Ulf-Peter Apfel | Chemistry | Editorial Board Member

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Prof. Dr. Ulf-Peter Apfel | Chemistry | Editorial Board Member 

Professor | Ruhr University Bochum & Fraunhofer UMSICHT | Germany

Ulf-Peter Apfel is a leading figure in modern electrocatalysis and renewable energy chemistry, with a research career defined by major contributions to bio-inspired catalysis, hydrogen evolution, CO₂ reduction, and sustainable energy conversion. With over 8,300 citations, an h-index of 53, and more than 136 peer-reviewed publications, his work demonstrates both exceptional productivity and enduring scientific impact. His research bridges fundamental inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry with applied electrochemical energy technologies, particularly through the design of molecular and heterogeneous electrocatalysts inspired by natural metalloenzymes such as [FeFe]-hydrogenases. His highly cited studies in journals like Angewandte Chemie, Nature Communications, Chemical Society Reviews, and ACS Catalysis have shaped global understanding of hydrogen generation, oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, and carbon dioxide electroreduction. Notably, his work on enzyme-inspired iron porphyrins, pentlandite-based electrocatalysts, cobalt and manganese corrole complexes, and metal–organic framework supported catalysts has established new benchmarks for efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability in electrocatalysis. His interdisciplinary collaborations span spectroscopy, protein crystallography, materials science, and industrial chemistry, reflecting the broad translational relevance of his research. Beyond laboratory innovation, his scholarship also addresses the critical challenge of scaling fundamental discoveries toward real-world energy applications, as reflected in his influential work on bridging the “valley of death” between basic research and applied electrolysis. As a professor at Ruhr University Bochum and head of electrosynthesis at Fraunhofer UMSICHT, he plays a central role in shaping future directions in green hydrogen, artificial photosynthesis, and carbon-neutral fuel production. Overall, his career represents a powerful integration of molecular design, mechanistic insight, and technological relevance, positioning him as one of the most influential scientists in contemporary renewable energy and electrocatalysis research.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Xie, L., Zhang, X. P., Zhao, B., Li, P., Qi, J., Guo, X., Wang, B., Lei, H., & Zhang, W. (2021). Enzyme-inspired iron porphyrins for improved electrocatalytic oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. Angewandte Chemie, 133(14), 7654–7659.

  2. Kleinhaus, J. T., Wittkamp, F., Yadav, S., Siegmund, D., & Apfel, U.-P. (2021). [FeFe]-hydrogenases: Maturation and reactivity of enzymatic systems and overview of biomimetic models. Chemical Society Reviews, 50(3), 1668–1784.

  3. Liang, Z., Guo, H., Zhou, G., Guo, K., Wang, B., Lei, H., Zhang, W., & Zheng, H. (2021). Metal–organic-framework-supported molecular electrocatalysis for the oxygen reduction reaction. Angewandte Chemie, 133(15), 8553–8557.

  4. Konkena, B., Junge Puring, K., Sinev, I., Piontek, S., Khavryuchenko, O., Dürholt, J. P., Schökel, A., Schuhmann, W., Muhler, M., & Apfel, U.-P. (2016). Pentlandite rocks as sustainable and stable efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation. Nature Communications, 7(1), 12269.

  5. Gonglach, S., Paul, S., Haas, M., Pillwein, F., Sreejith, S. S., Barman, S., De, R., Müllegger, S., Apfel, U.-P., & Köller, S. (2019). Molecular cobalt corrole complex for the heterogeneous electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. Nature Communications, 10(1), 3864.

Ulf-Peter Apfel’s research advances the frontiers of bio-inspired electrocatalysis and sustainable energy conversion, delivering transformative solutions for green hydrogen production and CO₂ utilization. His work directly accelerates the global transition toward carbon-neutral energy technologies by bridging fundamental chemistry with scalable industrial applications.

Sankar Das | Materials Science | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Sankar Das | Materials Science | Editorial Board Member 

Assistant Research Professor| Yeungnam University | South Korea

Sankar Das is a highly cited materials chemist and Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University, internationally recognized for his impactful contributions to nanomaterials, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and energy‐conversion research. With 891 total citations, an h-index of 17, and an i10-index of 20, his scholarly influence reflects both sustained productivity and high global relevance. His research spans material chemistry, nanoparticle design, catalytic systems, and environmental remediation, with a strong emphasis on light‐driven processes and clean energy technologies. Among his most cited works are pioneering studies on hierarchical MnO₂ nanocomposites for solar‐enhanced photocatalysis, halloysite nanotubes for isotope‐selective atmospheric CO₂ capture, CdS nanorods for LED‐driven antibiotic degradation, and Cu‐doped InP/ZnS quantum dots for visible‐light hydrogen evolution, several of which have individually received close to or over 100 citations. His investigations into doped metal oxides, intermetallic catalysts, and clay‐based nanocomposites have significantly advanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution, toxic metal adsorption (Hg, As), and pollutant degradation. Dr. Das has also contributed to breakthrough methodologies for CO₂ trapping, moisture‐induced isotopic separation, and surface homojunction engineering in g-C₃N₄ for sacrificial‐agent‐free photocatalysis. His publication record highlights consistent collaboration across chemistry, environmental science, materials engineering, and nanotechnology, with multiple papers in leading journals such as ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, Nano Letters, Chemical Engineering Journal, Scientific Reports, Small, and Dalton Transactions. Collectively, his work addresses critical global challenges in clean energy generation, air and water purification, and sustainable catalysis, positioning him as a leading researcher in advanced functional nanomaterials and light‐assisted chemical technologies.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Das, S., Samanta, A., & Jana, S. (2017). Light-assisted synthesis of hierarchical flower-like MnO2 nanocomposites with solar light induced enhanced photocatalytic activity. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 5(10), 9086–9094.

  2. Jana, S., Das, S., Ghosh, C., Maity, A., & Pradhan, M. (2015). Halloysite nanotubes capturing isotope selective atmospheric CO2. Scientific Reports, 5, 8711.

  3. Das, S., & Ahn, Y. H. (2022). Synthesis and application of CdS nanorods for LED-based photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline antibiotic. Chemosphere, 291, 132870.

  4. Bang, J., Das, S., Yu, E. J., Kim, K., Lim, H., Kim, S., & Hong, J. W. (2020). Controlled photoinduced electron transfer from InP/ZnS quantum dots through Cu doping: A new prototype for the visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. Nano Letters, 20(9), 6263–6271.

  5. Samanta, A., Das, S., & Jana, S. (2019). Doping of Ni in α-Fe2O3 nanoclews to boost oxygen evolution electrocatalysis. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 7(14), 12117–12124.

Through pioneering materials research, the nominee delivers scalable technologies that address critical challenges in energy, environment, and advanced manufacturing. Their vision advances scientific excellence while creating measurable societal and industrial impact.

Ehsanolah Assareh | Energy | Editorial Board Member

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Ehsanolah Assareh | Energy | Editorial Board Member 

Assistant Professor | Yeungnam University | South Korea

Ehsanolah Assareh is an accomplished assistant professor affiliated with YU University in South Korea and IAUD University in Iran, with a strong interdisciplinary background in hydrogen energy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy technologies, engineering thermodynamics, and cogeneration systems. He is widely recognized for his influential contributions to energy modeling, optimization, and sustainable energy system design, reflected in more than 2000 citations, an h-index of 22, and an i10-index of 39. His early highly cited works on artificial neural networks for solar radiation prediction and on particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithms for energy demand forecasting in Iran laid a strong foundation for the application of intelligent optimization techniques in energy systems engineering. Over the years, his research has expanded to include advanced forecasting of oil demand, carbon dioxide emissions, and wind speed, as well as the optimization of wind turbines, heat exchangers, and composite structures using evolutionary algorithms. In recent years, his focus has shifted strongly toward integrated renewable and multigeneration systems, particularly the coupling of solar, geothermal, and thermoelectric generators for electricity, cooling, and desalination, along with detailed energy, exergy, and exergoeconomic analyses. He has also made notable contributions to green hydrogen production, power-to-hydrogen and hydrogen-to-power conversion, and techno-economic feasibility studies of hybrid wind–solar systems for rural electrification. His publications in leading journals such as Energy, Solar Energy, Fuel, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Geothermics, and the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy demonstrate both technical depth and practical relevance. Through consistent high-impact research, international collaborations, and editorial service, Assareh has played a significant role in advancing intelligent energy systems, sustainable power generation, and hydrogen-based energy solutions at both national and global levels.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Behrang, M. A., Assareh, E., Ghanbarzadeh, A., & Noghrehabadi, A. R. (2010). The potential of different artificial neural network techniques in daily global solar radiation modeling based on meteorological data. Solar Energy, 84(8), 1468–1480.

  2. Assareh, E., Behrang, M. A., Assari, M. R., & Ghanbarzadeh, A. (2010). Application of particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm techniques on demand estimation of oil in Iran. Energy, 35(12), 5223–5229.

  3. Behrang, M. A., Assareh, E., Noghrehabadi, A. R., & Ghanbarzadeh, A. (2011). New sunshine-based models for predicting global solar radiation using particle swarm optimization technique. Energy, 36(5), 3036–3049.

  4. Alirahmi, S. M., & Assareh, E. (2020). Energy, exergy, and exergoeconomic analysis and multi-objective optimization of a multi-generation energy system for day and night time power generation. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 45(56), 31555–31573.

  5. Assareh, E., & Biglari, M. (2015). A novel approach to capture the maximum power from variable speed wind turbines using PI controller, RBF neural network and gravitational search algorithm. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 51, 1023–1037.

Ehsanolah Assareh’s research bridges artificial intelligence with renewable and hydrogen energy systems to deliver high-impact solutions for sustainable power generation and energy optimization. His innovations in smart forecasting, multigeneration systems, and green hydrogen technologies support global decarbonization, energy security, and the transition to clean, resilient energy infrastructures.

Prashanth Konda Gokuldoss | Material Sciences | Editorial Board Member

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Prof Dr. Prashanth Konda Gokuldoss | Material Sciences | Editorial Board Member 

Professor | Tallinn University of Technology | Estonia

Prashanth, Konda Gokuldoss is a highly prolific materials scientist based in Tallinn, Estonia, currently affiliated with Tallinna Tehnikaülikool, with an internationally recognized research profile in advanced materials, metallurgy, and additive manufacturing. With 188 Scopus-indexed publications, over 7,238 citations from 4,565 citing documents, and a strong h-index of 41, his scientific impact reflects sustained excellence and global collaboration across 347 co-authors and 31 major research topics. His core expertise spans microstructure evolution, strengthening mechanisms, titanium alloys (notably Ti-6Al-4V), Inconel, metallic glasses, amorphous alloys, high-entropy alloys, and advanced powder-based manufacturing routes such as selective laser melting, laser powder bed fusion, and spark plasma sintering. His research addresses both fundamental and applied aspects of materials science, including mechanical behavior, corrosion resistance, crack mitigation, bio-response, and functional performance of metals, ceramics, and hybrid metal–ceramic composites. A significant portion of his work focuses on tailoring microstructures through process optimization, preheating strategies, alloy modification, and reinforcement with ceramic phases like TiC and TiB to achieve superior strength, durability, and multifunctional properties. He has also contributed to emerging areas such as craniofacial implant materials, virucidal ceramic–metal composites, and crack-free alloy design for additive manufacturing. His multidisciplinary output, published in leading journals such as Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Additive Manufacturing, Ceramics International, Metals, and Journal of Materials Science and Technology, reflects both academic rigor and strong industrial relevance. Through sustained scholarly productivity, international collaboration, and high citation influence, Prashanth, Konda Gokuldoss has established himself as a leading figure in the science and engineering of next-generation structural and functional materials for advanced manufacturing applications.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Chen, H., Kosiba, K., Lu, T., Prashanth, K. G., & Suryanarayana, C. (2023). Hierarchical microstructures and strengthening mechanisms of nano-TiC reinforced CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy composites prepared by laser powder bed fusion. Journal of Materials Science and Technology, 136, 245–259.

  2. Singh, N., Ummethala, R., Surreddi, K. B., Chatterjee, K., & Prashanth, K. G. (2022). Effect of TiB addition on the mechanical and biological response of spark plasma sintered Ti6Al7Nb matrix composites. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 924, 166502.

  3. Maurya, H. S., Kosiba, K., Juhani, K., Sergejev, F., & Prashanth, K. G. (2022). Effect of powder bed preheating on the crack formation and microstructure in ceramic matrix composites fabricated by laser powder-bed fusion process. Additive Manufacturing, 58, 103013.

  4. Maya, J., Sivaprasad, K., Sarath Kumar, G. V., Lykov, P., & Prashanth, K. G. (2022). Microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of 06Cr15Ni4CuMo processed by selective laser melting. Metals, 12(8), 1303.

  5. Rahmani, R., Kamboj, N., Brojan, M., Antonov, M., & Prashanth, K. G. (2022). Hybrid metal–ceramic biomaterials fabricated through powder bed fusion and powder metallurgy for improved impact resistance of craniofacial implants. Materialia, 24, 101465.

Prashanth, Konda Gokuldoss is driving transformative advances in additive manufacturing and advanced alloys by bridging fundamental microstructure science with real-world industrial applications. His innovations enable stronger, safer, and more functional materials for aerospace, biomedical, and energy sectors, accelerating sustainable global manufacturing.

Rounak Raman | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Rounak Raman | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award 

Researcher | Netaji Subhas University of Technology | India

Mr. Rounak Raman is a highly suitable candidate for a Best Researcher Award based on the exceptional depth, interdisciplinary breadth, and real-world impact of his academic and research profile as a final-year B.Tech student in Information Technology at Netaji Subhas University of Technology with a strong CGPA of 8.87 and consistent academic excellence since school. His research experience spans high-impact domains including neuroscience, IoT networking, cybersecurity, wireless sensor networks, and generative AI, with substantive internships at DRDO-INMAS and NSUT where he developed deployable EEG-based neurofeedback systems and energy-aware IoT clustering protocols that delivered measurable performance gains in efficiency, engagement, and network lifetime. He has led multiple nationally recognized innovation projects such as PRAGATI, a YOLO-based smart parking system that won Runner-Up at Smart India Hackathon, and SyntheX, a generative AI document intelligence platform ranked Top 10 out of 4,000 teams at the Accenture Innovation Challenge, demonstrating both research rigor and translation to real-world applications. His ongoing journal publications in reputed international journals on secure wireless sensor networks and opportunistic networks further strengthen his research credentials. In addition to technical excellence, his leadership as Founding Office President of the GovTech Office at NSUT, Vice-President of Nakshatra, and Mentor at GirlScript Summer of Code shows his commitment to building research ecosystems, mentoring peers, and fostering innovation culture. His national and international recognitions, including HPAIR International Delegate, department rank scholarship, conference best presentation award, and multiple entrepreneurship and innovation achievements, reflect consistent excellence and peer validation. With demonstrated originality, publication potential, applied impact, interdisciplinary competence, and leadership in research and innovation, Mr. Rounak Raman clearly meets and exceeds the key benchmarks expected of a Best Researcher Award candidate at the undergraduate level and shows exceptional promise as a future leading researcher.

Profiles: Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Raman, R., Kandhoul, N., Dhurander, S. K., & Woungang, I. (n.d.). Hierarchical key rotation and isolation protocol for secure wireless sensor networks. International Journal of Ad Hoc and Ubiquitous Computing.

Raman, R., & Kukreja, D. (n.d.). Context-aware, trust-based, collision-avoidant protocol for data aggregation in opportunistic networks. Journal of Network and Computer Applications.

Mr. Rounak Raman’s work advances science and industry by integrating secure IoT networking, cognitive neuroscience, and generative AI into practical, high-impact systems. His research delivers measurable improvements in network security, energy efficiency, and intelligent automation while addressing real societal needs in urban mobility, public safety, and digital governance. Through innovation, leadership, and publication-driven research, he contributes to globally relevant, scalable technological progress.

Radhia Souissi | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Radhia Souissi | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Research Excellence Award 

Head of Research Laboratory | National Institute for Research and Physico-Chemical Analysis | Tunisia

Prof. Radhia Sassi-Souissi is exceptionally well suited for a Research Excellence Award. Prof. Sassi-Souissi is a full professor and senior geochemist with more than 30 years of distinguished experience in environmental geochemistry, coastal morphodynamics, advanced inorganic materials, and the valorization of mining and industrial waste, all of which are highly relevant to global sustainability and environmental protection priorities. Her academic formation includes advanced doctoral training in France and a university habilitation in geochemistry and environmental sciences, reflecting the highest level of scholarly qualification. Her professional progression from assistant professor to full professor at INRAP demonstrates consistent academic excellence and institutional trust. She has played key leadership roles as Head of the Laboratory of Useful Materials, member of strategic management committees, and coordinator and co-coordinator of major international research programs, including Horizon 2020 and international joint laboratory initiatives. Prof. Sassi-Souissi has participated in and led over 20 national and international research projects, many of which address critical challenges such as groundwater sustainability, coastal pollution, microplastics, mining waste recovery, isotopic tracing, and environmental risk assessment. Her scientific productivity is outstanding, with more than 65 publications and reports and a strong series of high-impact peer-reviewed articles published in recent years in internationally reputed journals. Her work demonstrates both methodological rigor and applied societal value. In addition to her research contributions, she has supervised 14 postgraduate theses, reflecting a strong commitment to scientific training and capacity building. Her profile combines academic excellence, sustained innovation, interdisciplinary expertise, research leadership, international visibility, and tangible environmental impact, fully meeting and exceeding the core criteria expected for a prestigious Research Excellence Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Nasr, E. G., Epova, E. N., Barre, J., Sebilo, M., De Diego, A., Souissi, R., Abderrazak, H., & Donard, O. F. X. (2023). Combined use of 87Sr/86Sr and carbon isotopes with multielemental analysis for the geographical authentication of Tunisian and European olive oils. Food Chemistry, 426, 136487.

Ben Saad, E., Ben Alaya, M., Taupin, J.-D., Patris, N., Chaabane, N., & Souissi, R. (2023). A hydrogeological conceptual model refines the behavior of a Mediterranean coastal aquifer system: A key to sustainable groundwater management (Grombalia, NE Tunisia). Hydrology, 10(9), 180.

Marzougui Salem, Souissi, R., Jebali, K., Trabelsi, W., Abderrazak, H., & Souissi, F. (2024). Cadmium recovery from acid leachates of Tunisian phosphoric acid purification residues. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31, 60587–60600.

Somrani, C., Souissi, F., Souissi, R., De Giudici, G., Ferreira da Silva, E., Fancello, D., Podda, F., Santos, J. F., Abu-Alam, T., Ribeiro, S., & Rocha, F. (2025). The geochemical characteristics of ore-forming fluids in the Jebel Stah fluorite deposit in northeast Tunisia: Insights from LA-ICP-MS and Sr isotope analyses. Minerals, 15, 331.

Nasr, E. G., Epova, E., Souissi, R., Abderrazak, H., Sebilo, M., & Donard, O. F. X. (2025). Conservative behavior of 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios from soil to olive oil in Tunisia: A tool for geographical traceability. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 73, 6151–6157.

 

Prof. Radhia Sassi-Souissi’s research advances global environmental sustainability through innovative geochemical, isotopic, and materials-based solutions to pollution, groundwater protection, and waste valorization. Her work directly supports industry and public policy by transforming mining and industrial residues into valuable resources while safeguarding coastal and water systems.