Mr. Harish Verma | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Harish Verma | Best Researcher Award

Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi | India

Dr. Harish Verma holds a B.Sc (UG), B.Ed, M.Sc (PG), and M.Phil in Physics and has qualified the CSIR-NET JRF examination. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in energy storage, dielectric materials, density functional theory (DFT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi. His research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of advanced functional materials such as oxide perovskites, spinels, and graphene-based nanocomposites for dielectric and electrochemical energy storage applications. Dr. Verma integrates computational DFT analysis with AI- and ML-assisted materials modeling to accelerate the design and optimization of high-performance materials. His recent works include studies on dielectric and conductivity behavior of SrCeO₃, Ru-doped CNT/graphene-oxide supercapacitors, and MgAl₀.₅Fe₁.₅O₄ spinel ferrite systems. With over 20 scientific publications, an h-index of 6, and more than 90 citations, he has contributed significantly to understanding charge transport, dielectric relaxation, and structure–property relationships in multifunctional ceramics. His research aims to bridge experimental materials science and computational intelligence for developing sustainable, next-generation energy storage technologies and smart functional materials with enhanced performance and stability.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Verma, H., Tripathi, A., & Upadhyay, S. (2024). A comprehensive study of dielectric, modulus, impedance, and conductivity of SrCeO₃ synthesized by the combustion method. International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology, 21(4), 3032–3047.

Verma, S., Das, T., Verma, S., Pandey, V. K., Pandey, S. K., Verma, H., & Verma, B. (2025). Hierarchically architecture of Ru-doped multichannel carbon nanotubes embedded with graphene oxide for supercapacitor material with long-term cyclic stability. Fuel, 381, 133517.

Verma, S., Maurya, A., Verma, H., Singh, R., & Bhoi, B. (2024). Unveiling the characteristics of MgAl₀.₅Fe₁.₅O₄ spinel ferrite: A study of structural, optical, and dielectric properties. Chemical Physics Impact, 9, 100674.

Nirala, G., Katheriya, T., Yadav, D., Verma, H., & Upadhyay, S. (2023). The evolution of coil-less inductive behaviour in La-doped Sr₂MnO₄. Emergent Materials, 6(6), 1951–1962.

Verma, H., Kumar, P., Satyarthi, S. K., Bhattacharya, B., Singh, A. K., & Upadhyay, S. (2025). Investigation of La₂FeO₄–rGO nanocomposite electrode material for symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitor. Journal of Energy Storage, 114, 115849.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niaz Abdolrahim | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niaz Abdolrahim | Best Researcher Award

University of Rochester | United States

Dr. Niaz Abdolrahim is an accomplished materials scientist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Rochester, where she leads pioneering research in multiscale modeling, nanomechanics, and computational materials science. She earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and has since developed a strong research portfolio that integrates atomistic simulations, machine learning, and continuum mechanics to study deformation mechanisms, structural phase transformations, and the design of high-performance nanostructured materials. With over 44 published documents, more than 717 citations, and an h-index of 16, her scholarly contributions have been widely recognized in the fields of materials modeling and nanostructure design. Dr. Abdolrahim has secured multiple NSF-funded projects, including the study of stress-assisted phase transformations and data-driven analysis of lattice dynamics. Her work has been published in prestigious journals such as Acta Materialia, npj Computational Materials, Physical Review B, and ACS Applied Nano Materials. Her research interests encompass nanostructured metals, deformation physics, data-driven materials design, and high-performance alloys. Dr. Abdolrahim’s innovative contributions continue to advance the understanding of mechanical behavior in nanoscale systems and establish her as a leading figure in computational materials science and multiscale simulation.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Mostafa, A., Qian, S., Li, F., Rabkin, E., & Abdolrahim, N. (2026). Bending-induced phase transformations and penta-twinning in molybdenum: From nano to microscale. Acta Materialia, 264, 121646. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2025.121646

Karami, S., Kum, T. B., Kirmani, A. R., & Abdolrahim, N. (2025). Proton radiation effects in indium oxide using cascade molecular dynamics simulations. APL Energy, 4(9), 0266752. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0266752

Alvarez, A., Abdolrahim, N., & Singh, S. (2025). Anomalous elastic softening in ferroelectric hafnia under pressure. Physical Review B, 111(6), 064106. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.111.064106

Mostafa, A., Vu, L., Guo, Z., Shargh, A. K., Dey, A., Askari, H., & Abdolrahim, N. (2024). Phase-transformation assisted twinning in molybdenum nanowires. Computational Materials Science, 237, 113273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.commatsci.2024.113273

Salgado, J. E., Lerman, S., Du, Z., Xu, C., & Abdolrahim, N. (2023). Automated classification of big X-ray diffraction data using deep learning models. npj Computational Materials, 9(1), 214. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41524-023-01164-8

Mr. Zahid Ullah | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zahid Ullah | Best Researcher Award

Islamia College University Peshawar | Pakistan 

Dr. Zahid Ullah is a computational materials scientist currently serving as a Scholar at Qurtuba University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, and pursuing his PhD in Physics at Islamia College Peshawar. With an h‑index of 12, over 1,100 citations, and multiple high-impact publications, he has established a strong presence in theoretical and computational condensed matter physics. His research focuses on first-principles calculations, employing density functional theory (DFT) and WIEN2k/CASTEP computational frameworks to investigate the structural, electronic, thermoelectric, and magnetic properties of materials such as spinels (MgGa₂O₄, ZnAl₂O₄) and ternary tellurides (KAlTe₂, KInTe₂). He has contributed significantly to understanding energy‑conversion materials, magnetic semiconductors, and thermoelectric performance, guiding experimental and theoretical developments for sustainable energy solutions and advanced electronic/spintronic applications. Notable publications include studies on high-temperature thermoelectric performance of MgGa₂O₄ and the electronic and magnetic characteristics of KAlTe₂ and KInTe₂. His work integrates materials informatics with computational modeling to predict and optimize material behaviors. Dr. Ullah’s ongoing research aims to design next-generation functional materials, and he is recognized for his early-career contributions to computational materials science. His efforts provide critical insights that bridge fundamental physics with practical applications in energy, electronics, and spintronics.

Profiles : Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ullah, Z., Khan, R., Khan, M. A., Al Otaibi, S., Althubeiti, K., & Abdullaev, S. (2025). High-temperature thermoelectric performance of spinel MgGa2O4 through a first-principles and Boltzmann transport study. Computational Materials Science, 259, 114163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.commatsci.2025.114163

Ullah, Z., Amir, M., Bazilla, A., Ullah, S., Shahzad, U., Ullah, N., Khan, J., & Gul, S. (2024). Electronic, thermoelectric and magnetic properties of ternary telluride KAlTe2 and KInTe2 from theoretical perspective. Next Research, 1(2), 100077. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexres.2024.100077

Khan, M. A., & Ullah, Z. (2025). First-principles study of electronic, structural, and thermoelectric nature. Theoretical Chemistry Accounts, 144(8), 61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00214-025-03000-0

Ullah, Z., Khan, M. A., Gul, S., Noman, M., Ullah, S., & Shahab, M. (2025). Remarkable thermoelectric and magnetic properties of anti-perovskite MgCNi3: A pathway to advanced energy conversion and spintronics. Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism, 38(4), 167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10948-025-08800-5

Ullah, Z., & Khan, M. A. (2025). First-principles study of ZnAl2O4 for energy applications. International Journal of Modern Physics B, 2550270. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0217979225502704

Dr. Ashish Varma | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Ashish Varma | Young Scientist Award

K. N. Government P. G. College, Gyanpur, Bhadohi | India

Dr. Ashish Varma is an accomplished physicist and Assistant Professor at K. N. Government P. G. College, Gyanpur, Bhadohi, India. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Allahabad in 2022 and has established himself as an emerging researcher in plasma physics, laser–matter interaction, and nanostructured materials. With 31 publications, over 447 citations from 117 documents, and an h-index of 13, Dr. Varma’s work demonstrates significant impact in nonlinear laser-plasma interactions, electron Bernstein wave excitation, and nanocluster plasma dynamics. His recent studies focus on laser beam–assisted plasma heating, surface plasma wave generation, and nonlinear absorption in arrays of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes. Dr. Varma has contributed to leading journals such as Optik, Laser Physics, Journal of the Korean Physical Society, and Optical and Quantum Electronics. He has also explored computational condensed matter physics, investigating electronic, structural, and optical properties of advanced materials. A recipient of the UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), he continues to advance fundamental understanding of laser-plasma coupling phenomena with applications in photonics and nanotechnology. Through his active research, Dr. Varma is contributing to the development of next-generation optical and plasma-based materials and technologies.

Profile: Google Scholar | Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Varma, A., Kumar, A., Mishra, S. P., Kumar, A., & Kumar, A. (2025). Surface plasma wave aided Laguerre–Gaussian laser beam second harmonic generation in arrays of vertically aligned carbon nanotube over metal surface. Journal of Laser Applications, 37(8), 7–12. https://doi.org/10.2351/7.0001819

Vishwakarma, M. K., Mishra, S. P., Kumar, A., Kumar, A., & Varma, A. (2025). Enhanced electron heating by electron plasma wave assisted beat wave of two different profile laser beams in magnetized collisional plasma with density rippled. Journal of the Korean Physical Society, 86(7), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40042-025-01446-y

Ali, K., Kumar, S., Kumar, A., & Varma, A. (2025). Influence of field optimization property of Hermite cosh-Gaussian laser beam on nonlinear absorption in arrays of vertically aligned cylindrical carbon nanotubes. Radiation Effects and Defects in Solids, 180(4), 245–259. https://doi.org/10.1080/10420150.2025.2484740

Ansari, A., Patel, M. S., Mishra, S. P., Kumar, A., Kumar, A., & Varma, A. (2025). Excitation of large-amplitude electron plasma wave by counterpropagation of two laser beams in spherical nanoparticles. Laser Physics, 35(4), 046001. https://doi.org/10.1088/1555-6611/adc559

Kumar, S., Ali, K., Kumar, A., Kumar, A., Mishra, S. P., & Varma, A. (2025). Langmuir wave-assisted two-photon decay of an amplitude-modulated Gaussian laser beam in rippled density plasma. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 50(1), 112–122. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-024-09234-9

Assist. Prof. Dr. Fikadu Geldasa | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Fikadu Geldasa | Best Researcher Award

Walter Sisulu University | South Africa

Dr. Fikadu Takele Geldasa is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa, and Oda Bultum University, Ethiopia. He has published 19 Scopus-indexed research papers, received more than 323 citations, and holds an h-index of 6. He obtained his Ph.D. in Materials Physics from Adama Science and Technology University. His research focuses on experimental and computational studies of functional nanomaterials using density functional theory (DFT) and materials characterization techniques. Dr. Geldasa works on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of doped metal oxides, perovskites, and semiconductor materials for applications in photocatalysis, energy conversion, and environmental remediation. His recent works on doped TiO₂ and α-NiS nanostructures provide insights into bandgap engineering and defect tuning for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity. He has published his research in leading journals such as Scientific Reports, Nanomaterials, Materials, and Physica Scripta. His interdisciplinary research integrates theory and experiment to develop advanced materials for renewable energy and sustainable technology. Through his scientific contributions, Dr. Geldasa is establishing himself as a promising researcher in materials physics and computational materials science, contributing significantly to the progress of clean energy and environmental technologies.

Profiles : ScopusOrcid | Research GateGoogle Scholar

Featured Publications

Geldasa, F. T., Dejene, F. B., Kebede, M. A., Hone, F. G., & Jira, E. T. (2025). Density functional theory study of chlorine, fluorine, nitrogen, and sulfur doped rutile TiO₂ for photocatalytic application. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 3390. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-84316-0

Geldasa, F. T., & Dejene, F. B. (2025). Transition metal doping effects on the structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of α-NiS for photocatalysis applications via DFT + U insights. Applied Physics A. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-025-08942-9

Geldasa, F. T., & Dejene, F. B. (2025). First principles investigation of niobium and carbon-doped titanium dioxide for enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity. ChemistrySelect. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202504529

Geldasa, F. T., & Dejene, F. B. (2025). Exploration of vanadium and rhenium co-doped TiO₂ for enhanced photocatalytic performance via first principle density functional theory investigation. Physica Scripta. https://doi.org/10.1088/1402-4896/adf156

Geldasa, F. T., & Dejene, F. B. (2025). Density functional theory based exploration of structural, electronic, mechanical, thermodynamic, and optical properties of α-NiS for CO₂ adsorption. Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-648X/aded5f