Bidhan Chandra Samanta | Bioinorganic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Samanta | Bioinorganic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Mugberia Gangadhar Mahavidyalaya | India

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Samanta currently serves as an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Mugberia Gangadhar Mahavidyalaya, India. A distinguished researcher in polymer chemistry, materials science, and coordination chemistry, he earned his Ph.D. from Vidyasagar University, conducting significant portions of his doctoral research at the Materials Science Centre, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. His thesis, titled “Study of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Modified Epoxy Networks and Modified Epoxy-Based Composites with Poly(ethylene glycol) Based Toughening Agents,” focused on enhancing the mechanical, thermal, and morphological performance of epoxy systems through innovative toughening mechanisms. Over his career, Dr. Samanta has authored 62 international research papers and 13 books/edited volumes, contributing significantly to the fields of polymer toughening, curing kinetics, and hybrid composite materials. His research extends into Schiff base ligand synthesis, transition metal complexes, antibacterial and antifungal agents, cytotoxicity assays, photocatalysis, and biomolecular interactions (DNA/protein binding) bridging materials chemistry and bioinorganic applications. His work on metal–organic chelate polymers, natural fiber–reinforced composites, and bioinspired transition metal complexes demonstrates his commitment to sustainable materials development and biomedical innovation. Dr. Samanta’s research impact is underscored by 739 citations from 633 documents and an h-index of 14 (Scopus), reflecting the depth and influence of his scientific contributions. He has guided Ph.D. scholars and supervised multiple funded projects advancing polymer and coordination chemistry. His excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Best Faculty Award, Bharat Jyoti Award, Best Researcher Award, and the IPS Research Excellence Award. A Fellow of the Indian Chemical Society and Life Member of the Indian Science Congress Association and the Society for Polymer Science, Dr. Samanta’s interdisciplinary research continues to advance the frontiers of polymer modification, green chemistry, and sustainable material innovation, contributing meaningfully to academic and industrial advancements.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Maity, R., Pattanayak, S., Jana, K., Maity, T., Maity, S., Sepay, N., Afzal, M., et al. (2025). Synthesis of N, N, O‐Schiff Base Mediated Cu (II) Complex for Anticancer and Catalytic Activities in the 3, 5‐DTBC and Dopamine Oxidation. ChemistrySelect, 10(40), e00791.

Das, M., Das, U. K., Aich, S., Biswas, R., Laha, S., Samanta, B. C., Maity, T., et al. (2025). Structural Insights into Luminescent Zn (II) Materials for Picric Acid Detection. Crystal Growth & Design.

Pattanayak, S., Sarkar, T., Maity, R., Das, P., Brandao, P., Maity, T., Sarkar, K., & Samanta, B. C. (2025). Biophysical characterization of centrosymmetric doubly bridged Cu(II) complexes: Comparative DNA/BSA binding and potential applications. New Journal of Chemistry.

Ari, B., Das, M., Mukherjee, S., Basak, D., Bera, A., Biswas, A., Kundu, P., Brandao, P., Mondal, S., Samanta, B. C., et al. (2025). Experimental and theoretical studies on piperidine-based heteroleptic Schiff base Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes investigating DNA/protein binding and anticancer activities. New Journal of Chemistry.

Das, A., Maity, R., Sarkar, T., Das, P., Brandao, P., Maity, T., Sarkar, K., & Samanta, B. C. (2024). Synthesis, crystal structure, lipophilicity, antioxidant activity, binding interactions, and antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus of a Ni(II) Schiff base complex: Combined theoretical and experimental approaches. New Journal of Chemistry.

Myrtil Kahn | Coordination Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Myrtil Kahn | Coordination Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

CNRS | France

Profiles

Scopus
Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Myrtil L. Kahn began her academic journey with a PhD in molecular compounds, under the supervision of a renowned expert in the field of coordination chemistry. Her doctoral work laid a strong foundation in molecular chemistry, which she later expanded into interdisciplinary domains. Her postdoctoral research included advanced work on ferrite nanoparticles and intermetallic particles, which positioned her at the intersection of nanoscience, materials chemistry, and applied physics.

Professional Endeavors

Following her postdoctoral experience, Dr. Kahn joined CNRS and quickly rose through the ranks to become a Senior Scientist and Research Director. She currently leads the “Nano-chemistry, Organization, and Sensors” team at the Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry (LCC) and also co-directs a multidisciplinary research initiative in collaboration with another leading national laboratory. This joint effort culminated in the establishment of a CNRS-affiliated joint research laboratory, reflecting her leadership in managing strategic partnerships with key industrial and governmental stakeholders, including aerospace and space agencies.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kahn’s research centers on nanoscience and its application to broad societal challenges such as energy, environment, space, aeronautics, and health. She has significantly contributed to the design and synthesis of hybrid nano-objects and multifunctional coatings. Her work focuses on controlling the structural and functional properties of nanoparticles particularly semiconductor and magnetic oxides and integrating them into real-world devices. Utilizing a safe-by-design philosophy, she innovates at the interface of molecular chemistry, surface science, and nanotechnology. Her research also emphasizes understanding surface-ligand interactions through advanced techniques like NMR spectroscopy, which is crucial for ensuring colloidal stability and optimizing material behavior in biological and industrial environments.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Kahn has established herself as a leader in applied nanosciences, successfully bridging fundamental chemistry with device integration. Her research has attracted substantial funding through over thirty competitive contracts, nearly half of which involve industrial collaborations. These projects have led to multiple patents with international extensions, showcasing her commitment to innovation and knowledge transfer. Beyond scientific output, her leadership in organizing large-scale conferences and her role in interdisciplinary teams underscore her influence across both academic and industrial landscapes.

Academic Citations

Her research excellence is reflected in her strong citation metrics. With thousands of citations and an impressive h-index, her work enjoys sustained recognition in the global scientific community. She has authored more than a hundred publications in peer-reviewed international journals, contributed to several book chapters, and is actively involved in reviewing and editorial responsibilities within leading scientific events and journals.

Technical Skills

Dr. Kahn possesses deep technical expertise in organometallic synthesis, nanoparticle surface chemistry, colloidal stability, and functional coatings. She has extensive experience in spectroscopic analysis, particularly NMR, for the investigation of ligand dynamics and surface coordination. Her proficiency extends to hybrid material fabrication, integration of nanoparticles into sensors and devices, and the development of safe-by-design methodologies. This multidisciplinary toolkit enables her to work effectively at the interface of chemistry, physics, and biology.

Teaching Experience

While her primary role is research-intensive, Dr. Kahn actively contributes to mentoring young researchers and postdoctoral fellows. She fosters scientific development through collaborative research, co-authorship, and direct supervision. Her mentorship style is marked by encouraging innovation and interdisciplinary approaches, preparing early-career scientists for careers in both academia and industry.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Kahn’s legacy is one of impactful science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal relevance. Her commitment to applied nanoscience has led to the development of novel materials and processes with potential applications in biotechnology, aerospace, and environmental technology. As co-director of a cutting-edge joint research lab, she continues to expand her collaborative reach, ensuring that her contributions influence the next generation of researchers. Her ongoing projects in multifunctional nanocomposites and hybrid processes promise continued breakthroughs in high-performance materials.

Notable Publications

Competition between ordered morphologies of functionalized silver nanoparticles elucidated by a joint experimental and multiscale theoretical study

Authors: David Loffreda; Nathalie Tarrat; Corinne Lacaze‑Dufaure; Franck Rabilloud; Katia Fajerwerg; Myrtil L. Kahn; Vincent Collière; Christine Lepetit; Pierre Fau
Journal: Nano Today
Year: 2025

Understanding Ion‑Exchange Processes in the Synthesis of ZnSₓ@ZnO₁₋ₓ Heterostructures from Controlled Sulfidation of ZnO Nanocrystals

Authors: Ekaterina Bellan; Martin Jakoobi; Vincent Collière; Yannick Coppel; Julien Trébosc; Olivier Lafon; Pierre Lecante; Paul Fleurat‑Lessard; Céline Dupont; Jean‑Cyrille Hierso; Pierre Fau; Katia Fajerwerg; Lauriane Pautrot‑d’Alençon; Thierry Le Mercier; Myrtil L. Kahn
Journal: Chemistry of Materials
Year: 2024

Spontaneous Emulsification of Organometallic Complexes Applied to the Synthesis of Nanocapsules Active for H₂ Release from Ammonia‑Borane

Authors: Olivier Gazil; Ludivine Rault; Déborah Iglicki; Vincent Collière; Gizem Karacaoglan; Didier Poinsot; Moad Bouzid; Jean‑Cyrille Hierso; Myrtil L. Kahn; Nick Virgilio; Fabienne Gauffre
Journal: Langmuir (The ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids)
Year: 2024

Synthesis of TiO₂/SBA‑15 Nanocomposites by Hydrolysis of Organometallic Ti Precursors for Photocatalytic NO Abatement

Authors: Ons El Atti; Julie Hot; Katia Fajerwerg; Christian Lorber; Bénédicte Lebeau; Andrey Ryzhikov; Myrtil L. Kahn; Vincent Collière; Yannick Coppel; Nicolas Ratel‑Ramond; Philippe Ménini; Pierre Fau
Journal: Inorganics
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Myrtil L. Kahn stands as a prominent figure in nanoscience and coordination chemistry. Her pioneering research, strong industrial collaborations, and leadership in both national and international scientific communities demonstrate her eligibility for high-level scientific honors. Through her interdisciplinary vision and dedication to real-world impact, she continues to shape the future of materials science and remains an exemplary model for academic and industrial synergy.

 

Ayesha Mushtaq | Catalysis | Material Chemistry Award

Ms. Ayesha Mushtaq | Catalysis | Material Chemistry Award

University of Gujrat, Pakistan

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Ayesha Mushtaq completed her Master of Philosophy in Physics at the University of Gujrat, Pakistan, achieving an impressive CGPA of 3.72/4.0. Her thesis focused on the Investigation of MoS2 Based Nanomaterials for Efficient Photocatalytic Performance, highlighting her early dedication to advanced materials science. Prior to this, she earned her BS Honors in Physics from the University of Central Punjab. Her solid academic foundation laid the groundwork for her research in nanomaterials and their multifaceted applications.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Ms. Mushtaq has demonstrated extensive experience in synthesizing and optimizing nanomaterials, particularly focusing on MoS2, Ta-MoS2, and MoS2/MnO2/WO3 composites. Her work encompasses practical applications in photocatalysis, specifically targeting environmental remediation through degradation of dyes like Methylene Blue and pharmaceutical contaminants such as Metformin. Beyond photocatalysis, she has explored nanomaterials’ roles in energy storage, antimicrobial properties, and shelf-life extension, revealing a broad and impactful research portfolio.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research contributions extend to authoring and co-authoring scientific papers and delivering presentations in academic settings, showcasing her effective communication skills in disseminating scientific knowledge. Notably, she has authored a book titled “Influence of Nobel Metal Nanoparticles in Sustainable Energy Technologies” (Springer, 2025), emphasizing her expertise and contribution to the field of sustainable energy and nanotechnology. Her primary research interests include materials science, photocatalytic activity, energy storage, antimicrobial applications, and shelf-life enhancement using nanomaterials.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Ms. Mushtaq’s work in synthesizing novel nanomaterials and applying them to environmental and energy challenges places her at the forefront of sustainable nanotechnology research. Her scientific findings contribute not only to academic advancement but also have practical implications for environmental cleanup and energy technologies. By combining experimental research with scientific communication, she significantly influences both her academic peers and the wider scientific community.

📈 Academic Citations

While specific citation metrics are not detailed here, her published research papers and book authorship demonstrate recognition and relevance in the scientific community, particularly in nanomaterials and photocatalysis research fields.

🛠️ Technical Skills

She possesses proficiency in a range of software and instrumentation critical to materials research, including OriginLab, Xpert Highscore Plus, Image J, Endnote, MS Office, and COMSOL Multiphysics. She is skilled in operating analytical tools such as the UV-Visible Spectrometer and Photoluminescence Spectrometer for UV-Vis and PL analysis, enabling her to perform detailed characterization of nanomaterials.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Alongside her research, Ms. Mushtaq has engaged in academic research supervision, teaching, and consultation, managing theses and interdisciplinary projects. Her strong communication skills in English and Urdu facilitate effective knowledge transfer and mentorship within academic environments.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Ms. Ayesha Mushtaq is poised to continue advancing the field of nanomaterials with a focus on sustainable energy and environmental applications. Her upcoming book and ongoing research reflect a commitment to driving innovative solutions through nanotechnology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring future scientists. Her legacy is set to inspire developments in photocatalytic materials, energy storage, and antimicrobial technologies, impacting both science and society.

📖Notable Publications

Photocatalytic detoxification of Lemon Yellow food additive by Novel AC@ZnO/CuO/WO3 quaternary composites via Citrus Sinensis and Solid-State-Reaction method
Authors: Hassan Imam Rizvi, Ayesha Mushtaq, Tahir Iqbal, Sumera Afsheen, Zain Ashfaq, Nabil Al-Zaqri, Ismail Warad
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Year: 2025

Influence of Noble Metal Nanoparticles in Sustainable Energy Technologies
Authors: Tahir Iqbal, Sumera Afsheen, Ayesha Mushtaq
Book Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland
Year: 2025
ISBN: 9783031809828, 9783031809835

Facile Strategies to Fabricate MoS2/Bi2O3 Nanocomposites; A Nano Engineered Material for Photoassisted Degradation of Ciprofloxacin and Their Antibacterial Performance
Authors: Muhammad Tauseef Qureshi, Ayesha Mushtaq, Umer Farooq, Abdul Basit, Tahir Iqbal, Ayesha Younas, Mahmoud Al Elaimi, Hira Affan, Mohamed S. Othman, Ghazala Yunus, et al.
Journal: Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials
Year: 2024

Cobalt doped MoS2: A photoactivated nanomaterial for removal of methylene blue and phenol
Authors: Tahir Iqbal, Abdul Basit, Abdallah M. Elgorban, Hind A. AL-Shwaiman, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Yousaf, Sumera Afsheen, Ayesha Mushtaq, Rana Mustansar Munir
Journal: Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids
Year: 2024

Enhancing apple shelf life: A comparative analysis of photocatalytic activity in pure and manganese-doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Tahir Iqbal, Maria Afzal, Bandar Ali Al-Asbahi, Sumera Afsheen, Iqra Maryam, Ayesha Mushtaq, Sabah Kausar, Aqsa Ashraf
Journal: Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing
Year: 2024