Dmitry Murzin is a Professor at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, leading the Laboratory of Industrial Chemistry and Reaction Engineering Technologies for a Sustainable Future. His expertise focuses on catalysis, reaction engineering, and sustainable chemical processes. Key projects include the Flexible Clean Propulsion Technologies (Business Finland, 2024–2027) and Rebuilding Education and Research in Chemistry and Chemical Technology in Ukraine (Ministry/Government Agency, 2023–2025). Research interests span catalyst development for methane reforming, biomass valorization, and sustainable fuel production. Notable contributions include studies on heterogeneous catalysis, zeolite-based composites, and reactor technology optimization. Recent work emphasizes eco-friendly processes for converting biomass into high-value chemicals. Over 698 publications and 2 active projects highlight his prolific output in catalytic reaction engineering. Collaborations span global institutions, addressing challenges in energy, environment, and materials science. Advising 2 students, he also hosts academic visitors to advance collaborative research. Labs/Teams: Directly leads the Laboratory of Industrial Chemistry and Reaction Engineering Technologies for a Sustainable Future , fostering innovation in sustainable chemical processes.
Dominik Roeser is a Professor and Associate Dean of Research Forests & Community Outreach at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Resources Management. With over 21 years of experience in forest research and innovation, he has built a comprehensive forest operations research program since joining UBC in 2018, following his tenure as Senior Director at FPInnovations where he managed multidisciplinary teams focused on improving forest sector competitiveness and wildfire management solutions in Western Canada. Professor Roeser's research interests center on sustainable forest management and the bioeconomy, with specific expertise in forest bioproduction, supply chain design, steep slope harvesting, and biomass operations. His work through the Forest Action Lab applies diverse research methods including productivity studies, field trials, and modeling to address sustainability challenges across different operational environments. His research portfolio spans sustainable forest biomass utilization, harvesting in difficult terrain, innovative forest planning tools, operational productivity, carbon management, and community sustainability impacts from reforestation. His publication record shows a strong focus on practical applications of forest science, with recent work emphasizing wildfire management, remote sensing technologies for precision forestry, biomass energy systems, and the socio-ecological dimensions of forest management. His research increasingly integrates advanced technologies like LiDAR and drone-based systems with traditional forest operations to address contemporary challenges in sustainable forest management. Roeser has received the Recognition Award from the Canadian Forest Service (2017) for his contributions to forest science and innovation. His work demonstrates significant impact on both academic understanding and practical implementation of sustainable forest operations across North America and Europe. As an educator, Professor Roeser teaches several key courses including FOPR 264 Introduction to Forest Operations, FOPR 362 Harvesting systems and forest access, FOPR 464 Operational planning and management, and FRST 452 Coastal field school. He considers educating the next generation of forestry professionals one of his passions, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical industry applications. The Forest Action Lab, led by Professor Roeser, represents a multidisciplinary research hub applying diverse methodologies to address forestry stakeholders' needs across British Columbia, Canada, and globally. The lab's work connects academic research with industry implementation, focusing on practical solutions for sustainable forest utilization in varied operational environments.
Daria Camilla Boffito is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal , holding the Tier-2 Canada Research Chair in Intensified Mechano-chemical Processes for Sustainable Biomass Conversion. Her research spans process intensification , catalysis , sonochemistry , photocatalysis , and metal extraction , with a focus on sustainability. Education: B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Milan, M.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry and Management Current Research: Developing ultrasound-assisted extraction , CO2 conversion , and floating photocatalysts for wastewater treatment Collaborations: Works with Canadian and international companies on sustainable chemical processes Scientific Awards include the Canada Research Chair Tier-2 (2016-2021), NSERC Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013-2016), and FRQNT PBEEE Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013-2016). Advising has seen 5 Ph.D. and 9 Master's students graduate. She leads the Engineering Process Intensification and Catalysis (EPIC) Laboratory and is a member of the Institut de génie biomédical .
Professor Paolo Fornasiero is a Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Trieste, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he has worked since 1998. He serves as Deputy Director of the department since 2021 and Scientific Responsible of the CNR Research Unit associated with the Institute of Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (ICCOM) since 2008. His career spans EU projects, bilateral collaborations with China, India, and Argentina, and leadership roles in journals like ACS Catalysis (Executive Editor since 2021). Full Professor (2016–present) Associate Professor (2006–2016) Assistant Professor (1998–2006) Post-Doc, University of Reading (1996–1997) His research focuses on multi-functional metal-oxide nanosystems for energy and environmental catalysis, including green hydrogen production , CO2 valorization , and methane emission control . He pioneered core-shell catalysts and single-atom systems for stability and selectivity. His work extends to solid oxide fuel cells and photocatalytic water depollution . Recent publications highlight trends in photothermal catalysis , single-atom catalysts , and CO2 electroreduction . His 280+ papers (3 in Science , 2 in Nature Communications ) reflect expertise across Environmental Catalysis , Nanomaterials , and Green Energy . 2022 Malatesta Medal 2021 European Academy of Sciences member 2017 Edoardo Kramer Award 2016 Heinz Heinemann Award 2013 Chiusoli Gold Medal He oversees PhD/postdoc advising and participates in global capacity-building via UNIDO and World Academy of Sciences . His lab collaborates with institutions like KAUST , Czech Academy of Sciences , and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics .
Upaka Rathnayake is a Professor of Civil Engineering and Principal Investigator at the Mathematical Modelling and Intelligent Systems for Health and Environment (MISHE) research unit at Atlantic Technological University Sligo, Ireland. He has held academic and research roles globally, including in Sri Lanka, Japan, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. His research focuses on water resources management, hydrological modeling, climate analysis, and AI-driven solutions for environmental challenges. He holds a PhD from the University of Strathclyde and advanced certifications from Hokkaido University. Education: PhD in Optimal Management of Urban Sewer Systems (University of Strathclyde, 2013) Professional Memberships: Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka, Engineers New Zealand, International Association of Hydrological Sciences Research interests include: Hydrological modeling and climate change adaptation Multi-objective optimization and soft computing techniques Explainable AI applications in environmental systems Remote sensing and GIS for water resource management Recent articles highlight AI-driven solutions for air quality prediction, soil nutrient analysis, and flood risk assessment. Awards include the 2023 Presidential Award for Scientific Publications and multiple university excellence awards. He actively advises PhD students on projects like urban water systems optimization and climatic trends analysis. Rathnayake is an editorial board member of journals like Scientific Reports and PLoS ONE , contributing to peer review and policy-oriented research. His work bridges data-driven methods with traditional hydrological practices to address global environmental challenges.
Johannes A. Lercher is a full Professor of Chemistry at the Technische Universität München (TUM) since 1998 and Director of the Institute for Integrated Catalysis at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, USA. He also holds the title of Battelle Fellow at PNNL and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Catalysis. Education Diplom Ingenieur (summa cum laude), Technische Universität Wien, 1978 Dr. techn. (summa cum laude), Technische Universität Wien, 1980 Postdoctoral researcher, Yale University, 1982 Venia docendi (Habilitation), Technische Universität Wien, 1985 Research Interests Prof. Lercher’s research focuses on fundamental and applied aspects of heterogeneous catalysis. His team elucidates elementary reaction steps on solid catalyst surfaces using advanced in-situ spectroscopic techniques, including IR, Raman, solid-state NMR, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Major themes include the catalytic valorization of biomass, selective methane functionalization, hydrocarbon processing over zeolites and mesoporous materials, and the design of hierarchically structured catalysts that combine shape selectivity with optimized transport properties. Scientific Awards & Honors Alwin-Mittasch-Preis (2021) David Trimm and Noel Cant Lectureship Award (2017) ENI Award for Hydrocarbons (2016) R. B. Anderson Award (2015/2016) Kozo Tanabe Award for Acid Base Catalysis (2013) Francois Gault Lectureship Robert Burwell Lectureship (North American Catalysis Society) Elected Member: Austrian Academy of Sciences, Academia Europaea, European Academy of Sciences Honorary Professor: Chinese Academy of Sciences institutes (Dalian, Qingdao) and China University of Petroleum Leadership & Service Prof. Lercher has held numerous leadership roles including Dean of the Chemistry Department at TUM (2000–2003), Member of the TUM Senate (2003–2007), President of the International Zeolite Association (2001–2004), and current President of the European Federation of Catalysis Societies. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Catalysis and serves on the editorial boards of multiple catalysis journals.
Dr. Imad El Haddad serves as Group Head of the Molecular Cluster and Particle Processes group at the Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry (LAC), part of the Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences at Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland, since 2018. Previously, he held positions as Tenured Scientist and Deputy Head (2018-2019), Senior Scientist in the Smog Chamber group (2015-2018), and Postdoctoral Fellow (2011-2015) at PSI. His research aims to quantify how anthropogenic emissions alter atmospheric pollutant composition and impact Earth's climate and public health through molecular-level analysis using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. His academic background includes: Ph.D. in Atmospheric Chemistry, University of Provence, Marseille (2007-2011) Master's in Environmental Sciences (with distinction, rank 1/9), University of Provence (2006-2007) Master's in General Chemistry (with distinction, rank 1/10), Saint-Joseph University of Beirut (2005-2006) Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (with distinction, rank 1/14), Saint-Joseph University of Beirut (2002-2005) El Haddad's work centers on molecular fingerprinting of atmospheric aerosols , utilizing mass spectrometry (GC/MS, HPLC/APCI-MS2, HPLC/ESI-MS2) to identify primary and secondary molecular markers. He conducts smog chamber experiments to characterize emissions from wood burning, traffic, and cooking processes, determining secondary organic aerosol potential and oxidation state evolution. His group also studies in-cloud aqueous-phase aging and collaborates with global modelers to link aerosol composition to climate forcing and health outcomes like oxidative stress. Recent publications (2025-2024) reveal three dominant trends: (1) rigorous molecular-scale analysis of secondary aerosol formation under varying humidity/temperature, (2) source apportionment breakthroughs in diverse regions (India, Europe, Arctic) using 14C and AMS data, and (3) quantification of health-relevant aerosol properties such as oxidative potential through DTT assays. High-resolution mass spectrometry is a consistent methodological thread across these studies. His scientific awards include: MENRT research fellowship from French ministry of research (2007-2010) Excellence Scholarship (top 1% student, University of Saint Joseph, 2005) Distinction Prize (best student, University of Saint Joseph, 2005) As Group Head, El Haddad oversees the Molecular Cluster and Particle Processes group's research direction and mentorship of junior scientists. While specific grant details are absent from the text, his leadership in multi-institutional publications (e.g., CERN CLOUD, iCUPE) implies active grant management and international collaboration. The group's work bridges laboratory simulations, field deployments, and health/climate modeling to address air pollution complexities. The Molecular Cluster and Particle Processes group develops cutting-edge online/offline mass spectrometers for 1 Hz-resolution atmospheric analysis. They deploy instruments in laboratory smog chamber experiments and global field studies, focusing on molecular marker identification, emission source characterization, and aging process quantification. Collaborations with biochemists and climate modelers extend their impact beyond pure aerosol physics into health risk assessment and policy-relevant climate science.
Jouko Peltonen is a Professor in Chemistry at Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering. He leads the Laboratory of Molecular Science and Technology, focusing on sustainable material development and biomedical applications. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals through green chemistry innovations. Ph.D. in Chemistry (Åbo Akademi, 1994) Licentiate in Chemistry (Åbo Akademi, 1992) Master's in Chemistry (University of Helsinki, 1988) Peltonen's research spans materials science , polymer chemistry , and sustainable technology , with emphasis on nanocellulose composites , antibacterial materials , and bio-based packaging . Recent projects explore biofilm modeling and lignin valorization. His publications (216 total) demonstrate interdisciplinary impact across biomedical engineering , environmental science , and chemical manufacturing . Key collaborations include NordForsk-funded initiatives and EU projects like PACKER 2020. Research grants include: Printed Intelligence Infrastructure (Academy of Finland, 2024-2028) Nordic POP (NordForsk, 2018-2025) ABC-Health (Jane och Aatos Erkkos Foundation, 2021-2024)
Pedro Carlos De Barros Fernandes is an Associate Professor at Universidade Lusófona , Deputy Director of the 1st cycle in Biotechnology, and an integrated researcher at the Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB-IST). He holds a PhD in Biotechnology (1999) and a Master in Biotechnology/Biochemical Engineering (1994) from Universidade Técnica de Lisboa (IST), along with a Chemical Engineering degree from IST (1989). A member of the Order of Engineers (ID 24667), he co-founded Biotrend, a Portuguese bioprocess development company. Education PhD in Biotechnology (1999), Universidade Técnica de Lisboa MSc in Biotechnology (1994), Instituto Superior Técnico BSc in Chemical Engineering (1989), Instituto Superior Técnico Research Interests span biocatalysis, enzyme immobilization for food and pharmaceutical applications, marine biotechnology, microfluidic device development for biosensing, and steroid bioconversions using mycobacterial systems. His work integrates process engineering principles with sustainable bioprocessing techniques. Publication Trends show a focus on microreactor technology, enzyme stabilization in non-conventional media, marine-derived biocatalysts, and food waste valorization. Key themes include biocatalytic process intensification, aqueous two-phase systems for biomolecule purification, and sustainable carbon sources for biopolymer production. Scientific Awards UTL/Santander Totta Scientific Award in Biological Engineering (2011) Advising has included supervision of 5 doctoral theses and over 32 master’s theses. His expertise extends to peer-reviewing scientific articles and evaluating R&D projects. Labs & Teams are associated with iBB-IST (Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences) and BioRG (Universidade Lusófona), with contributions to the Ciência Viva program for science dissemination.
Carsten Sievers serves as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, where he leads research in sustainable catalytic processes for fuel and chemical production from alternative resources. His work bridges fundamental spectroscopy with industrial reactor design to address petroleum dependence. Education: Diploma, Technical University of Munich, Germany (2003) D.Sc., Technical University of Munich, Germany (2006) Research Focus: Sievers' program integrates fundamental studies using IR, NMR, XAS, and Raman spectroscopy to probe catalyst structure-reactivity relationships with applied research on flow reactor systems for biomass conversion (hydrodeoxygenation, sugar upgrading) and mechanocatalytic polymer depolymerization. Key initiatives target CO 2 -neutral chemical production from biomass and waste plastics, emphasizing catalyst stability and regeneration. Publication Trends: Recent work (2023-2025) reveals a strategic pivot toward mechanocatalysis for plastic recycling (polyethylene, polystyrene) and ammonia synthesis, while maintaining expertise in hydrocarbon catalysis. Dominant themes include reaction environment engineering in ball mills, metastable surface characterization, and process intensification for CO 2 electrolysis. Scientific Recognition: 2012 Young Scientist Award, International Congress on Catalysis 2023 ACS Fellow designation Academic Leadership: As Director and Past President of the Southeastern Catalysis Society, former ACS Division Director, and Editor of Applied Catalysis A: General , Sievers shapes catalysis research direction. His Sievers Group has secured competitive fellowships for students like Yuchen George Change (Eastman Chemical Fellowship) and Victor Brandão (Ziegler Award), reflecting strong mentorship in sustainable reaction engineering. Research Infrastructure: The group operates advanced flow reactors, spectroscopic characterization suites, and mechanochemical systems for in-situ catalyst analysis, supporting collaborations with industry partners on technology translation.
Dr. Wanlu Li is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Montclair State University's College of Science and Mathematics. She holds a PhD from The Graduate Center-City University of New York and conducted postdoctoral research at Columbia University. Her work focuses on developing heteroatom-doped porous carbon materials for applications in sustainable energy and environmental remediation. Education: Bachelor of Science, Binzhou University Doctor of Philosophy, The Graduate Center-City University of New York Research Interests: Design of porous carbon materials for electrochemical CO₂ reduction Biowaste-derived supercapacitor applications Photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants Nickel-based catalysts for biomass conversion Her studies emphasize functional group engineering and porosity optimization to enhance material performance in energy storage and environmental remediation. Publications: Dr. Li has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work exploring S,N-codoped carbon materials, biowaste-derived composites, and photocatalyst stability under environmental conditions. These studies highlight advancements in sustainable material design and energy conversion technologies. Affiliations: Member of the American Carbon Society, American Chemical Society, and Electrochemical Society. Lab & Teams: Leads the Wanlu Li Group focused on Material Chemistry for Environmental Remediation and Renewable Energy. Her lab investigates advanced carbon-based materials through collaboration with industry and academic partners.
Manuel Kleiner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University. His research focuses on metabolic and physiological interactions in host-microbe systems, microbial ecology, and the application of metagenomics and high-resolution mass spectrometry to study complex microbiota-host relationships. Research Highlights: Development of metaproteomic techniques to quantify protein expression, analyze community structure via biomass contributions, and track isotope ratios to understand nutrient flow between hosts and microbiota. Creator of the "transductomics" approach to detect horizontal gene transfer via viral transduction in intestinal systems. Collaborates with researchers such as Theriot, Sartor, Sheikh, Ziegler, and Gonzalez. Recent Trends: His 2025 publications emphasize gut microbiome dynamics, maize root-microbe interactions, transplantation biology, and advancements in metaproteomic methodologies. Key themes include dietary impacts on microbiota, stable isotope probing, and synthetic microbial communities for plant and human health. Laboratory Tools: The Kleiner Lab utilizes quantitative metagenomics, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and computational modeling to dissect functional interactions in symbiotic systems across diverse environments, from marine organisms to agricultural crops.
Niklas Hedin is a Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry at Stockholm University . His research group specializes in developing advanced materials for environmental and energy applications, with a particular focus on CO₂ capture technologies , green material synthesis , and biochar-based solutions for pollution mitigation and sustainable resource utilization. Professor at Department of Chemistry Head of Department Stockholm University affiliation The research spans from fundamental molecular spectroscopy studies to industrial-scale applications . Key projects include the use of activated limestone for Baltic Sea eutrophication control, colloidal porous liquids for energy-efficient carbon capture, and engineered biochars for dual environmental remediation and agricultural applications. Recent publications highlight 2025 breakthroughs in aminated cellulose aerogels , graphene oxide composites for direct air capture , and ultrasound-assisted hydrogen peroxide synthesis . These works demonstrate Hedin's commitment to multiscale material engineering combining experimental validation with computational modeling. The group includes several PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working on specialized aspects of material synthesis and environmental application. His team actively collaborates with industrial partners and government agencies to translate laboratory findings into real-world solutions for sustainable chemistry and climate change mitigation .
Jennifer Kaiser is an Associate Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, affiliated with the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences . Her research focuses on air pollutant formation, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and their impacts on air quality and climate. Endowed Position: Greene Early Career Professor (2024) Key Projects: Emissions from agriculture/oil-gas, biosphere-atmosphere interactions, satellite data validation Tools: CMAQ modeling, TROPOMI satellite analysis, low-cost sensor networks Her work spans instrument development to global chemistry-transport modeling, with recent emphasis on satellite-based monitoring and health risk assessment. She leads the Kaiser Group , which investigates VOC dynamics in urban and wildfire-affected regions. Scientific Awards: NOAA Grant (2021) Greene Early Career Professor (2024) Contact: jennifer.kaiser@ce.gatech.edu | Office: Ford Environmental Science & Technology Building, Room 3224
Dr. Giulio Santori is a Reader in Chemical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh's School of Engineering. He holds a PhD in Energy (2009) and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering (2004) from Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy. His research focuses on thermal energy storage, adsorption-based cooling and desalination systems, low-grade heat utilization, and advanced materials like ionic liquids and ionogels. He is a member of the Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre and the UK Carbon Capture Research Centre. Teaching: Chemical Engineering laboratories, design courses, and research projects. Research interests include optimizing sorption strategies for heat storage, developing sustainable adsorption heat pumps, and exploring applications of 3D-printed components in thermal systems. Current projects involve structured ionic liquids for vapor sorption and ionogels for desalination using low-grade heat. Recent publications highlight advancements in thermal storage technologies, adsorption cooling systems, and CO2 capture. Open PhD projects focus on ionic liquid-based sorption and hydrochar applications.
