Ashish M Gujrathi

Evolutionary and Soft Computing Approaches for Intelligent Industrial Process Optimization

Profile:

Prof. Ashish M. Gujarathi is a distinguished academic and researcher in the fields of Chemical and Process Systems Engineering, currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Oman. With over two decades of combined academic and industrial experience across Oman, India, and Kenya, he has established a strong international reputation for his contributions to process optimization, intelligent systems, and sustainable engineering solutions. Prof. Gujarathi earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, India, laying the foundation for his long-standing research in multi-objective optimization and intelligent decision-making systems.
His research expertise lies at the intersection of intelligent algorithms and real-world engineering applications, including evolutionary optimization, machine learning, and data-driven modeling of complex chemical, biochemical, and petroleum processes. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals and conferences, with significant contributions to sustainable hydrogen production, carbon capture optimization, energy-efficient process design, and AI-driven industrial systems. 
Prof. Gujarathi has received numerous prestigious awards, such as the Sultan Qaboos University Distinguished Researcher Award and the Oman National Research Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2025. His research, supported by both national and international agencies, focuses on addressing large-scale industrial challenges through advanced optimization techniques and the creation of intelligent algorithms. 
Beyond research, he has demonstrated strong leadership in academic development and accreditation processes, notably contributing to ABET accreditation initiatives and curriculum modernization. He has supervised numerous PhD, MSc, and undergraduate students, many of whom have received awards and published impactful research under his guidance. Prof. Ashish M. Gujarathi is actively engaged in the global research community as an editorial contributor, reviewer, and conference leader. He regularly reviews for reputed international journals and serves as sessions chair, technical committee member, and organizer in major conferences and industrial workshops. He has delivered invited and keynote talks on evolutionary optimization and intelligent systems, and maintains strong collaborations with academia and industry, advancing computational intelligence and soft computing. 
His current research interests include hybrid machine learning algorithms, multi-objective optimization, sustainable process design, and intelligent systems for energy and environmental applications. As a keynote speaker at CIMA 2026, Prof. Gujarathi brings deep insights into the role of intelligent algorithms in solving complex engineering problems, bridging the gap between theory, computation, and industrial practice.