Oluwaseun Ajayi | Impact Mechanics and Dynamic Material Behavior | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Oluwaseun Ajayi | Impact Mechanics and Dynamic Material Behavior | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University | Nigeria

Dr. Oluwaseun Ajayi is a multidisciplinary engineer whose career spans mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, embedded systems, and advanced manufacturing, building a reputation for innovative contributions to human–machine interaction, digital twin development, computer numerical control technologies, and robotics-driven automation. His academic foundation was established through successive degrees in technology, mechanical engineering, and advanced research, which shaped his expertise in system dynamics, computational design, and intelligent materials. He serves as a Research Fellow in Electrical Engineering at Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, and as a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he leads research in embedded systems, haptics, mechatronics, and CAD-driven automation, while supervising postgraduate researchers across mechanical and electrical engineering. His professional portfolio includes establishing 3D Printing and Mechatronics Laboratories, pioneering curriculum development for mechatronics and aerospace engineering, and extensive teaching in design, mechanics, CAD/CAM, and advanced machine design. He has contributed significantly to industry through consultancy in CAD technologies, additive manufacturing, and engineering design services. His scholarly output includes patents on brake-fluid testing apparatus and CNC manufacturing methods, book chapters on sorting robotics and multifunctional coatings, and numerous journal articles covering 3D printing mechanics, digital twin methodologies, haptic system design, composite materials, structural failure analysis, robotics-based force estimation, adaptive modeling, and intelligent embedded systems. His research supervision includes work on hybrid additive-subtractive manufacturing, digital twin internal controls for haptics, mathematical modeling of haptic platforms, and haptic feedback systems for heavy-industry applications. Through teaching, research, consultancy, laboratory development, and scholarly publications, he has advanced modern engineering education and technological innovation across multiple disciplines.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Idusuyi, N., Babajide, I., Ajayi, O. K., & Olugasa, T. T. (2014). A computational study on the use of an aluminium metal matrix composite and aramid as alternative brake disc and brake pad material. Journal of Engineering, 2014(1), Article 494697.

Ajayi, O. K., Malomo, B. O., Samuel, P. D., Adeleye, A., & Babalola, S. A. (2021). Failure modeling for titanium alloy used in special purpose connecting rods. Materials Today: Proceedings, 45, 4390–4397.

Adeyi, O., Adeyi, A. J., Oke, E. O., Ajayi, O. K., Oyelami, S., Otolorin, J. A., Areghan, S. E., & Isola, B. F. (2022). Adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system modeling of Synsepalum dulcificum L. drying characteristics and sensitivity analysis of the drying factors. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 13261.

Ajayi, O. K., Malomo, B. O., Adebayo, D., Owolabi, H. A., Omidiji, B. V., & Adeniyi, A. V. (2023). Energy absorption of polyurethane filled Al 6061 honey comb sandwiched structure. Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures.

Ige, E. O., Adetunla, A., Awesu, A., & Ajayi, O. K. (2022). Sensitivity analysis of a smart 3D-printed hand prosthetic. Journal of Robotics, 2022(1), Article 9145352.

 

Peizhou Li | Mechanics of Functional and Smart Structures | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Peizhou Li | Mechanics of Functional and Smart Structures | Research Excellence Award

Professor at Shandong University | China

Professor Dr. Peizhou Li, a leading materials chemist at Shandong University, has made outstanding and sustained contributions to the design, synthesis, and application of functional porous materials, especially covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). His research advances critical frontiers in photocatalysis, CO₂ photoreduction, H₂O₂ generation, proton-conductive materials, pollutant removal, and energy conversion technologies. With an exceptional publication record in high-impact journals such as Advanced Materials, JACS, Angewandte Chemie, Nature Communications, ACS Nano, and ACS Catalysis, he has significantly influenced modern materials science. His pioneering work in integrating photoactive units, creating robust frameworks, regulating pore microenvironments, and enhancing catalytic selectivity showcases both scientific creativity and technological relevance. Professor Li’s cross-disciplinary achievements, international research experience, and leadership in porous material innovations make him a highly deserving candidate for the Research Excellence Award.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Integrating multifunctionalities into a 3D covalent organic framework for efficient CO₂ photoreduction. (2025). Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

Metalized porphyrin-based COFs for conductive porous layers in perovskite solar cells to enhance electron injection, defect passivation, and lead-protection. (2025). Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

Donor-Acceptor-π-Acceptor-Donor-type photosensitive covalent organic framework for effective photocatalytic aerobic oxidation. (2025). Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Integrating two photochromics into one three-dimensional covalent organic framework for synergistically enhancing multiple photocatalytic oxidations. (2025). Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

Facile construction of fluorine-free hydrophobic cotton fabrics by thiol-ene click reaction for oil-water separation. (2025). Progress in Organic Coatings.

Thomas Gibaud | Mechanics of Functional and Smart Structures | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Thomas Gibaud | Mechanics of Functional and Smart Structures | Best Researcher Award

Research Director at Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique | France

Dr. Thomas Gibaud is a physicist specializing in soft condensed matter, with a research focus on the self-assembly, dynamics, and mechanical properties of complex colloidal and biomimetic systems. He completed his physics education in France, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Université du Mans and a Master’s degree from Université Pierre et Marie Curie, followed by the national teaching qualification Agrégation de Sciences Physiques. He received his Ph.D. in 2008 from the Université de Fribourg under Peter Schurtenberger and Anna Stradner, where he explored the interplay between phase separation and the glass transition in protein suspensions. After postdoctoral work at ENS de Lyon and Brandeis University, where he investigated yielding in gels and phage-based self-assembly, he joined CNRS as a researcher in 2012. He earned his Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches in 2018 and became Directeur de Recherche at ENS de Lyon in 2025. Dr. Thomas Gibaud has authored 53 peer-reviewed publications, including work in Nature, PNAS, Science Advances, and PRX, and currently holds an h-index of 24. His research combines rheology, scattering, ultrasound, and advanced microscopy to design and probe innovative soft materials. He is also deeply committed to scientific service, mentoring, and community-building within the soft-matter field.

Profile:  Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Gibaud, T., Barry, E., Zakhary, M. J., Henglin, M., Ward, A., Yang, Y., Berciu, C., … (2012). Reconfigurable self-assembly through chiral control of interfacial tension. Nature, 481, 348.

Cardinaux, F., Gibaud, T., Stradner, A., & Schurtenberger, P. (2007). Interplay between spinodal decomposition and glass formation in proteins exhibiting short-range attractions. Physical Review Letters, 99(11), 118301.

Gibaud, T., Frelat, D., & Manneville, S. (2010). Heterogeneous yielding dynamics in a colloidal gel. Soft Matter, 6(15), 3482–3488.

Gogelein, C., Nagele, G., Tuinier, R., Gibaud, T., Stradner, A., & Schurtenberger, P. (2008). A simple patchy colloid model for the phase behavior of lysozyme dispersions. Journal of Chemical Physics, 8, 085102.

Gibaud, T., & Schurtenberger, P. (2009). A closer look at arrested spinodal decomposition in protein solutions. Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, 21(32), 322201.

Omid Safari | Mechanics of Functional and Smart Structures | Excellence in Innovation Award

Dr. Omid Safari | Mechanics of Functional and Smart Structures | Excellence in Innovation Award

Biosilage Production at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad | Iran

Dr. Omid Safari is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, recognized for his extensive research contributions in aquaculture nutrition, aquafeed formulation, and aquatic animal physiology. His scholarly work spans diverse areas including fishmeal substitution with microbial and plant-based protein hydrolysates, dietary pigment supplementation for enhanced growth and coloration in crustaceans, synergistic effects of synbiotics and yeast extracts on Nile tilapia immunity, and the utilization of agricultural by-products in sustainable aquafeed production. He has explored the influence of functional feed additives such as Monascus purpureus, humic acid, nanozeolite powder, and apple cider vinegar on growth, immunity, and biochemical indices of species like Oreochromis niloticus, Pontastacus leptodactylus, and Oncorhynchus mykiss. Dr. Safari’s publications also encompass studies on the dietary impact of Chlorella vulgaris, sodium propionate nanoencapsulation, alginate-immobilized microalgae beads for water purification, and biosorption in recirculating aquaculture systems. His investigations extend to antioxidant defenses, digestive enzyme modulation, and gut microbiota improvement through innovative supplementation with organic acids, synbiotics, probiotics, and phytogenic compounds such as Ferula asafoetida, Allium sativum, and Punica granatum extracts. He has contributed significantly to feed process optimization using single and twin-screw extrusion technology, live feed culture, and the valorization of aquaculture waste through fermentation and biological silage production. His collaboration with national and international partners, including studies on crayfish, seabreams, and sturgeons, highlights his global research impact. With a Scopus h-index of 23 and Web of Science h-index of 20, Dr. Safari’s scientific output demonstrates his leadership in aquaculture feed innovation, environmental sustainability, and the advancement of fish health and performance under varied nutritional and environmental regimes.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

 (2025). The effect of multimodal educational interventions on improving the lifestyle of the elderly: A quasi-experimental study. BMC Public Health.

 (2025). Evaluating the impact of Monascus purpureus pigment supplementation in the diet on growth performance, fillet color, hemolymph composition, and stress resistance in narrow-clawed crayfish (Pontastacus leptodactylus). Aquaculture International.

 (2025). Assessing the effects of partially replacing fishmeal with peanut meal on growth, body composition, digestibility, and immunity in juvenile beluga (Huso huso). Journal of the World Aquaculture Society.

 (2025). Synergistic effects of synbiotic and hydrolyzed yeast extract in the diet on growth performance, hemato-immunological responses, and digestive enzyme activities of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. Aquaculture International.

(2025). The impact of apple cider vinegar on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss: A study of therapeutic potential and health benefits. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society.