASH and GIS-based development. She also held research roles at IIT Roorkee and interned with Hathras Municipality and Incubis Consultants.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Dhaarna’s core research centers around the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, urban heat islands, policy planning, systems thinking, GIS applications, and sustainable urban-rural development. She uses an interdisciplinary approach to address complex spatial and environmental challenges. Her publications span high-impact journals such as Elsevier’s Information Sciences (Q1), Springer-Nature, Blue-Green Systems (Q1), and Environmental Research, Engineering and Management (Q3). Additionally, she has contributed to several Springer-Nature book chapters on environmental governance and system-based research methodology.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Dhaarna's excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and fellowships. She received the Best Teaching Practices Award at NICMAR University in 2024 and was conferred Individual Honorary Membership by IUCEE in 2025. Her innovative teaching earned her certification from the International Society for Engineering Pedagogy, Austria. During her Ph.D., she won the Best Research Poster Award at IIT Roorkee’s Research Day and was selected for the prestigious Newton Bhabha Ph.D. Placement Programme hosted at the University of the West of England, UK.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through her teaching, Dr. Dhaarna has influenced future architects and planners to embrace sustainability, equity, and systems-based thinking. Her interdisciplinary lens—blending architecture, policy, and regional planning—has empowered students and researchers alike to address real-world challenges. Her contributions to WASH programs, climate resilience, and urban policy have impacted both grassroots communities and academic spheres.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a deep-rooted passion for sustainability, planning, and social equity, Dr. Dhaarna is poised to continue shaping India’s environmental and planning discourse. Her legacy lies not only in academic excellence but also in nurturing creative, ethical, and inclusive minds. Looking ahead, she envisions contributing to global environmental governance, expanding the frontiers of WEF Nexus research, and integrating storytelling and science to foster wider public understanding.

Publications


📄  Water Security Modeling in Low-Income Regions in India: A System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Dhaarna, Anil Kashyap
Journal: Environmental and Sustainability Indicators
Year: July 2025


📄 Matrix representation of the graph model for conflict resolution based on intuitionistic preferences with applications to trans-regional water resource conflicts in the Lancang–Mekong River Basin
Authors: Dayong Wang, Xiaoying Lai, Dhaarna, Xiaowei Wen, Yejun Xu
Journal: Information Sciences
Year: February 2025


📄 A Systematic Review and Trend Analysis of Urban Heat Island
Author: Dhaarna
Journal: NICMAR Journal of Construction Management
Year: 2025


📄 A Descriptive Analysis of Human-Environment Interactions in the Suburban Area of Pune City
Author: Dhaarna
Journal: Environmental Research, Engineering and Management
Year: October 2024


📄 Water, Energy and Food Nexus for Sustainable Development of the Bundelkhand Region
 Authors: Dhaarna, Varuvel Devadas
Book: Sustainable Future Cities
Year: March 2023


Eduardo Delgado-Orusco | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Eduardo Delgado-Orusco | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Universidad de Zaragoza | Spain

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Eduardo Delgado-Orusco began his academic journey at the prestigious Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, where he obtained his Architecture degree in 1989. His unwavering dedication to the discipline led him to earn his Doctorate in Architecture in 2000, for which he was awarded the Premio Extraordinario de Doctorado —a testament to his early brilliance and scholarly rigor. His formative years were marked by a profound engagement with architectural theory, art, and the sacred, laying a rich intellectual foundation for his future endeavors.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Eduardo’s professional path has been a dynamic blend of academia, design, and international engagement. Currently serving as a Full Professor at the University of Zaragoza, he has also taught at top institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Across his global teaching roles, he has nurtured generations of architects and thinkers, shaping architectural pedagogy with an emphasis on cultural memory, spatial narrative, and design ethics. His professional architectural work—ranging from school designs to the transformation of historical buildings—reflects a balance between heritage preservation and innovative expression.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Delgado-Orusco’s research orbits around architecture’s dialogue with history, spirituality, and society. He is especially renowned for his studies on sacred architecture in post-war Spain and his explorations into architectural memory and cultural landscapes. A prolific author, his body of work includes critically acclaimed monographs such as "Arquitectura vs barbarie", "El Faro", and "Nada de lo humano me es ajeno". His academic articles span topics from multi-faith sacred spaces to reflections on modernist pioneers like Louis Kahn and Miguel Fisac.  His focus on “architecture as narrative” has positioned him as a thought leader in rethinking built environments beyond functionality.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Prof. Delgado-Orusco has amassed a wide array of prestigious awards and honors. His work has been celebrated by COAM, the Spanish Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism (XII and XIII BEAU), and recognized in international architectural competitions such as BigMat and Archizinc. He has also secured major public and private research funding, leading and collaborating on over a dozen national and regional projects. His academic leadership is underscored by five officially recognized research productivity periods ("sexenios"), a significant indicator of scholarly excellence in Spain.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Delgado-Orusco’s influence resonates deeply in both academia and architectural practice. As a supervisor, he has mentored over 35 final-year and master’s theses, as well as three doctoral dissertations—many of which have advanced critical architectural discourse. He has contributed richly to the cultural and urban identity of Spanish cities through both design and scholarly reflection. His editorial contributions to architecture journals and exhibitions have further broadened public and professional understanding of the discipline. His work has been exhibited globally, drawing attention to the intersections between architecture, identity, and memory.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a career marked by intellectual curiosity and cultural depth, Prof. Dr. Eduardo Delgado-Orusco continues to inspire future architects and researchers. His legacy lies not only in the buildings he has shaped or the books he has written, but also in the minds he has awakened. As he advances in his academic and professional journey, his ongoing research into architectural heritage, sacred space, and interdisciplinary dialogue promises to enrich the field for years to come. His vision of architecture as a carrier of humanistic values ensures that his contributions will remain relevant and transformative across generations.

Publications


📄 Praying to the Same God: Multi-Confessional Space Project for a “World House”

Author: Eduardo Delgado-Orusco
Journal: Religions
Year: 2025


📄 Wake Up Cities! A Heritage Rebalancing Plan from the Sacred

Author: Eduardo Delgado-Orusco
Journal: Religions
Year: 2025


📄 Recuerdos de César Ortiz-Echagüe

Authors: Eduardo Delgado-Orusco, Jaime Aparicio Fraga
Journal: Veredes, Arquitectura y Divulgación
Year: 2023


📄 Light, Lighter… Until Dissolution. Churches by Grupo R

Authors: Ricardo Gómez-Val, Silvia Blanco Agüeira, Eduardo Delgado-Orusco
Journal: European Journal of Science and Theology
Year: 2023


📄 Memoria de maestros, mares y ciudades. Selección extraída de las memorias de Salvador Pérez Arroyo

Authors: Eduardo Delgado-Orusco, Juan Manuel Medina
Journal: Dearq
Year: 2023


Xin Ding | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xin Ding | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Shandong Jianzhu University | China

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Xin Ding’s journey in architecture began with an unwavering passion for sustainable and energy-efficient designs. She pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture at Politecnico di Torino, where she developed a strong foundation in structural design, environmental adaptation, and architectural aesthetics. Her academic excellence was further reinforced when she earned a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Architecture and Landscape Design from Politecnico di Milano, achieving an impressive final grade of 106/110. Driven by her commitment to eco-conscious construction, she is currently advancing her expertise with a Ph.D. in Green Building at Shan Dong Jian Zhu University, focusing on energy-efficient and climate-responsive architectural solutions.

Professional Endeavors 🏢

Dr. Ding has seamlessly blended academic research with practical application through her diverse professional experiences. As an Assistant Architect, she contributed to innovative architectural projects at Modum Architects in Nanjing, Peter Jaeger Architetti in Torino, and LGC Ingegneria e Architettura in Italy. Her experience in multiple international firms has allowed her to apply cutting-edge sustainability principles to real-world designs. She has also participated in bidding projects and international architecture competitions, showcasing her ability to innovate and push the boundaries of sustainable architecture.

Contributions and Research Focus 📚

A dedicated researcher, Dr. Ding has made significant contributions to green building technologies and biophilic architecture. Her research focuses on energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and climate-responsive design strategies. Some of her most notable publications include:

  • Energy Efficiency in Biophilic Architecture – A systematic review and analysis of sustainable architectural solutions using CiteSpace and VOSviewer (Buildings, 2024).
  • Data-Driven Photovoltaic Systems in Academic Buildings – Research on carbon emissions, energy payback, and comfort in climate-responsive structures (Building and Environment, 2025).
  • Winter Thermal Comfort in Nursing Homes – A field study addressing thermal comfort in healthcare facilities in China (Buildings, 2024).

Her work has shaped the future of energy-efficient building design and has been widely referenced in sustainable architecture research.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Ding’s pioneering research and dedication to sustainability have earned her recognition as one of the leading voices in the field. Her contributions have been acknowledged through academic awards, research grants, and industry accolades. She has also been a key participant in international architectural competitions, further solidifying her reputation as an influential thinker and practitioner in sustainable architecture.

Impact and Influence 🌎

Dr. Ding’s research is not just theoretical—it has real-world applications that contribute to the global sustainability movement. Her work on biophilic design, photovoltaic energy integration, and climate-adaptive buildings is shaping how cities and communities transition toward net-zero architecture. She has also mentored aspiring architects and collaborated with international experts, amplifying her influence in academia and industry.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

With a firm commitment to sustainable innovation, Dr. Ding continues to pioneer research in green building and climate-adaptive architecture. She aims to further explore advanced smart-building materials, renewable energy solutions, and urban sustainability strategies. Her legacy will inspire future generations of architects and researchers to build a world where architecture harmonizes with nature.

Publications


  • 📄 Energy Efficiency in Biophilic Architecture: A Systematic Literature Review and Visual Analysis Using CiteSpace and VOSviewer
    Author(s): Ding, X., Cui, Y., Chen, Z., & Zhang, H.
    Journal: Buildings
    Year: 2024


  • 📄 Data-driven Approach of Academic Building-integrated Photovoltaic System Based on Carbon Emission, Energy Payback Time and Comfort: Considering Climate Change
    Author(s): Zhengshu Chen, Yanqiu Cui, Dexuan Song, Haichao Zheng, Xin Ding, Haoran Yang
    Journal: Building and Environment
    Year: 2025


  • 📄 Field Study on Winter Thermal Comfort of Occupants of Nursing Homes in Shandong Province, China
    Author(s): Sun, N., Ding, X., Bi, J., & Cui, Y.
    Journal: Buildings
    Year: 2024

 

Ashok Kumar | Building Research | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ashok Kumar | Building Research | Best Researcher Award

CSIR-Central Building Research Institute | India

Author Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Ashok Kumar began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from H.P. University, Shimla, where he achieved First Class. He pursued a Bachelor of Architecture from Jawahar Lal Nehru Technical University, Hyderabad, graduating with First Class with Distinction and receiving a Gold Medal for his thesis. Continuing his studies, he earned a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning (M.U.R.P.) from the University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee), achieving First Class with Honors and securing the second position in his class. His academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. from IIT Roorkee, where he researched "Performance Evaluation and Green Retrofit Strategies for Buildings in Composite Climate."

Professional Endeavors 🏢

Dr. Kumar’s career spans over 32 years, including roles at CSIR-CBRI where he held positions such as Outstanding Scientist – Director Grade and Chief Scientist. His industry experience includes a year as an Assistant Architect. Since February 2023, he has been the Founder and Managing Director of ArchiTech Consultants. His professional contributions extend to advising and consulting for various organizations, including the Alliance for Inclusion and Accessibility and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Government of India.

Contributions and Research Focus 🌱

Dr. Kumar’s research focuses on sustainable design, green and energy-efficient buildings, and urban and rural planning. His work includes developing passive design strategies, green retrofits, and enhancing building energy efficiency. He has been involved in international research collaborations, contributing significantly to advancements in building physics and energy efficiency.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Kumar has received numerous awards, including the Director’s Diamond Jubilee Award for Best Technology, the National Design Award in Architectural Engineering, and several Best Paper Awards. He has been recognized as a Distinguished Fellow Member of the Institute of Hospital Engineering and has served as a jury member and expert committee member for various prestigious bodies.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Kumar’s work has significantly impacted architecture and building science, influencing policies and practices related to energy efficiency and sustainable design. His contributions to research, consultancy, and various committees highlight his global influence in the field.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🏗️

Dr. Kumar’s legacy is marked by his pioneering efforts in green building technologies and sustainable design. His future work, through ongoing research and leadership at ArchiTech Consultants, is expected to continue advancing the field and promoting sustainability in building practices.

 

Publications


  • 📜Energy-Efficient Strategies for Mitigating Airborne Pathogens in Buildings—Building Stage-Based Sustainable Strategies
    • Authors: Nishant Raj Kapoor, Aman Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Harish Chandra Arora, Anuj Kumar, Sulakshya Gaur
    • Journal: Sustainability
    • Year: 2024

  • 📜Quantum Computing for Indoor Environmental Quality
    • Authors: Nishant Raj Kapoor, Ashok Kumar, Anuj Kumar, Aman Kumar, Harish Chandra Arora, Hashem Jahangir
    • Book Chapter
    • Year: 2023

  • 📜UVC-Based Air Disinfection Systems for Rapid Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 Present in the Air
    • Authors: Harry Garg, Rajesh P. Ringe, Supankar Das, Suraj Parkash, Bhuwaneshwar Thakur, Rathina Delipan, Ajay Kumar, Kishor Kulkarni, Kanika Bansal, Prabhu B. Patil et al.
    • Journal: Pathogens
    • Year: 2023

  • 📜Transmission Probability of SARS-CoV-2 in Office Environment Using Artificial Neural Network
    • Authors: Nishant Raj Kapoor, Ashok Kumar, Anuj Kumar, Anil Kumar, Krishna Kumar
    • Journal: IEEE Access
    • Year: 2022

  • 📜Event-Specific Transmission Forecasting of SARS-CoV-2 in a Mixed-Mode Ventilated Office Room Using an ANN
    • Authors: Nishant Raj Kapoor, Ashok Kumar, Anuj Kumar, Dilovan Asaad Zebari, Krishna Kumar, Mazin Abed Mohammed, Alaa S. Al-Waisy, Marwan Ali Albahar
    • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
    • Year: 2022