Abdullah Almakrab | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abdullah Almakrab, Royal Comssion for AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

Abdullah Almakrab, Ph.D., P.E., is a highly accomplished civil engineer with over a decade of experience managing and executing large-scale projects. Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he has led infrastructure projects including mega and giga developments, highways, bridges, and structural engineering initiatives. Currently serving as a Technical Manager for the Royal Commission for AlUla, he has a proven track record in delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget, with a focus on sustainability, safety, and quality. Abdullah is also recognized for his research and contributions to civil engineering.

Education and Experience

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – University of Idaho (2021)

Master of Science in Civil Engineering – University of Idaho (2017)

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering – University of Idaho (2016)

Technical Manager – Royal Commission for AlUla (2022 – Present)

Civil Engineer – Germer Construction, Inc. (2021)

Senior Civil Inspector – Saudi Aramco (2010 – 2011)

Project Control Coordinator – Al-Suwaidi Industrial Services Co. Ltd. (2007 – 2010)

Suitability For The Award

Dr. Abdullah Almakrab is a seasoned engineering expert with over a decade of experience in civil engineering, specializing in large-scale and complex projects. His commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability aligns with the core values of impactful research and development in the field. His diverse portfolio, which includes significant contributions to engineering design, project management, and technical oversight, establishes him as a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Development

Abdullah Almakrab, Ph.D., P.E., has a rich history of professional growth, having earned certifications like Saudi Aramco Quality Control Inspector and Lead Auditor. He is proficient in various technical tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SAP 2000, allowing him to effectively oversee complex civil engineering projects. His continuous learning is demonstrated by his completion of specialized courses in soil mechanics, bridge design, and advanced structural analysis at the University of Idaho. His drive for excellence has consistently contributed to the successful execution of projects with a focus on sustainability and safety.

Research Focus

Abdullah’s research primarily revolves around civil and structural engineering, with a focus on innovative construction materials and project sustainability. He has conducted extensive studies on alkali-silica reactions in concrete, providing mitigation strategies to enhance material longevity in harsh environments. He has also contributed to high-strength reinforced concrete beam behavior studies. His passion for research is reflected in publications that have influenced modern construction practices. Abdullah’s commitment to improving construction techniques has helped shape sustainable civil engineering projects globally.

Awards and Honors

Certified Saudi Aramco Quality Control Inspector
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – University of Idaho (2021)
Recognition from Saudi Aramco South and West Province Team for QA/QC contributions
Published Research in International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials
Member of Saudi Council of Engineers, SEA, ACI, ASCE

Publications

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete structures: Mechanisms, effects and evaluation test methods adopted in the United States – Fanijo, E.O., Kolawole, J.T., Almakrab, A. – 2021 – Cited by 63
Influence of Shear Span-to-Effective Depth Ratio on Behavior of High-Strength Reinforced Concrete Beams – Arowojolu, O., Ibrahim, A., Almakrab, A., Saras, N., Nielsen, R. – 2021 – Cited by 10
Improving the outlier detection method in concrete mix design by combining the isolation forest and local outlier factor – Alsini, R., Almakrab, A., Ibrahim, A., Ma, X. – 2021 – Cited by 28

Jiacong Li | Decarbonization | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jiacong Li , Tsinghua University, China

Jiacong Li is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Science and Engineering at Tsinghua University, specializing in energy system decarbonization using carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. His research investigates the synergies between flexible carbon capture power plants and renewable energy within large-scale power systems. Jiacong’s work on enhancing the flexibility of these systems to optimize carbon capture has been published in Applied Energy. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Philosophy from Tsinghua University and is actively involved in projects focused on carbon neutrality.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Suitability For The Award

Jiacong Li is a dedicated Ph.D. student at Tsinghua University, specializing in environmental science and engineering. His research focuses on energy system decarbonization, particularly through the application of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. His innovative approach and significant contributions position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Education and Experience:

Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering
Tsinghua University, ongoing

Bachelor of Engineering
Tsinghua University

Bachelor of Philosophy
Tsinghua University

Research Focus:
Energy system decarbonization, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)

Published in Applied Energy:
Assessing flexible carbon capture power plants’ synergies with renewable energy

Professional Development

Jiacong Li has actively contributed to cutting-edge research on the decarbonization of power systems, focusing on the flexible operation of carbon capture and storage technologies. His current projects explore the integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar with carbon capture systems to enhance power system flexibility. Jiacong is involved in collaborations with the Tsinghua-Toyota Joint Research Institute and the Ordos-Tsinghua Innovative & Collaborative Research Program, advancing carbon neutrality goals. His ongoing work on decarbonizing the coal-to-methanol industry showcases his dedication to developing sustainable energy solutions for the future.

Research Focus

Jiacong Li’s research is centered on decarbonizing energy systems through flexible carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. His work explores the synergy between CCS power plants and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, focusing on large-scale power systems. His research aims to optimize the flexibility of CCS operations, ensuring that energy generation remains efficient while reducing carbon emissions. By examining the economic and environmental benefits, Jiacong’s studies provide insights into how CCS can be deployed in the near term, offering a pathway toward a carbon-neutral future.

Awards and Honors

Best Researcher Award Nominee – 2024

Research Publication in Applied Energy – 2025

Tsinghua-Toyota Joint Research Institute Cross-discipline Program

Ordos-Tsinghua Collaborative Research in Carbon Neutrality

Publications

Assessing the synergies of flexibly-operated carbon capture power plants with variable renewable energy in large-scale power systems – Applied Energy (2025)
Cited by: N/A

Combined solar power and storage as cost-competitive and grid-compatible supply for China’s future carbon-neutral electricity system – Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2021)
Cited by: N/A

Conclusion

Jiacong Li’s academic achievements, robust research contributions, and innovative approach to energy decarbonization align well with the criteria for the Best Researcher Award. His ongoing efforts to advance CCUS technologies and his ability to publish impactful research highlight his potential to make significant contributions to the field of environmental science and engineering. Recognizing his work with this award would not only honor his achievements but also encourage further innovation in sustainable energy solutions.