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.

Profile

Orcid

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.

Mr. Dimitrios Marinis | Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Dimitrios Marinis, University of Patras, Greece

Marinis Dimitrios is a passionate Chemical Engineer and PhD candidate at the University of Patras. With a strong background in material science and plasma technology, he is actively involved in cutting-edge research on recycling composite materials using plasma processes. Marinis has presented his work at prominent international conferences and contributed to several scientific publications. He is committed to advancing sustainable technologies and innovative methods for material recovery.

Strengths for the Award

Marinis Dimitrios demonstrates strong academic credentials, having completed a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering with notable research in plasma technology, and is currently pursuing a PhD. His research in the recycling of composite materials using plasma processes is highly relevant and innovative, contributing to sustainability—a critical field today. Dimitrios has also published research papers and presented at international conferences, showing active engagement in scientific discourse. His technical skills in material characterization, chemical analysis, and simulation software like Aspen HYSYS enhance his research capabilities.

Areas for Improvement

While Dimitrios has a promising academic trajectory, expanding his language proficiency, especially to higher levels of English, could aid in greater international collaboration. Additionally, more teaching experience and involvement in interdisciplinary projects could further broaden his skill set and research impact.

🎓 Education

2022: Master of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras.
Master Thesis: Synthesis of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for medical applications.
Grade: 7.37/10

2023 – Present: PhD Candidate, Plasma Technology Laboratory, University of Patras.
Research Topic: Plasma processes for the recycling of composite materials.

💼 Experience

2023 – Present: Researcher at the Plasma Technology Laboratory, University of Patras.
Working on recycling carbon and glass fibers from composite materials using plasma-enhanced chemical methods.

2023 – 2024: Teaching Assistant, University of Patras.
Assisted in courses such as Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Processes Laboratory I, and Organic Chemistry.

2021: Internship, Center for Renewable Sources and Energy Saving (CRES), Pikermi Attica.
Participated in projects on bio-hydrogen production, performing chemical analyses and report writing.

🔬 Research Interests

Marinis’ research interests lie in sustainable chemical engineering solutions, particularly the recycling of composite materials using plasma technologies. His focus is on environmental impact reduction and advancing circular economy processes, with applications in material recovery and renewable energy.

📚 Publication Top Notes

“Chemical recovery of carbon fibers from composites via plasma-assisted solvolysis,” D. Marinis, E. Farsari, C. Alexandridou, E. Amanatides, D. Mataras, J Phys Conf Ser, 2692 (2024), 012017.
[Cited by 3 articles on material recovery processes]

“A Novel Plasma-Enhanced Solvolysis as Alternative for Recycling Composites,” D. Marinis, D. Markatos, E. Farsari, E. Amanatides, D. Mataras, S. Pantelakis, Polymers (Basel), 16 (2024), 2836.
[Cited by 5 articles on polymer recycling]