Ing. Hem Bahadur Motra | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ing. Hem Bahadur Motra | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer at University of Kiel | Germany

Dr.Ing. Hem Bahadur Motra is a highly accomplished researcher and academic specializing in geomechanics, rock physics, and geotechnical engineering at the University of Kiel, Germany. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing the understanding of subsurface processes through innovative experimental and computational approaches. He holds advanced degrees in civil and structural engineering and has completed extensive postdoctoral research in geotechnics, rock mechanics, and subsurface physics. As a research associate and head of the Geomechanics and Rock Mechanics Experimental Laboratory at Kiel University, he has contributed significantly to the study of the mechanical, thermal, and acoustic behavior of geomaterials under complex in-situ conditions. His multidisciplinary expertise bridges geosciences, civil engineering, and energy technologies, integrating rock physics, structural mechanics, and environmental sustainability. Dr.Ing. Hem Bahadur Motra has authored 47 scientific documents with 625 citations across 537 publications and holds an h-index of 14, reflecting the strong academic impact of his research. His extensive publication record spans top-tier journals, including International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, Applied Energy, and Geotechnical and Geological Engineering. His research interests encompass multiscale geomechanical modeling, seismic anisotropy, CO₂ storage, geothermal energy, and the use of artificial intelligence in geological systems. He has led and collaborated on numerous national and international research projects funded by organizations such as DFG, DAAD, and the EU, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, rock deformation, and energy geotechnics. Beyond research, Dr.Ing. Hem Bahadur Motra plays an influential role as an editorial board member and special issue editor for several prestigious journals, contributing to the dissemination of cutting-edge developments in the field. His leadership in scientific committees, professional societies, and technical working groups further highlights his commitment to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration. Through his pioneering research, academic mentorship, and global collaborations, Dr.Ing. Hem Bahadur Motra continues to make impactful contributions to the scientific community, shaping the future of geotechnical and rock mechanics research and promoting innovative, sustainable solutions to address the challenges of modern engineering and Earth sciences.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

  • Motra, H. B.(2018). Geomechanical rock properties using pressure and temperature dependence of elastic P- and S-wave velocities. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 36(6), 3751–3766.

  • Motra, H. B.(2018). Poisson’s ratio and auxetic properties of natural rocks. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 123(2), 1161–1185.

  • Motra, H. B.(2019). Laboratory evaluation of rock-based geopolymers for zonal isolation and permanent P&A applications. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 175, 352–362.

  • Motra, H. B.(2017). Meso-scale modeling of heat transport in a heterogeneous cemented geomaterial by lattice element method. Granular Matter, 19, 1–12.

  • Motra, H. B.(2021). Pressure, temperature and lithological dependence of seismic and magnetic susceptibility anisotropy in amphibolites and gneisses from the central Scandinavian Caledonides. Tectonophysics, 820, 229113.

sejong kim | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Phenomenological Research Awards

Dr. Sejong Kim | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Department of Civil Engineering at Hongik University | South Korea 

Dr. Sejong Kim is a distinguished researcher in civil and structural engineering, recognized for his advanced work on the durability and corrosion behavior of reinforced concrete structures in aggressive environments. His academic background is rooted in civil engineering, where he has developed a strong foundation in material science, electrochemistry, and infrastructure sustainability. Over the course of his academic and professional journey, Dr. Sejong Kim has focused on the interplay between carbonation and chloride-induced corrosion in steel reinforcements, applying both experimental and theoretical approaches to address the pressing challenges of structural degradation. His doctoral research and subsequent projects have led to the development of novel electrochemical and gravimetric assessment methods that provide deeper insight into the corrosion mechanisms of steel rebar, thereby enhancing the predictive accuracy of service life models for concrete structures. He has actively collaborated with research teams and industry professionals to develop corrosion monitoring systems and durability evaluation models for marine and urban infrastructure. His scholarly contributions include publications in high-impact journals such as Construction and Building Materials, Corrosion Science, and Buildings (MDPI), reflecting the scientific and practical relevance of his findings. In addition to his research, Dr. Sejong Kim has served as a reviewer for prominent international journals and has participated in interdisciplinary projects aimed at developing sustainable construction materials and smart corrosion monitoring technologies. His research interests encompass reinforced concrete durability, chloride and carbonation-induced deterioration, electrochemical monitoring, and the design of eco-efficient materials for infrastructure resilience. Through his commitment to advancing the field, Dr. Sejong Kim has contributed significantly to the understanding of corrosion mechanisms and the formulation of durability design standards that support long-term sustainability in civil infrastructure. His ongoing work continues to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world application, promoting safer, more durable, and environmentally conscious engineering practices that align with the future of sustainable urban development.

Profile: Orcid | Sciprofile

Featured Publications:

  • Kim, S., & Choi, J. K. (2025). Electrochemical and Gravimetric Assessment of Steel Rebar Corrosion in Chloride- and Carbonation-Induced Environments. Buildings.

  • Kim, H.; Yang, S.; Noguchi, T.; Yoon, S. (2023). An Assessment of the Structural Performance of Rebar-Corroded Reinforced Concrete Beam Members. Applied Sciences, 13(19), 10927.