Mario Barra is a Staff Researcher at CNR-SPIN (Uos Naples) and affiliated with the Department of Physics at the University of Naples Federico II . His career spans two decades of research in organic and hybrid electronic materials, transitioning from superconducting microwave devices (2000-2004) to organic semiconductors (2005-present). Education : 2000: M.A. in Electronic Engineering (summa cum laude), University of Naples Federico II 2004: PhD in Innovative Technologies for Materials, Sensors and Imaging, University of Naples Federico II His research interests focus on: Organic film growth and morphological characterization Charge transport at micro/nano-scales in organic semiconductors Charge-transfer and doping effects in hybrid materials Impedance spectroscopy for bio-electronic applications Ionic/electronic transduction in organic transistors Novel systems combining 2D materials with organic molecules Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals expertise in organic electrochemical transistors , MXene-integrated biomedical materials , asymmetrical organic semiconductor design , and advanced biosensing platforms . He has co-supervised approximately 25 Master's theses in Electronic, Biomedical, and Chemical Engineering. His work involves collaborations with institutions like UPC Barcelona, CNR Bologna, and University of Geneva.
Bernhard Drosg is a Researcher at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). He is actively engaged in cutting-edge research on biogas, anaerobic digestion, and the integration of microalgae and cyanobacteria into sustainable biorefineries. His work focuses on nutrient recovery, waste valorization, and the production of bio-based materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). He has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects, including long-term involvement in IEA Bioenergy Task 37. His research interests include environmental biotechnology, biogas process optimization, anaerobic digestion of organic residues, nutrient recycling from digestates, microalgae and cyanobacteria cultivation, carbon dioxide utilization, and sustainable bioplastics production. His work bridges biochemical engineering with circular economy principles, aiming to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of bioenergy systems and biorefineries. His recent publications show a strong trend toward integrating biological processes for environmental benefit and resource recovery. A significant focus is on phototrophic production of bioplastics using cyanobacteria, valorizing waste streams like biogas digestate and starch wastewater, and assessing methane emissions from biogas plants. These works span disciplines such as environmental science, biotechnology, microbiology, and sustainable engineering, emphasizing circular systems, waste-to-resource strategies, and climate-friendly technologies. Energy Globe Award Austria (sustainable plastics) EPCON Award (2nd place) Lower Austrian Innovation Award (Research Institutions Category) IFA Tulln acquisition award 2014 Science2business award (recognition award) Nomination for the Lower Austrian Innovation Award - Karl Ritter von Ghega Award ASAG scholarship for short-term scientific stays abroad Bernhard Drosg has supervised several master’s and doctoral theses on topics including bioplastic production with cyanobacteria, microalgae for anaerobic digestion, and digestate treatment. He has secured funding from various sources including FFG, FWF, EU, and industry partners. His leadership in projects such as IEA Bioenergy Task 37 and CO2USE highlights his role in advancing biogas and carbon utilization research. He also contributes to scientific dissemination through popular science articles and project reports. He is involved in key research networks and advisory roles, including the Scientific Advisory Council of the European Biogas Association and the International Energy Agency (IEA Bioenergy Task 37). He has organized international workshops and training events, particularly for institutions in Peru, demonstrating a strong commitment to knowledge transfer and capacity building. His laboratory and team focus on phototrophic biotechnology, anaerobic digestion systems, and integrated biorefinery concepts.
Doris Ribitsch is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology within the Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). She is actively engaged in research and teaching, focusing on cutting-edge topics in environmental biotechnology and polymer science. Her research interests center on Environmental Biotechnology , Enzyme Technology , and Plastic Degradation . She investigates the use of enzymes and microorganisms for the biodegradation of synthetic polymers, the valorization of lignin for sustainable materials, and the development of bio-based polymers. Her work addresses critical environmental challenges such as microplastic pollution and electronic waste, aiming to create circular and sustainable solutions. The trend in her recent research, as reflected in her publications and projects, is a strong focus on biocatalysis for environmental applications . Her work spans from fundamental enzyme discovery and engineering to applied projects on recycling mixed textiles, recovering metals from e-waste using lignin, and monitoring microplastics in Alpine water systems. This demonstrates a consistent trajectory towards developing biotechnological solutions for a circular economy. Doris Ribitsch leads and participates in several significant research projects, including: REEaLIGN : Developing lignin-based materials for metal recovery from electronic waste (2025-2027). Versatile furan-based polymers : Creating high-quality bio-based polymers for demanding applications (2023-2027). Microplastic in the Alpine water cycle : Investigating microplastic pollution in Austrian rivers (2022-2026). Novel stimuli-responsive protein nanocapsules : Designing targeted drug delivery systems (2020-2024). Re:Mix : Recycling mixed nylon-elastane textiles (2018-2019). These projects are funded by a mix of national companies and the European Union, indicating strong support for her research. She mentors students, as evidenced by her supervision of university theses. Her work is disseminated through numerous conference presentations at international venues such as the EGU General Assembly and OxiZymes. She is associated with the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology , a research unit dedicated to developing biotechnological solutions for environmental problems, including waste treatment, resource recovery, and pollution remediation. Her research often involves interdisciplinary collaboration, as seen in projects that combine expertise in microbiology, polymer chemistry, and environmental engineering.
Dr. Thomas Parton is a Group Leader in the Department of Sustainable and Bio-inspired Materials at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (Potsdam, Germany), where he leads research on nanoscale self-assembly and photonic materials. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge and a Natural Sciences degree from University College London and Caltech. His research integrates three core themes: Self-assembly/dis-assembly of nanomaterials like cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) Chirality transfer across molecular to macroscopic scales Optical characterization of soft matter systems using advanced spectroscopy Key experimental systems include CNC-based photonic films with structural color and phosphorene nanoribbons with quantum properties. Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on: Nanocellulose/chitin photonics (60% of recent work) Quantum materials like phosphorene (27%) Operando optical methods for energy/battery systems (13%) Awards include: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (2024) MRS Silver Medal (2022) ACS CELL Division Graduate Student Award (2023) EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship MAPS Faculty Medal, UCL (2015) He leads an experimental research group investigating light-matter interactions in bio-inspired systems, with current projects on chiral nanomaterials and sustainable photonics.
Dr Luqman Atanda is a Research Fellow at the School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering , Queensland University of Technology (QUT). His work spans reaction engineering , heterogeneous catalysis , and biomass valorisation , with a focus on sustainable chemical processes and renewable energy systems. PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Queensland) Research Areas: Heterogeneous catalytic systems Biomass conversion to biofuels and chemicals Green process engineering His recent publications highlight advancements in metal-free carbon catalysts, plasma-assisted biomass pretreatment, and hybrid catalyst design for lignin depolymerization. Notable contributions include optimizing tin-doped nanocarbon structures for 5-methyl furfural synthesis (2024) and developing iron-doped catalysts for stable bio-oil production (2023). The 2023-2024 articles reveal a thematic focus on nanocomposite catalysts , agricultural waste valorisation , and hydrodeoxygenation for biofuel densification . Current affiliations include QUT's Chemical Engineering group, with collaborations across materials science and environmental engineering domains.
Javier Concepcion is a Researcher at the Chemistry Division of Brookhaven National Laboratory. His work focuses on chemical, electrochemical, and photochemical catalytic processes related to artificial photosynthesis, particularly water oxidation and water/CO2 reduction. Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and Georgia Institute of Technology B.S. in Chemistry from Central University of Las Villas His research involves kinetic and mechanistic studies of small molecule activation using experimental and theoretical approaches. Key projects explore proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions, oxygen bond formation pathways, and self-assembled chromophore-catalyst systems for energy conversion. The 15 most recent publications highlight advancements in water oxidation , visible-light-driven catalysis , and Ruthenium-based complexes , with a focus on reaction mechanisms, surface chemistry, and renewable energy applications. Postdoc Award for Research Excellence, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2008) Best Graduate Student, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (2000) First Prize, National Olympiad of Chemistry, Havana, Cuba (1988) He has contributed to patents and collaborative research in artificial photosynthesis, emphasizing practical solutions for energy storage and carbon dioxide reduction.
Piotr Rutkowski is an Associate Professor at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, specializing in chemical engineering and polymer/carbon materials technology. His research focuses on electrocatalytic water splitting, porous bio-based carbon applications for pollutant removal, biomass valorisation through torrefaction/pyrolysis, and hydro/solvothermal synthesis of advanced carbon materials. Received DSc and PhD in chemical sciences (chemical technology) ORCID: 0000-0002-9214-7901 Researcher ID: C-9652-2018 Office: Building F3, room 126 (Gdanska campus) His work addresses critical energy and environmental challenges through innovative material science approaches.
Dr. Lars Longwitz leads the AG Longwitz research group at the Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Hamburg , focusing on the development of hybrid catalysts that merge biochemical and chemical approaches. His work emphasizes sustainability, activity, and selectivity improvements through evolution-inspired design. University: University of Hamburg School: School of Natural Sciences Department: Department of Chemistry Academic Rank: Professor His research explores the intersection of enzymatic and synthetic catalysis, leveraging evolutionary principles to enhance catalyst performance. Key areas include phosphorus redox systems, CO2 valorization, and environmentally benign processes. Recent publications highlight his group's contributions to boron-enzyme hybrids (2024), room-temperature Wittig reactions (2019), and plasma-assisted catalyst immobilization (2020). These works span redox chemistry, sustainable synthesis, and biocatalytic engineering. Longwitz also contributes to teaching in organic chemistry and integrated synthesis labs. The group actively engages in circular economy research, plastic recycling, and green chemistry principles.
Ghislaine Vantomme is an Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where she leads the Supramolecular Chemistry and Materials group within the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems. Her research focuses on developing intelligent supramolecular materials inspired by living systems, with applications in molecular computing, bio-(opto)electronics, and sustainable materials. Dr. Vantomme received her chemistry education at l'École Normale Supérieure (Cachan, France) from 2006 to 2010, followed by an MSc from Sorbonne University (Paris). She completed her PhD in 2014 under Nobel Laureate Prof. Jean-Marie Lehn at the Institut de Sciences et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires in Strasbourg. After a postdoctoral fellowship at TU Eindhoven working with Prof. Bert Meijer on photo-actuators based on liquid crystal networks, she was appointed Assistant Professor in 2019. Her research program bridges organic synthesis, systems chemistry, and materials science to create supramolecular materials capable of sensing, adapting, communicating, and learning. Dr. Vantomme's group designs, synthesizes, and characterizes complex molecular systems with the ultimate aim of building intelligent materials that can be trained to learn new decision-making functions. Her work particularly focuses on developing materials that mimic the adaptability and sustainability of living matter using purely synthetic molecules, as she states: 'My dream is to synthesize materials that are as adaptive and sustainable as living matter - using purely synthetic molecules.' Analysis of Dr. Vantomme's recent publications reveals a strong focus on supramolecular materials with adaptive properties, particularly in the areas of chirality control, 2D nanostructure formation, and biomimetic systems. Her research integrates concepts from polymer science, nanotechnology, and computational modeling to create materials with precisely controlled morphologies and functions. The interdisciplinary nature of her work is evident in publications spanning chemistry, materials science, and electronics journals, with a particular emphasis on applications in next-generation electronic devices and sustainable technologies. Dr. Vantomme has received significant recognition for her research, including: VENI grant (2017) VIDI grant (2024) 2026 New Horizons Solvay Lectureship Her research is supported by prestigious funding sources including the European Research Council (SYNMAT project ID 788618) and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Gravity program 024.001.035). Dr. Vantomme is actively involved in mentoring students and teaching courses including Organic Chemistry 1 & 2, Practical Organic Chemistry, and Advances in Molecular Chemistry. Dr. Vantomme leads the Supramolecular Chemistry and Materials group, which is part of the ICMS Core and Macro-Organic Chemistry groups within the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems. Her team brings together expertise in organic synthesis, physical characterization, and materials science to tackle challenging problems in supramolecular chemistry and advanced materials development.
Jean-Luc Rebiere is a Professor and active researcher at Le Mans University's Institute of Acoustics, specializing in mechanical engineering with emphasis on advanced composite materials and structural dynamics. His work primarily focuses on the mechanical behavior of innovative materials including auxetic structures, 3D-printed bio-composites, and sandwich materials with unconventional geometries. His research contributes significantly to the understanding of vibration properties, damage mechanisms, and structural performance of next-generation sustainable materials. Rebiere's research interests center on Materials Acoustics and Mechanics of Porous Materials, Ultrasonics, Elastic waves in complex media, and the development of novel composite structures. His work particularly examines the dynamic and static behavior of auxetic materials and 3D-printed bio-based composites, with applications in vibration control, structural health monitoring, and sustainable material design. He investigates how geometric configurations like anti-trichiral lattices influence mechanical properties, with significant focus on Poisson's ratio effects and damage progression mechanisms. His publication record shows a clear progression toward sustainable engineering solutions, with increasing emphasis on bio-sourced materials and additive manufacturing techniques. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between mechanical engineering, materials science, and acoustics, with practical applications in vibration damping, structural monitoring, and lightweight design. His work frequently employs acoustic emission techniques for in-situ damage monitoring and combines experimental validation with finite element analysis. Rebiere actively collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions, with frequent co-authorship patterns indicating established research partnerships. His work appears in reputable journals focused on composite materials, mechanical engineering, and acoustics, demonstrating recognition within these specialized fields.
Javier Montenegro Garcia is a researcher affiliated with the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) and part of the Research Center in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CIQUS). He leads the SystemsChem research group focused on systems chemistry and supramolecular functional chemistry, while also contributing to the SupraNanoBioMol and BCS groups. His work bridges synthetic chemistry and biological applications, particularly in membrane transport, nucleic acid delivery, and supramolecular assembly. Education: PhD in Chemistry from the University of Santiago de Compostela (2009), thesis on synthesis of retinoids and stereocontrolled organometallic reactions. Research Interests: His research spans supramolecular chemistry, peptide design, and nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Key areas include: Supramolecular hydrogels and self-assembled systems Peptide-based ion channels and molecular carriers Boron cluster-mediated membrane transport Gene delivery platforms (mRNA, DNA, siRNA) Dynamic covalent chemistry in biological contexts Cell-penetrating peptides and subcellular targeting Publications & Trends: Recent work focuses on materials for nucleic acid delivery, supramolecular fibrillation, and boron clusters for intracellular transport. His projects integrate chemical synthesis with applications in biotechnology and medicine. Labs & Collaborations: Works at CIQUS, a multidisciplinary research center in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Collaborates with teams exploring nanobiomimetics and molecular biophysics.
Pero Raos is a Full Professor at the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek's Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Production Engineering, where he has held a permanent position since 2006. His academic career spans over three decades, progressing from Research Assistant at the University of Zagreb to his current professorship. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the scientific journal Tehnički vjesnik and holds significant leadership roles including membership in the Scientific Council for Technological Development of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Doctor of Technical Sciences, University of Zagreb (1991) Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zagreb (1983) Professor Raos' research spans polymer engineering, additive manufacturing, and biomedical applications. His work focuses on polymer processing, rapid prototyping, and the application of finite element methods in material design. Recent research emphasizes medical applications including orthosis production using additive technologies and CO2 emissions analysis in industrial processes. His expertise bridges traditional mechanical engineering with cutting-edge biomedical applications, particularly in personalized medical device manufacturing. Analysis of his recent publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: 1) Medical device innovation through additive manufacturing (particularly orthoses), 2) Environmental impact assessment of industrial processes with focus on CO2 emissions, and 3) Advanced polymer composite development. These areas demonstrate his ability to connect fundamental material science with practical engineering solutions for healthcare and sustainability challenges. State Award for Science of Croatia (2012) 7th Secretary of Serbian Society of Journalists Award (1987) Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Medal (1984) Professor Raos has secured substantial research funding including leadership of the University of Slavonski Brod's scientific project 'New Production Technologies' and directorship of the IPA IIIc project 'Innovative flexible system for the production of individual spinal orthoses – OrtoFlex' (2013-2015). He has mentored numerous students through the CROSBI mentoring system and serves on multiple national scientific councils including the Regional Scientific Council for Technical Sciences where he is Deputy Chairman since 2008. His international collaborations include Humboldt Foundation research at Aachen University and work with the University of Liège. He leads the interdisciplinary research program 'Rapid Production – from Idea to Reality' and maintains active laboratory work in polymer processing, additive manufacturing, and medical device development through the Department of Production Engineering's facilities.
Dr. Zeynep Başaran Bundur is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Özyeğin University, where she leads the Construction Materials Laboratory and the Sustainable and Adaptive Materials (SAM) Research Group. Her work focuses on developing sustainable and adaptive cement-based materials through biomineralization, 3D printing, and waste valorization. B.S., Civil Engineering, Boğaziçi University (2009) M.Sc., Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (2011) Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (2013) Research Interests: Dr. Bundur's research explores the intersection of biotechnology and civil engineering. Key areas include: Advanced cementitious and mineral building materials Self-healing and self-cleaning concrete Biomineralization for crack remediation 3D printing of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites Geopolymer development Supplementary cementitious materials from industrial waste Project Leadership: She has led projects like Conc-3D (3D printing of cement-based composites), Geo-3D (fiber-reinforced geopolymers), and BioCrete (bio-based rheology modifiers). These initiatives are funded by TUBITAK and industrial partners like ÇİMSA A.Ş. Innovations: Dr. Bundur co-developed BioCrete , an eco-friendly, self-healing cement-based grout with enhanced rheological properties. She holds patents for bio-based admixtures and methods, including the Turkish patent TR 2006 00205 B (2016). Scientific Impact: Her recent publications highlight advancements in: Rheology optimization for 3D-printed materials Immobilization of bacteria on natural minerals Waste-to-resource strategies for cement production Interaction of chemical admixtures with biomineralization Biogenic crack healing mechanisms Use of agricultural byproducts in sustainable construction
Kaisa Helttunen is an Assistant Professor at the University of Jyväskylä , affiliated with the Faculty of Mathematics and Science and the Department of Chemistry . She leads the research group Organic Chemistry for Circular Economy and oversees the Master's Degree Programme in Chemistry and Analytics for Circular Economy . Her work integrates supramolecular chemistry with analytical techniques to develop molecular applications for bio and circular economy. Her research focuses on anion receptors for selective extraction and transport, foldamers for catalysis, micelles and solid lipid nanoparticles for drug delivery, and bioactive compounds from biomass. Publications highlight her expertise in calix[4]pyrroles, resorcinarenes, and their roles in anion binding, organocatalysis, and nanomaterials. Recent studies explore anion-responsive molecular switches and chloride transporters for potential medical applications like cystic fibrosis. Trends in her 15 most recent articles include: (1) Supramolecular design of anion receptors with multiple binding sites; (2) Development of organocatalysts modulated by anions; (3) Investigation of micelle-based extraction systems; (4) Computational analysis of molecular folding mechanisms; (5) Applications in metal recovery and bioactive compound delivery . The research group Organic Chemistry for Circular Economy collaborates with private sectors and computational groups to advance projects like MAREXT (Macrocyclic Receptors for Selective Anion Extraction) and COCOA (Control of Catalyst Operation with Anions). Techniques employed include organic synthesis , X-ray crystallography , NMR spectroscopy , and DFT calculations . No scientific awards or student advisement details are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts.
Dr. Samir Morad is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Engineering & Construction at the University of East London's School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering. He holds a PhD in Medical Robotics from Imperial College London, along with an MSc in Biomedical Engineering and a BEng in Medical Engineering. Education: BEng (Hons) in Medical Engineering, Queen Mary College, University of London (2010) MSc in Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London (2011) PhD in Medical Robotics, Imperial College London (2015) His research focuses on Medical Robotics for Minimally Invasive Surgeries, including Robotically Assisted Flexible Intervention Devices, 3D Computational Modelling, Finite Element Analysis of Human Tissues, Medical Device Design, and Bio-fluid Mechanics. Key projects involve patient-specific respiratory masks with physiological detectors, tactile feedback systems for spinal needle insertion, and upper limb prostheses for Sitting Volleyball athletes. Recent publications highlight advancements in wearable pressure ulcer monitoring pads, force feedback spinal needles, polymer-based femoral implants, and active constraint control systems for surgical robots. These works integrate biomedical engineering principles with innovative mechanical design. Professional Affiliations: Chartered Engineer (CEng) Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
