Plenary Speakers
Professor Pooi See Lee
Prof. Pooi See LEE is the President’s Chair Professor in Materials Science & Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. Her current research focuses on stretchable elastomeric composites for electronics and energy devices, human-machine interface, sensors and actuators, soft robotics and healthtech. Professor Lee received the Nanyang Research Award in 2016 and the Nanyang Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award in 2018. She was awarded the NRF Investigatorship, Class of 2016. Her research outcomes have led to her being listed as a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Analytics in 2018-2025. She was elected the National Academy of Inventors Fellow in 2020, MRS Fellow 2022 and RSC Fellow 2022. She won the SNIC - AsCA2019 Distinguished Woman Chemist Award 2022. She is the Senior Editor of ACS Energy Letters and serves on the editorial advisory board for several journals. She served as the Associate Provost (Graduate Education) and Dean of the Graduate College at NTU from 2020 to 2023, before her appointment as the Vice President (International Engagement) in 2024.
Keynote Speakers
Professor Chun-Chen Yang
Prof Chun-Chen Yang is a distinguished professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Ming Chi University of Technology and a leading researcher in electrochemical energy storage and advanced battery technologies. His research focuses on lithium-ion batteries, lithium–oxygen batteries, polymer electrolytes, solid-state batteries, fuel cells, and nanostructured materials for sustainable energy applications. He is also affiliated with the Battery Research Center of Green Energy (BRCGE), where he actively leads innovative research on next-generation energy storage systems. Professor Yang has published extensively in high-impact journals and has received thousands of citations for his contributions to electrochemical engineering and battery materials research. His work emphasizes the development of high-performance cathode and anode materials, electrolyte engineering, and advanced nanocomposites for improving energy density, cycling stability, and safety in rechargeable batteries. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University and has established strong international collaborations in the fields of energy storage and materials science.
Maher El-Kady, PhD
Maher El-Kady is a materials scientist and entrepreneur recognized for his pioneering work in graphene-based energy storage and advanced nanomaterials. He is a Professional Researcher at UCLA's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Nanotech Energy. He obtained his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry from Cairo University before earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry from UCLA under the supervision of Richard B. Kaner. Dr. El-Kady is best known for developing laser-induced graphene (LIG), a scalable technique for producing porous graphene using laser processing. This breakthrough has significantly advanced the development of flexible electronics, supercapacitors, and next-generation energy storage devices. His research interests include graphene and two-dimensional materials, batteries, supercapacitors, wearable electronics, nanogenerators, sensors, hydrogen technologies, and water purification. In addition to his academic research, Dr. El-Kady has successfully translated scientific discoveries into commercial technologies through Nanotech Energy, which develops graphene-enhanced batteries and advanced energy storage solutions. He has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and holds over 250 patents and patent applications. His work has received widespread international recognition, including the C&EN Talented 12 award and the Energy Storage Materials Young Scientist Award. Through his contributions to both academia and industry, Dr. El-Kady has established himself as a leading figure in graphene research, with innovations that continue to shape the future of sustainable energy storage and flexible electronic technologies.
Invited Speakers
Dr Zafar Said
Dr. Zafar Said is a Distinguished Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at United Arab Emirates University. His research focuses on renewable and solar energy systems, artificial intelligence applications in energy, nanofluids, and advanced thermal sciences, supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy, innovation, sustainable cities, and climate action. He has published more than 350 Web of Science-indexed journal articles, along with 6 books, 30 book chapters, over 30 conference papers, 6 granted U.S. patents, and 2 Indian patents. He has been continuously ranked among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Elsevier BV and Stanford University in the field of Energy. His major recognitions include the Khalifa Award for Education – Distinguished University Professor, OIC–COMSTECH Best Young Researcher Award, Future Pioneer Award in Sustainability, Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport, and UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure Research and Innovation Awards. He is an active plenary and keynote speaker at international conferences.
