Noel Isack Kaaya | Geochemistry | Research Excellence Award

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

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Metwally | Environmental Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Metwally | Environmental Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Metwally | National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries | Egypt

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Metwally is an accomplished researcher in marine environmental science with strong expertise in pollution studies, water treatment, biodiversity, and ecological assessment. He holds a BSc and PhD in Science from Mansoura University and an MSc from Alexandria University, complemented by advanced international training through the GAME program at IFM-Geomar in Germany, a UNESCO-IHE course in the Netherlands, a research fellowship at the University of Pavia in Italy, and a postdoctoral research grant at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the USA. Since 2008, he has contributed significantly to the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, where he has developed extensive experience in environmental monitoring, emergent contaminants, aquatic ecosystem health, and advanced laboratory techniques. His work bridges applied research and environmental protection, focusing on improving water quality, understanding pollution pathways, and promoting sustainable marine resource management. Throughout his career, he has been recognized through competitive fellowships and international research opportunities that highlight his scientific impact. With a commitment to advancing marine environmental science, Dr. El-Metwally continues to contribute knowledge that supports conservation efforts, ecological sustainability, and innovative solutions to modern environmental challenges.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Sallam, A., El-Metwally, M., Sabry, M.A., & Elsbaey, M. (2021). Cladamide: a new ceramide from the endophytic fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides. Natural Product Research.

El-Metwally, M.E.A., Darwish, D.H., & Dar, M.A. (2021). Spatial distribution and contamination assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of Lake Burullus, Egypt. Arabian Journal of Geosciences.

El-Sayed, W.M.M., Elshaer, M.M., Ibrahim, H.A.H., & El-Metwally, M.E.A. (2020). Antimicrobial agents from sea urchin (Diadema setosum) collected from the Red Sea, Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.

El-Metwally, M.E.A., Othman, A.I., & El-Moselhy, K.M. (2019). Distribution and assessment of heavy metals in the coastal area of the Red Sea, Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.

Elsbaey, M., Sallam, A., El-Metwally, M., Nagata, M., Tanaka, C., Shimizu, K., & Miyamoto, T. (2019). Melanogenesis inhibitors from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus amstelodami. Chemistry & Biodiversity.

Al Prol, A.E., El-Metwally, M.E.A., & Amer, A. (2019). Sargassum latifolium as eco-friendly materials for treatment of toxic nickel (II) and lead (II) ions from aqueous solution. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.

Mahmoud, M.A.M., Dar, M.A., Hussein, H.N.M., El-Metwally, M.E.A., Maaty, M.M., Omar, M.Y., Seraj, M.R., & Mohammed, T.A.A. (2019). Survivorship and growth rates for some transplanted coral reef-building species and their potential for coral reef rehabilitation in the Red Sea. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.

Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

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.

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.

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. 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.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

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.