Borte Kose Mutlu | Environmental Science | Excellence in Research Award

Published on by Book of 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.

Kadriye Elif Maçin | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Book of Award

Dr. Kadriye Elif Maçin | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Istanbul Technical University | Turkey

Dr. Kadriye Elif Maçin is an active environmental engineering researcher whose scholarly contributions focus on solid waste management, life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, zero-waste strategies, and the development of sustainable and circular systems for institutions and urban environments. She has produced impactful research spanning international journals, national publications, book chapters, and numerous conference proceedings. Her work advances techno-economic evaluation of digestate management, MFA-LCA frameworks for zero-waste institutions, campus decarbonization models, circular bioeconomy applications, and comprehensive waste characterization studies. Through extensive analyses of food waste, construction and demolition waste, municipal waste logistics, hospital waste, and biogas enhancement strategies, she contributes evidence-based insights supporting efficient waste minimization and resource recovery. Her publications also address sustainability performance metrics in universities, transportation-related GHG emissions, and environmental impacts of energy and industrial processes. Additionally, her research has been disseminated through more than twenty international symposiums and conferences, where she has presented findings on decarbonization strategies, life cycle impacts of waste-to-energy systems, campus sustainability, zero-waste education, and solid waste systems under changing environmental conditions. Overall, her body of work strengthens scientific understanding of circular economy approaches and supports practical pathways toward sustainable waste management.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Macin, K. E., & Özbayram, E. G. (2025). Assessing the water footprint of tea: Implications on Türkiye's freshwater ecosystems. Aquatic Research.

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

Macin, K. E. (2025). Türkiye’nin karbonsuzlaşma politikaları kapsamında Düzce ili katı atık yönetiminin yaşam döngüsü değerlendirmesi. Doğal Afetler ve Çevre Dergisi.

Macin, K. E. (2025). Malzeme ve madde akış analizi ile illerin katı atık yönetiminin döngüselliğinin incelenmesi: Düzce ili örneği. Ömer Halisdemir Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi.

Musluoğlu, A., Dereli, R. K., Arıkan, O. A., Guven, H., & Macin, K. E. (2025). Techno-economic assessment of digestate management for full-scale continuous dry anaerobic digestion plant. Bioresource Technology.

Macin, K. E., Arıkan, O. A., & Damgaard, A. (2024). An MFA–LCA framework for goal-oriented waste management studies: ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ strategies for institutions. Waste Management and Research.

Macin, K. E. (2024). Circular food waste management in Türkiye to stay within planetary boundaries. E3S Web of Conferences.

Macin, K. E., Arıkan, O. A., Altınbaş, M., & Damgaard, A. (2024). Decarbonizing university campuses: A business model for food waste management at Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) Ayazağa Campus, Turkey. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy.

Macin, K. E., Özçelik, K., Güven, H., & Arıkan, O. A. (2024). Waste characterization and recycling potential in a university campus: ITU Ayazağa Campus zero waste management practices. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management.

Macin, K. E. (2018). Kentsel dönüşüm sürecinde İstanbul’da inşaat ve yıkıntı (İY) atıkları yönetimi. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi.

Jin Deng | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Book of Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jin Deng | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

National Natural Science Foundation of China | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Jin Deng's journey into the world of chemistry began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Hunan University of Science and Technology (1999–2003). With a strong passion for sustainable and green chemistry, he advanced his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) (2007–2013), under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Liu Youcheng and Prof. Dr. Fu Yao. His early research laid the foundation for his future explorations into catalytic conversion processes.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Deng’s professional career is deeply tied to USTC, one of China's premier research institutions. Following his Ph.D., he continued as a Postdoctoral Researcher (2013–2016), before becoming a Special Research Associate (2016–2019). Since 2019, he has served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Chemistry, where he leads advanced studies on catalysis, waste conversion, and sustainable fuel production. His close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Fu Yao has fostered interdisciplinary innovation and meaningful scientific breakthroughs.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Deng specializes in creating catalytic technologies for converting biomass and plastic waste into fuels and valuable chemicals, contributing directly to environmental sustainability. His research uniquely combines organic synthesis, chemical engineering, materials science, and life cycle assessment. From photo- and electrocatalytic decarboxylation to plastic upcycling and green hydrogenolysis, his work addresses some of the most pressing global challenges in waste management and carbon neutrality.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Deng’s scientific excellence is reflected in his numerous nationally funded projects, including several prestigious grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. As a principal investigator, he has led over six major research projects to successful completion or ongoing progress. His research output includes more than 15 high-impact journal publications in journals like Nature Communications, Green Chemistry, Angewandte Chemie, and ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. He is also the holder of 10 Chinese patents, demonstrating real-world application and innovation.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Deng’s research is not only academically impactful but also environmentally transformative. His carbon footprint analyses and life cycle assessments guide industries toward more sustainable practices. Collaborating with leading scientists such as Prof. Yao Fu and Prof. Menachem Elimelech, his work has helped bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, influencing both Chinese and global green chemistry landscapes.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a rising leader in green catalysis and environmental chemistry, Dr. Deng continues to shape the future of sustainable technology. His current research under NSFC projects (running through 2028) aims to push the boundaries of biomass valorization and plastic recycling. With a strong foundation in cross-disciplinary methods, a proven record of high-impact publications and patents, and an unwavering commitment to ecological responsibility, Dr. Deng is poised to become a defining figure in the global pursuit of a circular chemical economy.

Publications

📄 Photocatalytic decarboxylation of waste cooking oil for green and efficient biodiesel production and life cycle assessment

  • Authors: Wenjun Hu, Jin Deng

  • Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal

  • Year: 2025

📄 Advances of the past 12 years in decarboxylation of biomass carboxylic acids to biofuels and high-value chemicals via photo- or electrocatalysis

  • Authors: Chen-Qiang Deng, Jin Deng

  • Journal: Green Chemistry

  • Year: 2025

📄 Thermal catalytic reforming for hydrogen production with zero CO₂ emission

  • Authors: Rui Gao, Hui Zhang, Jie Zhang, Zhiheng Xie, Jihan Zhou, Yuzhen Ge, Aowen Li, Graham Hutchings, Wu Zhou, Hiroyuki Asakura, et al.

  • Journal: Science

  • Year: 2025

📄 Preparation of methyl ethyl ketone from biomass-derived levulinic acid using a metal-free photocatalytic system and life cycle assessment study

  • Authors: Meng-Xiang Shen, Chen-Qiang Deng, Jie Yang, Jin Deng

  • Journal: Green Chemistry

  • Year: 2024

📄 Depolymerization mechanisms and closed-loop assessment in polyester waste recycling

  • Authors: Jingjing Cao, Huaxing Liang, Jie Yang, Zhiyang Zhu, Jin Deng, Xiaodong Li, Menachem Elimelech, Xinglin Lu

  • Journal: Nature Communications

  • Year: 2024

 

Ling Han | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Book of Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ling Han | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Peking University | China

Author Profile

Scopus

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ling Han began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from East China Normal University. She then pursued both her Master’s and Ph.D. in Environmental Planning and Management at Peking University. Her early research laid the foundation for her lifelong focus on environmental sustainability, circular economy, and industrial ecology.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Han is an Associate Professor at the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University. She has dedicated her career to advancing urban and industrial sustainable transitions, emphasizing circularity and inclusion. As one of the pioneering scholars in China to study material flow analysis (MFA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), she has influenced national waste management policies and industrial sustainability strategies.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Han has been at the forefront of research on post-consumer waste management. In 2000, she and her advisor proposed treating the waste recycling industry as the "fourth industry," advocating for a new industrial system aligned with circular economy principles. Over the past five years, she has used coupled MFA-LCA, agent-based modeling (ABM), and optimization methods to analyze material flow evolution in solid waste generation, mobility, and utilization.

Her major research projects include:
📌 National Key R&D Program on solid waste, studying the interaction between environmental resources and solid waste.
📌 Sino-Dutch NSF collaboration on inclusive circular economy, proposing a community-driven post-consumption waste management system.
📌 Research on urban kitchen waste composting, integrating garden waste for carbon sequestration and soil improvement.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Han’s innovative contributions have earned her numerous research grants and prestigious roles in international collaborations. She has played a key role in national sustainability policies, advising on carbon peak strategies and low-carbon certification technologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond academia, Dr. Han has significantly influenced sustainable education. In 2018, she launched the "Sustainable Campus Practice" course at Peking University, guiding students to identify and solve real-world sustainability challenges. Her efforts have fostered a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Han continues to shape the future of industrial sustainability and circular economy models. She remains committed to advancing research on biomass resource utilization and decision-making support for waste management. Her work will play a crucial role in achieving global sustainability goals and fostering a greener, more inclusive world.

Publications

📄 "Does the Household Clean Energy Transition Benefit the Mental Health of the Elderly in Rural China? Evidence from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study"

  • Authors: Hengxing Yin, Ling Han, Li Yan, Chenhao Liu

  • Journal: Environment International

  • Year: 2025

📄 "Assessing the Sustainability Performances of the Supply Chain of Decentralized Urban Food Waste Composting for Urban Green Spaces"

  • Authors: Wenrui Shen, Haoran Qiao, Xin Tong, Yilong Xiao, Ling Han

  • Journal: Resources, Conservation and Recycling Advances

  • Year: 2025

 

Lixing Zheng | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Book of Award

Dr. Lixing Zheng | Energy | Best Researcher Award

PowerChina Chongqing Engineering Co., Ltd | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Lixing Zheng’s academic journey began at the South China University of Technology, where he earned both his bachelor’s (2016) and master’s degrees (2019) in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. His passion for energy research led him to pursue a PhD at the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2019–2023), where he focused on hydrogen energy production and low-carbon scenario analysis. His doctoral research laid the foundation for groundbreaking studies in hydrogen energy efficiency, carbon emissions, and energy transformation strategies.

Professional Endeavors 🏢

After completing his PhD, Dr. Zheng transitioned into postdoctoral research at PowerChina Chongqing Engineering Co., Ltd. in December 2023. His work continues to address critical energy challenges, focusing on hydrogen energy production, life cycle assessment (LCA) models, and low-carbon development pathways. He has also collaborated with prominent institutions and industry leaders, including the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Shanghai Electric Group, and Honda R&D China Co., Ltd., contributing to key projects in sustainable energy and industrial innovation.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Zheng’s research spans multiple areas in sustainable energy, with a strong emphasis on hydrogen production technologies, carbon emissions reduction, and economic feasibility studies. His notable contributions include:

  • Hydrogen Energy Research: Development of LCA models to assess hydrogen production efficiency and carbon footprints.
  • Low-Carbon Transition Strategies: Medium and long-term scenario analysis for energy transformation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
  • Industrial Innovation: Evaluation of hydrogen metallurgy as an alternative for reducing emissions in the steel industry.
  • Waste Management and Renewable Energy: Modeling of wind power waste generation and end-of-life strategies in China.

His extensive work is reflected in multiple high-impact journal publications, including:

  • Journal of Engineering Thermophysics (Award-winning paper on hydrogen production routes)
  • International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Progress in New Energy
  • Resources, Conservation and Recycling
  • Sustainability

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Zheng’s contributions to hydrogen energy and sustainability research have earned him prestigious accolades:

  • 2024 Outstanding Paper Award from the Journal of Engineering Thermophysics.
  • 2024 Global Top Ten Award for the Commercialisation of Research Results by Engineers, highlighting his ability to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Zheng’s work plays a crucial role in shaping China’s energy transition policies and advancing green technologies. His research on hydrogen energy supply scenarios and carbon neutrality goals has influenced decision-making in both government and industry sectors, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

With a growing portfolio of influential research and industry collaborations, Dr. Zheng is set to become a leading figure in hydrogen energy innovation. His future contributions will likely focus on enhancing hydrogen production efficiency and expanding its commercial applications, developing comprehensive LCA frameworks to support low-carbon policies, and strengthening partnerships with global energy stakeholders to accelerate clean energy adoption.

Publications

  • 📄 A Study of the Life Cycle Exergic Efficiency of Hydrogen Production Routes in China
    Authors: Lixing Zheng, Xian Jiang, Xue Zhang, Shuang Wang, Rui Wang, Lijun Hu, Kai Xie, Peng Wang
    Journal: Sustainability
    Year: 2025

  • 📄 Assessing Energy Consumption, Carbon Emissions, and Costs in Biomass-to-Gas Processes: A Life-Cycle Assessment Approach
    Authors: Ming Liu, Jian Zeng, Guohua Huang, Xiaohong Liu, Guoqiang He, Shun Yao, Ning Shang, Lixing Zheng, Peng Wang
    Journal: Sustainability
    Year: 2024

  • 📄 Medium and Long-Term Hydrogen Production Technology Routes and Hydrogen Energy Supply Scenarios in Guangdong Province
    Authors: Lixing Zheng, Daiqing Zhao, Wenjun Wang
    Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
    Year: 2023

  • 📄 Analysis of the Alternative Potential and Economic Benefits of Hydrogen Metallurgy Technology in the Iron and Steel Industry—A Case Study of Guangdong Province
    Authors: Lixing Zheng, Genglin Dong, Peng Wang, Daiqing Zhao
    Journal: Progress in New Energy
    Year: 2023

  • 📄 Research on Energy Efficiency, Carbon Emissions, and Economics of Hydrogen Production Routes in China Based on Life Cycle Assessment
    Authors: Lixing Zheng, Daiqing Zhao, Xiaoling Qi, et al.
    Journal: Journal of Engineering Thermophysics
    Year: 2022

 

Deepesh Bansal | Engineering | Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Research

Published on by Book of Award

Dr. Deepesh Bansal | Engineering | Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Research

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | India

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Deepesh Bansal's academic journey began with a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science & Technology, Murthal. He further pursued a Master's and a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, and Delhi, respectively.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Bansal's professional career encompasses a diverse range of roles, from working as an Engineer at Larsen and Toubro Ltd. to serving as an Assistant Professor at various institutions. Currently, he is a Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, where he focuses on sustainable geotechnical solutions.

Contributions and Research Focus

His research primarily revolves around utilizing waste materials, such as incineration bottom ash, in civil engineering applications. He has extensively studied the physicochemical and geoenvironmental characteristics of incineration bottom ash, aiming to assess its potential for reuse in flexible pavements, embankments, and reinforced soil structures.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Bansal has received numerous awards and accolades for his exemplary research contributions. These include Research Scholar Travel Award, ISSMGE Foundation Award, and Research Excellence Travel Award, showcasing his recognition in the academic community.

Impact and Influence

Through his research publications in esteemed journals and presentations at international conferences, Dr. Bansal has significantly contributed to the field of geotechnical engineering. His work not only addresses crucial environmental challenges but also offers sustainable solutions for infrastructure development.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Bansal's legacy lies in his dedication to sustainable engineering practices and his commitment to nurturing future talents in the field. With his expertise in geotechnical engineering and waste valorization, he aims to continue making impactful contributions towards building a more sustainable future for the construction industry.

Notable Publications

Sustainable utilization of incineration bottom ash in pavement construction: Environmental impacts and life cycle assessment 2024

Optimizing MSW incineration bottom ash reuse: A study on treated wastewater washing and leaching control 2024

Waste to Resource: Enviro-Mechanical Suitability of MSW Incineration Bottom Ash in Flexible Pavements and Embankments 2024

Characterization of MSW incineration bottom ash for use as structural fill in reinforced soil structures: Geoenvironmental, geotechnical and economical assessment 2023 (4)

Environmentally responsible disposal and reuse of MSW incineration bottom ash: assessment from two Indian plants 2023