Viktoriia Shtefan | Corrosion | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr Viktoriia Shtefan | Corrosion | Best Academic Researcher Award

Academic researcher , Leibniz-Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden) , Germany

Professor Dr. Viktoriia Shtefan is an internationally recognized expert in technical electrochemistry, with over two decades of academic and research experience spanning Ukraine and Germany. She holds the position of academic researcher at the Leibniz-Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden), while also leading the Department of Technical Electrochemistry at NTU “KhPI” in Ukraine. With a strong background in corrosion science, metallic glasses, and electrochemical coatings, Dr. Shtefan’s work is pivotal in advancing sustainable materials for energy, biomedical, and industrial applications. Her career includes prestigious fellowships, leadership in DFG-funded projects, and contributions to international collaborations. As a Ukrainian refugee scholar, she has also been a recipient of multiple mobility and support grants. Her prolific research output includes journal articles, book chapters, and a patent, reflecting both scientific depth and practical impact.

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🎓 Education

Dr. Viktoriia Shtefan began her academic journey at NTU “KhPI” in Kharkiv, Ukraine, where she earned her Bachelor’s (1999) and Master’s (2001) degrees in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Technical Electrochemistry. Her early research focused on hydrogenation in carbon steels and electrochemical impedance. She pursued her PhD (2000–2005), investigating radical ion salt synthesis and earned her Doctor of Engineering Sciences (2019) with a dissertation on molybdenum- and tungsten-based electrochemical coatings. Throughout her academic development, she has demonstrated a sustained commitment to corrosion science, surface chemistry, and the development of functional materials. Her graduate and postgraduate studies were supervised by renowned electrochemists and included training in potentimetric titration, microstructure analysis, and electrochemical process control. These qualifications laid the foundation for her multidisciplinary research that bridges electrochemistry, materials science, and industrial applications.

💼 Experience

Prof. Shtefan’s career trajectory spans teaching, research, leadership, and international collaboration. She has served as Assistant, Associate Professor, and later Full Professor at the Department of Technical Electrochemistry, NTU “KhPI” (2004–2024), where she led courses on corrosion, rare metals, catalysis, and nanomaterials. In 2024, she became Head of the Department. Internationally, she has held guest scientist roles at IFW Dresden under VolkswagenStiftung and DFG-funded projects, focusing on corrosion-resistant materials and biocompatibility of metallic glasses. Since 2023, she has been involved in advanced electrochemical projects in Germany, including the design of nanostructured electrodes for green hydrogen evolution. Her industrial experience includes internships in Spain and with Ukrainian R&D institutions. She also led a budget project focused on anti-corrosion strategies for nuclear power applications. Her diverse roles reflect an ability to integrate research, education, and innovation at the intersection of academia and industry.

🔍 Research Focus

Dr. Viktoriia Shtefan’s research revolves around corrosion science, electrochemical surface treatment, and the development of functional coatings for advanced industrial applications. Her specialization includes the nanostructuring of metallic glasses, electrochemical dealloying, and environmentally friendly surface protection technologies. Her work aims to improve the longevity and performance of materials exposed to aggressive environments, such as in nuclear reactors, biomedical implants, and hydrogen production. She has explored the interplay between microstructure and corrosion behavior using advanced surface and spectroscopic techniques. Current research projects involve developing sustainable coatings using molybdenum, tungsten, and chromium oxide composites, with implications for both biocompatibility and high-temperature corrosion resistance. Her interdisciplinary approach blends electrochemistry, metallurgy, and nanotechnology, and she has secured national and international grants. Through numerous collaborations and publications, she contributes to the transition toward corrosion-resistant, eco-conscious, and high-performance engineering materials.

📚 Publication top Notes

 

 

Daniela Fico | materiali | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Daniela Fico | materiali | Best Researcher Award

Collaboratore, CNR-ISPC, Italy.

Daniela Fico is a renowned researcher at the National Research Council—Institute of Heritage Science (CNR-ISPC), Lecce, Italy, specializing in the preservation of cultural heritage. With a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Salento (2015), her work integrates advanced technologies in the study of materials and heritage preservation. She is recognized for her innovative research in green protective materials for stone and cultural heritage, sustainable polymer composites, and biocomposite materials. Fico has contributed to several national and international projects, published extensively, and served as a reviewer and guest editor for international journals.

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Education

Daniela Fico obtained her PhD in Analytical Chemistry in 2015 from the Department of Cultural Heritage at the University of Salento, Lecce, Italy. Her doctoral research focused on the analysis and preservation of cultural heritage materials, combining spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. Fico has also undertaken advanced studies in sustainability, 3D printing technologies, and material characterization, further expanding her expertise in multidisciplinary research approaches, particularly with applications in cultural heritage conservation.

Experience

Fico’s career spans over a decade of research in various fields, from analytical chemistry to sustainability in material sciences. She has worked at the University of Salento’s Department of Cultural Heritage (2015–2020), contributing to the chemical and morphological characterization of materials and developing innovative analytical protocols. From 2021 to 2022, she worked at the Department of Engineering for Innovation, focusing on sustainable materials and circular economy. Currently, Fico is employed at CNR-ISPC, where she conducts diagnostic analyses and studies for the preservation of cultural heritage, using high-resolution mass spectrometry and advanced imaging techniques.

Awards and Honors

Daniela Fico has received numerous accolades for her groundbreaking contributions to the fields of analytical chemistry and heritage conservation. She is the recipient of various research grants and has been invited to collaborate on national and international projects. As an author of highly cited papers in prestigious journals, Fico’s work has earned her recognition within the scientific community. She also serves as a reviewer and guest editor for several international journals, demonstrating her leadership and influence in her field.

Research Focus

Fico’s research focuses on the intersection of sustainability, heritage preservation, and material science. She specializes in the development of innovative non-toxic protective materials for stone and other cultural heritage artifacts. Her work also explores the use of recycled polymers, biocomposites, and 3D printing in material manufacturing, aiming to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, she employs advanced analytical techniques like ATR-FTIR, LC-MS, and high-resolution mass spectrometry to study materials’ composition, provenance, and preservation methods in cultural heritage.

Publications

  • “A review of polymer-based materials for fused filament fabrication (FFF): focus on sustainability and recycled materials” 📄
  • “A rapid and simple method for the determination of 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in mouse brain homogenate by HPLC with fluorimetric detection” 🧠
  • “Development and characterization of sustainable PLA/Olive wood waste composites for rehabilitation applications using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)” ♻️
  • “The molecular composition of Sicilian amber” 🍯
  • “A multianalytical study of archaeological faience from the Vesuvian area as a valid tool to investigate provenance and technological features” 🏺
  • “Pirin: A novel redox-sensitive modulator of primary and secondary metabolism in Streptomyces” 🧪
  • “An overview on wood waste valorization as biopolymers and biocomposites: definition, classification, production, properties and applications” 🌳
  • “Sustainable polymer composites manufacturing through 3D printing technologies by using recycled polymer and filler” 🖨️
  • “The study of the mural painting in the 12th century monastery of Santa Maria delle Cerrate (Puglia-Italy): characterization of materials and techniques used” 🎨
  • “Decanoic acid and not octanoic acid stimulates fatty acid synthesis in U87MG glioblastoma cells: a metabolomics study” 🔬

 

 

 

ILYACE KORODOWOU | Materials Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. ILYACE KORODOWOU | Materials Sciences | Best Researcher Award

PhD, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Tangier (FSTT), Morocco

Ilyace Korodowou is a Togolese PhD candidate in Materials Science and Engineering at the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Tangier, Morocco. With a background in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Ilyace graduated with honors from Eyadema Military College in 2016. After completing studies in Biology, Chemistry, and Geology, he pursued a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Materials Science, focusing on materials recycling, biopolymer characterization, and sustainable technologies. His research interests include nonwoven processes, plastics, and environmental applications. Ilyace has gained valuable experience in academic research, as well as professional roles in scientific projects and laboratory environments. Outside of his studies, he enjoys reading, football, jogging, and watching crime series. His interdisciplinary approach and passion for impactful research make him a promising figure in the field of materials science.

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Education

Ilyace Korodowou has pursued a diverse and rigorous educational journey in the field of Materials Science and Engineering. His academic path began at Eyadema Military College in Togo, where he completed his high school education in Mathematics and Natural Sciences in 2016. Afterward, he pursued studies in Biology, Chemistry, and Geology (DEUST), followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Analysis Techniques at Abdelmalek Essaâdi University in Tangier, Morocco. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Materials Engineering for Plastics and Metallurgy (GMPM), deepening his expertise in physics, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. Currently, he is a PhD candidate specializing in Materials Sciences and Engineering, focusing on the recycling, valorization, and characterization of biopolymers, as well as sustainable nonwoven processes. His research is grounded in scientific curiosity, innovation, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Experience

Ilyace Korodowou has developed extensive experience in materials science and research, gaining hands-on exposure in various labs and research projects. He is currently a PhD candidate at Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, where his research focuses on sustainable materials, particularly nonwoven technologies, plastics recycling, and biopolymer characterization. Ilyace also worked as a research assistant at the Technical Center of Plastics and Rubber in Casablanca, Morocco, from 2021 to 2023, gaining practical insights into plastic and rubber material processing. He has participated in a number of internships, including work at the Physico-Chemistry Laboratory of Natural Materials and the LAMSE Laboratory. His past roles also include laboratory assistance, where he supervised practical sessions for undergraduates and provided guidance on research methodologies. Additionally, Ilyace has contributed to several scientific conferences and is actively involved in mentoring students for their final-year projects, showcasing his commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering new talent in materials science.

Awards and Honors

Ilyace Korodowou has earned various academic and professional accolades in his field. Notably, he received the first prize at the third edition of the CESTOM-INNOVE project competition in 2022, awarded for his innovative ecoVALFI project, focusing on sustainable materials. His academic journey has been marked by several prestigious certifications, including a badge of achievement in “Optimization of Processes and Advanced Processes of Thermoplastics and Composites” from Institut Mines-Télécom in Paris (2024), and a series of research-focused certificates from Clarivate, University of Liège, and Paris-Saclay University. Ilyace has also excelled in numerous online learning platforms, including earning badges in Biomass and Green Chemistry, Nanoscience, and Advanced Chemistry. His ongoing academic success underscores his commitment to advancing in materials science and engineering, particularly in sustainable development and environmental preservation.

Research Focus

Ilyace Korodowou’s research focuses on the sustainable recycling and valorization of materials, particularly in the fields of biopolymers, nonwoven technologies, and plastic materials processing. His work explores environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional materials, such as the use of sisal fibers and recycled materials in industrial applications. Ilyace is dedicated to characterizing and functionalizing biopolymers, with a focus on improving their properties for various applications in sustainability. He is also exploring innovative nonwoven processes, specifically in the context of filtration membranes and absorbent materials, that can help reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. Additionally, his research includes the design and optimization of materials for specific applications, including the development of composite materials and the study of life cycle assessments (LCA) for environmental impact evaluation. Ilyace’s interdisciplinary approach combines materials science, engineering, and environmental science to create a more sustainable future through innovative material design and processing.

Publication Top Notes

  • Evaluating sisal fibers as an eco-friendly and cost-efficient alternative to cotton for the Moroccan absorbent hygiene and textile industries 🌱 (Industrial Crops and Products, 2024)
  • Industrial ecology in Morocco: wet laying composite air filter membrane based on cottonized sisal fibers and recycled nonwoven supermarket bag 🌿 (Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 2024)
  • Stabilization of Argan Oil Nanoemulsions Using Chitosan Extracted from Pink Shrimp Shells 🐚 (Applied Science, 2025)
  • Cottonized sisal fibers: a more economic and sustainable alternative to natural cotton, – for absorbent textile and hygienic products, in Morocco 🌱 (2024)
  • Industrial Ecology in Morocco: Wet Laying Composite Filter Membrane Based on Cottonized Sisal Fibers and Recycled Non-Woven Supermarket Bag 🧵 (2023)
  • Composite membrane based on cellulose fibers and recycled polypropylene: a more economic and sustainable alternative for the filtration of particles in the air 🌍 (8th International Symposium on Sediment Management, 2024)