Prof. Dr. Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecky | Nanobiotechnology Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecky | Nanobiotechnology Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecky  , Humbolt University, ICAST University of Split , Germany

Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecký is a distinguished Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Humboldt University, Berlin. Since 2010, she has been instrumental in founding the Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Science and Technology (ICAST) at the University of Split, Croatia, and assumed leadership of the Center of Excellence STIM in 2014. Her groundbreaking work in nanoscience focuses on metal nanoclusters, highlighting their unique structural, optical, and reactivity properties that blend molecular-like characteristics with metallic traits. This innovative approach has expanded the boundaries of traditional nanoscience, integrating small metal nanoclusters into materials science. Her research spans nanocatalysis for renewable energy, nano-optics, and nano-biosensing for medical diagnostics

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Orcid

Education:

Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecký earned her PhD in Chemistry from Humboldt University in Berlin. Her doctoral studies laid the foundation for her distinguished career in nanoscience, focusing particularly on the unique properties of metal nanoclusters. This academic journey at Humboldt University equipped her with the expertise to explore the structural, optical, and reactivity characteristics of these nanoclusters, which blend molecular-like features with metallic attributes. Her research has significantly advanced the field of nanoscience, particularly in integrating small metal nanoclusters into materials science for applications in nanocatalysis for renewable energy, nano-optics, and nano-biosensing for medical diagnostics

Work Experience:

Professor Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecký holds a prominent position at the Department of Chemistry, Humboldt University, Berlin, where she contributes significantly to the field of chemistry. Since 2010, she has also been instrumental in founding and directing the Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Science and Technology (ICAST) at the University of Split in Croatia. Under her leadership, ICAST has fostered interdisciplinary research at the intersection of various scientific disciplines. In addition to her role at ICAST, Professor Bonačić-Koutecký has served as the head of the Center of Excellence STIM at the University of Split since 2014. This center focuses on achieving excellence in research and innovation, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in advancing scientific knowledge and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research Focus:

Professor Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecký is a leading figure in nanoscience, specializing in metal nanoclusters. Her research focuses on unraveling the structural, optical, and reactivity properties of these nanoclusters, which exhibit a unique blend of molecular-like characteristics and metallic behavior. She has pioneered their application in diverse fields such as nanocatalysis for renewable energy, leveraging their catalytic efficiency, nano-optics for advanced optical materials, and nano-biosensing for precise medical diagnostics. Through her innovative approach, Professor Bonačić-Koutecký has expanded the frontiers of nanoscience, demonstrating the transformative potential of metal nanoclusters across interdisciplinary research and technological applications.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Ligand Impact on Reactive Oxygen Species Generation of Au10 and Au25 Nanoclusters upon One- and Two-Photon Excitation

  • Journal: Communications Chemistry
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • Volume: 6
  • Citations: 5

2. Excitation-Dependent Fluorescence with Excitation-Selective Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Hierarchically Organized Atomic Nanoclusters

  • Journal: ACS Nano
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • Volume: 17
  • Citations: 4

3. Model Systems for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Cyanidin-Silver Nanocluster Hybrids at TiO2 Support

  • Journal: RSC Advances
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • Citations: 2

4. Engineering Liganded Gold Nanoclusters as Efficient Theranostic Agents for Cancer Applications

  • Journal: ChemBioChem
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • Citations: 6

5. Stability and Properties of New-Generation Metal and Metal-Oxide Clusters Down to Subnanometer Scale

  • Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
  • Publication Year: 2023 (Article in Press)

 

 

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