Ivica Kopriva | Pattern Recognition | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ivica Kopriva | Pattern Recognition | Best Researcher Award

Rudjer Boskovich Institute | Croatia

Dr. Ivica Kopriva is a distinguished Senior Scientist at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Croatia, internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions to signal processing, machine learning, and blind source separation. Dr. Ivica Kopriva’s interdisciplinary research integrates statistical learning, low-rank sparse modeling, and nonlinear decomposition methods to address complex challenges in biomedical imaging, remote sensing, and hyperspectral data analysis. His highly influential publications, including “Multi-view Low-Rank Sparse Subspace Clustering” (Pattern Recognition, 2018) and “l₀-Motivated Low-Rank Sparse Subspace Clustering” (IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, 2018), have significantly advanced subspace clustering and unsupervised learning, with the former ranked among the top 1% of highly cited papers in Engineering. Dr. Ivica Kopriva’s research further encompasses image co-segmentation, tumor detection, and signal demixing, contributing to innovations in medical imaging and AI-based diagnostics. With over 2,546 citations, an h-index of 21, and an i10-index of 50, Dr. Ivica Kopriva’s scholarly impact extends across multiple disciplines of computational and biomedical sciences. His exceptional achievements have been recognized through numerous awards, including the State Award of the Republic of Croatia for Scientific Achievement (2009), multiple Director’s Awards for Scientific Excellence (2010–2021), and MICCAI Outstanding Reviewer Awards. As a Senior Member of IEEE and OSA and an affiliated faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Ivica Kopriva continues to contribute extensively to international scientific communities, shaping the global research landscape in computational imaging, data-driven signal analysis, and intelligent biomedical systems.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Brbić, M., & Kopriva, I. (2018). Multi-view low-rank sparse subspace clustering. Pattern Recognition, 73, 247–258.

  • Huang, T. M., Kecman, V., & Kopriva, I. (2006). Kernel based algorithms for mining huge data sets: Supervised, semi-supervised, and unsupervised learning. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

  • Ju, W., Xiang, D., Zhang, B., Wang, L., Kopriva, I., & Chen, X. (2015). Random walk and graph cut for co-segmentation of lung tumor on PET-CT images. IEEE Transactions on Image Processing, 24(12), 5854–5867.

  • Brbić, M., & Kopriva, I. (2020). l₀-Motivated low-rank sparse subspace clustering. IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, 50(4), 1711–1725.

  • Tolić, D., Antulov-Fantulin, N., & Kopriva, I. (2018). A nonlinear orthogonal non-negative matrix factorization approach to subspace clustering. Pattern Recognition, 82, 40–55.

Golnar Rahimzadeh | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Golnar Rahimzadeh | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Assist. Prof. Dr. Golnar Rahimzadeh is an Iranian scientist and Assistant Professor at the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. She specializes in bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial resistance, and pediatric infectious diseases. Her contributions span both academia and biotechnology, where she bridges microbiology with pharmaceutical innovation. She established a knowledge-based company, Persian Nano-Bio Therapy, focusing on bacteriophage therapeutics. Through her research, teaching, and entrepreneurial activities, Assist. Prof. Dr. Golnar Rahimzadeh continues to advance innovative strategies against resistant pathogens, strengthening biomedical research and global health.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Education 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Golnar Rahimzadeh completed her undergraduate studies at Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, and pursued a master’s in microbiology at Islamic Azad University, Tehran. She later obtained her doctorate in medical sciences from Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, focusing on bacteriophage-based therapeutics, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship where she expanded her expertise in pediatric infectious diseases, microbial resistance, and nano-phage applications.

Experience 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Golnar Rahimzadeh has professional experience in clinical laboratories, stem cell technology, and infectious disease research. She contributed to laboratory diagnostics, stem cell banking, HLA typing, and flow cytometry before joining Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences as Assistant Professor. She manages research laboratories, supervises academic projects, and organizes scientific congresses, demonstrating strong leadership in translational medicine, biomedical innovation, and interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Awards

Assist. Prof. Dr. Golnar Rahimzadeh is distinguished for her academic excellence and innovation in biomedical research. She co-founded Persian Nano-Bio Therapy, a knowledge-based biotechnology company advancing bacteriophage-based therapeutics. Her appointment as Assistant Professor reflects her scholarly impact, while her entrepreneurial success demonstrates her ability to translate microbiological research into practical healthcare solutions, positioning her as a pioneer in phage therapy and antimicrobial resistance.

Research Interests 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Golnar Rahimzadeh focuses on bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial resistance, pediatric infectious diseases, and microbial pathogenesis. She investigates nano-encapsulation strategies, phage-based disinfectants, and bacteriophage applications against resistant pathogens. Her work includes laboratory experiments, clinical studies, and systematic reviews. She aims to translate innovative research into sustainable treatments, integrating microbiology, biotechnology, and clinical medicine to address urgent healthcare challenges in infectious disease management.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Multi‐state evaluation of Candida infections in burn patients
Year: 2024

Title: Aloe vera Nanofibers Contained Pseudomonas Bacteriophages Fabrication, Characterization, and Biofunction
Year: 2022

Title: Potential of lytic bacteriophages as disinfectant to control of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on fomites
Year: 2022

Title: Antimicrobial Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacterial Pneumonia After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Northern Iran
Year: 2022

Title: Encapsulation of bacteriophage cocktail into chitosan for the treatment of bacterial diarrhea
Year: 2021

Conclusion 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Golnar Rahimzadeh exemplifies academic excellence and biomedical innovation. Her pioneering contributions in bacteriophage therapy and antimicrobial resistance highlight her dedication to advancing healthcare solutions. Through her leadership at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and her role in Persian Nano-Bio Therapy, she continues to shape innovative strategies against resistant infections, strengthening translational research and contributing to global public health advancements.

Dr Muhammad Bilal | Machine Learning on Databases | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Muhammad Bilal | Machine Learning on Databases | Excellence in Research Award

Dr .Muhammad Bilal ,Harbin Engineering University, China.

Dr. Muhammad Bilal is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of underwater acoustic communication, with a strong foundation in telecommunication engineering. His educational journey spans from Pakistan to China, culminating in a Ph.D. from Harbin Engineering University. Professionally, he has held impactful roles in both academia and government research organizations, contributing significantly to underwater vehicle technology, covert communication, and biomimetic signal processing. With over 30 research publications and several prestigious awards, including Best Teacher and Best International Student, Dr. Bilal exemplifies excellence in both scientific innovation and community leadership.

Profile

Scopus

ORICD

 

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Muhammad Bilal began his academic journey in Pakistan, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Engineering from the prestigious FAST – National University in 2009. Building on this solid foundation, he completed his Master’s in Telecommunication Engineering at Hamdard University in 2013. His thirst for advanced knowledge led him to Harbin Engineering University in China, where he earned his Ph.D. in Information and Communication Engineering in 2021. Currently, he is engaged as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the same institution, contributing to pioneering studies in underwater communication systems. His early academic years were marked by intellectual rigor, interdisciplinary learning, and a vision to explore the uncharted depths of wireless and underwater communications.

Professional Endeavors

Professionally, Dr. Bilal has traversed both academia and high-level technical roles in national and international institutions. Between December 2021 and May 2023, he served as a Senior Manager (Technical) at the National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM) in Pakistan, where he led several marine technology projects, including the development of underwater vehicles and indigenous communication systems. Currently, he is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Harbin Engineering University and recently served as a Visiting Professor at Nanfang College, Sun Yat-Sen University, China, teaching computer networks. His work seamlessly bridges practical engineering and academic inquiry, highlighting a versatile career marked by global collaborations and multidisciplinary impact.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Bilal’s research is deeply embedded in the fields of covert underwater acoustic communication, biomimicry in signal design, and AI-based signal processing. He is a pioneering force in developing novel methods such as Bionic Morse Coding and cepstrum-based covert communication, mimicking marine mammal vocalizations for secure data transmission. His expertise also encompasses deep neural networks for signal classification and Q-learning for energy-efficient MAC protocols in underwater sensor networks. With over 30 published papers in reputed journals and conferences, his work contributes significantly to both theoretical frameworks and practical deployments in underwater communication systems.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Bilal’s excellence has been acknowledged through numerous awards and honors. He was named the Best Teacher by the Heilongjiang Government in China and awarded the Best International Student title at Harbin Engineering University in 2017–2018. He has also received recognition as the Best Social Worker in HEU’s International Students Union. His leadership in global academic events includes key roles in organizing the IEEE OES China Ocean Acoustic Conference and the China Pakistan Marine Information Workshop. These accolades reflect his scholarly merit, teaching excellence, and active community engagement.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Bilal’s influence spans continents and disciplines. He is a sought-after collaborator with institutions like the University of Southampton, Bahria University, NUST, and the University of Karachi. He has been instrumental in co-supervising doctoral research in underwater acoustics and mentoring young scientists. His work has not only advanced marine communication technologies but also inspired cross-cultural academic collaborations and capacity-building efforts in Pakistan and China. Through his technical contributions and mentorship, he is helping to shape a new generation of researchers in this critical field.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With an enduring legacy in biomimetic communication research, Dr. Bilal is poised to continue shaping the future of underwater acoustics. His ongoing work explores machine learning in secure underwater data transmission and the ecological modeling of marine communication systems. As a member of leading organizations like IEEE, ACM, IET, and UKAN, he remains at the forefront of research developments. Looking forward, Dr. Bilal aims to pioneer new methods in stealth communication and intelligent network protocols, with an eye on transforming underwater surveillance, marine biodiversity monitoring, and secure naval operations.

Publication

Title: Low Probability Detection Constrained Underwater Acoustic Communication: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Songzuo Liu, Mohsin Abrar Khan, Muhammad Bilal*, Habib Hussain Zuberi
Year: 2025

Title: Bionic Morse Coding Mimicking Humpback Whale Song for Covert Underwater Communication
Authors: Muhammad Bilal, Songzuo Liu, Gang Qiao, Lei Wan, Yan Tao
Year: 2020

Title: Symmetry Oriented Covert Acoustic Communication by Mimicking Humpback Whale Song
Authors: M. Bilal, G. Qiao, S. Liu, T. Ma, Y. Zhao, B. Kong
Year: 2019

Title: Biologically Inspired Covert Underwater Acoustic Communication—A Review
Authors: M. Bilal, G. Qiao, S. Liu, Z. Babar, T. Ma
Year: 2017

Title: Automated Classification of Humpback Whale Calls in Four Regions Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Multi-scale Deep Feature Aggregation (MSDFA)
Authors: Ali Raza, Sun Zongxin, Qiao Gang, Mubeen Javed, Muhammad Bilal*, Muhammad Mohsin, Habib Zuberi
Year: 2025 (Accepted)

Title: Clandestine Underwater Communication through Cepstrum Modulation Mimicking Pseudorca Crassidens Whistles Using Machine Learning
Authors: Muhammad Bilal, Habib Hussain Zuberi, Amar Jaffar, Songzuo Liu, Mohsin Abrar Khan, Ayman Alharbi, Wasiq Ali, Abdulaziz Miyajan, Xuanye Zhang, Yibo Zhao
Year: Under Review (Expected 2025).

Conclusion

Dr. Muhammad Bilal’s career reflects a rare blend of academic rigor, technical expertise, and international impact. His pioneering work in biomimetic and AI-driven underwater communication continues to influence global research and technology development. As a committed educator, mentor, and innovator, he stands as a role model for emerging scholars in engineering and marine technology. With a strong legacy already in place, Dr. Bilal is poised to lead future breakthroughs that will shape the next generation of secure and intelligent underwater communication systems.

 

Kyuwook Ihm | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kyuwook Ihm | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Principal scientist at Pohang accelerator laboratory, South Korea 

Dr. Kyuwook Ihm is a prominent beamline scientist at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL), where he leads the 4D Photoemission Spectroscopy (PES) beamline. His expertise lies in experimental condensed matter physics, with a specialized focus on low-dimensional materials, topological matter, and strongly correlated systems. Throughout his career, Dr. Ihm has consistently pushed the frontiers of soft X-ray spectroscopy and surface science through extensive work with PES, NEXAFS, XES, RIXS, and PEEM. He plays a vital role in the development of optical systems for soft X-ray beamlines and has also contributed significantly to beamline-related software engineering. Beyond his research at PAL, Dr. Ihm serves as an adjunct professor in the Physics Department at the University of Ulsan, further emphasizing his dedication to education and mentorship. He has actively contributed to various scientific communities through leadership roles, such as vice-president of the Korean Vacuum Society’s Surface and Interface Division and representative of the IUVSTA’s Surface Engineering Division. With his academic, technical, and organizational contributions, Dr. Ihm stands out as a multidisciplinary scientist whose research has been extensively published in top-tier journals. His efforts continue to enhance understanding in materials science and experimental physics on both national and international stages.

Professional Profiles

Education

Dr. Kyuwook Ihm received his Ph.D. in Physics from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in 2009, specializing in experimental condensed matter physics. His doctoral research, conducted under the mentorship of Professor Sukmin Chung, focused on the adsorption characteristics and thermodynamic behaviors of molecules with sp² hybrid orbitals on inorganic surfaces. This work laid a strong foundation for his future contributions to surface physics and spectroscopy. Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. Ihm completed both his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Physics at Sung Kyun Kwan University in 2000, where he cultivated his early interest in surface science and material interactions. His academic journey reflects a deep and sustained engagement with complex physical systems and materials behavior at the atomic and molecular scale. These formative years equipped Dr. Ihm with the theoretical insight and experimental rigor needed to pursue a successful career in both academic and applied research. His educational background has not only shaped his research focus but also prepared him to contribute significantly to the scientific community, including his current role as a mentor and educator. The strong academic lineage and interdisciplinary training continue to inform his innovative work in spectroscopy and material science.

Professional Experience

Dr. Kyuwook Ihm has cultivated an illustrious career that spans over two decades, centered at the forefront of experimental condensed matter physics. Since 2001, he has served as the chief scientist at the 4D PES beamline of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, where he is responsible for overseeing beamline design, experimental implementation, and user support. In parallel, he has held an adjunct professorship at the University of Ulsan since 2021, further showcasing his commitment to education and research mentorship. Dr. Ihm’s professional leadership extends beyond the laboratory; he has been vice-president of the Surface and Interface Division of the Korean Vacuum Society since 2020 and a representative of the Surface Engineering Division of the International Union for Vacuum Science, Technique and Applications (IUVSTA) since 2022. His influence also reaches national scientific policy, as a member of PAL’s Planning Committee and an evaluator for Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups. He has collaborated globally, serving as a visiting scholar at the Advanced Light Source (LBNL) from 2016–2017 and as a visiting scientist at Elettra in Italy in 2003. Earlier in his career, he worked on transistor simulations at Samsung Electronics, gaining valuable industrial experience that complements his academic pursuits.

Research Interest

Dr. Ihm’s research interests span a rich tapestry of scientific themes at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and engineering. He is deeply invested in understanding the physics and chemistry of condensed matter, with a specific emphasis on low-dimensional materials, topological matter, and strongly correlated systems. His curiosity extends into the transport properties of charge carriers, especially within organic functional materials where quantum chemical effects significantly influence performance. Dr. Ihm is particularly fascinated by how molecular and electronic structures affect material behavior under different conditions. On the experimental front, he specializes in soft X-ray spectroscopy techniques such as Photoemission Spectroscopy (PES), Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS), X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES), and Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS). Additionally, he works extensively with Photoemission Electron Microscopy (PEEM) to investigate surface properties at high spatial resolution. His beamline development efforts at PAL underscore his interest in advancing optics for soft X-ray applications, as well as in engineering custom software for experimental data analysis and control. Altogether, Dr. Ihm’s interdisciplinary approach integrates fundamental theory with practical experimentation, bridging the gap between materials science and applied physics to generate new knowledge and technological innovation.

Research Skills

Dr. Kyuwook Ihm possesses an extensive skill set rooted in experimental condensed matter physics, with expertise that encompasses both foundational theory and sophisticated laboratory techniques. A cornerstone of his capabilities lies in soft X-ray spectroscopy, where he expertly applies methods such as PES, NEXAFS, XES, and RIXS to explore electronic and chemical structures of materials. His proficiency with Photoemission Electron Microscopy (PEEM) allows him to obtain spatially resolved surface data, adding further depth to his material investigations. Beyond experimental execution, Dr. Ihm is an accomplished optics designer, particularly for soft X-ray beamline systems, where he integrates precision engineering with theoretical modeling. His experience includes the conceptualization and realization of high-performance beamlines, such as the 4D PES beamline at PAL. He also demonstrates robust software development skills, focusing on control systems and data processing tools tailored for beamline experiments. These software tools enhance experimental reproducibility and accuracy, a testament to his attention to detail and innovative thinking. Dr. Ihm’s interdisciplinary training allows him to collaborate seamlessly with chemists, engineers, and theorists, making him a pivotal contributor to complex research teams. His ability to connect experimental insights with real-world applications defines him as a versatile and forward-thinking scientist.

Awards and Honors

Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Kyuwook Ihm has been honored with numerous accolades and professional appointments that reflect his outstanding contributions to science and technology. He has been a fellow of both the Korean Physical Society and the Korean Vacuum Society since 2015, affirming his standing as a leading expert in his field. As vice-president of the Surface and Interface Division of the Korean Vacuum Society, he plays a central role in guiding national research agendas related to surface science. His recognition on the international stage is highlighted by his role as the representative of the Surface Engineering Division within IUVSTA, where he contributes to shaping global strategies in vacuum and surface technologies. Dr. Ihm’s strategic influence extends to institutional leadership, as evidenced by his appointment to the Planning Committee of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, where he has served since 2018. His evaluative expertise is also called upon by Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups, where he has helped assess research proposals since 2015. These prestigious appointments and honors not only celebrate his individual excellence but also illustrate the broad impact of his work across academic, governmental, and international scientific domains.

Conclusion

Dr. Kyuwook Ihm’s career is a compelling example of how deep scientific inquiry, technical mastery, and interdisciplinary collaboration can converge to produce meaningful advancements in experimental physics and materials science. From his early academic work in surface physics to his current leadership at the 4D PES beamline at PAL, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is experimentally possible. His expertise in soft X-ray spectroscopy and photoemission methods has contributed valuable insights into the electronic and structural properties of novel materials, with applications spanning energy storage, catalysis, and semiconductor technology. Beyond research, Dr. Ihm is a dedicated mentor, educator, and scientific leader, influencing both policy and practice within Korea’s scientific community and beyond. His dual engagement in academic and industrial settings equips him with a rare versatility, making him an effective collaborator across sectors. Through roles in international scientific organizations and national evaluation committees, he actively shapes the future of experimental science and technological innovation. As he continues to contribute cutting-edge research and guide the development of next-generation beamline infrastructure, Dr. Ihm remains a vital force in advancing the frontiers of materials science and applied physics.

 Publications Top Notes

1. Theoretical and Experimental Optimization of P2-Type Sodium-Ion Battery Cathodes via Li, Mg, and Ni Co-Doping: A Path to Enhanced Capacity and Stability

  • Authors: M. Cho, N. Yaqoob, J. Yu, … P. Kaghazchi, S.-T. Myung

  • Year: 2025

  • Citations: 3

2. Interfacial contact-driven enhanced environmental photocatalysis of CdS-loaded OH-functionalized carbon nanotubes with low biotoxicity

  • Authors: H. Ju, D. T.H. Hoang, W.-S. Jang, … Y.-M. Kim, H. Lee

  • Year: 2025

3. Enhancing structural flexibility in P2-type Ni-Mn-based Na-layered cathodes for high power-capability and fast charging/discharging performance

  • Authors: B. Ku, J. Ahn, H. Lee, … J. Yoo, J. Kim

  • Year: 2025

4. Correction to: Impact of Transition Metal Layer Vacancy on the Structure and Performance of P2 Type Layered Sodium Cathode Material

  • Authors: O.Y. Zhanadilov, S. Baiju, N.V. Voronina, … P. Kaghazchi, S.-T. Myung

  • Year: 2024

5. Impact of Transition Metal Layer Vacancy on the Structure and Performance of P2 Type Layered Sodium Cathode Material

  • Authors: O.Y. Zhanadilov, S. Baiju, N.V. Voronina, … P. Kaghazchi, S.-T. Myung

  • Year: 2024

  • Citations: 5

6. Origin of Oxidation Variations in Ambient-Stable β-InSe

  • Authors: E. Sim, D. Kim, T.H. Nguyen, … S. Lim, K. Ihm

  • Year: 2024

7. Multi-Purpose Improvements in Catalytic Activity for Li-Ion Deposited TiO2, SnO2, and CeO2 Nanoparticles through Oxygen-Vacancy Control

  • Authors: D.T. Hoang, D. Lim, M.J. Kang, … H.S. Ahn, H. Lee

  • Year: 2024

  • Citations: 2

8. Migration of Mg in Na-O-Mg Configuration for Oxygen Redox of Sodium Cathode

  • Authors: J. Yu, N.V. Voronina, N. Yaqoob, … P. Kaghazchi, S.-T. Myung

  • Year: 2024

  • Citations: 9

9. Achieving volatile potassium promoted ammonia synthesis via mechanochemistry

  • Authors: J. Kim, T. Dai, M. Yang, … Q. Jiang, J.-B. Baek

  • Year: 2023

  • Citations: 18