Xiansong Shi | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Xiansong Shi | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

National University of Singapore | Singapore

Dr. Shi Xiansong is an accomplished chemical engineer and researcher specializing in the design and synthesis of advanced membranes using covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Nanjing Tech University, China, where his research focused on developing innovative membrane technologies for molecular separation. After completing his doctorate, Dr. Shi conducted postdoctoral research at Nanjing Tech University, where he contributed to the development of high-performance 3D COF membranes for pharmaceutical purification and organic solvent nanofiltration. Currently, he is a Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore, concentrating on structurally oriented 2D COF membranes for precise molecular sieving and topologically defective MOF membranes for enhanced separation applications. Dr. Shi’s research is highly interdisciplinary, integrating materials chemistry, chemical engineering, and nanotechnology. His work addresses critical industrial challenges, including water purification, pharmaceutical refining, organic solvent recycling, and energy storage, providing sustainable solutions that enhance industrial efficiency and reduce environmental impact. His academic output includes 52 SCI-indexed publications, with 26 as first or corresponding author in prestigious journals such as Nature Chemical Engineering, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and ACS Nano. Additionally, he has contributed to 8 patent applications and serves as a peer reviewer for top-tier journals like Nature and Advanced Materials. His impactful contributions have been recognized through awards such as the Best Researcher Award in Research Chemistry and the Innovation Team distinction by the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation. Dr. Shi actively engages in international conferences, having chaired sessions and presented pioneering research. With a total of 2,044 citations across 1,461 documents and an h-index of 26, Dr. Shi remains a leading figure in membrane science, driving the development of advanced molecular separation technologies and promoting sustainable practices in chemical engineering and materials science.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Wei, M., Sun, W., Shi, X., Wang, Z., & Wang, Y. (2016). Homoporous membranes with tailored pores by soaking block copolymer/homopolymer blends in selective solvents: Dissolution versus swelling. Macromolecules, 49, 215–223.

  2. Shi, X., Wang, Z., & Wang, Y. (2017). Highly permeable nanoporous block copolymer membranes by machinecasting on nonwoven supports: An upscalable route. Journal of Membrane Science, 533, 201–209.

  1. Shi, X., Xu, Z., Huang, C., Wang, Y., & Cui, Z. (2018). Selective swelling of electrospun block copolymers: From perforated nanofibers to high flux and responsive ultrafiltration membranes. Macromolecules, 51, 2283–2292.

  2. Wang, R., Shi, X., Xiao, A., Zhou, W., & Wang, Y. (2018). Interfacial polymerization of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) on polymeric substrates for molecular separations. Journal of Membrane Science, 566, 197–204.

  3. Shi, X., Wang, R., Xiao, A., Jia, T., Sun, S., & Wang, Y. (2018). Layer-by-layer synthesis of covalent organic frameworks on porous substrates for fast molecular separations. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 1, 6320–6326.

 

Vinay Sharma | Green Chemistry | Innovate Future Young Scientist Award

Dr. Vinay Sharma | Green Chemistry | Innovate Future Young Scientist Award

Parul University| India

Dr. Vinay Sharma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Institute of Applied Science and Research and Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and has previously served as a CSIR Research Associate as well as Assistant Professor at Madhav University. His academic journey and professional experience reflect a strong commitment to both teaching and research. Dr. Sharma’s research primarily revolves around supramolecular chemistry, green and sustainable catalysis, and visible light-mediated organic transformations. He is especially focused on developing functional supramolecular materials, sustainable heterogeneous catalytic systems, and exploring environmentally benign methodologies for scalable chemical processes. Over the years, he has contributed extensively to the fields of synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular materials, and catalysis, publishing research of international repute. His dedication to advancing innovative and eco-friendly chemical practices has earned him recognition and awards in both academic and scientific communities.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Vinay Sharma pursued his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, where his doctoral work focused on mesogenic properties of novel homologous series, their molecular structures, and their chemical and biological significance. Under expert guidance, he explored supramolecular chemistry and liquid crystal materials, linking structural features with functional applications. Prior to this, he earned his Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Gujarat University with distinction, equipping him with advanced knowledge of organic synthesis and analytical techniques. His undergraduate studies in Chemistry at K.K. Shah Jarodwala Maninagar Science College laid the foundation for his scientific curiosity and laboratory skills. He also completed his schooling under the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, where his academic excellence was evident early on. Through this structured educational progression, Dr. Sharma developed expertise in organic synthesis, supramolecular materials, green catalysis, and characterization methods, which continues to define his teaching and research career.

Experience

Dr. Vinay Sharma has diverse academic and research experience spanning teaching and advanced chemical research. He currently serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Research Development Cell at Parul University, Vadodara, where he actively mentors students while advancing his research in supramolecular chemistry and sustainable catalysis. Before this role, he worked as a CSIR Research Associate at Gujarat University, focusing on visible light-mediated synthesis and heterogeneous catalysis. Earlier, he served as Assistant Professor at Madhav University, Rajasthan, where he taught undergraduate and postgraduate students while developing his research portfolio. His doctoral research at Gujarat University emphasized heterocyclic synthesis, calixarene-based supramolecular systems, and sustainable organic reactions, contributing to multiple areas including medicinal chemistry and material science. In addition, he has developed expertise in using advanced analytical instruments and synthetic techniques, making significant contributions to green chemistry. His career reflects a balance of academic leadership, innovative research, and scientific mentorship.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Vinay Sharma has received several awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to chemistry and academic excellence. He was awarded the prestigious CSIR Research Associateship, which enabled him to pursue advanced research in sustainable catalysis and supramolecular chemistry. His outstanding performance as a reviewer has been acknowledged through honors such as the Best ACS Reviewer Award and his role as Permanent Review Editor for Frontiers in Chemistry. He has also been actively involved in peer review for multiple reputed journals, contributing to the global scientific community. During his academic journey, Dr. Sharma was honored with the Best Young Researcher Award at Madhav University, highlighting his impactful early career achievements. In addition, he has received Best Oral and Poster Presentation Awards at several national and international conferences, underscoring his ability to communicate complex research effectively. These recognitions collectively highlight his commitment to high-quality research and academic contributions.

Research Focus

Dr. Vinay Sharma research focuses on the synthesis of soft functional supramolecular materials, sustainable catalysis, and visible light-mediated organic transformations. He has a particular interest in designing calixarene-based systems and liquid crystal semiconductors with advanced functional properties. His work in heterogeneous catalysis emphasizes developing environmentally benign organic transformations using green methodologies such as deep eutectic solvents and nanocatalysts. He is also engaged in multistep organic synthesis, including heterocyclic compounds, C–H activation processes, and enantioselective synthesis of biologically active molecules and drug intermediates. A key dimension of his research is integrating green chemistry principles with process scalability, bridging laboratory synthesis with industrial applications. His exploration of organo- and nano-metal catalysts for visible light-mediated reactions demonstrates his commitment to sustainable innovation. Furthermore, Dr. Sharma investigates the development of bioactive molecules for medicinal, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer applications, showcasing the broad scientific and societal relevance of his research endeavors.

Publications

  1. Title: Design, synthesis, and phase behavior of furfural based calamitic liquid crystal with chalcone group: Impact of terminal groups and DFT study
    Year: 2025

  2. Title: Phenoxazine-based ambipolar luminescent room-temperature liquid crystals capable of being used in bioimaging applications
    Year: 2025

  3. Title: Resorcin[4]arene: Alkyl chain modulation for liquid crystals and photophysical properties
    Year: 2025

  4. Title: Oxacalix[4]arene functionalized macrocycle with columnar liquid crystal phase and self-assembly tuned by reversible photoisomerization process
    Year: 2025

  5. Title: Microcrystalline Cellulose and Cellulose Nanocrystals: Ecofriendly and Sustainable Support Materials in Heterogeneous Nanocatalysis for Green Organic Transformations (Review)
    Year: 2025

  6. Title: Application of Fe3O4@MCC Nanoparticles as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Sustainable Multicomponent Synthesis of 2,3′-Biindoles
    Year: 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Vinay Sharma demonstrates significant promise as an emerging scientist with a strong foundation in sustainable chemistry and supramolecular systems. His achievements, fellowships, and awards reflect his dedication and capacity for innovative research. With continued focus on impactful publications, global collaborations, and translational applications, he is highly suitable for consideration for the Innovate Future Young Scientist Award.

Somnath Biswas | Physical Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Somnath Biswas | Physical Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research| India

Somnath Biswas, born in early December nineteen ninety-two, is an Indian physical chemist and Reader/Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, specializing in ultrafast spectroscopy to probe electronic, spin, and structural dynamics in complex materials; with an academic journey through IIT Kanpur, The Ohio State University for his doctorate in physical chemistry, and postdoctoral research at Princeton University and the University of Washington, he has authored impactful publications in Nature Materials, JACS, and PRB, developed cutting-edge pump-probe X-ray absorption and attosecond spectroscopy setups, received prestigious global recognitions including selection as a Lindau Nobel Laureate Young Scientist, and contributed extensively to teaching, mentoring, outreach, and cultural initiatives; beyond academia, he is an accomplished tabla player and co-founder of music bands, representing a rare blend of scientific rigor, artistic creativity, and community engagement

Profile

Orcid

Education

Somnath earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira with top distinction, followed by a Master of Science in Chemistry at IIT Kanpur under the mentorship of Professor Pratik Sen, where he graduated with the highest grade point average and multiple academic excellence awards; he then joined The Ohio State University for his doctoral studies in physical chemistry with Professor L. Robert Baker, focusing on ultrafast extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy to study electron dynamics at surfaces, completing with near-perfect academic standing and earning the prestigious Presidential Fellowship; his postdoctoral training included research at Princeton University with Professor Gregory D. Scholes, advancing exciton-phonon coupling and topological material studies, and at the University of Washington with Professor Munira Khalil, pioneering femtosecond proton transfer research; in the mid-twenty-twenties, he joined TIFR as Reader/Assistant Professor, returning to India with exceptional global expertise.

Experience

Somnath’s professional path reflects excellence in research, teaching, and outreach: Reader/Assistant Professor at TIFR; Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Washington, leading femtosecond proton transfer studies; Postdoctoral Researcher at Princeton University, developing tabletop attosecond high-harmonic generation systems and investigating exciton-phonon interactions; Lecturer and Preceptor at Princeton University; Teaching Faculty at the WEB DuBois Scholars Institute; Doctoral Researcher at The Ohio State University, designing pump-probe extreme ultraviolet spectrometers and advancing surface-specific ultrafast spectroscopy; Graduate Research and Teaching Associate at Ohio State; active science communicator with Princeton Quantum Initiative and Padakshep; delivered over fifty invited talks worldwide, published more than twenty peer-reviewed papers, contributed to competitive grant proposals from major US funding agencies, and served as reviewer for high-impact journals, making significant contributions to global ultrafast science.

Awards & Honors

Somnath has earned prestigious accolades including seed funding for research from Princeton PCCM, nomination for the CGS ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award, the Presidential Fellowship at Ohio State, Academic Excellence in Solar Photo-Physics recognition, selection as a Young Scientist for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, the Dow Graduate Student Seminar Award, fellowship at the Erice Attosecond School, the Excellence in Chemistry Award at Ohio State, the Government of India’s INSPIRE Fellowship, the Academic Excellence Award at IIT Kanpur, the Junior Research Fellowship from CSIR, and multiple undergraduate merit awards at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira; these honors reflect his consistent academic brilliance, pioneering innovations in spectroscopy, and sustained global recognition in ultrafast physical chemistry and materials science.

Research Focus

Somnath’s research integrates ultrafast spectroscopy methods—pump-probe X-ray absorption, impulsive stimulated Raman, surface sum-frequency generation, and high-harmonic generation—to study electronic, spin, and structural dynamics in advanced materials; he explores photocatalyst and magnetic surface states, exciton-phonon interactions in two-dimensional perovskites, and ultrafast phenomena in topological semimetals; his goal is to control material properties via light-matter interaction on femtosecond to attosecond timescales, enabling breakthroughs in solar energy conversion, quantum materials, and optoelectronics; current projects include developing solid-state attosecond HHG sources, mapping vibronic coherence in proton transfer, and probing carrier relaxation in emerging semiconductors; blending experimental innovation, spectroscopic theory, and computational modeling, his work bridges physical chemistry, condensed matter physics, and materials science for transformative insights into ultrafast processes.

Publications

1. Ultrafast Electron Trapping and Defect-Mediated Recombination in NiO Probed by Femtosecond Extreme Ultraviolet Reflection–Absorption Spectroscopy

Year: 2018

2. Elucidating Ultrafast Electron Dynamics at Surfaces Using Extreme Ultraviolet (XUV) Reflection–Absorption Spectroscopy

Year: 2018

3. Highly Localized Charge Transfer Excitons in Metal Oxide Semiconductors

Year: 2018

4. Hole Thermalization Dynamics Facilitate Ultrafast Spatial Charge Separation in CuFeO₂ Solar Photocathodes

Year: 2018

5. Identifying the Acceptor State in NiO Hole Collection Layers: Direct Observation of Exciton Dissociation and Interfacial Hole Transfer Across a Fe₂O₃/NiO Heterojunction

Year: 2018

Conclusion

Dr. Somnath Biswas is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Young Scientist Award, combining groundbreaking experimental research, international recognition, and leadership in mentoring and outreach. His career trajectory points to continued transformative contributions in physical chemistry and materials science. With minor enhancements in application-oriented framing and public engagement, he would not only meet but surpass the expectations of this honor, embodying the spirit of scientific excellence and innovation the award seeks to celebrate.

Faisal Al-Akayleh | pharmaceutical green chemistry | Excellence in Innovation

Faisal Al-Akayleh | pharmaceutical green chemistry | Excellence in Innovation

Prof Faisal Al-Akayleh, university of Petra, Jordan

Professor Faisal T. Al-Akayleh, PhD, is a distinguished pharmaceutical researcher, inventor, and consultant. With extensive experience in nanotechnology, drug delivery, and pharmaceutical material science, he has published five patents and contributed to groundbreaking research. He is a member of the Jordan FDA, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutics at the University of Petra, and serves on several prestigious boards. Al-Akayleh has received the El Hassan Bin Talal Award for Scientific Excellence in 2018. His research spans across various fields, including drug delivery, environmental pollution, and therapeutic innovations. 💊🔬🎓💡📑

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Prof. Faisal Al-Akayleh holds a Ph.D. from Baghdad University (2003), an MS from the same institution (1998), and a BS from the University of Jordan, Amman (1994). With extensive academic credentials, Prof. Al-Akayleh has dedicated his career to higher education and research. His expertise spans various fields, with a strong foundation built on his advanced studies. Throughout his academic journey, he has contributed significantly to his field, shaping the minds of future professionals. 🎓📚🔬

Professional Experience

Prof. Faisal Al-Akayleh is a dedicated pharmacist and the owner of multiple successful pharmacies in Amman. Since 1999, he has owned Al Wasan Pharmacy, providing quality healthcare services to the community. In 2021, he expanded his reach by opening Ghasan Pharmacy and Faten Pharmacy, further cementing his role as a trusted healthcare provider. His extensive experience and commitment to patient care make him a well-respected figure in the field of pharmacy. 💊🏥💼📈

Pharmaceutical Researcher

Prof. Faisal Al-Akayleh is a distinguished pharmacist with extensive contributions to pharmaceutical research. He has developed novel delivery systems and excipients, including a superdisintegrant for solid dosage forms, sustained release matrix systems for oral drug delivery, and a biodegradable, natural surface-active agent. His work also involves creating innovative systems for the oral delivery of proteins like insulin and developing a cream-base for active ingredients and plant extracts. Additionally, Prof. Al-Akayleh has worked on an obesity treatment system and prepared complete product master files for sustained release solid dosage forms. He has also monitored clinical trials of JPM oral insulin using the Euglycemic Clamp technique. 💊🔬💡🩺

Research Experience

Prof. Faisal Al-Akayleh worked as the Research and Development Manager at Trium Pharma in Jordan (2004-2005), where he addressed technical challenges in developing novel drug delivery systems. He assessed initial requirements for these systems and implemented effective solutions while training his team on analytical methodologies and formulation aspects. Later, he joined United Pharmaceutical Company (2005-2006) as a Scientist Researcher, focusing on developing transdermal patches for Fentanyl. Throughout his career, he contributed significantly to advancing pharmaceutical technologies and ensuring effective drug delivery solutions. 🧴💊👨‍🔬💡

Award

Prof. Faisal Al-Akayleh received the prestigious El Hassan Bin Talal Award for Scientific Excellence in 2018, recognizing his outstanding contributions to scientific research. The award was presented for his involvement in a groundbreaking project, “Development of Oral Insulin Delivery System,” in collaboration with university colleagues and the Jordan Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company (JPM). This innovative project aimed to revolutionize the delivery of insulin, improving the lives of individuals with diabetes. The recognition underscores Prof. Al-Akayleh’s dedication to advancing medical science and fostering collaborative research. 🏆💉🔬🤝

Research Focus

Faisal Al-Akayleh’s research focuses on the development and application of novel pharmaceutical systems, particularly in the areas of deep eutectic solvents (DES), transdermal delivery systems, and the use of biopolymers like chitosan in drug delivery and functional foods. His work involves exploring the antimicrobial properties, therapeutic applications, and enhanced bioavailability of various pharmaceutical compounds, including risperidone and curcumin. Additionally, Al-Akayleh’s research includes investigating the potential of chitosan as a functional food and meal replacement. His studies contribute significantly to the fields of pharmaceutical science, drug formulation, and health applications. 📚💊🌿🧴

Publication Top Notes

A review of the antiviral activity of Chitosan, including patented applications and its potential use against COVID‐19

Therapeutic deep eutectic system of capric acid and menthol: Characterization and pharmaceutical application

A novel eutectic-based transdermal delivery system for risperidone

Antimicrobial potential of natural deep eutectic solvents

New insight into single phase formation of capric acid/menthol eutectic mixtures by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry

Deep eutectic liquid as transdermal delivery vehicle of Risperidone

Evaluation of a functional food preparation based on chitosan as a meal replacement diet