Iyakutti Kombiah | Materials Chemistry | Lifetime Achievement Award

Published on by Chemistry Awards

Dr. Iyakutti Kombiah | Materials Chemistry | Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Iyakutti Kombiah | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | India

Dr. Iyakutti Kombiah, an eminent physicist and computational materials scientist, has made outstanding contributions to condensed matter physics, nanomaterials, and energy storage research, with a career spanning over four decades. He obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Madras, followed by postdoctoral research in quantum chemistry at Uppsala University, Sweden, supported by SIDA. He served as Lecturer at the University of Madras, Reader and Professor at Madurai Kamaraj University, and later as Professor Emeritus and CSIR Emeritus Scientist at SRM University. His pioneering expertise lies in computational design and experimental validation of nanomaterials for hydrogen storage, photovoltaics, and CO₂ conversion, demonstrated through his leadership of multiple AOARD and ONRG-funded international projects. A prolific scholar with over 229 publications, 1,804 citations, and an h-index of 24, his research continues to influence the fields of energy materials and quantum chemistry. Dr. Iyakutti has held visiting positions at leading institutions in Japan, Canada, and the USA, fostering global collaborations. His recent works (2020–2025) focus on graphene-based hydrogen storage, Heusler alloys, and 2D nanomaterials, combining density functional theory with experimental studies. Honored with CSIR and UGC Emeritus Fellowships, he remains a leading figure advancing computational and sustainable energy materials research in India and beyond.

Profile: ORCID  | Scopus 

Featured Publications

  • Iyakutti, K., Reji, R. P., Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., & Kawazoe, Y. (2025). DFT based computational investigation of 2D monolayer gold (Au)–the goldene. Computational Condensed Matter, 25, e01132.

  • Iyakutti, K., Reji, R. P., Jayan, S., AjayJawahar, K., Karthigeyan, A., Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., & Kawazoe, Y. (2025). Heterostructuring, electronic and hydrogen storage properties of boron, carbon, nitrogen based 2D nanomaterials – A DFT study. International Journal of Computational Materials Science and Engineering, 14(3), 2550028.

  • Iyakutti, K., Reji, R. P., Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., & Kawazoe, Y. (2025, February 26). DFT based computational investigation of 2D monolayer gold (Au)–the goldene. Preprint.

  • Kaliyaperumal, A., Periyasamy, G., Iyakutti, K., & Annamalai, K. (2024). Effect of a mesoporous NiCo₂O₄ urchin-like structure catalyzed with a surface oxidized LiBH₄ system for reversible hydrogen storage applications. RSC Advances, 14, 12345–12354.

  • Iyakutti, K., Reji, R. P., AjayJawahar, K., Lakshmi, I., Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., Surya, V. J., Karthigeyan, A., & Kawazoe, Y. (2024). Interaction of H, H₂, and MgH₂ with graphene and possible application to hydrogen storage—A density functional computational investigation. International Journal of Quantum Chemistry, 124(15), e27467.

 

 

 

Dr. Frank Alexis | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Chemistry Awards

Dr. Frank Alexis | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Frank Alexis , Universidad San Francisco de Quito , Ecuador

Dr. Frank Alexis is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador. With a Ph.D. in Materials Science Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, his career spans academia, research, and industry. Renowned for his expertise in nanotechnology, drug delivery, and biomaterials, Dr. Alexis has contributed significantly to science, with 138 publications and over 11,300 citations. As a mentor and innovator, he has founded companies, guided minority students, and influenced global research through his work as an editor and reviewer for prestigious journals.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Frank Alexis is an exemplary candidate for the “Best Researcher Awards,” combining academic brilliance, impactful research, and inspirational mentorship. His multidisciplinary innovations, global recognition, and dedication to advancing science make him a highly deserving contender for this honor. Dr. Frank Alexis is an accomplished researcher and educator with exceptional contributions to materials science, bioengineering, and nanotechnology. His diverse expertise spans academia, industry, and editorial roles, demonstrating a well-rounded career in advancing science and mentoring future researchers. Dr.  Frank  Alexis has 138 publications with over 11,315 citations, showcasing the global impact of his work.

🎓Education:

Dr. Frank Alexis holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science Engineering from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Interfaces from Technological University of Montpellier (France), and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the same institution. His academic journey reflects a blend of international education, encompassing advanced training in materials science, chemistry, and interdisciplinary applications pivotal for his pioneering contributions to nanotechnology and drug delivery systems.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Alexis has held prominent academic positions globally, including Full Professor roles at Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Yachay Tech in Ecuador. He served as Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at Yachay Tech and a tenured Associate Professor of Bioengineering at Clemson University. His industry experience spans roles at Stericoat Inc., LEK Consulting, Polymed Inc., and GearJump Technologies. Additionally, he contributed to groundbreaking biomaterials research at MIT and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, shaping the fields of nanomedicine and drug delivery.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Alexis has received numerous accolades, including recognition as a Top 2% Researcher globally in nanotechnology and chemistry and Best Researcher by CEDIA. His inventive contributions have earned him awards like Best Inventor and Best Academic Invention. A mentor to minority students, he received the PEER & WISE Mentorship Award and recognition from Nature Biotechnology as a Top Translational Junior Faculty. His honors reflect his profound impact on research, mentorship, and innovation.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Alexis specializes in nanotechnology, biomaterials, and drug delivery systems, focusing on designing advanced materials for healthcare and environmental applications. His interdisciplinary research spans the development of sensors, biodegradable polymers, and functional nanomaterials. His work integrates chemistry, biology, and engineering to tackle challenges in medical diagnostics, therapeutic delivery, and sustainable technologies.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Colorimetric sensor for copper and lead using silver nanoparticles functionalized with fluoresceinamine isomer 
    • Citations: 1
  • Photochromic sensing of La³⁺ and Lu³⁺ ions using poly(caprolactone) fibers doped with spiropyran dyes
    • Citations: 2
  • Synergistic Antibacterial Properties of Silver Nanoparticles and Its Reducing Agent from Cinnamon Bark Extract
    • Citations: 1
  • Water soluble spiropyran for Hg²⁺ sensing in water
    • Citations: 3
  • Users’ opinion about synthetic, bio- and nano-biopesticides
    • Citations: 3