Rahim Zahedi | Environmental Analysis | Best Researcher Award

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Assist Prof Dr. Rahim Zahedi | Environmental Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Rahim Zahedi, University of Tehran, Iran

Dr. Rahim Zahedi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Energy Governance at the University of Tehran, Iran. Born on February 29, 1996, he is an accomplished researcher with a strong foundation in mechanical and energy systems engineering. With over 120 ISI-indexed publications to his name, Dr. Zahedi is widely recognized for his work in energy modeling, environmental sustainability, and renewable energy systems. He has been named among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University since 2023. His exceptional academic achievements include earning first rank nationally in Iran’s PhD entrance exam for energy systems engineering and receiving prestigious awards like the JTACC-V4 Young Scientist Award and the Alborz Prize—often referred to as Iran’s Nobel Prize.

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🎓 Education

Dr. Zahedi holds a PhD in Energy Systems Engineering (2020–2024) from the University of Tehran, where he graduated with a perfect GPA (4.0/4.0) and completed a dissertation focused on the 4E analysis of a sustainable hybrid system for optimized water, energy, food, and environmental nexus. Prior to that, he earned both his MSc (2018–2020) and BSc (2014–2018) in Energy Systems and Mechanical Engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology. He is currently undertaking a postdoctoral fellowship (2024–2025) at the same institution, focusing on thermal storage systems and thermoeconomic analysis of solar-driven ORC cycles using phase change materials.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Zahedi has served in academia and research with a primary focus on energy governance, energy modeling, and policy analysis. His experience includes supervising and collaborating on cutting-edge projects in energy system optimization, carbon capture, and climate-responsive technologies. He has contributed to national-scale industrial projects and has been recognized for excellence in petroleum engineering and renewable energy innovation. His multi-disciplinary expertise allows him to bridge the gap between theoretical modeling and practical implementation in the energy sector.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Zahedi’s research interests span a range of high-impact topics in energy and environment, including renewable energy 🌱, life cycle assessment (LCA) ♻️, energy optimization ⚡, and building energy modeling (BEM) 🏙️. He is particularly passionate about integrating AI and machine learning into sustainable energy planning and has conducted extensive work in the simulation and optimization of hybrid energy systems and climate-resilient infrastructure.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Zahedi has received numerous awards for his outstanding research contributions. These include the 2023 JTACC-V4 Young Scientist Award for excellence in thermal sciences, the National Renewable Energy Award, and a Certificate of Appreciation for his contributions to petroleum engineering. Notably, he was awarded the 2024 Alborz Prize, Iran’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize, in recognition of being the best young scientist in the country. He also achieved the first rank for the best industrial plan at a national oil and gas innovation event.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Artificial intelligence and machine learning in energy systems: A bibliographic perspective

Machine learning and deep learning in energy systems: A review

The applications of Internet of Things in the automotive industry: A review of the batteries, fuel cells, and engines

Strategic study for renewable energy policy, optimizations and sustainability in Iran

Energy, exergy, exergoeconomic and exergoenvironmental analysis and optimization of quadruple combined solar, biogas, SRC and ORC cycles with methane system

Optimal site selection and sizing of solar EV charge stations

Cleaning of floating photovoltaic systems: A critical review on approaches from technical and economic perspectives

Review on the direct air CO2 capture by microalgae: Bibliographic mapping

Modelling community-scale renewable energy and electric vehicle management for cold-climate regions using machine learning

Numerical and experimental simulation of gas-liquid two-phase flow in 90-degree elbow

Merisa Skulsuthavong | Humanities and Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Merisa Skulsuthavong  – Humanities and Social Sciences – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Her scholarly output, innovative subject matter, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and regional focus make Dr. Skulsuthavong a fitting nominee for the Best Researcher Award or Excellence in Innovation Award. She represents the evolving nature of global media studies while maintaining deep engagement with Southeast Asian cultural dynamics.

Liverpool University  | China

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🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Merisa Skulsuthavong, PhD, born on January 22, 1985, is a Thai national whose academic trajectory reflects a deep commitment to interdisciplinary communication and media studies. She began her academic journey by earning a Bachelor of International Business from The Australian National University (ANU) in 2006, laying a foundation in global economic frameworks and strategic thinking. Her interests soon gravitated toward the cultural and creative industries, prompting her to pursue a Master of Arts in Creative & Media Enterprises at The University of Warwick in 2009. This academic shift culminated in a doctoral degree in 2016 from Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, with a thesis titled ‘Thainess’ and Bridal Perfection in Thai Wedding Magazines. Her early research examined cultural representation, identity politics, and commodification, signaling her enduring scholarly themes.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Dr. Merisa Skulsuthavong is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Media and Communications at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China, since August 2020. Her teaching portfolio spans across undergraduate and postgraduate modules such as Representation, Diversity and Identity, Digital Media Law & Ethics, and Digital Ethics, among others. She actively supervises final year and MA dissertation projects and plays key departmental roles including Library Liaison Officer, IPAP Reviewer for PhD Students, and MSc Admission Officer. Previously, she was a Lecturer at Chiang Mai University (2018–2020), where she taught a broad spectrum of courses across journalism, integrated marketing communication, and intercultural communication. Earlier in her career, from 2014 to 2018, she worked as Creative & International Media Editor at DK Publishing, Thailand, managing editorial content, international rights negotiations, and marketing strategies. Her multifaceted experience in both academia and publishing highlights her dynamic approach to knowledge production and dissemination.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Humanities and Social Sciences

Dr. Skulsuthavong’s scholarly contributions sit at the intersection of cultural studies, media representation, digital communication, and intercultural communication. Her academic publications address timely themes such as digital identity, luxury symbolism in online spaces, higher education dynamics in Southeast Asia, and digital ethics. Noteworthy among her works is the co-authored chapter “Turbulence in Thailand? The Thai Digital Civil Rights Movement” in Palgrave Macmillan’s Social Transformations series (2022), and peer-reviewed articles like “Enhancing luck in the digital age with Thai auspicious smartphone wallpapers” (2025) and “Displaying luxury on social media: Chinese university students’ perception of identity, social status, and privilege” (2025). She has been actively involved in exploring the commodification of superstition in the digital age, a subject currently being examined in her RDF project “Repackaging the Sacred”. Her current academic interests include the representation of pets on social media and the performative dimensions of online identity in Asian cultures.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Merisa Skulsuthavong’s academic excellence is widely acknowledged. She sits on the editorial board of Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (Nature Springer) and serves as a journal reviewer for the same. She has represented her work in numerous international conferences such as the Korean Conference on Arts & Humanities (2024), ICEPS (2024) in Phuket, and ANPOR International Conference (2019) in Chiang Mai. At Cardiff University, her early research into Thai bridal imagery earned her a spot in the Images of Research Competition (2015), showcasing her ability to communicate complex ideas visually and academically.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Through her diverse teaching roles, publications, and research projects, Dr. Skulsuthavong has had a profound influence on how Southeast Asian media and culture are understood in global academic dialogues. Her work sheds light on Thailand’s unique socio-cultural fabric, particularly through digital media lenses. As a committed educator, she mentors students at various levels, from undergraduate theses to PhD supervision. Her collaborative work with scholars like M.J. Day and S. Du Preez has introduced critical reflections on Thai higher education, digital transformation, and identity politics, enriching both regional studies and broader communication scholarship.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Looking forward, Dr. Skulsuthavong is poised to deepen her impact through continued research on digital superstition, media commodification, and Southeast Asian digital rights movements. Her involvement in evolving digital ethics debates and intercultural media communication ensures that she remains a vital voice in navigating today’s complex information environments. She continues to serve as an advisor, supervisor, and institutional contributor at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, where her work not only advances academic inquiry but also shapes future communication professionals. Her dual focus on rigorous scholarship and actionable pedagogy positions her as a key figure in transnational education.

Conclusion

Merisa Skulsuthavong, PhD, stands out as an interdisciplinary scholar, educator, and cultural analyst with a global vision rooted in Southeast Asian realities. Her career journey—spanning media publishing, international academia, and cross-cultural research—has been marked by a steadfast commitment to understanding how identity, representation, and power manifest in digital and media spaces. As she continues her work in China and beyond, Dr. Skulsuthavong’s influence will undoubtedly shape critical conversations about communication, media ethics, and digital culture for years to come.

📚Publications

Does a special economic zone impact the surrounding economy? The case study of Kendal, Indonesia

 Authors:  Irwanda Wisnu Wardhana; Indri Riesfandiari; Erizal Jamal; Vyta W. Hanifah; Pihri Pihri; Felix Wisnu Handoyo; Nugroho Purwono; Rizky Prayogo Ramadhan; Budhi Setyawan; Michal Placek et al.

Journals: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

Farmers’ knowledge and practice regarding good agricultural practices (GAP) on safe pesticide usage in Indonesia

Authors: Istriningsih; Yovita Anggita Dewi; Astrina Yulianti; Vyta W. Hanifah; Erizal Jamal; Dadang; Muhrizal Sarwani; Maesti Mardiharini; Iwan Setiajie Anugrah; Valeriana Darwis et al.

Journals: Heliyon

Saluran Komunikasi Lembaga Riset Publik dalam Penyiapan Teknologi Peternakan Mendukung Pengembangan Subsistem Agribisnis Hulu

Authors:  Vyta W. Hanifah; Istriningsih Istriningsih; Yovita Anggita Dewi

Journals: Jurnal Ternak

Huazhu Zheng | Environmental assessment | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Huazhu Zheng – Environmental assessment – Best Researcher Award

East China Normal University | China

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📍Current Position

Huazhu Zheng is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Physical Geography at the School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University. Under the supervision of Prof. Hongming He, Huazhu specializes in environmental systems analysis, ecological assessments, and urbanization impacts. With a multidisciplinary approach, Huazhu is committed to advancing sustainable development solutions through cutting-edge research and technology.

 

📝Publication Achievements

Huazhu Zheng has published extensively in high-impact journals, reflecting a profound understanding of ecological, economic, and urban dynamics: Urbanization and Urban Energy Eco-Efficiency: Published in Sustainable Cities and Society (2024), this study utilized meta-frontier super-efficiency models to evaluate urban energy efficiency across 271 Chinese cities (IF=11.7). Urban Land Use Eco-Efficiency: Appeared in the Journal of Cleaner Production (2023), this work analyzed strategies to improve eco-efficiency in China’s western region (IF=11.2). Housing Prices and Household Consumption: Published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (2023), this paper explored the threshold effects of housing prices on consumption patterns in central and western China (IF=3.5).

 

🔍Ongoing Research

Resource Efficiency in Urbanization:
This research investigates the impact of urbanization on resource eco-efficiency, employing Tobit models and hybrid socio-economic models. By exploring regional heterogeneity, the study aims to improve eco-efficiency in Chinese cities and address global sustainability challenges. Water-Energy-Food Nexus in the Yellow River Basin:
This doctoral project explores the interplay between water resources, energy development, and food security using game theory and system dynamics simulation. The work provides valuable insights into integrated resource management in a critical region of China.

 

🔬 Research Interests

Huazhu Zheng’s research encompasses: Ecological Assessment: Investigating the impacts of climate change and human activities on ecosystem resilience and services. Water Resource Assessment: Promoting sustainable management of vital water resources. Urbanization Assessment: Evaluating the socio-economic and ecological impacts of urban development to achieve regional sustainability.

 

🎓Academic Background

Ph.D. in Physical Geography (2022–Present): East China Normal University, Shanghai. Master’s in Industrial Economics (2019–2022): Guilin University of Technology. Bachelor’s in Economics (2014–2018): Guangdong University of Technology.

 

🏆Scholarships and Awards

Recognized for an Outstanding Presentation at the “Beautiful China Backbone” Sustainable Development Forum. Recipient of academic scholarships during master’s and doctoral studies, showcasing exceptional performance in interdisciplinary research.

 

🧬Bioinformatics 

Huazhu excels in utilizing advanced tools and methods to enhance research precision: Proficient in Stata, MAXdea, Matlab, and ArcGIS. Skilled in data management, statistical analysis, and modeling environmental processes to address ecological and urban challenges.

 

🌐Professional Associations 

Huazhu is an active member of professional forums and contributes to discussions on sustainable development, ecological resilience, and urbanization impacts.

 

 📚Training & Workshops 

Attended international training sessions on urban sustainability, environmental modeling, and integrated resource management. Gained valuable insights into fieldwork methodologies and scenario analysis.

 

🎤Oral Presentations and🗣️Thought Leadership 

Delivered insightful presentations at renowned academic conferences, including findings on urban resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. Recognized for engaging delivery and impactful research discussions.

 

🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

Conducted field investigations for national and international projects, including the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Comprehensive Investigation. Developed environmental models and performed rigorous data analyses to assess urbanization impacts and resource management. Contributed significantly to project liaison, manuscript writing, and financial planning for multidisciplinary studies.

 

🚀Success Factors 

Huazhu Zheng attributes success to: Multidisciplinary Integration: Merging economics, ecology, and GIS for holistic solutions. Technological Proficiency: Utilizing advanced modeling and simulation tools. Collaborative Mindset: Actively engaging with teams and stakeholders for impactful research outcomes.

 

🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

Huazhu’s work in laboratory settings focuses on innovative methods for numerical simulations and data-driven assessments. Extensive experience in handling complex datasets has strengthened capabilities in developing robust environmental models.

 

🔍 Conclusion

Huazhu Zheng is a passionate researcher whose work bridges the gaps between ecology, economics, and urbanization. With a strong academic foundation, innovative methodologies, and impactful publications, Huazhu contributes significantly to sustainable development research. The ongoing projects and extensive skill set position Huazhu as a thought leader in addressing global challenges through science and technology.

📚Publications

  • Urbanization and urban energy eco-efficiency: A meta-frontier super EBM analysis based on 271 cities of China

     Author: Zheng, H., Wu, Y., He, H., … Yao, Z., Dong, S.

     Journal: Sustainable Cities and Society

  • Housing prices and household consumption: a threshold effect model analysis in central and western China

     Author: Zheng, H., Qian, J., Liu, G., … Delang, C.O., He, H.

     Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

  • Balancing urban expansion with a focus on ecological security: A case study of Zhaotong City, China

     Author: Hu, Y., Li, Y., Li, Y., … Zheng, H., He, H.

     Journal: Ecological Indicators

  • Urban land use eco-efficiency and improvement in the western region of China

     Author: Zheng, H., Wu, Y., He, H., … Yao, Z., Li, G.

     Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production

  • Study on Carbon Emission Reduction of Central and West Regions from Perspectives of Industrial Development and Urbanization: Empirical Study on Spatial Econometric Model | 基于产业发展和城市化视角的中西部区域碳减排研究-空间计量经济模型实证

     Author: Wu, Y.-J., Zheng, H.-Z., Dong, S.-C., Qian, J.

     Journal: Resources and Environment in the Yangtze Basin

  • Carbon productivity and mitigation: Evidence from industrial development and urbanization in the central and western regions of China

     Author: Wu, Y., Zheng, H., Li, Y., Delang, C.O., Qian, J.

     Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)