Makarand Ghangrekar | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Makarand Ghangrekar | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Technology Puducherry, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Makarand Ghangrekar’s academic foundation in civil and environmental engineering has been both distinguished and impactful. He earned his B.E. in Civil Engineering (with Distinction) from the Government College of Engineering, Karad, Maharashtra, in 1989. With a growing interest in environmental sustainability, he pursued a M.Tech. in Environmental Engineering from VNIT (then Visvesvaraya Regional College of Engineering), Nagpur, completing it in 1992. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in January 1998, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to water and wastewater management research.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

With over 33 years of research experience, Prof. Ghangrekar has served in pivotal academic and research roles. He is currently affiliated with the National Institute of Technology Puducherry, where he continues to mentor students, guide doctoral research, and lead innovations in environmental engineering. Notably, he was the first Indian researcher to initiate studies in microbial fuel cells (MFCs)—a cutting-edge domain in bioelectrochemistry focusing on simultaneous wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Ghangrekar has made foundational contributions in environmental biotechnology and sustainable water treatment. His work on Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactors includes advancements in their design, operation, and maintenance, as well as in granulation and startup techniques. He has also been instrumental in developing low-cost sewage treatment methods using high-rate anaerobic technologies, such as anaerobic filters and baffled reactors. His research portfolio extends to microbial fuel cells, bio-energy recovery, desalination, and reuse of treated wastewater, all contributing significantly to decentralized and sustainable sanitation systems.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Prof. Ghangrekar’s impact transcends academic boundaries. As a pioneer in bioelectrochemical systems in India, he has shaped national dialogue on wastewater reuse, energy recovery, and cost-effective water treatment. His expertise has influenced public policy, industrial practices, and academic curricula. By integrating engineering with ecological and socio-economic considerations, he has fostered interdisciplinary approaches to solving real-world environmental challenges.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

Though specific citation data is not included here, Prof. Ghangrekar’s pioneering status and three-decade-long contributions suggest a significant academic footprint. His early adoption and promotion of microbial fuel cell research in India, alongside publications and collaborations, have positioned him as a highly respected figure in environmental and civil engineering communities.

🛠️ Technical Skills and Research Expertise

Prof. Ghangrekar is equipped with an exceptional array of technical competencies:

  • Design and operation of UASB and anaerobic treatment systems

  • Microbial fuel cell technology for electricity generation from waste

  • Wastewater desalination techniques

  • Integration of anaerobic-aerobic package systems for decentralized sewage treatment

  • Systems for treated wastewater reuse and public water supply optimization

His practical research has resulted in real-world applications, especially in low-income or rural areas where resource-efficient treatment systems are essential.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

Throughout his academic tenure, Prof. Ghangrekar has been a guiding force for students, researchers, and young professionals. His mentorship has been critical in producing new leaders in environmental engineering. He is known for blending rigorous theoretical instruction with hands-on experimentation, especially in designing bio-treatment systems and evaluating their socio-technical impact.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

As an innovator, educator, and policy influencer, Prof. Makarand Ghangrekar leaves a lasting legacy in India’s environmental engineering landscape. His commitment to sustainable wastewater treatment, bioenergy recovery, and reuse technologies continues to inspire the next generation of scientists. Looking forward, his research is poised to contribute to smart city infrastructure, eco-sanitation models, and carbon-neutral wastewater systems, ensuring cleaner, energy-efficient, and resilient urban and rural water management for the future.

📖Notable Publications

Performance evaluation of hybrid electrochemical oxidation and ultraviolet light-based persulfate process for the abatement of sodium dodecyl sulfate from wastewater
Authors: A. Ahmad, M. Priyadarshini, M.M. Ghangrekar, R.Y. Surampalli
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year: 2025

3D g‑C₃N₄/WS₂/Agarose Aerogel Photocatalyst for Near-Complete Degradation of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics in Batch and Continuous Flow Modes
Authors: M.V.L. Gnanaguru, D. Dey, M.M. Ghangrekar, R.K. Sen, S. Chowdhury
Journal: ACS ES&T Engineering
Year: 2025

Catalysing holistic wastewater treatment, electricity generation, and emerging contaminant removal in a pre-pilot Fenton-microbial fuel cell
Authors: A. Dhanda, L.P. Thulluru, R. Raj, B.K. Dubey, M.M. Ghangrekar
Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Year: 2025

Improving algae-assisted bioelectrochemical system with the integration of advanced cell disruption process for lipid recovery: A mini-review
Authors: A. Tripathi, S. Das, M.M. Ghangrekar, B.K. Dubey
Journal: [No source information available]
Year: 2025

Sulfonated titanium nanotubes-modified clayware membranes for enhanced performance and cost-effective microbial fuel cell applications
Authors: A. Dhanda, L.P. Thulluru, S. Chowdhury, B.K. Dubey, M.M. Ghangrekar
Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Year: 2025

Changjin Xu | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award -1902

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Dr. Changjin Xu | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Inner Mongolia Medical University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

✨ Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Changjin Xu began his academic journey with a strong foundation in chemical engineering and technology. His undergraduate studies at Inner Mongolia Agricultural University (2010-2014) laid the groundwork for his passion for materials science and applied chemistry. He pursued a Master’s degree in Applied Chemistry at Inner Mongolia University (2014-2017), further refining his expertise in the field. His dedication to research led him to obtain a Ph.D. in Materials Science from Northeastern University (2017-2021), where he conducted in-depth studies on nanomaterials and catalytic performance.

🎓 Professional Endeavors

Since April 2022, Dr. Xu has been serving as a Lecturer at the School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University. His role involves teaching, mentoring students, and conducting high-impact research in materials science and its applications in the pharmaceutical sector.

💪 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Xu’s research primarily revolves around nanomaterials synthesis, catalytic performance optimization, and intermetallic compounds. His expertise in micro-arc oxidation preparation has significantly contributed to advancements in catalysis and materials science.

Notable Research Project:

  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) General Project (51971059)
    • Title: Micro-arc oxidation preparation and catalytic performance research of precious metal intermetallic compound nanocrystals
    • Duration: 2020-01-01 to 2023-12-31
    • Funding: RMB 600,000
    • Role: Participated in the project, contributing to innovative research in catalytic materials.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Dr. Xu’s research has made notable contributions to the field of materials science and catalysis, with implications in pharmaceutical and chemical engineering applications. His work in nanocrystal synthesis and catalytic efficiency improvement is paving the way for future innovations.

🎉 Academic Citations

Dr. Xu’s publications in high-impact journals have received recognition within the scientific community. His research papers focus on nanostructured materials, surface engineering techniques, and advanced catalysis.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Xu is proficient in materials characterization techniques, nanomaterial synthesis, catalytic performance analysis, and micro-arc oxidation. His expertise spans multiple advanced methodologies, ensuring his research aligns with global scientific advancements.

👨‍👩‍👦 Teaching Experience

As a lecturer, Dr. Xu actively engages in student mentorship, curriculum development, and research supervision. His ability to integrate real-world applications into academic learning enhances students’ understanding of materials science in pharmaceuticals.

⚖️ Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Xu aims to continue his groundbreaking research in nanomaterials and catalysis, expand his collaborative projects, and contribute to the development of new materials for pharmaceutical applications. His commitment to academic excellence and innovation ensures his lasting impact on the scientific community

📖Notable Publications

From FCC to BCC: Engineering Pd nuclearity in the PdCu catalyst to enhance ethylene selectivity in acetylene hydrogenation
Authors: Changjin Xu, Yinglei Liu, Huiqing Guo, Chun Du, Gaowu Qin, Song Li
Journal: Inorganic Chemistry
Year: 2025

Engineering CeO2 configurations to regulate the CuO dispersion and switch pathways of preferential CO oxidation
Authors: Junfang Ding, Changjin Xu, Guilan Fan, Tuya Naren, Yan Wang, Yang Liu, Xiaojun Gu, Limin Wu, Shanghong Zeng
Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental
Year: 2023

Enhancing selectivity for semi-hydrogenation of Ni by periodic isolation in the MM′X structure
Authors: Yinglei Liu, Changjin Xu, Bo Yang, Xiangying Meng, Gaowu Qin, Song Li
Journal: Catalysis Science & Technology
Year: 2023

Carbon-CeO2 interface confinement enhances the chemical stability of Pt nanocatalyst for catalytic oxidation reactions
Authors: Xu Changjin, Zhang Yue, Chen Jing, Li Song, Zhang Yawen, Qin Gaowu
Journal: Science China Materials
Year: 2021

Engineering the epitaxial interface of Pt-CeO2 by surface redox reaction guided nucleation for low temperature CO oxidation
Authors: Xu Changjin, Wu Yutong, Li Song, Zhou Jun, Chen Jing, Jiang Min, Zhao Hongda, Qin Gaowu
Journal: Journal of Materials Science & Technology
Year: 2020

Vanessa de Andrade Royo | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

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Dr. Vanessa de Andrade Royo | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros - Unimontes, Brazil

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Academic and Professional Background

Vanessa de Andrade Royo is a distinguished Professor and Researcher at Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (Unimontes), with a strong background in Pharmacy and Organic Chemistry. She holds a degree in Chemistry and has earned both a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from the University of São Paulo (USP). Her academic journey has been marked by an extensive engagement in biotechnology, pharmacognosy, and natural product research. She has been an active member of the Graduate Programs in Biotechnology (PPGB) and Biodiversity (PPGBURN) and also served as Coordinator of PPGB from 2015 to 2017. Additionally, since 2023, she has contributed as a member of the Editorial Board of Editora Unimontes.

🔬 Research and Innovations

With a strong focus on natural and synthetic products, phytochemistry, and biological activities, Vanessa has made remarkable strides in scientific research. Her work includes extensive contributions to the honey supply chain, pharmacognosy, and sustainable waste reuse. She has successfully completed 35 research projects and is currently leading 13 ongoing projects. In addition, she is actively engaged in 4 extension projects, 1 teaching project, and 1 project under development, showcasing her commitment to academia and innovation. Her research extends beyond the university, as she is involved in consultancy projects with cooperatives, particularly with COOPEMAPI, where she studies and develops products related to beekeeping, and with Ricaho D’Antas, where she contributed to the development of briquettes (ecological firewood).

📚 Publications and Scientific Contributions

Vanessa has an impressive academic record, with 89 indexed journal publications in high-impact databases such as SCI and Scopus, as well as 32 published books (ISBN registered). Her expertise is also reflected in 6 patents (published or under process), demonstrating her contributions to innovative product development. Her citation index highlights her research influence, with an H-index of 34 on Web of Science, 13 on Scopus, and 25 on Google Scholar. As a respected academic, she serves as a reviewer for scientific journals and international congresses and is an advisor to Unimontes Publishing House, ensuring the quality and integrity of scientific discourse.

🤝 Collaborations and Industry Engagement

Vanessa actively collaborates with prestigious research institutions such as USP, Unesp, FioCruz, and UFMG, participating in studies related to bioactive compounds and their therapeutic and industrial applications. She has also partnered with cooperatives, associations, and companies such as Petrobrás to translate her research into practical, sustainable solutions for industries and local communities.

🌿 Contributions to Sustainability and Innovation

Her research in pharmacognosy and natural product development not only advances pharmaceutical sciences but also promotes sustainability. Through her consultancy work and collaborations, she helps develop eco-friendly products, ensuring the responsible use of natural resources and advocating for waste reuse in industrial applications.

🚀 Future Vision and Legacy

With a career dedicated to bridging academia and industry, Vanessa de Andrade Royo aims to further her contributions to biotechnology, pharmacognosy, and sustainable product development. Her work continues to impact scientific research, industry innovation, and environmental sustainability, paving the way for future breakthroughs in natural and synthetic pharmaceuticals.

📖Notable Publications

  • Physicochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Honeys Produced in Minas Gerais (Brazil)

    • Authors: Vanessa de Andrade Royo, Dario A. de Oliveira, PEDRO HENRIQUE FONSECA VELOSO, Verônica de M. Sacramento, Ellen L. A. Olimpio, Luciano F. de Souza, Nathália da C. Pires, Martins CHG, Mariana Brentini Santiago, Tânia Maria de A. Alves et al.
    • Journal: Antibiotics
    • Year: 2022

  • Filtrates from cultures of endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of Copaifera oblongifolia (Fabaceae) affect germination and seedling development differently

    • Authors: Silva P.S., Royo V.A., Valerio H.M., Fernandes E.G., Queiroz M.V., Fagundes M.
    • Journal: Brazilian Journal of Biology
    • Year: 2021

  • Filtrates from cultures of endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of Copaifera oblongifolia (Fabaceae) affect germination and seedling development differently

    • Authors: Priscila Sousa Silva, Vanessa de Andrade Royo, Henrique Maia Valerio, Elio Fernandes, Marisa Vieira de Queiroz, Marcilio Fagundes Fagundes
    • Journal: Brazilian Journal of Biology
    • Year: 2021

  • Chemical profile and antioxidant activity in Diplopterys pubipetala (Malpighiaceae)

    • Authors: Sacramento V.D.M., Santos K.T., Rocha D.F.D.O., Cabral E.C., Eberlin M.N., Mercadante-Simões M.O., Fonseca F.S.A.D., Melo Júnior A.F., Menezes E.V., Oliveira D.A.D. et al.
    • Journal: Natural Product Research
    • Year: 2020

Haowen Huang | Chemical and Bioanalysis | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Haowen Huang | Chemical and Bioanalysis | Best Researcher Award

Hunan University of Science and Technology, China

👨‍🎓Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Haowen Huang earned his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in 2004, following his M.S. in Analytical Chemistry from Hunan University in 1999. His early academic journey laid a strong foundation in analytical chemistry, with a focus on the development of advanced chemical and biosensing methods.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

He is currently a Professor at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Hunan University of Science and Technology, a position he has held since 2011. Prior to this, he served as an Associate Professor at the same institution from 2006 to 2011. His professional career is marked by a commitment to advancing the field of analytical chemistry, particularly in the development of novel biosensors and nanomaterials.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on the development of biosensors and analytical platforms using noble metal nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles, nanoclusters, and carbon dots, for the detection of biomolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules. He has also worked extensively on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) systems, applying SPR imaging to enhance molecular recognition capabilities. His work in nanomaterials and advanced analytical techniques plays a key role in applications across biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and single-cell analysis.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His contributions have had a significant impact on the fields of analytical chemistry and biosensor development. His pioneering work with gold nanorods and nanoclusters for multiplex detection of disease markers and heavy metals has positioned him as a leader in the field. Additionally, his developments in SPR imaging systems have advanced chiral recognition and biomolecular interaction studies, further enhancing the molecular diagnostics landscape.

📚 Academic Cites

Although specific citation numbers are not provided, Dr. Huang's research has been widely acknowledged in the scientific community, evidenced by his work's application in major areas of biosensing, diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. His work continues to influence new developments in the synthesis and application of nanomaterials.

🛠️ Technical Skills

He is an expert in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, particularly gold and carbon-based nanoclusters. He is highly proficient in the fabrication of optical biosensors and in the use of surface plasmon resonance imaging systems. His expertise extends to the development of advanced analytical methods for complex biological media, which is crucial for a variety of applications in diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

📚 Teaching Experience

As a professor, He teaches courses in Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, in addition to supervising laboratory courses. He mentors graduate and undergraduate students, guiding research projects that focus on the synthesis of nanomaterials and their application in biosensor development. His teaching fosters innovation in the next generation of researchers in the fields of analytical chemistry and biosensing technologies.

🏆 Legacy

His legacy lies in his contributions to the development of cutting-edge biosensor technologies and nanomaterial applications. His work has shaped the field of molecular detection and bioanalytics, particularly in terms of how nanomaterials can be integrated into diagnostic tools for disease detection and environmental monitoring.

🔮 Future Contributions

Looking ahead, He is poised to continue his groundbreaking work in the development of next-generation biosensors and analytical techniques. His research will likely advance the use of nanomaterials in precision medicine, single-cell analysis, and real-time environmental monitoring. His expertise in SPR imaging and nanomaterials synthesis is expected to drive further innovation in these rapidly evolving fields.

📖Notable Publications