Panagiotis Bousoulas | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Panagiotis Bousoulas | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

National Technical University of Athens | Greece

Assist. Prof. Dr. Panagiotis Bousoulas is an emerging scientific leader in the field of developmental biology and epigenetics, with a research program focused on understanding novel DNA and RNA modifications and their role in neural function, development, and disease. His academic foundation spans prestigious institutions, beginning with a BSc in Medical Genetics from the University of Leicester, followed by doctoral training at the University of Cambridge, UK, where he completed PhD rotations under globally recognized pioneers, including Sir John B. Gurdon, Sarah Bray, and Azim Surani. Prior to this, he studied Physics at the University of Stuttgart, Germany—a multidisciplinary background that contributes to his systems-level scientific approach. Dr. Bousoulas’ professional trajectory includes advanced postdoctoral research at major international institutions such as the Gurdon Institute (Cambridge), Yale University, and the Broad Institute/Harvard University, where he worked with Sir John B. Gurdon, Antonio Giraldez, and John Rinn—leading authorities in developmental biology and genomics. He currently serves as a Principal Investigator at the Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR), where he leads an independent research group supported by multiple competitive funding awards, including the Beijing Natural Science Foundation, Human Frontiers Long-Term Fellowship, Isaac Newton Trust, and a major BBSRC project grant exceeding £830,000. His groundbreaking work contributed to the discovery of methylated deoxyadenosine (m6dA) in vertebrate genomes, reported in Koziol et al., 2015, which opened an entirely novel field in vertebrate epigenetics. His research continues to advance global understanding of how DNA and RNA chemical modifications regulate brain development and contribute to neurological disease, with potential applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. Recognized for excellence early in his career, Dr. Bousoulas has received awards from the AAAS Science Journal, Queen Elizabeth II, the Wellcome Trust, and Cambridge European Trust. His research has significant societal impact, contributing to improved understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying brain disorders and offering potential routes toward medical innovation.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  • (2025). Closed-loop CBRAM crossbar system toward hardware acceleration of quantum algorithms. IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems

  • (2025). Low-power perovskite-based memristors enable fused reservoir computing and neuromorphic vision with highly accurate color perception.

  • (2025). A physics-based compact SPICE model emulating volatile and non-volatile switching patterns to heart arrhythmia detection.

  • (2025). Highly reliable perovskite-based memristors using Ag nanoparticles/FA₂PbI₄ junctions for enhanced memory and optoelectronic synaptic performance.

  • (2025). Low-power FA₂PbI₄/SiO₂ bilayer memristors with Pt nanoparticles exhibiting reconfigurable synaptic and neuron properties for compact optoelectronic neuromorphic systems.

Jacob Olchowka | Materials Science | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Jacob Olchowka | Materials Science | Innovative Research Award

ICMCB (Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry of Bordeaux), France

Dr. Jacob Olchowka is a French CNRS researcher in the field of material science with a specialization in electrochemical energy storage, particularly Na-ion/Li-ion batteries, hybrid supercapacitors, and direct recycling of lithium-ion batteries. He earned his Ph.D. in Material Science with very honorable mention through a joint program between the University of Lille, France, and the University of Siegen, Germany, following a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Energy, and Environment and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Chemistry from the University of Lille, and more recently completed his Habilitation (HDR) at the University of Bordeaux in 2025. His professional career includes international postdoctoral experiences at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and the University of Siegen, Germany, before securing a permanent CNRS position at ICMCB in 2017. His research interests cover synthesis and nanostructuration of electrode materials, surface modifications, operando and in-situ characterizations, crystallochemistry, and the regeneration of end-of-life electrodes. Skilled in advanced synthesis methods (solid-state, sol-gel, ionothermal, molten salt), particle morphology control, structural characterizations (XRD, Raman, IR, UV-vis, SEM, XAS), and electrochemical testing, he combines fundamental and applied expertise to address energy challenges. His contributions include 56 peer-reviewed publications, 4 patents, more than 900 citations, an h-index of 18, and leadership in major projects such as ANR NANO-INSPIRE, REGENERATE, and H-BAT, alongside supervision of Ph.D. and postdoctoral researchers, teaching commitments at the University of Bordeaux, and involvement in European programs such as Battery 2030+ and H2020 NAIMA. He has received notable honors, including the ANR Young Researcher Grant, Fondation Roi Baudouin – Solvay Grant, and recognition for his research presentations, while being an active member of RS2E, Alistore, and the French Chemical Society. With his strong international collaborations, scientific leadership, and commitment to mentoring, Dr. Olchowka has established himself as an influential researcher whose work significantly advances sustainable energy storage and positions him as a future leader in the global transition toward greener technologies.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Croguennec, L., Duttine, M., Grebenshchikova, A., Lyonnard, S., Olchowka, J., Simonin, L., & Stievano, L. (2027). Multi-scale multi-techniques investigations of Li-ion batteries: Towards a European Battery Hub [Dataset]. European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Grebenshchikova, A., Olchowka, J., Simonin, L., Yaroslavtsev, S., Duttine, M., Fauth, F., Stievano, L., Masquelier, C., & Croguennec, L. (2025). Na₂Fe₃(SO₄)₄: A zero‐strain sustainable positive electrode material for Na‐ion batteries. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. Advance online publication.

Grebenshchikova, A., Olchowka, J., Simonin, L., Yaroslavtsev, S., Duttine, M., Fauth, F., Stievano, L., Masquelier, C., & Croguennec, L. (2025). Na₂Fe₃(SO₄)₄: A zero‐strain sustainable positive electrode material for Na‐ion batteries. Angewandte Chemie. Advance online publication.

Grebenshchikova, A., Olchowka, J., Simonin, L., Duttine, M., Weill, F., Suard, E., Masquelier, C., & Croguennec, L. (2025). NaSICON NaFe₂PO₄(SO₄)₂ revisited: Insights into the crystal structure and electrochemical performance. ACS Applied Energy Materials. Advance online publication.

Hayagan, N., Guillou, P., Olchowka, J., Ercicek, F., Lecoutre, C., Nguyen, O., Aymonier, C., Marre, S., Erriguible, A., & Philippot, G. (2025). Understanding the role of pressurized CO₂ in the direct recycling process of Li-ion battery positive electrode. Journal of CO₂ Utilization, 103, 103080.

Rafael Bernardo Carmona-Paredes | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rafael Bernardo Carmona-Paredes | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

National Autonomous University of Mexico | Mexico

Dr. Rafael Bernardo Carmona-Paredes is a highly respected academic and researcher specializing in hydraulic engineering, water resources management, and dynamic systems. With a career spanning over four decades, he has contributed extensively to both theoretical and applied aspects of water systems engineering. Currently serving at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Dr. Carmona has dedicated his career to advancing hydraulic transients, pumping systems, aquifer recharge, and optimization of water distribution systems. His strong academic background, combined with innovative research and teaching, has enabled him to influence both national and international projects in water management and infrastructure. He has published widely in prestigious journals indexed in Scopus and JCR, authored book chapters, and developed patents related to hydraulic simulation and optimization. Dr. Carmona is also recognized for mentoring young researchers, guiding graduate students, and collaborating with institutions across Latin America and Europe. His professional excellence is further evident in his leadership roles within engineering associations and his frequent participation in international congresses. With a unique balance of academic rigor, applied engineering expertise, and societal impact, Dr. Carmona continues to be a leading figure in advancing sustainable solutions for global water challenges.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Rafael Bernardo Carmona-Paredes pursued his academic training entirely at the prestigious Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), where he cultivated a multidisciplinary foundation bridging physics, control engineering, and mechanical engineering. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Physics, which provided him with a solid understanding of fundamental scientific principles, including fluid dynamics, mechanics, and applied mathematics. Motivated by the challenges of engineering applications, he advanced to earn his Master’s degree in Control Engineering, where he specialized in system modeling, dynamic controls, and mathematical optimization. This phase of study laid the groundwork for his future work in hydraulic systems and dynamic behavior of pipelines and water distribution networks. Building upon his expertise, Dr. Carmona earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at UNAM, with a dissertation that focused on mathematical modeling for navigation and port water areas. His doctoral research represented an early integration of computational methods with hydraulic and mechanical engineering, pioneering approaches that remain highly relevant today. This combination of degrees reflects his progression from theoretical sciences to applied engineering, equipping him with the interdisciplinary knowledge essential for addressing complex problems in hydraulic engineering and water resources management.

Professional Experience

Dr. Rafael Bernardo Carmona-Paredes has held an illustrious professional career rooted in both academia and applied research. He has been a professor and researcher at the Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), where he has significantly contributed to teaching, supervising graduate students, and leading research initiatives. Over the years, he has spearheaded numerous national and international projects related to hydraulic engineering, water distribution systems, and aquifer management. His professional expertise extends beyond teaching into consultancy and applied engineering, where he has collaborated with governmental agencies, private organizations, and research institutions in solving water management challenges. Dr. Carmona has also been actively involved in presenting his work at major international forums such as the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) and Latin American Hydraulic Congresses, establishing himself as a global voice in water engineering. He has contributed to the development of simulation models for transient flows, optimization techniques for pumping systems, and innovative strategies for aquifer recharge. His professional experience showcases a seamless blend of academic leadership, practical problem-solving, and active participation in the global engineering community, making him a sought-after expert in his field.

Research Interests

Dr. Rafael Bernardo Carmona-Paredes’ research interests focus on advancing the science and practice of hydraulic engineering, with a special emphasis on addressing water resource challenges. His primary area of interest lies in hydraulic transients, where he explores the dynamic behavior of water flow in pressurized systems and pipelines, including the effects of viscoelastic properties. He is deeply engaged in the study of pumping systems, their energy efficiency, and methods for optimizing their operation to achieve sustainable outcomes. Another significant focus of his research is aquifer recharge and groundwater management, where he integrates hydrological modeling with engineering approaches to enhance water security. Dr. Carmona also investigates reservoir operation policies, developing computational models that help optimize water storage and distribution under varying climatic and demand conditions. His work extends into mathematical modeling and control systems, leveraging his interdisciplinary background in physics and engineering to simulate complex water systems. By combining theoretical models with practical applications, his research provides innovative solutions for urban water distribution, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable resource management. His interests align with global efforts to ensure water sustainability, positioning his contributions as both regionally impactful and internationally relevant.

Research Skills

Dr. Rafael Bernardo Carmona-Paredes possesses a rich skill set that spans theoretical, computational, and applied aspects of hydraulic engineering and water resource systems. His expertise in mathematical modeling and simulation allows him to design complex models of hydraulic transients, aquifer recharge, and pumping systems with high accuracy. He is skilled in control systems engineering, applying advanced optimization methods to improve the performance and efficiency of water distribution networks. His proficiency extends to computational fluid dynamics (CFD), enabling him to analyze fluid behavior under transient and steady-state conditions. Additionally, Dr. Carmona demonstrates strong abilities in reservoir operation modeling, particularly in developing strategies for water conservation and sustainable supply. His technical strengths are complemented by his knowledge of hydrological data analysis, dynamic system modeling, and viscoelastic pipeline behavior. Beyond technical skills, he excels in research communication through scholarly publications, book chapters, and patents, as well as in collaborative skills through partnerships with international universities and engineering institutions. His ability to integrate theoretical rigor with practical applications reflects his comprehensive research capabilities, equipping him to address multidisciplinary challenges in water engineering and contribute to sustainable development goals.

Awards and Honors

Over the course of his career, Dr. Rafael Bernardo Carmona-Paredes has been recognized with numerous academic and professional honors for his contributions to hydraulic engineering and water resource management. His pioneering research has led to over 200 scientific publications in high-impact journals and conferences, many of which are indexed in Scopus and JCR, highlighting his influence in the global academic community. He has also authored book chapters and holds patents in hydraulic simulation systems, showcasing his ability to translate research into practical innovations. Dr. Carmona has been invited to present at international forums, including IAHR and Latin American Hydraulic Congresses, where his work has been acknowledged by peers worldwide. His role as a mentor and educator at UNAM has also earned him recognition within academic circles for shaping future generations of engineers and researchers. In addition to academic achievements, Dr. Carmona’s applied engineering solutions for aquifer management and hydraulic transients have earned him commendations from research and professional organizations. Collectively, these awards and honors reflect not only his scholarly excellence but also his significant impact on sustainable water engineering practices, both regionally and internationally.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Unsteady and Steady Flow Control on Pumping Systems — 1990

  2. Damp trend Grey Model forecasting method for airline industry — 2013

  3. Pressure management in water distribution systems using a self-tuning controller to distribute the available potable water with equality — 2018

  4. Protecting a Pumping Pipeline System from Low Pressure Transients by Using Air Pockets: A Case Study — 2019

  5. A Unified Hydrogeological Conceptual Model of the Mexico Basin Aquifer after a Century of Groundwater Exploitation — 2022

  6. Challenges and Experiences of Managed Aquifer Recharge in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area — 2022

  7. Use of evolutionary computation and guide curves to optimize the operating policies of a reservoir system established to supply drinking water — 2023

  8. Modeling Viscoelastic Behavior of HDPE Pipes Subjected to a Diametral Load Using the Standard Linear Solid Model — 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Rafael Bernardo Carmona-Paredes stands out as a visionary researcher and academic leader in the field of hydraulic engineering and water resource management. His academic journey from physics to mechanical engineering, paired with his practical expertise, has positioned him as a pioneer in developing innovative solutions for water-related challenges. His contributions extend from theoretical models of hydraulic transients to practical strategies for aquifer recharge and water distribution optimization, bridging the gap between science and application. Beyond his research, Dr. Carmona’s dedication to teaching and mentoring reflects his commitment to shaping future engineers, while his collaborations with global institutions highlight his influence beyond national borders. His vast publication record, patents, and recognition at international forums serve as a testament to his academic excellence and societal impact. Moving forward, his continued focus on sustainability, technological innovation, and global collaboration promises to further strengthen his contributions to water security and hydraulic engineering. For his pioneering achievements, leadership, and dedication, Dr. Rafael Bernardo Carmona-Paredes is rightfully considered a leading figure in his field and a deserving candidate for distinguished academic recognition.