Pankaj Shrivastava | Polymer Composites | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava | Polymer Composites | Excellence in Research Award 

Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava | Polymer Composites | Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah at Malaysia

Polymer Composites research forms the central scientific foundation of Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava’s distinguished academic and research career, reflecting his sustained excellence in metallurgical, mechanical, and nanomaterials engineering. Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava earned his Ph.D. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, achieving an outstanding 9.63 CGPA, where he pioneered the development of Al and Cu-based hybrid nanocomposites using graphite nanoplatelets and multiwalled carbon nanotubes as hybrid nano reinforcement, with significant implications in advanced materials and Polymer Composites interfaces. He completed his M.Tech in Automotive Technology at the College of Engineering Pune (CoEP)-ARAI Academy under Savitribai Phule Pune University with an 8.13 CGPA, working on high-strength steel welded joints under high strain rates, contributing valuable insights into crashworthiness and automotive safety. His academic journey began with a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Central College of Engineering & Management, CSVTU Bhilai, where he achieved an impressive 80.05%, supported by earlier schooling with 77.02% in Higher Secondary and 75% in High School. Professionally, Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava has served as Assistant Professor at Medi-Caps University, Indore and G.H.R.C.E.M Pune with notable teaching contributions, while his research brilliance spans postdoctoral work at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Research Associate experience at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai focusing on hydrogen storage materials and devices, and earlier industrial exposure during his internship at ARAI Pune on AHSS welding and testing. His advanced research interests include metal matrix nanocomposites, carbon-based reinforcements, powder metallurgy, hybrid nanostructures, triboelectric nanogenerators, nanomechanics, and high-performance materials for aerospace, biomedical, and defense applications. His research skills encompass mechanical alloying, characterization, microstructural analysis, high strain rate testing, nanocomposite fabrication, and materials performance evaluation with significant impact in next-generation materials and Polymer Composites innovation. He has attended multiple high-level workshops, including programs at IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, NIT Rourkela, ARAI Pune, and BARC Mumbai. His achievements include qualifying GATE twice—97.36 percentile and 88 percentile. He has contributed several highly cited publications in reputed journals such as Diamond and Related Materials, Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, Materials Today Communications, and Nano-Objects, with growing international impact. Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava continues advancing research at the intersection of nanomaterials and Polymer Composites, demonstrating technical leadership, strong research ethics, and academic excellence. His work reflects deep commitment to scientific innovation, material sustainability, industrial relevance, and global research collaboration.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Shrivastava, P., Alam, S. N., Ghosh, A., Shukla, U., Garg, K., Edara, A. C., & Sahoo, N. (2023). An introduction to triboelectric nanogenerators. 44 citations.
Shrivastava, P., Alam, S. N., Panda, D., Sahoo, S. K., Maity, T., & Biswas, K. (2020). Effect of addition of multiwalled carbon nanotube/graphite nanoplatelets hybrid on the mechanical properties of aluminium. 27 citations.
Alam, S. N., Shrivastava, P., Panda, D., Gunale, B., Susmitha, K., & Pola, P. (2022). Synthesis of Al2Cu intermetallic compound by mechanical alloying. 23 citations.
Shrivastava, P., Alam, S. N., Panda, D., Sahoo, S. K., Maity, T., & Biswas, K. (2021). Development and mechanical properties investigation of Cu-MWCNT-graphite nanoplatelets hybrid nanocomposites. 15 citations.
Ghosh, A., Shukla, U., Sahoo, N., Das, B., Kar, U. K., Shrivastava, P., & Alam, S. N. (2025). Development and mechanical characterization of copper-Hexagonal boron nitride metal matrix nanocomposites using powder metallurgy route. 12 citations.
Ghosh, A., Shukla, U., Sahoo, N., Ganguly, S., Shrivastava, P., Kumar, L., & others. (2023). Effect of ball milling on hexagonal boron nitride and development of Al-hBN nanocomposites by powder metallurgy route. 12 citations.
Raj, R., Shrivastava, P., Jindal, N., Alam, S. N., Naithani, N., Padhy, M., & others. (2019). Development and characterization of eutectic Sn-Zn, Sn-Ag, Sn-Bi and Sn-Cu solder alloys. 10 citations.
Shrivastava, P., Alam, S. N., Ghosh, A., & Biswas, K. (2023). Fabrication, characterization, and mechanical properties and wear characteristics of graphite nanoplatelets incorporated nanotwinned Cu composites. 9 citations.

 

Liana Lucchetti | Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Liana Lucchetti | Materials | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Liana Lucchetti | Materials | Associate Professor at Polytechnic University of Marche | Italy

Prof. Liana Lucchetti is an Associate Professor of Physics at Università Politecnica delle Marche, where she leads the Laboratory “Optics of Soft Matter.” She is internationally recognized for her pioneering research in liquid crystal physics and soft matter optics. With more than a hundred peer-reviewed publications, numerous invited talks, and leadership in both academic and professional communities, she has made transformative contributions to the fields of nonlinear optics, ferroelectric nematic materials, and complex fluid dynamics. Her research has been featured on journal covers and highlighted by scientific media outlets, further demonstrating her international impact. Beyond research, Prof. Liana Lucchetti plays a critical role as an academic mentor, conference organizer, and editorial board member, shaping the direction of scientific inquiry while fostering the next generation of scholars.

Academic Profile

ORCID  | Scopus

Education

Prof. Liana Lucchetti completed her doctoral studies in Physics at the University of Bologna, where her research explored light-induced memory effects in liquid crystalline materials. This early training in fundamental physics established a strong foundation for her subsequent academic career. Through advanced research in optics and soft matter, she has continuously expanded her scientific expertise, combining experimental physics with interdisciplinary approaches. Her academic journey reflects both rigorous specialization and a commitment to developing innovative methodologies in applied photonics.

Experience

Prof. Liana Lucchetti has advanced from early research fellowships to her current position as Associate Professor of Physics, consistently expanding her leadership and academic influence. She heads the Laboratory “Optics of Soft Matter,” where she oversees high-level projects in collaboration with both national and international institutions. She has delivered invited seminars, keynote lectures, and specialized training courses at major international conferences and universities, contributing to global scientific exchange. In addition, she has supervised numerous postdoctoral researchers, doctoral candidates, and master’s students, ensuring strong continuity in research innovation and knowledge transfer. Her service to the scientific community includes acting as a reviewer for leading journals such as Nature Physics, PNAS, and Scientific Reports, while also serving on editorial boards and scientific committees of conferences.

Research Interest

Prof. Liana Lucchetti’s research spans a wide spectrum of topics in soft matter physics and optics. Her main interests include nonlinear optical properties of liquid crystals, hybrid liquid crystal-lithium niobate systems, and optical manipulation in anisotropic media. She has also advanced studies on the viscoelastic properties of DNA liquid crystals and on the electrowetting and wetting dynamics of complex fluids. Recently, her focus on ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals has attracted global attention, providing new insights into electromechanical instabilities and polarization phenomena. These areas of investigation not only advance fundamental physics but also open new pathways for technological applications in photonics, materials science, and bioengineering.

Award

Prof. Liana Lucchetti has received multiple awards and recognitions for her scientific contributions. She was named “Researcher of the Year” by Università Politecnica delle Marche in acknowledgment of her outstanding achievements. Several of her research articles have been selected for journal covers and highlighted in international scientific media, underscoring their significance to the broader optics and materials science communities. Her leadership roles in international conferences and scientific committees further demonstrate her professional recognition. She has consistently secured research funding and institutional awards, strengthening her position as a leading figure in soft matter and optical physics.

Selected Publication

  • “Optical phase conjugation and efficient wave front correction of weak light beams by dye doped liquid crystals,” published in 2003, with 95 citations.

  • “Surface alignment of ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals,” published in 2021, with 210 citations.

  • “Explosive electrostatic instability of ferroelectric liquid droplets on ferroelectric solid surfaces,” published in 2022, with 178 citations.

  • “Fluid superscreening and polarization following in confined ferroelectric nematics,” published in 2023, with 134 citations.

Conclusion

Prof. Liana Lucchetti is a distinguished scholar whose work in liquid crystal optics and soft matter physics has advanced the frontiers of scientific knowledge. Her contributions span fundamental theory, experimental breakthroughs, and interdisciplinary applications, with results published in leading international journals. She has combined research excellence with institutional leadership, extensive editorial service, and a strong record of mentoring, thereby influencing both academic communities and industrial applications. Her recognition through awards, invited talks, and high-impact publications demonstrates her status as a thought leader in physics. Looking forward, Prof. Liana Lucchetti is positioned to continue shaping the global research landscape through expanded international collaborations, pioneering investigations into ferroelectric nematic systems, and ongoing leadership in scientific organizations. Her career exemplifies the qualities of innovation, dedication, and international impact, making her a highly deserving nominee for this award.

Rina Sahu | Metallurgical | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rina Sahu | Metallurgical | Outstanding Scientist Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rina Sahu | Metallurgical – Associate Professor at National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, India

Dr. Rina Sahu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jamshedpur. With more than 21 years of experience in research and teaching, Dr. Sahu specializes in coal utilization, mineral beneficiation, metallic glasses, nanostructured materials, and hydrometallurgy. Her academic journey began with a B.E. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from R.I.T. Jamshedpur (2001), followed by an M.Tech from NIT Jamshedpur (2004), and a Ph.D. in Metallic Glasses from BESU Shibpur, Howrah (2010). Over the years, she has become a prominent figure in her field, contributing significantly to materials science and environmental sustainability.

Profile:

Orcid | Scopus

Education:

Dr. Sahu completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from R.I.T. Jamshedpur in 2001. Following this, she pursued her Master’s in the same field at NIT Jamshedpur, completing her M.Tech in 2004. Dr. Sahu’s passion for research led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Metallic Glasses at BESU Shibpur, Howrah, where she received her doctoral degree in 2010. Her academic foundation has been the basis for her extensive contributions to metallurgical research, particularly in the areas of material processing and environmental sustainability.

Experience:

With nearly 22 years of academic and research experience, Dr. Sahu has been instrumental in the advancement of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. She began her professional journey at the National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) Jamshedpur, where she worked for six years (2003–2010) on various research projects. Subsequently, she transitioned into teaching roles, first at B.I.T. Ranchi and OPJIT Raigarh, and then at NIT Jamshedpur in 2012, where she has remained for over a decade. Dr. Sahu’s career is characterized by a blend of academic excellence and research-driven innovation, which she continuously integrates into her teaching, making her a valuable educator and mentor.

Research Interests:

Dr. Sahu’s research spans several critical areas in materials science, including:

  1. Coal Utilization & Mineral Beneficiation – Investigating the potential of low-grade coal and lean ores, particularly from Indian origins, and developing sustainable extraction and processing methods.
  2. Metallic Glasses & Nanostructured Materials – Focusing on the mechanical properties, crystallization behavior, and alloying of metallic glasses, and exploring their applications in various industries.
  3. Hydrometallurgy – Engaging in innovative research to optimize processes for the extraction and recycling of valuable metals, particularly in the context of spent lithium-ion batteries.

Her research continues to contribute significantly to the development of sustainable materials processing technologies, with a strong focus on eco-friendly methodologies.

Awards:

Dr. Sahu has received numerous awards recognizing her outstanding contributions to the field. Notable awards include the Distinguished Professor Award (February 2025) by the Scientific Laurels Committee and the Outstanding Woman Researcher in Metallurgy (2025) by the Venus International Women Awards. She has also won several best paper and poster presentation awards at national and international conferences. Her efforts to bridge the gap between research and industry have been acknowledged by both academic institutions and professional organizations.

Publications:

Dr. Sahu has authored and contributed to numerous publications in prestigious journals and conferences. She has co-authored books on materials processing technologies, published in journals like the Journal of Materials Science and Technology, Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, and Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals. Notably, her recent work on sustainable recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries and research on alloying elements in gray cast iron has gained international recognition.

  1. Mishra, H.S., Sahu, R., & Shaik, S. (2024). “Effect of Mo Co-Alloying on Microstructure and Properties of Gray Cast Iron.” International Journal of Metalcasting. 📝 2024
  2. Mishra, H.S., Sahu, R., & Padan, D.S. (2023). “Effect of Sn Alloying on the Microstructural Features and Mechanical Properties of Grey Cast Iron.” Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance. 📝 2023
  3. Sahu, R., Kumar, A., Tripathy, S.K. (2023). “Energy-Efficient Advanced Ultrafine Grinding of Particles Using Stirred Mills.” MSPI (Energies). 📝 2023
  4. Mishra, P.R., Sahu, R., & Chakravarty, S. (2021). “Effect of Ash Content on the Pyrolysis of Indian Origin Coal.” Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals. 📝 2021
  5. Shaik, S., Chakravarty, S., Sahu, R. (2020). “Laboratory Scale Tests for the Utilization of High Ash Non-Coking Coal in Coke Making Process.” Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals. 📝 2020
  6. Mishra, P.R., Sahu, R., & Chakravarty, S. (2020). “Viscosity Analysis of Indian Origin Coal Using FactSage at Different Temperatures.” Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals. 📝 2020

Conclusion:

Dr. Rina Sahu is a dedicated researcher and educator with a profound impact on the fields of materials science, metallurgy, and sustainable resource management. Her contributions to the understanding of coal utilization, the development of metallic glasses, and the advancement of recycling technologies for critical metals have earned her recognition both nationally and internationally. Through her innovative research, Dr. Sahu has paved the way for more sustainable and efficient methods of materials processing, significantly benefiting both industry and the environment. With a robust track record of teaching and mentoring, she continues to inspire and lead the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Katerina Stamer | Polymer Science | Young Scientist Award

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Katerina Stamer | Polymer Science | Young Scientist Award

Associate petroleum engineer at Aramco Innovations LLC, Russia

Katerina Stanislavovna Stamer is a dedicated researcher specializing in polymer science, functional coatings, and microencapsulation. As a PhD student at Moscow State University and an Associate Petroleum Engineer at LLC Aramco Innovations, she actively contributes to the development of advanced materials for industrial applications. Her research spans novel materials with applications in the oil and gas industry, focusing on self-healing cement, omniphobic smart materials, and sustainable polymer degradation. With a strong academic background and hands-on industry experience, Katerina plays a crucial role in advancing material science for both medical and engineering purposes.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Katerina pursued her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics with distinction, both focused on polymer science and materials engineering. During her undergraduate studies, she explored biopolymer-based cross-linked systems with varying morphologies, laying a strong foundation for her research. Her Master’s research delved into the electrophoretic deposition of composite coatings on metallic implants to enhance osteointegration, a breakthrough in biomedical materials. Under the supervision of Dr. M.O. Gallyamov, she gained expertise in studying polymer behavior under pressure, a crucial aspect of her ongoing PhD research in advanced functional coatings and sustainable material development.

Experience

Currently, Katerina balances her role as a PhD researcher with industry work at Aramco Innovations, where she focuses on encapsulation techniques for oil and gas applications. Her work at Aramco involves the development of microcapsules for self-healing cement, a revolutionary approach to reducing structural damage in drilling operations. She has also contributed to creating smart responsive materials designed to mitigate lost circulation problems in oil wells. With her combined experience in academia and industry, she has successfully bridged the gap between theoretical research and practical applications.

Research Interests

Katerina’s research interests encompass a wide range of topics within material science, including polymer composites, functional coatings, microencapsulation, porous materials, and the behavior of polymers in pressurized solvents. Her studies on robust omniphobic smart materials and sustainable polymer degradation in controlled environments have positioned her as a promising scientist in advanced materials engineering. She is particularly interested in how polymers interact with external stimuli and their potential in medical, environmental, and petroleum industries.

Awards

Katerina has been nominated for the Young Scientist Award, recognizing her contributions to polymer science and materials engineering. Her innovative research in functional coatings, smart materials, and self-healing technologies has garnered attention in both academic and industrial circles. She continues to make significant strides in her field, with her work promising long-term advancements in sustainable materials and industrial applications.

Selected Publications

Stamer, K. S., & Gallyamov, M. O. (2022). Electrophoretic deposition of composite coatings for metallic implants. Journal of Advanced Materials Research. Cited by 5.

Stamer, K. S. (2023). Omniphobic smart materials: A new frontier. Materials Science & Engineering Journal. Cited by 3.

Stamer, K. S. (2023). Sustainable polymer degradation in pressurized media. Polymer Degradation & Stability. Cited by 4.

Stamer, K. S., & Gallyamov, M. O. (2024). Microencapsulation for self-healing cement. International Journal of Oil & Gas Engineering. Cited by 6.

Stamer, K. S. (2024). Functional coatings for biomedical applications. Ceramic Coatings Journal. Cited by 2.

Stamer, K. S. (2025). Smart responsive materials for lost circulation control. Petroleum Science & Technology. Cited by 3.

Stamer, K. S. (2025). Encapsulation techniques in the oil and gas industry. Energy Materials & Technologies. Cited by 4.

Conclusion

Based on her strong academic background, innovative research contributions, industrial impact, and potential for future advancements, Katerina Stanislavovna Stamer is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Her dedication to materials science and engineering, coupled with her ability to translate research into practical applications, makes her a deserving nominee for this prestigious recognition.