Mahmoud Mashal | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mahmoud Mashal | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Tehran | Iran

Dr. Mahmoud Mashal is a distinguished scholar and researcher in Civil Engineering, specializing in Hydraulics, with extensive academic and professional experience spanning several decades. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a focus on Hydraulics from the University of Manchester following his M.Sc. in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering  and B.Sc. in Irrigation Engineering  from Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. Throughout his career, Dr. Mashal has been dedicated to advancing research and education in hydraulic structures, water resource management, and irrigation systems. His work integrates theoretical insights with practical applications to address complex challenges in water engineering, sustainable irrigation design, and environmental hydraulics. As a faculty member at the University of Tehran’s Aburaihan Campus, he has played a key role in teaching, mentoring graduate students, and conducting interdisciplinary research aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of water systems in arid and semi-arid regions. His scholarly contributions include numerous research papers, conference presentations, and technical reports that have strengthened the field’s understanding of hydraulic modeling, sediment transport, and water flow dynamics. Dr. Mashal’s expertise and leadership have earned him recognition within academic and professional circles, where he continues to contribute to national and international collaborations focused on water resource development and environmental protection. His commitment to innovation and applied research reflects a lifelong dedication to addressing global water challenges and fostering sustainable engineering practices for future generations.

Featured Publications

  • Shokati, H., Mahmoud, M., Noroozi, A. A., Mirzaei, S., Mohammadi-Doqozloo, Z., Nabiollahi, K., Faghizadeh-Mehrjerdi, R., Khosravani, P., Adhikari, R., Hu, L., & Scholten, T. (2025). Comparing UAV-based hyperspectral and satellite-based multispectral data for soil moisture estimation using machine learning. Water, 17(11), 1715.

  • Zanjani, M., Mahmoud, M., & Pour Gholam Amiji, M. (2025). The effect of biochar and irrigation water quality on maize yield and water productivity. Iranian Journal of Irrigation and Drainage, 18(6), 927–936.

  • Ghasemnezhad, S., Nikoo, M. R., Mahmoud, M., Al-Rawas, G., Nazari, R., Azadegan, B., Mishra, A., & Simunek, J. (2025). A copula framework for depth-stratified water quality monitoring in reservoirs. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 2(2), 1–22.

  • Seyed Ali, H., Javadi, S., Mahmoud, M., Azadegan, B., & Havid, K. (2024). Assessment of water, food, and energy efficiency indicators with a nexus approach and sustainable agricultural management. Drought and Climate Change Research, 2(2), 57–76.

  • Shokati, H., Mahmoud, M., Noroozi, A. A., Abkar, A. A., Mirzaei, S., Mohammadi Forough, Z., Faghizadeh-Mehrjerdi, R., Khosravani, P., Nabiollahi, K., & Scholten, T. (2024). Random forest-based soil moisture estimation using Sentinel-2, Landsat-8/9, and UAV-based hyperspectral data. Remote Sensing, 16(11), 1962.

  • Bourbour, H., Abdolahipour, M., Abdollahi, H., & Mahmoud, M. (2024). Barley yield forecasting based on remote sensing data and XGBoost and SVM machine learning algorithms. Journal of Water and Irrigation Management (Journal of Agriculture), 13(4), 1119–1137.

Ina Pundiene | Materials Science | Pioneer Researcher Award

Ina Pundiene | Materials Science | Pioneer Researcher Award

VilniusTech, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University | Lithuani

Dr. Ina Pundienė is a distinguished Latvian researcher specializing in building materials, refractory materials, geopolymers, technological additives, and concrete durability and rheology. She currently serves as Chief Researcher at the Institute of Building Materials, Laboratory of Concrete Technologies, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU), Lithuania. Dr. Pundienė earned her PhD in Technological Sciences from VGTU’s Scientific Institute of Thermal Insulation, following her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Technology from Riga Technical University. Her professional journey at VGTU began as an Engineer, progressing through positions as Researcher and Senior Researcher, before assuming her current leadership role . Over the course of her career, Dr. Pundienė has significantly contributed to advancements in material science and sustainable construction, focusing on the development and performance of innovative and environmentally friendly construction materials. Her expertise extends to the study of concrete technology, the use of geopolymers as green alternatives to traditional binders, and the investigation of additives that enhance concrete’s mechanical and durability properties. She is deeply engaged in applied and experimental research aimed at improving the resilience, sustainability, and technological performance of building materials under diverse environmental conditions. Recognized for her scientific rigor and long-term contributions to Lithuania’s construction materials sector, Dr. Pundienė plays a vital role in bridging academic research with industrial application. Through her publications, collaborations, and mentorship, she continues to influence the development of modern, eco-efficient materials, fostering innovation within the Baltic and European construction research communities.

Profile: Scoups | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Pundienė, I., Pranckevičienė, J., Bumanis, G., & Bajare, D. (2025). Experimental investigation of novel bio-composite with integrated phase change materials (PCM) for enhanced energy saving in buildings. Industrial Crops and Products. Advance online publication.

  • Pundienė, I., & Pranckevičienė, J. (2025). Effect of prewetting cenospheres on hydration kinetics, microstructure, and mechanical properties of refractory castables. Crystals, 15(1), 68.

  • (Author(s) not specified). (2025). Advances in deflocculant utilisation in sustainable refractory concrete with refractory waste. Sustainability (Switzerland). Advance online publication.

  • Du, Y., Pundienė, I., & Pranckevičienė, J. (2025). Valorisation of wood biomass wastes in alkali-activated mortar with hybrid activator. Ceramics International. Advance online publication.

  • Pocius, E., Nagrockienė, D., Pundienė, I., & Girnienė, I. (2025). Influence of glass processing waste quantities on the freeze-thaw resistance of sustainable concrete. Ceramics – Silikáty, 69(2), 308-320.