Dr. Manuel Luna | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manuel Luna | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manuel Luna, University of Cadiz, Spain

Dr. Manuel Luna is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cádiz, specializing in nanomaterials and photocatalysis. He earned his PhD in Nanoscience and Material Technologies in 2019, receiving the Extraordinary Doctoral Award 🏆. His research focuses on developing Au/TiO₂/SiO₂ photocatalysts for self-cleaning and depolluting applications in construction materials 🏗️. He has contributed to six research projects, including the prestigious H2020 InnovaConcrete project. Dr. Luna has authored 22 indexed publications 📚, three patents, and collaborated with global industry leaders like Sika and TINO. His work bridges fundamental research and industrial application, advancing sustainable material technologies 🌍.

Professional Profile:

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Suitability for Best Researcher Award 🏆

Dr. Manuel Luna is an outstanding candidate for a Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional contributions to nanomaterials and photocatalysis. His research bridges fundamental science and real-world applications, particularly in sustainable and self-cleaning materials. With a track record of high-impact publications, patents, and industrial collaborations, he exemplifies innovation and academic excellence.

Education & Experience 🎓💼

Education 📚

  • PhD in Nanoscience and Material Technologies, University of Cádiz, Spain (2019) 🎓
    • Extraordinary Doctoral Award 🏆
  • Master in Nanoscience and Material Technologies, University of Cádiz, Spain (2014) 🏅
    • Extraordinary Master’s Degree Award
  • Bachelor in Chemistry, University of Cádiz, Spain (2012) 🧪
    • Bachelor’s Degree Extraordinary Award

Experience 🏢

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Cádiz (2022 – Present) 🔬
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Cádiz (2020 – 2021) 📊
  • Research Assistant, University of Cádiz (2015 – 2019) 🏗️

Professional Development 🚀

Dr. Manuel Luna has built an impressive career in nanomaterials and photocatalysis. As part of the TEP243-Nanomaterials research group since 2013, he has led research on self-cleaning and depolluting materials 🌱. His expertise spans six major projects, including the €7M H2020 InnovaConcrete project, the largest in UCA history 🌍. He has authored 22 high-impact papers 📖, including a review in Nature Reviews Materials (IF 83.5). His work extends beyond academia, collaborating with industry giants like Sika, TINO, and Cosentino. With three patents 🏅, international research stays, and extensive teaching, he is shaping the future of sustainable materials.

Research Focus 🔬🏗️

Dr. Luna’s research centers on photocatalytic materials for sustainable applications. His work on Au/TiO₂/SiO₂ photocatalysts enhances self-cleaning and depolluting coatings, making buildings more eco-friendly 🌍. As a key researcher in the TEP243-Nanomaterials group, he has contributed to groundbreaking innovations in construction materials and environmental remediation 🌱. His involvement in European (H2020), national, and industry projects ensures his research has real-world impact. With international collaborations 🌎, he has developed materials that improve air and surface quality. His patents and industry contracts demonstrate his commitment to transforming nanoscience into commercial solutions 💡.

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

  • Extraordinary Doctoral Award (PhD, 2019) 🎓🏅
  • Extraordinary Master’s Degree Award (2014) 🏆
  • Bachelor’s Degree Extraordinary Award (2012) 🏅
  • H2020 InnovaConcrete Project Contributor (€7M funding) 🌍🔬
  • Nature Reviews Materials Review Publication (IF 83.5) 📖
  • Cover Article in Chemical Engineering Journal (2019, IF 10.65) 🎨
  • Three Patents (Two in commercialization) 🏗️💡
  • Research Contracts with Sika, TINO, and Cosentino (€200,000 contract with Sika) 💰

Publication Top Notes:

  • 🏗️ “Water-soluble fluorosilane supplemented with fumed silica as admixture for producing hydrophobic concrete: Effects on cement hydration, mechanical properties and water protection properties” (2024) – 5 citations.
  • 🏛️ “Validation of alkoxysilane-based protective treatments for increasing service life of cementitious materials under different weathering conditions” (2023) – 4 citations.
  • 🌞 “Strong Metal-Support Interaction (SMSI) in Au/TiO2 photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications: Effectiveness enhancement and side effects” (2023) – 14 citations.
  • 🏭 “Influence of gold nanoparticles size for photocatalytic NO oxidation in low loading Au/TiO2 catalysts” (2023) – 8 citations.
  • 🧱 “Studying the bulk hydrophobization of cement mortars by the combination of alkylalkoxysilane admixture and fluoropolymer-functionalized aggregate” (2023) – 7 citations.

 

Ms. Sajida Maryam | Nanomaterials Awards | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Sajida Maryam | Nanomaterials Awards | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Sajida Maryam , Silesian University of Technology, Poland

Sajida Maryam is a driven Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Sciences at Silesian University of Technology, Poland, focusing on the development of biopolymeric carriers for targeted drug delivery in colorectal cancer treatment. With a solid academic background in Biology and Biosciences, including an M.Phil. from PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan, and a BS (Hons) from COMSATS University Islamabad, she has garnered expertise in molecular biology techniques and microbiology. Her research endeavors also span immunotoxicity analysis and the modulation of cytokine expression in cancer. Beyond academia, she has contributed as a Lecturer and Researcher, displaying a passion for education and scientific inquiry. Sajida has presented her work at numerous international conferences and holds honors for her academic achievements, including nominations for global summits and scholarships for further studies. She is recognized for her commitment to scientific exploration and volunteerism, embodying a holistic approach to academia and social responsibility.

Professional Profile:

Google scholar

EDUCATION 📚

Sajida Maryam is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences at Silesian University of Technology in Poland, a journey she embarked upon in 2022. Under the guidance of Supervisor Katarzyna Krukiewicz, her research focuses on developing biopolymeric carriers for anticancer compounds, with a specific emphasis on treating Colorectal Cancer. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her M.Phil. in Biology at PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan, from 2020 to 2022, achieving an impressive CGPA of 3.9/4. Her M.Phil. thesis investigated the ameliorative effects of Moringa Oleifera on lambda Cyhalothrin induced toxicity. Sajida’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biosciences from COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan, which she completed from 2016 to 2020.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 💼

Sajida Maryam has held various positions in academia, contributing significantly to both research and teaching. She currently serves as a Doctoral Researcher at the Centrum Nowych Technologii (CNT), affiliated with the Silesian University of Technology, a role she has held since January 2024. Prior to this, she worked as a Lecturer at the Hussain Lakhani Institute of Health Sciences in Pakistan from November 2022 to April 2023. Before her lecturing role, she served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan, from February 2022 to October 2022. Throughout these roles, Sajida has demonstrated her commitment to advancing knowledge and nurturing the next generation of scholars.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE 🧪

Sajida Maryam has been actively engaged in research and academic pursuits across different institutions and disciplines. Currently, she is involved in the field of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers at the Faculty of Chemistry, Silesian University in Poland since January 2023. Prior to this, she served as an M.Phil Research Scholar at the Pathology Laboratory within the Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences at PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan, from August 2021 to March 2022. Additionally, she gained research experience as an Undergraduate Research Student in Microbiology and Public Health at COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan, from December 2019 to February 2020. Throughout her academic journey, Sajida has demonstrated a strong dedication to expanding her knowledge and contributing to the advancement of science.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. COVID-19 surveillance in wastewater: An epidemiological tool for the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 (2023) – Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology Cited by 25
  2. Global, regional, and national comparative risk assessment of 84 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or clusters of risks for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 (2018) – The Lancet – Cited by 21
  3. Expression characteristics and significant diagnostic and prognostic values of ANLN in human cancers (2022) – International Journal of General Medicine – Cited by 14
  4. Interleukins (Cytokines) as Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: Progression, Detection, and Monitoring(2023) – Journal of Clinical Medicine – Cited by 8
  5. The breadth of bacteriophages contributing to the development of the phage-based vaccines for COVID-19: An ideal platform to design the multiplex vaccine (2023) – International Journal of Molecular Sciences – Cited by 8

 

 

Dr. Diego Pugliese | Nanostructures Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Diego Pugliese | Nanostructures Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Diego Pugliese , Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), Italy

Diego Pugliese, born on May 19, 1986, in Turin, Italy, is an accomplished researcher in applied physics, materials engineering, and photonics. Currently, he is a Fixed-term Researcher at the National Institute of Metrological Research (INRiM), focusing on gas quality analysis with intelligent sensors. Diego holds a PhD in Physics from Politecnico di Torino, where he developed novel insights into dye-sensitized solar cells. His extensive experience spans various research fellowships at Politecnico di Torino, where he specialized in electrochemical energy storage, laser systems, and advanced materials like glasses and optical fibers. With a strong background in both experimental and theoretical research, Diego has also actively engaged in teaching and public outreach, contributing to events like the Researchers’ Night and Science in Città.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Orcid

🎓Education:

Diego Pugliese holds a PhD in Physics from Politecnico di Torino and the Center for Space Human Robotics IIT@PoliTO, completed between January 2011 and December 2013. His doctoral thesis focused on “New insights in Dye-sensitized Solar Cells.” He earned a Master of Science in Environmental and Biomedical Physics from Università degli Studi di Torino, graduating in October 2010 with a score of 110/110 cum Laude. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Physics at the same institution, achieving a score of 110/110 in October 2008. He also holds a Maturità Scientifica from Liceo Scientifico Galileo Ferraris di Torino, where he graduated in July 2005 with a score of 98/100.

🔍 Research Interests:

Diego Pugliese specializes in applying technology to various scientific and engineering fields, including physics, materials engineering, electronics, optics, photonics, and renewable energy. His expertise encompasses the development and characterization of advanced materials and devices such as electrochemical energy storage cells, laser systems, and intelligent sensors. Diego’s work integrates innovative approaches in materials science with practical applications in photonic devices, renewable energy solutions, and high-power beam management, showcasing his comprehensive skill set in cutting-edge technological research and development.

📚 Teaching and Outreach:

Since the academic year 2015/2016, Diego Pugliese has been actively involved in teaching, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with students. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has participated in several public science outreach events, including the Researchers’ Night and Science in Città. These events have allowed him to engage with the broader community, promoting scientific literacy and fostering a greater public interest in science and technology. Through these activities, Diego has developed strong communication and public relations skills, enhancing his ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Selective distributed optical fiber sensing system based on silicone cladding optical fiber and Rayleigh backscattering reflectometry for the detection of hydrocarbon leakages
    Baggio, A., Turani, M., Olivero, M., … Pugliese, D., Sangermano, M.
    Optics and Laser Technology, 2023, 161, 109158.
    Cited by: 2
  2. Formation Mechanism of Elemental Te Produced in Tellurite Glass Systems by Femtosecond Laser Irradiation
    Torun, G., Kishi, T., Pugliese, D., Milanese, D., Bellouard, Y.
    Advanced Materials, 2023, 35(20), 2210446.
    Cited by: 3
  3. Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review of the Latest Advances in Materials, Fabrication Techniques, and Stability Enhancement StrategiesAfre, R.A., Pugliese, D.
    Micromachines, 2024, 15(2), 192.
    Cited by: 1

4.Effect of Low Copper Doping on the Optical, Cytocompatible, Antibacterial, and SARS-CoV-2 Trapping Properties of Calcium                         Phosphate Glasses

       Restivo, E., Pugliese, D., Gallichi-Nottiani, D., … Milanese, D., Visai, L.
       ACS Omega, 2023, 8(45), pp. 42264–42274.
Cited by: 2

5.Performance of Cs-Doped Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells in Ambient Environment
        Yousaf, T., Shahzad, N., Sattar, A., … Pugliese, D.
       Energies, 2023, 16(12), 4748.
Cited by:1