Dr. Sikander Azam | Material Simulation Techniques | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Sikander Azam | Material Simulation Techniques | Research Excellence Award

Riphah International University | Pakistan

Dr. Sikander Azam is a computational materials scientist and physicist specializing in material simulation techniques and first-principles modeling. His research integrates Density Functional Theory (DFT), machine learning, and advanced computational tools to accelerate the discovery of spintronic, quantum, thermoelectric, and hydrogen-storage materials. He investigates the structural, electronic, optical, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties of complex materials, including semiconductors and low-dimensional systems. Dr. Azam has published extensively in leading scientific journals and contributed a book chapter on organic thermoelectric materials. His innovative and interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental theory with practical applications, making significant contributions to advanced materials research and sustainable technology development.

Professional Profile 

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Sikander Azam holds advanced degrees in physics, including an M.Phil. focused on the study of medicinal plants using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) techniques and a Ph.D. centered on first-principles investigations of the optical, thermoelectric, and electronic properties of complex materials. His academic training provided a strong foundation in theoretical and computational physics, particularly in Density Functional Theory (DFT) and materials modeling.

Professional Experience

Dr. Azam is an experienced physicist and researcher with extensive expertise in computational materials science. Throughout his academic and research career, he has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, delivered presentations at conferences and institutional meetings, and contributed to numerous high-impact publications. His professional work demonstrates strong analytical skills and the ability to apply advanced simulation methods to solve complex materials science problems.

Research Interest

His research interests include first-principles electronic-structure calculations, spintronic and quantum materials, thermoelectric materials, hydrogen storage systems, additive manufacturing, and machine learning-driven materials design. He investigates structural, electronic, optical, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties of solids and low-dimensional materials to accelerate the discovery of next-generation functional materials.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Azam has established an impressive scholarly record through numerous peer-reviewed publications and a book chapter on organic thermoelectric materials. His recognition is reflected in his active participation in international collaborations, journal reviewing, and his growing influence in the field of computational materials science.

Conclusion

Dr. Sikander Azam is an outstanding computational materials scientist whose research excellence, innovative methodologies, and strong publication record make him a highly deserving candidate for recognition. His work in material simulation techniques has advanced the understanding and design of functional materials, and he is well qualified to receive the Research Excellence Award.

Publications Top Noted

Coupled charge–spin–photon dynamics in Ce/Tb Co-doped CaLa4Si3O13: Toward quantum-level design of multifunctional phosphors — Pervaiz Ahmad, Sikander Azam, Qaiser Rafiq, Zara Mushtaq, Awais Khalid, Rizwan Ahmed Malik (2026)

Exploring the Electronic, Thermoelectric, and Optical Properties of AsRhX (X = S, Se, Te) Materials for Energy Conversion Applications — Faiq Umar, Sikander Azam, Nahaa Eid Alsubaie, Qaiser Rafiq, Amin Ur Rahman, Gulzar Khan (2026)

Engineering multifunctional response in monolayer Fe3O4 via Zr adsorption: from half-metallicity to enhanced piezoelectricity — Sikander Azam, Qaiser Rafiq, Rajwali Khan, Hamdy Khamees Thabet (2026)

Unveiling the enhanced structural, elastic, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of BaWO4 via oxygen vacancies and europium doping: a DFT + U insight into tailored energy applications — Shah Hussain, Raj Wali, Sikander Azam, Qaiser Rafiq, Mehmoona Nisar, Wilayat Khan, Yasir Saeed, Mohammed A. Amin (2025)

Illuminating stability and spectral shifts: A DFT+U study of Eu-doped ZnWO4 for visible-light optoelectronics — Muhammad Tayyab, Sikander Azam, Qaiser Rafiq, Vineet Tirth, Ali Algahtani, Amin Ur Rahman, Syed Sheraz Ahmad, M. Tahir Khan (2025)

Marija Milijic | Electrical Properties of Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Marija Milijic | Electrical Properties of Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Marija Milijic | University of Nis | Serbia

Dr. Marija Milijić is a dedicated researcher and academic in the field of telecommunications, specializing in antenna modeling and microwave systems. She has built her career at the Faculty of Electronic Engineering, University of Niš, Serbia, where she has contributed extensively through teaching, research, and conference leadership. Her expertise lies in bridging theoretical approaches with practical applications, particularly in developing printed antenna structures and advancing techniques in biosensing and wireless communication. Over the years, she has played an active role in international scientific communities through membership in IEEE societies, organizing major conferences, and contributing to collaborative projects with distinguished global researchers. Her career path reflects a strong balance of scientific rigor, innovative thinking, and dedication to academic mentorship, ensuring the growth of future engineers and scientists in the field of microwave theory, antennas, and telecommunications systems.

Profiles

SCOPUS

ORCID

Education

Dr. Marija Milijić completed her higher education at the Faculty of Electronic Engineering, University of Niš, Serbia, where she pursued undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in telecommunications. Her undergraduate studies equipped her with a strong foundation in electrical engineering, fostering an early interest in applied electromagnetics and communication technologies. She continued with postgraduate research on the modeling of electromagnetic propagation and microstrip patch antennas in wireless communication systems using artificial neural networks, marking her early exploration into intelligent computational methods in engineering. Her doctoral research advanced these interests significantly, focusing on modeling integrated printed antenna structures and three-dimensional reflectors with optimized side lobe suppression, a topic of great significance for modern communication and radar systems. Her educational path demonstrates a consistent progression from fundamental engineering to advanced interdisciplinary integration of antennas, neural networks, and applied telecommunications, establishing her as a well-rounded expert with solid academic and research credentials.

Experience

Dr. Milijić has steadily advanced through academic and research positions at the Faculty of Electronic Engineering, University of Niš, Serbia, where she began her career as a research assistant supported by a scholarship from the Ministry of Science and Technological Development. She then contributed as a research associate, expanding her technical knowledge and building collaborative ties in the field of antennas and microwaves. Her academic contributions were further enriched when she took on teaching roles, first as a teaching assistant and later as a teaching assistant with a doctoral degree, guiding students in both theoretical learning and practical applications of telecommunications. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, she has served in organizing committees of major international conferences, such as TELSIKS and ICEST, actively supporting knowledge exchange in the global scientific community. Her professional trajectory reflects a seamless blend of teaching, research, and organizational leadership that has significantly strengthened the academic and research ecosystem at her institution.

Research Interest

Her research interests focus on advancing antenna design, microwave modeling, and the application of artificial intelligence in telecommunications. She has devoted considerable effort to the modeling of printed antenna structures, integrated with three-dimensional reflectors for applications requiring high side lobe suppression and shaped radiation patterns. Another key area of her work involves the application of artificial neural networks to complex problems in microwaves, with particular contributions to the modeling and optimization of printed antennas and RF MEMS devices. Recently, her interests have extended to biosensing applications, where novel antenna designs can significantly enhance non-invasive biomedical monitoring. This interdisciplinary integration of telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and biomedical engineering highlights the innovative nature of her contributions. Through her research, she addresses both fundamental scientific questions and practical engineering challenges, advancing knowledge in antenna theory while enabling technologies with broad applications in wireless communication, healthcare, and energy-efficient systems for modern society.

Publication Top Notes

Polarimetric Assessment Methodology for Doppler Radar Respiratory Measurements

Authors: Jon H. Itokazu, Marija Milijić, Branka Jokanović, Olga Boric-Lubecke, Victor M. Lubecke
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques

Dual-Port Butterfly Slot Antenna for Biosensing Applications

Authors: Marija Milijic, Branka Jokanovic, Miodrag Tasic, Sinisa Jovanovic, Olga Boric-Lubecke, Victor Lubecke
Journal: Sensors

Analysis of Feeding Methods for High-Gain Crossed Slot Antenna Arrays

Authors: Marija Milijic, Branka Jokanovic
Journal: 9th IcETRAN Conference

Advanced High-Gain Slot Antenna Arrays for 5G and Radar Applications

Authors: Marija Milijić, Branka Jokanović
Journal: Telfor Journal

Printed Antenna Array with Flat-Top Radiation Pattern

Authors: Marija R. Milijić, Aleksandar D. Nešić, Bratislav D. Milovanović, Dušan A. Nešić
Journal: Frequenz

Conclusion

Dr. Marija Milijić represents the profile of a researcher whose career blends academic excellence, scientific innovation, and professional leadership. Her body of work highlights critical advances in antenna design, microwave modeling, and neural network applications, all of which contribute directly to the evolution of telecommunications and related fields. Beyond her personal research achievements, she has also demonstrated consistent service to her community through her teaching role, mentorship, and active participation in professional organizations and conferences. Her commitment to promoting women in engineering and supporting young researchers underlines the broader social and academic value of her contributions. With her interdisciplinary research, impactful publications, and leadership in professional communities, she stands out as a scientist of high merit. Recognizing her through this award would not only honor her individual achievements but also encourage further innovation and inclusivity in the fields of engineering and telecommunications.