The scientist, named Jingzheng Ren, was selected by consensus as the APEC region’s top young science researcher this year, as noted in a release issued by the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation and received here on Wednesday.
Through his research, Ren unfolded new methods to promote integrated development of the economy, environment, and society, including through the bio-circular-green practice.
His name and work have featured in over 200 publications and, in November 2020, was ranked in the top two percent of scientists in The Stanford List under the field of energy.
Some of his research has proven to be helpful to boost understanding of waste-to-energy conversion, technology for sustainable food production and industrial activities, as well as carbon-neutral tourism.
"The transition to a more sustainable practice for our industries in the region is complex and costly, but very much critical," Ren stated.
"My research aims to improve the understanding of this transition by developing innovative industrial processes to achieve sustainability-oriented decision-making and optimization," he added.
Ren, who was nominated by Hong Kong, China, is an associate professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
"This can help decision makers to make informed decisions in achieving sustainable industrial systems by considering various objectives, dimensions, scales, and multiple stakeholders," he stated.
Dr Ren was selected from a group of 13 finalists, each nominated by APEC member economies under Thailand’s 2022 ASPIRE theme "Innovation to Achieve Environmental, Economic, and Social Goals."
All nominees were considered on the basis of their dedication to excellence in scientific research and collaboration with other APEC economies.
"Dr Ren’s research is the perfect example of excellence and innovation to achieve economic, environmental, and social goals," Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Pasit Lorterapong, stated.
Pasit added that sustainability, including through the bio-circular-green economy, are key to a resilient and more advanced economic development in future.
"Dr Ren’s research, especially on the development of the circular economy, recycling, industrial systems, and supply network optimization, provides us with knowledge and helps us address future environmental and economic challenges," he explained.
The ASPIRE winner was announced by science, technology, and innovation officials from APEC member economies at an award ceremony hosted in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
"Our goal is to promote and advance excellence in scientific research and strengthen international collaboration," Xuemei Yang, Chair of the APEC Policy Partnership for Science, Technology, and Innovation, stated.
"The ASPIRE allows APEC to celebrate the accomplishments of our region’s researchers and their joint efforts in supporting policymakers address global challenges," Yang added.
For his achievement, Dr Ren was awarded a prize of US$25 thousand, supported by publishers of scholarly scientific knowledge and co-sponsors of ASPIRE, Wiley and Elsevier.
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Reporter: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Sri Haryati
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