Yiting Zhao | Urban Planning and Sustainable Cities | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yiting Zhao | Urban Planning and Sustainable Cities | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | The University of Manchester | United Kingdom

Dr. Yiting Zhao is a researcher at The University of Manchester, United Kingdom, whose academic work is dedicated to advancing knowledge at the intersection of Complex Product–Service Systems (CoPSS), sustainable design, and responsible project management within the built environment and civil engineering management sectors. Her interdisciplinary research integrates principles of engineering design, digitalization, and sustainability to create innovative frameworks that guide the development of smart buildings and sustainable infrastructure systems aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Yiting Zhao’s scholarly portfolio encompasses several peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters. Notably, her 2025 publication in the Journal of Cleaner Production, titled “Advancing Complex Product–Service Systems (CoPSS) Design: An Integrative Literature Review,” presents a comprehensive synthesis of methodological developments in sustainable product–service integration. Her other research contributions include the studies “Integrating Sustainable Design and Responsible Project Management: Methodological Insights from a Smart Hospital Case Study” and “The Integration of Sustainable Design and Responsible Project Management in Designing Complex Product–Service Systems.” These works bridge theoretical frameworks and practical applications, highlighting the importance of co-creation, stakeholder collaboration, and system optimization in sustainable infrastructure design. Employing diverse methodologies such as conceptual modeling, semi-structured interviews, and data-driven analytical approaches, Dr. Yiting Zhao’s research investigates the dynamic interactions among design processes, service delivery mechanisms, and management efficiency in large-scale engineering systems. Her recent studies also explore smart building management, intelligent HVAC design, and circular design strategies to enhance environmental and operational performance. In recognition of her impactful research and academic excellence, Dr. Yiting Zhao received the prestigious IEEE TEMSCON Global 2025 Best Student Paper Award. Her growing scholarly influence-reflected by 15 citations, 1 document and an h-index of 1 on Scopus-demonstrates her commitment to driving sustainable engineering innovation and advancing interdisciplinary research in the fields of engineering design, sustainability, and digital transformation.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | Researcher Profile

Featured Publications

1. Wang, Y., Zhao, Y., Tian, X., Yang, J., & Luo, S. (2025). The influence of subjective knowledge, technophobia and perceived enjoyment on design students’ intention to use artificial intelligence design tools. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 35(1), 333–358.

2. Zhao, Y., Xie, C., & Lu, M. (2021). Design of smart building operations and maintenance management service system. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (pp. 183–190). Springer.

3. Zhao, Y., & Zhang, J. (2020). Research on the design of smart waste classification and collection service system. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (pp. 275–282). Springer.

4. Zhao, Y. (2015). The influence of the development of 3D printing technology on product design [3D 打印技术的发展对产品设计的影响]. China Machinery, 40–41.

5. Zhao, Y., Zhang, L., Maytorena-Sanchez, E., & Zhang, J. (2025). Advancing complex product–service systems (CoPSS) design: An integrative literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 527, 146690.

Claudia Fernandes | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Claudia Fernandes | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture at Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Portugal.

Dr. Claudia Fernandes is an Assistant Professor at the University of Porto and a leading researcher in Landscape Architecture and Urban Ecology. She has played a key role in advancing sustainable landscape planning through interdisciplinary collaborations, leading EU-funded projects, and contributing to high-impact scientific publications. As the coordinator of the LPDM research group at CIBIO, she has spearheaded projects that promote urban resilience and biodiversity. She actively participates in editorial boards, international scientific committees, and municipal collaborations to enhance green space management and sustainability initiatives.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar 

Educational Details

Dr. Claudia Fernandes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering (1997) and a Master’s in Rural Development (2001) from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD). She earned her PhD in Environmental Sciences (2009) from the same institution. Additionally, she obtained a Bachelor’s (2010) and a Master’s (2011) in Landscape Architecture from the University of Porto.

Professional Experience

Dr. Fernandes began her academic career as an invited lecturer at UTAD (1997-2007) and a researcher at UTAD’s Institute (2000-2008). Since 2011, she has been an active researcher at the CIBIO – Biodiversity and Genetic Resources Research Center, where she has coordinated the Landscape Planning, Design, and Management (LPDM) research group since 2017. She has contributed to numerous international and national scientific projects and has supervised multiple doctoral and master’s students. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Porto’s Department of Geosciences, Environment, and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Sciences.

Research Interest

Dr. Fernandes specializes in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Ecology, Urban Biodiversity, Planting Design, Urban Forests, Urban Green Infrastructure, and Novel Urban Ecosystems. Her research focuses on sustainable landscape management, nature-based solutions, and the integration of biodiversity in urban planning.

Author Metrics

  • Scopus: h-index 14, i10-index 7
  • Web of Science: h-index 13
  • ResearchGate: h-index 14
  • Google Scholar: h-index 16, i10-index 21

Her contributions extend beyond academia, including consultancy work in landscape architecture and active involvement in professional organizations and municipal collaborations.

Top Noted Publication

  • Urban biodiversity: a review of current concepts and contributions to multidisciplinary approaches

    • Authors: P. Farinha-Marques, J.M. Lameiras, C. Fernandes, S. Silva, F. Guilherme

    • Journal: Innovation: The European Journal of Social Science Research

    • Volume/Issue: 24(3)

    • Pages: 247-271

    • Year: 2011

    • Citations: 148

    • DOI: [Insert DOI if available]

    • Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive review of urban biodiversity, addressing key concepts and exploring multidisciplinary approaches to sustainable urban planning.

  • Between tree lovers and tree haters: Drivers of public perception regarding street trees and its implications on urban green infrastructure planning

    • Authors: C.O. Fernandes, I.M. da Silva, C.P. Teixeira, L. Costa

    • Journal: Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

    • Volume: 37

    • Pages: 97-108

    • Year: 2019

    • Citations: 107

    • DOI: [Insert DOI if available]

    • Summary: Examines factors influencing public attitudes toward street trees, discussing their impact on urban green infrastructure policies and decision-making.

  • Characteristics and motivations of potential users of urban allotment gardens: The case of Vila Nova de Gaia municipal network of urban allotment gardens

    • Authors: I.M. da Silva, C.O. Fernandes, B. Castiglione, L. Costa

    • Journal: Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

    • Volume: 20

    • Pages: 56-64

    • Year: 2016

    • Citations: 79

    • DOI: [Insert DOI if available]

    • Summary: Investigates the characteristics and motivations of urban residents who engage with municipal allotment gardens, offering insights for urban planners.

  • Novel ecosystems: a review of the concept in non-urban and urban contexts

    • Authors: C.P. Teixeira, C.O. Fernandes

    • Journal: Landscape Ecology

    • Volume: 35(1)

    • Pages: 23-39

    • Year: 2020

    • Citations: 56

    • DOI: [Insert DOI if available]

    • Summary: Explores the concept of novel ecosystems in both urban and non-urban settings, discussing their ecological and planning implications.

  • Adaptive planting design and management framework for urban climate change adaptation and mitigation

    • Authors: C.P. Teixeira, C.O. Fernandes, J. Ahern

    • Journal: Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

    • Volume: 70

    • Article ID: 127548

    • Year: [Insert Year]

    • Citations: [Insert Citation Count]

    • DOI: [Insert DOI if available]

    • Summary: Proposes a framework for urban planting design that integrates climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies into city planning.

Conclusion

Dr. Claudia Fernandes is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture. Her extensive academic background, high-impact publications, leadership in research projects, and strong citation metrics make her a leading expert in her field. While she could further strengthen her profile by expanding industry collaborations, patents, and funding applications, her existing contributions to urban sustainability, landscape planning, and biodiversity research demonstrate excellence in scientific innovation and interdisciplinary impact.