Dr. Heraiz Hocine | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Heraiz Hocine | Environmental Science – PhD at University of Science and Technology Beijing, China

Dr. Hocine Heraiz is an accomplished researcher in the field of Mineral Processing Engineering, with a focus on sustainable construction materials and the recycling of industrial solid waste into high-performance cementitious systems. He is currently completing his Ph.D. at the University of Science and Technology Beijing, where his pioneering work in Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) has drawn international attention for its environmental significance and engineering innovation. Dr. Heraiz brings a multidisciplinary approach to his research, integrating expertise in materials science, mining engineering, and sustainable construction to address some of the most pressing challenges in global infrastructure and environmental protection.

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Education:

Dr. Heraiz’s academic foundation spans multiple disciplines and countries. He obtained his engineering degree in Mining Engineering from the National Polytechnic School in Algeria, focusing on blasting plan optimization and geotechnical analysis. He later completed a Master’s degree in Material Science at the University of M’Sila, where he investigated the mechanical and physicochemical properties of palm fiber composites, with an emphasis on sustainable reinforcement and the use of Artificial Neural Networks. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Mineral Processing Engineering at the University of Science and Technology Beijing. His doctoral research involves the development of solid waste-based UHPC using steel fibers and clinker-free binders to enhance mechanical properties while promoting sustainability.

Experience:

Dr. Heraiz has accumulated diverse professional experience across academia, industry, and government institutions. He served as an Associate Professor at the University of M’Sila, where he contributed to teaching and mentoring in the field of materials engineering. In the private sector, he worked as a mining engineer, leading aggregate extraction operations and managing safety, compliance, and efficiency in day-to-day activities. As a site manager for a national construction company, he led a team of 25 workers, coordinated engineering workflows, and enforced strict quality and safety standards. His recent administrative and technical role at the Embassy of Algeria in China demonstrates his capacity for leadership and cross-cultural collaboration in complex environments.

Research Interest:

Dr. Heraiz’s research interests are centered on the reuse of industrial solid waste for sustainable building materials, particularly in developing Ultra-High-Performance Concrete. His studies cover the mechanical behavior, durability, and microstructural characteristics of these materials using advanced techniques such as XRD, SEM, FTIR, and TGA-DSC. He is especially interested in reducing CO₂ emissions in cement-based construction by using steel fibers, mineral admixtures, and industrial by-products. Additionally, his research integrates data modeling and optimization techniques, including Artificial Neural Networks and Response Surface Methodology, for predictive analysis of composite performance.

Award:

Dr. Heraiz was awarded the Silver Prize in the “Challenge Cup” International Entrepreneurship Competition in 2024, under the Belt and Road Initiative track. His winning project, Cotton Silk Road, focused on innovative cotton processing technologies and the use of solid waste in green development. In addition, he plays an active role in national research projects in China, including a National Key R&D Program on enhancing the resilience of municipal systems, and a Hebei Provincial Science and Technology Project on developing ultra-low carbon cementitious materials. These accolades highlight his leadership, innovation, and contribution to sustainable engineering solutions.

Publication:

🔹 Optimization of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Using a Clinker-Free Binder and Iron Mine Tailings Aggregate (🧱 Minerals, 2024) — widely cited in green construction studies.

🔹 Examining the bending test properties of bio-composites strengthened with fibers through a combination of experimental and modeling approaches

🔹 Assessment of Mechanical and Physicochemical Properties of Palm Fiber Composites (🌿 Journal of Composite Materials, 2024) — cited in natural fiber reinforcement studies.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Hocine Heraiz exemplifies a forward-thinking and solution-oriented researcher whose work merges scientific rigor with real-world relevance. His achievements in developing sustainable construction materials, backed by practical field experience and academic excellence, position him as a standout figure in the global movement toward eco-friendly infrastructure. Through innovative research, award-winning contributions, and strong academic publishing, Dr. Heraiz has proven his merit as a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances the state of materials engineering but also supports international sustainability goals and circular economy practices.

Mr. Mehdi Ahmadi | Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mehdi Ahmadi | Energy Systems – PhD Student at Universtiy of Paderborn, Germany

Mehdi Ahmadi is a driven and impactful researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Energy System Technologies at Paderborn University, Germany. With a career that blends academic excellence, hands-on engineering experience, and a passion for resilience and sustainability in modern power systems, Mehdi exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader in energy research. His work bridges theoretical innovation with applied problem-solving in critical areas such as smart grids, power system optimization, and cyber-resilience in energy infrastructures. Through collaborative research initiatives, technical mastery, and active academic contributions, he is steadily establishing a strong academic identity and a growing influence in the global energy community.

Profile:

Orcid

Education:

Mehdi’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tehran, where he developed a foundational understanding of electrical machines and systems. He then earned a Master of Science in Power Systems Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, focusing his thesis on strategies to enhance the resilience of electrical distribution networks against natural disasters. His graduate studies laid the groundwork for a specialized research trajectory in infrastructure hardening and distribution system optimization. Currently undertaking his doctoral studies at Paderborn University, Mehdi is deepening his expertise in energy systems modeling and renewable integration, guided by interdisciplinary research and international mentorship.

Experience:

Throughout his academic progression, Mehdi has undertaken various research assistantships that reflect both his depth of knowledge and his adaptability in high-stakes engineering environments. At Sharif University of Technology, he worked on a cyber-physical systems project aimed at identifying vulnerabilities in electric vehicle charging infrastructures, where he developed and tested optimization models to enhance grid resilience. In Germany, his current role at Paderborn University involves modeling and optimizing distribution networks and high-performance computing (HPC) data centers to improve energy efficiency and curtail renewable energy losses. He has also contributed to battery design for electric vehicles and implemented non-intrusive load monitoring systems during his undergraduate studies, revealing a consistent pattern of practical engagement and forward-thinking engineering.

Research Interests:

Mehdi’s research spans across a wide spectrum of electrical and energy systems engineering. His core interests include smart grids and renewable energy integration, distribution system optimization, data center energy management, and the application of machine learning in power systems. He is particularly intrigued by the resilience of electrical infrastructure in the face of natural and cyber-induced disturbances, a theme that echoes throughout his academic and applied work. His interdisciplinary approach combines power engineering principles with advanced computational tools to deliver reliable, efficient, and intelligent energy solutions for the future.

Awards:

Mehdi has been consistently recognized for his academic capabilities and potential. As an undergraduate, he was awarded a prestigious scholarship for exceptional talent from the Faculty of Engineering. He also ranked among the top 0.15% of over 21,000 candidates in Iran’s national graduate entrance examination in electrical engineering, a testament to his commitment and scholarly excellence. Additionally, his work has received support from Iran’s National Elites Foundation for its innovation in electric vehicle battery design, further validating the impact and quality of his contributions.

Publications 📚:

Mehdi has contributed to a range of scholarly works that demonstrate both depth and diversity in his research.
🔹 “Detection of Cyber Attacks to Mitigate Their Impacts on the Manipulated EV Charging Prices”, IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification, 2024 — cited by 4 articles.

🔹 “Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring Based on Load Current and Load Power”, 8th Int’l Conf. on Smart Grids, Georgia, 2022 [in Persian] — cited by 2 articles.

🔹 “Application of Hardening Strategies and DG Placement to Improve Distribution Network Resilience against Earthquakes”, IEEE PES T&D LA, 2020 — cited by 5 articles.

🔹 “A Risk-based Load Management Framework in Smart Distribution Systems under Uncertainty”, under review (2023) — pending citation.

🔹 “Integration of Wind Energy into HPC Data Centers: A Curtailment Minimization Approach”, internal technical report, EST Department, 2023.

🔹 “Battery Pack Design and BMS for EVs: A Practical Case Study”, National Elites Foundation Report, 2019.

🔹 “Implementation of Load Classification Using Machine Learning in NILM Systems”, Final Project Report, University of Tehran, 2018.

Conclusion:

Mehdi Ahmadi’s academic portfolio, practical engagements, and focused research direction make him a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His ability to bridge theory and real-world application is evident in the depth of his work, which spans energy optimization, infrastructure resilience, and smart grid technology. As the world transitions toward cleaner and more resilient energy systems, researchers like Mehdi, with their vision, adaptability, and commitment to excellence, are invaluable. His trajectory shows not only promise but also an ongoing contribution to solving pressing global challenges in energy and power engineering. With continued mentorship, institutional support, and opportunities to broaden his global collaborations, Mehdi is poised to become a leading figure in the next generation of energy innovators.