Dr. SOFIA PAPADAKI | Chemical Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Dr. SOFIA PAPADAKI | Chemical Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Dr. SOFIA PAPADAKI, Senior Researcher, DIGNITY IKE, Greece

Sophia Papadaki, PhD, is a distinguished Chemical Engineer specializing in the sustainable recovery of value-added products from biomass. Her expertise spans hydrolysis, extraction techniques, and biomass processing to derive poly- and monosaccharides, proteins, antioxidants, and natural colorants. With over 70 publications, she is a prominent researcher in her field, contributing to European Commission-funded projects. Sophia’s work emphasizes drying and extraction technologies for biomass valorization, reflecting her commitment to integrating innovative and eco-friendly solutions.

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Strengths for the Award

Extensive Expertise: Dr. Sophia Papadaki is an accomplished chemical engineer with a PhD specializing in biomass valorization, a field critical for sustainable development. Her work includes the recovery of high-value compounds from biomass, utilizing innovative extraction methods.

Significant Research Contributions: She has co-authored over 70 publications in reputed journals, reflecting a strong academic output and her significant contributions to chemical engineering and environmental sustainability.

Recognition and Awards: Her achievements include multiple postdoctoral excellence scholarships and awards from prestigious institutions like IKY/Siemens. This demonstrates recognition of her work’s impact in industrial technology, nanotechnology, and food microbiology.

Project Leadership and Experience: As a co-founder and project manager at PRINSUS TECHNOVLASTOS IKE and DIGNITY P.C., she has led projects on sustainable technologies and feasibility studies, showcasing her leadership in applied industrial research.

International Collaboration: Her work with European Commission-funded projects (FP6, FP7, H2020) indicates a robust background in international research collaboration and proposal writing.

Areas for Improvement

Diversifying Research Focus: While her expertise in biomass valorization is strong, diversifying into emerging fields such as bioplastic development or renewable energy sources could further enhance her profile.

Increased Mentorship Roles: Although involved in research supervision, more active mentoring of junior researchers and PhD students could amplify her influence in the academic community.

Broader Impact of Publications: Expanding her publication outreach to include interdisciplinary journals may increase the visibility of her research beyond the chemical engineering field.

Education 🎓

Sophia Papadaki holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (2014), focusing on biomass exploitation and chemical pulp coloration using natural dyes. She completed her MSc in Energy Management and Environmental Protection Systems (2010) with a thesis on utilizing lignocellulosic materials for biofuel and chemical production. Her undergraduate degree (2008) from NTUA included specialization in organic industries and a thesis on synthesizing copolyesters.

Experience 🏢

Sophia has extensive experience in project management and research, serving as Co-founder of PRINSUS TECHNOVLASTOS IKE (2021-present), leading projects in the agri-food sector. She is also a Director at DIGNITY PRIVATE COMPANY, focusing on process integration and product development. Her research experience includes EU-funded projects at NTUA and roles at CERTH and MEDBIO S.A., showcasing her expertise in industrial processes and sustainable technologies.

Research Interests 🔬

Sophia’s research focuses on biomass valorization, emphasizing hydrolysis, extraction methods, and sustainable processing technologies. Her work involves developing eco-friendly methods for extracting bioactive compounds, optimizing processes through Life Cycle Analysis, and integrating drying techniques. She has a strong interest in the recovery of antioxidants, proteins, and natural colorants from renewable sources, aiming for innovative applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Awards and Honors 🏆

  • 2020: IKY Post Doctoral Excellence Scholarship for “CLEANET” project on corrosion protection in fish farming.
  • 2017: IKY/Siemens Scholarship for microalgal biomass drying process integration.
  • 2015: IKY/Siemens Scholarship for developing nutraceutical products from microalgal bioactive compounds.
  • 2017: Research Paper Award by the International Committee of Food Microbiology.
  • 2014: 2nd Prize at the Blue Growth Innovation Competition for Maritime Economy.

Publication Top Notes 📚

Sustainability (2024): Assessing sustainability in the meat processing industry after wastewater valorization.

Marine Drugs (2024): Innovative bioactive products from microalgae and process optimization.

Resources (2023): Green extraction of bioactive compounds from olive pomace.

Resources (2023): Valorization of peach and apricot waste using green solvents.

Waste (2023): Promoting biowaste management and industrial symbiosis.

 

Conclusion

Sophia Papadaki’s impressive track record, leadership in sustainable technologies, and contributions to biomass valorization make her an excellent candidate for the “Women Researcher Award.” Her diverse skills and recognized expertise align well with the award’s focus on innovation and impactful research, positioning her as a strong nominee who could serve as a role model for women in science and engineering.

Dr. Kyung Rok Lee | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award-1752

Dr. Kyung Rok Lee | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kyung Rok Lee, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea

Dr. Kyung Rok Lee is a dedicated researcher in chemical engineering, currently working as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Clean Energy Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). With expertise in catalysis and sustainable technology, he aims to develop innovative solutions for CO2 utilization and other environmental challenges. His research spans the synthesis and analysis of catalytic systems, focusing on sustainable chemical processes.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Kyung Rok Lee completed his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (2021) and B.S. in Chemical Engineering (2014) at Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. His doctoral research, under Prof. Jungwon Park, explored selective oxidation reactions, focusing on the electronic structure of active metals. This research contributed to pioneering methods in catalysis and sustainable chemical processes.

Experience 🏢

Since 2021, Dr. Lee has been a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Clean Energy Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology. Under Principal Researcher Dr. Kwang-Deog Jung, he has been advancing sustainable catalytic technologies, CO₂ hydrogenation, and catalyst design for commercialization. His expertise includes reactor design and scale-up studies, from lab scale to industrial applications.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Lee’s research centers on heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable solutions, including CO₂ utilization and conversion. His work encompasses developing catalytic systems, in-situ analysis to understand catalytic behavior, and theoretical modeling of catalytic properties. He is also invested in scaling lab-scale processes to industry, contributing to the commercialization of eco-friendly technologies.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Lee’s work in sustainable catalysis has been recognized within the scientific community. His innovative contributions in CO₂ hydrogenation and catalyst development have earned him nominations and accolades, marking him as a leading researcher in green technology.

Publication Top Notes 📚

Structural effect of Nitrogen/Carbon on the stability of anchored Ru catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to formate

Atomically dispersed Ru (III) on N-doped mesoporous carbon hollow spheres as catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to formate

Structural effects of nitrogen-doped titanium oxide supports on stabilization of ruthenium active species in carbon dioxide hydrogenation to formate

Sustainable synthesis of N-doped carbon to stabilize Ru species for CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid

Ordered Mesoporous Nitrogen Dope Carbon Synthesized from Aniline for Stabilization of Ruthenium Species in CO2 Hydrogenation to Formate

Atomically dispersed Ru(III) on N-doped mesoporous carbon hollow spheres as catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to formate

Nano-casting Synthesis of Highly Active Pd-Based Catalysts for Low-Temperature CO2 Hydrogenation

Influence ofNitrogen/Carbon Structure on the Stability of Immobilized Ruthenium Catalystsfor CO2 Hydrogenation to Formate

Dr. Asta Bronusiene | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Asta Bronusiene | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Asta Bronusiene, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania

Asta Bronusiene is a highly skilled Lithuanian chemist specializing in chalcogenides, structural material characterization, and solution synthesis methods. With a solid academic background in chemistry, she has contributed extensively to both research and industry. Currently serving as a researcher at the Kaunas University of Technology, she continues to explore innovative chemical synthesis techniques, and she is soon embarking on a postdoctoral research role at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius.

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Strengths for the Best Researcher Award

Asta Bronusiene has a solid academic background, with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree in Chemistry from Kaunas University of Technology. Her specialization in chalcogenides and structural material characterization, along with her practical experience in chemical synthesis and thin film deposition methods (CBD, SILAR, spin-coating, sol-gel), are strong assets for research recognition. Her post-doctoral role at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology further strengthens her research profile.

Areas for Improvement

While Asta has extensive experience in practical synthesis methods, her publication record is not explicitly mentioned in the CV. Enhancing visibility through high-impact publications and international collaborations could further strengthen her candidacy. Additionally, expanding language proficiency, particularly in German, may improve communication and collaboration in multinational projects.

🎓 Education

Asta Bronusiene holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry (2014), a Master’s degree in Chemistry (2016), and a Doctoral degree in Chemistry (2023), all from Kaunas University of Technology. Her educational background laid a strong foundation in chalcogenides and structural material characterization, which are key areas of her current research. She developed expertise in various chemical synthesis and thin film deposition techniques during her academic journey.

💼 Experience

Asta’s work experience spans both academia and industry. She began as a production worker at UAB “Mondelez Lietuva” (2013-2014) and then gained research experience as a laboratory assistant in inorganic chemistry at Kaunas University of Technology (2014-2016, 2018-2023). Between these periods, she worked as an anodizing specialist at UAB “TRATE” (2015-2017). In 2023, Asta joined I-dental as a chemical technologist before resuming her research career at Kaunas University of Technology. She is set to begin her postdoctoral work at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology in Vilnius in early 2024.

🔬 Research Interest

Asta’s research focuses on chalcogenides, structural material characterization, and solution synthesis methods. She is skilled in the chemical synthesis of sulfides (e.g., Mo, Cu, Sn), and has experience with various deposition techniques such as chemical bath deposition (CBD), successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR), and spin coating. She also works with thermal evaporation and magnetron sputtering for thin film deposition, particularly with zinc and aluminum.

🏅 Awards

While specific awards are not listed, Asta’s academic and research achievements demonstrate a commitment to scientific excellence and innovation, particularly in her contributions to material science through her work in chemistry.

📚 Publication Top Notes

The Impact of Thermal Treatment on the Structural, Optical and Electrochemical Characteristics of Tin Sulfide Films

Facile Synthesis and Characterization of TiO<sub>2</sub>/SnS Nanocomposites by Eco-Friendly Methods

Green synthesis of tin sulfide films for potential applications in supercapacitors and the effect of annealing
Effect of Reducing Agent on Characteristics and Antibacterial Activity of Copper-Containing Particles in Textile Materials
Antibacterial Activity of Copper Particles Embedded in Knitted Fabrics
Effect of ascorbic acid on the properties of tin sulfide films for supercapacitor application
Deposition and properties of mixed molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) and copper sulfide (CuxS) films on glass surface using elemental sulfur as a precursor
Preparation and characterization of tin sulfide films with or without sodium chloride

Conclusion

Asta Bronusiene has the foundational skills, experience, and expertise to be a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, focusing on publication achievements and broader international involvement could elevate her profile further for this prestigious recognition.