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

Aurica Farcas | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Aurica Farcas | Polymer Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry Petru Poni, Romania

👨‍🎓Profiles

🏛️ Early Academic Pursuits

Aurica Farcas embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in polymer chemistry. Her pursuit of excellence led to a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry in 1998, completed with honors at the prestigious "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry (ICMPP), Iasi, Romania. This early phase of her career laid the groundwork for her expertise in organic and polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and molecular recognition.

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Farcas has dedicated her career to advancing polymer and organic chemistry, focusing on innovative research that bridges fundamental science and industrial applications. As a researcher at ICMPP, she has played a pivotal role in the development of novel organic materials, specializing in encapsulated π-conjugated monomers, oligomers, and polymers. Her work also extends to surface characterization, electrochemistry, and the study of organic semiconductors' optical, electrical, and doping properties.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research is centered on the control and tailoring of intermolecular interactions in organic semiconductor materials, particularly through molecular encapsulation. These advancements hold promise for the next generation of electronic materials, opening doors to new applications in optoelectronics, flexible electronics, and molecular recognition-based technologies.

Dr. Farcas has contributed significantly to:
✅ The synthesis and characterization of novel organic and polymeric materials.
✅ Development of supramolecular assemblies for enhanced electronic properties.
✅ Exploration of encapsulation techniques to improve material stability and efficiency.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With a research career spanning over two decades, Dr. Farcas has secured more than 40 national and international research grants, a testament to her scientific impact and leadership. Her work has led to 21 laboratory technologies, including three industrial applications, demonstrating her commitment to translating fundamental research into real-world solutions.

Her research findings have shaped contemporary understanding of organic semiconductor materials, influencing advancements in organic electronics and molecular recognition systems.

📖 Academic Contributions and Citations

Dr. Farcas has an extensive publication record, showcasing her dedication to disseminating scientific knowledge. Her academic contributions include:
📚 2 authored books & 6 book chapters
📝 80+ papers published in ISI-indexed journals
📄 40+ articles in non-ISI journals
🎤 21 invited lectures at national and international scientific conferences

Her impact in the scientific community is further reflected in her Web of Science ResearcherID: C-2512-2011.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Farcas possesses expertise in various cutting-edge techniques and methodologies, including:
🔬 Polymer synthesis and characterization techniques.
⚛️ Supramolecular chemistry and molecular encapsulation.
📊 Surface characterization and electrochemical analysis.
💡 Optical and electronic property evaluation of organic semiconductors.

These technical proficiencies have been instrumental in developing new organic materials with tailored properties for advanced applications.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

Beyond research, Dr. Farcas has been actively involved in mentoring young scientists and researchers, guiding them through complex chemical and materials science concepts. Her contributions to education and knowledge transfer have played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of researchers in polymer and organic chemistry.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a seasoned researcher, Dr. Farcas continues to push the boundaries of material science. Her future contributions are expected to:
✨ Drive innovations in organic electronic materials.
✨ Expand the practical applications of molecular encapsulation techniques.
✨ Contribute to the development of more sustainable and efficient polymer-based technologies.

📖Notable Publications

  • A thiophene-based bisazomethine and its inclusion complex with permethylated β-cyclodextrin: Exploring structural characteristics and computational chemistry models

    • Authors: A.M. Resmerita, Ana Maria; C. Cojocaru, Corneliu; M.D. Dǎmǎceanu, Mariana Dana; A.E. El Haitami, Alae E.; A. Farcaş, Aurica
    • Journal: Dyes and Pigments
    • Year: 2025

  • Aromatic Co-Polyazomethine Polyrotaxane with Enhanced Solubility Applied as a Hole Carrier in a p-n Heterojunction Diode

    • Authors: C. Ursu, Cristian; A.M. Resmerita, Ana Maria; R.I. Tigoianu, Radu Ionut; A. Farcaş, Aurica
    • Journal: ACS Applied Polymer Materials
    • Year: 2024

  • Composite materials based on slide-ring polyrotaxane structures for optoelectronics

    • Authors: A.M. Resmerita, Ana Maria; M. Asandulesa, Mihai; A. Farcaş, Aurica
    • Journal: Journal of Polymer Science
    • Year: 2024

  • Thermal Transitions and Structural Characteristics of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene/cucurbit[7]uril) Polypseudorotaxane and Polyrotaxane Thin Films

    • Authors: B. Hajduk, Barbara; P. Jarka, Pawel; H. Bednarski, H.; P. Kumari, Pallavi; A. Farcaş, Aurica
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2024

  • Synthesis, Properties and Adsorption Kinetic Study of New Cross-Linked Composite Materials Based on Polyethylene Glycol Polyrotaxane and Polyisoprene/Semi-Rotaxane

    • Authors: A.M. Resmerita, Ana Maria; A. Bargan, Alexandra; C. Cojocaru, Corneliu; A. Farcaş, Aurica
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2023

  • Novel Insight into the Photophysical Properties and 2D Supramolecular Organization of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/Permodified Cyclodextrins Polyrotaxanes at the Air–Water Interface

    • Authors: A.E. El Haitami, Alae E.; A.M. Resmerita, Ana Maria; E.L. Ursu, Elena Laura; S. Cantin, Sophie; A. Farcaş, Aurica
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2023

  • The straightforward approach of tuning the photoluminescence and electrical properties of encapsulated PEDOT end-capped by pyrene

    • Authors: A. Farcaş, Aurica; M. Damoc, Madalin; M. Asandulesa, Mihai; R.I. Tigoianu, Radu Ionut; E.L. Ursu, Elena Laura
    • Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids
    • Year: 2023

Yang Yang | Computational Modeling | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Yang Yang | Computational Modeling | Best Researcher Award

National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Yang Yang's academic journey began with a strong foundation in artificial intelligence and data mining. His keen interest in open-world data mining led him to explore innovative methods for handling complex, evolving datasets. As a student, he displayed exceptional analytical abilities and a deep curiosity for AI-driven solutions. This early dedication laid the groundwork for his later contributions to AI research and interdisciplinary applications.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently a professor at Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Yang Yang has established himself as a leading researcher in artificial intelligence. His professional journey includes significant contributions to theoretical and applied AI, particularly in the fields of smart agriculture and smart education. As an active member of the IEEE, he has engaged in numerous high-impact projects, shaping the landscape of AI research and its real-world implementations.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Yang Yang specializes in open-environment data mining, addressing key challenges such as modal interaction, decision adaptation, and model evolution. His work has resulted in groundbreaking solutions for reliable multi-modal representation, robust inference decision-making, and continuous evolution modeling. These advancements have significantly improved the robustness of AI models in dynamic environments, making them more adaptable to changes in data features, labels, and content across various tasks. His research has played a pivotal role in enhancing AI-driven decision-making in practical applications.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With an impressive citation index of 1,289, Yang Yang's research has been widely recognized and referenced by esteemed academicians and Fellows of globally renowned societies such as IEEE, ACM, and AAAS. His innovative methodologies have influenced AI research and have been successfully implemented in smart agriculture and smart education, contributing to advancements in precision farming and intelligent learning systems.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognitions

Yang Yang has published 22 papers in top-tier SCI, IEEE, and ACM journals, many of which are considered foundational in open-world data mining. His outstanding contributions earned him the Best Paper Award at ACML 2017, highlighting his excellence in AI research. Additionally, his papers have been referenced in prestigious international journals and conferences, further establishing his authority in the field.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Yang Yang possesses expertise in:
✅ Open-world data mining
✅ AI-driven decision-making models
✅ Multi-modal representation learning
✅ Continuous evolution modeling
✅ Smart agriculture and education applications

His ability to bridge AI theory with practical applications has set new benchmarks in interdisciplinary AI research.

🎓 Teaching Experience

As a professor, Yang Yang is deeply committed to mentoring and guiding students in the fields of AI and data science. His expertise has helped shape the next generation of AI researchers by providing them with a strong foundation in theoretical and applied AI. His involvement in prestigious AI competitions, where he has won 20 championships, further demonstrates his dedication to both learning and teaching.

🔍 Research Projects and Patents

Yang Yang has led several high-profile research projects, including the Young Scientists Project of the National Key Research and Development Program on Autonomous Software for the Application of Scientific Data in Agricultural Breeding. His research has resulted in three patents, showcasing his ability to transform theoretical AI advancements into tangible, real-world innovations.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Yang Yang’s research continues to push the boundaries of AI by focusing on the development of more adaptive and resilient AI models. His contributions to smart agriculture and smart education are paving the way for future innovations in AI-driven industries. His legacy will be defined by his ability to bridge the gap between theoretical AI research and its practical, real-world applications. Moving forward, he aims to expand his research into more interdisciplinary fields, further enhancing AI's impact on society.

📖Notable Publications

Adaptive deep models for incremental learning: Considering capacity scalability and sustainability
Authors: Y. Yang, D.W. Zhou, D.C. Zhan, H. Xiong, Y. Jiang
Journal/Conference: Proceedings of the 25th ACM SIGKDD International Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD)
Year: 2019

Complex object classification: A multi-modal multi-instance multi-label deep network with optimal transport
Authors: Y. Yang, Y.F. Wu, D.C. Zhan, Z.B. Liu, Y. Jiang
Journal/Conference: Proceedings of the 24th ACM SIGKDD International Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD)
Year: 2018

Learning to classify with incremental new class
Authors: D.W. Zhou, Y. Yang, D.C. Zhan
Journal/Conference: IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems
Year: 2021

Deep learning for fixed model reuse
Authors: Y. Yang, D.C. Zhan, Y. Fan, Y. Jiang, Z.H. Zhou
Journal/Conference: Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence
Year: 2017

Semi-supervised multi-modal multi-instance multi-label deep network with optimal transport
Authors: Y. Yang, Z.Y. Fu, D.C. Zhan, Z.B. Liu, Y. Jiang
Journal/Conference: IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering
Year: 2019

 

Danuta Szczesna-Cordary | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award-1633

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Prof. Dr. Danuta Szczesna-Cordary | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

University of Miami, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Danuta Szczesna-Cordary began her academic journey at the University of Warsaw, where she earned a Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry in 1976. She continued her scientific exploration at the Polish Academy of Sciences, earning her Ph.D. in Natural Sciences from The Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology in 1989. These formative years laid a robust foundation for her career in molecular and cellular pharmacology.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

She holds the esteemed position of Professor with Tenure in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology at the University of Miami. She also has a secondary appointment at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, contributing to interdisciplinary advancements in medical research. Early in her career, she completed a prestigious American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship in Massachusetts, focusing on fluorescence microscopy of thin filament proteins in myofibrils.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of cardiac myopathies and the development of therapeutic approaches for conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Her groundbreaking work includes: Investigating myosin light chain phosphorylation as a potential target for cardiac repair. Authoring high-impact articles such as "Novel cardiac myosin inhibitor for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy" published in Journal of General Physiology (2024). Contributing editorially to significant works like "Physiology of Human Myopathies" in Frontiers in Physiology (2023). Her research holds immense promise for advancing precision medicine in cardiology.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Her contributions to science resonate globally, particularly in the realms of cardiomyopathy and muscle physiology. Her work has earned citations in leading journals and inspired collaborative efforts across the Biophysical Society, American Heart Association (AHA), and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Through these platforms, she has shaped discussions and policies on cardiovascular health.

🔬 Technical Skills

A scientist of multifaceted expertise, She possesses advanced skills in: Fluorescence Microscopy for thin filament protein analysis. Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology techniques. Investigating the biophysical properties of striated muscle systems. Her technical acumen has facilitated novel discoveries in cardiac physiology and therapeutic intervention.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a dedicated educator, She has mentored numerous graduate and postdoctoral fellows. Her mentorship emphasizes critical thinking, fostering innovation in young researchers tackling complex challenges in molecular pharmacology.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Her legacy is deeply rooted in her pursuit of excellence in cardiovascular research. Looking ahead, she aims to: Advance cardiac therapeutics by targeting molecular pathways of myopathies. Collaborate with global institutions to improve precision medicine strategies. Mentor the next generation of scientists to address emerging health challenges.

📖Notable Publications