Arul Pundi | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

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Dr. Arul Pundi | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

Postdoctoral Research Fellow | Feng Chia University | Taiwan

Dr. Pundi Arul is an emerging early-career researcher at Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan, contributing to advancing photocatalysis, polymer composites, and defect-engineered semiconductor materials. He has authored 14 peer-reviewed publications that have collectively received 328 citations, demonstrating the growing visibility and scientific influence of his work within the global materials science community, and his h-index of 10 underscores the impact of his research relative to his career stage. His primary research focus lies in the design, synthesis, and optimization of vacancy-engineered polymeric and graphitized carbon nitride photocatalysts, materials that hold significant promise for solar energy conversion, environmental remediation, and sustainable oxidation–reduction reactions. His recent comprehensive review on vacancy defects provides valuable mechanistic insights and offers strategic guidance for future photocatalyst development. Beyond defect engineering, Dr. Arul’s research interests encompass polymer science, nanomaterials, photocatalytic reaction pathways, and semiconductor modifications aimed at improving light absorption and charge-carrier dynamics. He frequently employs advanced characterization tools to probe structure–property relationships, contributing to more rational and efficient catalyst design. Collaboration is a key dimension of his scientific work, reflected in his co-authorship with 25 researchers across interdisciplinary and international projects, strengthening the depth and application potential of his studies in sustainable materials and green energy technologies. With research aligned toward global priorities in clean energy and environmental protection, Dr. Arul’s contributions support the development of next-generation photocatalytic systems capable of pollution mitigation and renewable energy harvesting. Through his expanding research trajectory, he continues to establish himself as a promising scientist in materials chemistry and photocatalytic science.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Pundi, A., Chang, C. J., Chen, J., Hsieh, S. R., & Lee, M. C. (2021).A chiral carbazole based sensor for sequential “on-off-on” fluorescence detection of Fe³⁺ and tryptophan/histidine.
Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 328, 129084.Cited by: 95

Pundi, A., & Chang, C. J. (2022).Recent advances in synthesis, modification, characterization, and applications of carbon dots.Polymers, 14(11), 2153.Cited by: 67

Pundi, A., Chang, C. J., Chen, Y. S., Chen, J. K., Yeh, J. M., Zhuang, C. S., & Lee, M. C. (2021).An aniline trimer-based multifunctional sensor for colorimetric Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺ and Ag⁺ detection, and its complex for fluorescent sensing of L-tryptophan.Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 247, 119075.Cited by: 34

Reddy, P. M., Hsieh, S. R., Lee, M. C., Chang, C. J., Pundi, A., Chen, Y. S., Lu, C. H., & others. (2019).Aniline trimer based chemical sensor for dual responsive detection of hazardous CN¯ ions and pH changes.Dyes and Pigments, 164, 327–334. Cited by: 27

Pundi, A., & Chang, C. J. (2023).Recent developments in the preparation, characterization, and applications of chemosensors for environmental pollutants detection.Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 11(5), 110346.Cited by: 25

Dr. Pundi Arul’s research advances next-generation sensing and photocatalytic materials, enabling cleaner environments, sustainable technologies, and high-precision analytical tools. His innovations contribute directly to global efforts in environmental protection, renewable energy, and advanced material design.

Mainak Saha | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mainak Saha | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher | National Institute for Materials Science | Japan

Dr. Mainak Saha is an emerging materials science researcher whose work demonstrates notable advancements in additive manufacturing, alloy development, and microstructural engineering, with a strong focus on designing high-performance metal matrix composites and understanding the intricate relationships between processing conditions, segregation behavior, and resulting mechanical properties. With a portfolio comprising 14 peer-reviewed publications and 86 citations, supported by an h-index of 5 , his contributions reflect a growing influence within the global materials research community. His studies frequently explore the development of lightweight, high-strength alloy systems, the thermodynamic and kinetic factors governing phase formation, and strategies for microstructural refinement that enhance strength, durability, and thermal stability in engineered metals. Notably, his research on segregation-induced microstructural refinement in FeMnAlC-TiB metal matrix composites produced via laser powder bed fusion  highlights his expertise in advanced manufacturing pathways and his ability to integrate metallurgical principles with cutting-edge fabrication technologies. Dr. Saha has collaborated with over 80 co-authors, illustrating his active participation in multidisciplinary research teams and underscoring his capacity to contribute significantly to collaborative scientific initiatives . His work intersects with critical industrial fields such as transportation, energy, and high-performance manufacturing, where the need for innovative, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and structurally reliable materials is rapidly increasing. Through his research, he contributes to solving practical engineering challenges, improving manufacturing efficiency, and supporting global efforts toward sustainable, high-performance material solutions. His scientific output reflects both academic rigor and technological relevance, bridging fundamental metallurgical science with applied engineering innovation. As he continues to expand his research portfolio, Dr. Saha’s contributions are expected to further influence materials design methodologies, support the development of next-generation structural materials, and strengthen the broader scientific understanding of microstructure-property relationships in advanced alloys .

Profiles : Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID 

Featured Publications

Saha, M., & Mallik, M. (2021). Additive manufacturing of ceramics and cermets: Present status and future perspectives. Sādhanā, 46(3), 162.
Cited by: 40

Gault, B., Saksena, A., Sauvage, X., Bagot, P., Aota, L. S., Arlt, J., Belkacemi, L. T., … Saha, M. (2024). Towards establishing best practice in the analysis of hydrogen and deuterium by atom probe tomography. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 30(6), 1205–1220.*
Cited by: 30

Gururaj, K., Saha, M., Maurya, S. K., Nama, R., Alankar, A., Ponnuchamy, M. B., … (2022). On the correlative microscopy analyses of nano-twinned domains in 2 mol% zirconia-alloyed yttrium tantalate thermal barrier material. Scripta Materialia, 212, 114584.
Cited by: 17

Saha, M., Ponnuchamy, M. B., Sadhasivam, M., Mahata, C., Vijayaragavan, G., … (2022). Revealing the localization of NiAl-type nano-scale B2 precipitates within the BCC phase of Ni-alloyed low-density FeMnAlC steel. JOM, 74(8), 3181–3190.
Cited by: 15

 Mallik, M., & Saha, M. (2021). Carbon-based nanocomposites: Processing, electronic properties and applications. In Carbon nanomaterial electronics: Devices and applications (pp. 97–122).
Cited by: 15

Dr. Mainak Saha’s research advances the development of high-performance alloys and additive manufacturing technologies, driving innovations that strengthen modern engineering, enhance industrial efficiency, and support global progress in sustainable, next-generation materials. His work continues to bridge fundamental science with real-world technological impact.

Emil Babić | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Emil Babić | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

professor |  University of Zagreb | Croatia

Prof. Emil Babić is a distinguished Croatian physicist with a long and impactful career in condensed matter physics and materials science. Educated at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, he went on to become a leading academic and researcher, contributing significantly to the study of high-entropy alloys, metallic glasses, and superconducting materials. His work has been published in high-impact journals, with over 50 years of scholarly contributions shaping the field. Prof. Babić has played a central role in mentoring generations of physicists, guiding around 50 theses, 13 doctoral dissertations, and 5 post-doctoral fellows. His expertise in electronic structures, alloy behavior, and advanced materials has been widely recognized through his publications and collaborations with international research groups. With a career that spans fundamental discoveries and applied innovations, Prof. Babić stands as a respected figure in Croatian and global physics, celebrated for his scientific rigor, mentorship, and dedication to advancing knowledge.

Professional Profile 

Prof. Emil Babić pursued his entire academic education at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Croatia, where he developed a deep foundation in physics. He earned his Master of Science degree in Physics , marking the beginning of his lifelong journey into advanced materials and solid-state research. His early academic training combined theoretical and experimental approaches, equipping him with the tools to explore the structural and electronic properties of complex alloys and materials. Building on his master’s research, he later obtained a PhD in Physics from the same institution, further cementing his expertise in condensed matter physics. His doctoral work laid the groundwork for his future research on metallic glasses, high-entropy alloys, and superconductivity. The rigorous academic environment of Zagreb’s Faculty of Science, combined with his own intellectual curiosity, enabled him to emerge as a scientist of international recognition, contributing broadly to physics and material sciences.

Experience 

Prof. Emil Babić has accumulated decades of rich academic and research experience, primarily within the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. His career spans during which he served in both teaching and research positions. He has been a central figure in advancing Croatian physics research, contributing not only through publications but also by actively participating in collaborative international projects. Prof. Babić has mentored around 50 theses, 13 doctoral dissertations, and 5 post-doctoral researchers, leaving a strong academic legacy. His expertise has led him to engage in groundbreaking studies on superconductivity, metallic glasses, and high-entropy alloys, often collaborating with prominent international scientists. In addition to research, he has played an essential role in curriculum development, conference participation, and the organization of scientific activities, thus enriching the academic and research landscape in Croatia and beyond. His experience reflects both leadership and innovation.

Professional Development

Throughout his career, Prof. Emil Babić has actively pursued professional development, ensuring continuous growth as a researcher, mentor, and collaborator. He has remained engaged with the international scientific community by publishing influential research articles, contributing to conferences, and co-authoring studies with physicists from Europe and beyond. His professional journey also included securing academic scholarships and participating in exchange programs, which broadened his perspective on global scientific challenges. Importantly, Prof. Babić fostered a strong academic culture within the University of Zagreb, promoting interdisciplinary approaches to physics and materials science. He also took on organizational roles in scientific conferences, strengthening the visibility of Croatian research in the global arena. By mentoring young researchers and doctoral candidates, he continuously developed his leadership and supervisory skills, adapting to evolving methodologies in physics. His career reflects a balance of independent research, collaborative teamwork, and dedication to professional growth within academia.

Skills & Expertise

Prof. Emil Babić’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of condensed matter physics and materials science, with particular specialization in high-entropy alloys, metallic glasses, superconductivity, and electronic structures. His deep knowledge of advanced experimental techniques has enabled him to study phase transitions, bulk glass-forming ability, and the role of doping in improving material properties. His expertise extends to both theoretical analysis and laboratory-based experimentation, making him a versatile scientist. In addition, Prof. Babić has demonstrated strong mentorship and supervisory skills, having guided numerous graduate and doctoral students toward successful academic careers. He is adept at collaborative, cross-disciplinary research, working with international teams on complex projects. His ability to bridge fundamental physics with applied research highlights his innovative approach. Moreover, his publication record showcases his capacity to contribute impactful insights into material design, alloy characterization, and superconductivity, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and knowledgeable leader in his field.

Resarch Focus

Prof. Emil Babić’s research focus lies primarily in condensed matter physics, with an emphasis on metallic glasses, high-entropy alloys, and superconducting materials. His studies investigate the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of these complex systems, aiming to understand their behavior under varying physical conditions. A recurring theme in his research is the transition from high-entropy to conventional alloys, where he has explored questions of stability, performance, and material optimization. Additionally, he has studied the enhancement of superconducting properties through nanostructuring and doping, contributing valuable insights to applied physics. His work is not only of theoretical importance but also holds technological significance, particularly in energy storage, advanced materials, and industrial applications. By publishing in leading journals and collaborating with international experts, Prof. Babić has advanced the global understanding of how alloys can be designed and manipulated to achieve desirable physical and functional properties.

Awards & Recognitions

Prof. Emil Babić’s long and impactful career has been recognized through academic honors, scholarships, and professional achievements. Over the past five decades, he has received recognition for both his scientific output and his contributions to academic mentorship. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Journal of Applied Physics, Materials, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, and Europhysics Letters, which itself is a recognition of the international value of his work. He has also been invited to collaborate with international teams, highlighting his reputation as a trusted expert in physics. At the University of Zagreb, his role in mentoring over 50 theses and 13 doctoral dissertations has been celebrated as a vital contribution to the academic community. Furthermore, his involvement in organizing scientific conferences and contributing to research networks has earned him respect and acknowledgment, both within Croatia and internationally, as a leader in condensed matter physics.

Publication Top Notes 

Title: Mechanism of Enhancement in Electromagnetic Properties of MgB2 by Nano SiC Doping
Authors: SX Dou, O Shcherbakova, WK Yoeh, JH Kim, S Soltanian, XL Wang, E Babić
Year: 2007
Citations: 370

Title: High-transport critical current density above 30 K in pure Fe-clad MgB2 tape
Authors: S Soltanian, XL Wang, I Kušević, E Babić, AH Li, MJ Qin, J Horvat, HK Liu
Year: 2001
Citations: 232

Title: Superconductivity in zirconium-nickel glasses
Authors: E Babić, R Ristić, M Miljak, MG Scott, G Gregan
Year: 1981
Citations: 75

Title: Production of large samples of ultra-rapidly quenched alloys of aluminium by means of a rotating mill device
Authors: E Babić, E Girt, R Krsnik, B Leontic
Year: 1970
Citations: 64

Title: Correlation between doping induced disorder and superconducting properties in carbohydrate doped MgB2
Authors: JH Kim, SX Dou, S Oh, M Jerčinović, E Babić, T Nakane, H Kumakura
Year: 2008
Citations: 58

Title: Temperature dependent impurity resistivity in Al-based 3-d transition metal alloys
Authors: E Babić, R Krsnik, B Leontić, M Očko, Z Vučić, I Zorić, E Girt
Year: 1972
Citations: 50

Title: Hall effect and electronic structure of glassy Zr 3d alloys
Authors: J Ivkov, E Babić, RL Jacobs
Year: 1984
Citations: 49

Title: Sugar as an optimal carbon source for the enhanced performance of MgB2 superconductors at high magnetic fields
Authors: OV Shcherbakova, AV Pan, JL Wang, AV Shcherbakov, SX Dou, E Babić
Year: 2008
Citations: 47

Title: Stoner excitations in the strong itinerant amorphous ferromagnets FexNi80−xB18Si2 and Fe80B20
Authors: E Babić, Ž Marohnić, EP Wohlfarth
Year: 1983
Citations: 43

Title: The influence of pinning centres on magnetization and loss in Fe-Ni-B-Si amorphous alloys
Authors: J Horvat, Ž Marohnić, E Babić
Year: 1989
Citations: 42

Title: Magnetoresistance and V-I curves of Ag-sheathed (Bi,Pb tape)
Authors: E Babić, I Kušević, SX Dou, HK Liu, QY Hu
Year: 1994
Citations: 41

Title: Synthesis, structural characterization and magnetic properties of iron boride nanoparticles with or without silicon dioxide coating
Authors: M Mustapić, D Pajić, N Novosel, E Babić, K Zadro, M Cindrić, J Horvat
Year: 2010
Citations: 38

Title: Correlation between mechanical, thermal and electronic properties in Zr–Ni, Cu amorphous alloys
Authors: R Ristić, M Stubičar, E Babić
Year: 2007
Citations: 38

Title: Phase transformations during isochronal annealing of Fe40Ni40B20 glass
Authors: M Stubičar, E Babić, D Subašić, D Pavuna, Ž Marohnić
Year: 1977
Citations: 38

Prof. Emil Babić demonstrates exceptional research excellence in condensed matter physics and materials science, with impactful publications, mentorship achievements, and contributions to alloy and superconductivity research. His long-standing academic leadership and pioneering studies on metallic glasses and high-entropy alloys position him as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening industry impact and international recognition could further solidify his profile, but his current record already reflects outstanding scientific excellence and influence.