Weimin Xu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Weimin Xu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Associate professor, at Shanghai Maritime University, China.

Dr. Weimin Xu, Ph.D., is an accomplished associate professor specializing in Control Science and Engineering. 🎓 With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Xu earned his bachelor’s degree in Automation from Northeastern University, China, in 1985, followed by a master’s in 1992 and a Ph.D. in 1997 from the same institution. He has been actively contributing to academia and research at Shanghai Maritime University since 2009. In 2013, he further enriched his academic exposure through a one-year visiting research program at the University of Southern California 🇺🇸. Dr. Xu’s expertise lies in nonlinear systems, adaptive and intelligent control, and robotics. 🤖 He has authored over 30 academic papers and holds more than 20 invention patents. His work significantly impacts robotics and intelligent systems, blending theoretical foundations with practical applications in automation and control.

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education 

Dr. Weimin Xu pursued all his academic qualifications from Northeastern University, China. He began with a Bachelor’s degree in Automation in 1985, where he gained foundational knowledge in electrical and mechanical systems. With a growing interest in system dynamics and process automation, he continued his studies at the same university, earning a Master’s degree in Control Science and Engineering in 1992. Driven by a deep curiosity about system behavior and advanced control theories, he completed his Ph.D. in Control Science and Engineering in 1997. 🧠 His doctoral research laid the groundwork for his current expertise in nonlinear and intelligent control systems. Later, in 2013, Dr. Xu broadened his international academic horizon through a one-year visiting research program at the University of Southern California, where he collaborated with global experts and explored modern advancements in robotics and adaptive control. 🌐

👨‍🏫 Experience 

Dr. Xu began his professional journey in academia shortly after completing his Ph.D. in 1997. His early career involved contributing to control engineering projects and mentoring students at various institutions. Since 2009, he has been serving as a faculty member at Shanghai Maritime University, actively involved in teaching, supervising graduate students, and leading advanced research in control systems. 🏫 His academic responsibilities are complemented by hands-on research in intelligent systems and automation. In 2013, he was a visiting scholar at the University of Southern California, a pivotal experience that allowed him to engage with cutting-edge research and collaborate internationally. Over the years, Dr. Xu has become a recognized expert in the control and automation field, integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world applications in robotics, crane systems, and intelligent automation. ⚙️ His contributions have significantly enhanced the university’s research capabilities in engineering and intelligent control.

🔍 Research Interests 

Dr. Xu’s research explores the dynamic landscape of control theory and intelligent systems. His key focus areas include nonlinear system theory, adaptive control, and sliding mode control—each critical for understanding and controlling complex engineering systems. ⚙️ He is particularly passionate about robot manipulator control, where precision and adaptability are essential. In addition, Dr. Xu’s work delves into bridge crane state detection and intelligent control, reflecting his commitment to real-world industrial applications. 🚢 His research often integrates classical control methodologies with modern AI techniques, creating intelligent, robust, and adaptive control strategies. Dr. Xu continually investigates how automation can enhance operational efficiency and safety in engineering systems. 🤖 His innovative approaches aim to bridge the gap between control theory and practice, ultimately improving the reliability and intelligence of machinery across various sectors.

🏅 Awards 

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Xu has received multiple awards and recognitions that highlight his contributions to control engineering and intelligent systems. 🏆 His work on bridge crane detection and robotic control has earned accolades for both innovation and practical relevance. With more than 20 authorized invention patents, many of which focus on automation and intelligent detection, Dr. Xu’s inventive spirit has been consistently celebrated at national and institutional levels. 🇨🇳 He has also been recognized for excellence in research and teaching at Shanghai Maritime University, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing engineering education. His dedication to integrating cutting-edge research into student learning and real-world applications has made him a valuable mentor and leader. Dr. Xu’s achievements are a testament to his commitment to continuous innovation and the impactful dissemination of knowledge in the engineering community. 📘

📚 Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Xu has published over 30 peer-reviewed academic papers, contributing significantly to nonlinear systems and intelligent control. His research is widely cited, reflecting his influence in the academic community. 📖 Some of his representative publications include:

1. Xu, W., et al. (2021)

Title: Adaptive Sliding Mode Control for Robot Manipulators with Input Nonlinearity
Journal: Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Citations: 45

Summary:
This paper presents an adaptive sliding mode control (ASMC) approach designed specifically for robot manipulators with significant input nonlinearities such as dead zones and input saturation. The authors develop a robust controller that adapts in real time to system uncertainties and unmodeled dynamics while preserving stability and convergence.

Key Contributions:

  • A novel ASMC framework incorporating adaptive laws to handle unknown input nonlinearities.

  • Lyapunov-based stability analysis ensures system convergence.

  • Simulation and experimental results on a 2-DOF manipulator show improved trajectory tracking and robustness compared to traditional SMC.

Impact:
Widely cited for its robustness in dealing with non-ideal actuator behavior in robotics applications.

2. Xu, W., et al. (2020)

Title: Intelligent Control of Bridge Crane Based on Sensor Fusion and Neural Networks
Conference: IEEE Conference on Control and Automation
Citations: 30

Summary:
This work proposes an intelligent control strategy for bridge cranes using a combination of sensor fusion (gyroscopes, vision, encoders) and neural network-based control algorithms. The aim is to reduce swing and improve payload accuracy during transport.

Key Contributions:

  • Development of a sensor fusion algorithm to accurately estimate the payload position and velocity.

  • Neural networks are trained to mimic optimal control behavior under different load conditions.

  • Simulation and real-time experiments confirm the effectiveness in swing suppression and trajectory accuracy.

Impact:
Recognized for advancing automation in industrial lifting systems using AI-based techniques.

3. Xu, W., et al. (2019)

Title: Nonlinear Adaptive Control with Observer for Uncertain Systems
Journal: Wireless Networks
Citations: 28

Summary:
This paper addresses the control of nonlinear uncertain systems using a nonlinear adaptive control scheme combined with an observer design to estimate unmeasurable states. The focus is on wireless-enabled systems with uncertain parameters and delays.

Key Contributions:

  • Design of a state observer for nonlinear systems with partially known dynamics.

  • Use of adaptive control to handle parametric uncertainties and time-varying disturbances.

  • Stability proofs using Barbalat’s Lemma and Lyapunov theory.

Impact:
Cited in research on wireless sensor-actuator networks and embedded control in uncertain environments.

4. Xu, W., et al. (2018)

Title: Intelligent Fault Detection in Industrial Systems using Hybrid Neural Models
Journal: Expert Systems with Applications
Citations: 52

Summary:
This paper proposes a hybrid neural network model for fault detection in industrial systems, combining convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs). It targets early-stage anomaly detection in time-series data from manufacturing sensors.

Key Contributions:

  • A novel hybrid model that captures both spatial features (via CNN) and temporal dynamics (via RNN).

  • A feature fusion strategy for improved diagnostic performance.

  • Evaluation on real-world datasets from manufacturing processes shows high accuracy and low false alarm rates.

Impact:
One of the most cited papers in intelligent maintenance and predictive diagnostics, influencing work on Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.

Conclusion

Dr. Weimin Xu is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his broad and practical research contributions, notable patent record, and long-standing academic service. His work bridges theoretical advancement and practical application in intelligent control systems, aligning with the priorities of innovation-driven recognition.

Fayiz Amin | Civil engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Fayiz Amin | Civil engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Fayiz Amin, Univeristy of Alberta, Pakistan

Fayiz Amin is a passionate civil engineer based in Muscat, Oman, with expertise in structural design, modeling, and simulation. A graduate of the prestigious Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI), Pakistan, Fayiz combines practical site engineering experience with extensive academic research. He is currently working as a Junior Site Engineer at Shah Brothers & Co while actively publishing in reputed journals on topics such as CFRP strengthening and arch-shaped slabs. Fayiz is committed to sustainable and resilient infrastructure development and leverages advanced software tools and AI techniques in civil engineering applications.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

🎓 Education

Fayiz Amin earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from GIKI (2018–2022), supported by the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Merit-Based Scholarship. His thesis focused on improving load-carrying capacity of industrial slabs using arch-shaped geometry. Ranked 5th out of 39 students in his program, he was honored with the Dean’s Roll of Honor for academic excellence. He also attended Quaid-e-Azam College Swabi for higher secondary education, where he earned a talent-based scholarship and placed 3rd in his class with distinction (A1 grade, 86.21%). Fayiz actively participated in academic societies like ASCE and ICE during his studies.

🏢 Experience

Fayiz currently works as a Junior Site Engineer at Shah Brothers & Co, contributing to the construction of a four-story residential building, where he handles project design, data analysis, and risk assessments. He previously interned at the Irrigation Department Swabi and the Geotechnical Lab at GIKI, conducting tests such as UU and UC on sand-clay mixtures. Simultaneously, he pursued part-time research in modeling and simulation at GIKI. His hands-on and academic experiences allow him to bridge theory and practice effectively, leveraging software like ETABS, SAFE, and Revit for structural modeling, FEM analysis, and project management.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Fayiz Amin has earned multiple accolades, including the fully funded Chief Minister KPK Merit-Based Scholarship (PKR 3.2 million) for his undergraduate studies at GIKI. His final year project ranked among the top three groups at GIKI. He was also a recipient of a talent hunt scholarship during his intermediate studies. Fayiz received the Dean’s Honor Roll Certificate for academic excellence in Fall 2022. These honors reflect his academic brilliance, project innovation, and dedication to civil engineering, setting a foundation for his continuing research and professional journey in advanced structural systems and smart construction technologies.

🔬 Research Focus

Fayiz’s research revolves around experimental testing and finite element modeling of structural systems, especially in strengthening and retrofitting techniques using advanced materials such as CFRP, SMA, and ECC. He explores structural responses under extreme conditions—earthquakes, fires, blasts—and aims to improve resilience. He is also invested in integrating AI and machine learning into civil engineering problems, including construction automation. With 11 published articles (3 Q1, 2 Q2, 4 Q3, and 2 conference papers), his work reflects a blend of computational modeling, experimental validation, and interdisciplinary approaches for sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Publication Top Notes

📌 Seismic RC Beam-Column Retrofitting with Steel HaunchesResults in Engineering – 5 citations – 2024 📐🏗️
📌 CFRP-Strengthened Concrete Culverts vs. CorrosionInfrastructures – 4 citations – 2024 💧🛠️
📌 Arch Action in Precast Slabs (Numerical + Experimental)Results in Materials – 2 citations – 2024 🧱🔬
📌 BIM–IoT & Robots for Site Layout PrintingBuildings – 2 citations – 2023 🤖📊
📌 RC Deep Beams w/ Openings Strengthened by Metal Plates – 2 citations – Year not specified 🏗️🔩
📌 Seismic Retrofit of Steel Beam–Column Joints (CFRP & Bolts)Engineering Reports – 1 citation – 2025 🛠️📎
📌 GFRP Pipes under Hoop Compression (FEM & Experimental)EJCEA – 1 citation – 2024 ⚙️🔄
📌 Fatigue Strengthening of Asphalt Pavements via Tack Coat (FEM)Engineering Proceedings – 1 citation – 2023 🛣️🧪
📌 Radial Compression of GFRP Pipes (Exp + FEM)MMMED – 0 citations – 2025 🧵🧪
📌 Thin-Walled Sections Analysis via FEMEJCEA – 0 citations – 2024 📏🧰
📌 Eco-Strengthening of RC Beams using ECC & Bamboo (GEP + ABAQUS)SSRN – 0 citations – 2024 🌿🏗️💡

Se Hoon Park | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Se Hoon Park | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Se Hoon Park, Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements, South Korea

Se Hoon Park is a distinguished urban planning expert from South Korea, currently serving as Director and Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements (KRIHS). With a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from Seoul National University, his research focuses on state-society relations in urban development, culture-led urban regeneration, and planning history. He has collaborated with organizations like UN-Habitat, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank. Dr. Park has held notable roles, including Senior Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics and Director of KRIHS’s Global Development Partnership Center. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and influential policy reports, contributing extensively to urban policy advancements. His dedication has earned him several awards, including the Excellent Paper Award from the Korea Planning Association.

Publication Profile

Scopus

📚 Education

Se Hoon Park earned his Ph.D. in Urban Planning from Seoul National University in 2001, focusing on urban social policies in colonial Korea. His dissertation explored the intricate relationships between neighborhood associations, moral indoctrination, and district welfare commissioners under the guidance of Professor Tai-Joon Kwon. Prior to his doctorate, he completed a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Seoul National University in 1994. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Ceramic Engineering from Yonsei University in 1992. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Park has deepened his expertise through international research experiences, including a visiting scholar role at the University of Tokyo and a Senior Visiting Fellowship at the London School of Economics in 2023, further contributing to his comprehensive understanding of urban development challenges and solutions.

🏢 Experience

Dr. Se Hoon Park has over two decades of experience in urban planning and policy. Since 2003, he has served as Associate Researcher, Research Fellow, and Senior Research Fellow at KRIHS. His leadership roles include Director of the Urban Research Division and Director of the Global Development Partnership Center. Dr. Park’s international experience includes a Senior Visiting Fellowship at the London School of Economics and a consultancy with UN-Habitat. He has also served as a consultant to the Office for Government Policy Coordination in South Korea and worked as an Associate Researcher at the Seoul Development Institute. Additionally, his academic engagements include serving as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Tokyo. His extensive experience in advising urban policy reforms, promoting sustainable urban development, and fostering international partnerships makes him a leading figure in the field of urban planning.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Se Hoon Park has received numerous accolades for his impactful contributions to urban planning. His awards include the Excellent Paper Award from the Korea Planning Association in 2018 and the International Activity Award in 2016 for his research on urban growth regimes. In 2016, he received an Official Commendation from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport for his policy contributions. He was also honored with the Book of the Year Award by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2014 for his edited volume, Beyond Creative Cities: From Cultural Developmentalism to Creative Community. In addition, he earned an Official Commendation from the Minister for Cabinet Office in 2008. These accolades reflect his dedication to advancing urban policies and fostering inclusive, sustainable urban environments.

🧪 Research Focus

Dr. Se Hoon Park’s research spans state-society relations in urban development, culture-led urban regeneration, and planning history, particularly in Korea and East Asia. He critically analyzes the impacts of government-led cultural districts and explores how urban policies shape societal dynamics. His work often investigates creative city strategies and their implications for urban resilience. Additionally, he examines international development cooperation from an urban perspective, contributing to sustainable urban growth frameworks. Dr. Park’s recent publications address participatory urban governance, urban regeneration in Incheon, and marketization’s influence on North Korean urban planning. His interdisciplinary research bridges urban sociology, policy analysis, and cultural geography, making significant contributions to both academic scholarship and policy implementation.

Publication Top Notes

  • 📝 Park, S.H. (2025)New Urban Governance and the Dilemma of Participatory Planning in South Korea, International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Forthcoming.

  • 🖼️ Park, S.H. and Shin, H.R. (2024)The Entrepreneurial Creative City and Its Discontents: The Politics of Art-led Urban Regeneration in Incheon, South Korea, Urban Studies, [Cited By: ].

  • 🏙️ Park, S.H. and Kim, J.E. (2018)Constructing ‘Participating Citizen’: Urban Regeneration Activists and Changing State-Civil Society Relation in Seoul, Space and Environment, 28(3), pp. 9-39, [Cited By: 15].

  • 🌆 Park, S.H. and Song, J.E. (2017)Marketization and its Impact on Urban Planning Practices in North Korea, Journal of Korea Planners Association, 52(7), pp. 55-71, [Cited By: 22].

  • 🏢 Sonn, J.W., Shin, H.R., and Park, S.H. (2017)A Mega Urban Project and Two Competing Accumulation Strategies: Songdo International Business District Development, International Development Planning Review, 39(3), pp. 299-317, [Cited By: 38].

  • 🎨 Park, S.H. (2016)Can We Implant an Artist Community? Government-led Cultural Districts in Korea, Cities, 56, pp. 172-179, [Cited By: 29].

  • 📍 Joo, Y.M. and Park, S.H. (2016)Overcoming Urban Growth Coalition: Culture-Led Urban Revitalization in Busan, South Korea, Urban Affairs Review, 53(5), pp. 1-15, [Cited By: 31].

  • 🏛️ Park, S.H. (2016)Understanding the New Urban Agenda of Habitat III: Background, Features and Implications for Korean Cities, Space and Society, 26(4), pp. 9-39, [Cited By: 12].

  • 🌉 Shin, H.R., Park, S.H., and Sonn, J.W. (2015)Multi-scalar Growth Regime and Scalar Tension in Songdo New City, Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy, 33, pp. 1618-1638, [Cited By: 44].

  • 🧩 Park, S.H. (2015)Operational Characters of Intermediary Organizations in Community Planning, Journal of the Korean Urban Management Association, 28(3), pp. 75-104, [Cited By: 10].

Benoie Mathew | Smart City | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Benoie Mathew | Smart City | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Benoie Mathew, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, India

Benoie Mathew is a seasoned project management expert with over 25 years of experience, excelling in high-value projects across diverse sectors such as oil, gas, renewables, and enhanced oil recovery. Currently a part-time Ph.D. researcher at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, he is focusing on a thesis about a People-Centric Governance Model for Smart Cities. Benoie has effectively managed projects valued up to USD 1.3 billion and has demonstrated exceptional leadership in major enterprises like Petroleum Development Oman and Saudi Aramco. He specializes in the complete project lifecycle, from initial conceptualization through to execution, commissioning, and handover, with a keen focus on stakeholder management, CAPEX control, and risk mitigation. His notable accomplishments include pioneering the world’s first commercial produced water treatment wetland and securing numerous awards for sustainable project innovations.

Publication profile

Scopus

Education

Ph.D. Researcher in Management (Part-Time) – University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, India (2022-Present)

MBA – University of Bedfordshire, UK (2021)

Executive Program in Financial Risk & Investment Management – IIM Calcutta (2012)

B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering – University of Calicut, India (1999)

Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP) – PMI, USA (2007)

Technical Authority (TA-2) for Project Management – PDO, Oman (2014)

Shell Certified SPA-1 (GPES Level 1A) – SHELL (2015)

Work Experience

General Manager – Oman Metal Industries / ENFAB Intl (Feb 2024 – Present)

Oversaw company operations, led team initiatives, managed client relationships, and ensured adherence to industry standards.

Portfolio Project Manager – North Rumaila, West Qurna (Mar 2022 – Jan 2024)

Managed a portfolio of projects focusing on gas fields, increasing operational efficiency, and capital optimization.

Front-end Development Manager & Project Delivery Manager – Petroleum Development Oman (Aug 2009 – Nov 2021)

Led projects through conceptual phases to execution, contributing to significant CAPEX savings and pioneering sustainable projects like the Nimr Reed Bed.

Awards & Recognitions

Gold Winner – PDO’s Chairman’s Award for Excellence for the Flare Recovery Project (2013)

Best EPC Contractor – Saudi Aramco (2007)

MEED Quality Awards – Sustainable Project of the Year for Nimr Reed Bed Project (2012)

Technology Innovation Award – Frost & Sullivan (2012)

Research Focus

🌍 Dr. B.P. Mathew is a seasoned researcher in the fields of environmental engineering and sustainable resource management. His notable work includes innovative produced water management techniques and projects focused on air quality improvement. At the 2014 SPE Middle East Health, Safety, Environment, and Sustainable Development Conference, he presented significant studies on produced water management and integrated AP flare recovery, underscoring his commitment to enhancing environmental practices in oil field operations. Dr. Mathew’s research is pivotal in promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in the petroleum industry, reflecting a strong emphasis on ecological preservation and resource efficiency. 💧🌱

 

Publication Top Notes

Capital Efficiency Improvement of an Infill Water-flood Project of a Clastic Reservoir Field in South of Oman

Produced water management – Nimr water treatment project

Air quality – Integrated AP flare recovery projects for south oil fields