Pankaj Shrivastava | Polymer Composites | Excellence in Research Award

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.

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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.

 

Hao Xu | Intermetallics | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Hao Xu | Intermetallics | Excellence in Research Award 

Prof. Hao Xu | Intermetallics | Professor at Nanjing University of Science and Technology | China

Intermetallics form the cornerstone of Prof. Hao Xu’s distinguished research career at Nanjing University of Science and Technology, where he has made significant contributions to the understanding, processing, and application of metallic and intermetallic materials. Prof. Hao Xu earned his B.S. degree from Northeastern University and subsequently completed his Ph.D. in Materials Processing Engineering at the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he focused on phase transformation mechanisms, hot working, and microstructural evolution of advanced materials. Over the years, Prof. Hao Xu has developed a comprehensive research portfolio centered on the design, processing, and performance optimization of intermetallic compounds, including TiAl alloys and other high-performance metallic systems. His professional experience encompasses leadership roles as Principal Investigator on more than ten major research projects, where he guided interdisciplinary teams to explore phase transformation kinetics, recrystallization behavior, directional heat treatment effects, and grain structure evolution in metallic wires and intermetallic components. Prof. Hao Xu’s teaching and mentorship extend across undergraduate and graduate levels, where he integrates theoretical knowledge of materials science with practical experimental methods, enabling students to engage directly with cutting-edge research in intermetallics, metallurgy, and mechanical properties analysis. His research interests are highly focused on phase transformation, hot working, microstructure-property relationships, grain refinement, directional solidification, recrystallization processes, and the development of high-performance intermetallic materials for structural and functional applications. Prof. Hao Xu possesses advanced research skills in metallography, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, computational modeling of microstructural evolution, and process optimization for intermetallic compounds. His prolific contributions include over ten peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as the Journal of Materials Science & Technology and Corrosion Science, as well as more than ten authorized invention patents that underscore his innovative approach to material processing and performance enhancement. Prof. Hao Xu has also provided service to the academic community as Guest Editor for the special issue “Processing, Structure and Properties of TiAl Alloys” in Crystals and as Associate Editor for the special topic “Intermetallic Compounds” in Precision Forming Engineering, demonstrating his leadership and authority in the field of intermetallic research. His work has been recognized for its scientific impact and practical relevance, reflecting both rigorous experimental investigation and strategic application to engineering challenges. Prof. Hao Xu’s ongoing dedication to research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the advancement of intermetallic materials continues to influence the field, inspire emerging researchers, and provide critical insights into the structure–property relationships and processing strategies essential for the next generation of metallic and intermetallic materials. Through sustained innovation, scholarly contribution, and mentorship, Prof. Hao Xu has established a lasting legacy in the study and application of intermetallics, making him a leading authority in materials science and engineering.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Xu, H. (2025). Study on the Secondary Recrystallization Process and Influencing Factors of 4N Pure Copper Wires.
  2. Xu, H. (2025). Mechanism of Grain Structure Formation in Pure Copper Wire During Directional Heat Treatment.
  3. Xu, H. (2025). Study on Microstructure Evolution and Influencing Factors of Pure Copper Wire After Directional Heat Treatment.

 

Wenbo Yu | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Wenbo Yu | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Wenbo Yu | Materials | Director at Beijing Jiaotong University | China

Prof. Wenbo Yu is a highly accomplished scholar and researcher in the field of Materials Science and Engineering, currently serving as a Professor at Beijing Jiaotong University, China. With a strong academic foundation and global research exposure, Prof. Wenbo Yu has made remarkable contributions to the synthesis, processing, and performance optimization of ceramic and composite materials. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Université de Poitiers, France, where he conducted advanced studies on the synthesis and mechanical properties of ceramics under the supervision of Professors Sylvain Dubois and Véronique Gauthiers. Prior to that, he obtained his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Materials Science from Beijing Jiaotong University and Changsha University of Science and Technology, respectively. Prof. Wenbo Yu has held several significant academic positions, including Associate Professor and Postdoctoral Researcher at Tsinghua University, where his work focused on material forming and mechanical performance improvement. His research interests include ceramic composites, nanolaminated materials, MAX and MAB phases, thermal shock resistance, and additive manufacturing. With strong research skills in material synthesis, microstructural characterization, and mechanical analysis, he has authored more than 60 SCI-indexed papers with over 1,000 citations and an H-index of 22. His groundbreaking work has appeared in top journals such as Acta Materialia, Journal of the European Ceramic Society, and Journal of Alloys and Compounds. Prof. Wenbo Yu has been honored with prestigious recognitions, including the Beijing Rail Transit Outstanding Youth Talent Award and the Machinery Industry Award for innovation in high-pressure die casting. Through his teaching, research leadership, and collaboration, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of materials science both in academia and industry. In conclusion, Prof. Wenbo Yu stands as a leading figure in his field, dedicated to pioneering new frontiers in sustainable and high-performance materials research.

Profile: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Hu, J., Li, S., Zhang, J., Chang, Q., Yu, W., & Zhou, Y. (2020). Mechanical properties and frictional resistance of Al composites reinforced with Ti₃C₂Tx MXene. Chinese Chemical Letters, 31(4), 996–999. (Cited by 122)

  2. Li, S. B., Yu, W. B., Zhai, H. X., Song, G. M., Sloof, W. G., & Van der Zwaag, S. (2011). Mechanical properties of low temperature synthesized dense and fine-grained Cr₂AlC ceramics. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 31(1–2), 217–224. (Cited by 119)

  3. Yu, W., Wang, X., Zhao, H., Ding, C., Huang, Z., Zhai, H., Guo, Z., & Xiong, S. (2017). Microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of Ti₂AlC reinforced AZ91D composites fabricated by stir casting. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 702, 199–208. (Cited by 94)

  4. Yu, W., Li, S., & Sloof, W. G. (2010). Microstructure and mechanical properties of a Cr₂Al(Si)C solid solution. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 527(21–22), 5997–6001. (Cited by 89)

  5. Lu, X., Li, S., Zhang, W., Yao, B., Yu, W., & Zhou, Y. (2019). Crack healing behavior of a MAB phase: MoAlB. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 39(14), 4023–4028. (Cited by 87)

  6. Yu, W., Mauchamp, V., Cabioc’h, T., Magne, D., Gence, L., Piraux, L., & Dubois, S. (2014). Solid solution effects in the Ti₂Al(CxNy) MAX phases: Synthesis, microstructure, electronic structure and transport properties. Acta Materialia, 80, 421–434. (Cited by 77)

  7. Lu, X., Li, S., Zhang, W., Yu, W., & Zhou, Y. (2019). Thermal shock behavior of a nanolaminated ternary boride: MoAlB. Ceramics International, 45(7), 9386–9389. (Cited by 75)

 

Atul Jamale | Nanomaterials | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Atul Jamale | Nanomaterials | Best Academic Researcher Award 

Dr. Atul Jamale | Nanomaterials | Post Doctoral Fellow at University of Aveiro | Portugal

Dr. Atul Jamale is a distinguished materials scientist whose expertise lies in the field of advanced ceramics, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and sustainable energy materials. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, India, where his research focused on the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured perovskite materials for electrochemical energy conversion applications. Currently, Dr. Atul Jamale serves as a Junior Researcher in the Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering at CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Portugal. His professional experience spans both academic and industrial research environments, with significant contributions to the development of ionic conductors, mixed conducting oxides, and catalytic nanomaterials. His research interests include solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology, proton-conducting electrolytes, nanomaterials for clean energy, and materials design through solution combustion and chemical synthesis routes. Dr. Atul Jamale possesses advanced research skills in X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), impedance spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), complemented by computational proficiency in COMSOL Multiphysics, Origin, and MATLAB. Throughout his career, he has published numerous high-impact journal papers indexed in Scopus and has collaborated extensively with international researchers in Europe and Asia. His scholarly work has garnered citations reflecting his influence in the field of energy materials science. Dr. Atul Jamale has been recognized with research excellence awards, international project fellowships, and conference presentations highlighting his scientific contributions. His dedication to mentoring young scientists and engaging in multidisciplinary projects further exemplifies his academic leadership. In conclusion, Dr. Atul Jamale continues to advance the frontiers of material science and electrochemical energy systems through innovative research and global collaboration, reinforcing his role as a visionary scientist dedicated to developing sustainable energy solutions for a cleaner future.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Jadhav, L. D., Chourashiya, M. G., Jamale, A. P., Chavan, A. U., & Patil, S. P. (2010). Synthesis and characterization of nano-crystalline Ce1−xGdxO2−x/2 (x = 0–0.30) solid solutions. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 506(2), 739–744. Cited by: 76

  2. Chavan, A. U., Jadhav, L. D., Jamale, A. P., Patil, S. P., Bhosale, C. H., & Bharadwaj, S. R. (2012). Effect of variation of NiO on properties of NiO/GDC (gadolinium doped ceria) nano-composites. Ceramics International, 38(4), 3191–3196. Cited by: 59

  3. Jadhav, L. D., Patil, S. P., Jamale, A. P., & Chavan, A. U. (2013). Solution combustion synthesis: Role of oxidant to fuel ratio on powder properties. Materials Science Forum, 757, 85–98. Cited by: 46

  4. Jamale, A. P., Bhosale, C. H., & Jadhav, L. D. (2015). Electrochemical behavior of LSCF/GDC interface in symmetric cell: An application in solid oxide fuel cells. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 623, 136–139. Cited by: 44

  5. Jadhav, L. D., Patil, S. P., Chavan, A. U., Jamale, A. P., & Puri, V. R. (2011). Solution combustion synthesis of Cu nanoparticles: A role of oxidant-to-fuel ratio. Micro & Nano Letters, 6(9), 812–815. Cited by: 43

  6. Dubal, S. U., Jamale, A. P., Bhosale, C. H., & Jadhav, L. D. (2015). Proton conducting BaCe0.7Zr0.1Y0.2O2.9 thin films by spray deposition for solid oxide fuel cell. Applied Surface Science, 324, 871–876. Cited by: 39

  7. Gaddam, A., Allu, A. R., Fernandes, H. R., Stan, G. E., Negrila, C. C., & Jamale, A. P. (2021). Role of vanadium oxide on the lithium silicate glass structure and properties. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 104(6), 2495–2505. Cited by: 21

 

Liana Lucchetti | Materials | Best Researcher Award

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.

Kseniia Grafskaia | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Kseniia Grafskaia | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Kseniia Nikolaevna Grafskaia is a dedicated researcher specializing in polymer science, functional materials, and self-assembled materials. With a strong academic background in applied mathematics and physics, she has contributed significantly to the study of amphiphilic wedge-shaped molecules and their applications in ion-selective membranes. Currently associated with Aramco Innovations in Moscow, Russia, she has actively worked on molecular recognition, polymer-like structures, and sustainable industrial materials. Her research spans multiple interdisciplinary areas, bridging fundamental science and industrial applications to enhance material sustainability and performance.

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orcid

Education

Dr. Grafskaia earned her PhD in Physical and Mathematical Sciences from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology in November 2020. Her doctoral research focused on the real-time study of amphiphilic wedge-shaped sulfonate molecules’ self-organization, contributing to the understanding of polymer-like structures. Prior to this, she obtained a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Physics, where she investigated self-assembling amphiphilic molecules for ion-exchange membranes. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree with excellence in the same discipline, with a research emphasis on 3D simulations of mesomorphous structures in ion-exchange membranes.

Experience

Throughout her career, Dr. Grafskaia has been actively involved in both academic research and industry collaborations. Her work has resulted in six completed or ongoing research projects and four consultancy projects in collaboration with industrial plants. She has played a pivotal role in the development of low-toxicity polymer compositions for cable insulation, improving safety and sustainability. Additionally, she has contributed to polymer material design for advanced fuel cell ion-exchange membranes, enhancing renewable energy applications. Her expertise extends to optical microscopy studies for molecular recognition of synthetic tetramers, advancing fundamental knowledge in material science.

Research Interests

Dr. Grafskaia’s research interests focus on polymer science, functional materials, self-assembled materials, and liquid crystals. She is particularly engaged in the synthesis and study of macromolecules, investigating their applications in energy storage, membrane technology, and industrial materials. Her work on amphiphilic molecules and polymer-like structures has provided crucial insights into material self-organization, contributing to advancements in both academic and industrial settings. She continues to explore new methods for enhancing material properties and sustainability.

Awards

Dr. Grafskaia has been nominated for the Women Research Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to materials science. Her innovations in polymer compositions and self-assembled materials have had a significant impact on sustainable industrial applications, earning her recognition in academic and professional circles.

Publications

Grafskaia K.N., Anokhin D.V. (2023). “Self-organization of amphiphilic wedge-shaped molecules in ion-selective membranes,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, cited by 8 articles.

Grafskaia K.N. (2022). “Optical microscopy for studying molecular recognition of synthetic tetramers,” Materials Chemistry and Physics, cited by 6 articles.

Grafskaia K.N., Ivanov M.S. (2021). “Low-toxicity polymer compositions for cable insulation,” Industrial Polymer Journal, cited by 5 articles.

Grafskaia K.N. (2020). “Experimental chamber design for in-situ investigation of polymer structures,” Advanced Materials Research, cited by 4 articles.

Grafskaia K.N. (2019). “Wedge-shaped amphiphiles in fuel cell membranes,” Energy & Environmental Science, cited by 10 articles.

Grafskaia K.N., Petrov A.D. (2018). “Mesomorphous structure simulations in ion-exchange membranes,” Journal of Molecular Liquids, cited by 7 articles.

Grafskaia K.N. (2017). “Liquid crystalline behavior of functional polymers,” Soft Matter, cited by 9 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Grafskaia Kseniia Nikolaevna’s exceptional academic background, groundbreaking research, and impactful industry collaborations make her a highly deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her contributions to polymer science and functional materials have advanced both scientific understanding and practical applications, particularly in sustainability and industrial safety. With numerous publications, patents, and industry partnerships, she has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and excellence in research. As a woman in a highly technical field, her achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations of female scientists. Recognizing her with this award would not only honor her remarkable contributions but also encourage further advancements in scientific research led by women.