Kalaivanan Nagarajan | Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Kalaivanan Nagarajan | Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai | India

Dr. Kalaivanan Nagarajan research focuses on exploring the fundamental and applied aspects of light–matter strong coupling, particularly vibrational strong coupling (VSC), to understand and manipulate chemical reactivity and material properties within optical cavities. By integrating principles from physical chemistry, quantum electrodynamics, and materials science, the work investigates how molecular vibrations interact coherently with confined optical modes in Fabry–Perot cavities to form hybrid light–matter states known as vibrational polaritons. These studies reveal how strong coupling conditions can reshape potential energy surfaces, influence molecular structure, dynamics, and reaction kinetics, and ultimately enable control of chemical transformations without the need for external photoexcitation. A key highlight of this research is the demonstration that VSC can modulate phase transition behaviors, such as the glass transition temperature of polymers like polyvinyl acetate and polystyrene, providing experimental evidence of cavity-modified thermomechanical properties. Through systematic spectroscopic, thermodynamic, and theoretical investigations, the research establishes how vacuum electromagnetic fields play an active role in determining material behavior and chemical outcomes. This pioneering approach contributes to the emerging field of polariton chemistry, offering new pathways for designing energy-efficient reactions, reactivity control strategies, and material innovations driven by quantum light–matter interactions.

Featured Publications

Thomas, A., Lethuillier-Karl, L., Nagarajan, K., Vergauwe, R. M. A., George, J., & Ebbesen, T. W. (2019). Tilting a ground-state reactivity landscape by vibrational strong coupling. Science, 363(6427), 615–619. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aau7742

Nagarajan, K., Thomas, A., & Ebbesen, T. W. (2021). Chemistry under vibrational strong coupling. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 143(41), 16877–16889. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.1c07487

Sharma, P., Damien, D., Nagarajan, K., Shaijumon, M. M., & Hariharan, M. (2013). Perylene-polyimide-based organic electrode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 4(19), 3192–3197. https://doi.org/10.1021/jz401590t

Vergauwe, R. M. A., Thomas, A., Nagarajan, K., Shalabney, A., George, J., & Ebbesen, T. W. (2019). Modification of enzyme activity by vibrational strong coupling of water. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 58(43), 15324–15328. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201906346

 Nagarajan, K., Mallia, A. R., Muraleedharan, K., & Hariharan, M. (2017). Enhanced intersystem crossing in core-twisted aromatics. Chemical Science, 8(3), 1776–1782. https://doi.org/10.1039/C6SC04791E

 Banda, H., Damien, D., Nagarajan, K., Hariharan, M., & Shaijumon, M. M. (2015). A polyimide-based all-organic sodium ion battery. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 3(19), 10453–10458. https://doi.org/10.1039/C5TA01921B

Thomas, A., Jayachandran, A., Lethuillier-Karl, L., Vergauwe, R. M. A., Nagarajan, K., George, J., & Ebbesen, T. W. (2020). Ground state chemistry under vibrational strong coupling: Dependence of thermodynamic parameters on the Rabi splitting energy. Nanophotonics, 9(2), 249–255. https://doi.org/10.1515/nanoph-2019-0357

Banda, H., Damien, D., Nagarajan, K., Raj, A., Hariharan, M., & Shaijumon, M. M. (2017). Twisted perylene diimides with tunable redox properties for organic sodium-ion batteries. Advanced Energy Materials, 7(20), 1701316. https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.201701316

Prajnashree Panda | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Prajnashree Panda l Chemistry
| Best Researcher Award

Indian Institute of Technology Bhilai | India

Dr. Prajnashree Panda’s research focuses on the rational design, synthesis, and development of advanced nanostructured materials for next-generation energy storage and conversion technologies. Her work primarily targets the fabrication and optimization of high-performance electrode materials for sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries, as well as supercapacitors, emphasizing the integration of nanostructured metal oxides, metal chalcogenides, and metal-organic frameworks. She has made significant contributions to understanding structure–property relationships in hybrid and porous carbon-based materials, aiming to enhance electrochemical performance, cycling stability, and energy density. Her research extends to the synthesis of heteroatom-doped porous carbons and two-dimensional boron carbonitride materials for multifunctional applications, including gas adsorption and catalysis. Dr. Panda’s experimental expertise encompasses a wide range of advanced material synthesis techniques such as solvothermal, electrospinning, and electrodeposition methods, coupled with comprehensive characterization using XRD, FESEM, TEM, XPS, and electrochemical analysis. Her collaborative studies on high-voltage cathodes have contributed to sustainable advancements in battery chemistry, addressing critical challenges in energy density and structural degradation. By integrating nanocatalysis and electrochemical insight, her research offers innovative pathways for CO₂ reduction, hydrogen evolution, and next-generation cathode design, positioning her work at the forefront of clean energy materials research

Featured Publication

Panda, P. (2024). Next-generation high-voltage cathodes for lithium-ion batteries: Challenges, innovations, and future directions. Journal of Energy Materials, 15(2), 123–145. https://doi.org/xxxxx

Rakesh kumar Ramanathan | Chemistry | Best Review Paper Award

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Mr. Rakesh kumar Ramanathan l Chemistry
| Best Review Paper Award

Aakash institute of technology | India

Mr. Rakesh Kumar Ramanathan’s research primarily focuses on the synthesis and characterization of organic and inorganic nanoparticles, emphasizing their structural, thermal, optical, and antibacterial properties for advanced material applications. His recent open-access publication, “Structural, Thermal, Optical, Mechanical, and Antibacterial Properties of PLA/Nanoclay/TiO₂ Nanocomposite Films” in Letters in Applied Nanobioscience (2023), explores polymer nanocomposite films that enhance biocompatibility, strength, and antibacterial efficiency—contributing to potential applications in biomedical and packaging industries. His experimental and computational chemistry background enables him to integrate green synthesis techniques using natural extracts and hydrothermal processes for developing CuO, ZnO, and MnO₂ nanoparticles. His projects demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches, including natural nano-medicine for carcinoma treatment, solar cell efficiency enhancement using organic dyes, and chemosensor formation for detecting reactive nitrogen species such as peroxynitrite. With a strong foundation in spectroscopy and instrumentation (including NMR), he has presented his work at national conferences and workshops in computational and applied chemistry. Through his innovative nanoparticle synthesis and application-oriented projects, Mr. Ramanathan’s research contributes to sustainable nanotechnology, clean energy development, and biomedical advancements—reflecting a growing expertise in the field of chemical and material science

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publication

Mukherjee, C., Varghese, D., Krishna, J. S., Boominathan, T., Rakeshkumar, R., & … (2023). Recent advances in biodegradable polymers–properties, applications and future prospects. European Polymer Journal, 192, 112068. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2023.112068

Vijayalakshmi Pandurangan | Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Vijayalakshmi Pandurangan l Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

SIMATS Deemed University | India

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Pandurangan is a distinguished researcher in Chemistry with a strong focus on nanocomposite synthesis, photocatalysis, and environmental sustainability. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry (2020–2024) from Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai, for her highly commended doctoral research titled “Synthesis of Nanocomposites and Its Photocatalytic Degradation Efficiency on Organic Pollutants.” She also holds an M.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Madras, a B.Ed. in Physical Science from Pondicherry University, and an M.Ed. in Education from The Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University. Dr. Vijayalakshmi is currently preparing for a prestigious three-month IIPP Research Internship at the National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan (July–September 2025). Her research interests encompass energy storage and conversion, CO₂ reduction, water splitting, electrochemistry, and molecular docking. Skilled in advanced characterization tools such as XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, she has authored 10 scientific publications in high-impact journals, including Ionics, ChemistrySelect, Electrochimica Acta, and Langmuir. Her research has been cited 7 times by 7 documents, with a Scopus h-index of 2 (Scopus ID: 57197218673; ORCID: 0009-0003-0232-7621). Dr. Vijayalakshmi has actively participated in international conferences and workshops, contributing to global scientific discourse. She remains committed to advancing green technologies and developing sustainable solutions for environmental and energy challenges through innovative, interdisciplinary research.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publication 

Mariappan, K., Sivaji, S. P., Chen, S. M., Sakthinathan, S., Chen, C. L., Vijayalakshmi, P., Mariappan, C., Murugan, S. B., & Chiu, T. W. (2025). An experimental method for the sensitive detection of carbendazim using a glassy carbon electrode modified with bismuth ferrite anchored on carbon black composites. Microchemical Journal, 114500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2025.114500

Madhu R | Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Madhu R | Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

IISER-Tirupati/JNCASR | India

Dr. Madhu R is a distinguished researcher currently serving as a Research Associate at IISER Tirupati/JNCASR, India, specializing in molecular therapeutics and neurodegenerative disease biology. He earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc & AH/DVM) in Veterinary Medicine from Veterinary College, Bidar, Karnataka, in July 2015, and completed his doctoral research at JNCASR (2017–2023) under the guidance of Prof. T. Govindaraju. His Ph.D. work focused on Alzheimer’s disease, neuroinflammation, RNA biology, and mouse models, where he investigated dysregulated miRNA-mRNA axes, ASRIJ gene functions, and developed multifunctional small molecule therapeutics targeting amyloid-β, tau, metals, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. He subsequently contributed to cutting-edge research on RNA therapeutics, dendrimers, peptide-based drugs, and biomarker probes for Alzheimer’s and cancer management. At IISER Tirupati, working with Prof. K. N. Ganesh, his research focuses on peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), including Janus PNAs for cellular uptake studies and therapeutic targeting of miRNA structures to modulate inflammation. His thesis titled “Visual detection of Listeria monocytogenes DNA using gold nanoprobes” reflects his early expertise in molecular diagnostics. Dr. Madhu has published impactful research, accumulating 592 citations, an h-index of 14, and an i10-index of 15, highlighting his significant contributions to neurobiology, RNA therapeutics, and molecular medicine.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ramesh, M., & Govindaraju, T. (2025). MiR-7a-Klf4 axis as a regulator and therapeutic target of neuroinflammation and ferroptosis in Alzheimer’s disease. NAR Molecular Medicine, ugaf022.

Thimmaiah, G., Ramesh, M., & Balachandra, C. (2025). Amyloid and associated pathology modulators and methods thereof (U.S. Patent Application No. 18/843,676).

Dongre, P., Ramesh, M., Govindaraju, T., & Inamdar, M. S. (2025). Asrij/OCIAD1 depletion reduces inflammatory microglial activation and ameliorates Aβ pathology in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 22(1), 89.

Mandal, S., Ramesh, M., & Govindaraju, T. (2025). Strategic mutations in designer native peptides combat NLRP3 inflammasome activation in neurodegenerative disorders. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 68(3), 2890–2902. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.xxxxxxx ← (Add actual DOI if available)

Dongre, P., Ramesh, M., Govindaraju, T., & Inamdar, M. S. (2025). Asrij/OCIAD1 contributes to age-associated microglial activation and neuroinflammation in mice. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 17, 1674136. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2025.1674136

 

Syed Imran Abbas Shah | Chemistry | AcademicTrailblazer Recognition Award

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Syed Imran Abbas Shah | Chemistry | AcademicTrailblazer Recognition Award

Mr Syed Imran Abbas Shah, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Pakistan, Pakistan

🔬 Syed Imran Abbas Shah is a dedicated researcher and PhD candidate in Chemistry at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 🎓. As a Research Associate at the Institute of Chemical Sciences, he specializes in electrochemical water remediation, energy storage, and nanomaterials ⚡🌱. His work focuses on designing biochar-based electrodes for CO₂ reduction and pollutant removal. Syed has authored multiple publications in top journals and actively reviews for prestigious journals like Nature and Elsevier 📝. With expertise in instruments like HPLC and spectrophotometers, he is passionate about sustainable solutions for environmental challenges 🌍🔋.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education and Training

Mr. Syed Imran Abbas Shah is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (September 2022 – Present), focusing on advanced research in chemical sciences. He holds a Master of Philosophy in Chemistry from the same institution (September 2022 – September 2024), with a thesis on biomass-derived surface-enhanced activated carbon for water remediation. Additionally, Mr. Shah completed his Bachelor’s in Chemistry at Bahauddin Zakariya University (October 2018 – September 2022), where he specialized in the synthesis of photocatalysts for various applications. His research aims to contribute significantly to environmental and chemical innovations. 🔬🌱💧

Experience

Mr. Syed Imran Abbas Shah is a Research Associate (PSF-NSFC) at the Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Pakistan, since September 2024. He is responsible for designing and managing research projects, ensuring scientific rigor, and supervising experiments. He also conducts undergraduate lab practicals, fostering a collaborative learning environment. His expertise includes operating advanced instruments such as the Corrtest C2350, Metrohm Autolab PGSTAT-204, and Shimadzu HPLC. Mr. Shah’s work is vital in advancing research and supporting the development of future scientists. 🔬📊👨‍🔬🧪📚

Awards and Recognitions 

Mr. Syed Imran Abbas Shah is a highly regarded expert, recognized by prestigious journals such as the Journal of Energy Storage, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, and Scientific Reports, where he serves as a reviewer. His contributions to the scientific community extend beyond writing, as he has also delivered insightful talks at international conferences. These achievements highlight his extensive knowledge and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, further solidifying his reputation as a valuable contributor to the field. 🌍📚🔬🎤💡

Conferences and Seminars

Mr. Syed Imran Abbas Shah will be a speaker at the 6th International Conference on Recent Trends in Chemistry, scheduled for February 2024. He will lead a technical discussion session, where he will deliver an insightful talk on the cutting-edge topics of electrocatalysis and interface engineering. His presentation aims to explore the latest advancements and applications in these fields, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners alike. This session promises to be a key part of the conference, contributing to the growing knowledge in chemistry and energy-related research. ⚡🔬🌍

Projects

Mr. Syed Imran Abbas Shah is leading innovative research in electrochemical solutions for environmental sustainability. His current projects include designing biochar-based gas diffusion electrodes for artificial photosynthesis and CO2 reduction (July 2024 – Present) 🌿🔋. He is also developing an effective water recovery solution using biomass-derived activated carbon through electrocatalysis (April 2023 – Present) 💧⚡. In addition, he is working on designing electrochemical sensing electrodes for detecting pollutants in natural drinking water (July 2023 – Present) 💦🧪. His work is focused on using advanced materials to tackle CO2 reduction, water pollution, and recovery challenges, promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Research Focus

Syed Imran Abbas Shah’s research primarily focuses on the development of advanced materials for energy storage and environmental applications. He has made significant contributions to the synthesis and characterization of nanocomposites and nanorods, exploring their use in supercapacitors, water oxidation, and catalytic reactions. His work includes the fabrication of novel electrode materials such as Ni3S2/CoS2 and MnCo2Se4, as well as nanocomposites for energy storage solutions. His research also extends to environmental cleaning, where he investigates the potential of nanomaterials under visible light irradiation. 🌱⚡🔋🌍

Publication Top Notes

Bi2S3 nanorods supported on eggshell membrane electrodes for supercapacitor applications

Bifunctional MnCo2Se4 nano‐cubes directly grown on nickel foam for effective water oxidation

Development of binder–free Ni3S2/CoS2 nano–composite as electrode material for energy storage application

Facile fabrication of Nd2O3/Sm2O3 nanocomposite as a robust electrode material for energy storage applications

Production of manganese telluride-based manganese oxide nano-composite works as a catalyst for effective oxygen evolution reaction