Mrs. Mercedes Bertotto | Organic Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. Mercedes Bertotto | Organic Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. Mercedes Bertotto , Organic Chemistry , Researcher in Chemometrics at Wageningen University & Research , Netherlands

Dr. Mercedes Bertotto is a distinguished chemical engineer and food scientist with over 12 years of specialized experience in spectroscopic techniques, chemometrics, and quality control. Based in The Netherlands, she is currently a lecturer at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences and founder of Vibralytics.nl, promoting sustainable and data-driven innovations in the agri-food sector. Previously, she was a researcher at Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, where she led spectral sensing projects integrating NIR, MIR, and Raman spectroscopy with machine learning. Her earlier role at SENASA, Argentina’s National Reference Laboratory, showcased her leadership in GC-MS residue analysis and chemometric modeling. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Dutch, Dr. Bertotto bridges scientific excellence with cross-cultural communication, driving sustainable solutions in food safety and circular materials. Her contributions to academia, research, and entrepreneurship reflect a strong commitment to innovation, international collaboration, and applied chemical sciences.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Mercedes Bertotto stands out as an exceptionally qualified candidate for the “Women Researcher Award” due to her profound scientific expertise, leadership, and innovation across multiple sectors. With a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering and a strong academic foundation in Food Science and Technology, she exemplifies excellence in applied and theoretical research. Her 12+ years of impactful work—from Argentina’s SENASA National Reference Laboratory to the Netherlands’ Wageningen Food and Biobased Research—reflect her global research footprint. She has made significant contributions in spectral sensing, chemometrics, machine learning, and food quality control. Moreover, her entrepreneurial initiative as the founder and CEO of Vibralytics.nl demonstrates her commitment to translating science into real-world, sustainable solutions. Dr. Mercedes Bertotto is highly suitable for the “Women Researcher Award’. Her multidisciplinary achievements, pioneering role in spectral analytics, dedication to sustainable food systems, and entrepreneurial leadership in a male-dominated field exemplify the qualities the award seeks to recognize. Her career reflects not only scientific merit but also her inspirational impact as a woman in science, making her a deserving and empowering candidate for this honor.

🎓Education:

Dr. Bertotto holds a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Buenos Aires, where her thesis focused on modeling drying and tempering processes of rice (IRGA 424). Her research included dynamic mechanical analysis and mathematical modeling of glass transition temperature, achieving an outstanding score of 10/10. She also holds a Master’s in Food Science and Technology from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires. Her academic formation enabled her to work on food preservation, quality control, and raw material analysis using both physical and chemical techniques. Her educational foundation is rooted in experimental precision, mathematical rigor, and industrial application. This robust background has allowed her to seamlessly bridge theory with practical laboratory and industry-based problem-solving. Her education reflects interdisciplinary training, combining engineering, food science, and analytical chemistry—providing her with the ideal base for impactful research in sustainable biobased materials and food safety.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Bertotto brings an extensive and diverse professional background. She currently lectures in Information Management and Data Analytics at Wittenborg University and leads Vibralytics.nl, a company pioneering AI-driven spectroscopy for agri-food applications. Between 2022–2024, she was a spectral sensing researcher at Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, using hyperspectral imaging and chemometrics (PCA, PLS, CNN) for quality control. From 2010 to 2022, she worked at SENASA in Argentina, specializing in NIR/FTIR microscopy, GC-MS, and regulatory compliance in food safety. As a university professor, she taught chemometric tools for doctoral candidates, and she also served as a consultant at SoftLab, contributing to petroleum industry applications of NIR. Her expertise encompasses spectroscopy hardware (Specim FX10/17, MicroNIR, LabSpec), data tools (R, MATLAB), and AI-based modeling. This blend of research, teaching, and consulting makes her a well-rounded scientist, with real-world and academic impact across multiple industries.

🏅Awards: 

While specific awards are not explicitly listed, Dr. Mercedes Bertotto’s recognitions include multiple peer-reviewed publications, oral and poster presentations at prestigious conferences, and leadership roles in top-tier research institutions like Wageningen University. Her work was accepted for presentation at the 38th EFFoST International Conference (2024) and ICNIRS 2023, both internationally acclaimed events in food science and spectroscopy. She has also contributed to publicly recognized innovation efforts in Argentina, featured in national science communications (e.g., Argentina.gob.ar and API-Portal). Her appointment as a doctoral-level professor and selection as a founder and CEO of a research-driven company demonstrates academic and entrepreneurial recognition. Moreover, her trilingual fluency and international engagement serve as indicators of her global scientific outreach and influence. These distinctions—academic, institutional, and professional—reflect her commitment to innovation, research excellence, and interdisciplinary problem-solving in chemical engineering and food safety.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Bertotto’s research is grounded in analytical chemistry, spectral sensing, and chemometric modeling applied to food and agricultural systems. Her focus lies in leveraging Near-Infrared (NIR), Mid-Infrared (MIR), FTIR microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to improve food quality, detect contaminants, and enable circular and sustainable material flows. She specializes in multivariate analysis (PCA, PLS-DA, ANN, CNN) for interpreting complex spectral data in real-time monitoring systems. Her work integrates hyperspectral imaging with AI-driven tools to predict physical and chemical properties of biological materials, such as fungal susceptibility in tomatoes or nutrient profiling in dairy. She is also deeply involved in modeling moisture and thermal behavior in grains like rice. Her research bridges fundamental science with applied industry solutions—creating novel analytical frameworks that optimize safety, quality, and sustainability in bio-based materials, food systems, and environmental monitoring.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Predicting fungal infection sensitivity of sepals in harvested tomatoes using imaging spectroscopy and partial least squares discriminant analysis

2. Comparison between Chemometrics and Machine Learning for the Prediction of Macronutrients in Fresh Cheeses Using Imaging Spectroscopy

3. Detection of Animal By‑Products in Bone Ashes by Near Infrared Spectroscopy Coupled with Microscopy

  citation : 1

 

 

Prof. Mohammad Bakherad | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Mohammad Bakherad | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Mohammad Bakherad | Organic Chemistry | Researcher at Shahrood University of Technology, Iran

Mohammad Bakherad, born in 1969 in Mashhad, Iran, is a distinguished Professor of Organic Chemistry at Shahrood University of Technology. He earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry from Isfahan University (1992) and completed his M.Sc. (1995) and Ph.D. (2002) at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad under the mentorship of Majid M. Heravi and Mohammad Rahimizadeh. With a prolific research career, he has published over 147 ISI-indexed papers, contributing significantly to organic synthesis, heterocyclic chemistry, catalysis, and green chemistry. His expertise in organometallic reagents and innovative synthetic methodologies has gained international recognition. He has mentored numerous students and led cutting-edge research projects. His commitment to academic excellence and scientific contributions continues to shape the field of organic chemistry in Iran and beyond.

Professional Profile :         

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Mohammad Bakherad is a highly accomplished researcher in the field of organic chemistry, particularly in catalysis, heterocyclic chemistry, and green synthetic methodologies. His academic journey, from earning a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad to becoming a full Professor at Shahrood University of Technology, demonstrates his dedication to research and innovation. With over 147 ISI-cited papers, his contributions have significantly advanced the understanding and application of novel catalytic and environmentally friendly synthetic approaches. Dr. Mohammad Bakherad’s outstanding publication record, pioneering research in organic synthesis and catalysis, and commitment to sustainable chemistry make him an exceptional candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His work has had a profound impact on the scientific community, shaping the future of organic chemistry. His innovative methodologies, leadership in academia, and dedication to mentorship and collaborative research make him highly deserving of this recognition.

🎓Education:

Mohammad Bakherad pursued his B.Sc. in Chemistry at Isfahan University, Iran, from 1988 to 1992. He then continued his academic journey at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, where he obtained his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry (1993–1996) and later earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (1996–2002). His doctoral research was conducted under the supervision of esteemed professors Majid M. Heravi and Mohammad Rahimizadeh, focusing on advanced organic synthesis and heterocyclic chemistry. His academic background provided him with a strong foundation in organic methodologies, catalysis, and the development of novel heterocyclic compounds. Through rigorous training and research, he developed expertise in the synthesis of organic frameworks, organometallic reagents, and green chemistry applications. His educational journey laid the groundwork for a prolific career in organic synthesis, contributing significantly to the field with numerous publications and advancements in catalytic and environmentally friendly synthetic approaches.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Mohammad Bakherad has had an extensive academic career, beginning as an Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry at Shahrood University of Technology in July 2003. His dedication and contributions to research and teaching led to his promotion to Associate Professor in January 2008. In February 2013, he achieved the rank of Professor, solidifying his position as a leading researcher in organic and heterocyclic chemistry. Throughout his career, he has mentored numerous students, guiding them in advanced research methodologies and fostering innovation in catalysis and organic synthesis. His teaching experience spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering specialized topics such as organometallic chemistry, synthetic methodologies, and green chemistry. Additionally, he has been actively involved in collaborative research projects, contributing to cutting-edge developments in organic chemistry. His expertise has led to significant advancements in sustainable chemical processes and the development of novel heterocyclic frameworks.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Mohammad Bakherad has received numerous accolades in recognition of his outstanding contributions to organic chemistry. He has been honored for his pioneering work in catalysis, green synthetic methods, and heterocyclic chemistry. His research excellence has been acknowledged through multiple awards from national and international scientific organizations. He has been invited as a keynote speaker at prestigious conferences, highlighting his expertise in organic synthesis and catalytic methodologies. His scholarly achievements include being recognized for his high-impact publications in leading scientific journals. Furthermore, his commitment to mentorship and academic excellence has earned him appreciation from students and colleagues alike. As a distinguished researcher, he has also been part of various scientific committees, contributing to the advancement of chemistry education and research. His contributions continue to shape the field, fostering innovation and inspiring future generations of chemists.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Mohammad Bakherad’s research focuses on organic synthesis, particularly in heterocyclic chemistry, catalysis, and green synthetic methodologies. He has made significant contributions to the development of novel heterocyclic compounds and organometallic reagents, which play a crucial role in medicinal and materials chemistry. His work in catalytic processes has led to innovative and environmentally friendly approaches for synthesizing complex organic molecules. He has explored palladium-catalyzed reactions, Sonogashira coupling, and cyclocondensation techniques to design efficient synthetic routes. Additionally, his interest in sustainable chemistry has driven his research on recyclable catalysts and water-based reactions, reducing the environmental impact of chemical synthesis. His extensive studies on heteroannulation reactions have resulted in the creation of novel bioactive molecules with potential pharmaceutical applications. With over 147 ISI-cited papers, his research continues to influence advancements in organic and green chemistry, making a lasting impact on the scientific community.

Publication Top Notes:

Synthesis, QSAR modeling, and molecular docking studies of 1,2,3-triazole-pyrazole hybrids as significant anti-cancer and anti-microbial agents

Synthesis of new hybrid compounds of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine/pyridine based on quinoxaline through palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions and heteroannulation

A comprehensive review: medicinal applications and diverse synthetic strategies of pyrimidine-based compounds leveraging Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions

Synthesis, and molecular docking studies of novel 1,2,3-triazoles-linked pyrazole carboxamides as significant anti-microbial and anti-cancer agents

Copper catalysts supported by dehydroacetic acid chitosan schiff base for CuAAC click reaction in water

Citations: 1

Furo, Pyrano, and Pyrido[2,3-d]Pyrimidines: A Comprehensive Review of Synthesis and Medicinal Applications

Citations: 5

Synthesis of new 1,2,3-triazole-linked pyrimidines by click reaction

Synthesis of new 4,5-disubstituted-6-methyl-2-(methylthio) pyrimidines via C-C coupling reactions

New Hybrid Compounds from Imidazole and 1,2,3-Triazole: Efficient Synthesis of Highly Substituted Imidazoles and Construction of Their Novel Hybrid Compounds by Copper-Catalyzed Click Reaction

Citations: 1

An Efficient Synthesis of New Pyrazole-Linked Oxazoles via Sonogashira Coupling Reaction

Citations: 2

Dr. Hongjian Qin | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hongjian Qin | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hongjian Qin , Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, CAS , China

Dr. Hongjian Qin is an accomplished researcher in sustainable and green chemistry, with expertise in drug process development and medicinal administration. He earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, being recognized as an Excellent Graduate in 2024. Dr. Hongjian Qin’s contributions to the field span over three years, emphasizing environmentally friendly pharmaceutical synthesis and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development. Currently serving as Research Director at Topharman Company Limited, he continues to advance innovative solutions in drug development. His work includes mentoring students, enhancing resource recovery, and participating in COVID-19 research. With numerous impactful publications, Dr. Hongjian Qin is a dedicated professional committed to promoting sustainability and advancing solutions for global environmental challenges.

Professional Profile:

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Hongjian Qin is an exemplary candidate for the “Best Researcher Awards,” with a distinguished career in sustainable and green chemistry. His pioneering research in eco-friendly pharmaceutical synthesis has significantly contributed to reducing industrial waste and enhancing process efficiency, aligning with global sustainability objectives. Dr. Hongjian Qin’s innovative work on ligand-free catalysis, large-scale API production, and impurity profiling reflects his expertise in developing practical solutions for complex challenges in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. Dr. Hongjian Qin’s research excellence, innovative contributions, and global impact make him a highly deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Awards.” His work not only addresses critical scientific challenges but also fosters sustainable practices in drug development, making a lasting impact on both academia and industry.

🎓Education:

Dr. Hongjian Qin holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the Chinese Academy of Sciences , specializing in process development of drug substances and medicinal administration. His doctoral work was conducted at the Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, showcasing expertise in sustainable pharmaceutical synthesis. He completed a Master of Engineering in Organic Chemistry from Guangxi University, focusing on the process development of drug substances. Dr. Qin’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Organic Chemistry from Guangxi University . His educational foundation combines rigorous theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing him to address complex challenges in green and sustainable chemistry.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Hongjian Qin’s professional journey spans over a decade, focusing on pharmaceutical synthesis and sustainable chemistry. As Research Director at Topharman Company Limited (2024–present), he spearheads innovations in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and emphasizes good manufacturing practices (GMP). Previously, as a Research Assistant at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (2021–2024), he supported COVID-19 research projects, trained students, and enhanced pharmaceutical waste recovery techniques. At the Xinjiang Engineering Research Centre for Key Technologies and Processes of Ethnomedicine (2015–2021), Dr. Hongjian Qin led projects on sustainable API production and industrial resource recovery. His experiences reflect a blend of academic research and industrial application, driving advancements in pharmaceutical science.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Hongjian Qin has received numerous accolades for his contributions to sustainable chemistry. He was honored as an Excellent Graduate in 2024 by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences for his outstanding academic achievements during his Ph.D. studies. His work on sustainable pharmaceutical synthesis earned him recognition at various national and international conferences. Dr. Hongjian Qin has been instrumental in developing innovative processes for drug substances, garnering appreciation from industrial partners. Additionally, his mentorship roles and administrative contributions at research institutions have been commended, underscoring his commitment to advancing science and education.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Hongjian Qin’s research focuses on sustainable and green chemistry, particularly in the process development of drug substances. He has worked extensively on optimizing synthesis methods for pharmaceutical intermediates, reducing waste, and improving efficiency in drug manufacturing. His innovative approaches emphasize the use of eco-friendly reagents and catalysts, aligning with global sustainability goals. His recent work includes developing ligand-free copper-catalyzed cyclization methods, novel iron-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, and efficient large-scale processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Dr. Hongjian Qin is dedicated to advancing environmentally responsible techniques in pharmaceutical synthesis, ensuring both industrial viability and ecological preservation.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Direct Esterification of Amides by the Dimethylsulfate-Mediated Activation of Amide C–N Bonds

Authors: Qin, H.; Han, Z.; Bonku, E.M.; Shen, J.; Aisa, H.A.

Year: 2024

Citations: 0

2. An Alternative Approach to Synthesize Sildenafil via Improved Copper-Catalyzed Cyclization

Authors: Odilov, A.; Gong, X.; Qin, H.; Yang, F.; Shen, J.

Year: 2024

Citations: 0

3. Impurity Study of Tecovirimat (Open Access)

Authors: Bonku, E.M.; Qin, H.; Odilov, A.; Wang, X.; Shen, J.

Year: 2024

Citations: 1

4. Improved and Ligand-Free Copper-Catalyzed Cyclization for an Efficient Synthesis of Benzimidazoles from o-Bromoarylamine and Nitriles (Open Access)

Authors: Bonku, E.M.; Qin, H.; Odilov, A.; Aisa, H.A.; Shen, J.

Year: 2024

Citations: 2

5. Direct Reductive N-Alkylation of Amines with Carboxylic Esters

Authors: Zhang, Y.; Bonku, E.M.; Yang, X.; Shen, J.; Qin, H.

Year: 2024 (In Press)

Citations: 0

6. Iron-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Alkyl Grignard Reagents with Alkenyl Carbonate

Authors: Qin, H.; Yang, X.; Mintah Bonku, E.; Shen, J.; Akber Aisa, H.

Year: 2024 (In Press)

Citations: 0

7. A Review of the Synthetic Strategies Toward the Antiviral Drug Tecovirimat (Review Article)

Authors: Bonku, E.M.; Qin, H.; Odilov, A.; Zhu, F.; Shen, J.

Year: 2024 (In Press)

Citations: 0

8. An Improved Iodine-Catalyzed Aromatization Reaction and Its Application in the Synthesis of a Key Intermediate of Cannabidiol

Authors: Abduahadi, S.; Bonku, E.M.; Qin, H.; Aisa, H.A.; Shen, J.

Year: 2024 (In Press)

Citations: 0

9. Optimized Synthesis of the Key Intermediate of Telmisartan via the Cyclization of 2-Bromoarylamine with n-Butyronitrile

Authors: Qin, H.; Mintah Bonku, E.; Odilov, A.; Zhu, F.; Aisa, H.A.

Year: 2023

Citations: 1

10. Efficient Large-Scale Process for Tecovirimat via Reactive Distillation for the Preparation of Cycloheptatriene

Authors: Bonku, E.M.; Qin, H.; Odilov, A.; Guma, S.D.; Shen, J.

Year: 2023

Citations: 4