Elias Christoforides | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Profile:  Orcid

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

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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.

Profile: Orcid

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.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Constantinos D. Zeinalipour-Yazdi | Ammonia Synthesis | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Constantinos D. Zeinalipour-Yazdi | Ammonia Synthesis | Best Researcher Award

Northeastern University London, United Kingdom.

Dr. Constantinos D. Zeinalipour-Yazdi is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Northeastern University London. He is a distinguished researcher known for his contributions to catalysis, materials science, and computational modeling. His work focuses on understanding chemical reaction mechanisms and developing novel catalysts and materials for diverse applications. His research employs density functional theory (DFT) and other computational methods to investigate reaction pathways and material behaviors. He has led multiple high-impact projects and contributed significantly to advancing theoretical chemistry and material science.

Profile

Scopus
Orcid
Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Constantinos D. Zeinalipour-Yazdi earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego & San Diego State University in 2006. Following his doctorate, he held prestigious research fellowships and academic appointments at leading institutions worldwide. He was a Research Fellow at University College London (UCL), where he contributed to advancements in computational chemistry and catalysis. He also held positions at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, focusing on density functional theory (DFT) and materials science applications. His extensive experience spans collaborations with top-tier universities and research centers, making significant contributions to theoretical and computational chemistry.

💼 Experience

Dr. Constantinos D. Zeinalipour-Yazdi is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Northeastern University London, where he focuses on computational and theoretical chemistry. He previously served as a Research Fellow under the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation (RPF), contributing to groundbreaking research in molecular modeling and catalysis. As a Lead Investigator at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), he spearheaded studies on chemical reaction mechanisms and materials science applications. Additionally, he has been an active participant in multiple European Union and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)-funded projects, collaborating on cutting-edge advancements in energy materials, catalysis, and computational chemistry.

🔬 Research Interests

Catalysis & Reaction Mechanisms: Investigating ammonia and hydrazine synthesis mechanisms on metal nitrides.

Materials Science: Developing and optimizing catalysts for reactions such as the Water-Gas Shift reaction.

Computational Chemistry: Utilizing DFT and multiscale simulations to study material properties and reaction pathways.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

Multiple grants and research fellowships from EPSRC, EMSL, and EU Framework Programmes

Recognized for high-impact computational studies in catalysis and materials science

International Invention Awards recipient

📚 Selected Publications

A DFT assessment of the activation barrier for concerted proton transfer in cyclic water clusters (H₂O)ₙ where n = 3–8
Computational and Theoretical Chemistry (Feb 2025)
DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2024.115061
Co-authors: Numair Elahi

Emerging Trends in Palladium Nanoparticles: Sustainable Approaches for Enhanced Cross-Coupling Catalysis
Catalysts (Feb 2025)
DOI: 10.3390/catal15020181
Co-authors: Jude I. Ayogu, Numair Elahi

A study using physical sphere-in-contact models to investigate the structure of close-packed nanoparticles supported on flat hexagonal, square, and trigonal lattices
Chemical Physics (Jan 2025)
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2024.112464

3D Printed Sphere-in-Contact Models of Carbon Materials
Preprint (2024)
DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4985077
Co-authors: Toby Chai, David Pullman, Deborah Gater, James Kneller

A computational study of H-bonded networks in cyclic water clusters, (H₂O)ₙ (n = 3–12)
Journal of Molecular Modeling (2024)

 

 

 

Aamna Balouch | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Aamna Balouch | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

 Associate Professor of University of Sindh, Pakistan

Dr. Aamna Balouch 🎓, Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, is an Associate Professor at the National Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Pakistan 🏢. Her research focuses on nanomaterials, smart materials, and advanced analytical methods 🔬. She has received numerous awards, including the Best Researcher Award (2019) and Research Productivity Award (2012) 🏅. Dr. Balouch is a member of the American Chemical Society and the Chemical Society of Pakistan 🌍. She has also served as a visiting scientist in Turkey and completed postdoctoral research in Malaysia 🌟.

Professional Profile:

Education🎓

Dr. Aamna Balouch 🎓 holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Sindh, Pakistan (2004-2010) 📜. She completed a short-term Ph.D. course at Wake Forest University, USA (2007) 🌎 and a postdoctorate in Nanotechnology at the University Kebangsaan Malaysia (2012-2014) 🧪. Dr. Balouch was a visiting scientist at Istanbul Technical University, Turkey (2020-2021) 🌟. She also earned a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Sindh, securing the first position in her class (2002-2003) 🥇🩺🎓

 

Professional Experience 📚

Dr. Aamna Balouch 🎓 is an Associate Professor at the National Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Pakistan (2017-present) 🏢. She served as an Assistant Professor (2012-2017) and Lecturer (2009-2012) at the same institution. Her career began as a Research Associate (2004-2009) 🧪. Dr. Balouch was a trainer for the DELPHI PROJECT on urban water demand management (2008-2011) 🌍. She has also held the role of a visiting scientist at Istanbul Technical University, Turkey (2020-2021) 🌟, contributing significantly to the field of analytical chemistry.

Research Interest 🔍

Dr. Aamna Balouch’s research interests 🔬 include the synthesis of nanomaterials (metals, metal oxides, metal chalcogenides) and their applications in catalyst and sensor technology 🧪. She focuses on the development of novel smart materials and metal ion imprinted polymers for environmental analytical applications 🌍. Additionally, Dr. Balouch is dedicated to advancing chromatographic, spectrophotometric, and spectrofluorimetric methods for analyzing ionic analytes using non-toxic micellar media 📊. Her innovative work aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of environmental monitoring and analytical chemistry techniques.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Aamna Balouch has received numerous awards and honors 🏆, including the prestigious Best Researcher Award from the University of Sindh (2019) 🥇 and the Research Productivity Award from the Ministry of Science and Technology (2012) 🏅. She was recognized for outstanding research in Science by the Australian Multicultural Charity and SAWF in 2021 🌟. Additionally, she earned a Ph.D. split program scholarship from the Higher Education Commission, Islamabad, for research at Wake Forest University, USA (2007) 🎓. Dr. Balouch also secured first positions in both her M.Phil and M.Sc programs 🥇.

 

Research Skills🌟

 

Dr. Aamna Balouch possesses advanced research skills in nanomaterials synthesis, including metals, metal oxides, and metal chalcogenides 🧪. She excels in fabricating smart materials and metal ion imprinted polymers for environmental applications 🌍. Dr. Balouch is proficient in developing chromatographic, spectrophotometric, and spectrofluorimetric methods for ionic analytes using non-toxic micellar media 📊. Her expertise extends to the design and application of nanosensors for detecting toxic ions and pollutants 🔍. With a strong background in analytical chemistry, she continually enhances techniques to improve environmental monitoring and catalysis.

Achievements🏆

  • Best Researcher Award (2019): University of Sindh 🥇.
  • Research Productivity Award (2012): Ministry of Science and Technology 🏅.
  • Outstanding Research in Science Award (2021): Australian Multicultural Charity and SAWF 🌟.
  • Ph.D. Split Program Scholarship (2007): Higher Education Commission, Islamabad, for research at Wake Forest University, USA 🎓.
  • First Position in M.Phil and M.Sc Programs: University of Sindh 🥇.
  • Reviewer: 10 International and 1 National Chemistry Journals 📚.

Projects💧🔬

  • Metal Ion Imprinted Polymers (MIIPs): Novel material for pre-concentration and separation of total arsenic in aqueous systems, funded by the Pakistan Science Foundation (2016-2018) 💧🔬.
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship: Surfactant-assisted, shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanowires or nanorods and their application, funded by UKM, Malaysia (Completed) 🧪🌟.

Publications 📚

  • Changes in fatty acid composition in muscle of three farmed carp fish species (Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Catla catla) raised under the same conditions
    • Author, Year: NN Memon, FN Talpur, MI Bhanger, A Balouch (2011)
    • Citation: Food Chemistry 126 (2), 405-410 🐟🔬
  • A novel green synthesis and characterization of Ag NPs with its ultra-rapid catalytic reduction of methyl green dye
    • Author, Year: Y Junejo, A Baykal, M Safdar, A Balouch (2014)
    • Citation: Applied Surface Science 290, 499-503 🌱🔬
  • Biosorption of fluoride from aqueous solution by white—rot fungus Pleurotus eryngii ATCC 90888
    • Author, Year: F Amin, FN Talpur, A Balouch, MA Surhio, MA Bhutto (2015)
    • Citation: Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management 3, 30-37 🍄💧
  • Sorption kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamic modeling of defluoridation of groundwater using natural adsorbents
    • Author, Year: A Balouch, M Kolachi, FN Talpur, H Khan, MI Bhanger (2013)
    • Citation: Scientific Research Publishing 🌍🔬
  • Efficient heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of acetone to isopropanol on semihollow and porous palladium nanocatalyst
    • Author, Year: A Balouch, A Ali Umar, AA Shah, M Mat Salleh, M Oyama (2013)
    • Citation: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 5 (19), 9843-9849 🧪🌟
  • Poriferous microtablet of anatase TiO2 growth on an ITO surface for high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells
    • Author, Year: AA Umar, S Nafisah, SKM Saad, ST Tan, A Balouch, MM Salleh (2014)
    • Citation: Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 122, 174-182 ☀️🔋
  • Microwave-assisted synthesis of imprinted polymer for selective removal of arsenic from drinking water by applying Taguchi statistical method
    • Author, Year: FA Mustafai, A Balouch, N Jalbani, MI Bhanger, MS Jagirani, A Kumar (2018)
    • Citation: European Polymer Journal 109, 133-142 🌊🧪
  • Sensitive fluorescence detection of Ni 2+ ions using fluorescein functionalized Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles
    • Author, Year: MT Shah, A Balouch, E Alveroglu (2018)
    • Citation: Journal of Materials Chemistry C 6 (5), 1105-1115 💡🔬
  • ZnO nanocubes with (1 0 1) basal plane photocatalyst prepared via a low-frequency ultrasonic assisted hydrolysis process
    • Author, Year: ST Tan, AA Umar, A Balouch, M Yahaya, CC Yap, MM Salleh, M Oyama (2014)
    • Citation: Ultrasonics Sonochemistry 21 (2), 754-760 🔲🌊
  • Synthesis of ultrasonic-assisted lead ion imprinted polymer as a selective sorbent for the removal of Pb2+ in a real water sample
    • Author, Year: A Balouch, FN Talpur, A Kumar, MT Shah, AM Mahar (2019)
    • Citation: Microchemical Journal 146, 1160-1168 🌊🧪