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. 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.