Noel Isack Kaaya | Geochemistry | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Noel Isack Kaaya | Geochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, Tanzania

Mr. Noel Isack Kaaya is an accomplished chemist and researcher with extensive expertise in hazardous chemical management, environmental monitoring, and analytical toxicology. He holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Dodoma and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam, which laid the foundation for his strong scientific and analytical capabilities. With over a decade of professional experience at the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, he has played a key role in conducting laboratory analyses related to environmental pollution, occupational safety, health risk assessment, and the detection of illicit substances. His research interests span acid mine drainage, soil contamination, geogenic pollutants, carcinogenic risk assessment, and the application of advanced analytical techniques to address environmental and public health challenges. He has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and has been recognized for his commitment to scientific integrity and service to environmental protection. Driven by a passion for improving chemical safety and promoting evidence-based environmental management, he continues to advance his expertise through research, collaboration, and capacity building. His career reflects dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to safeguarding communities through scientific excellence.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Kaaya, N.I., Vegi, M.R., & Macheyeki, A.S. (2026). “Acid mine drainage, soil pollution, and carcinogenic risk of geogenic contaminants in artisanal and small-scale gold mining areas of Geita, Tanzania.” Environmental Geochemistry and Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-025-02909-8

Kaaya, N.I., Vegi, M.R., & Macheyeki, A.S. (2025). “Graphene-based adsorbents for selective recovery of rare earth elements from mining wastes: A review.” FlatChem. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flatc.2025.100954

Kaaya, N.I., Vegi, M.R., & Macheyeki, A.S. (2025). “Health risks of geogenic contaminants in gold mining areas in Geita, Tanzania.” Journal of Trace Elements and Minerals. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100222

Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Durban University of Technology | South Africa

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi is an emerging chemist whose work spans inorganic chemistry, bioprocessing, biomass valorization, and physical chemistry, supported by strong academic training and multidisciplinary research experience. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology, focusing on the application of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for converting glucose extracted from sugarcane bagasse into value-added biochemicals. Building on her Master’s research on Co(II) and Mn(II) dithiocarbamate complexes with bioactivity studies and her Honours and undergraduate training in chemistry and geology, she has cultivated a broad scientific foundation. Professionally, she has gained significant experience as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology, a Research Scientist Intern at the Technology Innovation Agency, a Sales Technology Chemist at Buckman Laboratories, and a Tutor and Laboratory Coordinator at both the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Fort Hare. Her expertise includes laboratory management, analytical chemistry, fermentation processes, biomass processing, and instrumental analysis such as HPLC and nutrient profiling. She has received several distinctions, including multiple certificates in quality systems, safety management, and digital literacy, as well as prestigious recognitions such as the National Research Foundation Scholarships and the James Moir Medal. Her growing body of work reflects a commitment to sustainable chemistry and impactful scientific innovation.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Tokoyi, V. (2024). Ferrocene-Based Bimetallic MOF Beads as Bifunctional Dye Scavenging and Degrading Materials. Chemical Engineering Transactions.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Potential Application of IL@ZIF-MOF Composites for Lignocellulosic Biomass Valorization: Recent Update. Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Should “Ionic Liquids” also be used for solid ionic compounds: Synthesis and characterization of p-anisidinium-based ionic compounds. Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Synthesis and antibacterial studies of p-anisidinium-based ionic liquids: Experimental, DFT calculations and molecular docking. Journal of Molecular Liquids.

Dr. Abel Tankoano | Food Chemistry | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Abel Tankoano | Food Chemistry | Best Academic Researcher Award

CNRST/IRSAT | Burkina Faso

Dr. Abel Tankoano is a dedicated biochemist and food technology researcher known for his expertise in food safety, microbial biotechnology, and analytical biochemistry. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry–Microbiology/Food Technology, supported by a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Microbial and Cellular Biotechnology, a Master’s degree in Biochemistry–Microbiology with Applied Microbiology, and earlier foundational studies in biochemistry and microbiology. His professional journey includes significant teaching and research contributions at Université Ouaga I Pr Joseph Ki-Zerbo, where he served as a temporary teaching and research assistant and later as a biochemistry laboratory instructor. Since joining the Department of Food Technology at IRSAT/CNRST in 2019, he has specialized in advanced analytical techniques, including UHPLC for aflatoxin quantification, atomic absorption spectrophotometry for mineral and heavy-metal detection, and HPLC for amino acid profiling. His routine involvement in assessing microbiological and physicochemical quality of foodstuffs reflects his commitment to public health and food security. His research interests span food contaminants, microbial safety, bioprocesses, and nutritional quality assessment. Recognized for his impactful contributions to food science research, he continues to advance innovations that support safer and higher-quality food systems. Overall, Dr. Tankoano’s work exemplifies scientific rigor, practical relevance, and long-term dedication to food technology research.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Bamogo, W. M., Kabré, W. J. d’A., Tankoano, A., Traoré, M. A. E., Banhoro, O., Parkouda, C., & Savadogo, A. (2025). “Valorization of mango by-products: fortification of mugudugu using mango peel and kernels.” Food, Nutrition and Health.

Ouedraogo, O., Kabore, K., Tankoano, A., Bayili, G. R., Belem, A. M. G., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2025). “Incorporation of local ingredients (Soumbala, Moringa, Roucou) in the formulation of nitrite-free cooked sausages: an alternative for healthy nutrition.” Journal of Applied Life Sciences International.

Tankoano, A., Somda, N. S., Guira, F., Pare, A., Zeynab, T. R., Ouedraogo, B. T., Safi, A., Kabore, D., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2025). “Hygiene practices and microbial contamination of liquid Gapal sold in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.” Biotechnology Journal International.

Tankoano, A., Kabore, K., Coulibaly-Diakité, M., Somda, N. S., Somé, K. I., Rouamba, A., Kabore, D., Savadogo, A., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2025). “Nutritious raw Soumbala seasoning: an alternative for its valorization and acceptability.” Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology.

Tankoano, A., Kabore, K., Samandoulougou-Kafando, P. M. J., Some, K. I., Coulibaly-Diakité, M., Kabore, D., Savadogo, A., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2024). “Characterization of spice ingredients and raw Soumbala for the formulation of a highly nutritious seasoning.” Cogent Food & Agriculture.

Somda, N. S., Tankoano, A., Metuor-Dabire, A., Kabore, D., Bonkoungou, J. O. I., Kpoda, D. S., Sambe-Ba, B., Dabire, Y., Saba, C. K. S., & Ouoba, I. L. et al. (2023). “A systematic review and meta-analysis of antibiotic resistance of foodborne pathogenic bacteria in West Africa between 2010 and 2020.” Journal of Food Protection.

Bayili, G. R., Coulibaly-Diakite, M., Tankoano, A., Kere-Kando, C., Kabore, T. J., Konfe-Kanwe, M. E. M. P., Rouamba, A., Parkouda, C., & Sawadogo-Lingani, H. (2023). “Physico-chemical, microbiological, and sensorial characteristics of grains, malt, wort, and beer from FKR 19 and FKR 62 N rice varieties grown in Burkina Faso.” Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists.

Huangjie Lu | Ion Detection | Young Researcher Award

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Dr. Huangjie Lu | Ion Detection | Young Researcher Award

Changzhou University | China

Dr. Huangjie Lu is a dedicated researcher specializing in radiochemistry, actinide chemistry, coordination chemistry, radiation detection, and crystallographic separation. He holds a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, an M.Eng. in Materials Science and Engineering from Soochow University, and a B.Eng. in the same field from the Nanjing Institute of Technology. His professional experience includes serving as an Assistant Researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he contributed extensively to advanced radiochemical and coordination compound studies, and he currently continues his academic journey at Changzhou University. Dr. Lu’s research explores the design, synthesis, and functional development of coordination compounds, inorganic complexes, and MOF-based materials, leading to more than 40 peer-reviewed publications, including over 24 first- or corresponding-author papers in top-tier journals such as JACS, Nature Communications, Advanced Science, and ACS Sensors. He has also secured nine granted patents demonstrating his innovative contributions to chemical sciences. Recognized for his impactful research and scientific leadership, Dr. Lu continues to advance the frontiers of inorganic and radiochemistry, contributing significantly to material innovation and radiochemical applications.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Gu, Q., Lei, J., Deng, W., Zhang, H., Zhang, Z.-H., Lu, H., Hu, B., & Xie, J. (2025). “A uranyl-based luminescent dosimeter for ultralow-dose tracking of UV and X-ray radiation” in Chemical Communications.

Cheng, S., Xu, T., Qian, J., Lu, H., Zhang, Z.-H., He, M.-Y., & Chen, Q. (2025). “Adsorption of radioiodine species by a microporous rare-earth-organic framework” in Inorganic Chemistry.

Yang, J., Bai, Y., Lu, H., Ma, J., Xie, J., Qiu, J., Guo, X., Wang, Y., Wang, S., & Lin, J. (2025). “Emergence of acidity modulation as a new strategy for eliciting stable radicals in multi-stimuli-responsive metal-oxo clusters” in Chinese Chemical Letters.

Bai, Y., Yang, J., Yang, L., Lu, H., Ma, J., Qiu, J., Wang, Y., & Lin, J. (2025). “Identical metal–organic frameworks with distinct colors: the role of modulator in directing photophysical properties” in ACS Materials Letters.

Bai, Y., Lu, H., Lei, M., Qiu, J., & Lin, J. (2025). “An ultrastable luminescent covalent organic polymer for selective Pd²⁺ detection in strong acid” in EcoEnergy.

Yin, X., Wang, Y., Li, Y., Jia, X., Sun, J., Lu, H., & Li, Q. (2025). “Selective crystallization separation driven by structural divergence in lanthanide mixed-organic systems” in Inorganic Chemistry.

Yang, J., Lu, H., Yang, L., Yao, Y., Wei, Z., Chen, M., Qi, H., Ren, Y., Wang, Y., Qiu, J., et al. (2024). “Lanthanide organic–inorganic hybrids for X-ray scintillation and imaging” in Inorganic Chemistry.

Dr. Véronique Eparvier | Chemistry of Natural Product | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Véronique Eparvier | Chemistry of Natural Product | Best Researcher Award

CNRS | France

Dr. Véronique Eparvier is a CNRS Research Director at the Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles (ICSN–CNRS) in France, where she leads the Functional Chemistry–Chemical Ecology team and serves as Deputy Coordinator of the Natural Substances–Medicinal Chemistry Department. She also established and manages the ICSN Symbiotic Microorganism Strain Library. She holds a PhD in Natural Products Chemistry and an Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR), along with Master’s degrees in Agro-resource Sciences and Anthropology. Her professional career spans over a decade of research at CNRS, including leading the “Chemodiversity of the Flora of French Guiana” program. Her research focuses on the interface of natural product chemistry, chemical ecology, and metabolomics, emphasizing interactions between microorganisms and plants or insects to identify bioactive metabolites of pharmacological and agrochemical interest and to elucidate their ecological roles. She applies integrative approaches combining analytical chemistry, metabolomic profiling, and ecological insights. Dr. Eparvier’s work has resulted in numerous publications, patents, conference presentations, and invited lectures. Her achievements have been recognized with awards such as the Air Liquide Trophy for Scientific Research. Through her research and outreach, she significantly advances knowledge in natural substances, chemical ecology, and interdisciplinary biotechnology.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Levasseur, M.; Santerre, C.; Segret, J.; Elie, N.; Genty, C.; Estevez, Y.; Amusant, N.; Houël, E.; Eparvier, V.; Touboul, D. (2023). “Composition of antifungal volatile organic compounds in Sextonia rubra fruit by molecular networks.” Comptes Rendus Chimie.

Hebra, T.; Eparvier, V.; Touboul, D. (2023). “Nitrogen Enriched Solid-State Cultivation for the Overproduction of Azaphilone Red Pigments by Penicillium sclerotiorum SNB-CN111.” Journal of Fungi.

Levasseur, M.; Hebra, T.; Elie, N.; Guérineau, V.; Touboul, D.; Eparvier, V. (2022). “Classification of Environmental Strains from Order to Genus Levels Using Lipid and Protein MALDI-ToF Fingerprintings and Chemotaxonomic Network Analysis.” Microorganisms.

Hebra, T.; Pollet, N.; Touboul, D.; Eparvier, V. (2022). “Combining OSMAC, metabolomic and genomic methods for the production and annotation of halogenated azaphilones and ilicicolins in termite symbiotic fungi.” Scientific Reports.

Hebra, T.; Pollet, N.; Touboul, D.; Eparvier, V. (2022). “Combining OSMAC, Metabolomic and Genomic Methods on Termite Symbiotic Fungi for the Production and Annotation of Halogenated Azaphilones and Ilicicolins.” Research Square, preprint.

Houël, E.; Ginouves, M.; Azas, N.; Bourreau, E.; Eparvier, V.; Hutter, S.; Knittel-Obrecht, A.; Jahn-Oyac, A.; Prévot, G.; Villa, P.; et al. (2022). “Treating leishmaniasis in Amazonia, part 2: Multi-target evaluation of widely used plants to understand medicinal practices.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Sorres, J.; Hebra, T.; Elie, N.; Leman-Loubière, C.; Grayfer, T.; Grellier, P.; Touboul, D.; Stien, D.; Eparvier, V. (2022). “Antiparasitic Ovalicin Derivatives from Pseudallescheria boydii, a Mutualistic Fungus of French Guiana Termites.” Molecules.

Dr. Hardik Varu | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hardik Varu | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Subhash University, Junagadh | India

Dr. Hardik Varu is an accomplished chemist and academician with expertise in analytical and pharmaceutical chemistry. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry from Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta University, Junagadh, focusing on “Method Development, Validation and Analytical Studies of Bioactive Compounds,” following a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Dr Subhash University, Junagadh, he has previously worked as a Teaching Assistant at his alma mater, contributing to both undergraduate and postgraduate education. His teaching spans Regulatory Affairs, Spectroscopy & Chromatography, and Pharmaceutical Technology. Dr. Varu possesses extensive technical expertise in operating advanced instrumentation, including UV-Vis spectrophotometers, FTIR, fluorescence spectrophotometers, flame photometers, and UHPLC systems, alongside proficiency in scientific software such as Origin, ChemDraw, Mnova, and research database tools. His research interests focus on analytical method development, bioactive compound analysis, and pharmaceutical applications. Recognized for his excellence, he has received awards including Academic Excellence, fellowships, and multiple SSIP grants, as well as conference distinctions. With a commitment to academic innovation, research advancement, and mentorship, Dr. Varu continues to contribute significantly to the scientific community.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Vavaiya, P.P.; Malviya, N.J.; Alshehri, A.A.; Alqarni, M.; Varu, H.L. (2026). “The reaction of Ninhydrin Revisited: applications in quantification of analytes, active pharmaceutical ingredients and amino acids” in Journal of Molecular Structure.

Varu, H.L.; Parmar, H.N.; Vadhel, H.D.; Ambasana, M.A. (2025). “A Comprehensive Review of Analytical Methodologies for Memantine Hydrochloride” in Journal of Analytical Chemistry.

Varu, H.L.; Bapodra, A.H.; Ambasana, M. (2024). “First Order Derivative Spectroscopic Evaluation of Carfilzomib in Parenteral Preparation” in Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Vachhani, D.; Parekh, J.H.; Patra, S.; Varu, H.L.; Soni, M.; Jebaliya, H.J. (2024). “Green Analytical Method Development and Validation Studies of Viloxazine Hydrochloride in Pure and Commercial Products Using UV-Vis Spectroscopy” in Journal of Applied Spectroscopy.

Varu, H.L.; Nariya, P.B.; Patel, A.S.; Gadher, M.; Makhasana, M.; Lunagariya, K.; Tirvedi, B.; Ambasana, M.A. (2024). “High-performance thin-layer chromatography‒spectrodensitometric determination of diltiazem hydrochloride and its commonly occurring degradation impurity” in Journal of Planar Chromatography – Modern TLC.

Varu, H.L.; Kapuriya, N.P.; Bhalodia, J.J.; Bapodra, A.H.; Ambasana, M.A. (2024). “Kinetic Spectrophotometric Determination of Memantine Hydrochloride Based on the Formation of Its Dinitrochlorobenzene Adduct” in Journal of Analytical Chemistry.

Joshi, R.J.; Dholariya, M.P.; Chothani, S.R.; Chamakiya, C.A.; Varu, H.L.; Karmur, M.B.; Maliwal, D.; Pissurlenkar, R.R.S.; Bapodra, A.H.; Patel, A.S.; et al. (2024). “Synthesis, antidiabetic activity and in silico studies of benzo[b]thiophene based small molecule α-amylase inhibitors” in Journal of Molecular Structure.

Dr. Vincenzo Mazzaracchio | Sensors | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Vincenzo Mazzaracchio | Sensors | Best Researcher Award

University of Rome “Tor Vergata” | Italy

Dr. Vincenzo Mazzaracchio is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” working in the research group of Professor Fabiana Arduini. He specializes in analytical chemistry and electrochemical sensor technology, focusing on the design and development of miniaturized, portable, and wearable electrochemical (bio)sensors for environmental, food, and biomedical applications. Dr. Mazzaracchio obtained his academic training in chemistry and analytical sciences, equipping him with a strong foundation in nanomaterials, electrochemistry, and device fabrication. His research integrates carbon-based and metallic nanomaterials with advanced sensing platforms, such as paper-based, screen-printed, and microfluidic devices, to achieve sensitive, cost-effective, and real-time detection. He has carried out international research experiences at Technische Universität Chemnitz (Germany), the University of Johannesburg (South Africa), and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (Japan), enhancing his global scientific perspective. With over 40 publications in peer-reviewed journals and an H-index of 19, his contributions have significantly advanced electrochemical biosensing and wearable diagnostics. Dr. Mazzaracchio has received recognition for innovation in analytical device development and continues to explore wireless, user-friendly systems for point-of-care testing. His work bridges chemistry, engineering, and digital technology, driving the future of smart sensing for health and environmental sustainability.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Colozza, N., Mazzaracchio, V., Di Gregorio, C., Seddaoui, N., Aquilani, D., Pizziconi, A., Gullo, L., Argiriadis, E., & Arduini, F. (2026). “3D-printed extraction chamber and paper-based screen-printed sensors for zinc analysis in soil and Antarctic sediments.” Talanta.

Chebil, A., Mazzaracchio, V., Duranti, L., Gullo, L., & Arduini, F. (2025). “Paper-based metal-air battery electrochemical sensor for smartphone-assisted oxygen monitoring in food packaging.” Sensors and Actuators A: Physical.

Mazzaracchio, V., & Arduini, F. (2025). “Smart microfluidic devices integrated in electrochemical point-of-care platforms for biomarker detection in biological fluids.” Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry.

Gosti, C., Mousavi, Z., Fiore, L., Mazzaracchio, V., Olivieri, F., Gentile, G., Arduini, F., & Bobacka, J. (2025). “Carbon Black and PEDOT:PSS in a synergistic solid contact for reliable printed potentiometric sensors.” ACS Sensors.

Nocerino, V., Miranda, B., Dardano, P., Colella, S., Vedi, V., Antonacci, A., Mazzaracchio, V., Fiore, L., Arduini, F., De Stefano, L., et al. (2024). “Design of an electrochemical hydrogel nanocomposite immunosensor for the detection of hemoglobin in blood.” Microchemical Journal.

Mazzaracchio, V., Fiore, L., Gullo, L., Seddaoui, N., Duranti, L., Siliprandi, V., La Placa, G., Frank, G., Raffaelli, G., Gualtieri, P., et al. (2024). “Near field communication-assisted paper-based electrochemical sensing platform for study in personalized nutrition.” Microchemical Journal.

Sharifi, A. R., Mazzaracchio, V., Duranti, L., Gullo, L., Brannetti, S., Peyravian, M., Kiani, M. A., & Arduini, F. (2024). “Nanopaper integrated smart device: An opto-electrochemical biosensor for real-time dual on-field detection of organophosphorus pesticides.” ACS Sensors.