Assist. Prof. Dr. Seenuvasan Vedachalam | Composite Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Seenuvasan Vedachalam | National Institute of Technology Puducherry | India

Assist. Prof. Dr. Seenuvasan Vedachalam is a distinguished synthetic organic chemist and materials scientist, currently serving as Assistant Professor and Head of the P.C. Ray Department of Chemistry at the National Institute of Technology Puducherry, Karaikal, India. He earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, where he specialized in N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed C–C bond-forming reactions and total synthesis. His postdoctoral fellowship at Wayne State University, USA, focused on novel neuroprotective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, where he contributed to NIH-funded drug discovery projects. Dr. Vedachalam has authored 22 peer-reviewed documents with over 677 citations across 610 citing documents and an h-index of 14, highlighting the international impact of his research in catalysis, medicinal chemistry, and functional material development. His work spans the design of phosphazene-based covalent organic frameworks, electrocatalytic nanocomposites, supercapacitor materials, and bioactive heterocycles for drug discovery, with publications in high-impact journals including ACS Applied Energy Materials, Electrochimica Acta, ACS Omega, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, and Angewandte Chemie International Edition. As a recipient of the prestigious DST-INSPIRE Faculty Award and SERB Startup Research Grant, he has successfully led multiple funded projects, generating innovative results in energy materials and therapeutic chemistry. He has also been recognized with outstanding poster awards at international conferences and is a lifetime member of the Chemical Research Society of India and the Materials Research Society of India. A passionate mentor, Dr. Vedachalam has guided Ph.D. and postgraduate students, contributing to the development of skilled researchers in the field. His contributions bridge fundamental organic synthesis with applied material science, making him a significant figure in advancing green chemistry solutions, drug discovery, and sustainable energy storage technologies at a global level.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Saranya, S., & Vedachalam, S. (2024). Phosphazene-based covalent organic framework as an efficient catalyst (COF-1) for the dehydration of fructose to 5-HMF. ACS Omega.

Vedachalam, S., Sekar, P., Chandrasekaran, N., Murugesh, N., & Karvembu, R. (2022). Dopant-free main group elements supported covalent organic–inorganic hybrid conducting polymer for sodium-ion battery application. ACS Applied Energy Materials.

Santra, S., Kortagere, S., Vedachalam, S., Gogoi, S., Antonio, T., Reith, M. E. A., & Dutta, A. K. (2021). Novel potent dopamine–norepinephrine and triple reuptake uptake inhibitors based on asymmetric pyran template and their molecular interactions with monoamine transporters. ACS Chemical Neuroscience.

Sekar, P., Murugesh, N., Shanmugam, R., Senthil Kumar, S., Agnoli, S., Chandran, N., Vedachalam, S., & Karvembu, R. (2021). Phosphazene-based covalent organic polymer decorated with NiCo₂O₄ nanocuboids as a trifunctional electrocatalyst: A unique replacement for the conventional electrocatalysts. ACS Applied Energy Materials.

Murugesh, N., Karvembu, R., & Vedachalam, S. (2020). A convenient synthesis of iguratimod-amine precursor via NHC-catalyzed aldehyde–nitrile cross coupling reaction. ChemistrySelect.

Prof. Carmen Llena | Composite Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Carmen Llena is a Full Professor in the Department of Stomatology at the University of Valencia and a Primary Care Dentist at Hospital General de Valencia. She has previously served as Vice Dean of Dentistry at CEU Cardenal Herrera University. With a career spanning academic leadership, clinical excellence, and research innovation, she has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, presented at major conferences, and directed advanced training programs in endodontics, dental traumatology, and dental whitening. Her professional journey reflects a strong balance of education, research, and clinical practice, establishing her as a respected figure in dentistry.

Prof. Carmen Llena | University of Valencia | Spain

Profile

ORCID

Dr. Nishant Kumar | Composite Materials | Sustainable Materials Recognition

Dr. Nishant Kumar is an accomplished researcher specializing in sustainable materials, nanomaterials, and their applications in energy, environment, and healthcare. He has made significant contributions to the design and development of advanced functional materials with a focus on environmental remediation and clean energy technologies. With a strong publication record in reputed journals and active participation in international research collaborations, Dr. Kumar has emerged as a promising scientist in the field of sustainable material innovations.

Dr. Nishant Kumar | AFAF Amity University | India

Profiles

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

ORCID

Education

Dr. Kumar pursued his doctoral research in the field of material science and nanotechnology, where he focused on the synthesis and application of advanced nanostructured materials. His Ph.D. work emphasized sustainability-driven approaches to material design, aiming at solving real-world challenges related to energy storage and environmental sustainability. He also holds advanced training in multidisciplinary research methods, which strengthen his ability to approach sustainability issues from diverse perspectives.

Experience

Dr. Kumar has held research and teaching positions at renowned institutions where he contributed to projects in nanomaterials, energy devices, and environmental applications. He has successfully guided projects on the use of sustainable and green technologies for next-generation materials. His professional journey includes collaborations with global experts and contributions to both applied and fundamental research. His experience demonstrates a balance of academic excellence and translational research outcomes.

Contributions

Dr. Kumar has published extensively in international peer-reviewed journals, covering areas such as nanomaterials, photocatalysis, biosensing, and renewable energy. His publications highlight the potential of sustainable and eco-friendly material solutions for addressing climate change and energy challenges. His research outcomes have been well-cited, reflecting the impact of his work on the global scientific community. In addition, he has presented at international conferences and contributed book chapters, further expanding his influence.

Awards

Dr. Nishant Kumar has received multiple awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions in research, academic excellence, and community engagement. His accolades include excellence certificates for reviewing in reputed international journals, highlighting his dedication to maintaining high-quality research standards. He was honored with the International Best Research Award on new science invention and also recognized with the InSc Young Researcher Award. His achievements include excellence awards for journal contributions, a prestigious Ph.D. fellowship, and prizes in poster presentations and village adoption programs, reflecting his versatility in research, innovation, and societal development initiatives.

Book Chapters

Dr. Nishant Kumar has authored and co-authored numerous book chapters focusing on nanotechnology, food packaging, postharvest technologies, functional foods, and sustainable materials. His works include contributions on nanotechnology in horticulture, agrochemical detoxification, and food packaging, as well as innovative nanocomposites for fruit and vegetable preservation. He has written extensively on whey protein-based edible coatings, utilization of whey for sustainable food solutions, and natural materials for food packaging films. Additional chapters cover edible packaging for mushrooms, natural gums, bioactive compounds in underutilized crops, pomegranate peel phenolics, cold chain management, bionanocomposites, probiotics, millet-based nutrition, and sustainable edible packaging applications.

Research Focus 

The central focus of Dr. Kumar’s research is on developing sustainable nanomaterials for energy harvesting, storage, and environmental remediation. His work integrates green synthesis techniques, advanced characterization methods, and application-driven designs. Areas such as photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, biosensors for healthcare, and materials for renewable energy devices form the core of his contributions. This interdisciplinary focus positions his research at the intersection of materials science, sustainability, and societal benefit.

Publications

Film formation and deposition methods of edible coating on food products: A review
Authors: R Suhag, N Kumar*, AT Petkoska, A Upadhyay
Journal: Food Research International, 136, 109582 (2020)

Polysaccharide-based component and their relevance in edible film/coating: a review
Authors: N Kumar*, Neeraj
Journal: Nutrition & Food Science (2019)

Effect of active chitosan-pullulan composite edible coating enrich with pomegranate peel extract on the storage quality of green bell pepper
Authors: N Kumar*, A Ojha, A Upadhyay, R Singh, S Kumar
Journal: LWT, 138, 110435 (2021)

Effect of Chitosan–Pullulan Composite Edible Coating Functionalized with Pomegranate Peel Extract on the Shelf Life of Mango (Mangifera indica)
Authors: N Kumar*, P .., N .., A Trajkovska Petkoska, SA AL-Hilif, OA Fawole*
Journal: Coatings, 11 (764), 1-20 (2021)

Edible coating as postharvest management strategy for shelf-life extension of fresh tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.): An overview
Authors: Y Ajay, N Kumar, A Upadhyay, S Sethi, S Anurag
Journal: Journal of Food Science, 1-35 (2022)

Chitosan Edible Films Enhanced with Pomegranate Peel Extract: Study on Physical, Biological, Thermal, and Barrier Properties
Authors: N Kumar*, P .., A Trajkovska Petkoska, E Khojah, R Samy*, …
Journal: Materials, 14 (3305), 1-18 (2021)

Improved Shelf Life and Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) by Using Chitosan-Pullulan Composite Edible Coating Enriched with Pomegranate Peel Extract
Authors: K Nishant*, Neeraj, Pratibha*, AT Petkoska
Journal: ACS Food Science & Technology (2021)

Conclusion

Dr. Nishant Kumar exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in sustainable materials through his educational achievements, professional experience, impactful publications, and forward-looking research focus. His work demonstrates clear alignment with sustainability goals, scientific innovation, and societal benefit. He is highly suitable for the Research for Sustainable Materials Recognition.

Prof. Dr Vassilis Kostopoulos | Composite Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Vassilis Kostopoulos is an internationally acclaimed researcher in the field of mechanical engineering, composite materials, and aerospace structures. With over 35 years of academic and industrial experience, he is currently a Full Professor at the University of Patras, Greece, and serves as Director of the Applied Mechanics Laboratory. His pioneering contributions to smart structures, nanocomposites, fatigue behavior, and health monitoring systems have significantly shaped research and applications in aerospace, automotive, and defense sectors.

Prof. Dr Vassilis Kostopoulos | University of Patras | Greece

Profiles

SCOPUS

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Education

Prof. Kostopoulos earned his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and later his Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics from the University of Patras. His doctoral research laid the foundation for decades of expertise in damage mechanics, fracture behavior, and composite structures. He has since mentored over 20 Ph.D. candidates and supervised several postgraduate programs, influencing new generations of engineers and researchers.

Experience

As Director of the Applied Mechanics Lab and principal investigator in over 50 European and national research projects, Prof. Kostopoulos has collaborated extensively with ESA, Airbus, EADS, and NATO. He has led high-impact projects on smart aerospace structures, structural health monitoring, and high-performance composites. His industry-academia interface is marked by innovation and real-world impact, making him a valuable leader in research translation.

Contributions

Prof. Dr. Vassilis Kostopoulos has significantly contributed to academic literature through the authorship and editorial direction of several influential books in the field of materials science and engineering. His works span from historical insights in science to advanced composite materials. Titles include “Exact Sciences in the Greek Antiquity,” co-edited with S. A. Paipetis, and “Carbon Nanotube Enhanced Aerospace Composite Materials,” published by Springer. He has also authored specialized texts such as “Thermomechanical Behavior of Composite Materials,” “Wave Propagation and Scattering Theory in Anisotropic Media,” and proceedings of the Hellenic Conference on Composites, showcasing a broad and impactful academic reach.

Awards

Prof. Dr. Vassilis Kostopoulos has earned numerous prestigious awards for his excellence in research, innovation, and mentorship. His accolades include top prizes in international competitions such as the ESA Student Aerospace Challenge, iGEM MIT International Competition, TRA-VISIONS Senior Scientist Award, and ESA “Fly Your Thesis” program. He has guided teams to victories in innovation and design contests, including awards for CubeSat missions, aerospace projects, and sustainable energy vehicle designs. His recognition spans best paper awards, research excellence honors, and innovation prizes at national and European levels, reflecting his exceptional ability to lead groundbreaking projects with real-world impact.

Research Focus 

Prof. Kostopoulos’s research explores advanced topics such as nanocomposites, structural health monitoring, crack propagation, and electromagnetic shielding in composite materials. His work in aerospace structures, including sensor-embedded materials and self-sensing composites, is transforming how high-performance materials behave under complex stress conditions. His focus is both visionary and practical, combining fundamental mechanics with applied innovations.

Publications

Effect of Printing Parameters on Mesoscale Geometry of 3D-Printed Parts through a Hybrid Experimental and Numerical Approach
Journal: Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, 2025

Conceptual Design of a Low-Cost Class-III Turbofan-Based UCAV Loyal Wingman
Journal: Aerospace, 2025

Transonic Corrections for the Unsteady Compressible Source and Doublet Panel Method
Journal: Journal of Aircraft, 2025

Recycled Glass Fibre‒Epoxy Composites Based on Recovered Fabrics from an Environment-Friendly Combined Solvolysis and Thermolysis Route
Journal: Composites Science and Technology, 2025

Multi-Fidelity Surrogate-Assisted Aerodynamic Optimization of Aircraft Wings
Journal: Aerospace, 2025

Macroscopic Fracture Properties of Glassy Nanocomposites from Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Empirical Force Fields
Journal: Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 2025

Flutter Calculations Using the Unsteady Source and Doublet Panel Method
Journal: Journal of Aircraft, 2025

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Vassilis Kostopoulos’s outstanding career combines academic distinction, industrial innovation, global collaboration, and mentorship. His trailblazing work in composite mechanics, aerospace structures, and nanomaterials has shaped the scientific community and directly contributed to safer, smarter, and more efficient technologies. He not only meets but exceeds the standards of the Best Researcher Award, and stands as a beacon of excellence in material and structural engineering research.

Prof. Wei Liu | Composite Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Wei Liu is an associate professor and postdoctoral researcher at the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Northeast Forestry University. Recognized as a “Yellow Sea Pearl” Talent of Jiangsu Province and an Outstanding Young Scholar at his university, he has established himself as a leader in mechanical and electrical systems research. His academic presence is defined by a balanced combination of research excellence, project leadership, and teaching contributions.

Prof. Wei Liu | Northeast Forestry University | China

Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Prof. Wei Liu’s academic foundation includes postdoctoral research and academic appointments at Northeast Forestry University. Although specific degree-level details are limited in the provided file, his elevation to associate professorship and recognition as a high-potential academic in Jiangsu and Heilongjiang Provinces confirm a consistent and credible academic path. His research and teaching span core mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines.

Experience

Prof. Liu has led a wide range of research and development projects, including major science and technology initiatives funded by Heilongjiang Province, central university grants, and strategic national university programs. He has also managed multiple horizontal research projects, showing his capability in both fundamental and application-driven research domains. In addition to academic research, his role as an educator highlights his commitment to developing future scholars and engineers.

Project Leadership

Prof. Liu has served as principal investigator on several major funded research initiatives. These include leading roles in major science and technology projects in Heilongjiang Province, central university fundamental research grants, and the “Double First-Class” university development fund. He has also overseen multiple horizontal research collaborations, indicating strong engagement with industry and applied research challenges. His leadership in diverse funding streams highlights his adaptability and impact in multiple engineering domains.

Contributions

Prof. Liu has published nearly 20 SCI-indexed journal papers, reflecting solid engagement in internationally peer-reviewed research. In addition to journal articles, he has authored or contributed to multiple textbooks, reinforcing his dual role as both researcher and educator. His publications contribute to knowledge development in mechanical and electrical engineering, and his scholarly output supports both student learning and the advancement of applied technologies.

Research Focus

Prof. Liu’s work is positioned at the intersection of mechanical and electrical engineering, a field critical to industrial innovation and automation. Although the document does not detail his specific areas of research, his leadership in major provincial science and technology projects and his extensive publication record imply a focus on applied engineering solutions with both academic and industrial relevance.

Publications

Prediction of the Radial Natural Characteristic of Sandwich Spherical Shell Based on Wave Propagation
Journal: Journal of Vibration Engineering and Technologies, 2024

Radial Vibration Analysis of Single and Composite Spherical Shells by Wave Approach
Journal: JVC – Journal of Vibration and Control, 2024

Speed Control of Sensorless PMSM Drive Based on EKF Optimized by Variable Scale Chaotic Particle Swarm Optimization
Journal: Measurement and Control (United Kingdom), 2024 – Open Access