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The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has been involved in the university's programme of recruiting postdocs, integrating them into the scientific and pedagogical work of the institutes and supporting international cooperation since 2022. One of them is Dr. Navid Aslfattahi, who is a postdoctoral fellow of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Department of Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics of the Czech Technical University in Prague.

We were very pleased to hear that he was persuaded to continue his studies and research at our faculty by the excellent international reputation of CTU. Recently, he has drawn attention to himself with an absolutely extraordinary international success.  The prestigious ranking of Stanford's Top Scientists Lists him among the top 2% of scientists in the world. Equally remarkable is the breadth of his scientific interests. These include nanocomposites, nanofluids, two-dimensional inorganic compounds MXene, solar energy and energy storage. Such breadth of expertise, work on cutting-edge research areas and international recognition warrant at least a small talk.  

You belong among the top 2% scientists in the world. Is it because of the quality of education, your talent, dilligence or also a bit of luck?
Stanford’s Top 2% Scientists List is an esteemed ranking that identifies the most cited scholars in their fields. This ranking, derived from Scopus database data, highlights researchers whose work has had a significant impact across various scientific disciplines.The list encompasses researchers across 20+ diverse fields; https://topresearcherslist.com/Home/Profile/924695

Researchers are categorized into 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields based on the standard Science-Metrix classification.I have been listed among Top 2% scientists for last three years continuously which is associated with my niche area of research as Solar Energy, Renewable Energy Technologies, Advanced nanomaterials, Nanofluids, Nanocomposites for thermal energy storage applications which aligns perfectly with the ongoing research activities among scientific communities. Being said, working on top notch research areas and novel contribution to the scientific community has grasped the attention of esteemed scholar in the field to use my research outputs in their work.
 
Who compiles the ranking of the most successful scientists and what criteria prevail?
This ranking is based on mutual collaboration between Stanford University and Elsevier. The selection criteria is based on impact of research activities, the quality of the work, dedication of the scholar to research activities and usefulness of the research outputs towards research communities. The link to the published database; https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/7
 
What universities have you graduated from and which gave you the most?
I have completed my PhD in Mechanical Engineering at University of Malaya in 2021 which is ranked 60 in the World based on latest World QS ranking and this University is a leading University in Malaysia which has been listed as Top 100 Universities in the World for several years continuously.
 
Your main interests include nanocomposites, nanofluids, solar energy and energy storage issues. How do you manage such a large range of scientific fields?
During my PhD studies at University of Malaya, I was fortunate to go through rigorous trainings related to high-tech laboratory equipment as well as getting the chance to work closely with the most important/famous scientists in the field of nanotechnology which assisted me to develop my research skills in various areas.

Furthermore, I had the chance of running a newly established laboratory in Malaysia based on obtained certificates for almost 15 high-tech equipment which provided the possibility to synthesis, characterize and proceeding with thermophysical measurements. My passion, commitment and dedication to develop my research skills and working in different areas related to nanotechnology were truly helpful to obtain knowledge in different fields.
 
You are currently working as a postdoctoral fellow at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, CTU Prague, Department of Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics. What did you focus on in your research?
I have been working as Postdoctoral fellow at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, CTU Prague, Institute of Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics since February 2022 and based on the valuable support from doc. Michal Schmirler (head of our department), I have been able to concentrate on my research activities which were focused on super heat transfer mechanisms. During this time, we were able to publish four valuable articles in Q1 or Q2 scientific journals that focused specifically on the problems under that investigation. Simultaneously, I managed to publish more than thirty scientific articles during this period linked to my participation in international research teams and more research outputs are expected to get published soon.

Since March 2024, I continue to be employed at the Department of Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, CTU, where I am involved in projects dealing with heat accumulation systems. I also try to support the publishing activities of other colleagues at the department and participate in the preparation of new scientific research projects.
 
Do you work on development alone or collaborate on projects with other postdoctoral students.
I have collaborators from different areas of the World such as Malaysia, India, Turkey, UAE, USA, South Korea, etc who are willing to work with me on various projects based on my extensive expertise areas.
 
What made you decide to continue after your doctorate at a Czech university?
Great reputation of CTU and possibility to grow as a scientist led me to decide to continue my research activities at Czech Technical University in Prague.
 
Did you find suitable conditions and environment in the Czech Republic and at CTU or are you missing something to your satisfaction?
Based on my experience as I have been living here for last three years, everything has been satisfactory in terms of provided support, life-work balance and fair environment to grow and specially warm welcoming of the people from Czech Republic has made me quite happy and I am willing to gain more satisfactory experience in the coming years.
 
Where will you go after Prague? Have you already considered the continuation of your work and scientific career?
My main goal as a researcher is to become a full professor in my field to teach number of students and run my own laboratory to proceed with more novel projects and contribute excessively to the scientific community.