Muhammad Atiqullah | Polymer Chemistry | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atiqullah | Polymer Chemistry | Innovative Research Award

National Company for Mechanical Systems | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Muhammad Atiqullah is an accomplished scientific and technical leader whose career spans four decades of continuous contributions to chemical engineering, polymer science, materials science, and defense-related composite technologies. His work integrates advanced research, technical consulting, academic leadership, and industrial innovation, with a strong specialization in polymer reaction engineering, polyolefin catalysts, and thermoset polymer composites. As a Senior R&D Engineer and consultant in the defense sector, he focuses on developing high-performance composite materials and selecting polymeric systems for critical defense applications. His extensive experience at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals includes serving as Professor, Senior Research Engineer, founding director of major research centers, and contributor to establishing national research infrastructures. He led large-scale, high-impact collaborative programs with global organizations and developed strategic research initiatives in polyolefin catalysts, synthetic lubricants, polymeric flow aids, and advanced composite materials. Dr. Atiqullah’s work has generated substantial national value, including major competitive research funding and industry-sponsored projects. He is the lead inventor of multiple U.S. patents and has published extensively in high-ranking scientific journals, earning over a thousand citations. His editorial leadership includes serving as Editor-in-Chief of a materials science journal, and he is widely recognized as an expert reviewer across numerous scientific platforms. His research encompasses defense polymer composites, energy-efficient polymer processes, catalyst development, and high-value polyolefin technologies that underpin modern materials engineering and industrial chemistry. Beyond research, he has mentored graduate researchers, developed advanced laboratories, shaped research strategies, and contributed to national innovation ecosystems. Recognized through prestigious fellowships, awards, and leadership roles, Dr. Atiqullah continues to pursue scientific advancements with a forward-looking vision to establish specialized centers for defense polymer composites and to promote innovation-driven economic growth through technology development and talent cultivation.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Rawas, Y. A., Abdelaal, A. F., Al‐Muallem, H. A., & Atiqullah, M. (2025). Effects of catalyst activation, deactivation, and active site physical residential environment on ethylene−α‐olefin elastomeric copolymerization. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, e00406.

2. Atiqullah, M., Abdelaal, A. F., Adamu, S., & Alasiri, H. S. (2024). Catalytic making of ethylene-1-hexene elastomers: Thermodynamic guide to process development. AIChE Journal.

3. Atiqullah, M., & Al‐Asiri, H. S. (2022). Polyolefin catalyst research: A product-driven industrial perspective. The Chemical Record.

4. Ahmed, A. K., Atiqullah, M., Al-Harthi, M. A., Abdelaal, A. F., & Pradhan, D. R. (2020). Nonisothermal crystallization of Ziegler-Natta i-PP-graphene nanocomposite: DSC and new model prediction. The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 98(6), 1398–1410.

5. Atiqullah, M., Al-Sarkhi, A. S., Al-Thenayan, F. M., Al-Malki, A. R., & Alasiri, H. S. (2019). Energy-saving UHMW polymeric flow aids: Catalyst and polymerization process development. Catalysts, 9(1002), 1–15.

Pandurangan Vijayalakshmi | Polymer Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Pandurangan Vijayalakshmi | Polymer Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Department of Chemistry, Tamilnadu Open University | India

Dr. Vijayalakshmi P is an emerging researcher in environmental chemistry, nanomaterials, photocatalysis, and electrochemistry, with a strong publication record and interdisciplinary research experience. Her doctoral work focused on the design and synthesis of advanced semiconductor-based nanocomposites and their photocatalytic degradation efficiency toward hazardous organic pollutants, including antibiotics, pesticides, and dyes. She has developed a wide range of Z-scheme and heterojunction photocatalysts such as V₂O₅/g-C₃N₄/ZnO, Bi₂O₃/g-C₃N₄/ZnO, TiO₂/g-C₃N₄/CuFe₂O₄, and ZrO₂-based composites, demonstrating significant improvements in visible-light-driven degradation performance. Her research extends to energy storage materials, supercapacitors, electrochemical sensing, and CO₂ reduction, reflected in her contributions to high-impact journals including Ionics, ChemistrySelect, Electrochimica Acta, Langmuir, and Emergent Materials. She has also collaborated on studies involving nanostructures for sensing carbendazim, biocompatible nanoscaffolds, and spinels for antibacterial and dielectric applications. Skilled in multiple analytical and characterization techniques XRD, SEM, TEM, UV–Vis, PL, EIS. she integrates materials synthesis with mechanistic and kinetic studies to address real-world environmental challenges. Her international exposure includes a research internship at the National Taipei University of Technology. Recognized with the Visionary Research Scientist Award (2025), she continues to advance innovative solutions for environmental remediation and sustainable energy applications.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Vijayalakshmi, P., Shanmugavelan, P., & Mareeswaran, P. M. (2024). Enhanced photocatalytic activity of V₂O₅/g-C₃N₄/ZnO nanocomposite for efficient degradation of amoxicillin, chlorpyrifos, and methylene blue. Ionics, 1–29.

  • Vijayalakshmi, P., Shanmugavelan, P., Anisree, S., & Mareeswaran, P. M. (2024). Enhanced visible-light Z-scheme photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin, chlorpyrifos, and methylene blue by Bi₂O₃/g-C₃N₄/ZnO nanocomposite. Journal of Materials Research, 39(22), 3103–3125.

  • Vijayalakshmi, P., Shanmugavelan, P., Muthu Mareeswaran, P., Yuvakkumar, R., & Nehru, S. (2024). Visible-light photocatalytic activity of a novel TiO₂/g-C₃N₄/CuFe₂O₄ nanocomposite in degradation of amoxicillin, chlorpyrifos, and methylene blue. ChemistrySelect, 9(38), e202400943.

  • Vijayalakshmi, P., Shanmugavelan, P., Mareeswaran, P. M., & Kandasamy, K. (2024). Synthesis of novel ZrO₂/g-C₃N₄/CuFe₂O₄ nanocomposite and its efficient photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin, chlorpyrifos, and methylene blue. Asian Journal of Chemistry, 36(3), 697–709.

  • Anisree, S., Shanmugavelan, P., Vijayalakshmi, P., Kishore, R., & Srivastava, N. (2024). Synthesis, characterization and anticancer screening of novel phenylbenzylidene thiosemicarbazone derivatives. Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements, 199(4), 267–276.

 

Georgia Lainioti | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Georgia Lainioti | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Laboratory Teaching Staff | University of Patras | Greece

Dr. Georgia C. Lainioti is an accomplished chemist and materials scientist with a strong interdisciplinary research background in polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and advanced materials for environmental, food, and biomedical applications. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Patras, where she developed innovative methodologies for the kinetic study of alcoholic fermentation using novel biocatalysts. Currently serving as Laboratory Teaching Staff at the Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Patras, Dr. Lainioti has over 15 years of experience in academic research and teaching across chemistry, material science, and food technology disciplines. Her research focuses on the design and synthesis of advanced polymeric and hybrid nanocomposite materials with applications in antimicrobial and antifouling coatings, flame-retardant systems, gas separation membranes, and active food packaging. She has contributed extensively to the development of eco-friendly, halogen-free hybrid coatings, humidity- and pH-responsive membranes, and biopolymer films incorporating essential oils for antimicrobial and antioxidant food preservation. Dr. Lainioti has participated in numerous European and national research programs (FP7, THALES, PAVET, KRIPIS, and others), collaborating with multidisciplinary teams at the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT) and the University of Patras. Her scientific productivity includes 32 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Polymer Chemistry, Polymers, Progress in Organic Coatings, and International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Her publications have received 489 citations by 393 documents, resulting in an h-index of 14 (Scopus), reflecting her influence in the field of polymer and materials science. In addition to her research, she has served as a peer reviewer for several international journals including ACS Applied Polymer Materials, RSC Advances, and Biofouling. Through her sustained contributions to sustainable materials design, bioactive polymer systems, and nanocomposite development, Dr. Lainioti has established herself as a leading researcher advancing innovation at the interface of chemistry, materials, and food technology.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Lainioti, G. C., Anastasopoulos, I., Soto Beobide, A., Voyiatzis, G. A., & Kallitsis, J. K. (2025). Preparation of carbon nanotube polymeric membranes with cross-linkable and antimicrobial agents for water applications. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 325, 130895.

Safakas, K., Lainioti, G. C., Koutsodima, P., Stathopoulou, P., & Ladavos, A. (2025, June 12). Development and characterization of LDPE/EVA films incorporating carvacrol essential oil with antifungal activity. Foods, 14(12), 2069.

Safakas, K., Lainioti, G. C., Tsiamis, G., Stathopoulou, P., & Ladavos, A. (2025, March 6). Utilizing essential oil components as natural antifungal preservatives in the active packaging of bread. Polymers, 17(5), 697.

Lainioti, G. C., & Druvari, D. (2024, November 15). Designing antibacterial-based quaternary ammonium coatings (surfaces) or films for biomedical applications: Recent advances. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(22), 12264.

Koukoumtzis, V., Lainioti, G. C., Voyiatzis, G. A., & Kallitsis, J. K. (2023, April 9). Novel hybrid organic–inorganic polymeric coatings containing phosphonium or acidic groups for improving flame retardancy of wood. Coatings, 13(4), 754.

Emma Rebeca Macías Balleza | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Emma Rebeca Macías Balleza | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Guadalajara, Mexico

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Emma Rebeca Macías Balleza began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (1990) from the University of Guadalajara, followed by a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (1994). Her passion for materials and chemical processes led her to pursue a Doctorate in Science in Chemical Engineering at the same university, in cotutorship with a Doctorate in Physics from the University of Grenoble, France (2002). This strong foundation in multidisciplinary studies allowed her to develop expertise in polymers, nanomaterials, and complex fluid rheology.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Currently, she serves as a Senior Research Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering in the University Centre of Exact Sciences and Engineering, University of Guadalajara. Over the years, she has actively contributed to industrial and academic projects, fostering international collaborations with institutions such as Université Grenoble Alpes (France), Université de Rennes (France), and the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Her consultancy work extends to more than ten industry projects, further bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical applications.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research is centered on polymer synthesis and characterization, the rheology of complex fluids, and the development of nanomaterials from agroindustrial waste for reinforcement in polymeric and construction matrices. These areas of expertise contribute significantly to sustainable materials engineering, where she explores innovative ways to utilize waste materials for high-performance applications.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Emma Macías Balleza is a recognized researcher and academic leader, having completed ten collaborative research projects and published extensively. She has played a pivotal role in shaping research policies and evaluations at both institutional and national levels. As a National System of Researchers member since 2002 and a Professor with a Desirable Profile by the Ministry of Public Education since 2000, she continuously influences the next generation of researchers.

📊 Academic Citations and Publications

Her extensive publication record includes:

  • Google Scholar: 60 documents, 746 citations, h-index 16
  • Scopus: 38 documents, 572 citations, h-index 14
  • SCI/Scopus Indexed Journals: 43 publications
    She has also contributed to three chapter books, enhancing the global knowledge base in analytical chemistry and polymer engineering.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Her technical expertise spans polymer characterization, rheological analysis, nanomaterial synthesis, and analytical chemistry techniques. She has extensive experience in material testing and the application of nanotechnology in industrial and construction materials.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

Emma Macías Balleza is deeply involved in postgraduate education, contributing as a faculty member in Materials Science programs. She has mentored numerous students and participated in advisory roles within institutional and national evaluation committees, such as SEP and CONHACYT. She also serves as a reviewer for prestigious scientific journals, ensuring the advancement of research in her field.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As the head of the Rheology Academic Group at the University of Guadalajara, she has been instrumental in advancing research on fluid behavior in complex systems. Her contributions to the study of sustainable nanomaterials hold promise for future advancements in environmentally friendly polymers and industrial applications. Looking ahead, her work aims to further integrate circular economy principles into materials science, promoting green and efficient solutions for polymer engineering.

📖Notable Publications

  • Influence of Chemical, Morphological, Spectroscopic and Calorimetric Properties of Agroindustrial Cellulose Wastes on Drainage Behavior in Stone Mastic Asphalt Mixtures

    • Authors: L.Y. Cabello-Suárez, J. Anzaldo-Hernández, J.R. Galaviz-Gonzalez, P. Limón-Covarrubias, E.R. Macías-Balleza
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2024

  • Thermoplastic Starch Biocomposite Films Reinforced with Nanocellulose from Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul Bagasse

    • Authors: M.G. Lomelí-Ramírez, B. Reyes-Alfaro, S.L. Martínez-Salcedo, E.R. Macías-Balleza, S. García-Enriquez
    • Journal: Polymers
    • Year: 2023

  • Structural Behavior of Amphiphilic Triblock Copolymer P104/Water System

    • Authors: É.B. Figueroa-Ochoa, L.M. Bravo-Anaya, R. Vaca-López, Y. Rharbi, J.F.A. Soltero-Martínez
    • Journal: Polymers
    • Year: 2023

  • Optimization of the obtaining of cellulose nanocrystals from agave tequilana weber var. Azul Bagasse by acid hydrolysis

    • Authors: M.A. Gallardo-Sánchez, T. Diaz-Vidal, A.B. Navarro-Hermosillo, S.G. Enríquez, E.R. Macías-Balleza
    • Journal: Nanomaterials
    • Year: 2021

Deepak Poddar | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Deepak Poddar | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Korea University of Technology and Education, South Korea

Profiles

  • Scopus Profile
  • ORICD Profile
  • Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Deepak Poddar began his academic journey with a focus on science, earning his Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C) in Science from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). He furthered his passion for polymers by completing a B.Sc. in Polymer Science and Technology from the University. He continued with an M.Sc. in Polymer Science and Technology at Gujarat University’s Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology, Ahmedabad. His academic peak came with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Delhi, where his research focused on fabricating bi-facial porous polymeric scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.

💼 Professional Endeavors

His career reflects diverse experiences in academia and research. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Korea University of Technology and Education, where he develops sustainable food packaging for high-barrier applications. Previously, as a Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, he contributed to developing paper-based food packaging materials while mentoring graduate students. His three-year tenure as a Guest Faculty at Netaji Subhas University of Technology in Delhi involved teaching chemistry and polymer science and supervising research projects at various academic levels.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research lies at the intersection of polymer science and sustainability. His current focus is on developing eco-friendly and sustainable packaging coatings for food packaging. His Ph.D. research on polymeric scaffolds for biomedical engineering is a testament to his interdisciplinary approach. With expertise in biopolymers, polymeric blends, composites, and nanomaterial synthesis, he has significantly advanced fields such as drug delivery, sensors, and sustainable packaging solutions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His work has earned widespread recognition. He has published 14 journal articles and 7 book chapters, showcasing his scholarly contributions. As a reviewer for reputed journals like Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects and Journal of Polymers and the Environment, he actively supports the global research community. His influence extends beyond academia through his mentoring roles and leadership in collaborative research.

📊 Academic Achievements and Cites

He is a recipient of the Young Research Award (2021) from the Institute of Scholars, reflecting his contributions to material science research. He has also been recognized for his scientific communication, winning the Best Poster Award at the International Conference on Material Science Research (ICMSR) in 2019. Additionally, he qualified for the GATE 2017 in Engineering Sciences (XE) with an All India Rank of 129.

🛠️ Technical Skills

He possesses a versatile skill set that includes project management, experiment design, and data analysis. He is adept at problem-solving and team leadership, making him an effective researcher and mentor. His laboratory expertise spans polymer synthesis, nanomaterial development, and advanced packaging material engineering.

📚 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

With a strong commitment to education, He has taught undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. At Netaji Subhas University of Technology, he conducted classes on chemistry and polymer science and guided research projects across academic levels. His ability to mentor students reflects his dedication to fostering new talent in polymer science.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

He aims to continue advancing the frontiers of polymer science, particularly in sustainable packaging, biomedical engineering, and drug delivery systems. His legacy includes contributions to eco-friendly materials and mentoring the next generation of researchers. As he moves forward, he remains committed to interdisciplinary research, global collaborations, and creating impactful innovations in materials science.

🏆 Extracurricular and Awards

His multifaceted personality shines through his extracurricular achievements. He was part of the winning team in an inter-college cricket tournament at Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences. His leadership and teamwork skills are evident both on and off the field. Notably, he secured the Global Korea Scholarship 2024 for his postdoctoral research program, further highlighting his academic excellence.

🌱 Vision for the Future

With a solid foundation in polymer science and technology and a focus on sustainable development, Dr. Poddar envisions contributing to global challenges such as waste reduction and eco-friendly material innovation. His interdisciplinary expertise and leadership qualities ensure a promising future of impactful contributions to science and society.

Notable Publications

Development of electrosprayed assisted shellac-MOF particle coated paper for food packaging and its environmental impacts

  • Authors: Poddar, D., Pandey, K., Kim, S.-J., Yoo, H.M.
  • Journal: Sustainable Materials and Technologies
  • Year: 2024

Vanadium pentoxide-based nanomaterials for the treatment of dye-containing wastewater to avoid negative effects on the environment and human health

  • Authors: Bansal, S., Singh, A., Poddar, D., Jain, P.
  • Journal: Sustainable Environment and Health: Practical Strategies (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024

In-situ fabrication of poly-l-lactide & its application as a glass fiber polymer composites using resin transfer molding

  • Authors: Kim, S.-J., Pandey, K., Poddar, D., Yoo, H.M.
  • Journal: Polymer Composites
  • Year: 2024

Borophene-Based Materials for Gas and Wearable Sensing Applications

  • Authors: Kumar, S., Kashyap, S., Ansari, U., Sarkar, A., Poddar, D.
  • Journal: Engineering Materials (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024

Boron-Based Two-Dimensional Nanosheets in Energy Devices

  • Authors: Ansari, U., Kashyap, S., Kumar, S., Poddar, D., Singh, A.
  • Journal: Engineering Materials (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024

Shellac: Bridging the gap between chemistry and sustainability—A comprehensive review of its multifunctional coating applications for food, drug, and paper packaging

  • Authors: Sharma, S., Samrat, Goyal, P., Sarkar, A., Poddar, D.
  • Journal: Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry
  • Year: 2024

Effect of Bulk and Surface Properties of Polymeric Scaffolds on Its Applications in Tissue Engineering

  • Authors: Poddar, D.
  • Journal: Tailored Functional Materials for Clean and Sustainable Development (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024

A review on green approaches utilizing phytochemicals in the synthesis of vanadium nanoparticles and their applications

  • Authors: Bansal, S., Singh, A., Poddar, D., Thakur, S., Jain, P.
  • Journal: Preparative Biochemistry and Biotechnology
  • Year: 2024