Jin Luo | Dielectric Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jin Luo | Dielectric Materials | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Nanjing Tech University, China

Dr. Jin Luo (b. February 6, 1983) is an accomplished Associate Professor and Deputy Department Head of the Composite Materials Department at Nanjing Tech University. He earned his B.Sc. in Material Chemistry from Wuhan University of Technology (2002–2006), an M.Sc. in Material Science and Technology from Zhejiang University (2006–2009), and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky in Material Science and Technology (2010–2014). Following a postdoctoral appointment at Tsinghua University (2015–2018), he joined Nanjing Tech University in October 2018. Dr. Luo is also a recognized Master’s supervisor. With over 30 peer‑reviewed articles in leading journals and multiple national research grants, he is a respected figure in ferroelectric and piezoelectric thin‑film research.

Professional Profile

ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Luo’s academic journey began at Wuhan University of Technology, where he completed his B.Sc. in Material Chemistry (2002–2006). He pursued a deeper specialization in materials by earning a Master’s degree in Material Science and Technology from Zhejiang University (2006–2009). His passion for advanced functional materials led him overseas to the University of Kentucky (USA), where he completed his Ph.D. in Material Science and Technology (2010–2014). His doctoral work equipped him with extensive experimental and analytical expertise in ferroelectric and piezoelectric ceramics and thin films. This strong foundation, spanning fundamental chemistry to cutting‑edge material engineering, underpins his current research and academic accomplishments.

Experience

Dr. Luo served as a postdoctoral researcher at Tsinghua University from August 2015 to April 2018, investigating domain structure and piezoelectric properties of ferroelectric ceramic thin films. In October 2018, he joined Nanjing Tech University as an Associate Professor and now Deputy Department Head in the Composite Materials Department. He developed and teaches graduate-level courses such as “Modern Testing Methods for Materials” and “Professional Writing for Materials Science.” As a Master’s supervisor, he mentors students in materials science research. Dr. Luo has successfully led several research initiatives, including National Natural Science Foundation of China grants, Nanjing Overseas Scholars Science & Technology Innovation Program awards, and collaborative funding from Tsinghua’s State Key Lab. His administrative role, teaching contributions, and leadership in national-level projects highlight his multifaceted academic career.

Research Focus

Dr. Jin Luo specializes in the design, synthesis, and characterization of ferroelectric ceramic thin films, with emphasis on piezoelectric and energy-storage applications. His research addresses key challenges in lead-free piezoelectric materials, such as domain engineering, strain modulation, and dielectric performance optimization. Employing advanced deposition (e.g., sol‑gel, spin‑coating, epitaxy) and testing techniques, he investigates intrinsic and extrinsic piezoelectric contributions, thermotropic phase behavior, and relaxor ferroelectric structures. His objective is to develop high-performance, environmentally friendly materials (e.g., (K,Na)NbO₃, Bi₀.₅Na₀.₅TiO₃, SrBiTiO₃ systems) for practical energy-harvesting, actuator, and capacitor devices. His work bridges fundamental materials science and applied functional thin films, with over 30 high-impact publications showcasing innovations in piezoelectric response enhancement and energy density improvements.

Publication Top Notes

  1. “A slush-like polar structure for high energy storage performance in a Sr₀.₇Bi₀.₂TiO₃ lead‑free relaxor ferroelectric thin film,” Journal of Materials Chemistry A (2022).
    DOI: 10.1039/d1ta10524h
    Summary: Introduces a novel “slush-like” polar domain arrangement in SBT thin films, yielding enhanced dielectric breakdown strength and recoverable energy density—paving the way for high-efficient, lead-free film capacitors.

  2. “Orientation dependent intrinsic and extrinsic contributions to the piezoelectric response in lead‑free (Na₀.₅K₀.₅)NbO₃ based films,” Journal of Alloys and Compounds (June 2022).
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.164346
    Summary: Systematically disentangles orientation-dependent piezoelectric effects in KNN films, quantifying crystal orientation’s role in intrinsic vs extrinsic contributions, informing design of superior lead-free piezoelectrics.

  3. “Optimized energy-storage performance in Mn‑doped Na₀.₅Bi₀.₅TiO₃–Sr₀.₇Bi₀.₂TiO₃ lead‑free dielectric thin films,” Applied Surface Science (Jan 2022).
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2021.151274
    Summary: Demonstrates Mn‑doping in BNT‑SBT films enhances dielectric breakdown strength and energy density, proposing an optimized composition for practical eco-friendly film capacitors.

  4. “Enhancement of piezoelectricity in spin‑coated Bi₁/₂Na₁/₂TiO₃–BaTiO₃ epitaxial films by strain engineering,” Journal of Materials Chemistry C (2021).
    DOI: 10.1039/d1tc03917b
    Summary: Utilizes strain engineering in BNT–BT epitaxial films to boost piezoelectric properties, revealing the mechanistic link between strain and domain structure—informing thin-film actuator development.

  5. “Ferroelectric Domain Structures in Monoclinic (K₀.₅Na₀.₅)NbO₃ Epitaxial Thin Films,” physica status solidi (RRL) (June 2021).
    DOI: 10.1002/pssr.202100127
    Summary: Characterizes unique monoclinic ferroelectric domain configurations in KNN films, correlating structural features to enhanced functional responses under electric fields.

Conclusion

Dr. Jin Luo is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the field of materials science with specialization in ferroelectric and piezoelectric thin films. His contributions are technically advanced, academically consistent, and nationally recognized through competitive research funding. With added visibility in international collaborations and recognition, he could further cement his status as a leading researcher in his domain.

Shiva PrasadKollur | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Shiva Prasad Kollur | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor , Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham , India 

Dr. Shiva Prasad Kollur is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sciences at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru Campus, India. With over a decade of experience in research and teaching, Dr. Kollur specializes in interdisciplinary fields of Chemistry, focusing on inorganic chemistry, nanomaterials, and bioinorganic chemistry. His research aims to explore the synthesis, characterization, and biological applications of metal complexes, green chemistry, and nanotechnology, with a particular emphasis on their therapeutic potentials. Dr. Kollur has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has been involved in various international collaborations. He has mentored over 45 Master’s students and currently supervises six Ph.D. candidates. His research contributions have earned him recognition in prestigious journals and numerous international awards.

Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Interdisciplinary Research Expertise: Dr. Kollur has demonstrated significant expertise across multiple subfields of Chemistry, including Inorganic Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Green Chemistry, and Biological Applications. His work spans the synthesis and characterization of novel metal complexes, nanomaterials, and their biomedical applications, which is highly relevant to current global challenges in health and environmental sustainability.
  2. Impactful Research and High Citation Index: His research has garnered considerable attention, with several papers being highly cited. For instance, his work on flavonoids as antiviral agents in Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences (2021) and genistein as an anti-breast cancer agent have been cited over 80 times, highlighting the real-world impact of his findings. Furthermore, his diverse publications across prestigious journals like ACS Sensors, Journal of Organic Chemistry, and Spectrochimica Acta showcase the breadth and depth of his scientific contributions.
  3. Extensive Research Experience: Dr. Kollur’s academic career spans over a decade, with a significant portion of that time spent in interdisciplinary research, as well as a strong foundation in academia through his teaching roles at institutions like Amrita University and Manipal Academy of Higher Education. His postdoctoral fellowship (Dr. D. S. Kothari) and research fellowship underscore his commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to academic excellence.
  4. Leadership in Research Supervision: As a supervisor, Dr. Kollur has been guiding six PhD candidates and over 45 Master’s students. This speaks to his ability to mentor and cultivate the next generation of scientists. His success in leading students in research, especially in advanced topics, enhances his reputation as a leader in the academic community.
  5. Global Research Collaborations: Dr. Kollur has collaborated with researchers from diverse geographical regions, including Europe, South America, North America, and Asia. His international exposure and ability to engage in cross-border research projects enhance the global relevance of his work. Notably, his visits to prominent institutions like the University of São Paulo, University of South Pacific, and National University of Singapore highlight his international standing.
  6. Peer Recognition and Scholarly Service: Dr. Kollur has an established role in the global academic community, as evidenced by his peer-review contributions for top journals in the field, such as Nature, RSC Advances, and ACS Sensors. This indicates that he is well-respected by his peers and trusted with maintaining the quality and integrity of the scientific literature.
  7. Event Organization and Contribution to Academia: His involvement in organizing three international and four national conferences, along with a national-level workshop, reflects his leadership skills and commitment to advancing scientific dialogue. These initiatives demonstrate his drive to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange within the scientific community.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Public Outreach and Dissemination: While Dr. Kollur’s academic and research achievements are impressive, increasing the visibility of his work outside the academic community, especially to the general public, could enhance its broader impact. Initiatives such as public talks, interviews, and collaboration with industries could help translate his research into real-world applications and policy discussions.
  2. Research Focus on Emerging Areas: While his interdisciplinary work in nanotechnology and drug discovery is highly relevant, Dr. Kollur could consider diversifying his research into emerging and high-impact areas, such as AI-driven drug design, quantum chemistry for material science, or sustainable chemistry practices for climate change mitigation. This could position his research even more strategically for future funding and collaborations.
  3. Interdisciplinary Integration with Other Sciences: Although his research spans chemistry, biology, and material science, integrating computational tools or cross-disciplinary work with engineering or data science could open up new dimensions of research, particularly in areas like precision medicine, biomaterials, and environmental remediation.
  4. Collaboration with Industry: Strengthening collaborations with industries, particularly those in pharmaceuticals and materials science, could allow Dr. Kollur to translate his academic research into commercial applications. This could lead to impactful innovations that reach a wider audience and generate more public and private sector interest.

Education 

Dr. Shiva Prasad Kollur holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Mysore (2011), where he conducted research in the areas of coordination chemistry and bioinorganic systems. He completed his M.Sc. in Chemistry from the same university in 2007, where his academic performance was distinguished. Dr. Kollur’s undergraduate studies were undertaken at JSS College, Mysuru, where he earned a B.Sc. in Chemistry in 2005. Throughout his educational journey, he demonstrated strong academic aptitude and a passion for scientific exploration. His postdoctoral work at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (2011–2013), under the prestigious Dr. D.S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship, further honed his research skills, allowing him to delve into advanced inorganic and physical chemistry research. This solid academic foundation has enabled Dr. Kollur to pursue a distinguished career in teaching and research.

Experience 

Dr. Shiva Prasad Kollur’s academic career spans over a decade, with significant teaching and research roles at prestigious institutions. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Sciences at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru Campus, where he has been since 2020. Prior to this, he worked as an Assistant Professor at the Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (2015–2020), and at JSS College, Mysuru (2013–2015). Dr. Kollur also held a postdoctoral position at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, from 2011 to 2013. Over the years, he has guided more than 45 Master’s students and currently supervises six Ph.D. candidates in their research. Dr. Kollur has been actively involved in organizing international and national conferences, fostering scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange. His experience also extends to peer review and research collaborations with institutions across the globe.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Shiva Prasad Kollur has been recognized for his excellence in research and academic contributions. He received the prestigious Dr. D.S. Kothari Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2011–2013), one of India’s top fellowships for promising researchers. In addition, he was awarded the Research Fellowship in Sciences for Meritorious Students (2009–2011), highlighting his early promise in scientific research. His research in bioinorganic chemistry, nanotechnology, and green chemistry has earned him numerous citations in top-tier journals, further establishing his academic reputation. Dr. Kollur’s work in the field of cancer therapeutics, antiviral agents, and green synthesis has attracted recognition at both national and international levels. He has also contributed significantly to the academic community by reviewing articles for high-impact journals like Nature, ACS Sensors, and RSC Advances. His efforts in organizing and leading international and national conferences have solidified his role as a leader in the academic field.

Research Focus 

Dr. Shiva Prasad Kollur’s research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and biological applications of metal complexes, nanomaterials, and bioinorganic systems. His work has significant implications in the fields of cancer therapy, antiviral drug design, and environmental sustainability. He is particularly interested in green chemistry, exploring the use of plant extracts for the synthesis of nanoparticles and studying their therapeutic potential. His interdisciplinary approach spans chemistry, biology, and materials science, with a special emphasis on nanotechnology, drug discovery, and biomedical applications. Dr. Kollur’s work on metal-based drugs, including palladium and copper complexes, has been pivotal in understanding their antimicrobial, anticancer, and DNA-binding properties. Additionally, he is involved in computational studies for evaluating the antiviral properties of natural compounds like flavonoids against pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Dr. Kollur’s research aims to bridge the gap between chemistry and medicine, with an emphasis on sustainable and effective solutions for global health challenges.

Publications

  1. In silico evaluation of flavonoids as effective antiviral agents on the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 🦠🔬 (Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2021)
  2. Genistein: a potent anti-breast cancer agent 💊🌸 (Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2021)
  3. Preparation, spectral characterization and biological applications of Schiff base ligand and its transition metal complexes 🧪💚 (Results in Chemistry, 2019)
  4. Palladium (II) complexes as biologically potent metallo-drugs: Synthesis, spectral characterization, DNA interaction studies and antibacterial activity 💡🧬 (Spectrochimica Acta, 2013)
  5. Aqueous Extract of Saraca indica Leaves in the Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: Finding a Way towards Going Green 🌱🔋 (Journal of Nanotechnology, 2017)
  6. Detection of Quorum Sensing Molecules and Biofilm Formation in Ralstonia solanacearum 🦠🧫 (Current Microbiology, 2016)
  7. Synthesis, characterization, antioxidant, antimicrobial, DNA binding and cleavage studies of mononuclear Cu (II) and Co (II) complexes ⚗️🧬 (European Journal of Chemistry, 2011)
  8. Oxovanadium complexes with bidentate N, O ligands: synthesis, characterization, DNA binding, nuclease activity and antimicrobial studies 🧪🦠 (Chemical Sciences Journal, 2011)
  9. Green synthesis of MnO2 nanorods using Phyllanthus amarus plant extract and their fluorescence studies 🌱🔬 (Green Processing and Synthesis, 2017)
  10. Biogenic Synthesis of NiO Nanoparticles Using Areca catechu Leaf Extract and Their Antidiabetic and Cytotoxic Effects 🌿💊 (Molecules, 2021)

Conclusion

Dr. Shiva Prasad Kollur is an accomplished and highly productive academic professional with a robust research portfolio, extensive mentoring experience, and leadership in global scientific collaborations. His interdisciplinary research in chemistry, especially in areas related to green chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedical applications, positions him as a leader in his field. With his continued contribution to science through publications, teaching, and global collaborations, Dr. Kollur is undoubtedly a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.Given his strong academic record, research impact, mentorship, and service to the scientific community, Dr. Kollur represents the qualities of an exceptional researcher and educator. With the opportunity to expand his outreach and explore new interdisciplinary collaborations, his future contributions could have an even greater impact on both academia and society.

Christos Mytafides | Materials Engineering Award | Excellence in Innovation

Dr Christos Mytafides | Materials Engineering Award | Excellence in Innovation

Dr Christos Mytafides , University of Ioannina, Greece

Christos Mytafides is a distinguished researcher in advanced multifunctional materials and energy-harvesting technologies. Born on July 14, 1985, in Xanthi, Greece, he currently resides in Chania, Crete. Christos earned his Ph.D. from the University of Ioannina, focusing on printed electronics and energy-harvesting composites. His work is well-regarded for its innovation in integrating advanced materials into structural composites. He has held various roles, including Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Technical University of Crete and R&D Engineer at ARCO/Murray. Christos has been a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Miami and has collaborated with leading institutions like Eindhoven University of Technology. His research has led to multiple publications and patents, and he continues to push the boundaries of material science and sustainability.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Christos Mytafides holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of Ioannina, where he specialized in advanced multifunctional energy-harvesting materials (2018-2023). His Master’s Degrees include one in Advanced Materials from the University of Ioannina (2016-2018), focusing on optoelectronic and magnetic materials, and another in Environmental Engineering & Science from Democritus University of Thrace (2013-2015), emphasizing energy-efficient designs. He also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering from the International Hellenic University (2003-2009), where he studied structural analysis and restoration. Additionally, Christos completed online courses in Quantum Physics, Sustainable Energy, and other relevant fields from prestigious institutions like Stanford and MIT. His comprehensive education reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of materials science and engineering.

Experience 

Christos Mytafides has a diverse professional background in materials science and engineering. Currently a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Technical University of Crete, he works on advanced composite materials. Previously, he served as a Research & Development Engineer at ARCO/Murray, focusing on structural and sustainability engineering. He was involved in several projects at the University of Ioannina, including Horizon 2020 and NSRF projects related to energy harvesting and smart materials. Christos also gained valuable experience during his Fulbright Scholarship at the University of Miami, researching multifunctional composites. His work as a Lab Assistant and Teaching Assistant at various universities, including Eindhoven University of Technology and Democritus University of Thrace, further underscores his expertise in both research and education. His experience spans across different research laboratories and practical engineering roles, reflecting a robust career in material science.

Awards and Honors

Christos Mytafides has received significant recognition for his contributions to materials science and energy-harvesting technologies. He was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship for his research at the University of Miami, which highlights his innovative work in multifunctional composites. His research has been recognized in various prestigious journals, underscoring the impact of his contributions to advanced materials and energy-harvesting technologies. Christos has also been involved in notable projects such as Horizon 2020 and NSRF, further cementing his reputation in the field. His work on advanced composites and energy-harvesting materials has earned him several accolades, including publication in high-impact journals like Materials Advances and Journal of Power Sources. His commitment to advancing the field of materials science is reflected in the numerous awards and honors he has received throughout his career.

Research Focus 

Christos Mytafides’s research focuses on advanced multifunctional materials and energy-harvesting technologies. His work primarily explores the integration of printed electronics with structural composites to develop innovative energy-harvesting solutions. He is particularly interested in developing and characterizing materials that can efficiently convert and store energy. His research includes the design and fabrication of high-performance solar cells, thermoelectric generators, and other energy-harvesting devices. Christos’s work also encompasses optoelectronic and magnetic materials, with applications in sustainable energy systems and smart textiles. His contributions to the field have led to significant advancements in the efficiency and functionality of composite materials. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, Christos aims to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering, addressing contemporary challenges in energy sustainability and advanced material development.

Publication Top Notes

“A hierarchically modified fibre-reinforced polymer composite laminate with graphene nanotube coatings operating as an efficient thermoelectric generator” 🌐 Energy Advances, 2024

“Integrated architectures of printed electronics with energy-harvesting capabilities in advanced structural composites” 📚 University of Ioannina, 2023

“Carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates as through-thickness thermoelectric generators” 🛠️ Composites Science and Technology, 2023

“Fully printed and flexible carbon nanotube-based thermoelectric generator capable for high-temperature applications” ⚡ Journal of Power Sources, 2022

“Printed single-wall carbon nanotube-based Joule heating devices integrated as functional laminae in advanced composites” 🔬 ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2021

“A high performance flexible and robust printed thermoelectric generator based on hybridized Te nanowires with PEDOT: PSS” 🔋 Applied Energy, 2021