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.

Xia Yan | Raman Spectroscopy | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Xia Yan | Raman Spectroscopy | Young Scientist Award

Lyuliang University | China

Xia Yan is an accomplished Associate Professor at Lyuliang University, recognized for her growing contributions to marine detection and optical sensing research. She holds a strong academic foundation built through a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, followed by a Master of Engineering in Optical Engineering, and culminating in a Ph.D. in Marine Detection Technology from the Ocean University of China. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she has developed deep expertise in ocean observation technologies, optical signal processing, and advanced detection systems for marine environments. Since joining Lyuliang University in 2022, she has been actively engaged in teaching, research, and guiding students in cutting-edge topics related to optical instrumentation and marine measurement techniques. Her research interests include underwater optical imaging, environmental monitoring sensors, and intelligent detection technologies for marine applications. She has contributed to several research projects, published scholarly work, and earned recognition for her innovative approaches in marine technology development. As an emerging researcher, she continues to explore interdisciplinary methods that enhance the precision and efficiency of marine detection systems. With a strong commitment to scientific advancement, she aims to expand her research impact and foster technological progress in marine optical sensing and detection innovation.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publication

Xue, G.P., Yu, G., & Fen Xi, G.P. (2024). “SERS detection of carbendazim based on convex polyhedrons-shaped Au@4-ATP@Au nanoparticle” in Spectroscopy and Spectral Analysis (Guang Pu Fen Xi).

Dr. Vincenzo Mazzaracchio | Sensors | Best Researcher Award

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.