Zaid Thanawala | Sustainability | Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

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Mr. Zaid Thanawala | Sustainability | Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

Mr. Zaid Thanawala | Sustainability – Senior Sustainability Scientist at Amazon, United States

Zaid Thanawala is a renowned sustainability scientist with a proven track record in innovative solutions aimed at decarbonization and energy efficiency. He is currently serving as a Senior Sustainability Scientist at Amazon, where he leads the development of AI-powered tools for life cycle assessments (LCAs) and decarbonization models. His work is not only limited to technological advancements but also extends to strategic initiatives that help large corporations meet their sustainability targets. With expertise in sustainable systems, energy technologies, and chemical engineering, Zaid has played an instrumental role in integrating sustainability into business operations, contributing to global efforts towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy.

Profile:

Google Scholar

Education:


Zaid Thanawala’s academic journey reflects his commitment to sustainability and scientific innovation. He holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Systems from the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he achieved a perfect CGPA of 4/4, securing a full scholarship. Prior to that, he completed his Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Technologies at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, with a CGPA of 3.67/4 and a part scholarship. Zaid also earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Thadomal Shahani Engineering College in Mumbai, India, where he graduated with a CGPA of 7.3/10. His rigorous academic background laid the foundation for his pioneering work in sustainability science and innovation.

Experience:


Zaid Thanawala’s professional experience spans across leading corporations and institutions, where he has significantly impacted sustainability strategies. At Amazon, he leads several initiatives, including the development of automated life cycle assessment tools and forecasting models for renewable energy needs, saving valuable resources and optimizing sustainability efforts. Previously, Zaid worked as a Sustainability Data Analyst at Salesforce, where he managed the company’s carbon footprint reporting and helped procure renewable energy to meet the company’s public commitments. He also held the position of Sustainability Engineer at Owens-Illinois, where he contributed to the development of a life cycle assessment tool for glass manufacturing and played a key role in the company’s decarbonization efforts. His experience across diverse industries has given him a unique ability to innovate and lead sustainability initiatives at scale.

Research Interests:


Zaid Thanawala’s research interests lie at the intersection of sustainable systems, renewable energy, and data-driven environmental solutions. He is particularly focused on the development of advanced life cycle assessment (LCA) tools and predictive models for decarbonization, with an emphasis on automating these processes to increase efficiency and reduce resource consumption. His research extends to the integration of artificial intelligence in sustainability, where he applies machine learning algorithms to enhance forecasting accuracy for energy needs and carbon emissions. Zaid is also interested in the application of circular economy principles in product life cycles, specifically the recycling and reuse of materials like lithium-ion batteries, which are key to reducing environmental impacts in electronics and energy storage systems.

Awards:


Zaid Thanawala’s work has been widely recognized for its innovation and impact on the sustainability field. While he has not received specific individual awards, his leadership in creating and implementing sustainability strategies has contributed to the recognition of the companies he works for, including Amazon and Salesforce. His work on AI-powered LCA tools and forecasting models for renewable energy procurement has been instrumental in achieving significant corporate sustainability milestones. Zaid’s ability to lead high-impact sustainability initiatives has positioned him as a thought leader and innovator in the field.

Publications:

  1. “A Thin-Film Silicon/Silicon Hetero-Junction Hybrid Solar Cell for Photoelectrochemical Water-Reduction Applications” ☀️ (2016) – Published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, cited by 24 articles.
  2. “Measure of Primary Data as a Quality Indicator in Life Cycle Assessments” 📊 (2025) – Published in International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research.
  3. “The Application of AI for Solving Critical Challenges within LCAs” 🤖 (2025) – Published in International Journal on Science and Technology.
  4. “Importance of Product Carbon Footprints in Sustainable Procurement” 🌍 (2024) – Published in International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation.
  5. “Understanding the Potential for Renewable Energy in Supply Chain Decarbonization” 🔋 (2024) – Published in International Journal of Social Science Exceptional Research.
  6. “Enabling Sustainable Product Development through the Use of AI and Life Cycle Assessment” 🔄 (2024) – Published in International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering.
  7. “The Importance of Including Water Footprints in Life Cycle Assessments” 💧 (2023) – Published in International Scientific Journal of Engineering and Management.

Conclusion:


Zaid Thanawala exemplifies the qualities of an innovative sustainability scientist, consistently driving technological advancements that contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. His expertise in life cycle assessments, renewable energy forecasting, and decarbonization strategies has had a measurable impact on major global companies, helping them meet their sustainability targets. Zaid’s ability to blend cutting-edge technology with real-world applications in sustainability makes him an outstanding candidate for the “Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award.” His research and contributions continue to inspire progress in the fields of sustainable systems and renewable energy, offering promising solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

 

Nelson Martins | Circularity | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Nelson Martins | Circularity | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nelson Martins | Circularity – Technical at Apicer – Portuguese Ceramic Industry Association, Portugal

Nelson Correia Martins is an accomplished process engineer, industrial leader, and researcher with a distinguished career in manufacturing optimization, lean management, and data-driven production processes. With over two decades of experience in engineering and production management, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing industrial efficiency, sustainability, and digital transformation across multiple sectors, including ceramics, chemicals, and advanced manufacturing. His expertise lies in integrating process innovation, industrial automation, and sustainability-driven strategies to optimize production workflows and resource utilization.

His extensive background in process engineering, coupled with his research contributions in DataOps frameworks and secondary raw material tracking, demonstrates his commitment to advancing industry 4.0 solutions and environmental sustainability. His professional journey has been marked by leadership in production management, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring operational excellence and quality enhancement. A forward-thinking professional, Nelson continues to drive research and innovation in industrial digitalization and lean manufacturing, reinforcing his standing as a leading figure in the field.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Nelson Martins holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Aveiro, where he specialized in process optimization and industrial automation. He further pursued postgraduate studies in Lean Management from Comunidade Lean Thinking, equipping him with advanced methodologies in continuous improvement, Six Sigma, and operational excellence. His academic journey includes an Erasmus program at Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, where he gained international exposure to advanced chemical processes and industrial research methodologies. Recognized for his exceptional academic achievements, he was awarded the Eng. António Pascoal Prize for being the best engineering student at the University of Aveiro.

Experience

With a career spanning across multiple leadership roles in engineering and production management, Nelson Martins has made transformational contributions to the industries he has served. He has led large-scale manufacturing operations, optimized industrial workflows, and implemented data-driven strategies to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.

In his role as Director of Production at NG- Oficina de Porcelanas, he successfully enhanced productivity, quality control, and process efficiency, ensuring optimal resource utilization. As a Process Engineer at The Navigator Company, he played a crucial role in standardizing tissue paper rewinding processes, demonstrating his ability to drive technical excellence and process improvement. His tenure at Sanitana (Roca Group), Mesa Ceramics, and Riastone (Vista Alegre Group) saw him spearheading lean manufacturing initiatives, KPI tracking, and Toyota Kata methodologies, reinforcing his expertise in continuous improvement and industrial analytics.

Additionally, his research-driven role at Bresfor (Finsa Group) involved innovation in materials science, chemical engineering, and quality control, while his experience at Hovione (Lisbon & New Jersey, USA) provided him with hands-on exposure to GMP manufacturing, nanotechnology, and experimental design. Currently, he is engaged as a Process Engineer at APICER (Coimbra), contributing to research in digitalization, circular economy, and industrial decarbonization, further solidifying his commitment to sustainable industrial practices.

Research Interests

Nelson Martins’ research focuses on industrial process optimization, digital transformation, and sustainability-driven manufacturing. His work delves into DataOps frameworks, secondary raw material tracking, and lean production methodologies, aiming to enhance manufacturing efficiency and environmental impact reduction. His interdisciplinary expertise in chemical engineering, materials science, and industrial analytics enables him to develop innovative solutions in production automation, circular economy, and smart manufacturing. His ongoing research contributes to bridging the gap between industry and academia, driving advancements in resource-efficient production systems and sustainable industrial practices.

Awards

Nelson Martins’ dedication to excellence in engineering and research has been recognized with several prestigious accolades. He was honored with the Eng. António Pascoal Prize, awarded to the best engineering student at the University of Aveiro, reflecting his outstanding academic and research capabilities. His contributions to process engineering, industrial digitalization, and lean management have positioned him as a leader in manufacturing innovation, reinforcing his impact in the field.

Publications 📚

Tracking Secondary Raw Material Operational Framework—DataOps Case Study (2025) – Ceramics Journal 🔬
DOI: 10.3390/ceramics8010012 | Cited by: 12
Tracking Secondary Raw Material Operational Framework – DataOps Case Study (2024) – Preprint 📊
DOI: 10.20944/preprints202412.2007.v1 | Cited by: 8

Conclusion

Nelson Correia Martins exemplifies research excellence, industrial leadership, and innovative thinking in process engineering and industrial sustainability. His strong academic foundation, extensive experience, and impactful research contributions make him a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work in DataOps frameworks, lean manufacturing, and sustainable industrial processes showcases his commitment to advancing cutting-edge solutions for modern manufacturing challenges.

While his publication record is growing, expanding his academic research collaborations and high-impact journal contributions would further solidify his stature as a leading researcher. With his visionary leadership, commitment to innovation, and industry-driven research, Nelson Martins is well-positioned to continue making groundbreaking contributions to industrial engineering and sustainable manufacturing.

BANJI RILDWAN OLALEYE | Strategy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Dr . BANJI RILDWAN OLALEYE | Strategy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award 

Postdoctoral research fellow , North West University , South Africa

Dr. Banji Rildwan Olaleye is a Lecturer 1 in the Department of Business Administration at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria, and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the North-West University Business School in South Africa. With over 11 years of experience in academia, administration, and mentorship, Dr. Olaleye specializes in strategic and innovation management, entrepreneurship, and operations management. His career includes roles ranging from administrative staff to pioneering lecturer in his department.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Output: Dr. Olaleye has published over 40 works in reputed international journals and conferences, demonstrating a robust and consistent research output. His work is indexed in prominent databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, indicating significant visibility and impact in his field.
  2. Diverse Research Areas: His research spans various crucial topics including strategic management, innovation performance, supply chain management, and sustainable development. This breadth highlights his ability to address multiple facets of business administration and management.
  3. High Impact Publications: Dr. Olaleye’s publications are featured in well-regarded journals such as the Journal of Public Affairs, TQM Journal, and Kybernetes, reflecting high-quality research with substantial contributions to the field.
  4. Editorial and Review Roles: He actively contributes as a reviewer and editorial board member for several international journals, which underscores his expertise and reputation in the academic community.
  5. Academic and Administrative Experience: With over 11 years in academia and administration, including roles at Federal University Oye-Ekiti and North-West University, Dr. Olaleye combines substantial teaching experience with a strong administrative background, adding to his qualifications as a researcher.

Areas for Improvement 

  1. Interdisciplinary Research: While Dr. Olaleye’s research covers multiple areas within business administration, exploring interdisciplinary approaches that integrate fields like technology, data analytics, or behavioral science could further enhance the impact and applicability of his work.
  2. Research Collaborations: Expanding collaborative research efforts with international researchers or institutions could provide new perspectives and increase the scope of his research projects.
  3. Grants and Funding: Securing more research grants and funding could support larger-scale studies and innovative projects, potentially increasing his research’s reach and influence.
  4. Public Engagement: Greater emphasis on translating research findings into practical applications or policy recommendations could enhance the societal impact of his work.

    Education 

    Dr. Olaleye earned his PhD in Business Management from Girne American University, Turkey, in 2022, with a thesis on “Strategic Thinking and Innovation Performance: Mediating Role of Absorptive Capability.” He holds an MSc in Business Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria (2017), and a BSc in Cooperative and Business Management from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria (2010). His academic journey also includes a Diploma in Business Administration from the same institution (2007).

    Experience

    Dr. Olaleye’s career began as an Administrative Officer II at Federal University Oye-Ekiti in 2013, transitioning to a Lecturer in 2018. His teaching covers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses including Business Statistics, Strategic Management, and Advanced Research Methods. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at North-West University Business School, South Africa, where he continues his research and academic contributions.

    Research Interests

    Dr. Olaleye’s research focuses on strategic and innovation management, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, and sustainable development. His work employs strategic theories to enhance corporate competitiveness, quality education, and poverty eradication. He is particularly interested in action-based competitive interaction within the competitive dynamics sub-stream.

    Awards

    Dr. Olaleye has been recognized for his extensive contributions to academia and research. His notable achievements include his role in curriculum development for business administration programs and his participation in accreditation exercises that led to the department’s full accreditation. He continues to be a prominent figure in both local and international academic circles.

    Publications

    Dr. Olaleye has authored over 40 publications in renowned journals and conferences. Notable works include:

    1. Exploring the Link Between Customer Satisfaction, Service Quality, and Perceived Organizational Support: The Mediating Role of Relational Psychological Contract, Studia Universitatis Vasile Goldiș Arad, Seria Științe Economice, 34(3), 2024.
    2. Relationship between workplace ostracism and job productivity: the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion and lack of motivation, Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, ahead-of-print, 2024.
    3. Attaining Organizational Sustainability Through Competitive Intelligence: The Roles of Organizational Learning and Resilience, Journal of Intelligence Studies in Business, 13(3), 2023.
    4. Influence of eco-product innovation and firm reputation on corporate social responsibility and competitive advantage: A mediation-moderation analysis, Journal of Public Affairs, 23(4), 2023.

      Conclusion

      Dr. Olaleye Banji Rildwan demonstrates exceptional research prowess through his prolific publication record, diverse research interests, and significant contributions to business management literature. His extensive experience in both academia and administration further complements his research achievements. Addressing the areas of improvement could enhance his already impressive profile, making him a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award.