Natasa Knezevic | Environmental and Green Processes | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Natasa Knezevic | Environmental and Green Processes | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Natasa Knezevic | “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia | Serbia

Dr. Natasa Knezevic is a Serbian researcher and emerging scientist in the field of environmental and chemical engineering, currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade. She is affiliated with the “VINCA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, where she serves as a Research Assistant. Her academic and research expertise encompasses instrumental analysis, organic synthesis and material characterization, adsorption processes on bio-based materials, composites, and the development of green methods for sustainable waste management. Dr. Knežević holds dual master’s degrees in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, and in Environmental Engineering from the University of Belgrade. She has also gained international experience as a visiting researcher at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and participated in multiple applied science and environmental innovation projects. Her scientific output includes over 12 peer-reviewed publications, around 150 citations, and an h-index of 6, reflecting her growing influence in the field of environmental materials and green technologies. She has received numerous honors, including the Panta S. Tutundžić Award for academic excellence, the Best Technological Innovation Award (2021) from the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Serbia, and recognition for the Best Start-Up Ideas initiative by Coca-Cola Youth Support. Alongside her scientific career, she is an active volunteer, team leader, and ambassador at the University of Belgrade’s Center for Career Development. Fluent in Serbian, English, and Russian, Dr. Knežević combines technical proficiency in tools like SuperPro Designer, OriginPro, ChemDraw, and Python with strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills, making her a dynamic and versatile young researcher in environmental innovation and sustainable engineering.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Abduarahman, M. A., Vuksanovic, M. M., Knezevic, N., Banjanac, K., Milosevic, M., Velickovic, Z., & Marinkovic, A. (2024). MgAl-layered double hydroxide-coated bio-silica as an adsorbent for anionic pollutants removal: A case study of the implementation of sustainable technologies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(21), 11837.

Brzić, S., Knezevic, N., Kovacevic, T., Vuksanovic, M., Marinkovic, A., & Grzetic, J. (2024). Furoic acid-based (non)energetic plasticizers for solid composite propellants production. Scientific Technical Review, 74(1), 50–57.

Cujic, M., Knezevic, N., Zivković, F., & Jankovic Mandic, L. (2025). Radiation technology in polymer waste recycling and upcycling: Mechanisms, applications, and prospects. Metallurgical and Materials Data.

Cujic, M., Knezevic, N., Zivković, F., & Jankovic Mandic, L. (2025). Radiation technology in the light of polymer waste recycling. Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Congress of South-East Europe.

Embirsh, H. S. A., Vuksanovic, M. M., Mladenovic, I. O., Knezevic, N., Milosevic, M., Mijatov, S., Jancic Heinemann, R., & Marinković, A. (2024). Unsaturated polyester resin-based composites: A case study of lignin valorisation. Chemosphere, 352, 142144.

Knezevic, N., Vuksanovic, M., & Marinkovic, A. (2025). Enhanced mechanical strength and controlled biodegradability of bio-membranes synthesized from waste hemp fibers. Metallurgical and Materials Data.

Knezevic, N., Vuksanovic, M., & Marinkovic, A. (2025). Mechanical and biodegradability properties of synthesized bio-membranes from waste hemp fibers. Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Congress of South-East Europe.

Knezevic, N., Vuksanovic,, M. M., Banjanac, K., Pantic, K., Velickovic, Z., Cvijetic, I., Marinkovic, A., & Miloševic, M. (2024). Cationic waste hemp fibers-based membrane: Case study of anionic pollutants removal through environmentally friendly processes. Journal of Environmental Management, 361, 123174.

Savic, A., Vuksanovic, M. M., Savic, M., Knezevic, N., SaponjiC, A., IliC, S., & Egelja, A. (2025). Modified silica particles coated with Cu–Al layered double hydroxide for phosphate and arsenate removal in water treatment. Molecules, 30(10), 2138.

Souad Kies | Environmental Science | Best Research Article Award

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Mrs. Souad Kies | Environmental Science | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Tahar Moulay University of Saida | Algeria

Dr. Souad Kies is a Research Professor at the University Dr. Tahar Moulay in Saida, Algeria, where she works in the Modeling and Calculation Methods Laboratory and has been a dedicated civil servant since 2002. She holds a degree in Hydraulic Engineering (1991) and a Master’s in Hydraulics with specialization in hydroelectric works (2002), both from the University of Science and Technology, Oran. Over the years, she has combined teaching, research, and academic leadership with equal commitment, offering courses in General Hydraulics, Statistics, Chemistry, Sanitation, and MIRE while also supervising numerous final year projects. Her research and supervision particularly focus on environmentally sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment, exploring innovative approaches such as the use of plants, biomaterials, and natural polymers. In addition to her teaching and research activities, Dr. Kies has taken on key administrative roles, serving as Head of the Master’s Program in Urban Hydraulics (2018–2024), Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Faculty of Technology (2021–2024), and currently as a Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Department of Civil Engineering and Hydraulics. Recognized for her ability to teach, mentor, and coordinate, she actively participates in management and decision-making processes within academic boards, organizes educational activities, and promotes innovative teaching methods. With her interdisciplinary expertise and passion for environmental sustainability, Dr. Kies continues to contribute significantly to hydraulics and civil engineering, fostering both scientific advancement and the training of future engineers and researchers in Algeria.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publication

Experimental investigation into biomaterial valorization as eco-friendly coagulants and flocculants for wastewater treatment in semi-arid regions