Kun He | Computer Science | Research Excellence Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Kun He | Computer Science | Research Excellence Award 

Renmin University | China

Dr. Kun He is an accomplished computer scientist and currently serves as an Associate Professor at Renmin University of China (since January 2023). His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in theoretical computer science, backed by extensive research experience across leading Chinese institutions. Before joining Renmin University, he worked at the Institute of Computing Technology (ICT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), first as an Assistant Researcher (2021–2022) and later as an Associate Researcher (2022). He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Shenzhen University between 2019 and 2021. Dr. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from ICT, CAS in 2019 under the supervision of Prof. Xiaoming Sun. He also holds a Master’s degree from ICT, CAS and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from Wuhan University. His research centers on the theory of computing, with particular emphasis on probabilistic methods, sampling algorithms, quantum computing, combinatorial structures, and theoretical machine learning. His work has significantly advanced algorithmic techniques related to the Lovász Local Lemma (LLL), Holant problems, and random constraint satisfaction. Over the years, Dr. He has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing the impact and quality of his research. These include the New Hundred Stars of ICT (2021), the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award of the China Computer Federation (2020), the Special Award for the President of CAS (2019), and the National Scholarship of China (2018). These honors highlight his early and sustained contributions to theoretical computer science. Dr. He has published extensively in top-tier venues such as SODA, STOC, FOCS, ITCS, and Random Structures & Algorithms. His notable works include breakthroughs on the Moser–Tardos algorithm, deterministic counting versions of the Lovász Local Lemma, sampling solutions to random CNF formulas, and quantum extensions of classical combinatorial frameworks. Several of his papers have been widely cited and recognized, including a top-downloaded publication in Random Structures & Algorithms (2020). Recently, his research continues to push theoretical boundaries, with upcoming papers on the phase transition of the Sinkhorn–Knopp algorithm and efficient approximation schemes for Holant problems. Dr. He also actively works on emerging topics involving perfect sampling and permutation constraints within the Lopsided LLL regime, with multiple manuscripts currently under submission. With strong expertise, a prolific publication record, and multiple high-impact contributions, Dr. Kun He stands as a leading figure in modern theoretical computer science.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

He, K., Li, L., Liu, X., Wang, Y., & Xia, M. (2025). Variable version Lovász Local Lemma: A tale of two boundaries. Information and Computation, 105386.

He, K. (2025). Phase transition of the Sinkhorn-Knopp algorithm. arXiv preprint arXiv:2507.09711.

He, K., Li, Z., Qiu, G., & Zhang, C. (2025). FPTAS for Holant problems with log-concave signatures. In Proceedings of the 2025 Annual ACM–SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms (SODA).

He, K., Qiu, G., & Sun, X. (2024). Sampling permutations satisfying constraints within the lopsided local lemma regime. arXiv preprint arXiv:2411.02750.

He, K., Qiu, G., & Sun, X. (2024). Sampling permutations satisfying constraints within and beyond the local lemma regime. arXiv e-prints, arXiv:2411.02750.

He, K., Li, Q., & Sun, X. (2023). Moser-Tardos algorithm: Beyond Shearer’s bound. In Proceedings of the 2023 Annual ACM–SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms (SODA).

He, K., Wang, C., & Yin, Y. (2023). Deterministic counting Lovász Local Lemma beyond linear programming. In Proceedings of the 2023 Annual ACM–SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms (SODA).

He, K., Wu, K., & Yang, K. (2023). Improved bounds for sampling solutions of random CNF formulas. In Proceedings of the 2023 Annual ACM–SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms (SODA).

He, K., Wang, C., & Yin, Y. (2022). Sampling Lovász Local Lemma for general constraint satisfaction solutions in near-linear time. In 2022 IEEE 63rd Annual Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science (FOCS).

Alaba Ayotunde Fadele | Computer Science | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Alaba Ayotunde Fadele | Computer Science | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Alaba Ayotunde Fadele | Federal University of Education | Nigeria

Dr. Alaba Ayotunde Fadele is a distinguished computer scientist and academic leader whose work spans blockchain, cybersecurity, IoT systems, and smart contract security. He is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Instituto de Estudos e Desenvolvemento de Galicia (IDEGA), Madrid, Spain, beginning in 2025. He holds two Ph.D. degrees: a Ph.D. in Computer Science with a specialization in Blockchain from the International University, Bamenda (2020–2023), where his research focused on smart contracts and cyber security, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Malaya (2016–2019), specializing in IoT and cyber security. His earlier academic foundations include a Master of Computer Science (2011–2014) from Ahmadu Bello University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (2011–2012) from Usman Danfodio University, and a First Class Honours Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (2004–2008) from Nasarawa State University. Dr. Fadele has held major administrative and academic leadership roles, including Director of the ICT Unit at the Federal University of Education, Zaria (from October 2025), Head of the Department of Computer Science (from June 2025), and Head of the Communications Advancement Unit in the Directorate of University Advancement (2024–2025). He has served as a full-time lecturer at the Federal University of Education, Zaria since 2010, a visiting lecturer at St. Francis of Assisi College of Education since 2021, and previously as a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, as well as a Research Assistant at the University of Malaya. His outstanding contributions have earned him the 2019 JNCA Best Survey Paper Award, Best Presenter Award at the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology Postgraduate Symposium in Malaysia (2017), and recognition as the Best Graduating Student in Computer Science at Nasarawa State University (2007/2008). Dr. Fadele has authored 20 scholarly publications, accumulating 1,253 citations from 1,245 documents, and holds an h-index of 10, reflecting his impactful contributions to cyber security, IoT research, blockchain systems, and advanced computing innovations.

Profiles: Scopus Orcid 

Featured Publications

Alaba, F. A., & Rocha, A. (2025). Conclusions, future directions, and recommendations. In F. A. Alaba & A. Rocha (Eds.), Studies in Systems, Decision and Control (Chapter 5). Springer.

Alaba, F. A., & Rocha, A. (2025). Implementation results. In F. A. Alaba & A. Rocha (Eds.), Studies in Systems, Decision and Control (Chapter 4). Springer.

Alaba, F. A., & Rocha, A. (2025). Machine learning algorithms on malware detection against smart wearable devices. In F. A. Alaba & A. Rocha (Eds.), Studies in Systems, Decision and Control (Chapter 3). Springer.

Alaba, F. A., & Rocha, A. (2025). Security challenges of wearable technology. In F. A. Alaba & A. Rocha (Eds.), Studies in Systems, Decision and Control (Chapter 2). Springer.

Iman Asadi | Engineering | Best Paper Award

Dr. Iman Asadi | Engineering| Best Paper Award

Dr. Iman Asadi | University for Continuing Education Krems |Austria

Dr. Iman Asadi, Ph.D., is a committed and multifaceted researcher in the built environment and materials science, currently advancing the field as a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher in Austria and a Visiting Researcher in Australia. Rooted in a solid foundation in mechanical engineering, Dr. Asadi has cultivated expertise spanning thermal behavior of cementitious materials, indoor environmental quality, and the integration of sustainable and waste-derived components into construction practices. Driven by a passion for merging experimental rigor with sustainable innovation, Dr. Asadi pursues interdisciplinary projects across continents, contributing to greener building systems through both applied research and scholarly collaboration..

Profile

Googlescholar

Education

Dr. Asadi’s academic trajectory began with a mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree earned at Azad University of Iran, laying a strong technical foundation in thermofluid systems. The pursuit of specialized knowledge continued with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from University Tenaga Nasional in Malaysia, where the focus was on indoor environmental quality consciousness in air-conditioned buildings. Culminating with a Ph.D. in Building Science and Performance from University of Malaya, Dr. Asadi’s doctoral research rigorously evaluated the thermal properties of cementitious mortars incorporating sustainable byproducts, thereby bridging fundamentals of heat transfer with sustainable material development.

Experience

Dr. Asadi’s professional path weaves across academia and applied research. After roles as mechanical designer and research assistant in Iran and Malaysia, he progressed to postdoctoral positions including at the University of Tehran, emphasizing building envelope thermal dynamics and energy modeling. At NTNU in Norway, he explored porosity in cement-based materials via CT scanning and analyzed freeze–thaw durability in sustainable concrete. Since mid-2023, he has served as a Senior Postdoc in Krems, Austria, overseeing projects in manure phosphorus analytics and silicon recovery from photovoltaic panels, and since late 2024, he has expanded his research scope as a Visiting Researcher in Melbourne, Australia, focusing on fire-resistant and phase change materials.

Research Interests

Dr. Asadi’s research lies the thermal characterization and sustainability of cement-based materials, emphasizing the integration of industrial byproducts and PCMs to optimize building performance. His interests include the microscopic and macroscopic porosity of mortars, analyzed through CT-based 3D image processing, as well as heat-transfer phenomena in cementitious media. He is deeply invested in innovating resilient building envelopes, improving indoor environmental quality, and pioneering circular-economy approaches—such as phosphorus recovery and silicon recycling—while advancing methods to assess and enhance material durability, environmental impact, and thermal efficiency.

Awards

Dr. Asadi’s innovative research has been recognized through multiple prestigious accolades. His proposal on geopolymer composites incorporating waste and PCMs earned the European Commission’s Seal of Excellence in consecutive years, underscoring its high scientific and societal merit. Earlier, his inventive work in Malaysia was celebrated with gold awards at both the international research innovation exposition and the invention, design, and innovation competition. Additionally, he was a winner of his university’s three-minute thesis contest and has been supported by national and university-level research grants, including from the National Elites Foundation of Iran and various Malaysian funding bodies.

Publications Top Notes

Thermal conductivity of concrete – A review

Journal: Journal of Building Engineering
Authors: I. Asadi, P. Shafigh, Z.F.B.A. Hassan, N.B. Mahyuddin

Concrete as a thermal mass material for building applications – A review

Journal: Journal of Building Engineering
Authors: P. Shafigh, I. Asadi, N.B. Mahyuddin

Thermal properties of cement mortar with different mix proportions

Journal: Materiales de Construcción
Authors: P. Shafigh, I. Asadi, A.R. Akhiani, N.B. Mahyuddin, M. Hashemi

A review on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and energy consumption in building based on occupant behavior

Journal: Facilities
Authors: I. Asadi, N. Mahyuddin, P. Shafigh

Drying shrinkage properties of expanded polystyrene (EPS) lightweight aggregate concrete: A review

Journal: Case Studies in Construction Materials
Authors: M. Maghfouri, V. Alimohammadi, R. Gupta, M. Saberian, P. Azarsa

Conclusion

Dr. Iman Asadi exemplifies the modern researcher: globally mobile, deeply interdisciplinary, and observant of both micro-scale physical processes and macro-scale sustainability challenges. With a rich background in mechanical and building sciences, he seamlessly merges experimental materials work—such as thermal testing and CT image-based porosity analysis—with applications ranging from environmental quality improvements to resource-recycling innovations. His recognized achievements, international collaborations, and robust publication record position him as an influential contributor to evolving sustainable and resilient built-environment solutions.