Milena Kercheva | Renewable Energy | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Milena Kercheva | Renewable Energy | Research Excellence Award

Professor | Institute of Soil Science | Bulgaria 

Prof. Dr. Milena Kercheva is a senior researcher at the N. Poushkarov Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnology and Plant Protection, recognized for her contributions to soil physics, agrometeorology, climate–soil interactions, and drought risk assessment. Her research integrates soil structure, water dynamics, and climate variability to support sustainable agricultural management and climate resilience. Prof. Kercheva has authored 40+ peer-reviewed publications, receiving 1,595 citations with an h-index of 16 and i10-index of 25. Her highly cited work appears in leading journals such as Geoderma, Irrigation and Drainage, and Advances in Agronomy. She has collaborated extensively in international, multidisciplinary projects across Europe, contributing to improved drought preparedness, irrigation strategies, and soil conservation practices with clear societal and environmental impact.

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Featured Publications

Rahim Zahedi | Renewable Energy | Editorial Board Member

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Rahim Zahedi | Renewable Energy | Editorial Board Member

Faculty member, Assistant Professor | University of Tehran | Iran 

Dr. Rahim Zahedi is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Energy Governance at the University of Tehran, Iran, specializing in energy systems engineering, modeling, and sustainability analysis. His academic excellence is reflected in his outstanding research productivity and international recognition, with 2,391 citations by 1,708 documents, 108 publications, and an h-index of 26, underscoring his global impact in the field of renewable energy and environmental systems. Dr. Zahedi’s work focuses on advanced energy modeling, thermodynamic optimization, life cycle assessment (LCA), and the water–energy–food–environment nexus. He has authored over 100 ISI-indexed papers in leading journals such as Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Energy Reports. Recognized as one of the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University, he has received numerous national and international awards, including the 2023 JTACC-V4 Young Scientist Award in thermal sciences, the National Renewable Energy Award, and the 2024 Alborz Prize known as the Iranian Nobel Prize—for his outstanding contributions to sustainable energy research. His publications, often cited for their methodological rigor and policy relevance, bridge the gap between technical innovation and environmental governance, influencing both academic and industrial practices. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Zahedi continues to advance clean energy transitions and carbon mitigation strategies, contributing to a more sustainable and low-carbon global future.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Entezari, A., Aslani, A., Zahedi, R., & Noorollahi, Y. (2023). Artificial intelligence and machine learning in energy systems: A bibliographic perspective. Energy Strategy Reviews, 45, 101017. Citations: 364

  2. Forootan, M. M., Larki, I., Zahedi, R., & Ahmadi, A. (2022). Machine learning and deep learning in energy systems: A review. Sustainability, 14(8), 4832.  Citations: 291

  3. Pourrahmani, H., Yavarinasab, A., Zahedi, R., Gharehghani, A., et al. (2022). The applications of Internet of Things in the automotive industry: A review of the batteries, fuel cells, and engines. Internet of Things, 19, 100579.  Citations: 98

  4. Zahedi, R., Zahedi, A., & Ahmadi, A. (2022). Strategic study for renewable energy policy, optimizations and sustainability in Iran. Sustainability, 14(4), 2418. Citations: 97

  5. Zahedi, R., Ahmadi, A., & Dashti, R. (2021). Energy, exergy, exergoeconomic and exergoenvironmental analysis and optimization of quadruple combined solar, biogas, SRC and ORC cycles with methane system. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 150, 111420. Citations: 94

Nader Tarashandeh | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nader Tarashandeh | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | University of Kashan | Iran

Dr. Nader Tarashandeh is a power systems researcher and lecturer whose work bridges advanced academic research and applied energy system development. With extensive experience in power system operation, electricity markets, and energy policy, his research primarily focuses on decentralized and peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading, flexible reserve exchange mechanisms, and the integration of renewable energy within secure grid operations.Dr. Tarashandeh has authored multiple peer-reviewed papers in leading journals, including Applied Energy, Renewable Energy, Journal of Energy Storage, and Utilities Policy, as well as a book chapter published by Elsevier. His scholarly contributions have earned more than 59 citations with an h-index of 3 (Scopus). He collaborates closely with the Iran Grid Management Company (IGMC), where his research supports industrial projects on generation planning, network security, and structural reforms for Independent System Operators (ISOs).As a lecturer at the University of Kashan (2020–2024) and a member of the Energy Working Group of the Esfahan National Elites Foundation, Dr. Tarashandeh has combined academic expertise with practical engineering experience to advance Iran’s energy transition agenda. His recent work proposes innovative decentralized frameworks for simultaneous energy, reactive power, and reserve exchanges, contributing to the design of more resilient and market-oriented power systems.Recognized as the Top Student Researcher of 2023 by the University of Kashan, Dr. Tarashandeh continues to promote sustainable, secure, and technology-driven energy systems through his research, teaching, and industrial collaborations, demonstrating a strong commitment to shaping the future of intelligent and decentralized electricity markets worldwide.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Tarashandeh, N., & Karimi, A. (2025). A novel framework for simultaneous energy, reactive power, and reserve exchange in decentralized P2P markets with renewable agents. Renewable Energy, Article 124484.

  2. Tarashandeh, N., & Karimi, A. (2024). Peer-to-peer energy trading under distribution network constraints with preserving independent nature of agents. Applied Energy, 355, 122240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.122240 – Citations: 36

  3. Tarashandeh, N., & Karimi, A. (2021). Utilization of energy storage systems in congestion management of transmission networks with incentive-based approach for investors. Journal of Energy Storage, 33, 102034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2020.102034 – Citations: 34

  4. Karimi, A., Tarashandeh, N., Kouchakzadeh, A., Kouchakmohseni, F., & Naghiloo, M. (2022). Iran’s day-ahead electricity market: Structural assessment and solutions. Utilities Policy, 75, 101347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jup.2022.101347 – Citations: 9

  5. Karimi, A., Tarashandeh, N., & Noorizadeh, Y. (2022). Electricity market issues in future power systems. In Decentralized Frameworks for Future Power Systems (pp. 147–187). Elsevier. – Citations: 1

Joy Nneamaka Obi | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Joy Nneamaka Obi | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Fellow | University of Witswatersrand | South Africa

Dr. Joy Nneamaka Obi is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Wits School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, within the Educational Leadership, Policy and Skills (ELPS) Division. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with specialization in Resource and Environmental Economics, complemented by advanced training in Sustainable Urban Development Studies at Erasmus University, Rotterdam.Her interdisciplinary research integrates climate change, agricultural sustainability, and education for development. Through rigorous empirical and bibliometric approaches, Dr. Obi investigates the intersections of poverty alleviation, food security, and environmental resilience in sub-Saharan Africa. Her work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 1, 2, 4, 7, 13, and 17, emphasizing climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and knowledge transfer systems.Dr. Obi has authored and co-authored over 17 peer-reviewed journal articles, 4 book chapters, and numerous international conference papers, including presentations at Springer Nature–licensed symposia and global education conferences such as ICERI and INTED. Her collaborative projects extend across Africa and Europe, reflecting strong South-South and North-South research partnerships.With prior academic appointments at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Nigeria, Dr. Obi has served in various administrative capacities, including Acting Head of Department and Examination Officer. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists (NAAE), Agricultural Society of Nigeria (ASN), and the Organisation of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).Her current research explores the role of digital technologies, vocational skills, and environmental education in promoting employability and sustainable development across Africa—bridging evidence-based research, policy, and transformative education.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Enete, A. A., Obi, J. N., Ozor, N., & Mba, C. L. (2016). Socioeconomic assessment of flooding among farm households in Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 8(1), 96–111. [Citations: 34]

  2. Onyeneke, R. U., Emenekwe, C. C., Munonye, J. O., Olaolu, M. O., Izuogu, C. U., & others. (2020). Adoption of bio-fortified pro-vitamin-A cassava and health outcome of farming households in Abia and Anambra States, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 24(2), 81–91. [Citations: 19]

  3. Ibrahim-Olesin, S., Munonye, J., Ok, O., Adefalu, L. L., Olaolu, M. O., & others. (2021). Farmer–Herders’ conflict and climate change: Response strategies needed in Nigeria and other African countries. The International Journal of Climate Change: Impacts and Responses, 14(1), 73. [Citations: 12]

  4. Munonye, J. O., Matthew, D. E., Olaolu, M., Onyeneke, R. U., Obi, J. N., Amadi, M., & others. (2023). The impact of food security and poverty status on rural household farmers in Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 23(6). [Citations: 11]

  5. Munonye, J., Osuji, E., Olaolu, M., Okoisu, A., Obi, J., Eze, G., Ibrahim-Olesin, S., & others. (2022). Perceived effects of COVID-19 pandemic on food security in Southeast Nigeria. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 6, 936157. [Citations: 11]

Jonathan Ruiz | Renewable Energy | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Jonathan Ruiz | Renewable Energy | Best Academic Researcher Award

Doctor | Technical University of Cotopaxi | Ecuador

Dr. Jonathan Alexander Ruiz Carrillo is a highly accomplished academic and researcher recognized for his strong expertise in industrial engineering, higher education, and applied technological innovation. His research demonstrates analytical precision and a deep understanding of modern industrial challenges, with significant contributions across project management, sustainable manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 applications. His scholarly output, including nine peer-reviewed publications and 17 citations with an h-index of 2, reflects growing visibility and influence in his field. Dr. Ruiz Carrillo’s major strengths lie in interdisciplinary research integration, effective academic leadership, and his ability to translate complex industrial processes into practical and scalable solutions. He also exhibits a strong commitment to mentorship, curriculum advancement, and community-focused projects, fostering a culture of innovation and learning. Areas for further growth include expanding international collaborations, enhancing the global reach of his publications through high-impact journals, and increasing engagement in cross-disciplinary technological research networks. With his consistent record of academic excellence, Dr. Ruiz Carrillo holds significant potential to advance research on artificial intelligence integration in industrial education, digital transformation, and sustainable production systems. His recent publication on AI model adoption among preservice teachers further highlights his evolving role as a forward-thinking scholar contributing to the intersection of technology, education, and human development.

Profiles: Google scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Benalcázar, M. C. A., Hidalgo, O. M. R., Paredes, M. F. J., & Ruiz Carrillo, J. A. R. (2021). Situación de la mediana empresa ecuatoriana: Rasgos distintivos de sus prácticas gerenciales. Revista de Ciencias Sociales (VE), 27(2), 352–366. Citations: 36

  2. Grunauer, M. S. N., Berrezueta, L. A. O., Ruiz Carrillo, J. A. R., Ludeña, I. O. E., … (2016). Análisis del potencial turístico de las comunidades rurales: Caso de estudio: Comunidad Muyuyacu, El Oro-Ecuador. RIAT: Revista Interamericana de Medioambiente y Turismo, 12(1), 48–59. Citations: 17

  3. Jaramillo Paredes, M. F., Romero Hidalgo, O. M., Aguirre Benalcázar, M. C., … (2020). Influencia de la innovación en la competitividad de las medianas empresas del Ecuador. Cuestiones Políticas, 38. Citations: 4

  4. Berrezueta, L. A. O., Grunauer, M. S. N., Ruiz Carrillo, J. A. R., Contreras, O. S. O., … (2017). Commune perceptions of the sociocultural impacts derived from rural tourism: Bellavista case, Ecuador. RIAT: Revista Interamericana de Medioambiente y Turismo, 13(1), 15–27. Citations: 4

  5. Zhindon‐Almeida, R. G., & Ruiz‐Carrillo, J. A. R. (2025). Factors influencing the adoption of renewable energies in developing countries. Sustainable Development. Citations: 2