Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Saul Nurick, Dept of Construction Economics and Management, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Dr. Saul David Nurick is a dual-national (South African & Spanish) academic and senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town’s Department of Construction Economics and Management. A multifaceted professional, he holds degrees in Information Systems, Property Studies, and Construction Economics, and earned his PhD in Psychology in 2023. His work resides at the intersection of built environment and human performance, blending technology, sustainability, and behavioural science. Fluent in English with intermediate Spanish, Saul’s diverse cultural and disciplinary background allows him to thrive in global academic and professional contexts.

Profile 👤

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Education 🎓

Dr. Saul’s academic journey began with a BCom in Information Systems (2004), followed by an honours BSc in Property Studies (2006), and a MPhil in Construction Economics and Management (2012), all from Cape Town. He capped his formal education by completing a PhD in Psychology (2023) at the University of the Witwatersrand, under Professor Andrew Thatcher. His doctoral research—“Impact of Green Building Features and Initiatives on Individual Productivity and Organisational Performance in Office Buildings”—bridges psychology and built environment studies.

Experience 💼

Since 2012, Dr. Saul has lectured extensively at UCT, becoming a permanent staff lecturer in 2014 and senior lecturer in 2018. He convened over a dozen undergraduate and postgraduate courses ranging from property investment mathematics to Masters- and PhD-level research supervision. He’s also served as external examiner at several institutions, including WITS and Henley Business School. Further, he’s a registered MRICS professional member since 2014. This blend of teaching, academic administration, industry affiliation, and rigorous supervision ensures Saul’s work remains both applied and scholarly.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr Nurick’s research focuses on the impacts of green building design on human productivity and organizational outcomes. He investigates how sustainable infrastructure and information systems in office environments affect occupant performance, well‑being, and corporate value. His interests also include property finance, construction economics, and the behavioral dimensions of property information systems. By fusing psychology with built environment disciplines, Dr. Saul contributes to interdisciplinary sustainability discourse and evidence‑driven strategies for healthier workplaces.

Awards 🏅

Dr. Saul is a qualified Professional Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) since August 2014. While specific personal awards weren’t listed, many of his supervised postgraduate theses were finalists or winners in the Greenovate student awards: e.g., Oratile Masia & Mihlali Solombela (3rd place Greenovate, 2024), Paige Waberski & Kiah Wallace (3rd place, 2024), Isobella van der Merwe & Aiden van Wyk (winner, 2023), Realeboga Lekoma & Tshifhiwa Mudau (finalists, 2023). This consistent record attests to Saul’s mentorship excellence.

Publication Top Notes 📚

An Investigation into the Benefits of EDGE Residential Estates in terms of Real-World Savings

Investigating the Drivers and Barriers to Implementing Green Building Features and Initiatives (GBFIs) in South Africa’s Private Housing Sector

An Investigation into the Benefits of EDGE Residential Estates in terms of Real-World Savings

Examining the impact of indoor environmental quality on individual productivity of knowledge workers in green certified buildings

Enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality and the Link to Individual Productivity and Organisational Performance: A Scoping Review

Ahmad ali | Sustainability management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ahmad ali  – Sustainability management – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Ali’s extensive research, academic contributions, and industry experience make him a strong candidate for academic and research excellence awards. His AACSB accreditation status, coupled with his high-impact publications and role in institutional development, aligns well with prestigious academic accolades recognizing contributions to digital supply chain management and business education.

Business Faculty, Middle East University | Jordan

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Scholar

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Ahmad Ali Atieh Ali embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in business administration. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Al-Ahliyya Amman University in 2017, setting the stage for his future endeavors in academia and research. Recognizing the importance of advanced education, he pursued a Master’s degree in Business Administration at Amman Arab University, which he completed in 2019. His academic trajectory was further solidified when he enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Supply Chain Management at Utara University Malaysia, where he is expected to complete his doctorate in 2024. This progression reflects his commitment to mastering the intricacies of supply chain dynamics and digital transformation within business frameworks.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Ahmad Ali Atieh Ali’s professional career is a blend of academic, administrative, and industry experiences. He began as a lecturer at Luminus University College during the 2023/2024 academic year, imparting knowledge and research insights to students in the field of digital supply chain management. Simultaneously, he held an administrative role as an Assistant Operations Manager at Good System Company for Import and Export between 2022 and 2023. His dual engagement in academia and industry showcases his ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications, providing a comprehensive learning experience for his students.

 

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Sustainability management

Dr. Ali has made significant contributions to the field of digital supply chain management, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, supply chain resilience, and digital transformation. His research spans critical themes like the impact of AI on supply chain performance, the role of digital supply chains in inventory management, and the integration of artificial intelligence in supply chain collaboration. His work is widely recognized, as evidenced by his publications in reputable journals like Sustainability and Uncertain Supply Chain Management. With an h-index of 8 on Google Scholar and multiple Scopus-indexed publications, Dr. Ali has established himself as an influential researcher in his domain.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Ali has made significant contributions to the field of digital supply chain management, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, supply chain resilience, and digital transformation. His research spans critical themes like the impact of AI on supply chain performance, the role of digital supply chains in inventory management, and the integration of artificial intelligence in supply chain collaboration. His work is widely recognized, as evidenced by his publications in reputable journals like Sustainability and Uncertain Supply Chain Management. With an h-index of 8 on Google Scholar and multiple Scopus-indexed publications, Dr. Ali has established himself as an influential researcher in his domain.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Dr. Ali’s impact extends beyond research publications. As an assistant professor at the Faculty of Business, Middle East University, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of business professionals and supply chain experts. His engagement with AACSB-accredited institutions demonstrates his commitment to maintaining high academic standards and aligning with global educational benchmarks. Furthermore, his involvement in professional training and internship committees helps bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, ensuring that students are well-equipped for real-world challenges.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

With a strong academic background, extensive research contributions, and significant teaching experience, Dr. Ali is poised to leave a lasting impact on the field of supply chain management. His ongoing Ph.D. research is expected to yield further insights into digital supply chains and AI integration, potentially influencing industry practices and policy-making. Looking ahead, he aims to expand his research collaborations, contribute to international conferences, and mentor aspiring researchers in the field.

 

Conclusion

Ahmad Ali Atieh Ali exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated academic and researcher. His journey from a bachelor’s student to an assistant professor and Ph.D. candidate highlights his relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence. Through his research on digital supply chains, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, he continues to influence both academia and industry. His contributions not only advance scholarly discourse but also equip future professionals with the skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of supply chain management.

📚Publications

The Impact of Adaptive Learning Technologies, Personalized Feedback, and Interactive AI Tools on Student Engagement: The Moderating Role of Digital Literacy

Authors:  Husam Yaseen; Abdelaziz Saleh Mohammad; Najwa Ashal; Hesham Abusaimeh; Ahmad Ali; Abdel-Aziz Ahmad Sharabati

Journals: Sustainability

The Impact of Digital Technology, Automation, and Data Integration on Supply Chain Performance: Exploring the Moderating Role of Digital Transformation

Authors: Ahmad Ali Atieh; Alhareth Abu Hussein; Saheer Al-Jaghoub; Ahmad Fathi Alheet; Murad Attiany

Journals: Logistics

The Impact of Digital Marketing on the Performance of SMEs: An Analytical Study in Light of Modern Digital Transformations

Authors: Abdel-Aziz Ahmad Sharabati; Ahmad Ali Atieh Ali; Mahmoud Izzat Allahham; Alhareth Abu Hussein; Ahmad Fathi Alheet; Abdelaziz Saleh Mohammad

Journals: Sustainability

Chuangwei Liu | Sustainable development | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Chuangwei Liu  – Sustainable development  –  Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Chuangwei Liu’s groundbreaking research in sustainable catalysis, computational materials science, and machine learning-based modeling aligns perfectly with awards recognizing excellence in Sustainable Development, Computational Chemistry, and Advanced Materials Research. His innovative approach contributes directly to green energy solutions, carbon reduction, and industrial efficiency, making him a prime candidate for such accolades.

 

Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

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🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Chuangwei Liu’s academic journey began at Northeastern University, China, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering (2008–2012). His undergraduate studies laid a strong foundation in materials science, thermodynamics, and process engineering, igniting his passion for advanced materials research.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Dr. Liu’s career has spanned multiple countries and industries, reflecting his versatility and global impact. Mechanical Engineer, Helios Oil and Gas Equipment, Houston, USA (2014–2016): Before his Ph.D., he worked on advanced mechanical systems, gaining hands-on experience in industrial applications of materials science. Postdoctoral Fellow, Technical University of Denmark (2019–2022): He further refined his expertise in computational materials science, focusing on catalyst design and sustainable energy applications. Associate Professor, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China (2022–2023): Returning to China, he took on a faculty role, mentoring students and leading cutting-edge research in computational chemistry. Professor, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China (2023–Present): Currently, he is a full professor at one of China’s premier research institutions, where he continues to push the boundaries of catalyst design and materials theory.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Sustainable development

Dr. Liu’s research centers on multi-scale quantum mechanics simulations to understand reaction mechanisms at an atomic level and rationally design advanced materials for industrial catalysts. His key contributions include: Development of materials theory for designing new catalysts, which has led to improved industrial processes and energy-efficient solutions. Accelerated discovery of novel materials through computational modeling, bridging theory and real-world applications. Computational method development using machine learning, enabling predictive modeling for materials science.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Liu’s work has been widely recognized through prestigious awards: JACS Young Investigators 2020 by the Journal of The American Chemical Society – A prestigious recognition of outstanding contributions to chemistry. Most Popular Article in 2019 for Journal of Materials Chemistry A, awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Postgraduate Publications Award (PPA), Monash University (2019) – Recognizing his groundbreaking Ph.D. research.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

As a researcher and educator, Dr. Liu has significantly influenced both academia and industry: Teaching & Mentorship: He has guided numerous undergraduate and graduate students, teaching courses in Physical Chemistry and Computational Materials Science at Northeastern University. Research Leadership: As the Principal Investigator (PI) of major research projects, he has secured substantial funding, including:

    • China’s National Key R&D Programme (2024–2026): A$ 680,000
    • Start-up Funding of Northeastern University (2023–2025): A$ 170,000
    • Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities (2023–2024): A$ 21,000

 

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Liu’s pioneering research is set to leave a lasting impact in the fields of sustainable materials science and computational chemistry. His future contributions are expected to: Advance machine learning-driven catalyst design, optimizing reaction pathways for cleaner energy production. Enhance global collaboration, bringing together researchers from China, Europe, and the U.S. Train the next generation of scientists, ensuring continuity in cutting-edge materials research.

Conclusion

Dr. Chuangwei Liu exemplifies the fusion of academic excellence, scientific innovation, and industrial impact. With a distinguished career spanning multiple disciplines and institutions, his research in computational chemistry and sustainable catalysis continues to shape the future of energy and materials science. As a professor, mentor, and thought leader, he remains dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and contributing to a more sustainable world.

📚Publications

2D, Metal‐Free Electrocatalysts for the Nitrogen Reduction Reaction

Authors:  Chuangwei Liu; Ang Tian; Qinye Li; Tianyi Wang; Gaowu Qin; Song Li; Chenghua Sun

Journals: Advanced Functional Materials

Knowledge‐Driven Design and Lab‐Based Evaluation of B‐doped TiO2 Photocatalysts for Ammonia Synthesis

Authors: Chuangwei Liu; Derek Hao; Jin Ye; Sheng Ye; Fengling Zhou; Hongbo Xie; Gaowu Qin; Jiating Xu; Jian Liu; Song Li et al.

Journals: Advanced Energy Materials

Bulk-immiscible CuAg alloy nanorods prepared by phase transition from oxides for electrochemical CO2 reduction

Authors:  Yihong Yu; Di Wang; Yimeng Hong; Teng Zhang; Chuangwei Liu; Jing Chen; Gaowu Qin; Song Li

Journals: Chemical Communications

Oxygen-regulated carbon quantum dots as an efficient metal-free electrocatalyst for nitrogen reduction

Authors:  Yaqian Han; Xiaoteng Ding; Jingrui Han; Yanfeng Fang; Zhaoyong Jin; Wenhan Kong; Chuangwei Liu

Journals: Nanoscale