Helen Snethemba Ndlovu | Machine Learnings | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Helen Snethemba Ndlovu | Machine Learnings | Best Researcher Award

Doctoral Researcher at University of KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Dr. Helen Snethemba Ndlovu is a dynamic and interdisciplinary researcher from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, specializing in AI-driven environmental monitoring, GIS, remote sensing, and climate resilience. She applies cutting-edge geospatial technologies, including UAV-based thermal and multispectral sensing, to support precision agriculture, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and sustainable resource use. Helen has extensive experience in environmental research, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making, contributing to both academic and policy-oriented initiatives.

Professional Profile:

Education: 

Dr. Helen Snethemba holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where her research focused on using UAV thermal and multispectral remote sensing to assess crop water status in neglected and underutilized taro crops within smallholder farming systems. She earned a Master of Science in Environmental Science at the same institution, with research on high-resolution UAV imagery to monitor leaf moisture in smallholder maize farms. She also completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science, with distinction in Analytical GIS, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, graduating with merit for her ecology research.

Experience:

Dr. Helen Snethemba currently serves as an Ad Hoc Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, delivering modules on Analytical GIS, Advanced Spatial Modelling, and GIS & Remote Sensing, while mentoring postgraduate students. She has previously worked as a Junior Scientist at the Institute of Natural Resources, conducting water quality assessments, developing citizen science protocols for macroplastic monitoring, and designing geospatial tools for resource management. Helen has held positions as an Environmental Field Officer with Amanzi Ethu Nobuntu NPC, a Research Assistant at the Agricultural Research Council, and a Teaching Assistant and Environmental Management Tutor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, contributing to field-based research, GIS and remote sensing instruction, and community-based environmental projects.

Research Inteest:

Dr. Helen Snethemba’s research focuses on AI-driven environmental monitoring, UAV-based remote sensing, geospatial modelling, and climate resilience. Her interests include precision agriculture, crop water management, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, invasive species detection, sustainable resource management, and data-driven decision-making. She leverages machine learning, big data analytics, and cloud computing platforms to process and interpret satellite and UAV imagery, contributing to evidence-based policy development and sustainable environmental solutions.

Publications Top Noted:

  1. A comparative estimation of maize leaf water content using machine learning techniques and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based proximal and remotely sensed data – Year: 2021 | Citations: 86

  2. A systematic review on the application of UAV-based thermal remote sensing for assessing and monitoring crop water status in crop farming systems – Year: 2024 | Citations: 15

  3. Detecting and mapping the spatial distribution of Chromoleana odorata invasions in communal areas of South Africa using Sentinel-2 multispectral remotely sensed data – Year: 2022 | Citations: 13

  4. Mapping the Eucalyptus spp. woodlots in communal areas of Southern Africa using Sentinel-2 Multi-Spectral Imager data for hydrological applications – Year: 2021 | Citations: 13

  5. Use of unmanned aerial vehicle-derived multi-spectral data for the early detection of multi-temporal maize leaf equivalent water thickness and fuel moisture content – Year: 2024 | Citations: 5

Conclusion:

Dr. Helen Snethemba Ndlovu exemplifies excellence in environmental science, AI applications, and geospatial research. Her innovative work on UAV-based monitoring, precision agriculture, and ecosystem management contributes significantly to climate resilience and sustainable resource use. By combining cutting-edge technology with community and policy engagement, she bridges research and real-world application. Her dedication to mentorship, research innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration positions her as a leading figure in her field. Recognition through the Global Network & Technology Excellence Awards highlights her outstanding contributions and commitment to advancing sustainable environmental solutions.

Esther Magondu | Agri-Tech Apps | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Esther Magondu | Agri-Tech Apps | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Esther Magondu is a Kenyan research scientist specializing in sustainable aquatic food systems and integrated marine aquaculture. She has extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, research management, and implementation of ISO standards, with a focus on improving aquaculture productivity and promoting climate-smart fisheries in East Africa.

Professional Profile:

Education: 

Dr. Esther Magondu holds a PhD in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Pwani University, a Master of Science in Aquaculture and Marine Resources Management from Wageningen University, The Netherlands, and a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from Moi University, Kenya. Her early education includes the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education from Karima Girls High School. Her doctoral research focused on Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems, emphasizing sustainable co-culture of marine species.

Experience:

Dr. Esther Magondu Wairimu Magondu currently serves as a Scientist in Aquatic Farming Practices at WorldFish. She previously worked at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), holding roles from Research Scientist to Senior Research Scientist. In these positions, she conducted cutting-edge research on marine aquaculture systems, supervised multidisciplinary research teams, coordinated donor-funded projects, and mentored both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She has also served as a Centre Director at KMFRI Mombasa and as a part-time lecturer at Nairobi University. Her work emphasizes innovation in aquaculture, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable blue economy practices.

Research Inteest:

  • Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA): Optimizing co-culture of fish, bivalves, and sea cucumbers for increased productivity.

  • Marine and Coastal Aquaculture: Sustainable fish and shrimp production.

  • Aquaculture Nutrition: Development of locally formulated feed for improved fish growth.

  • Climate-Smart Fisheries: Adoption of resilient aquaculture technologies to improve food security.

  • Blue Economy Development: Community engagement and innovative aquaculture solutions for socio-economic benefits.

Publications Top Noted:

  1. Societal and environmental impacts of seaweed farming in relation to rural development: The case of Kibuyuni village, south coast, Kenya, Year: 2020 | 46 citations.

  2. Effect of C/N ratio levels and stocking density of Labeo victorianus on pond environmental quality using maize flour as a carbon source, Year: 2013 | 42 citations.

  3. Evaluation of sodium chloride (NaCl) for potential prophylactic treatment and its short-term toxicity to African catfish Clarias gariepinus yolk-sac and swim-up fry, Year: 2011 | 29 citations.

  4. Toward integration of sea cucumber and cockles with culture of shrimps in earthen ponds in Kenya, Year: 2022 | 14 citations.

  5. Life cycle responses of the midge of Chironomus species to sugarcane and paper pulp effluents exposure, Year: 2016 | 12 citations.

Conclusion:

Dr. Esther Magondu exemplifies excellence in aquaculture research and sustainable blue economy development. Her innovative approaches to IMTA, climate-smart fisheries, and community-driven solutions have significantly advanced sustainable aquatic food systems in East Africa. She effectively bridges scientific research, policy, and practice, creating meaningful societal and environmental impacts. Her dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers and engaging stakeholders reflects leadership and vision in her field. Recognition through the Global Network & Technology Excellence Awards underscores her outstanding contributions and commitment to sustainable innovation.

Abdelaziz Saidi | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Saidi | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Senior Transmission Engineering Expert at Saudi Electricity Company | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Abdelaziz Salah Saidi is a Senior Transmission Engineering Expert at the Grid Studies Department, National Grid SA, where he specializes in system stability and resilience studies with renewable energy integration. He previously served as Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia, where he supervised numerous undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. projects. He is a permanent member of the Université de Tunis El Manar – Laboratoire des Systèmes Electriques, and an active member of the IEEE Power & Energy Society. Dr. Saidi has published over 90 research papers in indexed journals and international conferences and holds a patent on multifunctional inverters for solar water pumping systems.

Professional Profile:

Education: 

Dr. Abdelaziz Saidi earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the National Engineering School of Tunis (ENIT), University of Tunis – El Manar, with a dissertation on Dynamic Stability of the Power System Integrating Wind Farms: Bifurcations Analysis under the supervision of Profs. Mohamed Elleuch and Khadija Ben Kilani. He obtained his M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the same institution, focusing on Voltage Stability of the Power System by Modal Analysis. He also completed his B.Sc. in Electrical Systems at the University of Tunis – El Manar.

Experience:

Dr. Abdelaziz Saidi began his career as a teacher in Tunisia before joining academia as an Assistant Professor at the Higher Institute of Computer Science of Kef. He later moved to Saudi Arabia, serving at King Khalid University as Assistant Professor and then Associate Professor, focusing on power system planning, stability, operation and renewable energy integration. Alongside his teaching, he acted as Consultant for the Energy and Water Resources Research Unit, Member of the Renewable Energy Committee, and Researcher at the Center for Artificial Intelligence. Since September, he has been a Senior Transmission Engineering Expert at National Grid SA, working on grid stability and resilience studies with renewable energy sources.

Research Inteest:

Dr. Abdelaziz Saidi ’s research covers a broad spectrum of power system engineering. His primary interests include power system stability and control (dynamic, transient, and voltage stability), renewable energy integration (solar PV, wind, hybrid microgrids, and green hydrogen), and artificial intelligence applications in power and energy systems (forecasting, optimization, and intelligent control). He has also contributed to studies on grid-connected photovoltaic plants, smart grid protection systems, distributed generation, and power quality issues. His work bridges theoretical modeling, simulation, and practical applications with industry partners.

Publications Top Noted:

  1. Efficient Medical Diagnosis of Human Heart Diseases using Machine Learning Techniques with and without GridSearchCV, Year: 2022 | Citations: 269.

  2. Impact of Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Systems on Voltage Stability of Tunisian Distribution Networks Using Dynamic Reactive Power Control, Year: 2022 | Citations: 79

  3. Improvement of Techno-Economic Optimal Sizing of a Hybrid Off-Grid Microgrid System, Year: 2021, Citations: 76.

  4. Powering up Microgrids: A Comprehensive Review of Innovative and Intelligent Protection Approaches for Enhanced Reliability, Year: 2023 | Citations: 57.

  5. Impact of Large Photovoltaic Power Penetration on the Voltage Regulation and Dynamic Performance of the Tunisian Power System, Year: 2020 | Citations: 52.

Conclusion:

Dr. Abdelaziz Saidi exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in renewable energy and power systems. His dedication to advancing knowledge, combined with practical innovations and academic mentorship, has created a lasting impact in both industry and academia. By continuously integrating cutting-edge research with real-world applications, he strengthens the resilience and sustainability of modern energy networks. His contributions reflect a commitment to excellence, innovation, and global collaboration. Recognition through the Global Network & Technology Excellence Awards is a testament to his outstanding achievements and leadership in the field.

Sana Said | Renewable Energy | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Sana Said | Renewable Energy | Women Researcher Award

Sana Said at Higher School of Science and Technology of Hammam Sousse | Tunisia

Dr. Sana Said is an accomplished Doctor of Engineering Physics specializing in solar energy systems. With strong expertise in experimental analysis, numerical modeling, and design of renewable energy technologies, she brings a unique blend of research excellence and teaching passion. Currently engaged in postdoctoral research, Dr. Sana fosters both scholarly inquiry and student mentorship in physical sciences.

Professional Profile:

Education: 

Dr. Said earned her Ph.D. in Engineering Physics from ESSTHS, where her dissertation focused on enhancing the performance of vacuum tube solar collectors integrated with phase-change materials. Prior to this, she completed a Research Master’s in Materials Physics and Energy and a Bachelor’s in General Physics at ESSTHS, as well as her high school diploma in experimental sciences.

Experience:

Dr. Said served as a Research Intern in the Laboratory of Metabolic Biophysics and Applied Occupational and Environmental Toxicology at the Faculty of Medicine. Previously, she conducted research at the Laboratory of Energy and Materials (LABEM), ESSTHS. She also gained teaching experience as a primary school teacher and continues to provide personalized tutoring across educational levels. she completed practical industrial training at STIP in Tunisia.

Research Interest:

Dr. Said’s research centers on solar thermal energy systems, particularly evacuated tube collectors enhanced with phase-change materials. She excels in both experimental testing and numerical modeling to quantify thermal performance, aiming to improve sustainable energy solutions through innovative heat transfer designs.

Publications Top Noted:

Optimizing Thermal Performance of Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors with Cascaded Phase Change Materials,

  • Year: 2025

Performance Enhancement of Evacuated U-Tube Solar Collector Integrated with Phase Change Material,

  • Year: 2024 | Cited: 10

An Experimental Assessment on the Performance of Different Evacuated Tube Solar Collector Configurations,

  • Year: 2024

New Evacuated Tube Solar Collector with Parabolic Trough Collector and Helical Coil Heat Exchanger for Domestic Water Heating,

  • Year: 2023 | Cited: 20

An Experimental Comparison of the Performance of Various Evacuated Tube Solar Collector Designs,

  • Year: 2023 | Cited: 22

Conclusion:

Dr. Sana Said’s exceptional contributions to solar energy research and her innovative approach to thermal system enhancement position her as a deserving recipient of the Women Researcher Award. Her integration of phase-change materials into solar collectors demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to renewable energy efficiency. With her blend of technical expertise, research productivity, and dedication to mentorship, she continues to make a meaningful impact in academia and the renewable energy sector. With broader international collaboration and industry partnerships, Dr. Said is poised to further elevate her influence in shaping sustainable energy futures.

Dr. Spyros Giannelos | Renewable Energy | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Spyros Giannelos | Renewable Energy | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Spyros Giannelos | Renewable Energy – Research Associate at Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Dr. Spyros Giannelos is an accomplished researcher in the fields of energy economics, smart grid technologies, and optimization. With a strong academic background and extensive industry experience, he has made significant contributions to the development of sustainable energy systems through advanced modeling techniques and strategic planning. His work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and resilience of power systems using cutting-edge machine learning and optimization algorithms. Dr. Giannelos’s research has been widely recognized for its impact on both theoretical foundations and real-world applications in energy management and smart grid technologies. 🚀

Profile:

Orcid

Scopus

Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Giannelos holds an advanced degree in energy systems and power optimization, earned from a prestigious institution. His academic journey equipped him with expertise in the principles of energy economics, machine learning, and optimization models. This rigorous training laid the foundation for his future research, allowing him to explore innovative solutions to global energy challenges. His education emphasized both the theoretical aspects of energy systems and their practical applications, fostering a deep understanding of how to address energy sustainability and efficiency through advanced technologies. 🎓

Experience:

Dr. Giannelos currently serves as a faculty member at Imperial College London, where he applies his extensive knowledge to research and teach about energy systems, smart grids, and optimization techniques. His career spans both academia and the energy sector, where he has worked on numerous projects focusing on grid optimization, renewable energy integration, and electric vehicle smart charging. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with international researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers, contributing to projects that shape the future of global energy systems. His practical experience is complemented by a strong publication record, reflecting his commitment to advancing energy research. ⚡

Research Interests:

Dr. Giannelos’s research interests lie at the intersection of energy systems, machine learning, and optimization models. He focuses on developing innovative methods to improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of power grids. His work explores the strategic valuation of smart grid technologies, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the optimization of energy storage systems. Dr. Giannelos is particularly interested in applying advanced machine learning algorithms to predict energy consumption patterns, optimize grid operations, and enhance decision-making processes in energy management. 🌍

Awards:

Dr. Giannelos has received several prestigious awards in recognition of his outstanding contributions to energy research. His work on smart grid technologies, electric vehicle charging strategies, and energy optimization models has earned him accolades from leading energy research organizations and academic institutions. These awards reflect not only the impact of his research on the academic community but also its practical significance in addressing real-world energy challenges. His ability to bridge the gap between theoretical research and industry applications makes him a distinguished figure in the field of energy economics. 🏆

Publications:

Dr. Giannelos has authored and co-authored numerous influential publications in the realm of energy systems and optimization. Here are seven of his key works:

  1. Strategic Valuation of Smart Grid Technology Options in Distribution Networks (2016)
    📄 Cited by 114
  2. Machine Learning Approaches for Predictions of CO2 Emissions in the Building Sector (2024)
    📄 Cited by 24
  3. Modelling Smart Grid Technologies in Optimisation Problems for Electricity Grids (2023)
    📄 Cited by 40
  4. Strategic Network Expansion Planning with Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Concepts as Investment Options (2022)
    📄 Cited by 78
  5. Option Value of Demand-Side Response Schemes Under Decision-Dependent Uncertainty (2018)
    📄 Cited by 50
  6. Long-Term Expansion Planning of the Transmission Network in India Under Multi-Dimensional Uncertainty (2021)
    📄 Cited by 26
  7. A Machine Learning Approach for Generating and Evaluating Forecasts on the Environmental Impact of the Buildings Sector ( 2023)

Conclusion:

Dr. Spyros Giannelos is an outstanding candidate for the Excellence in Research Award due to his significant contributions to the fields of energy economics, smart grid technologies, and optimization. His research has not only advanced theoretical understanding but also provided practical solutions that address critical challenges in energy management and sustainability.

Prof. Goran Strbac | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Goran Strbac | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Goran Strbac | Renewable Energy – Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Goran Štrbac is a distinguished academic renowned for his significant contributions to the field of energy systems, particularly in renewable energy integration, smart grids, and energy management. With an illustrious career marked by groundbreaking research and extensive collaboration with global experts, he has shaped the understanding of decentralized energy systems. His work not only addresses theoretical aspects but also offers practical solutions for sustainable energy management, reflecting his commitment to advancing global energy security and efficiency.

Profile:

Scopus

Education:

Goran Štrbac pursued his academic journey with a focus on electrical engineering and energy systems. He obtained his undergraduate degree from a prestigious institution, followed by advanced studies leading to a Ph.D. His academic foundation was built upon rigorous training in energy systems modeling, power electronics, and sustainability, equipping him with the expertise needed to tackle complex energy challenges.

Experience:

Since completing his Ph.D., Goran Štrbac has held esteemed academic positions, including his current role at Imperial College London. His career has been characterized by a blend of teaching, research, and leadership roles, where he has influenced both academic curricula and cutting-edge research projects. His involvement in various international collaborations has broadened his impact, fostering innovations in energy technologies and policy frameworks.

Research Interests:

Goran Štrbac’s research interests are centered around energy systems optimization, renewable energy integration, smart grid technologies, and decentralized energy management. His work delves into advanced modeling techniques, energy storage solutions, and the economic evaluation of energy systems. He is particularly interested in the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing energy efficiency and grid resilience.

Awards:

Goran Štrbac’s contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. Notably, he has received prestigious accolades for his outstanding research in energy systems, reflecting his role as a thought leader in the field. His work has not only advanced academic knowledge but also influenced energy policy and technological development worldwide.

Publications 📚:

  1. “Federated Reinforcement Learning for Decentralized Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading” (2025)
  2. “Techno-Economic Evaluation of Seasonal Energy Storage in the Electric-Hydrogen-Heating Energy System” (2025)
  3. “Generation and Transmission Expansion Planning Incorporating Economically Feasible Heterogeneous Demand-Side Resources” (2025)
  4. “Co-optimizing Frequency-Containment Services from Zero-Carbon Sources in Electricity Grids Dominated by Renewable Energy Sources” (2025)
  5. “The Impact of Hydrogen on Decarbonization and Resilience in Integrated Energy Systems” (2025)
  6. “Modeling Seasonal Thermal Storage Dynamics in the Year-Round Scheduling of Renewable Energy Systems” (2025)
  7. “A Systematic Review of Modelling Methods for Studying the Integration of Hydrogen into Energy Systems” (2025)

Conclusion:

Goran Štrbac’s exceptional academic journey, innovative research, and impactful contributions to energy systems position him as a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work has significantly advanced the understanding and application of sustainable energy solutions, fostering a more resilient and efficient global energy landscape. Recognizing his achievements with this prestigious award would not only honor his dedication and expertise but also inspire future generations of researchers to continue pushing the boundaries of energy innovation.