Ms. Lixiang Chen | Analysis Award | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Lixiang Chen | Analysis Award | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Lixiang Chen | Analysis Award | Taiyuan University of Technology | China

Ms. Lixiang Chen is an accomplished researcher and academician currently serving at Taiyuan Institute of Technology, China, where she has been a dedicated faculty member contributing to the advancement of economic and technological research. With a Ph.D. in Economics, Ms. Lixiang Chen has developed extensive expertise in innovation networks, performance budgeting systems, defense resource allocation, and strategic economic management, emphasizing how macroeconomic frameworks can optimize technological growth and policy execution. Her academic journey has been marked by her deep analytical insight into economic behavior modeling and technology policy development, enabling her to bridge the gap between theoretical economics and practical industrial applications. Professionally, Ms. Chen has participated in multiple interdisciplinary projects and international collaborations that explore the intersection of innovation economics, resource allocation mechanisms, and the emerging new energy vehicle industry, contributing significantly to both academic and policy discourse. Her research interests include innovation networks within industrial ecosystems, performance-based budgeting for governmental and defense sectors, and sustainable economic planning, all of which align closely with the global shift toward smart and sustainable economic transformation. In terms of research skills, Ms. Chen is proficient in quantitative data analysis, econometric modeling, policy evaluation, and cross-disciplinary research synthesis, enabling her to produce impactful, data-driven research outcomes that are both academically rigorous and policy-relevant. Her body of work has been recognized through multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals indexed in Scopus and IEEE, establishing her as a respected contributor to the fields of economics, technology management, and innovation systems.

Professional Profile: ORCID

Selected Publications

  1. Chen, L. (2025). Innovation Networks in the New Energy Vehicle Industry: A Dual Perspective of Collaboration Between Supply Chain and Executive Networks. World Electric Vehicle Journal. Cited by: 3

  2. Chen, L. (2021). The Evolution and Implications of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution System. China Economist. Cited by: 8

  3. Chen, L. (2021). The Impact of Performance Budgeting on Defense Resource Allocation. International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization. Cited by: 12

  4. Chen, L. (2020). PPBE: Research on Operation and Latest Development. American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Business. Cited by: 6

  5. Chen, L. (2020). The U.S. Department of Defense’s “Medium-Term Expenditure Framework” and Its Implications. National Defense Science & Technology. Cited by: 5

Dr. Nicoletta Bianchini | Analysis Awards | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Nicoletta Bianchini | Analysis Awards | Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Nicoletta Bianchini, University of West London, United Kingdom

Nicoletta Bianchini is a dedicated PhD candidate in Civil Engineering, specializing in Seismic Engineering, with a robust background as an architect and bridge engineer. She holds a PhD from the University of Minho in Portugal, where her research focused on the seismic response of masonry cross vaults, utilizing shaking table tests and numerical analysis. Her academic journey includes an M.Sc. in Structural Analysis of Historic Constructions from the same institution, complemented by her previous studies in Building Engineering – Architecture at the University of Genoa, Italy.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Women Researcher Award

Overview: Dr. Nicoletta Bianchini is an accomplished researcher and engineer in the field of civil engineering, with a specific focus on seismic engineering and the preservation of historical structures. Her extensive educational background and diverse research experience make her a suitable candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award.

Education

  1. University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
    • PhD Candidate in Seismic Engineering (Historic Masonry Structure group)
      • Dates: January 2019 – July 2023
      • Thesis: Evaluation of the seismic response of masonry cross vaults through shaking table tests and numerical analysis.
      • Advisors: Prof. Paulo Lourenço and Dr. Nuno Mendes
    • M.Sc. in Structural Analysis of Historic Constructions
      • Dates: September 2017 – July 2018
      • Final Grade: 19/20
      • Integrated Project: Carmo Convent in Lisbon: in situ inspection, structural analysis, and retrofitting.
      • Thesis: Conserving the Bagan (Myanmar) built heritage: Structural assessment of the Loka-Hteik-Pan Temple.
      • Advisor: Dr. Nuno Mendes
  2. Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
    • Structural Design from Empirical Tradition
      • Date: June 2017
      • Lectures by: Prof. T. Boothby (Pennsylvania State University)
  3. University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
    • M.Sc. in Building Engineering – Architecture
      • Dates: September 2011 – March 2016
      • Thesis: From observed damage to vulnerability curves for masonry buildings: the case of L’Aquila 2009 earthquake.
      • Advisors: Prof. Sergio Lagomarsino, Prof. Serena Cattari, Dr. Daria Ottonelli

Work Experience

  1. AtkinsRéalis, Epsom, England
    • Position: Structural Engineer in Bridges & Civils Department
    • Dates: September 2023 – Present
    • Responsibilities:
      • Design bearing replacement schemes.
      • Assessment of existing masonry bridges and planning their strengthening interventions, as well as conducting in-situ tests.
      • Collaboration with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients.
  2. RELUIS, Rome and Central Italy
    • Position: Structural Engineer
    • Dates: October 2016 – June 2017
    • Responsibilities:
      • Conducted post-earthquake in situ surveys of monumental and historic buildings (e.g., churches, palaces) and strategic buildings (e.g., hospitals, schools) as part of state of emergency efforts across Central Italy.
      • Assessed the condition of damaged structures and the level of risk for people and surroundings.
      • Provided instructions to the Fire Department regarding provisional structural works to ensure a minimum level of safety.
      • Surveyed listed archaeological sites and monuments in Rome (e.g., Terme Caracalla, Santa Maria in Trastevere, Santa Maria del Popolo) to assess their damage and vulnerability.

Publication top Notes:

Shake-Table Testing of a Brick Masonry Groin Vault: Overview of Blind Predictions and Postdictions and Comparison with Experimental Results

Influence of wall-to-floor connections and pounding on pre- and post-diction simulations of a masonry building aggregate tested on a shaking table

Simulation of blind pre-diction and post-diction shaking table tests on a masonry building aggregate using a continuum modelling approach

Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage: Vibration Monitoring and Seismic Vulnerability of the Ruins of Carmo Convent (Lisbon)

Modelling of the Dynamic Response of a Full-Scale Masonry Groin Vault: Unstrengthened and Strengthened with Textile-Reinforced Mortar (TRM)