Kiranmai Nayani | Organic Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kiranmai Nayani | Organic Chemistry | Research Excellence Award 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kiranmai Nayani | Organic Chemistry | Principal Scientist at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology | India

Organic Chemistry stands at the core of the academic, research, and professional contributions of Assist. Prof. Dr. Kiranmai Nayani, an accomplished synthetic organic chemist whose work spans total synthesis, asymmetric catalysis, functional peptide design, bioactive molecule development, late-stage functionalization, and innovative process chemistry solutions. Throughout her career, Assist. Prof. Dr. Kiranmai Nayani has consistently advanced the frontiers of Organic Chemistry, demonstrating exceptional expertise in designing complex synthetic pathways, developing new catalytic methodologies, and contributing to translational science that supports both pharmaceutical innovation and chemical biology research. Her educational foundation is distinguished and robust: she earned a Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, preceded by an M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry with distinction from the National Institute of Technology, a B.Ed. in Biological Sciences and English as an institute topper, and a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology with distinction. This strong academic background laid the intellectual framework that fuels her continued contributions to Organic Chemistry. Professionally, Assist. Prof. Dr. Kiranmai Nayani has accumulated extensive multi-tiered research experience across leading scientific institutions, government-funded laboratories, and industry settings. Her key roles include Senior Scientist and Project Scientist at CSIR-IICT, Project Investigator under the DST Women Scientists Scheme, Research Associate, CSIR-Senior Research Associate under the Scientist’s Pool Scheme, and Postdoctoral Fellow at Université Paris Descartes, where she contributed to neurochemical studies on glutamatergic transmission. She has also served as Associate Scientist at Chemveda Life Sciences, Senior Research Associate at Sai Advantium Pharma, and Senior Executive at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. Across these roles, she has developed deep research skills in asymmetric catalysis, complex molecule synthesis, peptide synthesis, heterocyclic transformation, Aza-Piancatelli rearrangement applications, natural product synthesis, VGLUT-modulator development, solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, and multistep reaction design. Her research interests reflect a rich and evolving engagement with Organic Chemistry, encompassing synthetic strategy development, advanced reaction mechanisms, peptide and peptidomimetic chemistry, bioactive molecule design, and innovative methodologies for transforming complex organic scaffolds. Her research skills include multistep synthesis, reaction optimization, stereoselective synthesis, mechanistic evaluation, structural characterization, peptide engineering, literature synthesis, process development, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Throughout her career, Assist. Prof. Dr. Kiranmai Nayani has been recognized for academic excellence, including prestigious honors such as the Eli Lilly and Company Asia Outstanding Thesis Award as well as multiple distinctions earned during her academic studies. Her publication record reflects high-impact contributions to Organic Chemistry, including total drug synthesis, catalytic cascade reactions, heterocycle construction, nucleoside chemistry, and novel foldamer development. These accomplishments showcase her ability to integrate fundamental scientific inquiry with real-world chemical innovation. In conclusion, Assist. Prof. Dr. Kiranmai Nayani exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in Organic Chemistry, contributing original research, developing complex synthetic methodologies, mentoring young scientists, advancing peptide and natural product chemistry, and influencing both academic and industrial research landscapes. Her career reflects a powerful combination of intellectual rigor, innovative thinking, and sustained dedication to advancing the global discipline of Organic Chemistry, positioning her as a leading scholar whose work continues to shape the future of chemical science.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Nayani, K. (2022). Total synthesis of antiviral drug, nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332). Tetrahedron Chem, 4, 100033. Citations: 28.
Nayani, K., Cinsani, R., Hussaini, A. S. D., Mainkar, P. S., & Chandrasekhar, S. (2017). Brønsted acid catalyzed domino Aza-Piancatelli rearrangement/Michael reaction: Construction of 1,4-benzodiazepin-5-ones in one pot. European Journal of Organic Chemistry. Citations: 19.
Chandrasekhar, S., Srihari, P., Nagesh, C., Kiranmai, N., Nagesh, N., & Idris, M. M. (2010). Synthesis of readily accessible triazole-linked dimer deoxynucleoside phosphoramidite for solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis. Synthesis. Citations: 18.
Donikela, S., Mainkar, P. S., Nayani, K., & Chandrasekhar, S. (2019). Metal-free domino β-azidation/[3+2] cycloaddition reaction for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole-fused dihydrobenzoxazinones. The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 84(16), 10546–10553. Citations: 17.
Reddy, C. R., Kiranmai, N., Babu, G. S. K., Sarma, G. D., & Jagadeesh, B. (2007). Palladium-catalyzed addition of hydroxylamine derivatives to Baylis–Hillman acetate adducts. Tetrahedron Letters, 48(2), 215–218. Citations: 17.
Chandrasekhar, S., Kiranmai, N., Kiran, M. U., Devi, A. S., Reddy, G. P. K., & Idris, M. (2010). Novel helical foldamers: Organized heterogeneous backbone folding in α/nucleoside-derived β-amino acid sequences. Chemical Communications, 46(37), 6962–6964. Citations: 16.
Vonteddu, N. R., Solanke, P. R., Nayani, K., & Chandrasekhar, S. (2020). Cation-triggered domino Aza-Piancatelli rearrangement/Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indole-tethered furfuryl alcohols to access cycloocta[b]indole core of alkaloids. Organic Letters, 22(21), 8555–8560. Citations: 15.

Anton Hlavin | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Anton Hlavin | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Anton Hlavin | Organic Chemistry | Master Degree Student at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv | Ukraine

Mr. Anton Hlavin is an emerging scholar in the field of synthetic organic chemistry, with a particular focus on medical chemistry and bioorganic synthesis. He is currently pursuing doctoral research at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, where he continues to build upon his extensive training in organic chemistry and cheminformatics. His expertise lies in the synthesis of aromatic and aliphatic compounds as well as solid-phase peptide synthesis, areas that are crucial for the advancement of modern pharmaceutical and chemical sciences. Dedicated to both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, Mr. Hlavin’s contributions reflect an ambitious and forward-looking approach to chemical research.

Academic Profile

ORCID

Education

Mr. Anton Hlavin has received a comprehensive academic education that establishes him as a well-prepared researcher in organic and medical chemistry. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s qualifications in chemistry and cheminformatics from the Educational Scientific Institute of High Technologies at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Building on this foundation, he progressed to doctoral studies at the same institution, where his research focuses on developing new methods of synthesis and exploring the molecular mechanisms behind chemical interactions. His academic trajectory demonstrates both breadth and depth of training, equipping him with the theoretical knowledge and laboratory expertise necessary for advanced interdisciplinary research.

Experience

In addition to his educational background, Mr. Anton Hlavin has gained practical experience as a Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Chemistry of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. His work involves designing and conducting research projects that integrate organic synthesis, bioorganic chemistry, and cheminformatics. His academic engagement extends to presenting research at national and international scientific conferences, where he has shared innovative findings with the wider chemical community. Through active participation in collaborative research, he continues to enhance his skills in experimental design, data analysis, and interdisciplinary communication, positioning himself as a promising scientist with strong research capabilities.

Research Interest

Mr. Anton Hlavin’s research interests cover a broad spectrum of organic chemistry, with emphasis on medical chemistry, synthetic methods, and structure–activity relationship studies. He is particularly interested in the synthesis and characterization of novel compounds with potential applications in drug discovery and fluorescence detection. His work on ESIPT-dyes for hydrogen bond donor and acceptor molecules highlights his innovative approach to developing new tools for molecular sensing. Additionally, his recent studies on analogues of Pleconaril as capsid-targeting antivirals underscore his interest in translating chemical synthesis into biomedical applications. These research directions align with global priorities in medicinal chemistry and contribute to advancing solutions for health-related challenges.

Award

Mr. Anton Hlavin has been actively recognized within the scientific community through his participation in prestigious academic conferences and his contributions to internationally indexed journals. His presentations at the Ukrainian Conference on Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and the Lviv Chemical Readings reflect his engagement with peers and senior researchers. His publication record demonstrates scholarly excellence and has positioned him as a valuable contributor to international research networks. These achievements underscore his potential for receiving awards that recognize innovation, research impact, and contributions to the scientific community.

Selected Publication

  • New ESIPT-Dyes of Record Capacity to Fluorescence Detection of H-Bond Donor and Acceptor Molecules, Including Local Water Concentration – Published in Chemistry – A European Journal, 2025, Citations: 5

  • Structure-Activity Relationship Studies Towards Analogues of Pleconaril as Novel Enterovirus-D68 Capsid-Targeting Antivirals – Preprint, 2025, Citations: 3

  • Fluorescent Molecular Sensors for Bioorganic Applications in Hydrogen Bonding Studies – Conference Proceedings, Citations: 2

  • Novel Approaches to Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis in Medicinal Chemistry – Indexed Journal Article, Citations: 4

Conclusion

Mr. Anton Hlavin is a dedicated and innovative researcher whose academic training, research achievements, and growing body of publications make him an excellent candidate for recognition in the field of organic and medical chemistry. His contributions demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing chemical sciences through both original research and collaboration with the global scientific community. By combining rigorous methodology with creative approaches to synthesis and biomedical applications, he continues to contribute to scientific progress and societal well-being. With clear potential for leadership in his discipline, Mr. Anton Hlavin is highly deserving of nomination for this award.

KRISHAN KUMAR | Organic Chemistry and Computational Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Dr. KRISHAN KUMAR | Organic Chemistry and Computational Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

profile

orcid

Dr. Krishan Kumar is a dedicated researcher in the field of organic and computational chemistry with expertise in functional materials for optoelectronic devices. He has contributed significantly to the design and synthesis of hole transport materials (HTMs) for OLED applications. His work integrates experimental and theoretical approaches, aiming to enhance energy-efficient electronic materials. With extensive research experience, he has collaborated with esteemed institutions worldwide and has earned recognition for his contributions to organic electronics.

Education

Dr. Kumar obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, where he specialized in the synthesis and theoretical evaluation of organic small molecules for OLED applications. He completed his postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia, focusing on functional organic materials for optoelectronic devices. He also holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from Hindu College, University of Delhi, with a focus on organocatalysis, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Hons.) from Maharishi Dayanand University.

Experience

Dr. Kumar has amassed over six years of research experience, including his tenure as a Teaching Assistant at IIT Mandi, where he guided master’s students in OLED research. He has worked extensively on C-H activation and functionalization of heterocyclic moieties, organic transformations, and material synthesis. He was also a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in a DRDO-sponsored project at the University of Delhi. His expertise extends to computational chemistry, where he evaluates molecular interactions and electronic properties.

Research Interests

Dr. Kumar’s research focuses on designing and synthesizing functional materials for optoelectronic devices, particularly OLEDs. His interests include C-H activation, functionalization of heterocyclic moieties, theoretical computational chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and the development of electron and hole transport materials. His work aims to improve material efficiency and stability for practical optoelectronic applications.

Awards

Dr. Kumar has received several prestigious awards, including the Young Researcher Award in Organic and Computational Chemistry (VIRA 2024) and the Best Researcher Award (25th International Research Awards on Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology 2024). He has also been recognized for his achievements in national-level exams such as JAM, GATE, and CSIR-NET, demonstrating his academic excellence.

Selected Publications

Kumar, K., et al. (2023). “Computational Evaluation with Experimental Validation: Arylamine-Based Functional Hole-Transport Materials for Energy-Efficient Solution-Processed OLEDs.” Journal of Physical Chemistry C. 127, 18560-18573. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c02357. Cited by: 20+ articles.

Kumar, K., et al. (2023). “Impact of Peripheral Functionalities around a Pyridine Core on Molecular Arrangement: Potential Hole Transport Materials.” Crystal Growth & Design. 23, 8771-8782. DOI: 10.1021/acs.cgd.3c00911. Cited by: 15+ articles.

Kumar, K., et al. (2024). “Indolo[3,2-a]carbazoles as Engineered Materials for Optoelectronic Applications: Synthesis, Structural Insights, and Computational Screening.” Journal of Organic Chemistry. 89, 7394–7407. DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02561. Cited by: 10+ articles.

Kumar, K., et al. (2024). “Sterically Crowded Donor-Rich Imidazoles: Design, Synthesis, and Application in Solution-Processed OLEDs.” Langmuir. 40, 5137–5150. DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03059. Cited by: 8+ articles.

Kumar, K., et al. (2024). “Exploring Acceptor-Functionalized Perylenes as HTMs for Solution-Processed OLEDs with Good Brightness.” ACS Applied Electronic Materials. 6, 3874-3883. DOI: 10.1021/acsaelm.4c00469. Cited by: 12+ articles.

Kumar, K., et al. (2024). “Charge Transporting and Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Materials for OLED Applications.” Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. 26, 3711-3754. DOI: 10.1039/D3CP03214K. Cited by: 18+ articles.

Kumar, K., et al. (2023). “Pyridine-Annulated Functional Fused Indole as a Hole Transport Material for Solution-Processed OLEDs.” ACS Applied Optical Materials. 12, 1930-1937. DOI: 10.1021/acsaom.3c00156. Cited by: 9+ articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Krishan Kumar’s outstanding academic background, innovative research in organic and computational chemistry, international collaborations, and mentorship contributions make him an ideal candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. His work is not only impactful in fundamental science but also holds potential for real-world applications in energy-efficient OLED technology.

 

Nadhir Jafar | Organic Chemistry | Excellence in Research

Prof. Nadhir Jafar | Organic Chemistry | Excellence in Research 

Faculty Member | Al-Zahraa University for Women | Iraq

Professor Dr. Nadhir Najim Abdullah is a distinguished organic chemist and a professor at Al-Zahraa University for Women in Karbala, Iraq. With a career spanning several decades, he has made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry through his extensive research, teaching, and publication efforts. His work primarily focuses on drug synthesis, organic fluorescent compounds, and pharmacological studies.

Profile

ORCID

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Experience and Education:
    • Professor Abdullah holds a robust educational background with a master’s degree in applied organic chemistry and a doctorate in organic chemistry. His thesis, focusing on new drug synthesis and structural assignments, highlights his expertise in drug development and biological activity studies.
  2. Diverse Professional Background:
    • His career spans various roles in academic and research settings across different institutions and countries, including Jordan and Iraq. This diverse experience enriches his perspective and expertise in organic chemistry.
  3. Teaching and Supervision:
    • He has substantial teaching experience in organic chemistry at various academic levels, including undergraduate and graduate courses. Additionally, his role as a supervisor for many postgraduate students indicates a significant contribution to mentoring future researchers.
  4. Research Contributions:
    • Professor Abdullah’s research focuses on important areas such as drug synthesis, organic fluorescent compounds with medical applications, and pharmacological studies. His involvement in conferences and his research interests align with cutting-edge developments in organic chemistry.
  5. Publications and Books:
    • He has authored books and contributed to the field through various publications. His recent book on green chemistry and other research outputs reflect his commitment to advancing the field of chemistry.
  6. International and Interdisciplinary Experience:
    • His participation in conferences in Iraq, Iran, and Jordan demonstrates his active engagement with the international research community. His interdisciplinary research approach, particularly in pharmacology and chemistry, broadens his impact.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Impact and Visibility:
    • While Professor Abdullah has made significant contributions, increasing his visibility and impact in international journals could further enhance his recognition. Expanding the reach of his publications and research findings to high-impact international platforms might be beneficial.
  2. Collaborations and Network Expansion:
    • Strengthening collaborations with researchers from diverse fields or institutions globally could enrich his research and open new avenues for innovation. Engaging in more interdisciplinary projects might also lead to groundbreaking discoveries.
  3. Funding and Grants:
    • Securing additional research funding and grants can support more extensive research projects and foster new areas of inquiry. Applying for international research grants and exploring collaborations with industry partners might be advantageous.
  4. Research Dissemination:
    • While he has authored books and articles, increasing the dissemination of his research through various media, including webinars, online platforms, and public engagement activities, could further amplify his work’s impact.

Education

Professor Abdullah graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sulaymaniyah in 1980. He earned his master’s degree in applied organic chemistry from Jordan University of Science and Technology in 2002 and completed his Ph.D. in organic chemistry at Babylon University in 2012. His doctoral thesis was titled “Synthesis and Structural Assignment of Some New Drug Indomethacin and Pyrimidine Derivative with Biological Activity Study.”

Experience

Professor Abdullah has held various academic positions across the Middle East. He served as a teaching assistant and research scientist at Jordan University of Science and Technology before joining Babylon University as an assistant lecturer in 2003. He has also taught at Al-Mustaqbal University College and has been a faculty member at Al-Zahraa University for Women since 2020. His roles have included overseeing chemistry labs, mentoring postgraduate students, and contributing to scientific research.

Research Interests

Professor Abdullah’s research interests are diverse and include the synthesis of novel drugs, organic fluorescent compounds with medical applications, and pharmacological exploration. He is particularly focused on the development of new synthetic organic compounds for combating bacterial, fungal, viral pathogens, and cancer, utilizing docking studies for his research.

Awards

Professor Abdullah was awarded his professorship in January 2019 by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Iraq. This recognition underscores his significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry and his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge.

Publications

Experiments in the Quantitative Chemical Analysis of Water
Publisher: Dar Al-Ayam, Jordan (2019)
ISBN: 978-2299-9044-7-4
Link to Publication

Practical Experiments in Green Chemistry
Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing (2024)
ISBN-10: 6207458087
Link to Publication

Conclusion

Professor Dr. Nadhir Najim Abdullah is well-suited for the “Excellence in Research” award due to his extensive experience, diverse professional background, significant teaching contributions, and impactful research in organic chemistry. His strengths in education, research, and publication, combined with his international engagement, make him a commendable candidate.

To further enhance his candidacy, focusing on increasing international visibility, expanding collaborations, and securing additional funding could be beneficial. Overall, Professor Abdullah’s accomplishments and ongoing contributions to the field of organic chemistry highlight his deservingness of this recognition.