Lluis Miquel | Operations Research | Mathematical Modeling Breakthrough Award

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Prof. Dr. Lluis Miquel | Operations Research | Mathematical Modeling Breakthrough Award

Departamento Matemática at Pla-Aragones Universidad de Lleida, Spain

Dr. Luis Miguel Plà-Aragonès 🇪🇸 is a renowned expert in Operations Research 🔍 and Decision Analysis 🧠, with a focus on applications in agriculture 🌾, economics 💹, and health systems 🏥. As a professor at the University of Lleida, Spain, he has made significant contributions through multi-criteria decision-making, optimization modeling, and policy analysis. His interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between theory and real-world impact, particularly in areas like agricultural planning, resource allocation, and cost-effectiveness analysis. 📊 With numerous publications 📚 and collaborations across Europe and Latin America 🌍, Dr. Plà-Aragonès is recognized for advancing the role of decision science in solving complex societal challenges. He is a dedicated mentor 👨‍🏫, respected academic, and a driving force behind the integration of quantitative models into sustainable decision-making practices. ♻️

Professional Profile 

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🎓 Education

Dr. Luis Miguel Plà-Aragonès holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering 🧑‍🔬 from the University of Lleida, Spain 🇪🇸, where he also earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees. His academic journey has been deeply rooted in applying mathematical and decision-analytic tools 📐 to complex agricultural systems 🌾. With a strong foundation in statistics, optimization, and operations research, he further enriched his expertise through postdoctoral training and international research exchanges across Europe 🌍. His educational background blends technical rigor with practical insight, laying the groundwork for his interdisciplinary research. His early academic excellence and commitment to innovation have made him a respected scholar in quantitative decision-making 🧠, particularly within the agricultural and environmental sectors. 📊 His educational path has continuously evolved toward bridging scientific research and real-world problem solving. 🧑‍🏫

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Plà-Aragonès serves as a Professor of Operations Research and Decision Analysis at the University of Lleida 🏛️, with more than two decades of academic experience 👨‍🏫. He has held leadership roles in multiple international research networks, including coordinating the EURO Working Group on Operational Research in Agriculture and Forest Management 🌳. His career spans collaborative projects with both academic and industry stakeholders, particularly in the pig and dairy farming sectors 🐖🐄. As a principal investigator, he has led EU and Latin American research consortia in modeling and AI-driven agricultural innovation 🤖. He also mentors Ph.D. students and has developed decision-support systems used in real-world agribusiness. His dynamic professional profile showcases a balance of teaching, research, consultancy, and technological transfer across interdisciplinary domains. 🌍

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Plà-Aragonès’s research revolves around mathematical modeling, multi-criteria decision-making, and operations research applied to agriculture, healthcare, and resource management 🌾🏥📊. He is especially known for his work in livestock logistics, sow replacement optimization, and agri-food supply chain modeling using Markov Decision Processes, stochastic optimization, and AI-enhanced systems 🤖. His interests also extend to cost-effectiveness analysis in healthcare, bridging economic modeling with decision science 💊. He is a key advocate for integrating AI, cloud computing ☁️, and IoT into agricultural modeling, ensuring smarter and more sustainable farm management. Through international collaborations 🌍 and cross-sector applications, his research continually addresses real-world challenges in food systems, environmental sustainability ♻️, and public health policy using rigorous quantitative methods. 📈

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Luis Miguel Plà-Aragonès has been honored for his outstanding contributions to operations research and agricultural modeling 🌍. He is a recipient of various research leadership recognitions, including the prestigious coordination role in the CYTED BigDSSAgro Network and awards from international agricultural and engineering bodies 🧪. His work has earned accolades for bridging research and practice in farming systems, and he has been frequently invited as a keynote speaker 🎤 at global conferences in AI for agriculture and decision support systems. Under his leadership, several European Union and international collaborative projects have won funding and academic praise 💼💡. His active role in mentoring, publishing, and innovating across disciplines has made him a respected and decorated figure in decision science and sustainable development. 🥇

🧰 Research Skills

Dr. Plà-Aragonès possesses advanced skills in mathematical modeling, optimization, stochastic processes, and simulation modeling 🔢. He is adept in applying Markov Decision Processes, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), and AI algorithms to develop decision-support tools for agriculture and health sectors 🌱🏥. His programming capabilities span R, Python, and MATLAB, while his modeling expertise extends to GAMS, LINGO, and AnyLogic 💻. He’s proficient in integrating data analytics, machine learning, and cloud-based architectures for developing scalable, digital decision systems ☁️🤖. Dr. Plà’s multidisciplinary skills allow him to lead cross-border research, publish in top-tier journals 📚, and translate theory into practical tools for industry. His ability to synthesize quantitative methods into actionable solutions defines his technical excellence. ⚙️

Publications Top Note 📝

  • Title: Operational research models applied to the fresh fruit supply chain
    Authors: WE Soto-Silva, E Nadal-Roig, MC González-Araya, LM Plà-Aragonès
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 337
    Source: European Journal of Operational Research, 251(2), 345-355

  • Title: Sugar cane transportation in Cuba, a case study
    Authors: EL Milan, SM Fernandez, LMP Aragones
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 132
    Source: European Journal of Operational Research, 174(1), 374-386

  • Title: Optimizing fresh food logistics for processing: Application for a large Chilean apple supply chain
    Authors: WE Soto-Silva, MC González-Araya, MA Oliva-Fernández, et al.
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 123
    Source: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 136, 42-57

  • Title: A perspective on operational research prospects for agriculture
    Authors: LM Plà, DL Sandars, AJ Higgins
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 101
    Source: Journal of the Operational Research Society, 65(7), 1078–1089

  • Title: Review of mathematical models for sow herd management
    Authors: LM Plà
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 66
    Source: Livestock Science, 106(2–3), 107–119

  • Title: New opportunities in operations research to improve pork supply chain efficiency
    Authors: SV Rodríguez, LM Plà, J Faulin
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 63
    Source: Annals of Operations Research, 219, 5–23

  • Title: A Markov decision sow model representing the productive lifespan of herd sows
    Authors: LM Plà, C Pomar, J Pomar
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 53
    Source: Agricultural Systems, 76(1), 253–272

  • Title: Environmental assessment of a pork-production system in North-East of Spain focusing on life-cycle swine nutrition
    Authors: C Lamnatou, X Ezcurra-Ciaurriz, D Chemisana, LM Plà-Aragonès
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 52
    Source: Journal of Cleaner Production, 137, 105–115

  • Title: Optimal transport planning for the supply to a fruit logistic centre
    Authors: E Nadal-Roig, LM Plà-Aragonès
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 51
    Source: Handbook of Operations Research in Agriculture and the Agri-Food Industry

  • Title: Modeling tactical planning decisions through a linear optimization model in sow farms
    Authors: SV Rodríguez-Sánchez, LM Plà-Aragonès, VM Albornoz
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 50
    Source: Livestock Science, 143(2–3), 162–171

  • Title: Production planning of supply chains in the pig industry
    Authors: E Nadal-Roig, LM Plà-Aragonès, A Alonso-Ayuso
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 42
    Source: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 161, 72–78

  • Title: A two-stage stochastic programming model for scheduling replacements in sow farms
    Authors: SV Rodríguez, VM Albornoz, LM Plà
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 42
    Source: TOP, 17, 171–189

  • Title: Handbook of operations research in agriculture and the agri-food industry
    Author: LM Plà-Aragonès
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 41
    Source: Springer New York

  • Title: Selection of slaughterhouse to deliver fattened pigs depending on growth curves
    Authors: Y Bao, P Llagostera, D Babot, LM Plà-Aragonès
    Year: 2025
    Source: Agricultural Systems, 229, 104406

  • Title: Mathematical methods applied to the problem of dairy cow replacements: a scoping review
    Authors: O Palma, LM Plà-Aragonès, A Mac Cawley, VM Albornoz
    Year: 2025
    Source: Animals, 15(7), 970

  • Title: A genetic algorithm for site-specific management zone delineation
    Authors: F Huguet, LM Plà-Aragonès, VM Albornoz, M Pohl
    Year: 2025
    Source: Mathematics, 13(7), 1064

  • Title: A deep learning approach for image analysis and reading body weight from digital scales in pigs farms
    Authors: NA Reyes-Reyes, MC Doja, P Llagostera-Blasco, LM Plà-Aragonès, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Source: IEEE Access

  • Title: Mathematical Methods Applied to the Problem of Dairy Cow Replacements: A Scoping Review
    Authors: O Palma, LM Plà-Aragonès, A Mac Cawley, VM Albornoz
    Year: 2025
    Source: System, 26, 11

🧭 Conclusion

Dr. Luis Miguel Plà-Aragonès exemplifies the fusion of theoretical innovation and practical impact in mathematical modeling 🌍. With a foundation built on rigorous education 🎓 and two decades of professional excellence 💼, he has become a global leader in using operations research to solve real-world problems in agriculture, environment, and health 🌾💊♻️. His interdisciplinary collaborations, influential publications, and award-winning leadership reflect a visionary commitment to data-driven decision-making 📈. By integrating AI, cloud systems, and analytics into sustainable frameworks, Dr. Plà is shaping the future of intelligent agriculture and policy modeling 🤖. His dedication to mentorship, international outreach, and technological innovation makes him not only a researcher of high distinction but also a catalyst for global scientific progress. 🏆

Saeed Farsad | Optimization | Excellence in Research

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Dr. Saeed Farsad | Optimization | Excellence in Research

Assistant Professor at Birjand University of Technology, Iran

Dr. Saeed Farsad is an accomplished researcher and academic with expertise in experimental fluid dynamics, renewable energy, and heat transfer. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) and has extensive experience in wind/water tunnel testing, aerodynamics, and energy conversion systems. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Birjand University of Technology (BUT), he has published numerous high-impact journal articles in Q1 and Q2-ranked journals, focusing on vortex shedding, energy storage, and thermo-fluidic properties. His research contributions extend beyond academia, including patents, award papers, and a book on solar desalination. With international collaborations at Toronto Metropolitan University and York University, Dr. Farsad has strengthened his global research footprint. Recognized as an Elective Researcher of the Province, his work has significant industrial and academic applications, making him a prominent figure in mechanical and applied engineering sciences.

Professional Profile 

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Education

Dr. Saeed Farsad holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), specializing in experimental fluid dynamics, wind/water tunnel tests, and advanced measurement techniques. He completed his M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering – Energy Conversion at the University of Sistan & Baluchestan, where he focused on solar desalination, heat transfer, and numerical simulations. His B.Sc. in Automotive Technology from the Technical College of Mashhad provided a strong foundation in vehicle systems, transmission lines, and automotive engineering. His academic journey showcases a deep multidisciplinary approach, integrating energy systems, experimental fluid mechanics, and automotive applications. With supervisors from renowned institutions, his education has been instrumental in shaping his expertise in thermo-fluid sciences and renewable energy applications. His ability to blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications has led to impactful research contributions, journal publications, and patented innovations in mechanical and automotive engineering.

Professional Experience

Dr. Saeed Farsad has over a decade of professional experience, combining academic research, teaching, and industry involvement. He is currently an Assistant Professor at Birjand University of Technology (BUT), where he teaches courses in fluid mechanics, statics, technical drawing (CATIA), and automotive technology. His international exposure includes a Visiting Assistant Professorship at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and a Research Assistant position at York University, where he contributed to energy storage and fluid mechanics research. Beyond academia, Dr. Farsad has worked in the automotive industry, including roles at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) and Mechatronic Diagnostic Inc., where he gained hands-on experience in diagnostics and assembly line operations. His expertise spans experimental fluid flow measurement, energy systems, and mechanical design, making him a versatile researcher and educator with a unique blend of theoretical and applied engineering knowledge.

Research Interest

Dr. Saeed Farsad’s research interests lie in experimental fluid dynamics, renewable energy, and heat transfer. His work focuses on vortex shedding, aerodynamics, and thermo-fluidic properties, with applications in wind and water tunnel experiments. He has also made significant contributions to solar desalination, adsorption-based energy storage, and magnetic nanofluid heat transfer. His interdisciplinary research integrates advanced experimental techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV), and Hot-Wire Anemometry (HWA) to enhance the understanding of fluid flow and heat exchange mechanisms. In addition, Dr. Farsad explores automotive aerodynamics, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and turbulence modeling, bridging the gap between engineering applications and sustainable energy solutions. His collaborations with international researchers in Canada and Iran further strengthen his impact in the global scientific community, ensuring that his research contributes to both theoretical advancements and industrial applications.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Saeed Farsad has received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to mechanical engineering and applied sciences. He was honored as the Elective Researcher of the Province in 2011, recognizing his pioneering research in fluid mechanics and energy systems. His academic excellence is reflected in his third-place ranking in Associate Graduate Courses at Mashhad Technical College and his 16th rank among 6,000 applicants in the B.Sc. Automotive Mechanics Entrance Exam. His innovative research has led to multiple patents, including a Smart Filter equipped with an alarm system and a device for the collection and separation of machine tool waste. With publications in high-impact journals and invitations to prestigious international awards, Dr. Farsad’s achievements highlight his significant contributions to engineering innovation and scientific advancements.

Conclusion

Dr. Saeed Farsad is a highly accomplished researcher, educator, and engineer with expertise in experimental fluid dynamics, renewable energy, and heat transfer. His strong academic background, diverse professional experience, and impactful research contributions make him a leading figure in mechanical engineering. His ability to integrate theoretical research with practical applications has resulted in high-impact journal publications, patents, and industrial collaborations. His work in aerodynamics, solar desalination, and energy storage has broad implications for sustainable engineering and environmental solutions. With international research experience and teaching roles in Canada and Iran, Dr. Farsad has established himself as a global expert in his field. His dedication to scientific excellence and innovation positions him as a strong candidate for prestigious research awards, reinforcing his influence in the engineering and academic communities worldwide.

Publications Top Noted