Mr. Claudio Mirabella | Aerospace | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Claudio Mirabella | Aerospace | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Claudio Mirabella | Aerospace | University of Naples Federico II | Italy

Mr. Claudio Mirabella is a Doctoral Student in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Naples Federico II, specializing in the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering to aircraft certification processes. Claudio Mirabella’s academic and professional path is centered on the digital transformation of airworthiness regulations, with a particular focus on Certification Specifications for General Aviation aircraft issued by EASA. Through his master’s and doctoral studies, Claudio Mirabella has developed and applied MBSE methodologies to translate complex regulatory frameworks into structured, operational digital models capable of accelerating certification workflows and automating the generation of compliance documentation and certification artifacts. His research aims to significantly reduce certification time and costs, thereby enabling aviation stakeholders to allocate greater financial and technical resources toward innovative aircraft configurations and advanced propulsion systems, including hybrid and electric solutions. Claudio Mirabella is currently pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Naples Federico II under the supervision of Professor Pierluigi Della Vecchia, following the completion of a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering with full marks and a Bachelor’s Degree in the same discipline from the same institution. His professional experience includes working as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer at Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.p.A., where Claudio Mirabella contributed to the creation and revision of Aircraft Maintenance Manuals, developed technical illustrations, validated maintenance procedures, and collaborated directly with assembly-line personnel to define accurate assembly and disassembly processes for aircraft subsystems. He also supported the identification of airworthiness-driven maintenance activities and produced regulatory-compliant training materials for specialized maintenance staff in accordance with EASA requirements. Claudio Mirabella’s research interests span aerospace systems engineering, digital certification, aircraft airworthiness compliance, flight loads evaluation, and conceptual aircraft design. His research skills include MBSE modeling, regulatory analysis, technical documentation development, aircraft systems analysis, and integration of certification requirements into digital engineering workflows.

Professional Profiles: ORCID  

Selected Publications 

Mirabella, C., Morra, G., Nicolosi, F., & Della Vecchia, P. (2026). Lateral-directional trim for air and ground minimum control speeds evaluation in conceptual design.

Della Vecchia, P., Cusati, V., & Mirabella, C. (2025). Flight loads evaluation and airworthiness compliance for the V-tail of a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned platform.

Dr. Emma Asbridge | Satellite monitoring Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Emma Asbridge | Satellite monitoring Award | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Emma Asbridge, University of Wollongong, Australia

An early career researcher with expertise in remote sensing, spatial science, physical geography, and Earth and environmental geosciences, Dr. Emma Asbridge currently serves as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Wollongong (UOW). Since April 2022,  has been leading an ARC Discovery Project focused on mapping, measuring, and modeling mangrove responses to sea-level rise and climatic variability. With a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in coastal management and environmental processes, [he/she/they] employs state-of-the-art remote sensing technologies, field surveys, and remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) to study the dynamics of coastal ecosystems. Dr. Emma Asbridge is skilled in GIS and remote sensing software, programming in Python, and has substantial experience in managing and analyzing geospatial data.  research efforts have resulted in the successful acquisition of six grants over the past two years, alongside contributions to teaching and supervising multiple honors and PhD projects. is passionate about fostering a culturally inclusive research environment and is dedicated to building strong collaborations with governmental agencies and international partners to promote effective coastal governance.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award :

This candidate is an early career researcher specializing in remote sensing, spatial science, physical geography, and Earth and environmental geosciences. Their expertise includes utilizing advanced remote sensing techniques, such as field surveys and remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), to assess environmental dynamics in coastal ecosystems. Specifically, they focus on relationships between vegetation dynamics, sediment processes, geomorphology, hydrology, and climate change impacts. They have significant teaching and supervisory experience, guiding Honours, Masters, and Ph.D. projects, as well as a proven track record in securing research funding.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Geosciences
    University of Wollongong, Australia
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Remote Sensing and Spatial Science
    [Institution not specified]

Work Experience

  • Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
    School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong (UOW)
    April 2022 – Present

    • Leading the ARC Discovery Project: ‘Mapping, Measuring and Modelling Mangrove Response to Sea-Level Rise and Climatic Variability’.
    • Responsibilities include developing new approaches to mapping and modeling mangrove distribution, collaborating with government agencies, supervising research projects, and contributing to curriculum development.
  • Teaching Assistant
    Assisted in teaching, practical supervision, administration, and student evaluation.
    Supervised honours and PhD research projects.
  • Visiting Researcher
    Japanese Veterinary Medical Association, Tokyo, Japan
    Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan

    • Conducted research related to large animal clinics and reproductive technologies.

Achievements

  • Successful integration of various spatial data types to analyze changes in mangrove environments.
  • Developed methodologies for measuring mangrove vertical elevation ranges.
  • Awarded 6 research grants (internal and external) over the past two years.
  • Completion of training focused on culturally responsive HDR supervision.

Publication top Notes:

Current Status of Remote Sensing for Studying the Impacts of Hurricanes on Mangrove Forests in the Coastal United States

Tidal Impoundment and Mangrove Dieback at Cabbage Tree Basin, NSW: Drivers of Change and Tailored Management for the Future

Synthesis of special feature —Tailored Restoration Response: Predictions And Guidelines For Wetland Renewal

Marine Vegetation Management Strategies: a framework for estuary wide prioritization of protection and rehabilitation

Characterising the impact of tropical cyclones on mangroves using a multi-decadal Landsat archive

Coastal wetland rehabilitation first-pass prioritisation for blue carbon and associated co-benefits

Assoc Prof Dr. Zhijun Meng | Satellite Systems Award | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Zhijun Meng | Satellite Systems Award | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Zhijun Meng, National University of Defense Technology, China

Zhijun Meng is an Associate Researcher and Master’s Supervisor at the University of National Defense Technology, where he specializes in precision measurement and spatiotemporal reference. With extensive experience in teaching and research, Dr. Meng has significantly contributed to major aerospace engineering projects, including China’s Beidou satellite navigation system and the country’s space station. Over the past five years, he has been recognized for his accomplishments, receiving a second prize in the China National Technology Invention Award and a first prize from the GNSS and LBS Association of China Science and Technology Progress Award. He has authored 22 SCI/EI papers, holds 17 Chinese national invention patents, and edited a textbook on electronic instruments. In addition to his research endeavors, Dr. Meng served as co-chair of the 14th IEEE ICEMI Committee and has presented his academic work at the International Conference on Indoor Positioning and Navigation (IPIN) in Italy and Germany in 2019 and 2023, respectively.

Professional Profile:

Summary of Suitability for the Best Researcher Award: Zhijun Meng, Ph.D.

Personal Profile
Zhijun Meng, Ph.D., is an Associate Researcher and Master’s Supervisor at the University of National Defense Technology, specializing in precision measurement and spatiotemporal reference. His extensive experience includes contributions to significant aerospace engineering projects, notably China’s Beidou satellite navigation system and China’s space station. Over the past five years, he has achieved remarkable accomplishments that position him as an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Education

  • Ph.D. in [Field of Study]
    [University Name, Year of Completion]
  • Master’s Degree in [Field of Study]
    [University Name, Year of Completion]
  • Bachelor’s Degree in [Field of Study]
    [University Name, Year of Completion]

Work Experience

Associate Researcher
University of National Defense Technology
Years of Employment: [Start Year] – Present

  • Engaged in teaching and research focused on precision measurement and spatiotemporal reference.
  • Participated in significant aerospace engineering projects, including:
    • China’s Beidou Satellite Navigation System
    • China’s Space Station

Master’s Supervisor
University of National Defense Technology
Years of Employment: [Start Year] – Present

  • Supervise master’s students, guiding research projects and theses related to precision measurement and navigation technologies.

Co-Chair
14th IEEE ICEMI Committee
2019

  • Organized and facilitated the committee’s activities, focusing on advancements in measurement technologies.

Achievements

  • Awards:
    • 2nd Prize, China National Technology Invention Award
    • 1st Prize, GNSS and LBS Association of China Science and Technology Progress Award
  • Publications:
    • Authored 22 papers in SCI/EI indexed journals.
  • Patents:
    • Held 17 authorized Chinese national invention patents.
  • Textbook:
    • Edited and published a textbook on electronic instruments.
  • Conference Participation:
    • Presented academic reports at the International Conference on Indoor Positioning and Navigation “IPIN” in Italy (2019) and Germany (2023).

 

Publication top Notes:

High-Precision Digital Clock Steering Method Based on Discrete Σ-Δ Modulation for GNSS

Context Awareness Assisted Integration System for Land Vehicles

Pseudolite-Based Lane-Level Vehicle Positioning in Highway Tunnel

A Hierarchical Resource Scheduling Method for Satellite Control System Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning

System design and key technologies of high-precision microwave time-frequency transmission links

Recent Advances in Positioning Technology of GH-LPS in Challenging Environments

High-Precision Time-Frequency Synchronization for Mobile Distributed Coherent Systems