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

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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 : 

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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

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zoubida TALEB | Green Chemistry | Environmental Chemistry Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zoubida TALEB | Green Chemistry | Environmental Chemistry Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zoubida TALEB , Green Chemistry , Djillali Liabes University, Algeria

Dr. Zoubida Taleb is a dedicated researcher and academic in the Department of Chemistry at Djillali Liabes University, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria. Affiliated with the Laboratory of Materials & Catalysis (LMC), she has significantly contributed to the fields of analytical chemistry, water quality, catalysis, and polymer chemistry. With a passion for environmental sustainability, her research primarily focuses on wastewater treatment using natural and cost-effective materials. Dr. Taleb earned her doctorate in Applied Physics/Chemistry in 2015 and her habilitation in 2021. She has collaborated on numerous international projects and authored several peer-reviewed publications that address pressing global environmental challenges. She actively shares her work via platforms like ORCID, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Known for her dedication to scientific advancement and community impact, Dr. Taleb continues to lead projects that bridge fundamental chemistry with environmental applications.

Professional Profile : 

Google Scholar

Orcid

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Taleb’s scientific contributions center around analytical chemistry, wastewater treatment, natural adsorbents, polymer chemistry, and catalysis—all of which are crucial subfields of environmental chemistry. A significant part of her recent research targets removal of pollutants (e.g., phenolic compounds, Diuron, heavy metals) from olive oil mill wastewater, used vegetable oils, and industrial effluents. This aligns directly with global efforts toward sustainable water treatment.  Dr. Taleb has contributed meaningfully to the advancement of environmentally friendly chemical technologies and has collaborated internationally. She bridges chemistry, environmental engineering, and materials science, showcasing interdisciplinary impact—a hallmark of outstanding environmental chemists. Dr. Zoubida Taleb demonstrates exceptional alignment with the objectives of the “Environmental Chemistry Award”. Her research directly addresses global environmental challenges such as water pollution, green remediation techniques, and resource recovery using sustainable, low-cost methods. Her scholarly output, practical impact, and dedication to environmental solutions make her a strong and deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

🎓Education:

Dr. Zoubida Taleb’s academic journey began with a Baccalaureate in Natural and Life Sciences (1998) in Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria. She then pursued her passion for chemistry by obtaining a Higher Education Diploma in Chemistry (2003) from Djillali Liabes University. Building upon this foundation, she earned a Master’s degree in Polymer Chemistry (2009) from Ahmed Ben Bella, Es-Senia University in Oran. Her pursuit of higher research led her back to Djillali Liabes University, where she was awarded a Doctorate in Applied Physics/Chemistry (2015). Demonstrating academic excellence and research leadership, she achieved the Habilitation (2021), the highest university qualification in Algeria. This extensive and focused educational background has equipped Dr. Taleb with robust expertise in chemical sciences, particularly in polymers, catalysis, and environmental applications.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Zoubida Taleb has over 15 years of academic and research experience in the field of chemistry. She currently serves as a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at Djillali Liabes University, where she is also a core member of the Laboratory of Materials & Catalysis (LMC). Her responsibilities include supervising graduate research, conducting innovative projects, and teaching chemistry-related subjects. Dr. Taleb has actively collaborated with national and international researchers, contributing to projects in environmental remediation, adsorption processes, and sustainable materials. She has co-authored numerous high-impact articles and presented her research at various international forums. Her experience spans practical lab work, analytical instrumentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in areas such as wastewater treatment, polymer chemistry, and surface catalysis. She also mentors students and promotes scientific awareness and innovation within the academic community.

🏅Awards: 

While specific awards are not listed in the provided data, Dr. Zoubida Taleb’s career is marked by significant academic accomplishments and recognition through her research contributions. Earning the Habilitation degree in 2021 reflects her expertise and capacity to supervise doctoral research—an honor reserved for highly accomplished scholars in Algeria. Her active participation in high-impact publications, including international collaborations with European scientists, underlines her global academic reputation. Her work has been published in leading journals such as Chem Engineering, Environmental Analytical Chemistry, and Waste Management & Research, often addressing critical environmental issues through green chemistry. Furthermore, her role in multiple projects on wastewater treatment and the valorization of natural materials highlights her commitment to sustainability and innovation. Continued invitations to co-author with globally renowned researchers are testament to her respected position in the field.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Zoubida Taleb’s research integrates chemistry with environmental sustainability, focusing on analytical chemistry, wastewater treatment, natural adsorbents, polymer chemistry, and catalysis. She explores low-cost, efficient techniques such as adsorption and catalytic degradation using Algerian clays, montmorillonite, and activated carbon to remove pollutants from industrial effluents. Her studies address real-world problems like the purification of used vegetable oils, olive mill wastewater treatment, and removal of phenolic compounds and pesticides from water. By emphasizing kinetic modeling and physicochemical characterization, she evaluates the efficiency and mechanisms of adsorption and catalysis. Her interdisciplinary work often combines chemical engineering, material science, and environmental science, promoting sustainable solutions. Collaborations with researchers from Spain, Italy, and France have broadened her impact, making her a key contributor in advancing eco-friendly remediation technologies.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Lead and cadmium removal by adsorption process using hydroxyapatite porous materials

Authors: A. Ramdani, A. Kadeche, M. Adjdir, Z. Taleb, D. Ikhou, S. Taleb, A. Deratani

Citations: 48

2. Mechanism study of metal ion adsorption on porous hydroxyapatite: experiments and modeling

Authors: A. Ramdani, Z. Taleb, A. Guendouzi, A. Kadeche, H. Herbache, A. Mostefai, …

Citations: 13

3. Removal of o-Cresol from aqueous solution using Algerian Na-Clay as adsorbent

Authors: H. Herbache, A. Ramdani, A. Maghni, Z. Taleb, S. Taleb, E. Morallon, …

Citations: 10

4. Electrochemical and In Situ FTIR Study of o-Cresol on Platinum Electrode in Acid Medium

Authors: Z. Taleb, F. Montilla, C. Quijada, E. Morallon, S. Taleb

Citations: 10

5. Physicochemical and microbiological characterisation of olive oil mill wastewater (OMW) from the region of Sidi Bel Abbes (Western Algeria)

Authors: S. Djeziri, Z. Taleb, M. Djellouli, S. Taleb

Citations: 7

6. Catalytic degradation of O‐cresol using H₂O₂ onto Algerian Clay‐Na

Authors: H. Herbache, A. Ramdani, Z. Taleb, R. Ruiz‐Rosas, S. Taleb, E. Morallón, …

Citations: 7

7. Discoloration of contaminated water by an industrial dye: Methylene Blue, by two Algerian bentonites, thermally activated

Authors: I. Feddal, Z. Taleb, A. Ramdani, H. Herbache, S. Taleb

Citations: 7

8. Variation of used vegetable oils’ composition upon treatment with Algerian clays

Authors: A. Serouri, Z. Taleb, A. Mannu, S. Garroni, N. Senes, S. Taleb, S. Brini, …

Citations: 6

9.Temperature and pH influence on Diuron adsorption by Algerian Mont-Na Clay

Authors: S. Tlemsani, Z. Taleb, L. Piraúlt-Roy, S. Taleb

Citations: 5

10. Recycling of used vegetable oils by powder adsorption

Authors: A. Mannu, M.E. Di Pietro, G.L. Petretto, Z. Taleb, A. Serouri, S. Taleb, …

Citations: 5

Mr. Frédéric Pignon | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Frédéric Pignon | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Frédéric Pignon , Chemical Engineering ,Senior Scientist at CNRS/Laboratoire Rhéologie et Procédés, France

Frédéric Pignon is a Senior Scientist (Directeur de Recherche, DR1) at CNRS, affiliated with the Laboratoire Rhéologie et Procédés (LRP), UMR 5520, Grenoble, France.🇫🇷, he specializes in fluid mechanics and soft matter rheology. With over 25 years of expertise, Pignon has significantly contributed to the understanding of the multiscale structural behavior of anisotropic dispersions under various flow conditions. His pioneering development of in situ experimental setups has enabled novel insights into flow-structure relationships using SAXS, SANS, SALS, and ultrasound techniques. He holds an h-index of 32 📊, with 76 international publications, 2 patents, and numerous invited talks globally . Apart from research, he actively contributes to scientific evaluation committees and review panels including ANR, HCERES, and ESRF. His collaborations span leading institutions in Europe, North America, and Asia, positioning him as a key figure in advanced rheological material research.

Professional Profile : 

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Pignon holds a Ph.D. in Fluid Mechanics and Transfer (1997, Grenoble-INP), with prior DEA in the same field. His formal training is strongly aligned with his long-term research focus in rheology and multiscale fluid dynamics. He has published 76 peer-reviewed international journal papers, presented in 97 international conferences (including 8 invited talks), and holds 2 patents. His h-index of 32 demonstrates sustained impact in his field. His research uniquely combines rheometric properties with nanoscale-to-microscale structural characterization using advanced techniques such as SAXS, SALS, and optical methods. These contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of flow-induced behavior in complex fluids and materials. Dr. Frédéric Pignon’s pioneering research, prolific publication record, significant mentoring, leadership in scientific boards, and innovative patent contributions make him exceptionally well-qualified for the “Best Researcher Award”. His work bridges theoretical insight with experimental innovation in fluid mechanics and nanostructured systems, making a deep impact on science and industry alike. He is a model of scientific excellence and leadership.

🎓Education:

Frédéric Pignon pursued higher education in engineering and fluid mechanics in France. In 1993, he earned his D.E.A. (Diplôme d’Études Approfondies) in Fluid Mechanics and Transfer from Grenoble-INP, one of France’s premier engineering institutions 🎓. He deepened his specialization by completing a Ph.D. in Fluid Mechanics and Transfer at the same institution in January 1997, underlining his early interest in the microstructural behavior of complex fluids. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his later pioneering work in multiscale flow characterization. Pignon’s strong academic formation in physics, transport phenomena, and complex systems gave him a robust foundation to innovate in rheometry and structural analysis of soft matter systems. His academic path reflects a consistent focus on multidisciplinary approaches to fluid behavior, bridging physics, materials science, and applied engineering.

🏢Work Experience:

Frédéric Pignon has held leading research positions within the CNRS system for over two decades 🧪. Since October 2013, he serves as Senior Scientist (DR1) at CNRS-LRP, following a 14-year tenure (1999–2013) as Research Scientist (CR1). Earlier, he conducted postdoctoral research at ESRF’s ID28 Beamline (1999) and Laboratoire Rhéologie et Procédés (LRP) (1997–1998) 🔬. His research career is defined by designing cutting-edge experimental cells that integrate rheology with structural probes (SAXS/SANS/optical methods). He supervises Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers, participates actively in international collaborations, and leads major research projects across France and Europe. Pignon’s extensive academic and industrial network has facilitated groundbreaking studies on anisotropic particles, biopolymers, and colloids under dynamic conditions. He also contributes to scientific governance through involvement in evaluation panels (ESRF, ANR, HCERES), steering strategic research and innovation.

🏅Awards: 

Frédéric Pignon’s research excellence has been recognized through leadership roles, panel appointments, and competitive research funding . He is a long-standing member of the ESRF Review Committee (Panel C08) (2014–present) and served on France’s ANR CES 09 panel (2018). He also contributed to institutional evaluation through HCERES Committee vague C (2016–2017). As Co-PI of Labex Tec 21 (2013–2021) and scientific coordinator for Carnot PolyNat Institute projects, he has driven interdisciplinary research strategies. Pignon holds two patents, including one on thixotropic hydrogels and another on an ultrasound-enhanced filtration device 🔬. He has secured significant funding from national and regional sources (ANR, SATT, Région Bretagne), supervising several Ph.D. and postdoctoral projects. His work is frequently cited and referenced in the scientific community, and he is a regular reviewer for top-tier journals and national research proposals, having completed 83 international journal reviews and 7 ANR project reviews.

🔬Research Focus:

Frédéric Pignon’s research bridges rheology, soft matter physics, and multiscale characterization. His expertise lies in understanding how anisotropic particles—like cellulose nanocrystals and clay platelets—organize under flow, pressure, or acoustic fields. By developing custom in situ setups integrating rheometers with SAXS, SANS, birefringence, and SALS, he studies how microstructure impacts mechanical properties during dynamic processing. His group investigates orientation, aggregation, concentration polarization, and gelation in suspensions, particularly during cross-flow filtration and ultrasound exposure. He also explores bio-based nanomaterials and the physical behavior of hydrogels, enabling applications in biotechnology and green materials. Collaborating with synchrotron and neutron facilities, he probes structures from nanometer to micrometer scales. Projects like ANR ANISOFILM and Memus (SATT Linksium) showcase his role in advancing filtration, structural control, and nanocomposite design. His research is highly interdisciplinary, combining physics, chemistry, and process engineering.

Publication Top Notes:

1. ​Multi-scale investigation of the effect of photocurable polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) on the self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)​

2. ​A self-cleaning biocatalytic membrane with adjusted polyphenol deposition for edible oil-water separation

3. ​A scalable and eco-friendly carbohydrate-based oleogelator for vitamin E controlled delivery​

4. ​Orthotropic organization of a cellulose nanocrystal suspension realized via the combined action of frontal ultrafiltration and ultrasound as revealed by in situ SAXS​

5. ​Viologen-based supramolecular crystal gels: gelation kinetics and sensitivity to temperature

6. ​Molecular mechanism of casein-chitosan fouling during microfiltration​

7. ​Multiscale investigation of viscoelastic properties of aqueous solutions of sodium alginate and evaluation of their biocompatibility

8. ​Self-supported MOF/cellulose-nanocrystals materials designed from ultrafiltration

9. ​Orientation of Cellulose Nanocrystals Controlled in Perpendicular Directions by Combined Shear Flow and Ultrasound Waves Studied by Small-Angle X-ray Scattering

10. ​Effect of Polymer Length on the Adsorption onto Aluminogermanate Imogolite Nanotubes

Citations: 3​

11. ​Breakdown and buildup mechanisms of cellulose nanocrystal suspensions under shear and upon relaxation probed by SAXS and SALS

 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Emilia Paone | Industrial Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Emilia Paone | Industrial Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Emilia Paone , Industrial Chemistry , Assistant Professor at Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Italy

Dr. Emilia Paone is a dynamic and forward-thinking Fixed-Term Researcher (RTD-B) at the Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, specializing in Industrial Chemistry (SSD: CHIM/07). Born on September 14, 1990, in Reggio Calabria, Italy, she has emerged as a leading young scientist in the field of heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable chemical transformations. Her research pivots on the valorization of waste biomass and plastic residues into high-value chemicals and fuels. With over 41 peer-reviewed international publications, an h-index of 21, and significant international collaborations, Dr. Paone has built a formidable academic presence. She has held multiple national scientific qualifications for associate professorship in both CHIM/04 and CHIM/07. Her global perspective is enriched by research periods in Spain and collaboration with industrial partners. An active voice in green chemistry and environmental sustainability, she is a rising star driving innovation in catalytic materials and waste valorization technologies.

Professional Profile :         

Orcid

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Emilia Paone exemplifies the core qualities sought in a “Young Scientist Award” recipient. With a Ph.D. in Civil, Environmental, and Safety Engineering, she has consistently demonstrated scientific maturity, innovation, and dedication in the realm of green and sustainable chemistry. Her postdoctoral and fixed-term research roles, particularly under national initiatives such as DM 1062/2021 in thematic GREEN areas, highlight her alignment with sustainability and circular economy goals. She has published 41 peer-reviewed papers, authored 2 book chapters, and amassed over 2,000 citations with an h-index of 21, which is remarkable for a young researcher. Her work on heterogeneous catalysis, biomass valorization, and e-waste upcycling contributes meaningfully to global sustainability challenges. She has held international research roles, including ERASMUS+ staff mobility in Spain, showing global engagement and collaborative spirit. Moreover, she has achieved dual National Scientific Qualifications for Associate Professor roles, underscoring her excellence and leadership potential.Dr. Emilia Paone’s proven research excellence, international collaborations, impactful publications, and clear contribution to sustainable technologies make her a strong, deserving, and outstanding candidate for the “Young Scientist Award’. Her work not only meets but exceeds the typical expectations for this recognition, and she stands as a role model for early-career researchers in green and industrial chemistry.

🎓Education:

Dr. Paone earned her Bachelor’s (2009–2013) and Master’s Degrees (2013–2015) in Chemistry from the Università degli Studi di Messina. She then completed her Ph.D. in Civil, Environmental, and Safety Engineering (2015–2018) at the Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, specializing in Science and Technology, Materials, and Energy. Her doctoral thesis was titled “Transfer Hydrogenolysis of Lignin and its Derived Aromatic Ethers Promoted by Heterogeneous Bimetallic Pd-Based Catalysts.” She has also completed a qualification exam in chemistry exercise in 2015. Emilia further enhanced her academic training with research internships in both Italy and Spain, including studies on chemical equilibria and potable water analysis. Notably, she has enriched her learning with international research mobility under Erasmus+, and visiting positions in Spain, gaining practical expertise in nanostructured materials, catalysis, and green technologies.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Paone currently serves as a Fixed-Term Researcher (RTD-B) at Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria (since March 2024), focusing on Industrial Chemistry. Previously, she held an RTD-A position (2022–2024) under Italy’s GREEN program (Action IV.6), collaborating with Capua 1880 s.r.l. on sustainable technologies. Earlier, as a postdoctoral researcher (2021), she worked on the environmental sustainability of materials recovered from lithium battery waste. From 2019 to 2021, she worked with the University of Florence and Reggio Calabria on nanostructured materials for detecting metal ions in solutions. During her Ph.D. and internships, she explored lignin valorization and heterogeneous catalysis. Internationally, she served as a Visiting Researcher and Professor at the University of Córdoba, Spain, and as a Ph.D. student researcher in the same institution. Her experience spans academia, industrial collaboration, and international teaching and research exchanges—showcasing both scientific excellence and applied innovation.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Emilia Paone has achieved significant recognition in the field of sustainable chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis through her impactful research and academic contributions. She holds two prestigious National Scientific Qualifications (Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale) for the role of Associate Professor—one in Industrial Chemistry (CHIM/04 – 03/C2) awarded in 2023, and another in Principles of Chemistry for Applied Technologies (CHIM/07 – 03/B2) awarded in 2022. These qualifications are a testament to her high scientific standards and professional competence, as evaluated by national committees in Italy. Furthermore, her international engagement and excellence were highlighted when she was selected as a Visiting Researcher and Professor under the ERASMUS+ Staff Mobility program in 2023 at the Universidad de Córdoba, Spain. Her academic visibility is reinforced by her impressive bibliometric indicators, with over 2,000 citations and an h-index of 21, showcasing her growing influence in catalysis, green chemistry, and the valorization of waste to high-value products.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Paone’s research is at the cutting edge of green chemistry 🌱, with a core focus on heterogeneous catalysis for the valorization of waste and biomass into value-added products such as bioplastics, biofuels, and fine chemicals. Her work spans the transfer hydrogenolysis of lignin, reductive catalytic upgrading of plastic waste, and photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, contributing to sustainable circular economy models. She has developed MOF-derived, single-atom, and bimetallic Pd-based catalysts that efficiently convert industrial and e-waste streams. She actively collaborates on projects transforming orange peels, PET, polyolefins, and lithium battery residues into useful chemicals via eco-friendly methods. Her interdisciplinary approach combines catalyst design, nanomaterials, environmental remediation, and flow chemistry, with a strong emphasis on industrial scalability and green metrics. Dr. Paone’s research consistently addresses pressing climate and sustainability goals, establishing her as a key player in Europe’s scientific green transition.

Publication Top Notes:

Continuous flow production of γ-valerolactone from methyl-levulinate promoted by MOF-derived Al₂O₃–ZrO₂/C catalysts​

Waste-minimized access to diarylamines and triarylamines via Csp²–N coupling under batch and flow conditions

E-Waste Wars: The Catalyst Awakens​

Long-Term Preservation of Orange Peel Waste for the Production of Acids and Biogas

Direct Reuse of Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries as an Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Reductive Upgrading of Biomass-Derived Furfural​

The reductive catalytic upcycling of polyolefin plastic waste​

Hydrothermal Carbonization as Sustainable Process for the Complete Upgrading of Orange Peel Waste into Value-Added Chemicals and Bio-Carbon Materials

A New Biorefinery Approach for the Full Valorisation of Anchovy Residues: Use of the Sludge Generated during the Extraction of Fish Oil as a Nitrogen Supplement in Anaerobic Digestion​

Electrospun Nanofibers and Electrochemical Techniques for the Detection of Heavy Metal Ions.​

Self Standing Mats of Blended Polyaniline Produced by Electrospinning

Integral valorization of orange peel waste through optimized ensiling: Lactic acid and bioethanol production

Sustainably Sourced Olive Polyphenols and Omega-3 Marine Lipids: A Synergy Fostering Public Health