Vesna Tomašić | Photocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Vesna Tomašić | Photocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Prof,  University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Croatia 

Vesna Tomašić is a full professor at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, specializing in chemical reaction engineering and catalysis. Since earning her doctorate in 1999, she has held key academic and administrative positions, including head of the doctoral program in Chemical Engineering. She has mentored numerous students and supervised several international collaborations, contributing significantly to chemical engineering advancements in Croatia and abroad. Known for her dedication to environmental protection technologies, particularly air pollution abatement, her work has earned her prestigious national and international recognitions. Tomašić actively participates in global scientific communities, furthering research in catalyst development and reactor optimization. 🧪🌍

Profile

scholar

Education 🎓

1999: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb1993: Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb1990: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering Her academic journey laid a robust foundation for her expertise in catalysis, chemical reactors, and environmental protection technologies. 📘🔬

Professional Experience  🏢

2017 – Present: Full Professor in Tenure, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb2011 – 2017: Full Professor2006 – 2011: Associate Professor2002 – 2006: Assistant Professor Throughout her career, Tomašić has led various departmental roles, including Vice-Dean for Teaching and Science, and served on significant scientific committees, contributing to the institution’s growth and international collaborations. 🏫👩‍🏫

Awards and Honors 🏆

2011: Special Award for Doctoral Training Quality Promotion, University of Zagreb2008: Franjo Hanaman Award for Faculty Promotion2005: Recognition for Chemical Engineering Promotion, Croatian Society of Chemical Engineers These accolades underscore her dedication to academic excellence, research mentorship, and chemical engineering advocacy. 🎖️👏

Research Focus 🔍

Her research revolves around catalytic reaction engineering, air pollution abatement, and the development of advanced oxidation technologies. Key collaborations include projects with France, China, and regional European institutions, focusing on novel catalysts for environmental sustainability. She is renowned for her work on monolithic and membrane reactors, VOC removal, and zeolite-based catalysts. 🌿🔧

📚 Publications Top Notes

State-of-the-art in the monolithic catalysts/reactors” (2006)
Comprehensive review of monolithic catalysts and reactors, focusing on their preparation, properties, and applications in various chemical processes, particularly environmental catalysis. The study highlights advantages such as low pressure drop and high mass transfer efficiency.

“Application of the monoliths in DeNOx catalysis” (2007)
This work discusses the utilization of monolithic structures in DeNOx systems for NOx removal. Emphasis is placed on their efficiency in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) processes and their potential to meet stringent environmental regulations.

“Photocatalytic oxidation of toluene in the gas phase” (2008)
The study models an annular photocatalytic reactor for toluene degradation, providing insights into the kinetics and efficiency of gas-phase photocatalytic reactions, essential for air pollution control technologies.

“Heterogena fotokataliza: osnove i primjena za obradu onečišćenog zraka” (2011)
A foundational text in Croatian on heterogeneous photocatalysis, detailing its principles and practical applications for air purification, particularly in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

“Photocatalytic degradation of imidacloprid” (2021)
Focuses on the degradation of the pesticide imidacloprid in a flat-plate photoreactor under UVA and simulated solar conditions, analyzing operating parameters, reaction kinetics, and environmental implications.

“Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 particle fractions in an urban area” (2018)
Investigates the distribution and health impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particulate matter of different sizes, emphasizing urban air pollution monitoring and mitigation strategies.

“Catalytic reduction of NOx over Cu/ZSM-5 catalyst” (1998)
This early work explores Cu/ZSM-5 catalysts’ performance in NOx reduction, addressing challenges in developing effective catalytic systems for exhaust gas purification.

“Non-ideal flow in an annular photocatalytic reactor” (2012)
Analyzes flow dynamics in annular reactors, critical for optimizing photocatalytic processes in real-world applications by improving reaction efficiency and reactor design.

“Photocatalytic degradation of the herbicide terbuthylazine” (2015)
Examines the degradation of terbuthylazine using TiO₂/chitosan composite layers, focusing on immobilized photocatalysts for sustainable herbicide removal from water sources.

Conclusion:

Vesna Tomašić is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her significant contributions in teaching, research, and mentorship. Her leadership in organizing scientific events and her recognition from prominent institutions further affirm her status as a leading expert in chemical engineering. While there are always opportunities for broader collaboration, her proven track record makes her a highly deserving nominee for this prestigious award.

Joseph Stancanello | Medical | Excellence in Innovation

Dr. Joseph Stancanello | Medical | Excellence in Innovation

Vicepresident, Elekta, France

Joseph Stancanello (b. 09/03/1976) is a global healthcare technology leader with a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Politecnico di Milano. 🌍 With executive roles across top medical companies like Elekta, Guerbet, and Siemens Healthcare, he has driven innovation in radiotherapy and imaging systems. ✨ An expert in P&L management, business development, and R&D, Joseph bridges clinical, regulatory, and business needs. He excels in defining value propositions and fostering innovation through strategic partnerships and mergers. 💡 Beyond his corporate impact, he reviews cancer research proposals for European TRANSCAN calls and AI funding for the Italian Ministry of Research. 🧠 His expertise spans AI, radiotherapy, and advanced imaging technologies, addressing both patient care and market growth.

Publication Profile

scopus

Education🎓

Joseph Stancanello has a Ph.D. in Bioengineering and an MSc in Biomedical Engineering, both magna cum laude from Politecnico di Milano. 🌟 He also earned an Executive MBA from MIP Politecnico di Milano, securing the 2010 Best Dissertation Prize. 🎖️ His educational foundation includes:  Executive education at INSEAD, SDA Bocconi, and MIT-Sloan School of Management.  Specialized programs like “Finance for Executives” and “Driving Strategic Innovation. nA classical education background from “Secusio” Liceo in Italy (60/60). Joseph combines technical expertise with business acumen, driving healthcare innovation globally.

Experience 🌍

Joseph Stancanello has over two decades of global healthcare experience: VP Clinical Applications, Elekta (2021–Present): Leads global teams in advancing radiotherapy imaging and therapy solutions. Director of Marketing AI, Guerbet (2019–2021): Launched AI-based cancer diagnostics solutions. CEO, Oncoradiomics (2017–2019): Managed VC fundraising and global business strategies. Leadership roles at GE and Siemens (2007–2015): Spearheaded MRI research, workflows, and innovative imaging techniques.

Awards & Honors🏆 

Joseph Stancanello has received multiple accolades for his contributions to healthcare: Best Dissertation Prize, Politecnico di Milano Executive MBA, 2010. Invited reviewer for European TRANSCAN cancer calls and AI projects (2022–2024). Recognized for advancing imaging systems and radiotherapy applications globally.
These achievements underscore his leadership in healthcare technology and research.

Research Focus 🌟

Advanced radiotherapy techniques and imaging for cancer care. 📊 AI in healthcare, focusing on diagnostic and predictive tools  Morphological and functional imaging in radiosurgery. Bridging clinical needs with technology innovations to improve patient outcomes His research drives precision medicine and healthcare transformation globally.

Publications

  • Evolution of AI in Medical Imaging: The review by Avanzo et al. (2024) emphasizes the integration of computer science principles with machine and deep learning techniques to enhance medical imaging applications.
  • Head and Neck Cancer Prognosis: Studies by Wang et al. (2022) and Lombardo et al. (2021) develop convolutional neural network (CNN)-based models for predicting cancer prognosis and metastasis, demonstrating the potential of AI in clinical oncology.
  • Radiomics and Deep Learning: The series of works, including a review in Strahlentherapie und Onkologie (2020), explore how combining radiomics and deep learning improves tumor response prediction and radiotherapy outcomes.
  • Lung Cancer and Radiomics: Multiple studies, including Avanzo et al. (2021), utilize CT imaging and biologically effective dose data in radiomics to enhance predictive models for robotic lung stereotactic radiation therapy.
  • Fibrosis and Dosimetry: Avanzo and colleagues (2020) focus on using machine learning to predict radiation-induced fibrosis, advancing personalized medicine approaches in radiotherapy.
  • AI in Hybrid Imaging: Castiglioni et al. (2019) detail how AI-based tools in hybrid imaging facilitate multi-parametric decision-making, underscoring the versatility of AI in various imaging modalities.
  • Practical Applications in IOERT: Research on intraoperative electron radiotherapy (Avanzo et al., 2020) addresses dosimetry challenges and tissue inhomogeneities, bridging AI with practical clinical applications.
  • Clinical Trials in Breast Cancer: Long-term outcomes of partial breast irradiation trials (Vinante et al., 2019) highlight advancements in treatment protocols facilitated by AI-enhanced imaging analysis.

Conclusion

Dr. Joseph Stancanello’s exemplary leadership in medical imaging, AI-driven solutions, and radiotherapy innovation makes him an ideal candidate for the Research for Excellence in Innovation Award. His ability to bridge technical expertise with strategic foresight has significantly influenced global healthcare innovation. Continued efforts to expand his publication record and integrate broader societal benefits into his projects would further enhance his profile. This evaluation underscores his readiness to receive this recognition as a pioneer in healthcare innovation.