Patrycja Żak | Environmental Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patrycja Żak | Environmental Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Associate Professor, UAM Poznań, Poland.

Dr. Patrycja Żak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Organometallic Chemistry at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. She holds a distinguished academic and research career focused on green chemistry, organometallic synthesis, and functional nanomaterials. With over 47 peer-reviewed publications and 16 patents, her contributions span catalysis, silsesquioxane chemistry, and environmentally friendly synthetic methodologies. A highly respected scientist, she has led multiple national and European research projects and mentored doctoral candidates. Her scientific work emphasizes sustainable practices through the use of organocatalysis and mechanochemistry. Dr. Żak is a collaborative researcher, partnering with international and national institutions to expand the frontiers of materials and inorganic chemistry. Her dedication has earned her a place in prestigious scientific networks and journals as a reviewer and contributing author. Through her innovative and impactful work, Dr. Żak exemplifies excellence in chemical research and its practical application.

Professional Profile 

Dr. Patrycja Żak completed her entire academic education at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland, where she laid the foundation for her scientific journey. She earned her Master of Science degree in Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Marciniec. Continuing under the same mentor, she pursued and successfully defended her Ph.D. in Chemistry , focusing on advanced organometallic systems. Demonstrating a consistent trajectory of academic growth, she achieved her habilitation at the same institution, a significant milestone in European academia reflecting her independent research capabilities and teaching qualifications. Her educational path reflects a deep commitment to chemical sciences, and her studies were grounded in synthetic and structural chemistry, particularly relating to silicon-based compounds and catalysts. This solid academic base has underpinned her research excellence, enabling her to contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary fields, particularly in developing green and sustainable chemical methods.

Experience 

Dr. Żak has accumulated over 15 years of academic and research experience at Adam Mickiewicz University. She began her professional career as an adjunct faculty member and was promoted to Associate Professor. Her work has been briefly paused due to maternity leaves and a short health-related hiatus, but she returned to academia with renewed vigor. During her tenure, she has taken on roles beyond teaching and research, including supervising doctoral projects and serving on selection commissions for post-doc and master’s program candidates. She has actively contributed to collaborative research with international scientists and led industry-related projects, such as the development of efficient synthesis methods at AdvaChemLab. Her extensive project portfolio includes national grants like OPUS, SONATA, and MAESTRO, where she served as both investigator and principal investigator. These experiences have shaped her as a leader in her field, merging academic excellence with research innovation and mentorship.

Professional Development

Throughout her career, Dr. Żak has consistently engaged in professional development activities to enhance her academic and research contributions. She is a member of the Polish Chemical Society and has served as a reviewer for prestigious journals such as ChemSusChem, Inorganic Chemistry, and ChemCatChem. She also acted as a tutor in Environmental and Material Chemistry and served on several selection commissions for post-doc and master’s program candidates. Dr. Żak participated as an organizing committee member for the 8th European Silicon Days Conference. Internationally, she broadened her expertise through a six-month research exchange under the Socrates-Erasmus Program in Belgium. She continually refines her skills through leading-edge research projects and supervising doctoral candidates. These roles reflect her commitment to staying at the forefront of chemical science, emphasizing collaborative growth, academic integrity, and leadership in research dissemination, all of which have significantly contributed to her development as an esteemed scientist in organometallic and green chemistry.

Skills & Expertise

Dr. Patrycja Żak possesses an extensive skill set that bridges experimental chemistry, project leadership, and academic mentorship. She is highly proficient in organometallic synthesis, catalysis (particularly organocatalysis), and mechanochemical methods, enabling the development of green and efficient chemical transformations. Her expertise includes the design and functionalization of silicon-based nanomaterials such as silsesquioxanes. She has demonstrated strong abilities in analytical characterization techniques, photophysical studies, and collaborative interdisciplinary research. She effectively manages national and European research grants, showcasing organizational and leadership capabilities. In academia, she is skilled in curriculum development, supervising postgraduate students, and contributing to peer review and academic publishing. Furthermore, her role in organizing international conferences and reviewing for high-impact journals highlights her communication and evaluative skills. Her ability to innovate while adhering to sustainability principles marks her as a skilled and future-ready researcher in both academic and applied chemical sciences.

Resarch Focus

Dr. Patrycja Żak’s primary research focus lies at the intersection of Green Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, and Material Chemistry. Her work emphasizes the design of environmentally friendly and sustainable synthetic methods using organocatalysis and mechanochemistry. She is particularly focused on eliminating hazardous solvents and toxic metal-based catalysts by developing N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed transformations. Her research also targets the synthesis and functionalization of silsesquioxanes and nanomaterials with well-defined thermal and photochemical properties. Additionally, she explores thioester and heterocycle synthesis from unsaturated aldehydes and other functionalized compounds, contributing to the growing demand for sustainable, efficient chemical pathways. The research she leads aligns with cutting-edge themes in chemical sustainability, structure-property relationships in hybrid materials, and catalyst design for selective transformations. Her projects consistently follow the principles of atom economy and eco-compatibility, placing her work firmly within the green and sustainable chemistry category, with wide applications in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and nanotechnology.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Żak’s scientific excellence is reflected in her numerous achievements and recognitions. She has published 47 papers in Scopus-indexed journals, with an additional paper accepted and one under minor revision, showcasing consistent high-quality output. Her work has received over 662 citations in Scopus and 527 in Web of Science, with an h-index of 14, signifying both productivity and scholarly impact. She has authored chapters in scientific books and contributed to academic handbooks, such as the “Laboratory Experiments in Basic Inorganic Chemistry.” Moreover, her innovation has led to 16 patents across multiple jurisdictions including the US, EU, China, and Poland. She has also served as project manager and principal investigator for prestigious national projects including SONATA, POMOST, and OPUS. In addition, she plays a pivotal role in guiding doctoral candidates under Poland’s “Initiative of Excellence” programs. These distinctions underline her commitment to impactful, innovative, and globally relevant chemical research.

Publication Top Notes 

Conclusion:

Overall, Dr. Patrycja Żak is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her impressive academic productivity, innovation in sustainable chemistry, mentorship record, and project leadership clearly match the criteria for recognizing excellence among women in science. Minor enhancements, such as expanding industrial collaborations and increasing policy outreach, could further amplify her profile in the future. Nonetheless, she fully deserves acknowledgment as a role model inspiring future generations of women scientists working toward a greener and more sustainable world.

Habib Ullah | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Habib Ullah | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Post doctorate researcher at Zhejiang University, China.

🔬 Short Biography 🌿💊📚

Dr. Habib Ullah 🇵🇰 is an accomplished environmental scientist 🌱, currently working as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Zhejiang University 🇨🇳. With a strong academic background in Environmental Science & Engineering, Dr. Ullah specializes in environmental pollution remediation, biochar technologies, and the application of machine learning 🤖 for predictive adsorption and emission control. His multidisciplinary expertise spans soil chemistry, energy recovery, and trace element detoxification. Over the years, he has contributed extensively to top-tier journals 📚, collaborating on international research projects aimed at improving environmental sustainability 🌍. From the mountainous terrains of Pakistan to cutting-edge Chinese research institutes, his work demonstrates a commitment to global environmental betterment. Passionate about innovation, Dr. Ullah integrates advanced materials like nanocatalysts and bioenergy solutions into eco-friendly applications. Beyond research, he enjoys reading 📖, cricket 🏏, and badminton 🏸, reflecting a well-rounded personality. His efforts continue to bridge science and environmental responsibility through impactful research. 🧪🌿

PROFILE 

ORCID 

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Dr. Habib Ullah stands out as an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive research contributions in environmental science, especially in pollution remediation, biochar innovation, and sustainable waste-to-energy technologies, reflect a consistent pursuit of scientific excellence 🌱🔬. With a strong publication record in high-impact journals, collaborations with leading global researchers, and involvement in cutting-edge research funded by prestigious agencies, Dr. Ullah exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher. His ability to integrate machine learning with environmental engineering to solve real-world problems further showcases his forward-thinking approach to science 🤖🌍.

📘 Education & Experience

🎓 Education:

  • 📚 Ph.D. in Environmental Science & Engineering (2015–2019) – University of Science and Technology of China 🇨🇳

  • 📘 M.Sc. (Hons.) in Environmental Sciences (2011–2013) – Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 🇵🇰

  • 🌲 B.S. (Hons.) in Forestry (2006–2010/11) – Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 🇵🇰

💼 Experience:

  • 🧪 Postdoctoral Researcher (2023–Present) – Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University 🇨🇳

  • 🌏 Postdoctoral Researcher (2019–2023) – College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University 🇨🇳

Professional Development 🚀📖

Dr. Habib Ullah’s professional journey is characterized by persistent learning, collaboration, and impactful research 💼🔬. He has actively participated in numerous national and international research projects, focusing on pollutant transformation, toxic element remediation, and the geochemical behavior of coal and biomass-based materials 🔍🌿. His engagement with the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other prestigious institutions has enriched his analytical skills in environmental chemistry and risk assessment 🧪📊. With significant exposure to machine learning applications 🤖 in environmental systems and a growing portfolio of high-impact publications 📚, Dr. Ullah is committed to bridging scientific understanding with real-world applications. His work extends to supervising junior researchers, contributing to peer-reviewed journals, and presenting at global conferences 🌍🎤. He continues to explore innovative remediation technologies using biochar, nanomaterials, and plant-based solutions for sustainable development. His multidisciplinary outlook makes him a valuable contributor to solving emerging environmental challenges. 🌎🌱

Research Focus 🔍🤖

Dr. Habib Ullah’s research focuses on environmental remediation and sustainable pollutant management 🌍🧪. His work spans the detoxification of heavy metals and trace elements, such as selenium and cadmium, using advanced biochar and nanomaterials 🌿🧲. He emphasizes machine learning approaches 🤖 to predict the adsorptive behavior of materials, enhancing the precision and efficiency of pollutant removal technologies. Dr. Ullah also explores phytoextraction 🌱, soil chemistry, and the circular conversion of biomass and industrial waste into eco-functional materials ♻️. His multi-faceted research includes the analysis of bioenergy potential from biomass, risk assessments of pollutants, and environmental lifecycle analysis of industrial emissions 🏭📉. His expertise bridges environmental science, energy engineering, and biotechnology, fostering sustainable technologies for air, soil, and water restoration 🌫️🌊🌾. His vision is driven by creating a pollution-free environment through low-cost, effective, and scalable solutions that serve both scientific advancement and societal well-being 🌟.

Awards and Honors 🏆🎖️

  • 🥇 CSC Scholarship – Awarded for Ph.D. studies in China (2015)

  • 🏆 M.Sc. (Hons.) Scholarship – Granted by the Government of Pakistan (2011)

  • 🎖️ B.S. (Hons.) Scholarship – Awarded by the KPK Government (2006).

Publications & Citations 📚

  • Machine learning-aided biochar design for the adsorptive removal of emerging inorganic pollutants in water.
    Authors: Ullah H, Khan S, Zhu X, Chen B, Rao Z, Wu N, Idris AM
    Journal: Sep Purif Technol
    Year: 2025

  • Long-term phytoextraction potential of Celosia argentea on Cd and Mn co-contaminated soils.
    Authors: Yu G, Ullah H, Lin H, et al.
    Journal: J Environ Chem Eng
    Year: 2024

  • Microbe-assisted phytoremediation of toxic elements in soils.
    Authors: Yu G, Ullah H, Yousaf B, et al.
    Journal: Earth-Sci Rev
    Year: 2024

  • A critical review on selenium removal from water using biosorbents.
    Authors: Ullah H, Chen B, Rashid A, et al.
    Journal: Environ Pollut
    Year: 2023

  • Machine learning prediction of Fe-modified biochar adsorption capacity for selenium.
    Authors: Ullah H, Khan S, Chen B, et al.
    Journal: Carbon Res
    Year: 2023

  • Bacterial inactivation and organic pollutant degradation using Ag₂O/Ba/TiO₂ nanocomposite.
    Authors: Ullah H, Elahi I, Saleem S, et al.
    Journal: Catalysts
    Year: 2025

  • Nickel-modified orange peel biochar for dye removal.
    Authors: Kanwal A, Abid J, Ullah H, et al.
    Journal: Water
    Year: 2025

  • Transforming apricot shell into multifunctional photocatalyst.
    Authors: Lian F, Batool F, Ullah H, et al.
    Journal: Front. Environ. Sci.
    Year: 2025

  • A review on catalytic co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastics waste.
    Authors: Mo F, Ullah H, Zada N, et al.
    Journal: Energies
    Year: 2023

  • Cadmium uptake and membrane transport in Amaranthus hypochondriacus.
    Authors: Han M, Ullah H, Yang H, et al.
    Journal: Environ Pollut
    Year: 2023

  • Physicochemical characteristics of torrefied orange peel.
    Authors: Ullah H, Lun L, Riaz L, et al.
    Journal: Biomass Convers Biorefin
    Year: 2021

  • Influence of hydrothermal treatment on selenium emission from coal.
    Authors: Ullah H, Chen B, Shahab A, et al.
    Journal: J Clean Prod
    Year: 2020

  • Combustion characteristics of torrefied biomass with coal.
    Authors: Ullah H, Liu G, Yousaf B, et al.
    Journal: Bioresour Technol
    Year: 2017

  • Environmental transformation of selenium: A comprehensive review.
    Authors: Ullah H, Liu G, Yousaf B, et al.
    Journal: Environ Geochem Health
    Year: 2018

  • Hydrothermal dewatering of low-rank coals: Properties and combustion.
    Authors: Ullah H, Liu G, Yousaf B, et al.
    Journal: Energy
    Year: 2018

  • Developmental selenium exposure and health risk in foodstuffs.
    Authors: Ullah H, Liu G, Yousaf B, et al.
    Journal: Ecotoxicol Environ Saf
    Year: 2018

  • Climate change perceptions in Swat District, Pakistan.
    Authors: Ullah H, Rashid A, Liu G, et al.
    Journal: Urban Clim
    Year: 2018

🔍 Conclusion:

Dr. Habib Ullah exemplifies the attributes of a Best Researcher Award recipient—innovation, productivity, impact, and dedication. His research not only advances scientific understanding but also addresses critical environmental challenges affecting communities worldwide 🌏. With a blend of academic rigor, cross-disciplinary expertise, and practical application, Dr. Ullah’s work has made meaningful contributions to environmental sustainability. His recognition through this award would honor a career devoted to excellence and inspire future generations of researchers. 🏅🌟