Jin Luo | Dielectric Materials | Best Researcher Award

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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.

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.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 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

 

 

Silvia Vilčeková | Sustainable construction | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Silvia Vilčeková | Sustainable construction | Best Researcher Award

Prof Silvia Vilčeková, Technical University of Košice, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Slovakia

Silvia Vilčeková is a distinguished professor at the Technical University of Košice (TUKE), Slovakia, with a career dedicated to sustainable construction and environmental engineering. Currently serving as the Director of the Institute of Sustainable and Circular Construction at TUKE, she has significantly contributed to the fields of indoor environmental quality, sustainability assessment, and life cycle assessment of building materials. With over two decades of experience, Silvia has held key positions including Head of the Department of Environmental Engineering and has been involved in various high-impact research projects. Beyond academia, she is also an accomplished sustainability consultant, founding SILCERT, s.r.o., where she leads projects related to LEED, BREEAM, and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Her expertise is recognized through multiple awards, making her a leading figure in sustainable building practices.

Publication Profile

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Strengths

  1. Academic and Professional Leadership: Silvia Vilčeková has held prominent positions at the Technical University of Košice (TUKE), including her current role as the Director of the Institute of Sustainable and Circular Construction. Her leadership in the field of Environmental Engineering, as well as her involvement in sustainability projects, reflects her strong academic and research capabilities.
  2. Research Contributions: With a robust portfolio of published works, including journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers, Vilčeková has made significant contributions to the fields of indoor environmental quality, sustainable construction, and life cycle assessment of building materials. Her research addresses crucial aspects of sustainability in the built environment.
  3. Industry Expertise: Beyond academia, Vilčeková has established her expertise as a senior sustainability consultant through her involvement with companies like SALVIS and SILCERT. Her work on projects certified by LEED and BREEAM demonstrates her practical impact on sustainable construction practices.
  4. Recognition and Awards: Vilčeková’s recognition through various awards, such as the Prize for Scientific and Professional Literature, highlights her contributions to the scientific community.

Areas for Improvement

  1. International Collaboration: While Vilčeková has an impressive portfolio, expanding her international collaboration networks could further enhance her global research impact.
  2. Public Engagement: Increasing her public engagement and outreach efforts, particularly through conferences, workshops, and public lectures, could help in disseminating her research findings to a broader audience.

Education

Silvia Vilčeková’s academic journey is rooted in the Technical University of Košice (TUKE), Slovakia. She earned her PhD in Environmental Engineering in 2003, with her doctoral thesis focused on the impact of nitrogen oxides in indoor environments. Furthering her specialization, she achieved the title of Associate Professor in Building Construction in 2009, with her habilitation thesis examining the intricate relationship between buildings and the environment. Her dedication to advancing sustainable construction was solidified in 2021 when she was appointed as a full Professor at TUKE. Complementing her academic credentials, Silvia holds several prestigious certifications, including the WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) from the International WELL Building Institute, LEED Green Associate from the US Green Building Council, and Individual Verifier certifications from international organizations like the International EPD® System in Sweden and EPD-Norge in Norway, highlighting her commitment to global sustainability standards.

Experience

Silvia Vilčeková’s professional experience spans over two decades, marked by key leadership roles at the Technical University of Košice (TUKE), Slovakia. She currently serves as the Director of the Institute of Sustainable and Circular Construction, where she oversees research and educational activities focused on sustainable building practices. Previously, she was the Head of the Department of Environmental Engineering at TUKE, guiding research initiatives and curricula in environmental engineering. Silvia has also contributed significantly to the Institute of Environmental Engineering and the Institute of Building and Environment at TUKE. Beyond academia, she is the founder and Senior Sustainability Consultant at SILCERT, s.r.o., where she leads projects on sustainability certifications such as LEED and BREEAM, and the development of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Her consulting firm, SALVIS, s.r.o., further reflects her expertise in sustainable construction, making her a recognized leader in the field.

Awards and Honors 

Silvia Vilčeková has been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout her career, underscoring her contributions to environmental engineering and sustainable construction. Among her most notable accolades is the Prize for Scientific and Professional Literature in the category of Natural and Technical Sciences, which she received in 2017 for her scientific monograph on the occurrence of organic compounds in the indoor environment. This prestigious award highlights her pioneering research in indoor environmental quality. In addition, Silvia has been an influential member of key technical committees, including serving as Chairman of the Technical Committee TK112 for Sustainable Construction and a member of the Technical Committee TK109 for Facility Management. Her leadership in these committees reflects her commitment to advancing sustainability practices at both national and international levels. Silvia’s dedication to her field is further demonstrated by her role as a verifier for various Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) systems across Europe.

Research Focus

Silvia Vilčeková’s research focuses on advancing sustainable and circular construction practices, with a particular emphasis on indoor environmental quality and life cycle assessment of building materials. At the Technical University of Košice (TUKE), Slovakia, where she serves as the Director of the Institute of Sustainable and Circular Construction, Silvia leads cutting-edge research projects that explore the environmental impact of building materials throughout their life cycle. Her work involves detailed assessments of indoor environmental quality, including the monitoring of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. Silvia’s research also extends to the development and implementation of sustainability assessment methods and certification systems, such as LEED and BREEAM, for buildings. She has contributed to numerous publications and book chapters, sharing her findings on the importance of sustainable construction practices in reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing the overall sustainability of the built environment.

Publication Top Notes

  1. 📘 “Building Materials Circularity of Green Roofs” (2024) – Book chapter, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44955-0_47
  2. 🏙️ “The impact of green roofs’ composition on its overall life cycle” (2024) – Journal article, DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122363
  3. 🏢 “Prioritization of Sustainability Dimensions and Indicators for Office Buildings” (2023) – Book chapter, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-38766-1_5
  4. 🔄 “End-of-Life Stage Analysis of Building Materials in Relation to Circular Construction” (2023) – Conference paper, DOI: 10.3390/engproc2023057043
  5. 🌍 “Potential for Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Buildings” (2023) – Conference paper, DOI: 10.3390/engproc2023057006
  6. 💡 “Analysis of Equivalent CO2 Emissions of the Irrigation System—A Case Study” (2023) – Journal article, DOI: 10.3390/su152316240
  7. 🔌 “Life cycle assessment of LED luminaire and impact on lighting installation – A case study” (2023) – Journal article, DOI: 10.1016/j.aej.2023.08.068
  8. 🏠 “Influence of the Heating System on the Indoor Environmental Quality—Case Study” (2022) – Journal article, DOI: 10.3390/buildings12081088
  9. 🌿 “An Extensive Study for a Wide Utilization of Green Architecture Parameters in Built Environment Based on Genetic Schemes” (2021) – Journal article, DOI: 10.3390/buildings11110507
  10. 🏡 “Towards an Adaptation of Efficient Passive Design for Thermal Comfort Buildings” (2021) – Journal article, DOI: 10.3390/su13179570

Conclusion

Silvia Vilčeková’s extensive experience in sustainable construction, leadership roles, and significant research contributions make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work not only advances academic knowledge but also impacts the construction industry, making her deserving of this recognition. Expanding her international collaborations and public engagement could further amplify her influence in the field.

Yeonsik Choi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr Yeonsik Choi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr Yeonsik Choi, Yonsei University , South Korea

Yeonsik Choi earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, focusing on novel functional polymeric nanomaterials for energy harvesting. Prior, he completed an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering and a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering at Yonsei University, Seoul. His academic journey includes scholarships such as the Cambridge Trust Scholar and numerous awards recognizing his research contributions.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Yeonsik Choi earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, focusing on novel functional polymeric nanomaterials for energy harvesting. Prior, he completed an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering and a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering at Yonsei University, Seoul. His academic journey includes scholarships such as the Cambridge Trust Scholar and numerous awards recognizing his research contributions.

Experience 

Dr. Choi serves as an Assistant Professor at Yonsei University and holds affiliations with multiple institutions including Gangnam Severance Hospital and Pohang University of Science and Technology. Previously, he was a NIH K99 Postdoctoral Fellow at Northwestern University, investigating bioresorbable electronics for cardiac therapy and gene therapy methods for atrial fibrillation.

Awards and Honors 

Yeonsik Choi has received prestigious awards including the Presidential Award for promoting health and medical technology in South Korea. He is a recipient of the MRS Postdoctoral Award, Baxter Young Investigator Award, and multiple grants such as the QSIB Opportunity Grant and NIH Pathway to Independence Award. His accolades reflect excellence in research in bioelectronics, healthcare R&D, and innovation in materials science.

Research Focus 

Dr. Choi’s research focuses on bioresorbable polymers and electronic medicine, advancing applications in cardiac electrotherapy and biomedical engineering. His work integrates materials science with biomedical applications, emphasizing innovative approaches to enhance healthcare technologies. Choi’s contributions include developing novel polymeric nanomaterials for energy harvesting and exploring gene therapy methods for treating cardiac conditions like atrial fibrillation.

Publication Top Notes

Fully implantable and bioresorbable cardiac pacemakers without leads or batteries

Controlling and assessing the quality of aerosol jet printed features for large area and flexible electronics

Stretchable, dynamic covalent polymers for soft, long-lived bioresorbable electronic stimulators designed to facilitate neuromuscular regeneration

Photocurable bioresorbable adhesives as functional interfaces between flexible bioelectronic devices and soft biological tissues

A transient, closed-loop network of wireless, body-integrated devices for autonomous electrotherapy

Piezoelectric Nylon‐11 Nanowire Arrays Grown by Template Wetting for Vibrational Energy Harvesting Applications

 

Agnieszka Pieniążek | Sustainability Award | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Agnieszka Pieniążek | Sustainability Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr Agnieszka Pieniążek, Institute of Physics PAS , Poland

Agnieszka Pieniążek 🌟 is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Physics PAS, Warsaw, Poland. She completed her doctoral studies in Physical Sciences and holds master’s degrees in Analytical Chemistry and Applied Physics from leading Polish universities. Agnieszka’s research focuses on wide bandgap semiconductors, perovskites, and nanostructures, exploring their optical and electronic properties. She has authored 22 SCI and Scopus indexed articles and holds a patent for quantum nanostructures. Recognized for her Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation by the Polish Society for Crystal Growth, she continues to contribute significantly to the field of materials science and semiconductor physics.

 

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Agnieszka Pieniążek pursued her academic journey with dedication and achievement. She completed her Doctoral Studies in Physical Sciences at the Institute of Physics PAS, Warsaw, Poland, spanning from October 2013 to June 2019. Prior to that, she earned a Master’s Degree in Analytical Chemistry from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Faculty of Chemistry, Lublin, Poland, during October 2008 to July 2013. Her educational foundation also includes a Master’s Degree in Applied Physics from the same university’s Faculty of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, obtained between October 2007 and July 2012. 🎓

Awards

In June 2022, Agnieszka Pieniążek was honored with the Award from the Polish Society for Crystal Growth for her Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation titled “Local Optical Properties of ZnO Microrods Grown by Hydrothermal Method.” This prestigious accolade recognizes her exceptional research contributions in the field of crystal growth and semiconductor optics. Agnieszka’s dissertation delved into the intricate optical characteristics of ZnO microrods, cultivated through innovative hydrothermal techniques. Her work not only expands the understanding of semiconductor materials but also underscores her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and applications in materials science. 🏆

Research Focus

Agnieszka Pieniążek 🌟 specializes in the research of wide bandgap semiconductors, perovskites, and nanostructures. Her work primarily revolves around investigating the optical and electronic properties of these materials, with a focus on understanding defects, structural dynamics, and their implications for optoelectronic applications. Through her studies, she explores topics such as the bandgap pressure coefficient in perovskite thin films, interdiffusion phenomena in semiconductor alloys, and the cathodoluminescence patterns of semiconductor microrods. Agnieszka’s contributions significantly advance the field of materials science, particularly in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of semiconductor devices for renewable energy and optoelectronics.

 

Publication Top Notes

“Can a bistable amphoteric native defect model explain the photo-induced transformation of MAPbI3 thin films?” by A. Pienia̧żek et al., Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 2024, 274, 112974 📄 Cited by: 0

“Investigation of interdiffusion in thin films of ZnO/ZnCdO grown by molecular beam epitaxy” by M. Stachowicz et al., Thin Solid Films, 2023, 781, 140003 📄 Cited by: 3

“Bandgap Pressure Coefficient of a CH3NH3PbI3 Thin Film Perovskite” by A. Pienia̧żek et al., Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 2023, 14(28), pp. 6470–6476 📄 Cited by: 4

“Mixology of MA1-xEAxPbI3 Hybrid Perovskites: Phase Transitions, Cation Dynamics, and Photoluminescence” by M. Šimėnas et al., Chemistry of Materials, 2022, 34(22), pp. 10104–10112 📄 Cited by: 13

“Detailed surface studies on the reduction of Al incorporation into AlGaN grown by molecular beam epitaxy in the Ga-droplet regime” by D. Majchrzak et al., Vacuum, 2022, 202, 111168 📄 Cited by: 6