Subhash Somkuwar | Characterization and Bioapplications | Excellence in Innovation Award

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Dr. Subhash Somkuwar | Characterization & Bioapplications | Excellence in Innovation Award

Associate Professor & Head of Dr. Ambedkar College Deekshabhoomi Nagpur, India

Dr. Subhash R. Somkuwar, M.Phil., NET (ICAR), NET-JRF (CSIR), SET, Ph.D., is the Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Botany at Dr. Ambedkar College, Nagpur, India. With a strong academic foundation in Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, and Plant Biotechnology, Dr. Somkuwar has over 15 years of experience in teaching and research. His Ph.D. research focused on the ecology and experimental biology of Byttneria herbacea, a threatened plant species, including landmark discoveries of two new medicinal plant species. He is actively engaged in phytochemistry, ethnobotany, and conservation of RET taxa, with several national and international lectures, workshops, and conferences organized under his leadership. A passionate educator and administrator, Dr. Somkuwar contributes significantly to curriculum development, environmental studies, and NET/SET coaching, nurturing scientific thinking and environmental awareness among students.

Professional Profile:

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🏆 Summary: Suitability for Research for Excellence in Innovation Award – Dr. Subhash Somkuwar

Dr. Subhash Somkuwar stands as an exemplary candidate for the Research for Excellence in Innovation Award for his pioneering contributions in botanical sciences, plant biotechnology, and conservation biology. His academic excellence, innovative research projects, and commitment to ecological sustainability make him a distinguished innovator in life sciences.

👨‍🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Botany – RTMNU, Nagpur (2019) 🎓
    Thesis: “Monographic Study and Experimental Biology of Byttneria herbacea Roxb.”

  • M.Phil. in Botany – SGB Amravati University (2008) 📘
    Thesis: “Phytonutrient analysis in some plants of Melghat Forest.”

  • NET-JRF (CSIR-UGC) – Life Sciences (2007, 2013) ✅

  • NET (ICAR) – Agriculture Biotechnology (2014) 🌱

  • SET (SGB Pune University) – Life Sciences (2014) 🧪

  • PG Diploma in Biodiversity – Mumbai University (2009) 🌿
    Dissertation: Study of medicinal and ecologically important plants in Savantwadi Region

  • M.Sc. in Botany – RTMNU, Nagpur (2007) 🧬
    Specialization: Molecular Biology & Plant Biotechnology

  • B.Sc. in Botany, Zoology, Chemistry – RTMNU, Nagpur (2005) 🧫

  • H.S.C. & S.S.C. – Maharashtra State Board, Pune (2002, 2000) 📚

👨‍🏫 Work Experience

  • Associate Professor & Head (2021–Present)
    Dept. of Botany, Dr. Ambedkar College, Nagpur 🏛️

    • Teaching, lab coordination, mentoring, NAAC activities, organizing national/international events

  • Assistant Professor (2010–2021)
    Dr. Ambedkar College, Nagpur 🧑‍🏫

    • Involved in student evaluation, curriculum development, and college administration

  • Lecturer (2008–2010)
    Shri. Pancham Khemraj College, Savantwadi, Mumbai University 📘

    • Undergraduate teaching in Botany, organizing practicals and evaluations

  • Visiting Faculty (Various PG Departments)

    • RTMNU & DBT-RGBC, Nagpur (2010–2024)

    • Conducted NET/SET coaching and M.Sc. teaching in Life Sciences and Biotechnology 🎤

🏆 Achievements & Recognition

  • 🔬 Discovered two new medicinal plant species: Murdania ugemugei and Amorphophallus shyamsalilianum 🌺🧪

  • 🧬 Authenticated ITS DNA sequence of Byttneria herbacea (submitted to NCBI GenBank) 📊

  • 🌿 Developed protocols for callus induction & in-vitro seed germination 🌱

  • 📈 Successfully organized over 30+ guest lectures, national/international conferences, workshops & webinars

  • 🧑‍🔬 Set up Plant Tissue Culture Labs and coordinated skill-oriented courses in Phytochemistry & Tissue Culture

  • 📑 Supervised 324+ EVS student projects

  • 👨‍🏫 Conducted NET/SET coaching for Life Sciences aspirants

  • 🎯 Served as Co-Convener & Convenor for several national and international science forums and farmer meets

🥇 Honors & Awards

  • 🏅 Organizer & Speaker in UGC, ICAR, ISCA, DBT, and ISRO-associated academic events

  • 🏵️ Instrumental in Dr. Ambedkar College achieving NAAC “A+” Grade (2011, 2017, 2023)

  • 🌍 Invited speaker for international webinars and conferences (Hungary, Sweden, Argentina, Tunisia, Qatar, Thailand, Nepal)

📚Publication Top Notes

Biosynthesis of microrubble-shaped nanoporous Co3O4/rGO NCs using leaves extract of Neolamarckia cadamba and its antibacterial/antioxidant performance

Novel extraction and characterization methods for phytochemicals

Phyto-derived metal nanoparticles: Prominent tool for biomedical applications

Nanoparticles for sustainable agriculture: innovative potential with current and future perspectives

Nanopolymer: Overview, Innovation and Applications

Prof. Dr. Javad Foroughi | Smart materials | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Javad Foroughi | Smart materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Javad Foroughi , University of New South Wales, Australia

Dr. Javad Foroughi 🧠 is a globally recognized expert in smart materials, serving as a Visiting Professor at the University of Essen 🇩🇪 and a Senior Research Fellow at UNSW 🇦🇺. He is a DECRA Fellow 🎓 of the Australian Research Council and renowned for pioneering torsional carbon nanotube artificial muscles 🧵, featured in Science (2011). With a PhD in Material Engineering from the University of Wollongong 🇦🇺, Dr. Foroughi’s innovative work spans artificial muscles, wearable tech 👕, and soft robotics 🤖. He has led multidisciplinary collaborations in biomedical innovation 🏥 and secured over $7M in competitive research grants 💰.

Professional Profile:

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✅ Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Javad Foroughi is a world-class researcher at the forefront of smart materials, wearable technologies, and biomedical devices. With a research career spanning over two decades and institutions in Australia, Germany, the U.S., South Korea, and Iran, he has made outstanding contributions to polymer science, soft robotics, and artificial muscles. As a senior research fellow and leader at UNSW and IHMRI, his work has translated advanced material innovations into clinical and industrial applications. His achievements, including high-impact publications, multiple prestigious awards, and successful supervision of PhD candidates, make him a leading authority in his field and an ideal recipient for a Best Researcher Award.

🔹 Education & Experience

📘 Education:

  • 🎓 PhD in Material Engineering, University of Wollongong (2006–2009)

  • 🎓 BSc & MSc in Polymer Materials Science, Isfahan University of Technology, Iran (1991–1997)

💼 Employment/Experience:

  • 👨‍🏫 Visiting Professor, University of Essen, Germany (2020–Present)

  • 🧪 Senior Research Fellow, UNSW (2021–Present)

  • 🏥 Lead, Diagnostics & Therapeutics Program, IHMRI

  • 🧵 Senior Research Fellow, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, UOW (2016–2020)

  • 🔬 ARC DECRA Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (2013–2016)

  • 🌏 Visiting Fellow, Hanyang University (South Korea), University of Texas at Dallas (USA)

  • 👨‍🔬 Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Associate, UOW (2009–2011)

🔹 Professional Development

Dr. Foroughi’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary research 🌐. His collaborative leadership spans top institutions across Germany, Australia, South Korea, and the U.S. 🤝. He has supervised 15 PhD candidates 🎓 and mentored researchers in cutting-edge projects involving artificial muscles, biomedical devices 🦾, and smart textiles 👚. Through roles at UNSW, UOW, and IHMRI, he has played a central role in translating lab-scale innovations into real-world applications 💡. His research leadership has contributed to health monitoring systems, drug delivery devices 💊, and soft robotics, earning him a reputation as a pioneer in smart materials 🚀.

🔹 Research Focus 

Dr. Foroughi’s research focuses on smart materials with applications in soft robotics 🤖, artificial muscles 🧵, and wearable technology 👕. He explores advanced functional materials like carbon nanotubes and hydrogels to engineer responsive systems for biomedical devices 🏥, drug delivery 💊, and ventricular assist devices ❤️. His interdisciplinary work integrates polymer science 🧪, nanotechnology 🔬, and mechatronic engineering ⚙️, fostering innovation in next-gen electronics and healthcare. His collaborative efforts across academia and industry have produced high-impact publications 📚 and breakthrough technologies that are redefining possibilities in health monitoring and smart textile applications 📈.

🔹 Awards & Honors 

🏆 Major Awards & Recognitions:

  • 🥇 ARC DECRA Fellowship (2013–2016)

  • 🧠 Emerging Research Fellow, IHMRI

  • 📘 Top Cited Paper, Advanced Materials Technologies (2020–2021)

  • ✍️ Editor’s Choice Article, MDPI Fibers (2019)

  • 🌟 Best of Advanced Materials Technologies (2020)

  • 🧵 IEEE Award for “Smart Fabrics and Networked Clothing” (2017)

  • 🧬 Asia Nanotech Camp Fellowship (2009, Taiwan)

  • 🥇 Winner, UOW Pitch Competition – Nerve Reconstruction (2014)

  • 🥇 Gold Award, R&D 100 – Artificial Muscles from Fishing Line (2015)

  • 🏅 Commercialisation Training Scheme Scholar, UOW

  • 🎓 Australian Research Scholarship for Advanced Materials (2008)

  • 🥈 Finalist, Trailblazer Award, UOW (2008)

  • 🥇 First Rank, BSc in Polymers Department, Isfahan University

Publication Top Notes:

  • Title: Advanced Energy Harvesters and Energy Storage for Powering Wearable and Implantable Medical Devices
    Citations: 21

  • Title: Highly stretchable nanocomposite piezofibers: a step forward into practical applications in biomedical devices
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Contactless vital sign monitoring systems: a comprehensive survey of remote health sensing for heart rate and respiration in internet of things and sleep applications
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Manufacturing Ulvan Biopolymer for Wound Dressings
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Ab initio calculations of structural, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of delafossite SMoO₂ (S = Na, K, Rb, Cs) for spintronics
    Citations: 1

Dr. Narjes Rashidi | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Narjes Rashidi | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Narjes Rashidi, University College London, United Kingdom

Dr. Narjes Rashidi is a distinguished biomaterials scientist specializing in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Her groundbreaking research focuses on osteochondral scaffolds, aiming to regenerate both bone and cartilage simultaneously. With an academic background from Oxford and Imperial College London, she has made significant contributions to biomimetic materials and hydrogels for medical applications. Dr. Rashidi’s interdisciplinary expertise in chemical engineering and biomedical sciences has driven advancements in stem cell therapy and extracellular matrix design. Actively engaging in global research collaborations and conferences, she remains committed to pioneering solutions for musculoskeletal disorders.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Narjes Rashidi is a highly accomplished biomaterials scientist with an impressive background in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biomimetic materials. Her groundbreaking research on osteochondral scaffolds for simultaneous bone and cartilage regeneration makes her an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With academic credentials from Oxford and Imperial College London, interdisciplinary expertise, and global research collaborations, she has made significant contributions to biomedical science.

🎓 Education & Experience:

  • Ph.D. in Biomaterials (2013-2018) 🎓 – University of Oxford

    • 📝 Thesis: Design and Fabrication of Novel Osteochondral Plug for Bone & Cartilage Regeneration

  • MSc in Biomedical Engineering (2010-2011) 🎓 – Imperial College London

    • 📝 Thesis: New Bioactive Glass Scaffold for Bone Regeneration

  • MSc in Chemical Engineering (2002-2005) 🏗️ – Tarbiat Modares University

    • 📝 Thesis: Software Package for Conceptual Design of Chemical Processes

  • BSc in Chemical Engineering (1997-2002) 🏭 – Sharif University of Technology

    • 📝 Thesis: Plant Design for Palm Waste Utilization

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2022-2023) 🧪 – University of Brighton

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate (2020-2021) 🔬 – Tehran University of Medical Sciences & UCL Collaboration

  • Part-time Researcher (Feb-Apr 2021) 🏥 – ChitoTech (Medical Device Company), Tehran

  • Business Development Manager (2011-2013) 💼 – Avalin Pharma, Tehran

📚 Professional Development:

Dr. Rashidi is dedicated to continuous learning and innovation in biomaterials and tissue engineering. She actively participates in workshops, training programs, and international conferences to stay at the forefront of regenerative medicine and scaffold fabrication techniques. Her interdisciplinary collaborations have enriched her approach to hydrogel and stem cell research, ensuring clinical relevance in biomedical applications. Dr. Rashidi frequently engages in scientific symposiums, sharing her expertise on biomimetic scaffolds and extracellular vesicles. Her passion for scientific discovery and technological advancements drives her to develop pioneering solutions for musculoskeletal and orthopedic disorders.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Rashidi’s research revolves around biomimetic materials and regenerative medicine, particularly in tissue engineering. She specializes in hydrogel-based scaffolds that closely mimic the extracellular matrix, enhancing cell differentiation and tissue regeneration. Her osteochondral scaffold research focuses on simultaneous bone and cartilage repair, addressing major challenges in orthopedic medicine. She also investigates plant-based extracellular vesicles for osteoarthritis treatment, expanding her contributions to stem cell therapy and bioactive materials. Her interdisciplinary approach merges biomedical engineering, materials science, and chemical engineering, ensuring her work bridges laboratory research with clinical applications.

🏆 Awards & Honors:

  • Best Breakthrough Actress Award (2007) 🏅 – New York Independent International Film & Video Festival
  • Best Actress in an International Film (2016) 🎭 – BloodGuts UK Horror Award
  • Best Actress Nomination (2016) 🎬 – British Independent Film Awards

Publication Top Notes:

  • 🦠 “Isolation, Characterization, and In Vitro Cell Studies of Plant-Based Exosome-like Nanovesicles for Treatment of Early Osteoarthritis”
  • 🧬 “A novel, microfluidic high-throughput single-cell encapsulation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells”
  • 🧪 “Polymerization of chondroitin sulfate and its stimulatory effect on cartilage regeneration; a bioactive material for cartilage regeneration”
  • 🦴 “A Bilayer Osteochondral Scaffold with Self‐Assembled Monomeric Collagen Type‐I, Type‐II, and Polymerized Chondroitin Sulfate Promotes Chondrogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells”