Ivan Marovic | Project Management | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Dr. Ivan Marovic | Project Management | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Dr. Ivan Marovic | University of Rijeka, Faculty of Civil Engineering | Croatia

Prof. Dr. Ivan Marovic is a distinguished academic with over two decades of experience in civil engineering, progressing from research assistant to full professorship at the University of Rijeka, Croatia. His expertise lies in Project Management with a particular focus on management information systems, multi-criteria decision analysis, and soft computing methods applied to civil engineering challenges. He has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Best Doctoral Thesis Award by the Croatian Association of Civil Engineers, the Vera Johanides Award by the Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences, and the Global Peer Review Award (Clarivate Analytics) for ranking among the top 1% of reviewers worldwide in Environment and Ecology as well as in Cross-Field research. Prof. Marović has demonstrated exceptional leadership in research, having led and participated in multiple national and international projects such as “Development of performance management model for construction projects based on soft computing methods (PerfMAN),” “CRESCO Adria,” “GAIA COFUND,” and several University of Rijeka-funded initiatives focusing on construction project optimization, climate adaptation, and infrastructure performance. His prolific academic output includes 40 Scopus-indexed and 38 Web of Science-indexed publications, achieving 457 citations (Scopus), 383 citations (WoS), and h-indices of 13 and 11, respectively, reflecting a consistent contribution to advancing sustainable construction and project management methodologies. His editorial involvement spans guest editorships in Sustainability and Applied Sciences, and membership on the editorial board of Advances in Civil and Architectural Engineering. As an active member of numerous scientific committees across Europe including OTMC, PrometheeDays, and DBMC conferences he has contributed to shaping the discourse in civil engineering research. Beyond academia, he has been actively engaged in consultancy and innovation-driven collaborations, notably co-investigating the award-winning “Innovative Connector for Joining Thin-Walled Steel C-Profile Structural Elements,” which received a silver medal at the ARCA International Exhibition for Innovation. His professional memberships include the Croatian Operational Research Society and the Croatian Association of Construction Management. A dedicated mentor, he has supervised over 45 bachelor’s and master’s theses and one doctoral dissertation. For his outstanding academic, research, and industry contributions, Prof. Marović continues to be recognized nationally and internationally as a leading figure in civil engineering project management and sustainable infrastructure development.

Dr. Ali Saleh | Transportation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ali Saleh | Transportation | Best Researcher Award

Széchenyi István University, Germany.

Ali Saleh is a dedicated Syrian 🇸🇾 Civil Engineer and Ph.D. researcher specializing in road engineering and sustainable asphalt technology. With years of hands-on experience in both academia and infrastructure development, Ali blends practical engineering skills with cutting-edge research. He is particularly focused on asphalt mixture optimization using AI and neural networks. Currently based in Germany 🇩🇪, Ali seeks to contribute to advanced civil engineering innovations worldwide.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Ali Saleh holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from Széchenyi István University, Hungary (2020–2024), where he engaged in cutting-edge research within the field of civil engineering. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed both a Master of Science in Civil Engineering (2015–2019) and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (2007–2013) at Tishreen University, Syria. Dr. Saleh’s academic background showcases a strong foundation in structural analysis, a deep commitment to infrastructure development, and a progressive trajectory in engineering sciences.

💼 Experience

In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Ali Saleh brings valuable professional and teaching experience in the field of civil engineering. He worked as a Civil Engineer at Latakia Port, Syria (2014–2020), where he managed and supervised major infrastructure projects from design through execution, ensuring strict adherence to deadlines and quality standards. Alongside his engineering role, he served as a Lecturer at Tishreen University (2016–2019), where he delivered core civil engineering lectures and guided students academically. He also contributed to technical education as an Instructor at Omega Institute (2018–2019), teaching AutoCAD and Civil 3D to aspiring engineers, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.

🔬 Research Interests

♻️ Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP)

🧠 Machine Learning & Neural Networks in Civil Engineering

🌱 Sustainable Road Construction

🛣️ Bitumen Foaming and Asphalt Performance

📊 Pavement Testing and ITS/HWTT Data Modeling

🏆 Awards & Innovations

🛠️ Invention: Designed a bitumen foaming machine

🏅 Recognized for contributions in road project sustainability and environmental research at various international conferences.

📚 Selected Publications

🛣️ Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) & Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Research

1. Machine Learning Modelling the Rut Depth of WMA Mixtures with Variable RAP and Foamed Bitumen Content

Journal: Dorogi i mosti (October 9, 2024)
DOI: 10.36100/dorogimosti2024.30.138
Highlights:

Utilizes machine learning models to predict rutting behavior in WMA.

Investigates performance effects of variable RAP and foamed bitumen levels.

Promotes data-driven pavement design and performance prediction.


2. Modelling Indirect Tensile Strength of Warm Mix Asphalt with Variable RAP Content

Journal: Dorogi i mosti (October 9, 2024)
DOI: 10.36100/dorogimosti2024.30.157
Highlights:

Focuses on indirect tensile strength (ITS) behavior of WMA mixtures.

Models mechanical performance under different RAP inclusion rates.

Supports RAP optimization for maintaining structural integrity.


3. Environmental Impacts of Using Foamed Asphalt

Journal: Dorogi i mosti (April 25, 2023)
DOI: 10.36100/dorogimosti2023.27.296
Highlights:

Evaluates environmental implications of foamed asphalt in road construction.

Considers emissions, energy savings, and recyclability.

Lays groundwork for greener road-building practices.

Mr. Danjuma Abdu Yusuf | Architecture | Excellence in Research

Mr. Danjuma Abdu Yusuf | Architecture | Excellence in Research

Chongqing University, Nigeria.

Danjuma Abdu Yusuf is a Nigerian academic and researcher specializing in Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Environment, and Urban Conservation. He is a Ph.D. student at Chongqing University, China, focusing on landscape urbanism, cultural landscapes, and heritage conservation. He has an extensive background in architecture and urban planning, with industry experience as a Project Manager and Senior Architect on major housing and urban development projects in Nigeria. Additionally, he serves as an editorial team member for the Nigerian Journal of Landscape Architecture (NJLA) and is affiliated with professional bodies such as the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN) and the Asian Council of Science Editors.

Profile

Scopus
Orcid

🎓 Education

Mr. Danjuma Abdu Yusuf is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Architecture and Urban Planning at Chongqing University, China (2021 – Present). He holds a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria (2016) and a B.Sc. in Architecture (Second Class Upper) from Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Nigeria (2007). Additionally, he obtained a Diploma in Microcomputer Maintenance and Repair from the Intersystem Computer Institute of Technology (2009). His early education includes a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) from Government Secondary School, Kawaji Boys (2001) and a Primary School Testimonial from Dakata Special Primary School, Kano State (1995).

💼 Professional Experience

Mr. Danjuma Abdu Yusuf is a dedicated academic and professional architect with extensive experience in both teaching and architectural practice. He currently serves as a Lecturer II at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil (2020 – Present). Previously, he held positions as an Assistant Lecturer (2017 – 2020) and Graduate Assistant (2016 – 2017) at Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil. His academic career began as a CAAD Technologist (2010 – 2016) at the same institution. Alongside his academic roles, he has gained valuable industry experience, serving as a Project Manager & Senior Architect at Poly Dimensional Projects Limited, Kano Office. He has also contributed to major infrastructure projects as a Project Architect for the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), overseeing projects in Bida, Gaya, and Offa.

🔬 Research Interests

Landscape Urbanism 🌳🏙️

Cultural Landscapes & Heritage Conservation 🏛️

Sustainable Urban Planning & Green Infrastructure 🌱

Architectural Conservation & Retrofitting of Historic Buildings 🏠

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

Editorial MemberNigerian Journal of Landscape Architecture (NJLA)

Former Publicity SecretarySociety of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (Northern Chapter)

MemberAsian Council of Science Editors

Registered MemberSociety of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN)

📚 Selected Publications

Yusuf, D.A., Zhu, J., Nashe, S.A., et al. (2023). A Typology for Urban Landscape Progression: Toward a Sustainable Planning Mechanism in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. Urban Sci. 7(2), 36. 🔗 DOI: 10.3390/urbansci7020036

Yusuf, D.A., Ahmed, A., Sagir, A., et al. (2023). A Review of Conceptual Design and Self Health Monitoring Program in a Vertical City: A Case of Burj Khalifa, U.A.E. Buildings 13, 1049. 🔗 DOI: 10.3390/buildings13041049

Yusuf, D.A., Ahmed, A., Zhu, J., et al. (2023). Quest for an Innovative Methodology for Retrofitting Urban Built Heritage: An Assessment of some Historic Buildings in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. Buildings 13, 1899. 🔗 DOI: 10.3390/buildings13081899

Yusuf, D.A., Zhu, J., Saleh-Bala, M., et al. (2023). Evolutionary Trends in the Landscape of Hausa Open Spaces: Key Enablers of Habe City Planning Mythology. Journal of Regional and City Planning, 34(2), 204-217. 🔗 DOI: 10.5614/jpwk.2023.34.2.4

Yusuf, D.A., Nenchi, D.W., & Abubakar, A. (2015). Isolated Urban Railway Corridors: Towards Sustainable Greenway Development in Kano. NIA Journal of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Vol. 1 & 2.