Jacques Ganoulis | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr Jacques Ganoulis | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr Jacques Ganoulis , Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece  , Greece

Jacques Ganoulis (Iakovos Gkanoulis) is an eminent Greek hydrologist and civil engineer born in 1945. He is an Emeritus Professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Greece, and serves as Director of the UNESCO Chair and Network INWEB. He has had a distinguished career as a senior consultant with UNESCO-IHP in Paris and has held influential roles in various international water resource management projects. Ganoulis’s expertise spans integrated water resources management, hydrological modeling, and transboundary water governance. His contributions have greatly advanced the field of water science and policy, particularly in the Balkans and Mediterranean regions.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Expertise and Experience:
    • Education: Dr. Ganoulis has a robust academic background, including multiple advanced degrees in civil engineering and hydraulics from prestigious institutions such as Paul Sabatier University and ENSEEIHT.
    • Professional Positions: His career spans various influential roles, including State Secretary for Water in Greece, Senior Consultant at UNESCO-IHP, and Director of the UNESCO Chair and Network INWEB. His involvement in high-impact positions demonstrates significant leadership and expertise.
  2. Noteworthy Contributions:
    • Research and Publications: Dr. Ganoulis has authored several influential publications on topics such as risk analysis of water pollution, transboundary water resources management, and climate change impacts. His work is widely cited and contributes significantly to the field.
    • International Impact: His involvement in international projects and consultancy roles, including work with UNESCO, UNEP, and the EU, highlights his global influence in water resources management and environmental engineering.
  3. Innovative Projects and Initiatives:
    • INWEB: Dr. Ganoulis founded the International Network of Water-Environment Centres for the Balkans (INWEB), which has been recognized by UNESCO and has significantly advanced water management and research in the Balkans.
    • EU and UNESCO Projects: His work on projects like the Dinaric Karst Transboundary Aquifer System Project and the EU TEMPUS and FP6 initiatives shows his commitment to addressing critical water management challenges through innovative solutions.
  4. Awards and Honors:
    • Recognition: Dr. Ganoulis has received several prestigious awards, including the Fulbright Fellowship, Knight of Academic Order from the French Government, and the Alexander-von-Humboldt Research Fellowship, which affirm his contributions and standing in the field.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Dissemination of Work:
    • Public Outreach: While Dr. Ganoulis has a strong academic and professional presence, increasing outreach to non-academic audiences could enhance the impact of his research and solutions. Engaging more with the public and policy-makers can help bridge the gap between research and practical application.
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
    • Collaborative Projects: Expanding collaborations with researchers in related fields (e.g., social sciences, economics) could further enhance the interdisciplinary nature of his research, addressing complex water management issues from multiple perspectives.
  3. Emerging Technologies:
    • Adapting to New Technologies: Embracing and integrating emerging technologies, such as advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, could provide new insights and solutions in water resources management and environmental risk assessment.

Education

Jacques Ganoulis holds a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences/Water Resources from Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France (1974). He completed his Thèse de Doctorat 3ème Cycle in Groundwater Hydraulics at ENSEEIHT, Toulouse (1971) and earned an M.Sc. in Groundwater Hydraulics from ENSEEIHT (1969). He obtained his Diploma in Civil Engineering/Hydraulics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1968). His academic background provides a strong foundation for his extensive career in water resource management and environmental engineering.

Experience

Ganoulis’s extensive career includes significant roles such as State Secretary for Water in Greece (2015-2019), Senior Consultant at UNESCO-IHP (2012-2015), and Professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1978-2012). He has been a visiting professor and consultant globally, including roles at the University of Alabama, Technische Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, and McGill University. His work has focused on integrated water resources management, risk analysis, and capacity building, with substantial contributions to international water governance and transboundary water management.

Awards and Honors

Jacques Ganoulis has received numerous accolades, including the Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Alabama (2022) and the title “Knight of Academic Order” from the French Government (2013). He was awarded the Medal of Honorary Recognition by the Greek Hydro-Geological Association (2011) and was elected a member of the French Water Academy (2008). Ganoulis also received the Alexander-von-Humboldt Research Fellowship (1985) and ranked first in his class at AUTh (1968), reflecting his significant contributions to water science and engineering.

Research Focus

Ganoulis’s research primarily centers on integrated water resources management, hydrological modeling, and risk analysis related to water pollution and climate change. He is an expert in transboundary water management, assessing and managing water-related risks such as floods and pollution. His work emphasizes the development of professional networks for research and education, particularly in the Balkans and Mediterranean regions, and includes extensive contributions to understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on water resources.

Publications Top Notes

  • Engineering risk analysis of water pollution: probabilities and fuzzy sets 🌊📚
  • Risk analysis of water pollution 🌍📘
  • Coping with flash floods 🌧️📖
  • Experimental investigation of shallow recirculating flows 🌊🔬
  • Mountain ecosystem services and climate change: A global overview of potential threats and strategies for adaptation 🌄🌐
  • Risk‐based floodplain management: A case study from Greece 🌊🇬🇷
  • Locating the zone of saline intrusion in a coastal karst aquifer using springflow data 🌊🗺️
  • Modelling of water pollution in the Thermaikos Gulf with fuzzy parameters 🌊🔢
  • Evaluating alternative strategies for wastewater recycling and reuse in the Mediterranean area 💧🌍
  • Risk analysis of wastewater reuse in agriculture 🌾💧
  • Phytoremediation as a prospective method for rehabilitation of areas contaminated by long-term sewage sludge storage: A Ukrainian–Greek case study 🌱🇺🇦🇬🇷
  • Climate change and its effects on water Resources: Issues of National and Global Security 🌡️🌍
  • Assessment of phytoremediation potential of native plants during the reclamation of an area affected by sewage sludge 🌿🏞️
  • Coping with floods 🌊🌍
  • Transboundary water resources management: institutional and engineering approaches 🌏🔧
  • Involving stakeholders in transboundary water resource management: The Mesta/Nestos ‘HELP’ basin 🌍🤝
  • Transboundary water resources management: a multidisciplinary approach 🌐🔬
  • Water resources management and environmental security in Mediterranean transboundary river basins 🌍🛡️
  • Water resources engineering risk assessment 🌊📉
  • Overexploitation and contamination of shared groundwater resources: management, (Bio) technological, and political approaches to avoid conflicts 🌍💧

Conclusion

Jacques Ganoulis is highly deserving of the “Best Researcher Award” due to his extensive expertise, impactful contributions, and significant international influence in water resources management and environmental engineering. His pioneering work, especially in risk analysis, transboundary water resources management, and education, demonstrates a profound commitment to advancing the field. By addressing the areas for improvement, such as enhancing public outreach and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Ganoulis could further amplify the impact of his remarkable research contributions.

 

Dr. Ahmad Mubarak - Engineering - Young Scientist Award

University of DUNDEE - Palestine

Professional Profiles

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Ahmad Ghassan Fua’ad Mubarak's academic journey is rooted in a solid foundation in civil engineering, with a focus on earthquake geotechnical engineering. Born on September 6, 1992, in Nablus, Palestine, Mubarak demonstrated academic excellence early on, achieving a Tawjihi certificate in 2010 with an impressive rate of 94.00 (Excellent) from Qadre Touqan High School. This achievement set the stage for his future endeavors in higher education and research.

In 2010, Mubarak enrolled at An-Najah University in Nablus, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. His academic performance was commendable, graduating in 2014 with a GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0, earning the distinction of "Very Good." His major in Civil Engineering, with a minor in Structural and Construction Engineering, provided him with a robust technical background essential for his future research and professional activities.

Professional Endeavors

Mubarak's professional career began with significant roles in the field of civil engineering, culminating in his current position as a Lead Structural Engineer at Sawaftah & Mubarak – Architects and Engineers in Palestine, starting in August 2023. In this role, Mubarak is responsible for modeling, analyzing, and designing structural systems, as well as preparing detailed structural drawings and design reports in compliance with municipal standards. His leadership extends to supervising junior engineers within the Engineering and Estimation department, ensuring the delivery of high-quality engineering solutions.

In addition to his engineering responsibilities, Mubarak has developed and presented two specialized engineering courses to his peers. These courses focus on equipping young engineers with the latest skills and knowledge in analyzing and designing deep foundations and applying seismic analyses to tall structures according to ASCE standards. His role as a private lecturer underscores his commitment to advancing the field through education and mentorship.

Contributions and Research Focus On Engineering

Mubarak's contributions to civil engineering are highlighted by his research focus on earthquake geotechnical engineering. His academic journey at the University of Dundee, Scotland, was particularly distinguished. He completed his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering in 2023 with a subspeciality in Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering, graduating with distinction. His doctoral thesis, titled "Numerical Simulation of Large Tunnel Systems under Seismic Loading Conditions: CERN Infrastructure as a Case Study," earned him the prestigious Angus Fulton Post Graduate Prize for the best research thesis submitted for a higher degree in Civil Engineering.

Prior to his Ph.D., Mubarak completed a Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Dynamics at the University of Dundee in 2018, also with distinction. His master's thesis, "Numerical Study of Seismic Structure-soil-structure Interaction (SSSI) between Adjacent Blocks of Structures," showcased his expertise in numerical simulations and seismic analysis, contributing valuable insights to the field of geotechnical engineering.

Accolades and Recognition In Engineering

Mubarak's academic and professional achievements have garnered significant recognition. The Angus Fulton Post Graduate Prize, awarded for his outstanding Ph.D. thesis, is a testament to his excellence in research and his contributions to the field of civil engineering. This accolade highlights his ability to conduct high-quality, impactful research that addresses critical challenges in earthquake geotechnical engineering.

Impact and Influence

Ahmad Mubarak's impact extends beyond his research contributions. His role as a Lead Structural Engineer and private lecturer has positioned him as a key figure in the local engineering community in Palestine. By developing and delivering specialized courses, he has played a crucial role in advancing the knowledge and skills of young engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

His expertise in seismic analysis and deep foundations has also influenced the engineering practices within his consultancy, ensuring that projects are designed and executed to withstand seismic events, thereby enhancing the safety and resilience of infrastructure in seismic-prone areas.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Engineering

Ahmad Mubarak's legacy is characterized by his dedication to advancing the field of civil engineering through both research and practice. His contributions to earthquake geotechnical engineering and his commitment to education and mentorship have left a lasting impact on the engineering community.

Looking ahead, Mubarak is poised to continue his influential work in civil engineering. His ongoing professional activities and potential future research endeavors are expected to further enhance our understanding of seismic impacts on infrastructure and contribute to the development of innovative engineering solutions. As he continues to mentor young engineers and lead in the field, his legacy will be defined by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the advancement of engineering knowledge.

Notable Publications

Influence of modelling approach for reinforced concrete underground structures, with application to the CMS cavern at CERN 2024

PRELIMINARY STUDY FOR SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE UN-DERGROUND FACILITIES AT POINT 5 OF THE LARGE HADRON COLLIDER (LHC) AT CERN 2023

Numerical simulation of large tunnel systems under seismic loading conditions: CERN infrastructure as a case study 2023

Structure-soil-structure interaction in changing urban areas 2019

Dr. Shahriar Karami – Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shahriar Karami - Engineering - Best Researcher Award

kordestan university - Iran

Professional Profiles

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits 

Shahriar Karami embarked on his academic journey in the field of Software Engineering, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. Graduating with distinction from Shahab Danesh Qom University in 2015, he exhibited a keen aptitude for software development from the outset. His academic pursuits culminated in a Master's degree in Software Engineering from Kurdistan University, where he achieved an outstanding GPA of 17.83.

Professional Endeavors

Karami's professional trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence and a diversified skill set. He commenced his career as a Computer Hardware and Software Technician at Kian Noor Zagros Company, where he honed his technical skills in software and hardware maintenance. Subsequently, he served as the Information Archive Manager at the Ilam Province Highway and Road Transport Organization, showcasing his organizational prowess in managing administrative data. Transitioning to the private sector, he assumed the role of Manager of Informatics at Irankhodro Company, further solidifying his expertise in information management systems. Currently, as a Full Stack Developer at Aratex Company in Ilam, Karami is leveraging his comprehensive skill set to contribute to innovative software solutions.

Contributions and Research Focus On Engineering

Throughout his career, Karami has been instrumental in driving technological advancements and optimizing information systems. His research focus lies in the intersection of software engineering and informatics, where he explores novel approaches to enhance system efficiency and functionality. Whether it's streamlining data archives or developing cutting-edge software solutions, Karami consistently demonstrates a commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.

Accolades and Recognition In Engineering

Karami's exemplary performance has garnered him recognition and accolades within the industry. His academic achievements, including his exceptional GPA during his Master's studies, highlight his dedication to academic excellence. Moreover, his contributions in the professional sphere have been commended by colleagues and supervisors alike, earning him the respect of his peers.

Impact and Influence

Karami's work has had a tangible impact on the organizations he has been a part of. By optimizing information management systems and developing innovative software solutions, he has contributed to increased efficiency and productivity. His attention to detail and problem-solving abilities have set a precedent for excellence within his teams, inspiring colleagues to strive for greatness.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Engineering

As Karami continues to make strides in his career, his legacy is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. His contributions to the field of software engineering and informatics serve as a testament to his passion for technology and his dedication to advancing the industry. Looking ahead, Karami remains poised to make significant contributions to the field, leveraging his expertise to tackle emerging challenges and drive technological progress forward.

In conclusion, Shahriar Karami's journey from academia to the professional realm is characterized by a commitment to excellence, a diverse skill set, and a passion for innovation. His contributions in software engineering and informatics have left an indelible mark on the organizations he has been a part of, and his future endeavors hold promise for further advancement and impact in the field.

Notable Publications

A bi-objective workflow scheduling in virtualized fog-cloud computing using NSGA-II with semi-greedy initialization 2024