Natasa Knezevic | Environmental and Green Processes | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Invention Awards

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.

Mr. Stephen Kabasa | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Invention Awards

Mr. Stephen Kabasa | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Poland.

Stephen Ochieng Kabasa is a highly skilled researcher and graduate from the University of Nairobi, with an MSc in Nuclear Science. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the Instytut Chemii I Techniki Jadrowej in Warsaw, Poland. Stephen has a strong background in nuclear science and radiation technologies, specializing in gaseous and wastewater treatment, and has actively contributed to multiple publications in his field. His research combines advanced laboratory techniques with practical applications for environmental protection, with a particular focus on the removal of emerging organic pollutants using radiation technologies.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Stephen Ochieng Kabasa earned his MSc. in Nuclear Science (2012-2016) from the University of Nairobi, Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, where he focused on advanced radiation technologies for environmental applications. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (2006-2010) from Moi University, which laid the foundation for his expertise in nuclear science and environmental analysis. His academic background has equipped him with a solid understanding of radiation technologies, environmental protection, and analytical techniques.

💼 Experience

Stephen Ochieng Kabasa has diverse experience spanning research, teaching, and industry roles. As a PhD Graduate Researcher (2020-2024) at Instytut Chemii i Techniki Jadrowej, Poland, he focused on advanced oxidation processes for wastewater and gaseous pollutant treatment using ionizing radiation, employing cutting-edge equipment like GC-MS and HPLC. During his time as a Business Intelligence Officer (2019-2020) at BURN Manufacturing USA LLC in Kenya, he managed the after-sales network across East Africa and Somalia, providing valuable data insights. As an Assistant Sessional Lecturer (2017-2019) at Technical University of Kenya, he taught organic and inorganic chemistry and contributed to curriculum development. Stephen also held roles as an After Sales/Market Analytics Officer (2016-2018) at BURN Manufacturing USA LLC, where he optimized service station operations, and as a Graduate Research Assistant (2012-2016) at the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, focusing on environmental sample analysis using advanced radionuclide techniques.

🔬 Research Interests

⚛️ Ionizing Radiation for Pollution Treatment

He specializes in applying ionizing radiation to degrade emerging organic pollutants, contributing to cleaner and safer ecosystems.

🔬 Advanced Analytical Techniques

Stephen utilizes advanced methods like gamma spectrometry, HPLC, LC-MS, and UV-Vis to assess the effectiveness of treatment processes and analyze pollutants.

🌱 Environmental Protection

His interdisciplinary approach seeks to advance sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, using radiation technologies to protect the environment from harmful contaminants.

📚 Publications

Kabasa, S., et al. (2024). Degradation of Hydroxychloroquine from Aqueous Solutions Under Fenton-Assisted Electron Beam Treatment Processes. Processes. Link

Kabasa, S., et al. (2024).Chloroquine Degradation in Aqueous Solution Under Electron Beam Irradiation.Nukleonika. Link

Kabasa, S., et al. (2024). Degradation of Hydroxychloroquine in Aqueous Solutions Under Electron Beam Treatment. Nukleonika. Link