Vinay Sharma | Green Chemistry | Innovate Future Young Scientist Award

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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

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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.