Lijun Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Lijun Chen | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Northeast Electric Power University, China

Professor Lijun Chen is a seasoned academic and applied researcher at Northeast Electric Power University, bringing over three decades of expertise in automation, thermophysical measurement, and power plant monitoring systems. ๐Ÿš€ With early technical training at Fuji Electric (Japan) and a strong industrial foundation at Dalian Huaying High-Tech Co., he seamlessly bridges theory with real-world application. His scholarly portfolio boasts 50+ journal publications ๐Ÿ“š (with 20+ indexed by EI and others in SCI), and six national invention patents that reflect his innovation-driven mindset. โš™๏ธ He has led multiple national and provincial projects, combining academic research with industrial consulting to optimize thermal power systems. A Senior Member of the China Metrology Society, his dedication is evident through a career filled with impactful collaborations, cutting-edge research, and enduring contributions to the energy sector. ๐Ÿ”ง His work continues to empower sustainable and efficient energy technologies across China and beyond. ๐ŸŒ

Professional Profileย 

Scopus

๐ŸŽ“ Education

Professor Lijun Chenโ€™s educational journey is deeply rooted in engineering excellence. ๐ŸŒฑ He enhanced his technical knowledge through automation testing training at Fuji Electric, Japan (1991โ€“1992), where he gained exposure to international standards and modern industrial practices. This early international training laid the groundwork for a future in advanced automation and instrumentation. He continued sharpening his skills with hands-on industry experience before entering academia. ๐Ÿ“ His educational pursuits were not just theoretical but focused on practical solutions for real-world problems in power systems. His academic foundation, supplemented by immersive industrial exposure, uniquely positions him as a knowledge leader in thermophysical measurement and energy systems. ๐Ÿ”‹ The fusion of global learning and domestic execution in his educational journey symbolizes his balanced and forward-thinking approach to engineering education and research. ๐Ÿ“Š

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ’ผ Professional Experience

Professor Chenโ€™s professional voyage is an exemplar of bridging industry with academia. ๐Ÿญ From 1995 to 1997, he worked at Dalian Huaying High-Tech Co., developing automation solutions for complex power systems. Following this, from 1997 to 2001, he continued innovating at the Institute of Electronic Engineering Technology, sharpening his expertise in electronic control. Since 2001, he has been a cornerstone of the School of Automation Engineering at Northeast Electric Power University. ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿซ There, he has led or collaborated on numerous high-impact projects, integrating research with engineering applications. His leadership in thermal power plant control systems has shaped provincial-level R&D initiatives and academicโ€“industry partnerships. ๐Ÿง  His work with national and horizontal industry projects exemplifies how academic insight can directly solve operational challenges in the energy sector. ๐Ÿ”Œ

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Interest

Lijun Chenโ€™s research is centered on cutting-edge thermal measurement and automation in power engineering. ๐ŸŒก๏ธ His core interests span thermophysical parameter estimation, combustion optimization, and defect detection in high-frequency electromagnetic equipment. ๐Ÿ”Ž These focus areas have significant industrial value, particularly in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and reliability of thermal power plants. His work addresses critical challenges in energy management and environmental control, making his innovations especially relevant in the current era of carbon reduction and sustainable engineering. ๐ŸŒ Professor Chen’s ability to combine hardware innovation with control algorithms demonstrates his multi-disciplinary reach across automation, electronics, and thermodynamics. His projects often involve both modeling and experimental validation, ensuring practical applicability. ๐Ÿ“Š His collaborations with institutes and enterprises are further proof of his commitment to solving industry-grade problems with scientifically sound solutions. โš›๏ธ

๐Ÿ… Award and Honor

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Chen has been recognized with multiple provincial science and technology awards, a testament to the real-world impact of his work. ๐Ÿ† His patentsโ€”six granted at the national levelโ€”underscore his creative contributions to the field of power system automation and thermal engineering. ๐Ÿ“œ His consistent participation in government-funded and industry-sponsored projects not only highlights his technical capability but also his leadership in driving research innovation. He is a Senior Member of the China Metrology Society and plays a notable role in the Jilin Province Electrical Engineering Society, reflecting his influence in professional circles. ๐Ÿค His efforts have significantly elevated the performance of thermal power systems, earning him peer recognition and respect. His honors are not just awardsโ€”they are reflections of decades of dedicated research, innovation, and service to the field. ๐Ÿ”ง๐Ÿ’ก

๐Ÿ“š Publications Top Noteย 

1. Title: The Feasibility Study on Pulverized Coal Mass Concentration Measurement in Primary Air of Plant Using Fin Resonant Cavity Sensor
Authors: Hao Xu, Yiguang Yang, Lijun Chen, Hongbin Yu, Junwei Cao
Year: 2024
Type: Conference Paper
Source: IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC)
Citations: 0 (as of the latest data)
Summary:
This study explores the application of a fin resonant cavity sensor to measure the mass concentration of pulverized coal in the primary air system of power plants. The authors designed and experimentally validated a resonant cavity-based sensor for real-time and high-flow environment monitoring. Results indicate the method’s strong potential for improving combustion efficiency and operational safety in thermal power systems.


2. Title: Research on Finite-Time Consensus of Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Lijun Chen, Yu Zhang, Yuping Li, Linlin Xia
Year: 2019
Type: Journal Article
Source: Journal of Information Processing Systems (JIPS)
DOI: 10.3745/JIPS.01.0039
Citations: 1 (confirmed from source journal; citation count may vary on other platforms)
Summary:
This paper proposes a novel consensus protocol that enables finite-time convergence in second-order multi-agent systems. By incorporating the gradient of a global cost function into the standard consensus model, the authors enhance coordination speed and robustness among agents. Theoretical analysis using Lyapunov functions, homogeneity theory, and graph theory supports the methodโ€™s effectiveness. Simulations demonstrate superior performance in leaderโ€“follower scenarios.

โœ… Conclusionย 

In conclusion, Professor Lijun Chen exemplifies the model of a research-driven innovator and dedicated academic. ๐Ÿ“˜ With a career spanning research, teaching, consultancy, and invention, he has contributed immensely to the advancement of thermal power automation and measurement systems. His ability to transform theoretical concepts into tangible industrial solutions highlights his value as both a scholar and engineer. ๐Ÿ”ฌ His multi-patented technologies and SCI-indexed publications reflect a commitment to quality, while his work with industry partners showcases practical relevance. With unwavering focus and passion for thermodynamics, automation, and sustainability, Professor Chen continues to shape the future of smart thermal energy systems in China and beyond. ๐ŸŒฑ His legacy is one of bridging knowledge with innovation, inspiring a new generation of researchers and engineers. ๐ŸŒŸ

Khushboo Singh | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Khushboo Singh | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow at University of Technology Sydney, Australia

Dr. Khushboo Singh ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ”ฌ is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ. With 10+ years of experience in academia, defence, and industry, she specializes in high-power millimetre-wave antennas ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ“ก. Her collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) has earned her national recognition, including the prestigious Eureka Prize ๐Ÿ†. Passionate about cutting-edge tech, she also works on space, maritime, and mobile satellite communication systems ๐ŸŒŒ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ“ถ. A dedicated mentor and leader, Dr. Singh actively supports women in STEM ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ while advancing Australia’s research landscape through innovation and excellence ๐ŸŒŸ.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Google Scholar

๐Ÿ”น Education & Experienceย 

๐ŸŽ“ Education:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Ph.D. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering | Macquarie University, Australia | 2021

  • ๐Ÿ“ M.Sc. (Research) in Electronics & Communication | LNMIIT, India | 2014 | CPI: 9/10

  • ๐Ÿ“ B.Tech in Electronics & Communication | SHIATS, India | 2012 | CPI: 9.7/10

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience:

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ Postdoctoral Research Fellow | UTS | Nov 2023 โ€“ Present

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ Research Associate | UTS | Nov 2020 โ€“ Oct 2023

  • ๐ŸŒ Visiting Researcher | IIT-Kanpur | Mar โ€“ May 2023

  • ๐Ÿง  Technical Researcher | Electrotechnik Pty Ltd. | Nov 2019 โ€“ Mar 2020

  • ๐ŸŽ“ Casual Tutor | Macquarie University | 2017, 2024

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ Guest Lecturer | Swami Rama Himalayan University | 2015 โ€“ 2016

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ Assistant Professor | Pratap Institute, India | 2014 โ€“ 2015

๐Ÿ”น Professional Developmentย 

Dr. Singh is a passionate leader in research and professional mentoring ๐ŸŒŸ. She serves as a mentor in multiple STEM programs ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿค including Women in Engineering and WiSR at UTS, encouraging female participation in science and technology ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ป๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ. As award chair for the 2025 Australian Microwave Symposium ๐Ÿ… and a past session organizer for major IEEE and EuCAP conferences, she actively contributes to the global antenna research community ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“ก. She also provides project supervision, peer reviews, and guidance to students and engineers, playing a key role in shaping future tech talent and research direction ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿ”ฌ.

๐Ÿ”น Research Focusย 

Dr. Singhโ€™s research centers on high-power, metasurface-based millimetre-wave antennas ๐Ÿ“กโšก with beam-steering and in-antenna power-combining features. Her work has major applications in defence, space, maritime, and satellite communications ๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ๐Ÿšข. She collaborates with Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to design antennas suited for compact, power-constrained environments ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ. Her contributions enable better surveillance, radar, and communication systems in mission-critical scenarios ๐ŸŽฏ. She is also exploring inter-satellite link antennas and intelligent surfaces for next-gen wireless communication ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“ถ, cementing her role at the intersection of advanced electromagnetics, microwave engineering, and national security defense systems ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ.

๐Ÿ”น Awards & Honorsย 

๐Ÿ† Awards & Honors:

  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Winner โ€“ 2024 ICEAA โ€“ IEEE APWC Best Paper Award

  • ๐Ÿ… Winner โ€“ 2023 Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science for Safeguarding Australia

  • ๐Ÿ‘ Finalist โ€“ 2025 AUS SPACE Academic Research Team of the Year

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿš€ Finalist โ€“ 2024 ADM Women in Defence (R&D Category)

  • ๐Ÿงช Finalist โ€“ 2022 UTS Vice-Chancellorโ€™s Award for Research Excellence

  • โญ Top 200 Reviewer โ€“ IEEE Transactions on Antennas & Propagation (2023)

  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Winner โ€“ 2019 IEEE NSW Outstanding Student Volunteer

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Winner โ€“ CHOOSEMATHS Grant by AMSI & BHP Foundation (2017)

  • ๐ŸŽ“ Scholarships โ€“ iRTP (2017โ€“2020), LNMIIT Research Stipend (2012โ€“2014)

Publication Top Notes

๐Ÿ“˜ 1. Controlling the Most Significant Grating Lobes in Two-Dimensional Beam-Steering Systems with Phase-Gradient Metasurfaces

  • Authors: K. Singh, M.U. Afzal, M. Kovaleva, K.P. Esselle

  • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation

  • Volume/Issue: 68(3), Pages 1389โ€“1401

  • Year: 2019

  • Citations: 86

  • DOI: 10.1109/TAP.2019.2940403

  • Highlights:

    • Introduced techniques to control dominant grating lobes in 2D beam-steering.

    • Employed phase-gradient metasurfaces to steer beams without complex feed networks.

    • Achieved low sidelobe levels and improved directivity.

    • Combined analytical modeling with full-wave electromagnetic simulations.

๐Ÿ“— 2. Designing Efficient Phase-Gradient Metasurfaces for Near-Field Meta-Steering Systems

  • Authors: K. Singh, M.U. Afzal, K.P. Esselle

  • Journal: IEEE Access

  • Volume: 9, Pages 109080โ€“109093

  • Year: 2021

  • Citations: 34

  • DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3102204

  • Highlights:

    • Focused on near-field applications such as wireless power transfer.

    • Proposed a method to optimize phase response for compact metasurfaces.

    • Improved phase accuracy and minimized aperture size.

    • Demonstrated via simulations and measured prototypes.

๐Ÿ“™ 3. State-of-the-Art Passive Beam-Steering Antenna Technologies: Challenges and Capabilities

  • Authors: F. Ahmed, K. Singh, K.P. Esselle

  • Journal: IEEE Access

  • Volume: 11, Pages 69101โ€“69116

  • Year: 2023

  • Citations: 28

  • DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3285260

  • Highlights:

    • Comprehensive review of passive beam-steering technologies.

    • Covers reconfigurable metasurfaces, mechanical rotation, and tunable materials.

    • Discusses energy efficiency, low-cost manufacturing, and practical limitations.

    • Key insight for researchers targeting 6G, IoT, and wearable tech.

๐Ÿ“• 4. Evaluation Planning for Artificial Intelligence-Based Industry 6.0 Metaverse Integration

  • Author: K. Singh

  • Conference: Intelligent Human Systems Integration (IHSI 2023)

  • Year: 2023

  • Citations: 27

  • DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-28032-0_40

  • Highlights:

    • Discusses AI-driven frameworks for integrating Industry 6.0 with the metaverse.

    • Addresses human-system interaction, digital twins, and smart automation.

    • Proposes an evaluation roadmap for real-time metaverse-industrial synergy.

    • Useful for future cyber-physical systems and smart manufacturing.

๐Ÿ“’ 5. Accurate Optimization Technique for Phase-Gradient Metasurfaces Used in Compact Near-Field Meta-Steering Systems

  • Authors: K. Singh, M.U. Afzal, K.P. Esselle

  • Journal: Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group)

  • Volume: 12, Article 4118

  • Year: 2022

  • Citations: 20

  • DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08057-8

  • Highlights:

    • Developed a precise numerical optimization technique for metasurface design.

    • Reduced phase errors, enabling high-accuracy near-field beam control.

    • Achieved better performance in compact and portable systems.

    • Practical for radar, medical imaging, and wireless power applications.

Conclusion

Dr. Khushboo Singh exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher โ€” innovative, impactful, and committed to scientific excellence. Her exceptional track record in antenna technology for defense and space applications, combined with her leadership in mentoring and research supervision, makes her a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her research is not only scientifically robust but also socially and nationally significant, particularly in safeguarding technological frontiers of Australia.

She is a role model for aspiring researchers, especially women in STEM, and a worthy recipient of such an honor.