Borte Kose Mutlu | Environmental Science | Excellence in Research Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Borte Kose Mutlu | Environmental Science | Excellence in Research Award

Istanbul Technical University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Borte Kose Mutlu is an accomplished researcher recognized for her extensive contributions to membrane technologies, wastewater treatment, rare earth element recovery, and biofouling control. With 1,251 citations, an h-index of 17, and a prolific record of dozens of international journal papers, reviews, and conference publications, her work spans advanced membrane fabrication, quorum quenching strategies, and sustainable resource recovery. She has published widely in high-impact Q1 journals, including Building and Environment, Separation and Purification Technology, Journal of Water Process Engineering, and International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, addressing challenges such as carbon footprint reduction, biofouling mitigation, micropollutant removal, greener membrane engineering, and industrial wastewater treatment. Her research also explores innovative nanomaterial-based membranes, electrospraying and spray-coating techniques, antifouling composites, and nanofiltration systems for produced water. She has contributed significantly to the circular economy through studies on rare earth element recovery from waste streams, process optimization, and solvent extraction-based separation methods. Additionally, she has delivered numerous full papers and abstracts at international conferences, advancing knowledge in membrane bioreactors, resource recovery, and environmental engineering. Her scholarly output since 2020, reflected in 936 citations and an h-index of 16 for this period, demonstrates her ongoing impact and research leadership in the field.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Macin, E., Ozcan, F., & Kose-Mutlu, B. (2025). Carbon footprint and decarbonization of university buildings: Operational and embodied emissions at Istanbul Technical University. Building and Environment.

Ardic-Demirbilekli, R., Korkusuz-Soylu, S., Kose-Mutlu, B., & Koyuncu, I. (2025). Biofouling mitigation and microbial community dynamics in quorum quenching membrane bioreactors for industrial wastewater treatment. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 77, 108379.

Vatanpour, V., Mehrabi, Z., Behroozi, A. H., Kose-Mutlu, B., Kaya, R., & Koyuncu, I. (2025). Spray-coating technique in the fabrication and modification of membranes: A review. Separation and Purification Technology, 134752.

Vatanpour, V., Esenli, B., Kose-Mutlu, B., Yuksekdag, A., & Koyuncu, I. (2025). Harnessing lignin in membrane engineering: From green polymer to high-performance applications. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 148127.

Akca-Guler, T., Yuksekdag, A., Kose-Mutlu, B., & Koyuncu, I. (2025). Advances in electrochemical methods for rare earth elements recovery: A comprehensive review. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 106897.

Kose-Mutlu, B., Ilyasoglu, G., Ardic, R., Demirbilekli, M. A., & Koyuncu, I. (2025). Removal of emerging organic micropollutants from real hospital wastewater by modified ultrafiltration membranes. Separation and Purification Technology, 357, 129960.

Tuncay, G., Yuksekdag, A., Mutlu, B. K., & Koyuncu, I. (2024). A review of greener approaches for rare earth elements recovery from mineral wastes. Environmental Pollution, 124379.

Vatanpour, V., Pasaoglu, M. E., Kose-Mutlu, B., & Koyuncu, I. (2023). Polyacrylonitrile in the preparation of separation membranes: A review. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 62(17), 6537–6558.

Kaya, R., Ersahin, M. E., Ozgun, H., Kose-Mutlu, B., Pasaoglu, M. E., & Koyuncu, I. (2023). Vibratory membrane bioreactor systems in wastewater treatment: A short review. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 53, 103865.

Vatanpour, V., Kose-Mutlu, B., Mutlu-Salmanli, O., Ilyasoglu, G., & Koyuncu, I. (2023). Bi₄O₅I₂ nanosheets as a novel nanofiller for fabrication of antifouling polyethersulfone nanocomposite membranes. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 117, 473–489.

Yuksekdag, A., Kose-Mutlu, B., Wiesner, M. R., & Koyuncu, I. (2022). Effect of pre-concentration on membrane solvent extraction process for the recovery of rare earth elements from dilute acidic leachate. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 161, 210–220.

İlyasoglu, G., Kose-Mutlu, B., Mutlu-Salmanli, O., & Koyuncu, I. (2022). Removal of organic micropollutants by adsorptive membrane. Chemosphere, 134775.

Gabriel Roeder | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Gabriel Roeder | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Technical University of Munich| Germany

Author Profile

Orcid

👨‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Gabriel José Roeder began his academic journey with a global perspective. After completing high school in Brazil and a senior year in Australia, he pursued Chemical and Process Engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. He further specialized in Chemical Process Technology at Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he earned his Master’s degree with research on hydrogen transfer reactions. Currently, he is finalizing his Ph.D. (Dr.-Ing.) at TUM in the Chair of Energy Systems, focusing on nitrogen oxide emissions in biomass combustion—a topic crucial for sustainable energy.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Gabriel has built a strong foundation in applied research and industrial engineering. He has worked as a Research Associate at TUM from 2021 to 2025, playing a central role in the OptiNOx project (FKZ 2219NR211). His responsibilities included designing and operating a 50 kW test rig, conducting emission measurements in power plants, and managing a €640,000 research budget. In July 2025, he joined Stadtwerke München Services GmbH as a Process and Plant Engineer for power plants, taking his academic expertise directly into the energy sector.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Roeder’s research is dedicated to advancing sustainable combustion technologies. His key interests lie in:

  • 🔹 Nitrogen oxide reduction strategies

  • 🔹 Biomass combustion efficiency

  • 🔹 Hydrogen transfer reactions

  • 🔹 Carbon capture technologies

He has delivered presentations at major European conferences such as the European Biomass Conference, Kraftwerktechnisches Kolloquium, and the European Conference on Industrial Furnaces and Boilers. He also co-authored a publication in ACS Catalysis (2021) on hydrogenation mechanisms, contributing to green chemistry and catalytic process design.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Gabriel’s interdisciplinary expertise and academic rigor have been recognized through:

  • ➤Peer-reviewed journal publication in a high-impact journal (ACS Catalysis)

  • ➤Speaking engagements at international conferences in Austria, Italy, Portugal, and Germany

  • ➤His appointment to leading roles in both academic and industrial energy projects

🌍 Impact and Influence

Fluent in Portuguese, German, English, Spanish, and with a working knowledge of French, Gabriel’s multilingual and multicultural background enhances his collaboration skills across borders. His work contributes directly to the development of cleaner energy solutions, making him a valuable asset to both academic institutions and the power generation industry.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As he transitions from academia to the energy sector, Mr. Roeder is well-positioned to influence the next generation of low-emission power systems. His combination of experimental skill, financial oversight, and multilingual communication ability sets him apart as a future leader in sustainable energy engineering. With continued focus on innovation and collaborative development, his career promises impactful contributions to the decarbonization of industrial power generation.

Publications


📄  Measurements of NOx emissions from biomass combustion in small to large-scale power plants
Authors: Gabriel J. Roeder, Johannes Haimerl, Yusheng Chen, Matthias Gaderer, Sebastian Fendt, Hartmut Spliethoff
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2025


📄  Selective Heterogeneous Transfer Hydrogenation from Tertiary Amines to Alkynes
Authors: Gabriel J. Roeder, H. Ray Kelly, Guoju Yang, Thomas J. Bauer, Gary Haller, Victor Batista, Eszter Barath
Journal: ACS Catalysis
Year: 2021


Félix López | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Félix López | Energy | Best Researcher Award

CSIC-CENIM | Spain

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Félix Antonio López began his illustrious academic journey in Chemistry at the University of Valladolid, where he earned his Doctorate in Chemical Sciences in 1987. His early teaching tenure included a role at the Department of Geochemistry at the same university from 1983 to 1984. This foundational period marked the beginning of his deep engagement with scientific exploration and laid the groundwork for his future innovations.

💼 Professional Endeavors

In 1985, Dr. López joined the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) through a prestigious fellowship from the Plan for Research Personnel Training. By 1987, he was appointed as a Scientific Collaborator at CSIC, and in 1990, he was promoted to Scientific Researcher. His career trajectory at CSIC included key administrative positions such as Technical Deputy Director of the National Center for Metallurgical Research (CENIM) from 2000 to 2005 and Vice Director of Training, Communication, and Technology Transfer from 2013 to 2021. Dr. López has also been instrumental in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration through his roles in national and international committees related to material recycling. He has evaluated projects for leading agencies such as ANEP, ANECA, and SPRIT, reinforcing his reputation as a thought leader in his field.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. López's scientific endeavors are deeply rooted in material recycling and sustainable innovation. He holds 25 patents and industrial secrets, demonstrating his commitment to practical solutions for pressing global challenges. As Director of the Laboratory for Material Recycling at CENIM-CSIC and Head of the TecnoEco Research Group, Dr. López has advanced research in recycling wind turbine blades and waste from the aerospace industry.

Notably, he has founded two spin-off companies:

  1. B_Circular (2016): Focused on recycling technologies for wind turbine blades and aerospace waste.
  2. NM4CB (2023): Dedicated to developing materials for biogas and flue gas purification.

With 205 publications, 4,402 citations, and an h-index of 35 (Scopus, 2023), Dr. López has significantly influenced the field of recycling and material science.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. López's groundbreaking contributions have earned him numerous accolades:

  • Ecoembes R Award (2012): Recognized for the most innovative project in material recycling.
  • Repsol Foundation Entrepreneur Fund Finalist (2014 & 2015): Acknowledged for pioneering entrepreneurial ventures.
  • Enel Challenge Open Innovability Award (2020): Celebrated for innovative approaches in sustainability.

His editorial leadership as Chief Editor of Revista de Metalurgia further solidifies his standing in the academic community.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. López's work transcends academia, impacting industries such as energy, aerospace, and environmental management. His patented technologies and innovative recycling methods are driving sustainability and circular economy practices on a global scale. Additionally, he has mentored emerging scholars, supervising two doctoral theses in the last decade.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. López's visionary leadership and groundbreaking research establish him as a pivotal figure in material recycling and sustainable technologies. His continued dedication to innovation ensures a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of scientists and industry leaders. In conclusion, Dr. Félix Antonio López exemplifies excellence in research, innovation, and leadership. His career is a testament to the power of scientific ingenuity in addressing real-world challenges, making him a deserving candidate for recognition as a Best Researcher.

 

Publications


📜 Purification of Li₂CO₃ Obtained through Pyrometallurgical Treatment of NMC Black Mass from Electric Vehicle Batteries

  • Authors: Laura Rosso, Lorena Alcaraz, Olga Rodríguez-Largo, Félix A. López
  • Journal: Chemistry Europe
  • Publication Year: 2024

📜 Recovery of Lithium from Spent NMC Batteries Through Water Leaching, Carbothermic Reduction, and Evaporative Crystallization Process

  • Authors: L. Alcaraz, O. Rodríguez-Largo, G. Barquero-Carmona, Félix A. López
  • Journal: Journal of Power Sources
  • Publication Year: 2024

📜 Exploring Titanium Niobium Oxides Recovered from Columbotantalite Mineral as Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes

  • Authors: B. Sotillo, J. Calbet, I. Álvarez-Serrano, P. Fernández, Félix A. López
  • Journal: Ceramics International
  • Publication Year: 2024

📜 Transformation of Graphite Recovered from Batteries into Functionalized Graphene-Based Sorbents and Application to Gas Desulfurization

  • Authors: R. Fernández-Martínez, I. Ortiz, M.B. Gómez-Mancebo, I. Rucandio, J.M. Sánchez-Hervás
  • Journal: Molecules
  • Publication Year: 2024

📜 Synthesis and Properties of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents via Heating-Stirring and Ultrasound

  • Authors: M.I. Martín, I. García-Díaz, M.L. Rodríguez, F. del Monte, Félix A. López
  • Journal: Molecules
  • Publication Year: 2024

 

Ajay Kumar Bansal | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Ajay Kumar Bansal | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Central University of Haryana | India

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ajay Kumar Bansal embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in the sciences and engineering. He completed his 12th grade in Physics, Chemistry, and Maths from the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education, Ajmer, in 1996 with a percentage of 71%. Following this, he pursued a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Electrical Engineering from M.B.M. Engineering College, JNVU, Jodhpur, in 2000, achieving 68%. His commitment to further education led them to earn a Computer Diploma from CDAC, Pune, in 2002 with a commendable score of 83.8%. He continued his studies with a Master of Technology (M.Tech.) in Power Systems from Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, in 2007, graduating with a CGPA of 9.58. Dr. Ajay Kumar Bansal concluded his formal education with a Ph.D. in Non-conventional Energy from MNIT, Jaipur, in 2014. His thesis focused on an "Efficient Hybrid Energy System for Rural Applications," highlighting his dedication to advancing energy solutions.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ajay Kumar Bansal has built a distinguished career in academia and engineering. He began his professional journey as a Lecturer in Electrical Engineering at Poornima College of Engineering, Jaipur, in July 2000. Over the years, he advanced to various leadership roles, including Head of Department (HOD) and Assistant Professor at Poornima College. From June 2007 to December 2009, he continued as HOD and Lecturer at Poornima College. Subsequently, he held positions as Dean and Associate Professor at Poornima Institute of Engineering & Technology, Jaipur, from December 2009 to April 2012. His expertise and leadership were further demonstrated as Director & Professor at the same institution from May 2012 to August 2018. Currently, he serve as a Professor, Ex. Dean, and Ex. HOD at Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, since August 2018, where he continue to contribute to administration and teaching.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ajay Kumar Bansal is renowned for his contributions in Electrical Engineering, particularly in the fields of Energy and Renewable Energy. his research focuses on the performance analysis of smart grids, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the development of advanced energy systems. He have been awarded patents for innovative solutions, including:

  • Civil Engineering Water Pump with Grid Connected Intelligent Solar System for Water Management (Patent No. 419535)
  • Inverted Vertical E Plate Bank Protection System for River (Patent No. 468510)

Additionally, he have published research on topics such as:

  • Intelligent System to Utilize Internet of Things (IoT) to Monitor Crops (Patent No. 201811013750)
  • Online Predictive Maintenance of Electric Motors Using Internet of Things (Patent No. 202231040194)

Hiswork encompasses advanced models for smart grid performance, cybersecurity in energy systems, and renewable energy integration.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Ajay Kumar Bansal has received numerous awards and honors for his exceptional contributions to the field of engineering:

  • POSOCO Power System Award (PPSA) - 2015 for the best Ph.D. thesis at the national level
  • Glory of Education Excellence Award, 2015
  • Research Excellence Award, 2020
  • National Education Brilliance Award, 2023 for being a highly effective professor in Indian education
  • SERD Sustainability Award 2024 in Indonesia

These accolades underscore his significant impact on both the academic and professional communities.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Ajay Kumar Bansal has made a substantial impact in his field through groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. His patents and research have advanced the knowledge base in smart grids, renewable energy, and water management. By integrating modern technologies like IoT into his projects, he have contributed to more efficient and sustainable engineering practices. His leadership roles in academia have inspired and guided many students and professionals in the field.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Ajay Kumar Bansal’s legacy is defined by his dedication to advancing engineering practices and his commitment to education. his innovative patents and research continue to influence the field of Electrical Engineering and Energy Systems. Looking ahead, he aim to further explore advancements in smart grid technologies, renewable energy integration, and sustainable practices. His ongoing research and leadership will likely continue to drive progress and inspire future generations of engineers.

 

Publications

  • Article: Optimal configuration and sensitivity analysis of hybrid nanogrid for futuristic residential application using honey badger algorithm
    Authors: Bansal, A.K., Sangtani, V.S., Bhukya, M.N.
    Journal: Energy Conversion and Management
    Year: 2024

 

  • Article: Simulation of thermal comfort and energy demand in buildings of sub-Himalayan eastern India - Impact of climate change at mid (2050) and distant (2080) future
    Authors: Thapa, S., Rijal, H.B., Pasut, W., Bansal, A.K., Panda, G.K.
    Journal: Journal of Building Engineering
    Year: 2023

 

  • Article: GMPP Tracking of Solar PV system using Spotted Hyena and Quadratic Approximation based Hybrid Algorithm under Partially shaded conditions
    Authors: Kumar, P., Kumar, M., Bansal, A.K.
    Journal: IEEE Access
    Year: 2023

 

  • Article: Biogeography-based Optimization of Artificial Neural Network (BBO-ANN) for Solar Radiation Forecasting
    Authors: Bansal, A.K., Sangtani, V.S., Dadheech, P., Aneja, N., Yahya, U.
    Journal: Applied Artificial Intelligence
    Year: 2023

 

  • Review: Sizing and forecasting techniques in photovoltaic-wind based hybrid renewable energy system: A review
    Authors: Bansal, A.K.
    Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
    Year: 2022