Elias Christoforides | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Elias Christoforides | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Elias Christoforides | Agricultural University of Athens | Greece

Dr. Elias Christoforides is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Agricultural University of Athens (A.U.A), specializing in structural biology, biophysics, supramolecular chemistry, and computational methods. He holds degrees in Agricultural Biotechnology, Supramolecular Chemistry, and a Ph.D. in Structural Biology and Crystallography, and since 2016 has taught biophysics-related courses at A.U.A. and the University of West Attica. His research focuses on cyclodextrin inclusion complexes with food ingredients, natural products, and pharmaceutical compounds, employing X-ray crystallography, UV analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to explore host–guest interactions with applications in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. He has published more than twenty peer-reviewed papers, a book chapter, and presented at over forty conferences, while also serving as a reviewer for more than two hundred manuscripts across fifty-seven scientific journals. His work has contributed new insights into complexes involving cholesterol, estradiol, cannabidiol, piperine, citral, geraniol, and flavonoids, advancing encapsulation and drug delivery technologies. Through collaborations with institutions such as NCSR Demokritos, the National Hellenic Research Foundation, and the Medical University of Warsaw, Dr. Christoforides has significantly expanded the structural and functional understanding of bioactive compounds, earning international recognition for his contributions to translational research and innovation in applied biophysics.

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Featured Publications

Szeleszczuk, L., Bethanis, K., Christoforides, E., & Pisklak, D. M. (2025). Combining X-ray and NMR crystallography to explore the structural disorder in racemic propranolol hydrochloride.

Araj, S. K., Szeleszczuk, L., Gubica, T., Zielińska-Pisklak, M., Bethanis, K., Christoforides, E., Dudek, M. K., & Pisklak, D. M. (2025). Physicochemical and structural analysis of N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester (Noopept) – An active pharmaceutical ingredient with nootropic activity

Christoforides, E., Andreou, A., Koskina, P., & Bethanis, K. (2025). Selective crystallization of trans-nerolidol in β-cyclodextrin: Crystal structure and molecular dynamics analysis.

Mazurek, A. H., Szeleszczuk, L., Bethanis, K., Christoforides, E., Dudek, M. K., Wielgus, E., & Pisklak, D. M. (2024). 17-β-Estradiol-β-cyclodextrin complex as an aqueous solution: Structural and physicochemical characterization supported by MM and QM calculations.

Bethanis, K., Christoforides, E., Andreou, A., & Hatziagapiou, K. (2024). Crystal structure of cannabidiol inclusion complexes in native and methylated β-cyclodextrins. Acta Crystallographica Section A: Foundations and Advances.

Vllaznim Mula | Chemistry | Best Faculty Award

Mr. Vllaznim Mula | Chemistry | Best Faculty Award

Mr. Vllaznim Mula | Institute of Chemistry, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University | Best Faculty Award

Dr. Vllaznim Mula, a Kosovar chemist specializing in environmental and analytical chemistry, has built an impressive academic and research career dedicated to advancing air quality monitoring and innovative sensing technologies. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (2010) and Master of Science in Chemistry with a specialization in Environmental Analytical Chemistry (2014) at the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina,” achieving excellent academic records with top grades. His Master’s thesis focused on the electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide using ruthenium nanoparticle-based sensors, laying the foundation for his long-term research in environmental monitoring. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, with anticipated defense in 2025. His doctoral research investigates the assessment and characterization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor and outdoor air using passive sampling coupled with advanced analytical techniques. Professionally, he has been serving as a full-time Assistant at the University “Fehmi Agani” in Gjakova since 2018, where he has been reappointed multiple times due to his academic contributions. Dr. Mula has authored several high-impact scientific publications indexed in Web of Science and Scopus, with notable works in Atmosphere, Aerosol and Air Quality Research, and the Macedonian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. His research collaborations extend internationally, addressing cross-border environmental challenges in Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Italy. Actively engaged in scientific dissemination, he has presented his findings at international conferences and workshops, contributing to knowledge on air pollution, environmental risks, and sustainable solutions.

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Featured Publications

Mula, V., Bogdanov, J., Stanoeva, J. P., Zeneli, L., Mehmeti, V., Gelmini, F., Daci, A., Berisha, A., Zdravkovski, Z., & Beretta, G. (2025). Semi-quantitative characterization of volatile organic compounds in indoor and outdoor air using passive samplers: A case study of Milan, Italy. Atmosphere, 16(9), 1088.

Mehmeti, V., Mula, V., Maiga, M. D., Seydou, M., Dagdag, O., Berisha, A., & Kaya, S. (2025). DFT analysis of fenethylline (Captagon): Investigating its interaction with graphene as a potential adsorbent. Macedonian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 44(1), 39–52.

Mula, V., Bogdanov, J., Stanoeva, J. P., Zeneli, L., & Zdravkovski, Z. (2024). Monitoring volatile organic compounds in air using passive sampling: Regional cross-border study between N. Macedonia and Kosovo. Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 24(1), 230170.

Mula, V., Bogdanov, J., Stanoeva, J. P., Zeneli, L., Berisha, A., & Zdravkovski, Z. (2024). Assessment of volatile organic compounds in indoor environments across North Macedonia and Kosovo using passive sampling. Macedonian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 43(2), 207–218.

Osmani, I., Mula, V., Hashani, Z., Bajraktari, D., & Zeneli, L. (2023). Heavy metals levels in raw cow’s milk and health risk implication from thermal power plants emission in Obilic, Kosova. Agriculture and Forestry, 69(4), 233–244.

Prof. Dr. Antonio Rescifina | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Antonio Rescifina | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Catania, Italy.

Prof. Dr. Antonio Rescifina, born on December 23, 1964, in Messina, Italy, is a distinguished researcher and professor in Organic Chemistry. He currently serves as a Full Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Catania, where he has been a member of the faculty since 1996. His research focuses on the synthesis of organic compounds with applications in pharmaceuticals, environmental chemistry, and materials science.

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Education 🎓

Prof. Rescifina holds a degree in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology from the University of Messina (1989), with honors. He later obtained another degree in Pharmacy (1991) and completed a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences with a specialization in Organic Chemistry from the University of Catania (1995).

Experience 💼

Prof. Rescifina has had an extensive career in research and teaching. He worked as a researcher at the University of Catania and the University of Messina before becoming a professor. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to scientific advancements in organic chemistry, working on numerous projects funded by both national and international organizations. His roles have included being a scientific coordinator of various research projects.

Research Interests 🔬

Organic Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Applications
Dr. Yucra's work primarily focuses on the synthesis of novel chemical compounds for pharmaceutical and industrial applications. His research aims to create more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions to current challenges in these sectors.

Carbon Dioxide Decarbonization & Valorization
He is committed to developing innovative carbon dioxide decarbonization and valorization processes, which aim to transform CO₂ from a harmful greenhouse gas into valuable industrial products, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Green Chemistry
Dr. Yucra emphasizes green chemistry principles, working on solutions that minimize environmental impact, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce the use of toxic chemicals, all while maintaining effective chemical processes.

Pharmaceutical Nanostructures
In his work on pharmaceutical nanostructures, he explores the development of nanoscale materials that can be used for targeted drug delivery, improving the effectiveness of treatments while reducing side effects.

Supramolecular Catalysis
His interest in supramolecular catalysis focuses on creating catalysts that work through non-covalent interactions, leading to more efficient and selective chemical reactions, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and green chemistry.

Sustainable Chemistry Materials
Finally, Dr. Yucra is involved in the design and development of innovative materials for sustainable chemistry, aiming to create alternatives to traditional chemical processes that are more sustainable, eco-friendly, and economically viable.

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Awards 🏆

Prof. Rescifina's work has earned him national recognition, including the prestigious Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale (National Scientific Qualification) for Full Professor in 2018.

His research contributions have been acknowledged in various funded projects and prestigious conferences.

Selected Publications 📚

Designing a Monolithic Photo-Fenton Catalyst Using a Fungal Hydroxypyrone Metabolic Derivative
Materials Today Chemistry
March 2025 | Journal article
Contributors: Elisabetta Grazia Tomarchio, Valentina Giglio, Chiara Zagni, Sabrina Carola Carroccio, Vincenzo Paratore, Guglielmo Guido Condorelli, Giuseppe Floresta, Sandro Dattilo, Antonio Rescifina.

Efficient Green Solvent-Free CO2/Epoxide Cycloaddition Catalyzed by a β-Cyclodextrin-Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid
Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry
March 2025 | Journal article
Contributors: Elisabetta Grazia Tomarchio, Chiara Zagni, Rita Turnaturi, Sandro Dattilo, Vincenzo Patamia, Giuseppe Floresta, Sabrina Carola Carroccio, Tommaso Mecca, Antonio Rescifina.

A Full Carbon-Based Thermoplastic Photocatalyst for Organic Pollutants Abatement: An Experimental and Computational Study
FlatChem
January 2025 | Journal article
Contributors: Lidia Mezzina, Angelo Nicosia, Vincenzo Patamia, Antonio Rescifina, Luisa D’Urso, Vincenzo Paratore, Placido Giuseppe Mineo.

Enhancing HDAC Inhibitor Screening: Addressing Zinc Parameterization and Ligand Protonation in Docking Studies
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
January 20, 2025 | Journal article
Contributors: Rocco Buccheri, Alessandro Coco, Lorella Pasquinucci, Emanuele Amata, Agostino Marrazzo, Antonio Rescifina.

Bio-Based Palladium Catalyst in Cryogel for Cross-Coupling Reactions
Materials Chemistry Frontiers
2024 | Journal article
Contributors: Elisabetta Grazia Tomarchio, Chiara Zagni, Vincenzo Paratore, Guglielmo Guido Condorelli, Sabrina Carola Carroccio, Antonio Rescifina.