Viswanadha Srirama Rajasekhar Pullabhotla | Catalysis | Research Excellence Award

 

Prof. Viswanadha Srirama Rajasekhar Pullabhotla | Catalysis | Research Excellence Award

University of Zululand | South Africa

Professor V.S.R. Rajasekhar Pullabhotla is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Zululand with extensive academic, industrial, and research experience. Trained in chemistry and chemical sciences, he has worked across chemical industries, national research organizations, and higher education institutions. He leads the Catalysis Research Group at UNIZULU, with research interests spanning heterogeneous catalysis, advanced oxidation processes, wastewater treatment, bioflocculation, and nanomaterials. He has authored over 121 peer-reviewed publications, eight monographs, and holds two registered patents. Recognized as an NRF-rated C2 scientist, his work significantly advances sustainable chemistry and environmental remediation.

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Julia Shamshina | Biopolymers | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Julia Shamshina | Biopolymers | Research Excellence Award

Texas Tech | United States

Dr. Julia Shamshina is an accomplished chemist and academic leader specializing in sustainable chemistry and biopolymeric materials. She earned her B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia and completed her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at The University of Alabama. Her professional career spans industrial research, national laboratories, startups, and academia, including roles as Research Chemist, Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow, Senior Research Scientist, and multiple Chief Scientific Officer appointments in technology-driven companies. Dr. Shamshina has held academic positions at McGill University and Texas Tech University, where she is currently an Assistant Professor at the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute with a joint appointment in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Her research focuses on biopolymers, chitin, functional biopolymeric materials, ionic liquids, biotechnology, and advanced separation technologies, with strong emphasis on green chemistry and sustainable processes. She has received numerous honors, including a NASA Tech Brief Award, a Green Chemistry Challenge Award, and multiple innovation and accelerator awards. Overall, Dr. Shamshina’s career reflects impactful contributions at the intersection of chemistry, sustainability, and translational research.

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Moritz Rosenthal | Electrochemistry | Research Excellence Award 

Mr. Moritz Rosenthal | Electrochemistry | Research Excellence Award 

Aalto University | Finland

Mr. Moritz Rosenthal is a dedicated chemist and doctoral candidate at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering, Finland, with a strong focus on material and nano chemistry. He earned his M.Sc. in Chemistry from Leibniz University, Hanover, with distinction, emphasizing advanced inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, and his B.Sc. in Chemistry from the same institution, graduating with a solid foundation in synthesis and characterization of materials, including transition metal seleno phosphates. His professional journey includes research assistant roles at both Leibniz University and Aalto University, where he synthesized and analyzed catalysts for oxygen evolution reactions in acidic electrolytes, targeting sustainable replacements for platinum group metals in proton exchange membrane electrolyzers. During his Master’s thesis, he collaborated internationally with experts on advanced material studies, and his industrial internship at Honeywell Specialty Chemicals led to a patented invention related to low-melting flux materials. His research interests encompass catalysis, electrochemistry, transition metal oxides, and sustainable hydrogen technologies. Mr. Rosenthal has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, innovative research contributions, and a commitment to advancing clean energy solutions. His work bridges fundamental chemistry and applied materials science, reflecting both scholarly rigor and practical impact in the field of sustainable energy and advanced functional materials.

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Ömrüye Özok Arıcı | Cancer | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ömrüye Özok Arıcı | Cancer | Research Excellence Award

Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi | Turkey

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ömrüye Özok Arıcı is an academic researcher specializing at the interface of molecular biology, chemical engineering, and biomedical engineering. She completed her PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, focusing on the synthesis of artemisinin–benzothiophene derivatives and the evaluation of their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. She holds a master’s degree in Biology with research on Streptomyces species and enzyme production, and a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She further expanded her interdisciplinary expertise through postdoctoral research at Eskişehir Osmangazi University in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Since 2023, she has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Eskişehir Osmangazi University. Her research interests include medicinal and bioactive compound synthesis, antimicrobial and antioxidant studies, cytotoxicity assessment, and applied biomedical technologies. She has received institutional research support and recognition for her scientific contributions. Overall, her work reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research addressing biomedical and chemical innovation.

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Qi Sun | Membrane Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Qi Sun | Membrane Materials | Best Researcher Award

Zhejiang University | China

Prof. Qi Sun is a distinguished chemist and academic leader recognized for impactful contributions to chemical and biochemical engineering, particularly in materials chemistry and catalysis. He earned his PhD in Chemistry from Zhejiang University (2009–2014) under the mentorship of Feng-Shou Xiao, following a Bachelor’s degree in Material Chemistry from Harbin University of Science and Technology (2005–2009). After completing doctoral training, he gained extensive international research experience as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Zhejiang University, supervised by Jixue Li and Feng-Shou Xiao, and subsequently in the Department of Chemistry at the University of South Florida under Shengqian Ma. These roles strengthened his expertise in advanced functional materials, porous materials, catalysis, and structure–property relationships. He currently serves as Professor at the College of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, where he leads innovative research integrating chemistry, materials science, and engineering applications. His academic excellence has been recognized through multiple prestigious honors, including Outstanding Doctoral Thesis at Zhejiang University, National Scholarship and Outstanding Graduate Student awards, and Outstanding Undergraduate Graduation Thesis distinction. Through sustained research innovation, mentorship, and scholarly leadership, Prof. Qi Sun continues to advance chemical science and foster the next generation of researchers.


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Gregory Benz | Fluid Mixing | Chemical Engineering Innovation Award

Mr. Gregory Benz | Fluid Mixing | Chemical Engineering Innovation Award

Benz Technology International Inc | United States

Mr. Gregory Benz is a seasoned chemical engineer and global business leader with extensive expertise in industrial mixing, bioprocessing, and technology commercialization. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (cum laude) and has built a distinguished career spanning consulting, manufacturing, and international market development. As President of Benz Technology International, Inc., he has led consulting initiatives in anaerobic and aerobic bioreactor design, cellulosic hydrolysis reactor scale-up, polymer reactor systems, magnetic mixer development, feasibility studies, and pilot-scale protocol design, while actively contributing to the emerging alternative protein industry. Previously, during a long tenure at Chemineer Inc., he served in progressively senior roles, including Chief Representative in Shanghai, Industry Manager, Market Specialist, and Senior Application Engineer, where he drove global leadership in fermentation mixing, dominated key bioprocessing markets, and secured large-scale, high-value projects through rigorous engineering analysis and strategic sales leadership. His professional development includes advanced training in fermentation biotechnology and international business communication, along with academic engagement in continuing education programs. His research and professional interests focus on bioreactor design, fermentation technology, scale-up engineering, fluid mixing, and technology transfer. Widely recognized for technical authority and market impact, his career reflects sustained excellence, innovation, and leadership in chemical and bioprocess engineering.

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Agitator Impeller Comparison in a High Yield-Stress Lignocellulosic Slurry


– Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, 2025

Contributor: Gregory T. Benz

 

Huangjie Lu | Ion Detection | Young Researcher Award

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.

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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.

Prof. Dr. Ismail Zainol | Nano Collagen | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Dr. Ismail Zainol | Nano Collagen | Excellence in Research Award

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris | Malaysia

Prof. Dr. Ismail Zainol is a distinguished researcher and academician specializing in polymer science, composites, and biomedical materials. He holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Composites from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. With extensive experience leading and contributing to numerous research projects, his work primarily focuses on the development of natural hydroxyapatite and collagen-based biomaterials, green chemistry applications, wound dressing scaffolds, dental composites, and polymeric drug delivery systems. He has spearheaded innovative studies on biogenic nano-hydroxyapatite from fish scales for biomedical and cosmetic applications, as well as chitosan-collagen composites for tissue engineering and water filtration. Prof. Dr. Zainol has been recognized internationally and nationally with multiple gold, silver, and bronze awards, including accolades from ITEX, PECIPTA, SIIF, and SIRIM Berhad, reflecting his contributions to sustainable materials, biomedical innovation, and chemical engineering. His research not only bridges scientific innovation and practical applications but also enhances environmental sustainability and human health. Through his pioneering work and dedication to academic excellence, he continues to make a significant impact on polymer science, biomaterials, and green technology, inspiring future research and innovation in these fields.

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Featured Publications

Mudhafar, M.; Alsailawi, H.A.; Zainol, I.; Zorah, M.; Abdulraheem, M.N.; Hasan, M.M.; Lahhob, Q.R.; Oudha, H.A.A.; Ali, A.M. (2024). “Extraction, identification of chemical constituents, and in vitro evaluation against cells and bacterial pathogens of the leaves of Polyalthia rumphii.” Journal of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research.

Mudhafar, M.; Zainol, I.; Alsailawi, H.A.; Karhib, M.M.; Zorah, M.; Alnagdi, F.H.; Hamzah, M.S. (2023). “Bioactive chemical constituents of three crude extracts of Polyalthia sclerophylla using GC-MS and phytochemical screening and their antibacterial and cytotoxicity activities.” Eurasian Chemical Communications.

Mudhafar, M.; Alsailawi, H.A.; Zorah, M.; Karhib, M.M.; Zainol, I.; Kadhim, F.K. (2023). “Biogenic synthesis and characterization of AgNPs using CEPS: Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activities.” Journal of Advanced Research in Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences.

Anene, F.A.; Jaafar, C.N.A.; Mohamed Ariff, A.H.; Zainol, I.; Mohd Tahir, S.; Abdul Razak, B.; Salit, M.S.; Anene-Amaechi, J. (2023). “Biomechanical properties and corrosion resistance of plasma-sprayed fish scale hydroxyapatite (FsHA) and FsHA-doped yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings on Ti–6Al–4V alloy for biomedical applications.” Coatings.

Mudhafar, M.; Zainol, I.; Alsailawi, H.A.; Zorah, M.; Karhib, M.M.; Mahmood Mahdi, N. (2023). “Preparation and characterization of FsHA/FsCol beads: Cell attachment and cytotoxicity studies.” Heliyon.

Anene, F.A.; Jaafar, C.N.A.; Zainol, I.; Ariff, A.H.M.; Tahir, S.M. (2022). “Evaluation of corrosion inhibition of plasma sprayed FsHA/YSZ coating on β-titanium (Ti-13Nb-13Zr) alloy using electrochemical techniques.” Journal of Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering.

Aiza Jaafar, C.N.; Zainol, I.; Izyan Khairani, M.I.; Dele-Afolabi, T.T. (2022). “Physical and mechanical properties of tilapia scale hydroxyapatite-filled high-density polyethylene composites.” Polymers.

Mudhafar, M.; Zainol, I.; Alsailawi, H.A.; Aiza Jaafar, C.N. (2022). “Synthesis and characterization of fish scales of hydroxyapatite/collagen–silver nanoparticles composites for the applications of bone filler.” Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society.

Dr. Mohammad Barati | Modeling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammad Barati | Modeling | Best Researcher Award

University of Kashan | Iran

Dr. Mohammad Barati is an accomplished researcher and assistant professor in applied chemistry at the University of Kashan. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry from the University of Tehran, following an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry from the University of Tabriz. Dr. Barati has extensive research experience in renewable energy and nanotechnology, focusing on the conversion of microalgae into biodiesel and bio-jet fuel using supercritical media, simultaneous bio-diesel and hydrogen production, and the development of polymer nanocomposites for drug delivery and bio-applications. His work also encompasses the synthesis and performance evaluation of magnetic polymer nanocomposites and their use as scaffolds in cell culture. Recognized for his excellence in teaching, he has been ranked first in annual faculty teaching evaluations at the University of Kashan and has received awards including the provincial first prize for university startups and the second-rank award at the Sabzkooh National Technology Festival. Dr. Barati’s research contributes significantly to sustainable energy, biofuel production, and advanced polymer materials, reflecting his dedication to both scientific innovation and academic excellence.

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Featured Publications

Fanaee, G., Barati, M., & Bashiri, H. (2026). “Process optimization, kinetics, thermodynamics and kinetic Monte Carlo modeling of catalyzed biodiesel production in supercritical medium” in Renewable Energy.

Aghilinategh, M., Barati, M., & Hamadanian, M. (2024). “Supercritical microalgae conversion to biofuel and value‐added components (oxygenates, hydrocarbons, and aromatics): A catalyst characterization study” in Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy.

Alirezaei Alavije, A., Barati, F., Barati, M., Nazari, H., & Karimi, I. (2021). “Polyethersulfone/MWCNT nanocomposite scaffold for endometrial cell culture: preparation, characterization, and in vitro investigation” in Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express.

Barati, M. (2019). “Nanobiocatalytic processes for producing biodiesel from algae” in Sustainable Bioenergy (Book chapter).

Alirezaie Alavijeh, A., Barati, M., Barati, M., & Abbasi Dehkordi, H. (2019). “The potential of magnetic nanoparticles for diagnosis and treatment of cancer based on body magnetic field and organ-on-the-chip” in Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin.

Mirzaie, Z., Reisi-Vanani, A., & Barati, M. (2019). “Polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate blend, composited with 3D-graphene oxide as a controlled release system for curcumin” in Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology.

Prof. Alimorad Rashidi | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Alimorad Rashidi | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Research Institute of petreolum Industry | Iran

Prof. Alimorad Rashidi is a distinguished chemical engineer with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Tehran University, Iran. He also holds an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Tehran University and a B.Sc. from Petroleum University of Technology, Ahwas. With extensive professional experience, Prof. Rashidi specializes in the application and mass production of carbon nanostructures, including carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanoporous carbon, and nanofluids for upstream oil and gas processes such as enhanced oil recovery and drilling fluids. His work spans hydrogen production, CO2 adsorption and separation, natural gas storage, desulfurization under reservoir conditions, smart adsorbents, and nano-catalysis. Prof. Rashidi has contributed significantly to the development of nanostructured materials, nano-catalysts, and nanofluids for heat transfer, as well as 2D nanomaterials and metal oxide nanostructures. His research integrates adsorption technology, nanofluid rheology, catalytic reactions, and innovative fuel technologies, advancing both academic and industrial applications. He has extensive teaching experience in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, mass transfer, nanostructure materials, and their applications in the petroleum industry. Recognized nationally and internationally, he has received numerous awards, including UNIDO Kharazmi International Award, Allameh Tabatabaei Award, multiple top nanotechnology researcher honors in Iran, and recognition among the top 1% of scientists worldwide. Prof. Rashidi continues to drive innovation in chemical engineering and nanotechnology.

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Featured Publications

Sharafinia, S.; Saadati Ardestani, N.; Rashidi, A.; Abbasy, F.; Eskandari Sabzi, P. (2025). CO2/N2 selectivity with high efficiency using new flexible coordinate organic polymer-based core–shell. RSC Advances.

Mir, S.; Rashidi, A.; Naderifar, A.; Seif, A.; Silvestrelli, P. L.; Alonso, J. A. (2025). Development of a smart plasma-treated nano-filter using carbon nitride nanostructures for oil–water emulsion separation: experimental and theoretical studies. Journal of Materials Chemistry A.

Sirati Gohari, M.; Rezaei, S. A.; Rashidi, A.; Javadpour, S.; Ebadzadeh, T. (2025). MXenes and hydride nanostructures: Fundamental, properties, surface modification, properties, and application. In: Book Chapter.

Zafari, T.; Sharafinia, S.; Rashidi, A.; Esrafili, M. D.; Keyvani, B.; Mousavi, M. (2025). Optimized adsorption of volatile organic compounds on graphene oxide and nanoporous graphene activated with ZnCl2: a combined experimental and computational study. Nanoscale Advances.

Mousavi, R.; Fazlinezhad, A.; Fallah Shojaei, A.; Rashidi, A.; Fattahi, M. (2025-04-23). Evaluation of Vanadium Oxide Nanocatalysts over Graphene for Propylene Production Through Oxidative Propane Dehydrogenations. Catalysts.

Nouri, M.; Sadeghi, M. T.; Rashidi, A.; Norouzbeigi, R. (2024-05). Hydrothermally synthetized WO3 coated stainless steel mesh for oil–water separation purposes. Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology.

Mir, S.; Rashidi, A.; Naderifar, A.; Esrafili, M. D. (2023-12). An investigation of the effects of porosity and N-defects of 2D CxNy membranes on the wettability behavior and separation capability of water and oil mixtures. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects.