Samiksha Painuly | Metal Organic | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Samiksha Painuly | Metal Organic | Young Scientist Award

Research Scholar | Gurukul Kangri Deemed to be University | India

Ms. Samiksha Painuly is a dedicated materials chemistry researcher specializing in the design, synthesis, and functional applications of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), coordination polymers, and advanced hybrid materials. Her work focuses on developing luminescent MOFs, mesoporous composites, and one-dimensional coordination polymers tailored for sensing, photocatalysis, and environmental monitoring. She has expertise in synthesizing Zn-, Cd-, and Cu-based MOFs using wet-chemical, solvothermal, hydrothermal, and mechanochemical routes, integrating multitopic carboxylate and nitrogen donor linkers to achieve structurally robust and functionally responsive materials. Her research contributions span the development of ratiometric luminescent sensors for inorganic and organic analytes, MOF-based composites for heavy-metal detection, ammonia sensing, photocatalytic degradation, and emerging applications such as LED phosphors and catalytic conversion of acetylenic molecules. Skilled in structural and physicochemical characterization, she routinely employs PXRD, FTIR, SEM, XPS, UV–visible spectroscopy, fluorescence techniques, and NMR analysis to elucidate material properties and structure–activity relationships. She has published research articles and book chapters covering MOF synthesis, membrane design, separation processes, waste management, sustainable development, and IP-related dimensions of emerging materials. Her work reflects both fundamental understanding and applied innovation, contributing to interdisciplinary progress in materials chemistry, environmental remediation, and sensor technologies. She actively engages in scientific collaborations, presents her findings at conferences, and participates in workshops and training programs to expand her technical and conceptual expertise. With a strong foundation in experimental design, analytical reasoning, and creative problem-solving, she is committed to advancing next-generation MOF-based materials and their applications in sustainability, sensing, and functional materials research.

Featured Publication

Samiksha, Rajput, G., Parmar, B., Dadhania, A., Isaeva, V., Kumar, R., & Bisht, K. K. (2025). Synthesis, structure, and photocatalytic properties of a Cu(II) coordination polymer derived from a flexible tripodal linker. SCENV, 11, 100277.

Painuly, S., Rajput, G., Parmar, B., Rachuri, Y., Isaeva, V. I., Kumar, R., & Bisht, K. K. (2025). Zn(II)-based multivariate, multicomponent metal–organic framework as a highly sensitive ratiometric luminescent sensor for Rhodamine-B in edibles. Inorganic Chemistry, 64, 16297–16302.

Varsha Yadav | Material Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Varsha Yadav | Material Sciences
| Editorial Board Member

Shri Venkateshwara University | India

Dr. Varsha Yadav is a materials science researcher whose work focuses on advanced functional materials, energy harvesting technologies, organic electronics, and optoelectronic device engineering. Her research portfolio includes significant contributions to piezoelectric materials, nanostructured composites, and organic semiconductors, with applications spanning sustainable energy systems, photodetectors, and next-generation electronic devices. Her published studies explore the development and optimization of piezoelectric energy harvesting mechanisms, bridging fundamental material behavior with real-world technological applications. In addition, her research on organic photodiodes—particularly devices based on PTB7-Th:PCBM photoactive layers—demonstrates her commitment to enhancing light-matter interactions, device efficiency, and material performance in flexible and low-cost optoelectronic systems. With more than twenty scientific publications and over two hundred citations, Dr. Yadav has established herself as a steadily growing researcher in emerging material platforms. She frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, contributing to broader scientific advancements in nanomaterials, thin-film technologies, polymer-based devices, and renewable-energy materials. Her work emphasizes both theoretical understanding and experimental innovation, ensuring strong relevance to energy sustainability, sensor engineering, and modern device architecture. Through her continued research, Dr. Yadav aims to advance high-performance materials that support the development of efficient, lightweight, and eco-friendly electronic technologies for future applications.

Featured Publication

 Yadav, V. (2025). Organic photodiode based on PTB7-Th:PCBM as photoactive layer. Indian Journal of Physics.

Urosa Latief | Material science | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Urosa Latief l Material science | Young Scientist Award

Indian Institute Of Technology Delhi| India

Dr. Urosa Latief’s research is centered on experimental condensed matter physics, with a strong emphasis on the synthesis, design, and functional optimization of advanced nanomaterials for sustainable energy and optoelectronic applications. Her work integrates nanotechnology with energy-efficient material development, focusing on environmentally friendly solid-state lighting (SSL) systems and flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators (PNGs) for energy harvesting. She has developed hybrid nanocomposites based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) integrated with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and barium titanate fillers to enhance piezoelectricity and output performance. In parallel, her studies on quantum dots and carbon-based nanostructures have led to significant advances in luminescent, multifunctional, and rare-earth-free phosphors for photonic and sensing applications. Through systematic material engineering, she has demonstrated the tunability of optical and electronic properties in ZnS and ZnO-based nanostructures, contributing to dual-mode sensors and high-efficiency light-emitting devices. Her research further explores nanocomposites for self-powered systems, integrating piezo-optical functionalities for next-generation wearable and flexible electronics. With several publications in reputed international journals and a strong interdisciplinary approach, her work contributes to the advancement of green energy technologies, nanophotonics, and smart material systems that bridge fundamental science with real-world applications.

Featured Publications

Latief, U., ul Islam, S., Khan, Z. M. S. H., & Khan, M. S. (2021). A facile green synthesis of functionalized carbon quantum dots as fluorescent probes for a highly selective and sensitive detection of Fe³⁺ ions. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 262, 120132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2021.120132

Latief, U., Islam, S. U., Khan, Z., & Khan, M. S. (2022). Luminescent manganese/europium doped ZnS quantum dots: Tunable emission and their application as fluorescent sensor. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 910, 164889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.164889

Latief, U., Islam, S. U., & Khan, M. S. (2023). Rare-earth free solid-state fluorescent carbon-quantum dots: Multi-color emission and its application as optical dual-mode sensor. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 941, 168985. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2023.168985

Islam, S. U., Latief, U., Ahmad, I., Khan, Z., Ali, J., & Khan, M. S. (2022). Novel NiO/ZnO/Fe₂O₃ white light-emitting phosphor: Facile synthesis, color-tunable photoluminescence and robust photocatalytic activity. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 33(29), 23137–23152. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-022-09079-8

Adolor David Aiyeki | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Adolor David Aiyeki | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Russia

Adolor David Aiyeki is a dynamic Ph.D. researcher at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Russia, with a strong background in mechanical engineering and advanced manufacturing technologies. Passionate about innovation, sustainability, and technology’s role in transforming society, he thrives in interdisciplinary research settings. He has held various technical and leadership roles, including Assistant Home Automation Engineer and Mechanical Engineer, with impactful contributions in automation, energy, and environmental systems. His research in photopolymerization-based ceramic additive manufacturing and lunar regolith applications reflects his pursuit of future-forward engineering. Beyond the lab, he is a committed volunteer and SDG advocate, empowering youth through awareness initiatives. With international scholarships, awards, and a robust portfolio in CAD, FEA, and material science, Adolor aims to bridge science and society. His blend of technical acumen, leadership, and purpose-driven advocacy positions him as a change-maker in engineering innovation and sustainability.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education 

Adolor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Benin (2017), where he worked on biomass gasifier design and participated in energy-related seminars. He earned his Master of Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies from Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (2024), with a thesis focused on lunar regolith as an engineering material. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics and Mechanics at Skoltech (expected 2028), researching supercritical CO₂ processing for ceramic additive manufacturing. His academic background is bolstered by courses in CFD, multiphase flow, additive technologies, and finite element analysis, providing a well-rounded foundation in applied engineering and materials science. Throughout his education, he demonstrated a consistent interest in emerging technologies and sustainability, securing academic scholarships and engaging in multidisciplinary research. His academic journey reflects a continuous pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and impactful problem-solving on both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications.

💼 Experience 

Adolor has held diverse roles across academia and industry. As Assistant Home Automation Engineer at Hometronix Nigeria (2021–2022), he developed custom automation solutions, boosting client satisfaction and project efficiency. Prior to that, he served as a Mechanical Engineer at Friday Omoragbon & Sons (2020), overseeing welding and pipeline projects with significant cost and quality improvements. He interned as an Electromechanical Engineer at Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (2019), gaining hands-on experience in power systems. His teaching role at Pioneer Educational Centre (2018) enhanced student outcomes in math and science. As an Automotive Technician Intern (2016), he streamlined engine maintenance processes. Beyond employment, he has led SDG awareness initiatives as a volunteer with the UN SDG Action Campaign since 2019, promoting sustainability among youth. His work consistently combines technical expertise with communication and leadership, showcasing a blend of engineering competence and community engagement across multiple domains.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Adolor has received several prestigious honors for academic and research excellence. At Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, he earned the 2023–2024 Scholarship for Development and Academic Excellence and won Best Research Thesis (2024). He was awarded the Matthew Okpebholo Foundation Final Year Undergraduate Scholarship (2017) and the Agbami Medical and Engineering Professionals Undergraduate Scholarship (2014–2017). In high school, he was twice recognized by the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, earning a Silver Medal (STAN O-Level Science Subjects, 2009) and a Gold Medal (Science Talent Search Innovation Championship, 2009). He also graduated as the Best Science Student from Blessed Saint Paul High School (2009). These accolades reflect his early and sustained commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in science and engineering. Adolor’s recognition spans academic, technical, and competitive spheres, underscoring his dedication to intellectual rigor and impactful contributions in his field.

🔬 Research Focus 

Adolor’s research focus lies at the intersection of advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and energy sustainability. His Ph.D. investigates supercritical CO₂ processing for enhancing ceramic photopolymerization in 3D printing—a pioneering direction in material science. During his Master’s, he explored lunar regolith as an engineering material, contributing to space-based construction technology. His broader research interests include composite manufacturing, finite element analysis, and the development of functional coatings. He is proficient in software like ANSYS, Abaqus, Siemens NX, and Python, enabling high-fidelity simulations and product design. Adolor integrates sustainable practices into his work, evident from past projects on biomass energy and flow station installations. Through SDG advocacy, he connects research to community impact, especially in climate action and clean energy. With a long-term vision of fusing innovation with social benefit, his research aims to solve complex challenges on Earth and beyond, blending creativity with scientific precision.

📝 Conclusion

Mr. Adolor David Aiyeki is a highly promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic achievements, hands-on industry experience, and innovative research interests position him as a leader in the fields of advanced manufacturing and materials science. With a well-rounded background that combines technical depth, social responsibility, and a passion for transformative technology, he exemplifies the qualities sought in a world-class researcher. With continued emphasis on scholarly dissemination and global engagement, Mr. Aiyeki is undoubtedly a worthy contender for this prestigious recognition.

Publication

📘 Improved Additive Manufacturing of Lunar Regolith Simulant via Digital Light Processing for In-Situ Resource Utilization on the Moon

  • Journal: Acta Astronautica

  • Type: Journal Article

  • Date: April 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.04.009

  • Contributors: Adolor David Aiyeki, Andrey Tikhonov, Svyatoslav Chugunov