Fotis Rigas | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Fotis Rigas | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece

👨‍🎓Profiles

👨‍🎓 Early Academic Foundation

Prof. Dr. Fotis Rigas was born in Athens, Greece, where he pursued his early education before enrolling at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) to complete his MSc in Chemical Engineering. His academic curiosity and passion for science led him to further achieve a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the same institution. To enhance his interdisciplinary knowledge, he also obtained a Master’s degree in Sanitary Engineering from the National School of Public Health (Greece).

🧪 Professional Trajectory and Industry Expertise

Dr. Rigas began his career as a Production and R&D Engineer at the Greek Powder Company, an ammunition and explosives manufacturer. He expanded his knowledge globally through specialized training in slurry explosives in the United States under the guidance of Prof. Melvin Cook of Utah University. Over the decades, he contributed as a consultant to several engineering and industrial firms in Greece, addressing challenges in pollution control, water chemistry, and gas enterprises. These roles solidified his expertise in chemical engineering applications within high-risk and regulated industries.

🎓 Academic Career and Teaching Excellence

Prof. Rigas held a long and distinguished academic tenure at the Department of Chemical Engineering, NTUA, rising through the ranks from Lecturer to Associate Professor. He also served as a Visiting Professor at esteemed institutions such as the Greek Fire Brigade Academy, the National School of Public Health (Greece and France), and the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His teaching portfolio is vast, covering subjects like Organic Chemical Technology, Science and Technology of Explosives, Environmental Science and Technology, Occupational Health and Safety, Polymer Science, Remediation of Contaminated Sites, and Quantitative Risk Analysis. His international experience in education enriched the learning experience for students across disciplines and continents.

🔬 Research Interests and Scientific Focus

Currently active as an independent author and researcher, Prof. Rigas continues to contribute to high-impact areas in environmental and chemical engineering. His research focuses on:

  1. Process safety and loss prevention – ensuring safer chemical processing systems.

  2. Fungal bioremediation – using fungi to clean contaminated environmental sites.

  3. Bacterial remediation of stone monuments – protecting cultural heritage using microbiological methods.

🌍 Multilingual and Multidisciplinary

Fluent in Greek (native), English, and French, Dr. Rigas has effectively communicated his research and teachings across borders, supporting international academic and industrial collaboration. His ability to work in diverse linguistic and cultural environments has strengthened his role as a global educator and innovator.

🏛️ Legacy and Continued Influence

Now retired from NTUA, Prof. Dr. Fotis Rigas remains active as an independent author, sharing his extensive knowledge through publications, collaborations, and mentoring. His career spans decades of academic leadership, scientific innovation, and industrial consultation. A pioneer in the fields of explosive safety, environmental remediation, and occupational health, his contributions continue to influence chemical engineering education and sustainable environmental practices worldwide.

📖Notable Publications

Adsorption of humic acid on acid-activated Greek bentonite
Authors: D Doulia, C Leodopoulos, K Gimouhopoulos, F Rigas
Journal: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Volume 340 (2), Pages 131–141
Citations: 250
Year: 2009

Hazards, safety and knowledge gaps on hydrogen transmission via natural gas grid: A critical review
Authors: Z Labidine Messaoudani, F Rigas, M.D.B. Hamid, C.R.C. Hassan
Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 41 (39), Pages 17511–17525
Citations: 214
Year: 2016

Validation of turbulence models in heavy gas dispersion over obstacles
Authors: S Sklavounos, F Rigas
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 108 (1–2), Pages 9–20
Citations: 209
Year: 2004

Estimation of safety distances in the vicinity of fuel gas pipelines
Authors: S Sklavounos, F Rigas
Journal: Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, Volume 19 (1), Pages 24–31
Citations: 207
Year: 2006

Evaluation of hazards associated with hydrogen storage facilities
Authors: F Rigas, S Sklavounos
Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 30 (13–14), Pages 1501–1510
Citations: 175
Year: 2005

Md. Khalid Hossain Shishir | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award -1889

Mr. Md. Khalid Hossain Shishir | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Islamic University, Bangladesh

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Md. Khalid Hossain Shishir’s academic journey began with an exceptional performance in secondary and higher secondary education. He completed his Secondary School Certificate (SSC) in 2014 and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). These formative years laid a strong foundation in science, fostering his passion for applied chemistry and nanotechnology. Pursuing higher education at Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh, he embarked on a Bachelor of Science (Engineering) in Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering. He displayed excellence in both theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. He further enhanced his expertise by enrolling in a Master of Science (Engineering).

🏆 Professional Endeavors

Md. Khalid Hossain Shishir’s professional aspirations align with his strong academic background. He aims to contribute to the nanotechnology sector, focusing on its applications in biomedicine and environmental sustainability. His career objective reflects his determination to engage in multidisciplinary research, seeking innovative solutions through nanomaterials and biopolymer-based technologies. His commitment to excellence was recognized through the Dean’s Award (2024), where he was honored as the top-ranking student in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at Islamic University, Kushtia.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Shishir’s research primarily revolves around nanotechnology, biopolymers, and environmental remediation. His M.Sc. thesis, titled “Biopolymer-mediated Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Properties”, delves into the potential of nanomaterials in antibacterial applications and photocatalytic degradation. Under the supervision of Dr. Gazi Md. Arifuzzaman Khan, his research investigates sustainable methods of nanoparticle synthesis, contributing to the advancement of green nanotechnology.

For his B.Sc. project, he worked on the “Hydrolytic Degradation of Cellulose: Viscometric Analysis”, which explored the breakdown of cellulose fibers and their impact on industrial applications. This project provided him with a strong understanding of polymer chemistry and degradation mechanisms.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Md. Khalid Hossain Shishir’s research has a far-reaching impact in multiple scientific domains:
✅ Biomedical Applications – Developing antibacterial nanoparticles that can be used in wound healing, coatings, and medical devices.
✅ Environmental Remediation – Employing nanomaterials for wastewater treatment through photocatalysis.
✅ Sustainable Chemistry – Utilizing biopolymers to create eco-friendly nanomaterials, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.

His work contributes significantly to the global shift toward green chemistry and sustainable engineering, addressing some of the most pressing environmental and healthcare challenges.

📚 Academic Citations and Publications

His research is expected to gain recognition in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences, adding to the body of knowledge in nanotechnology and applied chemistry. His dedication to scientific inquiry and innovation ensures that his findings will be referenced in future studies related to biopolymer-based nanomaterials.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Shishir has acquired a diverse set of technical and analytical skills, including:
✔ Nanomaterial Synthesis & Characterization (Copper Oxide Nanoparticles, Biopolymer-based Nanotechnology)
✔ Spectroscopy & Microscopy Techniques (UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, XRD)
✔ Chemical Engineering Principles (Photocatalysis, Biopolymer Degradation)
✔ Analytical Techniques (Viscometric Analysis, Hydrolytic Degradation)
✔ Software Proficiency (ChemDraw, MATLAB, OriginPro)

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

Beyond his research, Shishir is passionate about mentoring and teaching. He has actively engaged in:
🔹 Assisting junior students in laboratory research and analytical techniques.
🔹 Conducting academic discussions on nanomaterials and chemical engineering principles.
🔹 Providing guidance on research methodologies and scientific writing.

His ability to simplify complex scientific concepts makes him an effective mentor and educator, shaping the next generation of researchers in nanotechnology.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Md. Khalid Hossain Shishir envisions a career that merges academic research with industrial innovation. His goal is to:
🔬 Advance sustainable nanotechnology by exploring novel biopolymer-based nanomaterials.
🏥 Develop biomedical applications of nanotechnology, particularly in antibacterial and drug delivery systems.
🌏 Contribute to environmental sustainability by implementing nanomaterials for wastewater treatment and pollution control.
📖 Publish high-impact research in top-tier journals to enhance global knowledge on green chemistry and nanoscience.

📖Notable Publications

Crystallographic biography on nanocrystalline phase of polymorphs titanium dioxide (TiO₂): A perspective static review

Authors: SI Sadia, MKH Shishir, S Ahmed, AR Aidid, MM Islam, MM Rana, …

Journal: South African Journal of Chemical Engineering

Year: 2024

Transmission electron microscopic and X-ray diffraction based study of crystallographic bibliography demonstrated on silver, copper and titanium nanocrystals: State of the Art

Authors: MKH Shishir, SI Sadia, S Ahmed, AR Aidid, MM Rana, MM Hasan, …

Journal: Asian Journal of Applied Chemistry Research

Year: 2024

Stoichiometry crystallographic phase analysis and crystallinity integration of silver nanoparticles: A Rietveld refinement study

Authors: MR Al-Mahmud, MKH Shishir, S Ahmed, S Tabassum, SI Sadia, …

Journal: Journal of Crystal Growth

Year: 2024

Green synthesis of crystalline silver nanoparticle by bio-mediated plant extract: A critical perspective analysis

Authors: SI Sadia, MKH Shishir, S Ahmed, MA Alam, SM Al-Reza, S Afrin, …

Journal: Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects

Year: 2024

Crystallographic phase biographs of copper nanocrystalline material: A statistical perspective review

Authors: S Ahmed, MKH Shishir, SI Sadia, SM Al-Reza, MMH Sachchu, AR Aidid, …

Journal: Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects

Year: 2024

Crystallinity integration and crystal growth behavior study of preferred oriented (111) cubic silver nanocrystal

Authors: MA Alam, SI Sadia, MKH Shishir, RK Bishwas, S Ahmed, SM Al-Reza, …

Journal: Inorganic Chemistry Communications

Year: 2025