Water mist award recognises research into shielded fire applications
Iain Hoey
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IWMA recognises Italian PhD research in water mist systems
The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has announced that Azad Hamzehpour has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Ragnar Wighus Award.
According to the IWMA, Hamzehpour completed his Ph.D. thesis at the Polytechnic University of Turin in Italy under the supervision of Professors Vittorio Verda and Romano Borchiellini.
The award is presented annually to a young scientist whose academic work focuses on water mist systems.
Hamzehpour to present research at UK conference
The IWMA confirmed that Hamzehpour will present his research at the International Water Mist Conference, taking place on 24 and 25 September 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
The conference will include a presentation of his thesis titled “Experimental and Simulation Analysis of Water Mist Systems for shielded Fire Applications”.
The IWMA stated that this opportunity continues the organisation’s tradition of showcasing award-winning research during its annual event.
Research supervised by experts in fire safety and energy systems
Hamzehpour’s Ph.D. research was supervised by Vittorio Verda and Romano Borchiellini, both professors at the Polytechnic University of Turin.
The IWMA noted that he is currently working with Associate Professor Davide Papurello on a new project focused on lithium-ion battery fires.
The organisation stated that the research continues to address fire suppression challenges in shielded environments, contributing to the body of knowledge in alternative fire protection technologies.
Award alternates between Ph.D. and master’s level recognition
The IWMA confirmed that the Ragnar Wighus Award is alternated annually between Ph.D. and master’s theses.
The association stated that in 2026, the award will be presented to the author of the best master’s thesis focused on water mist.
The IWMA added that the award aims to support early career researchers by recognising academic contributions to the field of water mist fire suppression.
Water mist award recognises research into shielded fire applications: Summary
The International Water Mist Association has announced Azad Hamzehpour as the winner of the 2025 Ragnar Wighus Award.
Hamzehpour completed his Ph.D. at the Polytechnic University of Turin in Italy.
His thesis was supervised by Professors Vittorio Verda and Romano Borchiellini.
He is currently working with Associate Professor Davide Papurello on lithium-ion battery fire research.
The award is given annually to early career researchers studying water mist systems.
Hamzehpour will present his thesis at the 2025 International Water Mist Conference in Manchester.
His research is titled “Experimental and Simulation Analysis of Water Mist Systems for shielded Fire Applications”.
In 2026, the award will be presented to the author of the best master’s thesis.
Hamzehpour said:
“I’m deeply honored to receive this award for my PhD thesis.
It’s incredibly rewarding to have my work recognized in this way, and I’m grateful to my supervisors and colleagues for their support throughout the journey.
This recognition inspires me to continue pursuing research that contributes to meaningful advances in the field.”