Dr. Satyen Kumar Das | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Chemistry Awards

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das , Chemical Engineering ,  Chief General Manager at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, R&D Centre , India

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das is a distinguished Chemical Engineer and Chief General Manager at Indian Oil R&D Centre, leading the Refining Technology domain. Since joining Indian Oil in 1995, he has contributed nearly 30 years of cutting-edge research, commercialization, and troubleshooting in petroleum refining, sustainability, and circularity. He is recognized for pioneering indigenous technologies such as Ind-Coker, Needle Coke, INDMAX, and INDEcoP2F, significantly contributing to India’s energy innovation and self-reliance. With over 200 patents (144 granted globally) and 94 technical publications, his work bridges research and industry application seamlessly. Dr. Das is known for driving initiatives in crude-to-chemicals, bio-refinery, waste-to-energy, and CO₂ valorization. He has led the successful deployment of several commercial-scale processes and continues to champion green and circular technologies for a sustainable energy future. His leadership and innovation have earned him several prestigious national accolades, making him a key figure in India’s refining research landscape.

Professional Profile : 

Google Scholar 

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das is a seasoned chemical engineering researcher with nearly three decades of experience at the forefront of petroleum refining technology. As Chief General Manager at Indian Oil R&D, he has spearheaded groundbreaking innovations in residue upgradation, crude-to-chemicals, plastic circularity, and CO₂ valorization—making significant contributions toward energy sustainability and circular economy. He has led the commercialization of six major technologies and supported the operation of four commercial plants. With 210 patents filed (144 granted across multiple jurisdictions including the US, Europe, and India) and 94 journal and conference publications, his research has had both academic impact and industrial translation. Dr. Das has been honored by multiple national bodies, including the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (GoI), DSIR, and AIMA, for innovations like INDMAX, Needle Coke Technology, and IV- IZOMaxCATR. His work bridges fundamental research, applied technology, and commercial deployment, positioning him as a pioneer in refining technology and sustainable process development. Dr. Satyen Kumar Das exemplifies the qualities sought for the “Best Researcher Award”—originality, industrial relevance, academic excellence, and societal impact. His contributions have not only advanced the frontiers of petroleum research but also addressed critical environmental and sustainability challenges. He is an exceptional candidate for this prestigious recognition.

🎓Education:

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he specialized in advanced refining technologies. He earned his M.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, where he developed a strong foundation in process design, catalysis, and fuel technology. He began his academic journey with a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from Calcutta University, where he demonstrated academic brilliance and curiosity for applied research. His academic path through premier institutions helped him cultivate expertise across petroleum refining, catalysis, process engineering, and materials chemistry. The rigorous and interdisciplinary training he received has been instrumental in his successful translation of R&D projects into commercial technologies. His educational background also laid the groundwork for his future role as a technocrat and innovator in India’s petroleum industry. His continuous learning mindset remains central to his leadership at Indian Oil R&D Centre.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Das began his professional journey at Indian Oil’s R&D Centre in 1995. Over nearly three decades, he has grown to become Chief General Manager, heading Refining Technology. From 1995 to 2013, he played a pivotal role in developing processes such as INDMAX, INDALIN, DIST-Extra, and MAXLIN. His technical services and troubleshooting expertise in FCC/RFCC/INDMAX made a significant impact on operational efficiency. From 2014 onward, he has been spearheading key initiatives including Ind-Coker, Crude to Chemicals, Needle Coke, and INDEcoP2F (plastic circularity). He has led technology commercialization efforts, driving innovations like MMO catalysts, Octamax, and IV- IZOMaxCATR. Dr. Das has overseen deployment of over 4 commercial technologies and filed over 210 patents, marking his influence on both national and global energy platforms. His forward-looking leadership also covers futuristic domains such as bio-refinery, CO₂ valorization, and advanced carbon materials, ensuring India’s alignment with energy sustainability goals.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das has been honored with numerous prestigious awards for his innovation in petroleum refining. He received the NPMP Award for INDMAX and Needle Coke technologies 🧪, and the DSIR Award for INDMAX commercialization 🛢️. The AIMA Award recognized his breakthroughs in R&D and AI integration 🤖. His energy-efficient, eco-friendly technologies, including Anode Grade Coker and IV- IZOMaxCATR, won accolades from the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MOP&NG) . Notable recognitions include the Innovation Awards (2019-20, 2022-23, 2023-24) for technologies such as Delayed Coker and INDEcoP2F ♻️. In 2025, he was also awarded the JEWEL OF INDIA 🏅 for his outstanding contributions to petroleum science. These honors are a testament to his commitment to technological excellence, sustainability, and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the energy domain. His award-winning innovations have significantly strengthened India’s refining and circular economy capabilities.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Das’s research centers on refining technology innovation, petroleum residue upgrading, and sustainable energy solutions. He focuses on developing high-efficiency catalytic processes such as INDMAX and Ind-Coker 🛢️. His work emphasizes crude-to-chemicals conversion, light olefins production, and high-octane fuel blending components like Octamax and AmyleMax 🔄. A pioneer in circular economy research, he spearheads INDEcoP2F for plastic-to-fuel transformation ♻️. He also works on CO₂ valorization, specialty chemical synthesis, and advanced carbon materials 🌱. With a forward-looking vision, Dr. Das has launched multiple initiatives in bio-refinery, waste-to-energy, and indigenous catalyst development 🔋. His research integrates sustainability, process intensification, and commercial viability, shaping India’s roadmap towards energy security and carbon neutrality. Through 210+ patents and 94 publications, he bridges academic research and industrial application, ensuring innovation meets implementation. His focus continues to align with global trends in green refining and circular chemical engineering.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Multi stage selective catalytic cracking process and a system for producing high yield of middle distillate products from heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks

Authors: D Bhattacharyya, AK Das, AV Karthikeyani, SK Das, P Kasliwal, M Santra, …

Citations: 65

2. CO-hydrogenation of syngas to fuel using silica supported Fe–Cu–K catalysts: Effects of active components

Authors: SK Das, S Majhi, P Mohanty, KK Pant

Citations: 42

3. Process for catalytic cracking of petroleum based feed stocks

Authors: S Mandal, S Kumarshah, D Bhattacharyya, VLN Murthy, AK Das, S Singh, …

Citations: 41

4. CO-hydrogenation over silica supported iron based catalysts: Influence of potassium loading

Authors: SK Das, P Mohanty, S Majhi, KK Pant

Citations: 40

5. Upgradation of undesirable olefinic liquid hydrocarbon streams

Authors: AK Das, S Mandal, S Ghosh, D Bhattacharyya, GS Mishra, JK Dixit, …

Citations: 38

6. Stabilized dual zeolite single particle catalyst composition and a process thereof

Authors: MP Kuvettu, SK Ray, G Ravichandran, V Krishnan, SK Das, S Makhija, …

Citations: 31

7. Molecular-level structural insight into clarified oil by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy: estimation of hydrocarbon types and average structural parameters

Authors: S Mondal, A Yadav, R Kumar, V Bansal, SK Das, J Christopher, GS Kapur

Citations: 29

8. Process for simultaneous cracking of lighter and heavier hydrocarbon feed and system for the same

Authors: S Subramani, D Bhattacharyya, R Manna, SK Das, T Sarkar, S Rajagopal

Citations: 19

9. Dissecting the cohesiveness among aromatics, saturates and structural features of aromatics towards needle coke generation in DCU from clarified oil by analytical techniques

Authors: S Mondal, A Yadav, V Pandey, V Sugumaran, R Bagai, R Kumar, …

Citations: 13

10. Process for simultaneous cracking of lighter and heavier hydrocarbon feed and system for the same

Authors: S Subramani, D Bhattacharyya, R Manna, SK Das, T Sarkar, S Rajagopal

Citations: 13

11. Process for the production of needle coke

Authors: D Bhattacharyya, SV Kumaran, BVHP Gupta, P Kumar, AK Das, G Saidulu, …

Citations: 8

12. Delayed coker drum and method of operating thereof

Authors: THVD Prasad, PR Pradeep, SK Das, JK Dixit, G Thapa, D Bhattacharyya, …

Citations: 7

Prof. Reine NEHME | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Chemistry Awards

Prof. Reine NEHME | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Reine NEHME, Analytical Chemistry , Head of analytical team at University of Orléans, ICOA UMR7311, France

Prof. Reine Nehmé is a renowned French scientist and Professor of Analytical Sciences at the University of Orléans, where she leads the “Analytical Strategies, Affinities and Bioactives” team at ICOA. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, she specializes in advanced separation techniques, bioanalysis, and microfluidics. She is deeply involved in both teaching and scientific governance—serving on multiple university and national scientific committees. Prof. Nehmé also contributes to scientific advancement as a supervisor of numerous Ph.D. and post-doctoral researchers and by coordinating key national research projects funded by ANR and regional bodies. Her prolific contributions to analytical chemistry are reflected in her numerous publications, particularly in the areas of enzymatic assays, capillary electrophoresis, and bioactive compound analysis. With a strong leadership role in Afsep and her involvement in high-level academic administration, she is recognized as a leading figure in analytical chemistry in France and Europe.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Prof. Nehmé holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Montpellier (2008) and an HDR (Accreditation toSupervise Research) from the University of Orléans (2016). Her academic background demonstrates deep expertise and a commitment to high-level scientific scholarship. As a professor and group leader at ICOA, University of Orléans, she leads the “Analytical Strategies, Affinities and Bioactives” team, driving impactful research in analytical sciences, especially in bioanalysis, separative techniques, capillary electrophoresis, microfluidics, and mass spectrometry. Prof. Nehmé is deputy treasurer and a management committee member of the Capillary Electrophoresis Group of Afsep. She holds leadership roles at her university and is actively engaged in curriculum design, evaluation panels, and scientific committees. Prof. Reine Nehmé exemplifies the ideal profile for a “Best Researcher Award”: a high-impact scientist, strategic research leader, dedicated educator, and committed scientific community member. Her strong publication record, funded projects, mentoring, and institutional service collectively highlight her as a trailblazer in analytical chemistry. She fully deserves recognition through such a prestigious award.

🎓Education:

Prof. Reine Nehmé earned her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Montpellier in 2008, following her Master’s degree (Master 2) in the same field from the same institution in 2005. Demonstrating her continued academic excellence and expertise, she received her Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR) from the University of Orléans in 2016. This qualification represents the highest academic degree in France and reflects her capacity to independently lead doctoral research and large-scale scientific projects. Her academic training laid a robust foundation in analytical methodologies, chromatographic techniques, and advanced spectroscopy. These qualifications have enabled her to contribute extensively to the development of innovative analytical tools and methods in environmental, biological, and pharmaceutical research. Her educational background not only established her scientific depth but also positioned her to take on leadership and mentoring roles across both academic and research platforms.

🏢Work Experience:

Prof. Nehmé began her academic journey at the University of Orléans in 2008 as a Temporary Teaching and Research Assistant (ATER). She advanced to Associate Professor in 2009 and was promoted to Professor in 2019. Over the years, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Head of the Analytical Chemistry Department and Coordinator of the Professional License program in Chemistry at IUT Chimie d’Orléans. She has been a member of the laboratory’s scientific council since 2017, and also serves on the Commission of Disciplinary Experts. As an active educator, she teaches a range of courses in analytical sciences including electrochemistry, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and microfluidics. In research, she has successfully supervised 6 Ph.D. students (2 ongoing) and multiple post-doctoral and master’s interns. Her contributions extend to national committees such as Afsep’s CE group, where she has served as Deputy Treasurer since 2021.

🏅Awards: 

While specific awards are not explicitly listed, Prof. Reine Nehmé’s honors are evidenced by her numerous leadership and elected roles. She received the Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR), a distinguished recognition in France for scholarly excellence. Her long-standing position on the scientific council of the ICOA laboratory and as a Commission Expert in disciplinary affairs at the University of Orléans speaks to her academic credibility. She was elected to the Management Committee of the CE group of Afsep in 2017 and appointed as Deputy Treasurer in 2021, underlining national recognition by her peers. She has consistently been entrusted with leadership in nationally funded research programs by ANR and regional agencies, confirming her scientific standing and project leadership ability. Her active role in supervising doctoral candidates and international collaborations further affirms her status as a respected figure in analytical sciences.

🔬Research Focus:

Prof. Nehmé’s research centers on analytical sciences, particularly in capillary electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and microscale thermophoresis for studying molecular interactions. Her projects frequently explore bioanalysis, enzyme kinetics, and natural product evaluation. She leads or participates in numerous ANR-funded projects, including stapled peptide design, bioremediation via micromycetes, and enzyme behavior in crowded synthetic environments. A significant part of her work involves developing lab-on-a-chip (LoC) platforms for investigating target-ligand interactions at the single-cell level. She has also contributed to the miniaturization of enzymatic assays, passive sampling techniques for water analysis, and electrochemical sensors for environmental monitoring. Prof. Nehmé integrates separation sciences with biology and materials chemistry, bridging analytical method development with real-world biological and environmental challenges. Her interdisciplinary research fosters innovations in diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, and ecological risk assessment, marking her as a pioneer in translating analytical chemistry into functional tools for bioactive discovery and environmental stewardship.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Using CE to Confirm the Activity of Fluorescent miRFP670-LIMK1 Protein Produced for MST Assays Directly in Cell Lysate

2. The Antimicrobial Activity of ETD151 Defensin is Dictated by the Presence of Glycosphingolipids in the Targeted Organisms

3. Glycolipid and Lipopeptide Biosurfactants: Structural Classes and Characterization—Rhamnolipids as a Model

4. Nutraceutical and Cosmetic Applications of Bioactive Compounds of Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) Stigmas and Its By-products

5. Antioxidant and Anti-lipase Capacities from the Extracts Obtained from Two Invasive Plants: Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Solidago canadensis

6. Nutraceutical Capacities of Extracts from the Invasive Plants Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Solidago canadensis

7. Screening and Evaluation of Dermo-Cosmetic Activities of the Invasive Plant Species Polygonum cuspidatum

8. Biosurfactant-Producing Mucor Strains: Selection, Screening, and Chemical Characterization

9. Capillary Electrophoresis for Enzyme-Based Studies: Applications to Lipases and Kinases

10. Correction to: Reproducibility and Accuracy of Microscale Thermophoresis in the NanoTemper Monolith: A Multi Laboratory Benchmark Study

11. Design, Synthesis and SAR in 2,4,7-Trisubstituted Pyrido[3,2-d]Pyrimidine Series as Novel PI3K/mTOR Inhibitors