Prof. Dr. Stojan Kravanja | Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Transportation Engineering and Architecture, University of Maribor, Slovenia

Prof. Dr. Stojan Kravanja is a distinguished Slovenian civil engineer and researcher specializing in structural optimization. Born on December 16, 1957, in Maribor, Slovenia, he has significantly contributed to steel and composite structures, non-linear programming, and industrial construction. His career spans academia and industry, having worked as a structural engineer before transitioning to research and teaching at the University of Maribor. He currently serves as a professor and head of the Institute for Construction Management and Structural Engineering. With expertise in advanced mathematical modeling, he has pioneered numerous optimization techniques in structural engineering. Prof. Kravanja has collaborated on international projects, including large-scale hydro-power structures. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and serves on editorial advisory boards. His groundbreaking work in computational methods and sustainable construction has earned him global recognition, making him a leading authority in structural engineering and optimization.

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Education

Prof. Dr. Stojan Kravanja pursued his studies at the University of Maribor, Slovenia. He obtained a Dipl. Eng. in Civil Engineering from the High Technical School in 1981, laying the foundation for his expertise in structural engineering. Further advancing his knowledge, he earned an M.Sc. in Technical Science from the Faculty of Technical Sciences in 1991, where he specialized in structural analysis and optimization. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Technical Science from the Faculty of Civil Engineering in 1996, focusing on innovative methodologies for structural optimization. His doctoral research contributed to groundbreaking advancements in mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) and structural synthesis. Over the years, Prof. Kravanja has integrated theoretical research with practical applications, bridging engineering challenges with computational solutions. His solid academic background has played a crucial role in shaping his research contributions, industry collaborations, and mentorship of future engineers.

work Experience

Prof. Dr. Stojan Kravanja has had a dynamic career in structural engineering and academia. He began as a construction technician at Stavbar Maribor (1976) before moving to Projekt Maribor and Metalna Maribor as a structural engineer (1981-1989). He also worked internationally as a project manager at Artex, New York (1986-1987), gaining global exposure. Transitioning into academia, he joined the University of Maribor in 1989 as a senior researcher and later advanced to assistant professor (1996-2001), associate professor (2001-2006), and full professor (2006-present). He has led numerous academic initiatives, serving as Chair for Metal Structures (2007-2023), Vice-Dean for Science and Research (2011-2024), and Head of the Institute for Construction Management and Structural Engineering (2019-present). His leadership in international collaborations, research projects, and doctoral programs has significantly influenced modern engineering education and research.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Dr. Stojan Kravanja has received multiple awards for his contributions to structural optimization and engineering excellence. His pioneering work in non-linear programming (NLP) and mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) has earned him recognition from international engineering societies. He has been honored for his outstanding contributions to steel and composite structures, as well as optimization techniques for industrial and hydro-technical structures. He has received accolades for his editorial roles in leading journals such as Buildings, Engineering Review, and Computational Methods and Experimental Measurements. Additionally, he has been invited as a visiting professor and keynote speaker at numerous international conferences. His work on the Bekhme Power Project in Iraq, one of the world’s most loaded vertical-lift gates, has been recognized as a major engineering achievement. His leadership in research and academic excellence continues to impact the global civil engineering community.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Stojan Kravanja specializes in structural optimization, computational engineering, and industrial structures. His research explores non-linear programming (NLP) and mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP), developing advanced mathematical models for optimizing steel, concrete, and composite structures. He has extensively contributed to industrial and hydro-technical structures, including hydropower plant gates, cranes, and steel buildings. His innovative methodologies improve cost-efficiency, sustainability, and structural performance. He also focuses on multi-parametric optimization, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in structural engineering. His research extends to circular economy principles in construction, promoting energy-efficient and resource-optimized designs. As a member of multiple editorial boards, he advances computational methods for solving complex engineering challenges. His contributions to optimization algorithms and structural synthesis have been widely applied in industrial projects and large-scale infrastructure.

🛠 Skills

Prof. Dr. Stojan Kravanja possesses expertise in structural engineering, computational modeling, and optimization algorithms. He is a leading authority in NLP and MINLP techniques, applying these methodologies to optimize steel, concrete, and composite structures. He has extensive experience in finite element analysis (FEA), structural design, and hydro-technical engineering. His skills extend to project management, particularly in industrial and large-scale infrastructure projects. As a professor and researcher, he is highly proficient in academic mentorship, scientific writing, and international collaboration. He is also skilled in engineering software development, integrating AI-based solutions into structural optimization. His expertise in editorial review and peer evaluation strengthens the global engineering research community. With a strong foundation in sustainable design principles, he continuously explores innovative materials and energy-efficient construction techniques to enhance modern civil engineering practices.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Stojan Kravanja is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his pioneering research, leadership, and industry impact. His work has advanced structural optimization, introduced novel methodologies, and shaped civil engineering practices globally. While there is room to expand his interdisciplinary reach and industry-driven innovations, his academic excellence, global influence, and practical contributions make him highly deserving of this recognition.

Publications to Noted

“Priročnik za delo s programom PIPEOPT-SR za optimiranje visokotlačnih jeklenih cevovodov z ojačitvami”