Tsz Lok Wan | Postdoctoral Fellow | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Tsz Lok Wan | Water-Energy Nexus | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Alberta, Canada

Dr. Tsz Lok Wan is a highly accomplished researcher specializing in computational materials science, with a focus on clean energy, environmental sustainability, and advanced catalysis. He holds a Ph.D. from Queensland University of Technology, where he earned multiple prestigious scholarships and the High Achiever Award. His research integrates chemistry, physics, and engineering to design and simulate innovative materials using advanced first-principles calculations and modeling tools. Dr. Wan has authored several high-impact publications in top-tier journals such as Nanoscale, Advanced Materials Technologies, and Journal of Materials Chemistry A, contributing significantly to the understanding of ferroelectric materials and their role in energy and environmental applications. With international research experience across Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada, and active participation in major scientific conferences, he demonstrates strong global engagement and academic leadership. Currently serving as a Young Editorial Board Member at the University of Alberta, Dr. Wan exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking and impactful researcher, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Tsz Lok Wan has a robust academic background in engineering and materials science, beginning with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering from Queensland University of Technology, where he conducted theoretical investigations into the mechanical properties of graphene and carbon nanotube-based nanomaterials. He further advanced his expertise by completing a Master of Engineering Science in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Queensland, focusing his thesis on characterizing the surface force of nanowires. Building on this foundation, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy from Queensland University of Technology, where his research centered on ferroelectric-controllable gas capture and catalysis for environmental and energy applications. His doctoral studies were supported by several prestigious scholarships, including the ARC Discovery Scholarship, QUT HDR Tuition Fee Sponsorship, and the Faculty Write-Up Scholarship, and culminated in receiving the High Achiever Award in 2022 for outstanding academic performance.

Professional Experience

Dr. Tsz Lok Wan has accumulated diverse professional experience across academia and industry, reflecting a strong foundation in research, innovation, and engineering practice. He is currently serving as a Young Editorial Board Member at the University of Alberta’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, contributing to academic leadership and scholarly review. In parallel, he is involved in a carbon neutralization research initiative, further aligning his work with global sustainability goals. Previously, he held a postdoctoral fellowship at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, where he contributed to advanced image analysis and software development for medical applications. His earlier experiences include research internships at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he worked on electrocardiograph circuit development and 3D ultrasound image analysis, respectively. Additionally, he gained hands-on engineering experience during an internship at Po Shing Construction Limited, where he calibrated engineering drawings and supported site workflow procedures. These roles have collectively equipped Dr. Wan with a blend of theoretical acumen and practical skills across computational modeling, biomedical engineering, and construction technology.

Research Interest

Dr. Tsz Lok Wan’s research interests lie at the dynamic intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering, with a primary focus on the development of advanced materials for clean energy, environmental sustainability, and electronic applications. He is particularly interested in the use of computational modeling and first-principles calculations, such as Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD), to understand and predict the behavior of materials at the atomic scale. His work explores ferroelectric-controlled catalysis, gas adsorption, and the design of two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures for applications such as hydrogen evolution and nitrogen reduction reactions. By simulating chemical reactions and material interactions that are difficult to observe experimentally, Dr. Wan aims to accelerate the discovery of efficient, sustainable catalysts and contribute to the global transition toward low-carbon technologies.

Award and Honor

Dr. Tsz Lok Wan has received several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his academic excellence and research contributions. During his doctoral studies at Queensland University of Technology, he was the recipient of the ARC Discovery Scholarship, the QUT HDR Tuition Fee Sponsorship, and the Faculty Write-Up Scholarship, reflecting his strong academic standing and research potential. In 2022, he was honored with the High Achiever Award, acknowledging his outstanding performance and impact in the field of computational materials science. These accolades underscore his dedication to advancing knowledge in clean energy and environmental applications through innovative theoretical research.

Conclusion

Tsz Lok Wan demonstrates exemplary academic performance, technical proficiency, and research productivity in high-impact areas like sustainable catalysis and clean energy materials. While there is room to strengthen leadership and translational aspects of his research, his consistent contributions, especially in computational materials science, make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the early-to-mid career category.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Catalysis based on ferroelectrics: controllable chemical reaction with boosted efficiency
    Authors: TL Wan, L Ge, Y Pan, Q Yuan, L Liu, S Sarina, L Kou
    Year: 2021
    Citation: 50

  • Title: Rational design of 2D ferroelectric heterogeneous catalysts for controllable hydrogen evolution reaction
    Authors: TL Wan, J Liu, X Tan, T Liao, Y Gu, A Du, S Smith, L Kou
    Year: 2022
    Citation: 15

  • Title: Ferroelectric Controlled Gas Adsorption in Doped Graphene/In2Se3 Heterostructure
    Authors: TL Wan, J Shang, Y Gu, L Kou
    Year: 2022
    Citation: 12

  • Title: Density Functional Theory Studies on Magnetic Manipulation in NiI2 Layers
    Authors: M Liu, L Zhang, J Liu, TL Wan, A Du, Y Gu, L Kou
    Year: 2023
    Citation: 11

  • Title: Synergistic engineering of heterovalent states and sulfur-vacancy defects in Co/O co-doped ZnS for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
    Authors: L Chen, B Wu, X Wu, DH Kuo, TL Wan, B Yang, P Zhang, Z Su, J Lin, D Lu, X Chen
    Year: 2025
    Citation: 7

  • Title: Bimetallic conjugated metal–organic frameworks as bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting
    Authors: TL Wan, J Liu, X Tan, M Liu, S Smith, L Kou
    Year: 2023
    Citation: 4

  • Title: Enhanced Activity and Selectivity for Nitrogen Reduction Reaction in Electrides‐Based Heterostructures: A DFT Computational Study
    Authors: H Wijesingha, TL Wan, J Liu, L Kou
    Year: 2024
    Citation: 3

  • Title: Magnetic skyrmions and their manipulations in a 2D multiferroic CuCrP₂Te₆ monolayer
    Authors: M Liu, TL Wan, K Dou, L Zhang, W Sun, J Jiang, Y Ma, Y Gu, L Kou
    Year: 2024
    Citation: 3

  • Title: Mo-cation/O-anion doping strategy for creating vacancy defects and cation multivalency to enhance the hydrogen evolution of ZnS under visible light
    Authors: X Wu, TL Wan, B Yang, DH Kuo, P Zhang, M Liu, SN Adawara, D Fang Lu, J Lin, X Chen
    Year: 2025
    Citation: Not available yet

  • Title: Ferroelectric controllable gas capture and catalysis for environmental and energy application (PhD Thesis)
    Author: TL Wan
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Not applicable

  • Title: Ferroelectric Controlled Gas Adsorption in Doped Graphene/In2Se3 Heterostructure (Duplicate journal entry in Adv. Mater. Technol.)
    Authors: TL Wan, J Shang, Y Gu, L Kou
    Year: 2022
    Citation: Not listed separately (already counted above)

  • Title: Characterizing of Surface Forces of Nanowires (Master’s Thesis)
    Author: TL Wan
    Year: 2020
    Citation: Not applicable

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Mohamed Saber | Hydropower Systems | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Mohamed Saber | Hydropower Systems | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer assistant at Zagazig University, Egypt

Mohamed Saber Abdel-Moaty is a Lecturer Assistant in the Department of Water and Water Structures Engineering at Zagazig University, Egypt, and a Civil Hydraulic Engineer at the university’s Irrigation and Hydraulics Lab. He holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering with honors and is currently completing his M.Sc. in Water and Water Structures Engineering, focusing on energy harvesting using water wheels at low-head structures. His research interests center around sustainable hydraulic systems and renewable energy applications. He has published in the high-impact journal Renewable Energy, with work highlighting innovative designs for pico hydropower generation. Mohamed is proficient in CFD simulations using ANSYS Fluent and FLOW-3D, and skilled in structural design software like SAP2000 and ETABS. His professional experience includes academic teaching, computational and experimental research, structural design freelancing, and co-founding a general contracting company. He also gained international engineering experience through an intensive internship with AECOM in Qatar. Mohamed combines strong technical capabilities, academic dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit, making him a promising early-career researcher in the field of civil and hydraulic engineering.

Professional Profile 

Education

Mohamed Saber holds a strong academ ic background in civil and hydraulic engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Zagazig University in 2019, graduating with an Excellent with Honors and an impressive overall grade of 88.65%. Building on his undergraduate success, he is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Water and Water Structures Engineering at the same university, with a research focus on sustainable energy, specifically the investigation of energy harvesting using water wheels at low-head structures. His academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and the advancement of renewable energy solutions within hydraulic systems.

Professional Experience

Mohamed Saber has accumulated diverse professional experience in both academic and practical engineering settings since 2019. As a Lecturer Assistant in the Department of Water and Water Structures Engineering at Zagazig University, he has supported undergraduate courses, supervised lab work, and guided students in graduation projects. Concurrently, he has served as a Civil Hydraulic Engineer at the university’s Irrigation and Hydraulics Lab, where he conducted experimental and computational research focused on open channel flow and hydraulic structures. Beyond academia, Mohamed has worked as a freelance structural design engineer, delivering structural analysis and construction drawings for residential and commercial buildings using software such as SAP2000, ETABS, and SAFE. He also gained hands-on experience as a General Contracting Engineer, managing site activities, coordinating with subcontractors, and ensuring quality control. His technical expertise extends to freelance CFD engineering, where he performed simulations using ANSYS Fluent for fluid flow and heat transfer analysis. Additionally, Mohamed is the co-founder of CIVIC, a construction company offering design-build services, demonstrating his entrepreneurial initiative and leadership within the engineering industry.

Research Interest

Mohamed Saber’s research interests lie at the intersection of hydraulic engineering, renewable energy, and computational fluid dynamics. He is particularly focused on the development of sustainable energy solutions through the integration of hydraulic structures and energy harvesting technologies, as demonstrated by his M.Sc. thesis on energy generation using water wheels at low-head structures. His work aims to enhance the efficiency and applicability of pico and micro hydropower systems, especially in rural or developing regions. Mohamed is also deeply engaged in numerical modeling and simulation, utilizing CFD tools like ANSYS Fluent and FLOW-3D to analyze fluid behavior, optimize hydraulic performance, and support experimental findings. His broader research vision involves improving water infrastructure through innovative, environmentally friendly engineering approaches that align with global sustainability goals.

Award and Honor

Mohamed Saber has been recognized for his academic excellence and professional commitment throughout his early career. He graduated with a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Zagazig University with an Excellent with Honors distinction, achieving a high academic standing with an overall grade of 88.65%. His innovative research on renewable energy applications in hydraulic systems has led to the publication of a peer-reviewed article in the prestigious journal Renewable Energy, reflecting both the quality and relevance of his work. While he is still in the early stages of his research career, his strong academic performance, publication record, and involvement in significant engineering projects position him as a promising candidate for future academic and professional awards.

Conclusion

Recommendation: Mohammed Saber is a strong emerging researcher and could be a good candidate for an Early Career or Young Researcher Award, rather than a “Best Researcher Award” in a general or senior category. If the award focuses on innovation, potential, and sustainability-focused research in early-stage academics, then he is a highly suitable nominee..

Publications Top Noted

Title:
Techno-economic Assessment of the Dethridge Waterwheel under Sluice Gates in a Novel Design for Pico Hydropower Generation

Authors:
Mohamed Saber, Gamal Abdelall, Riham Ezzeldin, Ahmed Farouk AbdelGawad, Reda Ragab

Year:
2024

Journal:
Renewable Energy, Volume 234, Article 121206

DOI:
10.1016/j.renene.2024.121206

ISSN:
0960-1481

Citation (APA Style):
Saber, M., Abdelall, G., Ezzeldin, R., AbdelGawad, A. F., & Ragab, R. (2024). Techno-economic assessment of the Dethridge waterwheel under sluice gates in a novel design for pico hydropower generation. Renewable Energy, 234, 121206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.121206

Malik Muhammad Akhtar | Groundwater Hydrology | Groundwater Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar | Groundwater Hydrology | Groundwater Research Excellence Award

Associate Professor at BUITEMS, Pakistan

Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar is an accomplished hydrologist and environmental scientist with over 19 years of experience in groundwater research, hydrological modeling, and water resource management. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at BUITEMS in Quetta, Pakistan, he holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and a Postdoctoral fellowship in Hydraulic Engineering from China. His research spans critical areas such as groundwater flow modeling, aquifer vulnerability assessment, pollutant transport, and GIS-based identification of recharge zones, particularly in regions like Lahore and Quetta. Dr. Akhtar has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, holds an H-index of 17, and has led or contributed to 20 national and international research projects. He is actively involved in groundwater policy advisory as a technical expert in the Balochistan Water Task Force and serves as an Academic Editor for PLOS ONE. With a strong track record in research, academic leadership, international collaboration, and practical impact in groundwater science, Dr. Akhtar exemplifies the caliber of a candidate deserving of the Groundwater Research Excellence Award.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar has a robust academic background in environmental and water sciences. He earned his PhD in Environmental Engineering from the China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, under the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), where he conducted advanced research in hydrology and water resource management. Following this, he completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Hydraulic Engineering at the same institution, funded by the Hubei Provincial Government, focusing on hydrological modeling and groundwater systems. In addition, he is currently serving as a Guest Researcher at the Climate Change and Policies Research Center at Boğaziçi University, Turkey, under a research fellowship awarded by Türkiye Bursları. His academic qualifications are complemented by his designation as an HEC-approved PhD supervisor in Pakistan, reflecting his commitment to mentoring and research excellence.

Professional Experience

Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar brings extensive professional experience in academia, research, and consultancy within the fields of environmental science and water resource management. He currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at BUITEMS, Quetta, Pakistan, a position he has held since December 2021. He has also served in leadership roles, including Chairperson of the department, demonstrating his administrative and academic capabilities. His earlier roles include Assistant Professor at BUITEMS and Postdoctoral Researcher at the China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, where he focused on hydrological and groundwater modeling. Dr. Akhtar has also worked as a Research Officer at K-tron Research Incorporated in Islamabad. In addition to his academic roles, he is an active consultant for various international organizations such as the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Islamic Relief Pakistan, and Leads Pakistan. His work spans project management, scientific research, and policy advisory, making him a well-rounded professional in the environmental and water sciences sector.

Research Interest

Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar’s research interests lie at the intersection of hydrology, environmental engineering, and sustainable water resource management. He focuses extensively on groundwater modeling, aquifer vulnerability assessment, water budgeting, and pollutant transport analysis using tools such as MODFLOW, MT3D, and GIS-based DRASTIC models. His work also encompasses climate change vulnerability and adaptation strategies, drought and flood risk assessment, and the identification of groundwater recharge zones. Dr. Akhtar is particularly interested in the application of remote sensing and GIS technologies for natural resource management and has conducted significant research in complex hydrological settings such as the Indus Basin in Pakistan and river basins in China. His interdisciplinary approach aims to develop practical, science-based solutions to pressing water and environmental challenges, particularly in urban planning, land management, and water governance in arid and semi-arid regions.

Award and Honor

Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his academic excellence, research contributions, and professional service in the field of environmental science and water resources. He was awarded a prestigious PhD scholarship by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and later secured postdoctoral research fellowships along with provincial project funding from the Hubei Government in China. In 2023, he received a competitive research grant from Türkiye Bursları to serve as a Guest Researcher at Boğaziçi University, Turkey. His research excellence has also been acknowledged through multiple national research grants from organizations such as the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), and other national bodies. Dr. Akhtar is a recognized PhD supervisor approved by HEC and serves as an Academic Editor for the internationally reputed journal PLOS ONE. Additionally, he was appointed as a Technical Expert in the Balochistan Water Task Force, reflecting his significant contributions to regional water policy and governance.

Conclusion

Dr. Malik Muhammad Akhtar is a strong and well-rounded candidate for the Best Researcher Award.His sustained research productivity, international collaborations, high-impact journal publications, and relevance to critical environmental and water issues in South Asia and beyond make him highly deserving of recognition.

Publications Top Noted

1. Title: Geochemical evolution, geostatistical mapping and machine learning predictive modeling of groundwater fluoride: a case study of western Balochistan, Quetta
Authors: Durrani, Taimoor Shah; Akhtar, Malik Muhammad; Kakar, Kaleem Ullah; Habibullah, Habibullah; Khan, Changaiz
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

2.  Title: Spatio-temporal analysis of PM2.5 and its association with elevation by using remote sensing: the scenario of Quetta, Pakistan
Authors: Ehtasham, Laraib; Akhtar, Malik Muhammad; Tariq, Salman; Mian, Ishaq Ahmad
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

 

 

Deng Anjun | Sediment Transport | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Deng Anjun | Sediment Transport | Best Researcher Award

Director at China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, China

Deng Anjun, a senior engineer and doctoral supervisor from Shaoyang, Hunan, currently serves as the deputy director of the Institute of Sediments and Sediments at the Chinese Academy of Water Sciences and holds multiple leadership roles in national and ministerial research bodies. With a strong focus on sediment transport mechanics, reservoir sediment regulation, and river management, he has led over 60 major scientific projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation and national key R&D programs. His research has yielded significant theoretical and practical advancements, particularly in high-sediment water movement, riverbed dynamics, and sediment control technologies. He has published more than 130 academic papers, authored six monographs, holds over 20 invention patents, and has received numerous prestigious awards, including two special provincial-level awards and multiple first and second prizes. Recognized as a “Young Science and Technology Talent” by the China Academy of Water Sciences, Deng Anjun has made outstanding contributions to water science and engineering in China, with ongoing potential for greater international collaboration and interdisciplinary impact.

Professional Profile 

Education

Deng Anjun holds a strong academic background in water resources and hydraulic engineering, which has laid the foundation for his distinguished career in sediment research and river basin management. He pursued advanced studies culminating in a doctoral degree, and he currently serves as a doctoral supervisor, indicating a high level of academic achievement and recognition within the field. His education has been closely aligned with his professional focus areas, including sediment transport mechanics, reservoir sedimentation, and river-lake regulation, enabling him to integrate theoretical knowledge with applied engineering solutions. Through continuous academic engagement and mentorship, Deng Anjun contributes to cultivating the next generation of researchers in water sciences.

Professional Experience

Deng Anjun has amassed extensive professional experience in the field of water resources and sediment science, serving in several prominent roles that reflect both his technical expertise and leadership capabilities. He is currently the deputy director of the Institute of Sediments and Sediments at the Chinese Academy of Water Sciences, where he also leads a national key laboratory team focused on basin water cycle simulation and water safety. Additionally, he holds key positions such as deputy director of the Ministry of Water Resources’ Key Laboratory of Sediments Science and Northern River Management, director of the China Dredging Association, and deputy director of the Reservoir Sediments Treatment and Resource Utilization Technology Professional Committee of the China Society of Dam Engineering. His work spans research, project management, and policy advisory, with a focus on sediment transport mechanics, reservoir sedimentation, riverbed evolution, and sediment control in major river systems like the Yellow River and Jinsha River. Over his career, he has led more than 60 major scientific research and engineering projects, contributing significantly to both academic knowledge and real-world water management practices.

Research Interest

Deng Anjun’s research interests lie primarily in the fields of sediment transport mechanics, reservoir sedimentation and regulation, riverbed evolution, and integrated river and lake management. He is particularly focused on understanding the movement of water and sediment in high-sediment-laden flows, the dynamic behavior of pebble beds in mountainous rivers, and the impacts of dam-induced changes on downstream river morphology. His work also explores practical solutions to engineering challenges such as sediment control for hydropower stations, sand prevention for power plant water intakes, and sediment regulation in major river basins like the Yellow River and Jinsha River. Through both theoretical exploration and applied research, Deng aims to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of water infrastructure and sediment management systems.

Award and Honor

Deng Anjun has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to water science and sediment research. He has been granted two special awards at the provincial and ministerial levels, along with six first prizes and four second prizes, reflecting the high impact and practical value of his scientific and engineering achievements. His innovations have significantly advanced sediment control technologies and river management practices in key water systems across China. In addition, he was honored as a “Young Science and Technology Talent” by the China Academy of Water Sciences during its 7th recognition cycle, highlighting his early leadership and sustained excellence in the field. These accolades underscore his influential role in advancing water resources engineering and his status as a leading figure in sediment science.

Conclusion

Deng Anjun is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive and impactful contributions to water and sediment science, strong leadership in national research efforts, and consistent output of high-quality and applied research firmly establish him as a top-tier candidate. While international visibility and broader interdisciplinary work could further elevate his profile, his current achievements clearly position him among the elite in his field.

Publications Top Noted

  1. Title: The fluvio-deltaic interaction on river channel morphodynamical equilibrium in the lower Yellow River
    Authors: D. Wang, Y. Ma, X. Liu, J. Chen, Y. Wang
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  2. Title: The impact of reservoir operation on runoff and sediment load change in the lower Jinsha River
    Authors: G. Zhang, A. Deng, B. Zhang, Z. Feng, R. Lv
    Journal: Hupo Kexue / Journal of Lake Sciences
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

  3. Title: Analyzing the adjustment mechanism of daily sediment content under large reservoir operations
    Authors: G. Zhang, A. Deng, Q. Lu, Z. Feng, R. Lv
    Journal: Science of the Total Environment
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

  4. Title: Rapid identification of back-flow in three distributaries of Jingjiang Reach, middle Yangtze River, China
    Authors: B. Zhu, J. Wang, A. Deng, Y. Li, A.G.L. Borthwick
    Journal: Journal of Hydrology
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0