Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farzaneh Bayat | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farzaneh Bayat | Best Researcher Award

Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University | Iran

Dr. Farzaneh Bayat is an accomplished Associate Professor of Physics at Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Iran. She earned her Ph.D. in Physics from the same institution in 2016, specializing in photonic crystals and nanophotonics. With a distinguished research trajectory that includes visiting scientist positions at the Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, Spain, and the University of Heidelberg BioQuant Center, Germany, Dr. Bayat has made significant contributions to the fields of photonic crystal-based sensors, plasmonic nanostructures, and optical materials. Her research spans nano- and micro-structured materials, quantum dot-sensitized solar cells, and photocatalytic nanocomposites. She has authored 37 scientific publications, garnering over 248 citations and maintaining an h-index of 10, reflecting the global impact of her work. Her studies on photonic biosensors, colloidal lithography, and plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis have advanced the design of next-generation optical sensors and solar energy devices. Dr. Bayat’s international collaborations and innovative work in nanophotonics have earned her recognition as a leading figure in optical materials science. Through her interdisciplinary approach, she continues to bridge physics, materials science, and nanotechnology to address challenges in sustainable energy and biomedical diagnostics.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Amani-Ghadim, A. R., Mousavi, M., & Bayat, F. (2022). Dysprosium doping in CdTe@CdS type II core/shell and cosensitizing with CdSe for photocurrent and efficiency enhancement in quantum dot sensitized solar cells. Journal of Power Sources, 539, 231624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.231624

Pourasl, M. H., Vahedi, A., Tajalli, H., Khalilzadeh, B., & Bayat, F. (2023). Liquid crystal-assisted optical biosensor for early-stage diagnosis of mammary glands using HER-2. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 6847. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-33814-4

Khodam, F., Amani-Ghadim, A. R., Ashan, N. N., Sareshkeh, A. T., Bayat, F., & Gholinejad, M. (2022). CdTe quantum dots incorporated in CoNiAl layered double hydroxide interlayer spaces as a highly efficient visible light-driven photocatalyst for degradation of an azo dye and Bisphenol A. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 898, 162768. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2021.162768

Bayat, F., Ahmadi-Kandjani, S., & Tajalli, H. (2016). Designing real-time biosensors and chemical sensors based on defective one-dimensional photonic crystals. IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, 28(17), 1843–1846. https://doi.org/10.1109/LPT.2016.2570664

Adl, H. P., Bayat, F., Ghorani, N., Ahmadi-Kandjani, S., & Tajalli, H. (2017). A defective one-dimensional photonic crystal-based chemical sensor in total internal reflection geometry. IEEE Sensors Journal, 17(13), 4046–4051. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2017.2701090

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

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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 : Scopus | Orcid | Research Gate | Google 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

Dr. Rongfeng Huang | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Rongfeng Huang | Best Research Article Award

Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University | China

Dr. Rongfeng Huang is an Associate Professor at the Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, China. With 6 research publications, an h-index of 6, and 416 citations from 406 documents, he has established a strong academic presence in plant developmental biology and molecular signaling. He obtained his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Shandong Normal University, majoring in Biotechnology and Developmental Biology, respectively, and earned his Ph.D. in Cell Biology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Since 2018, Dr. Huang has been engaged in pioneering research on auxin signaling, plant hormone perception, lateral root formation, and plant stress physiology. His notable works published in Cell and PNAS have advanced understanding of non-canonical auxin signaling pathways and plant endocytosis mechanisms. Dr. Huang’s interdisciplinary approach combines cell biology, metabolomics, and molecular genetics to address key challenges in plant growth regulation and agricultural sustainability. His contributions continue to enhance the scientific understanding of plant signaling networks and promote innovations in crop resilience and productivity.

Profile :  Scopus 

Featured Publications

Huang, R., Zheng, R., He, J., Zhou, Z., Wang, J., Xiong, Y., & Xu, T. (2019). Non-canonical auxin signaling regulates cell division pattern during lateral root development. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 116(27), 14349–14357.

Wang, L., Cheng, M., Yang, Q., Li, J., Wang, X., Zhou, Q., Nagawa, S., Xu, T., Huang, R., He, J., Li, C., Fu, Y., Liu, Y., Bao, J., Wei, H., Li, H., Tan, L., Gu, Z., Xia, A., Huang, X., Yang, Z., & Deng, X. W. (2019). Arabinogalactan protein–rare earth element complexes activate plant endocytosis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 116(28), 14349–14357.

Dou, M., Fan, S., Yang, S., Yu, H., Huang, R., & Feng, X. (2016). Overexpression of AmRosea1 gene confers drought and salt tolerance in rice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(1), 1–12.

Li, X., Ma, D., Lu, S., Hu, X., Huang, R., Liang, T., Xu, T., Tobin, E. M., & Liu, H. (2016). Blue light- and low temperature-regulated COR27 and COR28 play roles in the Arabidopsis circadian clock. The Plant Cell, 28(11), 2755–2769.

Liu, G., Shao, Q., Huang, R., & Feng, X. (2013). Characterization and expression analysis of DGAT gene family in soybean. Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin, 29(12), 55–61.

Prof. Stefano Columbu | Best Research Article Award

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Prof. Stefano Columbu | Best Research Article Award

University of Cagliari | Italy

Stefano Columbu, Associate Professor at the University of Cagliari, is a distinguished researcher recognized with the Best Research Article Award for his contributions to mineralogy, petrography, geochemistry, and cultural heritage conservation. He has authored over 150 publications, including more than 90 in indexed international journals, with an H-index of 24, over 1,100 citations, and 50 Scopus-indexed documents.Dr. Columbu’s research focuses on the geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic characterization of geomaterials, petroarchaeometric studies of archaeological artifacts, and the development of sustainable materials for restoration of historic monuments. He has conducted in-depth studies at key sites such as Villa Adriana, Tharros, Nora, and Forum Traiani, providing insights into the provenance, composition, and durability of ancient building materials.As a leader in national and international projects funded by PRIN, INTERREG, PON-AIM, and RAS L.7/2007, Dr. Columbu has advanced heritage science through innovative, non-destructive analytical methods. He also teaches courses in mining georesources, petroarchaeometry, and cultural heritage conservation, mentoring the next generation of geoscientists.The Stefano Columbu Best Research Article Award honors his exceptional research, high-impact publications, and contributions to preserving cultural heritage with scientifically rigorous and sustainable approaches.

Profiles :  Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Ramacciotti, M., Gallello, G., Columbu, S., Fancello, D., Díez-Castillo, A., García-Puchol, O., Pastor, A., & Cervera, M. L. (2023). Smartphone photos as a non-destructive approach to characterise siliceous artefacts. Science & Technology of Archaeological Research, 9(1), 1–15.

Montesano, G., Verde, M., Columbu, S., Graziano, S. F., Guerriero, L., Iadanza, M. L., Manna, A., Rispoli, C., & Cappelletti, P. (2022). Ancient Roman mortars from Anfiteatro Flavio (Pozzuoli, Southern Italy): A mineralogical, petrographic and chemical study. Coatings, 12(11), 1712.

Columbu, S., Depalmas, A., Brodu, G., Gallello, G., & Fancello, D. (2022). Mining exploration, raw materials and production technologies of mortars in the different civilization periods in Menorca Island (Spain). Minerals, 12(2), 218.

Columbu, S., Picchizzolu, G. M. F., & Cazzani, A. (2020). The construction materials and static-structural aspects of the Budello tower (Teulada, southwest Sardinia, Italy). In Proceedings of FORTMED 2020 (pp. 1–8).

Buosi, C., Columbu, S., Ennas, G., Pittau, P., & Scanu, G. G. (2019). Mineralogical, petrographic, and physical investigations on fossiliferous Middle Jurassic sandstones from central Sardinia (Italy) to define their alteration and experimental consolidation. Geoheritage, 11, 1417–1433.

Mr. Asif Khan | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Asif Khan | Best Researcher Award

University of Science and Technology Bannu KPK  | Pakistan

Dr. Asif Nawaz Khan is a Pakistani physicist and lecturer at the University of Science and Technology Bannu (USTB), specializing in computational materials science. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at USTB, after completing an M.Phil. from Gomal University and an M.Sc. from Kohat University. Since 2009, he has been actively involved in teaching, supervising BS and M.Phil students, and guiding research in computational simulations and solar cell device modeling. His research focuses on the design and analysis of lead-free perovskite materials (3D and 2D) and their structural, optical, thermoelectric, elastic, thermodynamic, and phonon properties, along with molecular dynamics studies. He employs advanced simulation tools including WIEN2k, Quantum Espresso, CASTEP, and SCAPS-1D, and applies machine learning techniques for material property prediction. Dr. Khan has co-authored multiple high-impact publications, currently holding an h-index of 3 with 38 citations, reflecting his contributions to clean energy materials and sustainable photovoltaics. His work advances the understanding and development of efficient, stable, and multifunctional energy materials. Overall, Dr. Khan is committed to advancing computational materials research and training the next generation of scientists in energy and optoelectronic applications.

Profile : Google Scholar  

Featured Publications

Khan, A., Khan, N. U., Nawaz, A., Ullah, K., & Manan, A. (2024). A DFT study to explore structural, electronic, optical and mechanical properties of lead-free Na₂MoXO₆ (X= Si, Ge, Sn) double perovskites for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. Computational and Theoretical Chemistry, 1240, 114834. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comptc.2024.114834

Hosen, A., Mousa, A. A., Nemati-Kande, E., Khan, A. N., Abu-Jafar, M. S., … (2025). Systematic computational screening and design of double perovskites Q₂LiMH₆ (Q= K, Rb; M= Ga, In, Tl) for efficient hydrogen storage: A DFT and AIMD approach. Surfaces and Interfaces, 106608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106608

Khan, A. N., Rabhi, S., Jehangir, M. A., Charif, R., Khan, N. U., Begagra, A., … (2025). Evaluating A₂SrGeI₆ (A= K and Rb) lead-free double perovskites: Structural, elastic, and optoelectronic insights for clean energy. Inorganic Chemistry Communications, 174, 113949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2025.113949

Khan, N. U., Ghani, U., Khan, A., Khan, A. N., Ullah, K., Ali, R., & Fadhali, M. M. (2025). Theoretical insight into stabilities and optoelectronic properties of RbZnX₃ (X=Cl, Br) halide perovskites for energy conversion applications. Optical and Quantum Electronics, 57(1), 109. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-025-04789-1

Rabhi, S., Khan, A. N., Chinoune, O., Charif, R., Bouri, N., Al-Qaisi, S., … (2025). Insight into NaSiCl₃: A lead-free perovskite for the next generation revealed by DFT and SCAPS-1D. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 27(25), 13490–13507. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CP02345A

Dr. Dahai Zheng | Innovative Research Award

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Dr. Dahai Zheng | Innovative Research Award

China University of Mining and Technology | China 

Dr. Dahai Zheng is an emerging researcher in environmental and energy engineering, currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu. He earned his Doctoral degree from the Beijing University of Technology in 2023, where he specialized in the field of environmental and energy systems. Earlier, he completed his Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology from the China University of Mining and Technology in 2018 and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Safety from the North China Institute of Science and Technology in 2015. Dr. Zheng’s research focuses on solid waste management, including waste tire and waste plastic recycling, as well as process optimization for sustainable waste-to-energy technologies. He has authored 2 publications that have collectively received 42 citations, with an h-index of 1, reflecting his growing influence in the field of waste resource utilization. His recent work, published in the International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization (2023), investigates performance optimization in heavy-medium separation for steam coal. Dr. Zheng’s research contributes to the development of cleaner and more efficient waste treatment technologies. He is dedicated to advancing sustainable resource recovery and environmental protection through innovative engineering solutions.

Profiles : Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Zheng, D., et al. (2023). Optimization of performance parameters and investigation of the heavy-medium separation column for the separation of 3–13 mm steam coal. International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization.