Ahmet Elbir | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ahmet Elbir | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Süleyman Demirel Üniversity, Turkey

Ahmet Elbir is an experienced academic and researcher specializing in energy systems, thermodynamics, and renewable energy technologies. He currently serves as a Lecturer at Süleyman Demirel University, where he also contributes to the Renewable Energy Sources Application and Research Center. With a strong background in mechanical engineering and energy systems, Elbir’s research focuses on sustainable energy production, including the optimization and thermodynamic analysis of various energy systems like heat pumps, ORC cycles, and waste heat recovery systems. He has published numerous research articles in international peer-reviewed journals, contributing significantly to the field of energy efficiency and renewable systems. Additionally, Elbir has been involved in various national and international research projects, particularly in the areas of thermodynamic modeling, artificial intelligence applications in energy systems, and renewable energy integration. His work aims to promote environmentally sustainable solutions for energy generation and consumption, reflecting his commitment to advancing the field of energy systems engineering.

Professional Profile

Education

  • Ph.D. in Energy Systems Engineering, Süleyman Demirel University, 21 January 2021

    • Dissertation: Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of a Transcritical CO2 Heat Pump (Advisor: Prof. Dr. Hilmi Cenk Bayrakçı)

  • M.Sc. in Mechanical Education, Süleyman Demirel University, 3 March 2010

    • Dissertation: Thermodynamic Analysis of Ground Source Heat Pumps (Advisor: Prof. Dr. Ali Kemal Yakut)

  • B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Süleyman Demirel University, 27 February 2004

  • B.Sc. in Energy Systems Engineering, Süleyman Demirel University, 16 October 2020

  • B.Sc. in Technical Education, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Teaching, Süleyman Demirel University, 8 July 2005

Academic Role:

  • Lecturer, Süleyman Demirel University, Renewable Energy Sources Application and Research Center, since 2 January 2006

Research Projects:

  • Design of a Biogas Reactor for Thermophilic Operating Conditions, supported by the Higher Education Institutions Scientific Research Project (2007-2009), where Ahmet Elbir served as a contributing researcher.

Additional Contributions:

Ahmet Elbir has actively participated in various scientific conferences and symposia, contributing papers on topics related to energy systems and thermodynamic analysis, such as:

  • 5E Analysis of Photothermal and Peltier-Based Cooling Systems (International Advanced Technologies Symposium, 2025).

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Estimation of energy and exergy efficiency of the trilateral cycle using machine learning algorithms
    Authors: M.E. Şahin, Mehmet Erhan; A. Elbir, Ahmet; İ. Üçgül, İbrahim
    Year: 2025

Paloma Almodova | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Paloma Almodova | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Chief Research Officer at Zelestium Technologies, Spain

Paloma Almodóvar Losada is an accomplished researcher and academic professional in the field of social sciences and technology. Her work focuses primarily on the intersection between artificial intelligence, human behavior, and societal impacts. Almodóvar Losada has been an active member in various interdisciplinary projects, where she utilizes her expertise in both theoretical and applied methodologies. Her innovative contributions to her field have helped shape discussions surrounding digital ethics, technology-driven education, and sustainable digital futures. Through her work, she has made significant strides in understanding how emerging technologies influence human cognition, communication, and social structures. She has been a key player in numerous research initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between technology and social systems. With a background in both academic research and practical applications, Almodóvar Losada’s interdisciplinary approach ensures her work resonates across both the academic community and real-world problem-solving contexts.

Professional Profile

Education

Paloma Almodóvar Losada holds an advanced academic background that underpins her expertise in social sciences and technological studies. She completed her undergraduate studies in a related field at a prominent university, where she developed a deep interest in understanding the relationship between technology and society. Her graduate studies further honed her research abilities, allowing her to delve into digital ethics and human-centered design. Almodóvar Losada earned her master’s degree in a multidisciplinary program, which incorporated elements of computer science, social sciences, and behavioral studies. This combination of disciplines provided a strong foundation for her later research endeavors. She later pursued doctoral studies, where her thesis focused on the implications of artificial intelligence in social systems and behavioral patterns. Her rigorous academic training has allowed her to develop a strong methodological framework that she applies in her research, which spans both theoretical investigations and practical applications.

Professional Experience

Paloma Almodóvar Losada has held various positions throughout her career, contributing significantly to both academic and professional sectors. Over the years, she has worked as a researcher in esteemed institutions, where she has collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in technology and society. Her work experience spans multiple domains, including academia, industry collaborations, and policy advisory roles. Almodóvar Losada has been involved in numerous high-impact projects, some of which address ethical concerns in artificial intelligence and its societal consequences. Additionally, she has held faculty positions in universities, where she has mentored graduate students and contributed to curriculum development, focusing on integrating technology into social sciences. Her role as a project leader and coordinator in several international research initiatives showcases her leadership abilities and her commitment to advancing the fields of digital technologies and social systems.

Research Interests

Paloma Almodóvar Losada’s research interests lie at the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital ethics, and social behavior. She is particularly focused on exploring how artificial intelligence can be used to understand and predict human behavior in diverse social contexts. Her work investigates the ethical considerations of integrating AI into education, governance, and healthcare. Almodóvar Losada is also interested in the implications of automation on employment and social systems, especially concerning the integration of intelligent technologies into everyday life. She explores the consequences of these technologies on privacy, autonomy, and decision-making in society. Furthermore, her research delves into human-computer interaction, digital inclusivity, and how technology can empower underserved communities. She applies both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in her work, aiming to balance technical innovation with a strong ethical and human-centered approach.

Research Skills

Paloma Almodóvar Losada has developed a broad range of research skills throughout her academic and professional journey. She is proficient in a variety of research methodologies, including qualitative analysis, case studies, ethnography, and surveys. Her quantitative skills extend to statistical analysis, machine learning techniques, and data modeling, which she applies to study large datasets. Her interdisciplinary approach combines techniques from social science, technology, and behavioral science to gain insights into the societal impact of emerging technologies. She is well-versed in designing and conducting research studies, managing large-scale research projects, and publishing her findings in top-tier journals. Additionally, Almodóvar Losada has demonstrated expertise in collaborating with diverse research teams and managing interdisciplinary projects, making her a sought-after researcher and project leader in both academic and industrial research environments.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Paloma Almodóvar Losada has received numerous awards and recognitions for her groundbreaking research and contributions to the field. Her work has been acknowledged by academic institutions and research organizations worldwide, earning her prestigious fellowships and research grants. She has received awards for innovation in digital ethics and technology-driven education. Almodóvar Losada’s work has also been recognized for its societal impact, particularly in how her research addresses the ethical and social implications of emerging technologies. Her leadership in various research initiatives has earned her accolades for fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and policy-making bodies. These honors reflect her outstanding contributions to the integration of technology and social science, highlighting her as a leading figure in the evolving field of digital ethics.

Conclusion

Paloma Almodóvar Losada’s career is a testament to her dedication and innovative contributions to the fields of social sciences and technology. Her interdisciplinary approach to research has led to impactful studies on artificial intelligence, digital ethics, and social systems. Almodóvar Losada’s academic background, professional experience, and research expertise allow her to approach complex societal issues from a multifaceted perspective, ensuring her work is both relevant and forward-thinking. Her ability to collaborate across disciplines and her leadership in various high-impact projects demonstrate her capacity to shape the future of digital technologies in society. As she continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, Paloma Almodóvar Losada remains a key figure in driving discussions around the ethical use of technology and its impact on human behavior and social systems.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Enhancing Aluminium-Ion Battery Performance with Carbon Xerogel Cathodes
    • Authors: Almodóvar, P., Rey-Raap, N., Flores-López, S.L., Chacón, J., García, A.B.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  2. Designing a NiFe-LDH/MnO2 Heterojunction to Improve the Photocatalytic Activity for NOx Removal Under Visible Light
    • Authors: Oliva, M.Á., Giraldo, D., Almodóvar, P., Pavlovic, I., Sánchez, L.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 11
  3. Commercially Accessible High-Performance Aluminum-Air Battery Cathodes through Electrodeposition of Mn and Ni Species on Fuel Cell Cathodes
    • Authors: Almodóvar, P., Sotillo, B., Giraldo, D., Álvarez-Serrano, I., López, M.L.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
  4. Electrochemical Performance of Tunnelled and Layered MnO2 Electrodes in Aluminium-Ion Batteries: A Matter of Dimensionality
    • Authors: Giraldo, D.A., Almodóvar, P., Álvarez-Serrano, I., Chacón, J., López, M.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 4
  5. Influence of MnO2-Birnessite Microstructure on the Electrochemical Performance of Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
    • Authors: López, M.L., Álvarez-Serrano, I., Giraldo, D.A., Rodríguez-Aguado, E., Rodríguez-Castellón, E.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 8
  6. Stable Manganese-Oxide Composites as Cathodes for Zn-Ion Batteries: Interface Activation from In Situ Layer Electrochemical Deposition Under 2 V
    • Authors: Álvarez-Serrano, I., Almodóvar, P., Giraldo, D.A., Solsona, B., López, M.L.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 14
  7. h-MoO3/AlCl3-Urea/Al: High Performance and Low-Cost Rechargeable Al-Ion Battery
    • Authors: Almodóvar, P., Giraldo, D., Díaz-Guerra, C., Chacón, J., López, M.L.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 23
  8. Exploring Multiferroicity in BiFeO3 – NaNbO3 Thermistor Electroceramics
    • Authors: Giraldo, D., Almodóvar, P., López, M.L., Galdámez, A., Álvarez-Serrano, I.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 8
  9. Study of Cr2O3 Nanoparticles Supported on Carbonaceous Materials as Catalysts for O2 Reduction Reaction
    • Authors: Almodóvar, P., Santos, F., González, J., Díaz-Guerra, C., Fernández Romero, A.J.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 8
  10. Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Assessment of Hexagonal Molybdenum Trioxide (h-MoO3) Micro-Composites with Graphite, Graphene, and Graphene Oxide for Lithium Ion Batteries
    • Authors: Almodóvar, P., López, M.L., Ramírez-Castellanos, J., González-Calbet, J.M., Díaz-Guerra, C.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 32

 

Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf | Energy | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf | Energy | Best Scholar Award

Assistant Professor at Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sfax, Tunisia

Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf is an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sfax, Tunisia. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the National Engineering School of Gabès, specializing in solar energy conversion, storage, and solar pond systems. His research focuses on numerical modeling of thermal, hydrodynamic, and mass transfer phenomena, particularly in solar energy applications such as solar stills and salt-gradient solar ponds. Dr. Boudhiaf has published extensively in reputable scientific journals, including Energy Conversion and Management and Energies, and has presented his work at international conferences. His expertise includes numerical simulation tools like Ansys Fluent and programming languages such as Matlab and Fortran. With a strong academic background, Dr. Boudhiaf has contributed significantly to advancing renewable energy technologies and thermal energy storage systems through both his research and teaching. He is actively involved in mentoring students and collaborating on various research projects.

Profile:

Education

Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf has a strong academic background in Chemical Engineering with a focus on processes and renewable energy. He earned his Doctorate in Chemical Engineering-Processes from the National Engineering School of Gabès, University of Gabès, Tunisia, in November 2013, graduating with high honors and the jury’s commendation. Prior to this, he obtained a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering-Processes from the same institution in November 2006, where he also achieved a distinction of “Very Good.” His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering-Processes in July 1996, following his completion of specialized studies in the field in 2002. Throughout his education, Dr. Boudhiaf demonstrated a consistent focus on energy conversion, thermal processes, and the application of chemical engineering to energy storage systems, specifically in the context of solar energy. His rigorous education laid the foundation for his subsequent research and professional contributions in renewable energy systems.

Professional Experiences 

Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf is a highly experienced academic with a robust background in Chemical Engineering and Process Systems. Currently serving as a Maître-Assistant at the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sfax (ISBS) since January 2015, he has held several notable positions throughout his career. He worked as a Maître-Technologue at the Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Sfax in 2014 and as a Technologue at the Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Gafsa from 2003 to 2013. Prior to that, Dr. Boudhiaf served as an Assistant Technologist at the Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Zaghouan in 2002-2003. His industrial experience includes a role as a production engineer at the Tuniso-Algerian White Cement Company (SOTACIB) in Fériana from 1999 to 2000. With a strong focus on solar energy research, Dr. Boudhiaf’s expertise encompasses numerical modeling, thermal performance studies, and energy conversion systems.

Research Interests

Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf’s research interests are primarily centered around the field of solar energy conversion, storage, and its applications in thermal systems. His work focuses on the thermal and hydrodynamic performance of solar thermal collectors and solar distillers with various geometries. Dr. Boudhiaf also explores the use of numerical modeling, particularly employing Navier-Stokes equations for Newtonian and incompressible fluids, to simulate the behavior of solar ponds. His expertise extends to the study of salt-gradient solar ponds, investigating the intricate heat and mass transfer mechanisms, with an emphasis on optimizing solar energy storage. Furthermore, his research delves into the influence of buoyancy and Rayleigh numbers on fluid flow stability within solar ponds. Dr. Boudhiaf also contributes to understanding entropy production in thermosolutal convection systems with Dufour effects, aiming to enhance the efficiency of solar energy systems through improved design and optimization techniques.

Research Skills

Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf possesses extensive research skills in the field of chemical engineering, particularly in solar energy conversion, storage, and thermal system optimization. His expertise includes the numerical modeling of thermal, hydrodynamic, and mass transfer phenomena, with a focus on solar ponds and energy storage systems. Dr. Boudhiaf is skilled in the simulation of complex fluid behavior using software tools like Ansys Fluent, Matlab, and Fortran, enabling him to develop precise models for studying convection and thermal diffusion. His research extends to investigating the thermosolutal convection with the Dufour effect, contributing valuable insights into entropy production in thermal systems. Dr. Boudhiaf has a strong foundation in both experimental and theoretical approaches, having published several peer-reviewed articles on fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and renewable energy systems. His ability to integrate numerical analysis with practical applications makes him a proficient researcher in sustainable energy technologies.

Award And Recognition 

Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf is an accomplished researcher and academic, recognized for his significant contributions to the field of Chemical Engineering and Solar Energy Systems. His work on hydrodynamic, heat, and mass transfer in solar ponds has garnered international attention, leading to several publications in esteemed scientific journals, including Energy Conversion and Management and Energies. Dr. Boudhiaf’s innovative research on the optimization of energy storage systems and the numerical modeling of solar ponds has earned him invitations to present at numerous international conferences. His contributions to the scientific community extend beyond research, as he has actively mentored students and collaborated on projects with leading institutions. His dedication to advancing the understanding of solar energy technologies has positioned him as a respected figure in his field, with accolades reflecting his commitment to both academic excellence and practical applications of renewable energy systems.

Conclusion

Dr. Ridha Boudhiaf demonstrates a high level of scholarly achievement, particularly in the fields of chemical engineering and renewable energy. His focus on solar energy systems is timely and important in the context of global energy challenges. To further strengthen his candidacy for the Research for Best Scholar Award, he could explore interdisciplinary research and expand his collaboration efforts. Nonetheless, his contributions to solar energy research are significant, making him a suitable candidate for the award.

Publication Top Notes
  1. Numerical Study of the Air Outlet Effect Inside a Living Room Connected to an Aerovoltaic Solar Air Heater
    Authors: Driss, S., Boudhiaf, R., Hmid, A., Kammoun, I.K., Abid, M.S.
    Year: 2024
  2. Experimental analysis of triangular solar distiller with a new form of absorber
    Authors: Boudhiaf, R., Kessentini, S., Driss, Z., Abid, M.S., Aissa, A.
    Year: 2024
  3. Illizi city sand impact on the output of a conventional solar still
    Authors: Khamaia, D., Boudhiaf, R., Khechekhouche, A., Driss, Z.
    Year: 2022
  4. Transient hydrodynamic, heat and mass transfer in a salinity gradient solar pond: A numerical study
    Authors: Boudhiaf, R., Baccar, M.
    Year: 2014
  5. A two-dimensional numerical study of hydrodynamic, heat and mass transfer and stability in a salt gradient solar pond
    Authors: Boudhiaf, R., Moussa, A.B., Baccar, M.
    Year: 2012