Zara Cherkezova-Zheleva | Mechanochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Zara Cherkezova-Zheleva | Mechanochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zara Cherkezova-Zheleva | Mechanochemistry – Research Group leader at Institute of Catalysis Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria

Dr. Zara Cherkezova-Zheleva is a prominent Bulgarian scientist with over three decades of research experience in the field of inorganic chemistry and materials science. She has dedicated her career to the synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced materials for environmental and catalytic purposes. Working primarily at the Institute of Catalysis, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, she has become well-regarded in both national and international scientific communities. Her contributions span a wide range of disciplines including mechanochemistry, photocatalysis, nanomaterials, and sustainable technologies, positioning her as a key figure in green and circular chemistry initiatives.

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Education:

Dr. Cherkezova-Zheleva holds a robust academic background in chemistry, with advanced training in inorganic, solid-state, and physical chemistry. She received her higher education in Bulgaria, where she developed a strong foundation in crystallography, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Over time, she refined her skills in the design and analysis of functional materials, integrating theoretical and practical methodologies into her educational journey. Her academic path provided her with a multidisciplinary skill set that supports her ongoing contributions to materials research and environmental technology.

Experience:

Since 1993, Dr. Cherkezova-Zheleva has been affiliated with the Institute of Catalysis at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. She has served as a senior researcher and key investigator in numerous collaborative scientific projects, both domestic and European. Her experience includes the development of catalytic systems for environmental remediation, nanomaterials for water and air purification, and studies on ancient metallurgy. In her role, she has actively mentored younger scientists and contributed to the expansion of analytical capabilities within her institution, particularly in spectroscopy and materials characterization.

Research Interest:

Dr. Cherkezova-Zheleva’s research interests lie at the intersection of chemistry, environmental science, and materials engineering. She is particularly focused on green synthesis methods, the recycling of rare earth and precious metals, the use of biogenic materials for catalytic applications, and the structural investigation of metal-containing compounds. Her interest in sustainable technologies has led her to work extensively on converting industrial and electronic waste into valuable secondary raw materials, supporting the global shift toward circular economy practices.

Awards:

Although Dr. Cherkezova-Zheleva has not yet received major international research awards, she has earned widespread academic recognition through high-impact publications, collaborations with top-tier European research teams, and citations of her work in key areas such as catalysis, nanotechnology, and sustainable chemistry. She has also been actively involved in peer review activities and conference participation, strengthening her professional reputation and establishing her as a reliable and innovative voice in her field.

Selected Publications:

  1. 🔁 “Green and Sustainable Rare Earth Element Recycling and Reuse from End-of-Life Permanent Magnets” – Metals, 2024: Cited by 12 articles, this study advances recovery methods for critical materials.
  2. 🧲 “Experimental and DFT Study of Monensinate and Salinomycinate Complexes Containing {Fe₃(µ₃–O)}⁷⁺ Core” – Molecules, 2024: A hybrid experimental-computational work cited in 9 recent papers.
  3. ⚗️ “Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, and Structural Modelling of Di- and Trinuclear Iron(III) Monensinates” – Inorganics, 2024: Recognized for its structural insights, with 6 citations to date.
  4. 🌱 “Direct Reuse of Spent Nd–Fe–B Permanent Magnets” – Materials, 2025: This highly relevant recycling study is already cited by 8 articles.
  5. 🚗 “Platinum Group Metals: Green Recovery from Spent Auto-Catalysts” – Crystals, 2023: A major review cited in over 20 academic studies and industrial reports.
  6. 🏺 “Ancient Metallurgical Iron Slags—Chemical, Powder X-ray Diffraction and Mössbauer Spectroscopic Study” – Crystals, 2023: Cited by 5 articles, bridging archaeology and materials science.
  7. 🧱 “Synthesis of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers: Effect of Calcite Addition” – Minerals, 2020: This sustainable construction material study is cited in 17 publications.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Zara Cherkezova-Zheleva exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher. Her deep expertise, long-term commitment to sustainable materials, and ability to lead interdisciplinary projects make her an ideal nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Through her impactful publications, collaborative achievements, and scientific leadership, she continues to push the boundaries of green chemistry and catalysis, making valuable contributions to both scientific advancement and environmental preservation.

 

 

 

 

Bojana Vulovska Trifunovska | Green analytical chemistry | Innovative Research Award

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Mrs. Bojana Vulovska Trifunovska | Green analytical chemistry | Innovative Research Award

Mrs. Bojana Vulovska Trifunovska | Green analytical chemistry – Ph.D. student at Alkaloid AD, Skopje, Macedonia

Vulovska Trifunovska Bojana is an accomplished pharmaceutical researcher with over 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the areas of analytical method development and quality control. Currently serving as a team leader in the Analytical Research and Development Department at Alkaloid AD Skopje, she plays a pivotal role in the development, optimization, validation, and registration of analytical procedures for drug products. Her scientific focus on green analytical chemistry places her at the forefront of sustainable innovation in the pharmaceutical sector. As a Ph.D. candidate, she remains committed to academic advancement while applying research knowledge to real-world challenges. Bojana’s work ethic, leadership, and adaptability have earned her the respect of peers and made her a driving force for innovation within her organization.

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Education

Bojana’s academic journey began at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in 2006. She further specialized in quality control from 2008 to 2012, demonstrating an early focus on analytical precision and regulatory compliance. In 2023, she embarked on doctoral studies, delving deeper into the field of green analytical chemistry. Her educational trajectory reflects a seamless blend of academic excellence and practical application, laying a solid foundation for innovative contributions to pharmaceutical science.

Professional Experience

Bojana’s career spans significant roles in both quality control and research. From 2007 to 2016, she served as a coordinator at Replek Farm’s Quality Control Laboratory, where she led initiatives in method validation and routine testing for pharmaceutical products. Since 2016, she has been a team leader at Alkaloid AD Skopje, overseeing a group of six analysts. In this leadership role, she is responsible for planning and managing laboratory workflows, developing and validating analytical methods, coordinating technology transfer, and preparing documentation for regulatory submissions. Her hands-on involvement in every stage of the product lifecycle has allowed her to gain invaluable insights into the intersection of research, compliance, and innovation.

Research Interests

Bojana’s primary research interest lies in green analytical chemistry—a discipline focused on minimizing the environmental impact of chemical analysis without compromising accuracy or reliability. She is particularly interested in sustainable method development, lifecycle management of analytical procedures, and the use of eco-friendly solvents and reagents. Her research aligns closely with ICH Q2/Q14 guidelines and the pharmaceutical industry’s growing emphasis on environmental responsibility. Bojana also maintains a strong interest in modern chromatographic techniques, experimental design tools, and data modeling, all aimed at optimizing analytical performance.

Awards and Recognitions

While formal accolades are still emerging, Bojana has consistently demonstrated professional excellence through numerous national and international certifications and training programs. These include high-impact seminars and congresses such as the Vienna International Expo on Drug Discovery and Pharmaceutical Analysis, advanced GCP certifications, ECA trainings on ICH Q2 revisions, analytical lifecycle concepts, elemental impurities, and software-specific platforms like DryLab4 and MODDE. Her continuous participation in such programs reflects her dedication to professional development and industry leadership.

Selected Publications 📚

  • “Transformation model to green HPLC methods for lipophilic acidic compounds based on isoelutropic series of elution solvents” (2025) – Microchemical Journal.microc.2025.113853, cited by 3 articles. 🌱
  • “Development of Eco-Friendly HPLC Method for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients” (2023) – Journal of Green Analytical Methods, cited by 12 articles. 🌿
  • “Application of Design of Experiments in Method Optimization” (2022) – European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, cited by 18 articles. 📊
  • “Green Chemistry in Analytical Lifecycle: A Case Study” (2021) – International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, cited by 10 articles. 🌍
  • “Validation Approaches Under ICH Q2 Guidelines” (2020) – Pharma Quality Review, cited by 25 articles. 📑
  • “Risk-Based Analytical Method Development: Trends and Tools” (2019) – Journal of Regulatory Science, cited by 15 articles. 🧪
  • “Automation in Sample Preparation: Case Studies from Industry” (2017) – Applied Pharmaceutical Technology, cited by 13 articles. 🤖

Conclusion

Vulovska Trifunovska Bojana stands out as a dynamic and innovative figure in pharmaceutical research. Her career is defined by a rare balance of scientific depth, practical application, and environmental consciousness. Through her leadership, continuous education, and research into green analytical chemistry, she has become a model of modern scientific responsibility. Her contributions not only enhance analytical efficiency but also align with global sustainability goals. For these reasons, she is an outstanding candidate for the Innovative Research Award, with clear potential to influence the future of pharmaceutical science on both national and international levels.

FahadAL Dhabaan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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FahadAL Dhabaan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. FahadAL Dhabaan, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia.