Ivan Simeonov | Anaerobic Digestion | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Ivan Simeonov | Anaerobic Digestion | Research Excellence Award

Professor at Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) | Bulgaria

Mr. Ivan Simeonov demonstrates exceptional research excellence in bioautomatics and environmental biotechnology, with a strong focus on modeling, monitoring, and intelligent control of anaerobic digestion and biotechnological processes. Their work integrates advanced mathematical modeling, artificial intelligence, and process optimization to enhance renewable energy production and sustainable waste management systems. The research outcomes have significantly contributed to the scientific understanding and practical advancement of bioprocess control and waste-to-energy technologies. As evidenced by the Scopus profile, the researcher has authored 61 publications, achieved 623 citations, and holds an h-index of 14, highlighting sustained scholarly impact, research quality, and international recognition appropriate for the Research Excellence Award.

Citation Metrics ( Scopus )

700

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Citations
623

Documents
61

h-index
14

Featured Publications


A simple and rapid test for differentiation of aerobic from anaerobic bacteria

World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology • 2003 • 80 citations

Linearizing control of the anaerobic digestion with addition of acetate

Control Engineering Practice • 2006 • 74 citations

Anaerobic co-digestion of wasted tomatoes and cattle dung for biogas production

Journal of the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy • 2009 • 66 citations

Rakhesh I P | Bio Energy | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Rakhesh I P | Bio Energy | Research Excellence Award

Stella Mary’s College of Engineering | India

Mr. Rakhesh I. P is an emerging researcher in mechanical engineering whose work spans sustainable energy technologies, thermal sciences, materials engineering, and applied safety research. With a portfolio of 15 publications, 13 citations, and a Scopus h-index of 2, he has contributed to impactful studies addressing renewable energy generation, green materials, and occupational risk mitigation. His early investigations into bio-oil yield enhancement using fixed-bed pyrolysis systems laid the foundation for environmentally conscious fuel alternatives derived from biomass waste streams. He has conducted significant work in biogas production from organic waste, offering practical insights for decentralized energy solutions. His research also extends to advanced material characterization, particularly the study of lanthanum-enhanced magnesium–silicon alloys, which supports the development of lightweight and high-performance engineering materials. Complementing his core mechanical engineering contributions, he has co-authored interdisciplinary studies on biological hazards in healthcare and dust-induced respiratory risks in construction environments, demonstrating the application of engineering methodologies to public-health-related safety issues. His participation in national and international conferences has facilitated knowledge dissemination across domains such as energy systems, alloy development, and robotics conceptualization. A notable highlight of his research journey is his patent application for an MWCNT hybrid nanofluid aimed at improving heat-transfer efficiency, reflecting his commitment to innovation in thermal engineering. Through his consistent publication record, interdisciplinary engagement, and focus on practical sustainability challenges, Mr. Rakhesh I. P contributes meaningfully to advancing mechanical and energy engineering research in alignment with contemporary global needs.

Profiles : Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Sivaprakash, M., Rajkumar, S. R., Jegan, C. D., & Rakhesh, J. P. (2022). Analysis of bio-gas from kitchen waste. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2385(1), 090001. Cited by: 3

Michael, R. F., Rakhesh, I. P., Aneesh, B. A., Subin, N., & Anish, J. (2016). Conceptual design of lightweight areca tree robot. International Conference on Energy Efficient Technologies for Sustainability (ICEETS). Cited by: 3

Pachamaanickam, R. I., & Navaneethakrishnan, S. V. M. (2025). Thermogravimetric assessment and multi-model kinetic study of Indian fish tail nut biomass. Reaction Kinetics, Mechanisms and Catalysis. Cited by: 2

Kumar, S. R. R., Dinesh, C. L., Aravind, M. S., Anjaneya, M. G., Haran, M. H., & others. (2019). Synthesis and scrutiny of pyrolysis-oil from tamarind shell. ISSN Journal. Cited by: 2

Rakhesh, I. P., & Rajkumar, S. R. (2018). Experimental comparison of yield of bio-oil in fixed bed pyrolyzer. ISSN Journal No. 2456-6470. Cited by: 2

Ulises Durán | Environmental Biotechnology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Ulises Durán | Environmental Biotechnology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Full Professor at Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana campus Iztapalapa, Mexico

Ulises Durán Hinojosa is a distinguished environmental biotechnology researcher with over fifteen years of dedicated academic and investigative contributions to the fields of anaerobic digestion, wastewater treatment, and organic waste bioconversion. Currently serving as a Full Professor at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, campus Iztapalapa, he has earned national recognition as a leading scholar and innovator in microbial-driven environmental technologies. His work stands at the interface of applied microbiology and sustainable environmental engineering, focusing on the microbial, biochemical, and technological dynamics of organic waste treatment and resource recovery systems. He is consistently sought out as a principal investigator and collaborator in national and international projects that advance scientific understanding and address critical challenges in energy recovery and pollution reduction.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Durán’s academic journey is deeply rooted in the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, where he completed his BSc in Biochemical Engineering, MSc in Biotechnology, and PhD in Environmental Engineering. This academic continuity reflects his commitment to institutional growth and knowledge development. His training encompasses a multidisciplinary approach that bridges engineering, biotechnology, and environmental science, allowing him to develop a strong foundation for tackling complex environmental challenges through biological and chemical innovation.

Experience

Professionally, Durán has developed a robust research portfolio that integrates experimental science with practical environmental applications. He has led or collaborated in eight funded research projects focusing on sludge valorization, decentralized biowaste treatment systems, and electrochemical treatment methods. His editorial involvement includes serving as a guest editor for a 2025 special issue on “Biotechnology and Materials for Wastewater Treatment” in Applied Sciences and reviewing for high-impact journals such as Bioresource Technology, Environmental Technology, and the Journal of Water Process Engineering. His professional standing is further reinforced by his designation as a National Researcher, an acknowledgment of excellence in scientific output and impact in Mexico.

Research

Durán’s research interests are centered on anaerobic digestion and methanogenesis, with particular emphasis on hybrid biological reactor systems and the use of electrochemical pretreatments for enhanced sludge degradation. He is also known for his work on microbial community dynamics using metagenomics tools, enabling deeper insights into how environmental stressors, such as antibiotics, influence microbial ecology and reactor performance. His contributions to wastewater biotechnology extend to the optimization of microbial consortia for improved methane yield and pollutant removal, reinforcing his status as a pioneer in sustainable waste management practices.

Awards

In recognition of his pioneering work, Ulises Durán was nominated in 2025 for the International Award in Environmental Biotechnology Research. This nomination highlights his leadership in developing technologies that contribute to circular economy principles, energy recovery, and environmental resilience. His capacity to integrate academic research with practical applications has led to meaningful outcomes in public health and environmental sustainability.

Publications

Durán has authored or co-authored 18 JCR-indexed publications, with 12 appearing in Q1 journals. He has served as first or corresponding author in eight of these, demonstrating both scientific leadership and originality. Selected key publications include:

  1. Durán U., et al. (2025). “Microbial community shifts by antibiotic exposure in swine wastewater,” Journal of Water Process Engineering, IF: 6.3 – cited by 5 articles.

  2. Mendoza-Tinoco T.P., Durán U., et al. (2024). “Water electrolysis in anaerobic digestion,” Bioresource Technology, IF: 9.7 – cited by 12 articles.

  3. Ochoa-Hernández M.E., Durán U., et al. (2023). “Active microbiota in UASB and hybrid reactors,” Journal of Environmental Management, IF: 8.0 – cited by 10 articles.

  4. Durán U., et al. (2022). “Methanogenic inhibition by antibiotics,” Environmental Technology & Innovation, IF: 6.7 – cited by 8 articles.

  5. Durán U., et al. (2010). “Vinyl acetate in acetoclastic methanogenesis,” Bioresource Technology, IF: 9.7 – cited by 42 articles.

  6. Durán U., et al. (2019). “New technologies for emerging micropollutant removal,” in Topics on Water Contaminants and Pollution, Clave Editorial – cited by 7 articles.

  7. Durán U., et al. (2017). “Solid-State Fermentation for Lignocellulase Production,” in Fermentation Processes, InTech – cited by 15 articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ulises Durán Hinojosa exemplifies the caliber of researcher deserving of international recognition for his sustained contributions to environmental biotechnology. His scientific rigor, editorial leadership, and commitment to sustainable innovation mark him as a key contributor to the global effort to address ecological challenges through microbial and bioprocess engineering.