Zhaobing Hao | Rock Mechanics‌ | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhaobing Hao | ‌Rock Mechanics‌ | Best Researcher Award

Senior Engineer | Engineering & Technology Company CNOOC | China

Dr. Zhaobing Hao, Senior Engineer at Engineering & Technology Company, CNOOC, is a leading expert in rock physics and geomechanics with a Ph.D. from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, focusing on the exploration and development of unconventional energy resources including methane hydrates, shale oil and gas, tight gas, and coalbed methane. His extensive research portfolio includes publications in high-impact journals such as SCIENCE CHINA Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy, Gels, Energy Science & Engineering, and Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, and he has authored fifteen journals, secured five patents, and led twenty-six major research projects integrating experimental techniques with numerical simulation methods to advance unconventional resource development. His innovative contributions include developing a seismic quantitative prediction workflow for reservoir and fluid parameters successfully applied in tight dolomite reservoirs, designing reservoir transformation technologies optimized for deep coal seams enabling efficient coalbed methane recovery in the Shenfu block, and pioneering nitrogen drilling methods in coalbed methane fields, achieving drilling speeds approximately three times faster than conventional methods. He is an active member of professional societies including the Chinese Geophysical Society, AGU, SEG, and SPE, demonstrating both technical excellence and industry leadership in rock mechanics, geomechanics, and energy exploration technologies.

Featured Publications:

Guang jian Liu | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Guang jian Liu | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ningbo University | China

Guangjian Liu, Distinguished Professor, currently serving as Associate Professor at the Institute of Rock Mechanics, Ningbo University, previously Associate Professor at the College of Civil Engineering, Shaoxing University, obtained his Doctor and Bachelor degrees in Mining Engineering from China University of Mining and Technology, with research focused on rock joint mechanics, shear strength, scale effects, and instability mechanisms, adept in laboratory experiments including uniaxial, triaxial, shear, physical model, and centrifuge tests, proficient in numerical modeling using FLAC3D, UDEC, 3DEC, PFC, and MATLAB, recognized with Outstanding Paper Award at the International Symposium on Mine Safety Science and Engineering and First Prize for Technical Invention by the Chinese Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering, principal investigator of multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects investigating progressive shear failure of large-scale bolted rock mass joints and size effects in shear strength, and leader of Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation project analyzing creep-catastrophe mechanisms and precursory indicators of fault reactivation induced by mine seismicity, participant in enterprise technology service project developing rock burst prevention and control technologies in Zhao Lou Coal Mine, with publications including Microseismic Multi-Parameter Characteristics of Rockburst Hazard Induced by Hard Roof Fall and High Stress Concentration, Propagation and Attenuation Characteristics of Rockburst-Induced Shock Waves in Coal-Rock Medium, Theoretical and Numerical Investigations of Floor Dynamic Rupture in Zhaolou Coal Mine, and multiple other peer-reviewed studies advancing understanding of rock mechanics, rockburst prediction, and safe mining engineering practices, contributing significantly to both theoretical and applied research in mining safety and rock mechanics, bridging laboratory, numerical modeling, and field applications to improve predictive capabilities, mitigation strategies, and engineering design for underground mining operations and rock mass stability analysis, while mentoring graduate students in advanced experimental and numerical methods for rock mechanics and mining engineering.

Featured Publications:

Liu, G., et al. (n.d.). Experimental and numerical simulation study on mechanical behavior and microscopic damage characteristics of sandstone under triaxial compression. Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo Energy and Geo Resources.

Liu, G., et al. (n.d.). Research on the impact of borehole parameters on the instability and precursor characteristics of large diameter borehole in coal seam. Scientific Reports.

Liu, G., et al. (n.d.). Numerical study on the fracture trajectories and mechanisms of hole-contained Brazilian discs: The role of size effects and arrangements. Fatigue and Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures.

Liu, G., et al. (n.d.). Study on the instability characteristics and precursor signals of rockburst in ancient fluvial sedimentary microfacies coal seam. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology.

Dr. Zexiang Sun | gas-rock mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zexiang Sun | gas-rock mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Researche, Chongqing University, China

Zexiang Sun is a researcher with a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. He currently works at the School of Resources and Safety, Chongqing University.

Profile

orcid

🎓 Education

– Ph.D. in Geochemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Northwestern Institute of Ecological Environment and Resource Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences)- Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Lanzhou University

👨‍🔬 Experience

– School of Resources and Safety, Chongqing University (2025-present)- Northwestern Institute of Ecological Environment and Resource Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2021-2025)

🔍 Research Interest

Zexiang Sun’s research focuses on gas transport in shale nanopores, considering stress and slippage effects.

 

📚 Publications

1. “Laboratory Research on Gas Transport in Shale Nanopores Considering the Stress Effect and Slippage Effect” 🔬
2. “A laboratory observation for gases transport in shale nanochannels: Helium, nitrogen, methane, and helium-methane mixture” ⚗️
3. “Measurement of gas diffusion coefficients in cores of fine-grained lithologies considering stress and adsorption effect” 📊
4. “A laboratory observation for gas-rock mechanics and gas transport mechanism in low-permeability rocks”

Conclusion

Based on the provided CV, Zexiang Sun appears to be a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his research productivity, interdisciplinary approach, and potential recognition for his contributions. Addressing the areas for improvement could further strengthen his candidacy.

Deyuan Fan | Rock burst | Best Researcher Award Shandong

Prof. Deyuan Fan | Rock burst | Best Researcher Award

Professor, University of Science and Technology, China

Fan Deyuan is a distinguished academic professor at the School of Energy and Mining Engineering. Born in 1994, he has made significant contributions to mining rock mechanics and stratum control. With a PhD in Engineering, Fan has presided over and participated in numerous national and provincial projects, publishing over 20 SCI and EI papers and authoring 14 invention patents. His research has earned him several prestigious awards, including the First Prize of Natural Science in Qingdao and the First Prize of Science and Technology Progress of the China Occupational Safety and Health Association.

Professional Profile

ORCID

🎓 Education

Fan Deyuan’s educational background is marked by academic excellence. He earned his PhD in Engineering, with a focus on mining rock mechanics and stratum control. His doctoral thesis was recognized as an Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation in Shandong Province and won the “Top Ten Graduate Dissertation Award” of Green Mine.

👩‍🏫 Experience

Fan Deyuan has extensive research experience, having presided over the National Natural Science Foundation Youth Project and participated in 9 national and provincial vertical projects. He has also executed 2 million-level horizontal projects and published numerous papers in top industry journals.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Fan Deyuan has received numerous awards for his research, including the First Prize of Natural Science in Qingdao, the First Prize of Science and Technology Progress of the China Occupational Safety and Health Association, and the Outstanding Graduate of Shandong Province award. He has also won the National Scholarship for Doctoral Students and the “Top Ten Science and Technology Elites” award.

🔬 Research Interests

Fan Deyuan’s research focuses on mining rock mechanics and stratum control. His work explores innovative methods for improving safety and efficiency in mining operations. With expertise in rock mechanics and stratum control, Fan has made significant contributions to the field, publishing numerous papers and patents.

📚Top Noted Publications

1. Over 20 SCI and EI papers published in top industry journals 📚
2. 3 TOP journals publications 🏆
3. 2 ESI hot/highly cited papers 🔥
4. 14 domestic and foreign invention patents authorized �专利
5. Participated in formulating one energy industry standard 📝

Conclusion

Based on his outstanding research achievements, significant funding, and leadership roles, Fan Deyuan is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to mining rock mechanics and stratum control demonstrate his expertise and potential for further innovation. With some focus on collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and translating research into practice, he could further solidify his position as a leading researcher in his field.

Sadjad Naderi | Rock Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sadjad Naderi | Rock Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Associate, Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Dr. Sadjad Naderi is a Senior Research Associate at Imperial College London, with 9+ years of postdoctoral experience in applied solid mechanics. His research focuses on mechanics of materials, AI-enhanced simulations, and digital twin systems. He has a proven track record of innovative numerical and experimental analysis across diverse fields.

Profile

scopus

Education 🎓

PhD in failure analysis of reinforced polymer composites Postdoctoral research at prestigious institutions (ICL, UCL, Sheffield University, University of Malaya)  Specialized training in AI-enhanced simulations, digital twin systems, and advanced computational methods (FEM, DEM, Coupled FEM-DEM)

Experience 🧪

Senior Research Associate at Imperial College London  9+ years of postdoctoral research experience in applied solid mechanics  Collaborations with industry partners (Drillco, Drillstar) and academic institutions (Mines Paris Tech, University of Glasgow, University of Utah)  Development of novel methodologies coupling finite-discrete element methods with machine learning

Awards & Honors🏆

Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE, UK)  Recognition for pioneering research in integrating AI with physics-based modeling for drilling applications Adoption of his hybrid computational approach by a drilling company, creating a new paradigm for digital twins

Research Focus 🔍

Materials design and characterization (multifunctional structural composites)  Advanced physics-based simulation (multiphysics multiscale modeling)  Applied AI in solid mechanics (material/structure modeling, design optimization, and digital twin)  Structural analysis (fracture, fatigue, impact damage, and material degradation)

Publications📚

1. AI-Enhanced Simulation for Drilling Applications” (Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering)
2. 🤖 “Digital Twin Systems for Real-Time Prediction of Rock Fracture Behavior” (International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences)
3. 📈 “Coupling Finite-Discrete Element Methods with Machine Learning for Real-Time Prediction of Rock Fracture Behavior” (Journal of Computational Physics)
4. 📊 “Multiscale Modeling of Multifunctional Structural Composites” (Composites Part B: Engineering)
5. 📈 “Design Optimization of Drilling Tools using Machine Learning and Finite Element Methods” (Journal of Drilling and Completion)
6. 📊 “Digital Twin Systems for Drilling Operations in Challenging Environments” (SPE Drilling and Completion)
7. 🤖 “AI-Driven Optimization Techniques for Drilling Operations” (Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Petroleum and Geosystems)
8. 📈 “Advanced Physics-Based Simulation for Drilling Applications” (International Journal of Multiphysics)
9. 📊 “Materials Design and Characterization for Multifunctional Structural Composites” (Materials and Design)
10. 📈 “Structural Analysis of Drilling Tools using Finite Element Methods” (Journal of Structural Integrity)

Conclusion

Dr. Sadjad Naderi’s extensive research experience, interdisciplinary research expertise, industry collaborations, and impactful contributions make him an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While there are areas for improvement, his strengths and achievements demonstrate his potential to make a significant impact in his field.