Jeffrey Amelse | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jeffrey Amelse | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Invited Contributor at University of Aveiro, Portugal

Dr. Jeffrey A. Amelse is an accomplished chemical engineer, researcher, and educator with a distinguished career spanning academia and industry. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University and went on to make significant contributions to catalysis, molecular sieves, petrochemical process design, and carbon sequestration technologies. With over three decades at BP Amoco Chemical Company, he played a pivotal role in developing and commercializing advanced paraxylene technologies, molecular sieve catalysts, and innovative process designs that remain influential in the petrochemical sector. Following his industrial career, he transitioned to academia as an Invited Teaching Professor at the University of Aveiro in Portugal, where he continues to shape the future of energy, catalysis, and sustainability through teaching and research. Currently, as Lead Scientist at Carbon Sequestration, Inc., he pioneers low-cost, natural methods for carbon dioxide removal. His legacy reflects a rare blend of industrial leadership, academic excellence, and innovation.

Professional Profile 

Dr. Amelse’s academic foundation in chemical engineering is marked by rigorous training and a passion for applied research. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He then pursued graduate studies at Northwestern University, obtaining his Master of Science in Chemical Engineering followed by a Ph.D. His doctoral research, under Professors John Butt and Lyle Schwartz, focused on “Silica Supported Iron Bimetallic Catalysts for the Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis,” combining catalyst characterization with performance evaluation—a project that reflected his early interest in bridging fundamental chemistry with industrial applications. Beyond formal degrees, he pursued numerous continuing education courses throughout his career, covering refining, petrochemicals, and biofuels. This extensive educational background not only equipped him with technical expertise but also laid the groundwork for his later innovations in catalysis, petrochemical processes, and sustainable energy technologies, enabling him to contribute across academia and industry.

Experience 

Dr. Amelse’s professional journey integrates high-level industrial leadership, academic teaching, and cutting-edge research. At BP Amoco Chemical Company, he was a core team member in designing world-scale paraxylene crystallization units, developing next-generation catalysts, and leading U.S. Department of Energy–sponsored projects on ammonia absorption refrigeration. He also guided international collaborations, including projects in Belgium, India, Portugal, and the UK, making significant contributions to global petrochemical technology. After retiring from BP Amoco, he joined the University of Aveiro as an Invited Teaching Professor, lecturing on biofuels, refining, and petrochemicals while contributing to molecular sieve research using solid-state NMR. Currently, he serves as Lead Scientist at Carbon Sequestration, Inc., leading commercialization of woody biomass burial for carbon dioxide removal. His experience highlights a career that bridges innovation, teaching, and sustainability, demonstrating his ability to drive transformative advances across both industrial and academic landscapes.

Professional Development

Throughout his career, Dr. Amelse actively pursued professional development to remain at the forefront of chemical engineering and energy research. At BP Amoco, he became a trained leader in HAZOP and LOPA safety analysis techniques, guiding critical plant safety design studies. He also served as an instructor for internal technical courses on paraxylene catalysis and process technologies, reflecting his commitment to knowledge transfer within industry. His collaborations with leading universities, including Cambridge University and the University of Aveiro, provided opportunities to mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, strengthening academia-industry ties. More recently, he expanded his expertise into renewable energy and climate solutions, developing a micro-module on Global Warming, Renewable Energy, and Decarbonization for the European Consortium of Innovative Universities. His continual engagement with new technologies, from biofuels to biomass carbon sequestration, exemplifies lifelong learning and adaptation. This pursuit of professional growth underscores his leadership in advancing energy innovation and sustainability.

Skills & Expertise

Dr. Amelse possesses a rare combination of technical, analytical, and leadership skills in catalysis, process design, and sustainable energy solutions. He is recognized as an expert in molecular sieve synthesis and characterization, having applied advanced techniques such as solid-state NMR to study catalytic materials. His proficiency in ASPEN process simulation and HTRI heat exchanger design software enabled him to lead complex petrochemical process designs with strong economic and technical insight. He also has deep expertise in the aromatics marketplace, including paraxylene process technologies, competitive benchmarking, and licensing strategies. In addition to technical mastery, he is skilled in safety leadership through HAZOP and LOPA methodologies, ensuring safe and efficient operations. His teaching and mentoring roles highlight his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical applications. Today, his expertise extends into biomass burial technologies for carbon sequestration, making him a versatile innovator in both conventional petrochemicals and emerging sustainable energy fields.

Resarch Focus

Dr. Amelse’s research has consistently advanced the frontiers of catalysis, petrochemicals, and sustainable energy. His early work focused on catalyst development and reactor modeling for xylene isomerization and paraxylene production, where he pioneered molecular sieve catalyst characterization and design methodologies still in use today. He contributed to the development of novel catalysts for dehydrogenation, transalkylation, and isomerization processes, resulting in patents that improved energy efficiency and selectivity in petrochemical operations. In academia, his research shifted toward renewable energy, exploring biofuels from cellulosic biomass and molecular sieve applications in green chemistry. Currently, his focus lies in carbon sequestration, specifically the commercialization of woody biomass burial as a low-cost and natural method for carbon dioxide removal. His work also explores catalytic oxidation of biomethane and novel bio-aromatic conversion processes. By integrating catalysis, process design, and climate solutions, his research exemplifies innovation at the intersection of chemical engineering and sustainability.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Amelse’s career achievements have been recognized through numerous grants, patents, and scholarly contributions. While at BP Amoco, he received special grants from the Head of Technology and the Distributed Research Laboratory to sponsor advanced academic collaborations at the University of Aveiro and Cambridge University. His patents—spanning paraxylene recovery, catalyst design, refrigeration systems, and biomass conversion—demonstrate his innovation and impact, with technologies implemented at industrial scale. His process for recovering germanium from optical fiber effluents, developed at Bell Labs, was notable enough to be featured in The New York Times. In academia, his contributions to climate education were recognized through his development of a European Consortium module on global warming and sustainability. His publications in leading journals, chapters in Industrial Arene Chemistry, and invited lectures further highlight his influence. Collectively, these recognitions underscore his reputation as a pioneering researcher, mentor, and innovator in chemical engineering and sustainability.

Publication Top Notes 

Title: A European Consortium of Innovative Universities Micromodule on Global Warming, Renewable Energy, and Decarbonization
Authors: J.A. Amelse
Year: 2025

Title: Terrestrial Storage of Biomass (Biomass Burial): A Natural, Carbon-Efficient, and Low-Cost Method for Removing CO₂ from Air
Authors: J.A. Amelse
Year: 2025

Title: BP/Amoco Paraxylene Crystallization Technology
Authors: J.A. Amelse
Year: 2023

Title: Reactions and Mechanisms of Xylene Isomerization and Related Processes
Authors: J.A. Amelse
Year: 2023

Title: Sequestering Biomass for Natural, Carbon Efficient, and Low-Cost Direct Air Capture of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: J.A. Amelse, P.K. Behrens
Year: 2022

Dr. Amelse is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His lifelong contributions to catalysis, petrochemicals, renewable energy, and carbon sequestration reflect both depth and breadth of expertise. His patents and publications demonstrate originality and industrial impact, while his teaching and mentoring underscore his role in shaping future scientists. Although further visibility of his research impact metrics (citations, h-index) and a stronger articulation of future directions could enhance his case, his record already places him among the leading researchers globally.

Fa-Feng Xu | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

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Dr. Fa-Feng Xu | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

assistant researcher, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences in  China.

🔬 Short Biography 🌿💊📚

Dr. Fa-Feng Xu 🧪 is an accomplished researcher specializing in photonic materials and microlasers. He currently serves as an Assistant Research Fellow at the Key Laboratory of Green and High-End Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences 🇨🇳. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2020 🎓, following his bachelor’s degree in Material Chemistry from Jilin University in 2014. His postdoctoral work at the same institute focused on material engineering under the supervision of renowned scholars. Dr. Xu’s interdisciplinary research integrates chemistry, materials science, and photophysics to develop advanced optical devices such as microlaser arrays for applications in displays and encryption. With multiple high-impact publications and patents, Dr. Xu is a rising talent in the field of optoelectronic materials 🌟.

PROFILE 

Orcid 

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Based on the provided CV, Dr. Fa-Feng Xu is a highly suitable candidate for the Chemical Scientist Award. His academic training and professional journey demonstrate a profound command over physical chemistry, material science, and photochemistry—disciplines central to the chemical sciences. Dr. Xu holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and has engaged in impactful postdoctoral research in materials engineering. He has consistently worked on the synthesis and functionalization of advanced photonic materials, particularly organometallic complexes and organic microlasers, which are at the cutting edge of chemical innovation.

🔹 Education & Experience 

Dr. Xu’s academic journey began at Jilin University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Material Chemistry in 2014 🎓. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, mentored by distinguished professors including Academician Jiannian Yao 🧬. His research focused on photochemistry and organic photonic materials. After earning his doctorate in 2020, Dr. Xu continued as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Material Engineering at the same institute, collaborating with Prof. Yu-Wu Zhong. Since November 2023, he has been serving as an Assistant Research Fellow at the Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, contributing to the sustainable utilization of salt lake resources 🧫. His career reflects deep expertise across disciplines including chemistry, optics, and nanomaterials, shaping innovations in photonic applications 💡.

🔹Professional Development

Dr. Fa-Feng Xu has developed a robust professional skill set grounded in multidisciplinary science 🧪. His expertise spans organic synthesis, materials design, and photonic device fabrication. With a strong foundation in chemistry and materials science, he designs and synthesizes organometallic and liquid crystal systems with high-performance photonic properties 🌈. He is skilled in fabricating organic microlasers and constructing patterned microlaser arrays for advanced applications like laser displays and information encryption 🔐. Dr. Xu is adept in characterizing materials using techniques such as UV-Vis, SEM, TEM, XRD, and AFM. His practical experience extends to the use of cutting-edge instrumentation including electron beam lithography and femtosecond lasers for device testing. Through collaborations and continuous research, he brings innovation to organic photonics, contributing significantly to applied optical science and advanced materials development 🎯.

🛠️ Skills & Expertise

Dr. Fa-Feng Xu possesses a diverse set of interdisciplinary research skills that bridge the fields of chemistry, photophysics, and materials science 🧪🔬. He is proficient in the synthesis, purification, and analysis of organic and organometallic compounds, including platinum and iridium complexes and liquid crystal systems 🌈. His expertise extends to designing and fabricating organic microlaser arrays—such as microdisks, microspheres, and microplates—for applications in laser displays and information encryption 🖥️🔐. Dr. Xu is skilled in preparing polymer-based microstructures using materials like PS and PMMA for high-performance waveguiding and lasing functions ⚡. He is also experienced in constructing and characterizing inorganic nanostructures, such as silver nanowires 🧫. Technically adept, he operates advanced instruments including SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, and UV-Vis for structural and optical characterization 🛠️. Furthermore, his familiarity with cutting-edge device fabrication techniques—such as vacuum deposition, lithography, and femtosecond lasers—enables innovative work at the frontier of organic photonics and materials science 🚀.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Xu’s research is centered on the intersection of organic photonics, microlasers, and advanced optical materials 🌟. He focuses on the rational design and synthesis of organometallic compounds (notably Pt and Ir complexes), liquid crystal systems, and polymeric microstructures for photonic applications. His work includes fabricating two-dimensional microcrystals and wavelength-tunable microlaser arrays, which find use in full-color laser displays and encrypted information systems 🖥️🔒. Dr. Xu also explores waveguiding phenomena and the development of photonic materials with thermal and optical responsiveness, bridging chemistry, optics, and device engineering. His contributions reflect a broader interest in next-generation optoelectronics, nonlinear optics, and nanostructured materials. The integration of organic systems into functional devices highlights his forward-thinking approach in applied physical chemistry and materials innovation 🔬✨.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

  • 🥇 Excellent Paper Certificate, 8th CAST Excellent Scientific Paper Selection Program

  • 🎓 Merit Student, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), 2014–2015

  • 🏆 Outstanding Student Leader, UCAS, 2015–2016

  • 💰 Academic Scholarships, UCAS (2014–2019)

  • 🎖️ National Encouragement Scholarships, Jilin University (2010–2012)

  • 🌟 Excellence Scholarship Student, Jilin University, 2010–2011

Publications & Citations 📚

  1. 📝 Organoplatinum(II) Cruciform: A Versatile Building Block to Fabricate 2D Microcrystals with Full-Color and White Phosphorescence and Anisotropic Photon Transport, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 📅 2022 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🌈📸

  2. 📝 Wavelength-Tunable Single-Mode Microlasers Based on Photoresponsive Pitch Modulation of Liquid Crystals for Information Encryption, Research 📅 2020 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🔒📡

  3. 📝 Flat-Panel Laser Displays Based on Liquid Crystal Microlaser Arrays, CCS Chem. 📅 2020 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🖥️🎯

  4. 📝 Thermo-Responsive Light-Emitting Metal Complexes and Related Materials, Inorg. Chem. Front. 📅 2020 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🔥🔬

  5. 📝 Molecular Cocrystals with Hydrogen-Bonded Polymeric Structures and Polarized Luminescence, Materials 📅 2022 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 💎💡

  6. 📝 Research Progress of Cesium-Based Photonic Materials, J. of Salt Lake Research 📅 2024 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🧂🔍

🔍 Conclusion:

Dr. Xu’s contributions lie at the intersection of synthetic chemistry, optics, and functional materials. His creative solutions to complex challenges in organic photonics and his strong publication and patent record mark him as an emerging leader in chemical research. His profile exemplifies the innovation and interdisciplinary excellence the Chemical Scientist Award aims to recognize.

Basudeb Saha | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Basudeb Saha | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Director of Studies for Chemical Engineering and Associate Director of the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation at Lancaster University, United Kingdom.

Professor Basudeb Saha 🧪 is an internationally acclaimed Chemical Engineering academic with over 26 years of experience in UK higher education 🏛️. Currently serving as the Director of Studies at Lancaster University 🇬🇧, he is recognized for his innovation in green and sustainable technologies 🌿⚗️. With a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 🎓, Prof. Saha has led over 50 research projects and supervised numerous PhD scholars 👨‍🔬👩‍🔬. His scholarly impact includes over 5450 Google Scholar citations 📚 and 7 international patents. A committed leader and educator, he has held visiting professorships across Spain, Japan, and Malaysia 🌍. He was honoured with the “Jewel of India Award” 🏅 for his contributions to Chemical Engineering. His work spans greener process development, carbon capture, and renewable energy solutions ⚡, making him a trailblazer in sustainable engineering.

PROFILE 

ORCID 

SCOPUS 

GOOGLE SCHOLAR 

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Professor Basudeb Saha brings over 26 years of robust academic and industrial research experience, marked by global recognition and multidisciplinary impact 🌐. He has led more than 50 research projects, co-invented 7 international patents, and published over 215 scholarly works, including 100+ in peer-reviewed journals 📚. His h-index of 39 (Google Scholar) and over 5450 citations testify to his influence in the scientific community 📈. His leadership in projects funded by EPSRC, UKRI, Royal Society, and international agencies demonstrates his ability to conduct world-class research with real-world applications 💡. His research spans green chemistry, renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable process engineering—critical to global sustainability challenges 🌍♻️.

📘 Education & Experience

Education

  • 🎓 PhD (Chemical Engineering), Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India (1996)

  • 🎓 M.E. (Chemical Engineering), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India (1994)

  • 🎓 B.Tech (Chemical Engineering), University of Calcutta, India (1992)

Experience

  • 🧑‍🏫 Director of Studies, Chemical Engineering, Lancaster University, UK (2022–Present)

  • 🧪 Associate Director, Centre for Global Eco-Innovation, Lancaster University

  • 🏅 Honorary Professor, Brunel University London

  • 👨‍🔬 Professor of Chemical Engineering, London South Bank University (2010–2020)

  • 📘 Reader, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer – Loughborough University (1999–2010)

  • 🔬 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Loughborough University (1997–1999)

Professional Development 🚀📖

Professor Saha’s career reflects an unwavering commitment to professional growth and academic excellence 🌟. As a Chartered Engineer (CEng) 🏗️ and Fellow of prestigious institutions such as IChemE, RSC, and HEA 🎖️, he continually contributes to the advancement of Chemical Engineering education and research. He actively serves on multiple editorial boards 📚 and as an accreditation assessor for IChemE, shaping academic standards worldwide. His collaboration across 15+ countries 🌍 and leadership in multi-million-pound research projects (~£11 million) demonstrate his strategic ability to unify academia and industry. He has played key roles in REF submissions, chaired conferences, and mentored numerous early-career researchers 👨‍🏫. From pioneering green process engineering to leading innovative CO₂ conversion studies, Prof. Saha exemplifies proactive professional development through impact-driven initiatives and global outreach 🔬🌐.

Research Focus 🔍🤖

Professor Saha’s research focuses on developing greener, sustainable, and circular chemical processes 🌱🔁. His work is deeply rooted in green chemistry principles and aims to address global environmental challenges through innovative engineering solutions ♻️. Core areas include carbon dioxide capture and utilization (CCU) 🌫️➡️🧪, waste valorisation, renewable energy solutions ☀️, and process intensification such as reactive distillation and membrane separations ⚗️. He also contributes to net-zero carbon emission technologies and low-carbon energy systems 🔋. With over 215 publications and 7 patents, Prof. Saha’s interdisciplinary approach integrates catalysis, process engineering, and sustainability frameworks to deliver real-world impact 🌍. His research has influenced policy, industry, and education across the UK and internationally, including Europe, Asia, and Africa 🌐. Through strong industrial and academic partnerships, he continues to lead high-impact projects on biofuels, epoxidation, and eco-innovations that drive the transition to cleaner, more efficient chemical manufacturing 🔄🌿.

Awards and Honors 🏆🎖️

    • 🏅 “Jewel of India” Award by NRI Welfare Society (2020)

    • 🧪 Finalist, IChemE Global Awards – Sustainability (2019), Energy (2017), Energy & Resource-poor Tech (2016)

    • 🏆 Finalist, IChemE Awards – Core Chemical Engineering & Sustainable Tech (2011)

    • 🧠 Brian Mercer Feasibility Award, The Royal Society (£30,000, 2011/2012)

    • 🎓 “Young Alumni Award” – University College of Science and Technology, India (2003)

    • ⚗️ Research Fellowship – University Grants Commission, India (1992–1996)

    • 🥇 Winner – IChemE Fluid Separation Processes Group (1998)

    • 🏆 Salters’ Graduate Award for student research projects (2023, 2024)

    • 🏅 Multiple best poster awards for PhD students (2019–2020)

Publications & Citations 📚

  • Title: Surface modification and characterisation of a coal-based activated carbon
    Authors: P. Chingombe, B. Saha, R.J. Wakeman
    Journal: Carbon, Vol. 43(15), pp. 3132–3143
    Citations: 913
    Year: 2005

  • Title: Heterogeneous catalysed esterification of acetic acid with isoamyl alcohol: kinetic studies
    Authors: H.T.R. Teo, B. Saha
    Journal: Journal of Catalysis, Vol. 228(1), pp. 174–182
    Citations: 259
    Year: 2004

  • Title: Sorption of atrazine on conventional and surface modified activated carbons
    Authors: P. Chingombe, B. Saha, R.J. Wakeman
    Journal: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Vol. 302(2), pp. 408–416
    Citations: 258
    Year: 2006

  • Title: Sorption of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution by Amberlite XAD-7 resin impregnated with Aliquat 336
    Authors: B. Saha, R.J. Gill, D.G. Bailey, N. Kabay, M. Arda
    Journal: Reactive and Functional Polymers, Vol. 60, pp. 223–244
    Citations: 183
    Year: 2004

  • Title: Recent insights into lignocellulosic biomass pyrolysis: A critical review on pretreatment, characterization, and products upgrading
    Authors: Z.E. Zadeh, A. Abdulkhani, O. Aboelazayem, B. Saha
    Journal: Processes, Vol. 8(7), Article 799
    Citations: 179
    Year: 2020

  • Title: Recovery of dilute acetic acid through esterification in a reactive distillation column
    Authors: B. Saha, S.P. Chopade, S.M. Mahajani
    Journal: Catalysis Today, Vol. 60(1–2), pp. 147–157
    Citations: 174
    Year: 2000

  • Title: Removal of Cr (VI) by solvent impregnated resins (SIR) containing aliquat 336
    Authors: N. Kabay, M. Arda, B. Saha, M. Streat
    Journal: Reactive and Functional Polymers, Vol. 54(1–3), pp. 103–115
    Citations: 173
    Year: 2003

  • Title: Greener synthesis of dimethyl carbonate using a novel ceria–zirconia oxide/graphene nanocomposite catalyst
    Authors: R. Saada, S. Kellici, T. Heil, D. Morgan, B. Saha
    Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Vol. 168, pp. 353–362
    Citations: 159
    Year: 2015

  • Title: Effect of surface modification of an engineered activated carbon on the sorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and benazolin from water
    Authors: P. Chingombe, B. Saha, R.J. Wakeman
    Journal: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Vol. 297(2), pp. 434–442
    Citations: 153
    Year: 2006

  • Title: Causes and consequences of thermal runaway incidents—Will they ever be avoided?
    Authors: R. Saada, D. Patel, B. Saha
    Journal: Process Safety and Environmental Protection, Vol. 97, pp. 109–115
    Citations: 142
    Year: 2015

  • Title: A single rapid route for the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide with antibacterial activities
    Authors: S. Kellici, J. Acord, J. Ball, H.S. Reehal, D. Morgan, B. Saha
    Journal: RSC Advances, Vol. 4(29), pp. 14858–14861
    Citations: 129
    Year: 2014

  • Title: Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil via supercritical methanol: Optimisation and reactor simulation
    Authors: O. Aboelazayem, M. Gadalla, B. Saha
    Journal: Renewable Energy, Vol. 124, pp. 144–154
    Citations: 125
    Year: 2018

  • Title: Sorption of trace heavy metals by thiol containing chelating resins
    Authors: B. Saha, M. Iglesias, I.W. Dimming, M. Streat
    Journal: Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange, Vol. 18(1), pp. 133–167
    Citations: 122
    Year: 2000

🔍 Conclusion:

Professor Saha is a visionary and prolific researcher whose work significantly contributes to solving today’s environmental and energy challenges. His global collaborations, outstanding publication and citation record, successful grant leadership, and transformative research in green chemical technologies establish him as an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🥇. His career reflects not only academic distinction but also societal impact, making him an ideal recipient of this honour.