Somnath Biswas | Physical Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

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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.

Shady M. Eldefrawy | physical chemistry| Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Shady M. Eldefrawy | physical chemistry | Best Researcher Award

 

👨‍🏫Professional Summary 🌟

🎓 Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (2012) from Mansoura University, Egypt, focusing on “Structural Properties and Catalytic Activity of Metal-Metal Oxide Catalysts.” 🏅 B.Sc. in Chemistry (2003) with honors, graduating first in class with an impressive 82%. 🌐 Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry at Mansoura University since March 2020. 📚 Extensive experience as a lecturer and assistant lecturer, specializing in Principles of Physical Chemistry, General Chemistry, Catalysis, Surface, Colloids, Quantum Chemistry, Material Science, and Kinetic Chemistry. 🧪 Possesses profound scientific skills, particularly in preparing solid super acid catalysts, nano-scale catalysts, and various analytical techniques. #ChemistryEducation #Catalysis 🚀

🌐 Professional Profiles

🎓 Educational Qualifications

Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (2012): Mansoura University, Egypt. Title: “Structural Properties and Catalytic Activity of Metal-Metal Oxide Catalysts.” M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry (2008): Title: “Preparation and Characterization of Supported Metal Oxide Zirconia Catalysts.” B.Sc. in Chemistry (2003): Graduated with honors (82%), ranked First. Mansoura University, Egypt.

🚀 Work Experience

Assistant Professor (Mar. 2020 – Present): Physical Chemistry, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt. Lecturer (Mar. 2012 – 2020): Physical Chemistry, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt. Assistant Lecturer (Feb. 2009 – Jan. 2012): Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt. Demonstrator (Apr. 2004 – Sep. 2008): Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt.

📚 Teaching Tasks

Principles of Physical Chemistry. General Chemistry. Catalysis. Surface Chemistry. Colloids. Supervision of experimental courses in Laboratories (physical chemistry experiments, volumetric, compleximetric, gravimetric, and instrumental analysis). Quantum Chemistry. Material Science. Kinetic Chemistry.

🔬 Skills and Expertise: Scientific Skills

Preparation of heterogeneous solid super acid catalysts through various methods. Utilization of different techniques for catalyst preparation in nano scale and nano tubes. Morphology analysis of solid catalysts (amorphous or crystalline) using X-Ray diffraction. Assessment of thermal stability through Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA). Determination of surface area using BET apparatus. Study of acidic character through potentiometric titration and pyridine adsorption via IR spectroscopy. Verification of nanostructure using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Measurement of catalytic activity using Gas Chromatography (G.C.) and bench reactions. Expertise in photodegradation of dyes and organic impurities in water. Application of metal oxides in heavy metal removal from water. Utilization of metal oxides in enhancing solar cell efficiency.

🌟 Contributions and Research Focus

Shady M. Eldefrawy has a rich academic background and extensive research experience in the field of physical chemistry, with a focus on catalysis, nanomaterials, and their applications in environmental and energy-related processes. His contributions include the preparation and characterization of advanced catalysts, exploration of nanostructures, and innovative approaches to catalytic processes. As an Assistant Professor, he continues to shape the future of physical chemistry through teaching and cutting-edge research.

📚Top Noted Publication

Application of nanostructured graphene oxide/titanium dioxide composites for photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B and acid green 25 dyes Paper Published in 2019 Cited by 24

Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes pollutants in the industrial textile wastewater by using synthesized TiO2, C-doped TiO2, S-doped TiO2 and C, S co-doped TiO2 …Paper Published in 2018 Cited by 67

Synthesis of sulfamic acid supported on Cr-MIL-101 as a heterogeneous acid catalyst and efficient adsorbent for methyl orange dye Paper Published in 2018 Cited by 61

Adsorption, equilibrium and kinetic studies on the removal of methyl orange dye from aqueous solution by using of copper metal organic framework (Cu-BDC) Paper Published in 2017 Cited by 57

Photocatalytic and biological activities of undoped and doped TiO2 prepared by Green method for water treatment Paper Published in 2019 Cited by 45

Green Synthesis of Silver Nano-particles by Macrococcus bovicus and Its Immobilization onto Montmorillonite Clay for Antimicrobial Functionality Paper Published in 2015 Cited by 45

Bimetal-organic frameworks (Cux-Cr100-x–MOF) as a stable and efficient catalyst for synthesis of 3, 4-dihydropyrimidin-2-one and 14-phenyl-14H-dibenzo [a, j] xanthene Paper Published in 2020 Cited by 37

Synthesis, photocatalytic and antidiabetic properties of ZnO/PVA nanoparticles Paper Published in 2021 Cited by 30

Efficient removal of heavy metals from polluted water with high selectivity for Hg (II) and Pb (II) by a 2-imino-4-thiobiuret chemically modified MIL-125 metal–organic framework Paper Published in 2021 Cited by 27

Surface acidity and catalytic activity of sulfated titania supported on mesoporous MCM-41 Paper Published in 2013 Cited by 25

Cu-BDC as a Novel and Efficient Catalyst for the Synthesis of 3, 4-Dihydropyrimidin-2 (1H)-ones and Aryl-14H-dibenzo [a, j] Xanthenes under Conventional Heating Paper Published in 2018 Cited by 20

Impact of certain plant species on Schistosoma mansoni Biomphalaria alexandrina system Paper Published in 2004 Cited by 18