Wenbo Yu | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Wenbo Yu | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Wenbo Yu | Materials | Director at Beijing Jiaotong University | China

Prof. Wenbo Yu is a highly accomplished scholar and researcher in the field of Materials Science and Engineering, currently serving as a Professor at Beijing Jiaotong University, China. With a strong academic foundation and global research exposure, Prof. Wenbo Yu has made remarkable contributions to the synthesis, processing, and performance optimization of ceramic and composite materials. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Université de Poitiers, France, where he conducted advanced studies on the synthesis and mechanical properties of ceramics under the supervision of Professors Sylvain Dubois and Véronique Gauthiers. Prior to that, he obtained his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Materials Science from Beijing Jiaotong University and Changsha University of Science and Technology, respectively. Prof. Wenbo Yu has held several significant academic positions, including Associate Professor and Postdoctoral Researcher at Tsinghua University, where his work focused on material forming and mechanical performance improvement. His research interests include ceramic composites, nanolaminated materials, MAX and MAB phases, thermal shock resistance, and additive manufacturing. With strong research skills in material synthesis, microstructural characterization, and mechanical analysis, he has authored more than 60 SCI-indexed papers with over 1,000 citations and an H-index of 22. His groundbreaking work has appeared in top journals such as Acta Materialia, Journal of the European Ceramic Society, and Journal of Alloys and Compounds. Prof. Wenbo Yu has been honored with prestigious recognitions, including the Beijing Rail Transit Outstanding Youth Talent Award and the Machinery Industry Award for innovation in high-pressure die casting. Through his teaching, research leadership, and collaboration, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of materials science both in academia and industry. In conclusion, Prof. Wenbo Yu stands as a leading figure in his field, dedicated to pioneering new frontiers in sustainable and high-performance materials research.

Profile: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Hu, J., Li, S., Zhang, J., Chang, Q., Yu, W., & Zhou, Y. (2020). Mechanical properties and frictional resistance of Al composites reinforced with Ti₃C₂Tx MXene. Chinese Chemical Letters, 31(4), 996–999. (Cited by 122)

  2. Li, S. B., Yu, W. B., Zhai, H. X., Song, G. M., Sloof, W. G., & Van der Zwaag, S. (2011). Mechanical properties of low temperature synthesized dense and fine-grained Cr₂AlC ceramics. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 31(1–2), 217–224. (Cited by 119)

  3. Yu, W., Wang, X., Zhao, H., Ding, C., Huang, Z., Zhai, H., Guo, Z., & Xiong, S. (2017). Microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of Ti₂AlC reinforced AZ91D composites fabricated by stir casting. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 702, 199–208. (Cited by 94)

  4. Yu, W., Li, S., & Sloof, W. G. (2010). Microstructure and mechanical properties of a Cr₂Al(Si)C solid solution. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 527(21–22), 5997–6001. (Cited by 89)

  5. Lu, X., Li, S., Zhang, W., Yao, B., Yu, W., & Zhou, Y. (2019). Crack healing behavior of a MAB phase: MoAlB. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 39(14), 4023–4028. (Cited by 87)

  6. Yu, W., Mauchamp, V., Cabioc’h, T., Magne, D., Gence, L., Piraux, L., & Dubois, S. (2014). Solid solution effects in the Ti₂Al(CxNy) MAX phases: Synthesis, microstructure, electronic structure and transport properties. Acta Materialia, 80, 421–434. (Cited by 77)

  7. Lu, X., Li, S., Zhang, W., Yu, W., & Zhou, Y. (2019). Thermal shock behavior of a nanolaminated ternary boride: MoAlB. Ceramics International, 45(7), 9386–9389. (Cited by 75)

 

Liana Lucchetti | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Liana Lucchetti | Materials | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Liana Lucchetti | Materials | Associate Professor at Polytechnic University of Marche | Italy

Prof. Liana Lucchetti is an Associate Professor of Physics at Università Politecnica delle Marche, where she leads the Laboratory “Optics of Soft Matter.” She is internationally recognized for her pioneering research in liquid crystal physics and soft matter optics. With more than a hundred peer-reviewed publications, numerous invited talks, and leadership in both academic and professional communities, she has made transformative contributions to the fields of nonlinear optics, ferroelectric nematic materials, and complex fluid dynamics. Her research has been featured on journal covers and highlighted by scientific media outlets, further demonstrating her international impact. Beyond research, Prof. Liana Lucchetti plays a critical role as an academic mentor, conference organizer, and editorial board member, shaping the direction of scientific inquiry while fostering the next generation of scholars.

Academic Profile

ORCID  | Scopus

Education

Prof. Liana Lucchetti completed her doctoral studies in Physics at the University of Bologna, where her research explored light-induced memory effects in liquid crystalline materials. This early training in fundamental physics established a strong foundation for her subsequent academic career. Through advanced research in optics and soft matter, she has continuously expanded her scientific expertise, combining experimental physics with interdisciplinary approaches. Her academic journey reflects both rigorous specialization and a commitment to developing innovative methodologies in applied photonics.

Experience

Prof. Liana Lucchetti has advanced from early research fellowships to her current position as Associate Professor of Physics, consistently expanding her leadership and academic influence. She heads the Laboratory “Optics of Soft Matter,” where she oversees high-level projects in collaboration with both national and international institutions. She has delivered invited seminars, keynote lectures, and specialized training courses at major international conferences and universities, contributing to global scientific exchange. In addition, she has supervised numerous postdoctoral researchers, doctoral candidates, and master’s students, ensuring strong continuity in research innovation and knowledge transfer. Her service to the scientific community includes acting as a reviewer for leading journals such as Nature Physics, PNAS, and Scientific Reports, while also serving on editorial boards and scientific committees of conferences.

Research Interest

Prof. Liana Lucchetti’s research spans a wide spectrum of topics in soft matter physics and optics. Her main interests include nonlinear optical properties of liquid crystals, hybrid liquid crystal-lithium niobate systems, and optical manipulation in anisotropic media. She has also advanced studies on the viscoelastic properties of DNA liquid crystals and on the electrowetting and wetting dynamics of complex fluids. Recently, her focus on ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals has attracted global attention, providing new insights into electromechanical instabilities and polarization phenomena. These areas of investigation not only advance fundamental physics but also open new pathways for technological applications in photonics, materials science, and bioengineering.

Award

Prof. Liana Lucchetti has received multiple awards and recognitions for her scientific contributions. She was named “Researcher of the Year” by Università Politecnica delle Marche in acknowledgment of her outstanding achievements. Several of her research articles have been selected for journal covers and highlighted in international scientific media, underscoring their significance to the broader optics and materials science communities. Her leadership roles in international conferences and scientific committees further demonstrate her professional recognition. She has consistently secured research funding and institutional awards, strengthening her position as a leading figure in soft matter and optical physics.

Selected Publication

  • “Optical phase conjugation and efficient wave front correction of weak light beams by dye doped liquid crystals,” published in 2003, with 95 citations.

  • “Surface alignment of ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals,” published in 2021, with 210 citations.

  • “Explosive electrostatic instability of ferroelectric liquid droplets on ferroelectric solid surfaces,” published in 2022, with 178 citations.

  • “Fluid superscreening and polarization following in confined ferroelectric nematics,” published in 2023, with 134 citations.

Conclusion

Prof. Liana Lucchetti is a distinguished scholar whose work in liquid crystal optics and soft matter physics has advanced the frontiers of scientific knowledge. Her contributions span fundamental theory, experimental breakthroughs, and interdisciplinary applications, with results published in leading international journals. She has combined research excellence with institutional leadership, extensive editorial service, and a strong record of mentoring, thereby influencing both academic communities and industrial applications. Her recognition through awards, invited talks, and high-impact publications demonstrates her status as a thought leader in physics. Looking forward, Prof. Liana Lucchetti is positioned to continue shaping the global research landscape through expanded international collaborations, pioneering investigations into ferroelectric nematic systems, and ongoing leadership in scientific organizations. Her career exemplifies the qualities of innovation, dedication, and international impact, making her a highly deserving nominee for this award.

Saloua El Euch Khay | Durable materials | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Saloua El Euch Khay | Durable materials | Women Researcher Award 

Professor at National Engineering School of Tunis, Tunisia.

Prof. Dr. Saloua El Euch Khay is a distinguished academic at the National Engineering School of Tunis, Tunisia, specializing in civil engineering with a particular focus on durable materials. Her contributions to the field are notable for their innovative approaches to concrete technology and materials recycling. With a robust background in research and teaching, she has significantly influenced the academic landscape in her domain, fostering the next generation of engineers through her mentorship and hands-on guidance in various projects. Her commitment to sustainability and engineering excellence has earned her recognition both nationally and internationally.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Prof. Dr. Saloua El Euch Khay’s educational journey is marked by a series of prestigious qualifications. In 2018, she achieved her Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) in Civil Engineering, affirming her capacity to supervise doctoral research. This followed her impressive 2010 doctoral thesis, where she earned a very honorable mention for her work on fatigue phenomena and shrinkage in compacted sand concrete for roadway applications. Her academic foundation includes a national engineering degree from ENIT, where she graduated at the top of her class in 1994. She also holds an aggregation in technological disciplines, further reinforcing her expertise and commitment to civil engineering.

Experience

Prof. Dr. El Euch Khay has extensive teaching experience at ENIT, where she has served as a Maître de Conférences since 2020, sharing her knowledge in courses covering structures, roads, and synthesis projects. She has been pivotal in supervising numerous final-year projects and master’s theses, guiding students through complex research topics related to materials and structural engineering. Her previous role as Maître-Assistant from 2015 to 2020 allowed her to deepen her engagement with students and contribute significantly to innovative research projects, further solidifying her role as a leader in academia. Her prior experience as a technologist has also enriched her practical understanding of engineering applications, allowing her to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world practice.

Research Interest

Prof. Dr. El Euch Khay’s research interests primarily revolve around the durability of construction materials, specifically in the realm of concrete technology. She focuses on the recycling of materials and the development of sustainable concrete mixtures that minimize environmental impact. Her work explores the formulation and modeling of concrete using various materials, including recycled asphalt pavement and other by-products. This research not only addresses industry challenges but also contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable construction practices. Her projects often involve collaboration with students and industry stakeholders, fostering innovation in the engineering field.

Awards

Prof. Dr. El Euch Khay has received several accolades recognizing her contributions to civil engineering and education. Her commitment to research excellence has led to awards and commendations for her innovative work in sustainable materials and concrete technology. These honors reflect her dedication to advancing the field and her impact on students and peers alike. She is often invited to present her findings at international conferences, further showcasing her expertise and the relevance of her work in today’s engineering landscape.

Publications

Prof. Dr. El Euch Khay has an extensive list of publications, with numerous articles featured in international journals that underline her research’s significance. Key publications include:

S. El Euch Khay, A. Loulizi, Z. Zayen & G. Nammouchi. Experimental and predictive study of self-compacting concrete containing reclaimed asphalt pavement, European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering, 2024. DOI: 10.1080/19648189.2024.2357672 (Impact Factor: 2.2)

A. Bousleh & S. El Euch Khay. Shrinkage performance and modelling of concretes incorporating crushed limestone sand with a high content of fillers for pavement slabs, European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering, 2023. DOI: 10.1080/19648189.2023.2276128 (Impact Factor: 2.2)

H. Zbidi, S. El Euch Khay. New Selection Process for Retaining Walls Based on Life Cycle Assessment and Economic Concerns, International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa, 2023, Vol. 66, pp 29-44. DOI: 10.4028/p-OVz45X (Impact Factor: 0.9)

H. Zbidi, S. El Euch Khay. Environmental Impact of a Reinforced Geosynthetic Retaining Wall Made of Modular Vegetated Concrete Blocks, International Journal of Scientific Research & Engineering Technology (IJSET), Vol.19, pp. 33-41, 2023. Link

W. Ben Achour, S. El Euch Khay, K. Miled & J. Neji. Experimental study of the mechanical behaviour of brick waste concrete and analytical prediction of its elastic modulus as a three composite material, International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa, 2021. DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.57.125 (Impact Factor: 0.9)

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Saloua El Euch Khay is a highly qualified candidate for the “Women Researcher Award.” Her academic achievements, research contributions, and dedication to mentorship showcase her as a role model in the engineering community, particularly for aspiring female researchers. By enhancing her outreach, expanding collaborations, and targeting higher-impact publications, she can further increase her influence in the field. Recognizing her efforts through this award will not only honor her achievements but also inspire future generations of women in science and engineering.