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. Ira Simionov | Nanomaterials in biotic components Award | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ira Simionov | Nanomaterials in biotic components Award | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ira Simionov, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Romania

Dr. Ira Simionov is an accomplished Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Romania, specializing in aquaculture, fisheries, and environmental monitoring. With a Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering, she has extensive experience in research and project management, including roles in international projects focusing on aquatic ecosystem restoration and aquaculture sustainability. Her expertise encompasses evaluating contaminants in aquatic environments, implementing ecological intensification practices, and integrating soft skills in higher education for water management. Dr. Simionov’s commitment to advancing knowledge in these areas is exemplified by her multifaceted contributions to academia and research. 🎣🔬

Professional Profile:

Scopus

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🎓 Education:

Dr. Ira Simionov completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Husbandry from Universitatea de Ştiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară Ion Ionescu de la Brad din Iaşi in 2013. She pursued her Master’s degree in the same field from the same university from 2013 to 2015. Later, she obtained her PhD in Food Science and Engineering from “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati in December 2019.

🔬 Research Experience:

Dr. Simionov has a rich research background, with her work spanning various areas including aquaculture, fisheries, food science, environmental monitoring, and water quality assessment. She has been involved in multiple national and international projects focusing on topics such as aquatic ecosystem restoration, emerging contaminants evaluation, and hydroclimate change impacts on aquatic life. Notably, she has contributed significantly to projects like Restore4Life, EISACAM, and ResPonSE, among others.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience:

In her current role as an Assistant Professor at “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Dr. Simionov is actively engaged in teaching and research activities within the Faculty of Food Science and Engineering. Her teaching duties primarily revolve around aquaculture, fisheries, food science, environmental monitoring, and water quality assessment. She is committed to imparting knowledge and fostering research skills among students in these crucial fields.

🌱 Project Management:

Dr. Simionov has demonstrated strong project management skills, overseeing various international and national projects. She has managed projects related to ecological intensification, soft skills integration in higher education, and the influence of hydroclimate changes on aquatic ecosystems. Her responsibilities have included project coordination, research activities, and technological transfer, showcasing her ability to lead interdisciplinary teams towards achieving project objectives.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements and microplastics accumulation in products from the Danube River Basin fish market
    • Published in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology in 2023.
    • Cited by 3 articles.
  2. Effects of Single and Combined Ciprofloxacin and Lead Treatments on Zebrafish Behavior, Oxidative Stress, and Elements Content
    • Published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2023.
    • Cited by 5 articles.
  3. An Analytical Framework on Utilizing Various Integrated Multi-Trophic Scenarios for Basil Production
    • Published in Plants in 2023.
    • Cited by 2 articles.
  4. Effects of cooking methods and co-ingested foods on mercury bioaccessibility in pontic shad (Alosa immaculata)
    • Published in Current Research in Food Science in 2023.
    • Cited by 1 article.
  5. Renewable energy strategy analysis in relation to environmental pollution for BRICS, G7, and EU countries by using a machine learning framework and panel data analysis
    • Published in Frontiers in Environmental Science in 2022.
    • Cited by 1 article.