Alexandra Kuriganova | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Alexandra Kuriganova | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Alexandra Kuriganova, Platov South-Russian State Polytechnic University, Russia

Prof. Dr. Alexandra Kuriganova is a distinguished researcher in electrochemical nanomaterials, specializing in fuel cells, supercapacitors, and lithium-ion batteries 🔬⚡. She earned her Diplom (2008) and Ph.D. (2011) from South Russian State Technical University, focusing on nanosized Pt/C catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) 🔥🔋. Her international research collaborations span Germany 🇩🇪, France 🇫🇷, and Russia 🇷🇺, leading to innovative breakthroughs in catalyst development. Currently an Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow at Platov South Russian State Polytechnic University, she has made significant contributions to nanodispersed metal oxides for energy applications 🌍🔎. Her work in pulse electrolysis and electrochemical dispersion techniques has redefined electrocatalyst synthesis, resulting in numerous high-impact publications 📚. A dedicated scientist and educator, she continues to advance nanotechnology for sustainable energy solutions, collaborating with leading institutions worldwide 🌱💡.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Dr. Alexandra Kuriganova earned a Diplom (2008) in Chemical Technology of High-Molecular Compositions from South Russian State Technical University (Novocherkassk Polytechnic Institute), Novocherkassk. He continued his studies at the same institution, obtaining a Ph.D. (2011) in Technology of Electrochemical Processes and Corrosion Protection. His thesis, titled “Electrochemical Preparation of Nanosized Pt/C Catalysts for Fuel Cells with Proton Exchange Polymer Membrane,” was supervised by Prof. Dr. Nina V. Smirnova. Dr. [Name] has participated in prestigious international research fellowships, including the Institute of Problems of Chemical Physics (2011), TU Dresden (DAAD Scholarship, 2012), the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (2012), and NUST “MISIS” (2013) . 🌍🔬

Experience

Prof. Dr. Alexandra Kuriganova is a distinguished researcher in electrochemical materials and nanotechnology. She began her academic career as an Assistant Professor at South Russian State Technical University (2008-2013) 🎓, where she conducted research and taught chemical engineering courses. Since 2013, she has been an Associate Professor at Platov South Russian State Polytechnic University 🏛️, leading academic and research initiatives. As a Senior Research Fellow at the Research Institute of Nanotechnologies & Novel Materials (2014-Present) 🧪, she spearheads advancements in nanomaterials for energy storage and catalysis. Her international collaborations include studies on diesel oxidation catalysts 🚗, Li-ion battery anodes 🔋, Pt nanocrystal compressibility 🏗️, and nanoparticle growth 🔬.

Research Interest

Prof. Dr. Alexandra Kuriganova specializes in nanodispersed metal and metal oxide materials for electrochemical applications ⚡🔬, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), supercapacitors, and Li-ion batteries. Her research explores electrochemical oxidation and dispersion for nanoparticle synthesis. Collaborating with top institutions worldwide 🌍, she has worked on Pt/C catalysts for PEMFCs, Pt/γ–Al₂O₃ diesel oxidation catalysts, and SnO₂ nanoparticles for Li-ion batteries. She has partnered with scientists from Russia 🇷🇺, Germany 🇩🇪, France 🇫🇷, and beyond, leading to impactful joint publications 📚. Her work advances energy storage and catalysis, driving innovation in electrochemical technologies. 🚀🔋

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Alexandra Kuriganova’s research focuses on the synthesis and application of nanodispersed metals and metal oxides for electrochemical energy storage and catalysis ⚡🔋. She has significantly contributed to fuel cell technology by developing high-performance Pt/C catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) 🚀. Her work in supercapacitors and batteries includes tin oxide-based anodes for Li-ion batteries and electrocatalytic materials for energy storage ⚡🔋. She pioneers pulse electrolysis techniques for synthesizing bimetallic electrocatalysts using electrochemical dispersion 🎯. Additionally, her studies on Pt/γ–Al₂O₃ catalysts for diesel oxidation involve collaborations with global research institutions 🌍. Her interdisciplinary expertise in electrochemistry, nanotechnology, and materials science has led to groundbreaking discoveries and high-impact publications 📚.

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣ New Insights into Controlling the Functional Properties of Tin Oxide-Based Materials 🧪
2️⃣ Theoretical and Technological Fundamentals of Pulse Electrolysis for Electro- & Catalytically Active Materials ⚡
3️⃣ Electrochemistry of Pt and Pd Under Pulse Electrolysis Conditions 🏗️
4️⃣ Pt Catalysts Prepared via Top-down Electrochemical Approach: Synthesis & Support Effects 🔬
5️⃣ Tungsten Oxide Nanopowders: Pulse AC Electrosynthesis & Photocatalytic Performance 💡
6️⃣ Fabrication of Nano-In₂O₃ Phase Junction for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance 🌱
7️⃣ Pulse Electrolysis Technique for Preparation of Bimetal Tin-Containing Electrocatalytic Materials ⚙️
8️⃣ Investigation of Ambient Temperature Influence on PEMFC Characteristics: From Single Cell to Stack 🔋
9️⃣ Electrochemical Dispersion Technique for Sn-Doped Pt Particles as Electrocatalysts 🚀
🔟 Comparison of Bottom-Up & Top-Down Approaches to Pt/C Electrocatalyst Synthesis 🏭

 

 

Anna Nikitjuka | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Anna Nikitjuka | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Anna Nikitjuka, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Latvia

Dr. Anna Nikitjuka, she appears to be a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Here’s an analysis of her qualifications, work experience, projects, and publications, concluding with a summary of her suitability for the award.

Publication profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Nikitjuka holds a Doctorate in Chemical Science from the University of Latvia, where she worked under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Aigars Jirgensons. She also earned a Master of Natural Sciences in Chemistry from the same institution, further demonstrating her extensive background in chemistry.

Work Experience

Dr. Nikitjuka has an impressive track record of research experience, including her current position as a Principal Researcher at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis. Her previous roles include a Researcher and Research Assistant at the same institute, showcasing a continuous commitment to advancing chemical research. She has also engaged in multiple postdoctoral projects across prominent European universities, enhancing her international exposure and collaboration experience.

Reviewer and Editorial Experience

Dr. Nikitjuka has served as a reviewer for esteemed journals such as Medicinal Chemistry Research and has taken on editorial roles, including co-guest editor for a special issue on Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry. This involvement highlights her active engagement in the scientific community and her commitment to advancing research in medicinal chemistry.

Projects

Dr. Nikitjuka has led several significant research projects, such as the PostDoc grant and ISIDORA project, reflecting her leadership capabilities and expertise in the field. Her involvement in these projects indicates her ability to drive research initiatives successfully.

Publication top notes

Given Dr. Anna Nikitjuka’s robust educational background, extensive research experience, active involvement in the scientific community through editorial roles, and her impactful publications, she is indeed a suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her commitment to advancing knowledge in chemistry and her leadership in significant projects demonstrate her potential to make substantial contributions to the field.

 

 

Maria Luisa Astolfi | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Maria Luisa Astolfi | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Maria Luisa Astolfi, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

In 2005, the individual graduated from Sapienza University of Rome with a Master’s degree in Chemistry, focusing on a thesis titled “New analytical procedure for the chemical characterization of suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere,” under the guidance of Prof. Enrico Cardarelli and Dr. Cinzia Perrino. They further pursued a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry of Real Systems at the same institution from 2005 to 2008, culminating in 2009 with a thesis on “Chemical characterization of suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere: analytical problems and studies for the identification of emission sources,” supervised by Prof. Silvia Canepari.

Appointments

Currently, from October 2020 to September 2025, they serve as an Assistant Professor RTD-A at the Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome. In addition, they hold several academic appointments, including being a substitute member of the exam committee for the Ph.D. course in Chemical Sciences at Sapienza University for the 40th cycle, and serving on various committees for research and contractual assignments at the university.

Editorial Activity

They have held several editorial roles, including serving as an invited guest editor for “Advances in Analytical Strategies to Study Cultural Heritage Samples, 2nd Edition” in Molecules, and guest editor for several special issues in journals like Frontiers in Analytical Science and Analytica, focusing on topics like contaminants in environmental matrices and green analytical methods.

Teaching Experience

Since 2020, they have been teaching various courses at Sapienza University of Rome, including “Equilibri Chimici e Tecniche Strumentali di Analisi” and “Chimica Analitica III,” contributing significantly to the curriculum in the Department of Chemistry. They were also an invited teacher in 2021 for a specialized course on monitoring and source identification methods for atmospheric particulate matter.

Research Centre Affiliations and Society Memberships

They have been affiliated with the Research Centre for Applied Sciences for the Protection of the Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC) at Sapienza University of Rome since June 2021. They are also a member of the Italian Chemical Society and the Italian Aerosol Society since 2020.

Research Activities

Their research primarily focuses on developing and optimizing analytical methods for the elemental analysis of complex matrices, including environmental, biological, and food samples. They emphasize the importance of efficient sample preparation methods and apply these analytical techniques to environmental monitoring and biomonitoring, particularly assessing the impact of chemical contaminants on human health and environmental quality.

Summary of Scientific Achievements

The individual has a substantial body of work, with 85 publications, including 78 articles, a review, four conference papers, a book chapter, and an editorial. Their work has spanned from 2006 to 2024, and they have also contributed to patents, proceedings, and books.

Publication top notes

Agro-industrial wastes as potential carriers for enzyme immobilization: A review

Characterisation of the traffic sources of PM through size-segregated sampling, sequential leaching and ICP analysis

Comparative elemental analysis of dairy milk and plant-based milk alternatives

Seasonal variations in the chemical composition of particulate matter: a case study in the Po Valley. Part II: concentration and solubility of micro-and trace-elements

Enhancement of source traceability of atmospheric PM by elemental chemical fractionation

Determination of soluble ions and elements in ambient air suspended particulate matter: inter-technique comparison of XRF, IC and ICP for sample-by-sample quality control

Characterization of Italian multifloral honeys on the basis of their mineral content and some typical quality parameters

A prophylactic multi-strain probiotic treatment to reduce the absorption of toxic elements: In-vitro study and biomonitoring of breast milk and infant stools

Efficiency evaluation of food waste materials for the removal of metals and metalloids from complex multi-element solutions

Optimization and validation of a fast digestion method for the determination of major and trace elements in breast milk by ICP-MS

Tamara Erceg | Chemistry and Materials Science | Hypothesis Achievement Award

Tamara Erceg | Chemistry and Materials Science | Hypothesis Achievement Award

Dr Tamara Erceg, Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, Serbia

Based on Dr. Tamara Erceg’s extensive experience, achievements, and contributions to the field of polymer science, particularly in green chemistry and biodegradable materials, she appears to be a suitable candidate for the Hypothesis Achievement Award. Here are the key points supporting her candidacy.

Publication profile

Orcid

  • Academic Excellence: Dr. Erceg completed her Ph.D. in Polymer Science with the highest average note of 10.00. Her research focuses on the structuring of polymer networks, highlighting her expertise and innovation in the field.
  • Professional Experience: She has been involved in educational and pedagogical work at the Faculty of Technology Novi Sad since 2016, and has been a research associate there, demonstrating her commitment to advancing science and education.
  • Research Contributions: Dr. Erceg has numerous publications in high-impact journals (Q1) covering a wide range of topics, including biodegradable packaging, polymer nanocomposites, and sustainable materials. Her work on active coatings for food packaging and the development of biodegradable cellulose acetate-based films showcases her dedication to solving real-world problems through scientific research.
  • Leadership and Collaboration: She has held significant roles in various projects, including being a project manager for international collaborations and projects funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia. Her involvement in multidisciplinary projects and international conferences highlights her leadership and collaborative skills.
  • Impact and Innovation: Dr. Erceg’s work on biodegradable materials and green chemistry principles aligns with current global priorities on sustainability and environmental protection. Her contributions to the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions and her research on the optimization of biodegradable bags underscore her innovative approach to addressing pressing environmental issues.
  • Research focus

  • Tamara Erceg’s research focuses on the development and characterization of sustainable, eco-friendly materials and active packaging solutions. Her work includes studies on pullulan-based edible coatings to extend cheese shelf life, antioxidant recovery using cloud point extraction, hydrogels, and biodegradable cellulose acetate films. She explores the incorporation of essential oils for antimicrobial packaging and analyzes the thermal stability of bio-based urea-formaldehyde resins. Erceg’s contributions aim to improve food preservation, enhance material properties, and reduce environmental impact through innovative biopolymer applications. 🌿🧀🛡️📦🔬
  • Publication top notes

  • Comparison of the Properties of Pullulan-Based Active Edible Coatings Implemented for Improving Sliced Cheese Shelf Life

  • Updating the Status quo on the Eco-Friendly Approach for Antioxidants Recovered from Plant Matrices Using Cloud Point Extraction

  • Architecture of Hydrogels

  • Hydrolytic and thermal stability of urea-formaldehyde resins based on tannin and betaine bio-fillers

Tamara Erceg | Chemistry and Materials Science | Hypothesis Achievement Award

Tamara Erceg | Chemistry and Materials Science | Hypothesis Achievement Award

Dr Tamara Erceg, Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, Serbia

Dr. Tamara Erceg is a Research Associate at the Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, with a Ph.D. in Polymer Science. Her research focuses on polymer materials, including their design, synthesis, and recycling, emphasizing green chemistry and biodegradable packaging. Dr. Erceg is involved in educational activities, teaching courses in synthetic polymer chemistry and polymer processing. She has published extensively on biobased materials and active packaging, contributing to high-impact journals. Additionally, she reviews papers for top-tier journals and is engaged in various academic and scientific committees. 🌿🔬📚

Publication profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Tamara Erceg holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Science from the University of Novi Sad, completed in 2019 with an impressive average grade of 10.00. Their doctoral thesis focused on “Structuring of Polymer Networks Based on Acrylamide and Acrylic Acid.” Prior to this, Dr. [Name] earned both an MSc and a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering from the same university, graduating with an average of 9.70. Their Master’s thesis explored “The Properties of Water-in-Oil Emulsions Stabilized by Polyglycerol Polyester Emulsifiers.” 🧪🎓

Experience

Since 2013, Tamara Erceg has been delivering private lectures on Probability and Statistics, and Chemistry 📚. Since 2016, they have been actively involved in educational and pedagogical work at the Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad 🎓. Their responsibilities include conducting and preparing laboratory and computational exercises for Materials Engineering courses such as Synthetic Polymer Chemistry, Plastic Processing Technology, and Recycling of Polymer Materials 🧪🔬. They also contribute to research funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia 🌟🔍. [Name] is dedicated to advancing both teaching and research in the field.

Projects

From 2010 to 2019, the user contributed to nanocomposites and functional materials research funded by the Serbian Ministry of Education. They have since engaged in diverse projects, including biodegradable materials, diagnostic probes, and bioeconomy applications. Notable roles include managing the “E-NOSE” Horizon Europe project (2023) and leading the “BugControl” initiative (2024). Other projects involve optimization of food carbohydrates, waste valorization, and advanced hydrogels for agriculture. They have also collaborated internationally on quantum correlations and wearable smart patches. Their work spans significant research funding and innovative developments. 🌍🔬📈🌱🧪

Research focus

Based on the provided research publications, the individual’s research focus seems to center on sustainable and eco-friendly materials in food and packaging industries. Their work includes developing biodegradable films, active coatings, and nanotechnology-based coatings, which aim to enhance food preservation and packaging efficiency. They also explore the incorporation of natural substances like essential oils and plant-based extracts for improving product stability and shelf life. The research emphasizes using biopolymers and plant-derived materials to create environmentally friendly and functional products. 🌱📦🔬

Publication top notes

Updating the Status quo on the Eco-Friendly Approach for Antioxidants Recovered from Plant Matrices Using Cloud Point Extraction

Comparison of the Properties of Pullulan-Based Active Edible Coatings Implemented for Improving Sliced Cheese Shelf Life

Preparation and Characterization of PHBV/PCL-Diol Blend Films

Progress in Fruit and Vegetable Preservation: Plant-Based Nanoemulsion Coatings and Their Evolving Trends

Hydrolytic and thermal stability of urea-formaldehyde resins based on tannin and betaine bio-fillers

Insight on Incorporation of Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Substances in Biopolymer-Based Active Packaging

Preparation and characterization of biodegradable cellulose acetate-based films with novel plasticizer obtained by polyethylene terephthalate glycolysis intended for active packaging

Fortification of chocolate with microencapsulated fish oil: Effect of protein wall material on physicochemical properties of microcapsules and chocolate matrix

A comprehensive approach to chitosan-gelatine edible coating with β-cyclodextrin/lemongrass essential oil inclusion complex — Characterization and food application