Mrs. Mercedes Bertotto | Organic Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

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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 : 

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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. Safia TALEB | Organic Chemistry | Best Paper Award

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Prof. Safia TALEB | Organic Chemistry | Best Paper Award

Prof. Safia TALEB , Organic Chemistry , Professor Dr. Senior Researcher at Djillali Liabès University, Algeria

Prof. Safia Taleb is a distinguished Algerian chemist, currently serving as Professor and Deputy Director at the Faculty of Exact Sciences, Department of Chemistry, D. Liabès University, Algeria. From 2010 to 2022, she was the Head of the Laboratory of Materials & Catalysis (LMC). She earned her Doctorate in Organic Chemistry from the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL), Belgium, in 1981, later obtaining Algerian equivalence. Prof. Taleb’s career has spanned decades, marked by leadership in research, education, and collaborative international publications. Her expertise includes organic and analytical chemistry, environmental remediation, wastewater treatment, and clay-based catalysis. She is actively engaged in sustainable science, focusing on recycling and water purification. With a prolific publication record and deep commitment to applied research, Prof. Taleb has made significant contributions to science and society, mentoring numerous students and fostering global partnerships in green chemistry and environmental innovation.

Professional Profile : 

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Prof. Safia Taleb, a distinguished researcher and Professor of Chemistry at D. Liabes University, has made significant contributions in the fields of organic chemistry, water treatment, catalysis, and environmental sustainability. Her recent international publications display innovative and practical solutions to pressing environmental issues such as wastewater treatment, dye degradation, oil recycling, and humic acid removal. Her 2025 publication titled “Decoloration of Waste Cooking Oil by Maghnia Algerian Clays via Ion Exchange and Surface Adsorption” (published in Chem Engineering) is a strong candidate for the “Best Paper Award”, as Addresses a critical environmental concern—recycling waste cooking oil. Uses local and low-cost materials (Algerian clays) for sustainable solutions. Combines surface chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering. Has global relevance and direct practical application, especially in developing regions. Prof. Taleb’s collaborative research approach with international and national scientists and her track record of impactful publications further bolster her candidacy. Prof. Safia Taleb’s research, particularly her 2025 paper in Chem Engineering, exemplifies the criteria of originality, scientific rigor, and environmental relevance sought in a “Best Paper Award”. Her extensive experience, commitment to solving real-world problems, and recent publication’s innovation make her a highly suitable candidate for this recognition.

🎓Education:

Prof. Safia Taleb’s academic journey began with a Baccalaureate in Applied Sciences (1970) in Mostaganem, Algeria. She pursued a Licence in Physical Sciences (Option: Chemistry) at the University of Es-Sénia, Oran, Algeria, graduating in 1974. A year later, in 1975, she earned a D.E.A. (Diplôme d’Études Approfondies) in Organic Chemistry from the same institution. Her pursuit of excellence led her abroad to the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL), Belgium, where she obtained her Doctorate Es Sciences in Organic Chemistry in 1981. In 1988, her Belgian Doctorate was officially recognized in Algeria through equivalence certification. Her solid educational foundation has empowered her pioneering contributions in organic synthesis, catalysis, and environmental science. Prof. Taleb’s international education and interdisciplinary focus continue to influence generations of Algerian scientists and innovators.

🏢Work Experience:

Prof. Safia Taleb has had a remarkable academic and research career spanning over four decades. Since 1989, she has served as Professor and Deputy Director at D. Liabès University, where she has been instrumental in curriculum development, research mentoring, and institutional management. From June 2010 to June 2022, she directed the Laboratory of Materials & Catalysis (LMC), driving innovation in sustainable materials and environmental technologies. Throughout her career, Prof. Taleb has led numerous national and international collaborations, particularly in wastewater treatment, clay-based adsorbents, and organic chemical analysis. She has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and supervised postgraduate research. Her leadership at LMC established it as a hub of applied chemistry in Algeria. An active contributor to environmental and analytical chemistry research, Prof. Taleb’s experience reflects an enduring dedication to scientific advancement and community well-being.

🏅Awards: 

While specific named awards are not listed in the provided data, Prof. Safia Taleb’s distinguished academic career reflects numerous professional recognitions. Her long-standing leadership at the Laboratory of Materials & Catalysis (LMC) and appointment as Deputy Director at D. Liabès University testify to institutional and peer recognition of her contributions. She has been regularly featured as lead or co-author in international journals, signaling esteem from the global scientific community. Her cross-border collaborations with researchers from Europe and North Africa have earned her recognition in Algeria and abroad. Additionally, her role in mentoring Ph.D. candidates, organizing research activities, and fostering innovations in environmental chemistry are indicative of her impact. Invitations to publish, collaborate, and lead reflect ongoing acknowledgment of her excellence and dedication in science and education.

🔬Research Focus:

Prof. Safia Taleb’s research bridges organic chemistry and analytical chemistry with environmental sustainability. Her core focus areas include wastewater treatment, natural clay materials, catalysis, bio-waste recycling, and water quality improvement. She is particularly renowned for developing adsorbent and catalytic materials from Algerian clays, applying them in the purification of industrial and domestic effluents. Her research is highly interdisciplinary, often merging chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering to create eco-friendly solutions. Prof. Taleb is also engaged in valorization of agri-food waste, transforming it into functional materials for environmental applications. She employs spectroscopic, microbiological, and physicochemical techniques to characterize pollutants and evaluate remediation efficiency. Her recent work includes collaborative studies on the removal of synthetic dyes, treatment of olive mill wastewater, and recycling of used vegetable oils. Her research contributes significantly to Algeria’s environmental policy and global green chemistry initiatives.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Decoloration of Waste Cooking Oil by Maghnia Algerian Clays via Ion Exchange and Surface Adsorption

2. Temperature and pH Influence on Diuron Adsorption by Algerian Mont-Na Clay

3. Combined Ozonation Process and Adsorption onto Bentonite Natural Adsorbent for the o-Cresol Elimination

4. High Adsorption Capacity of Thermally Treated Solid Olive Wastes to Treat Olive Mill Wastewater

5. Heterogeneous Catalytic Degradation of Diuron Using Algerian Sodium Montmorillonite

6. Variation of Used Vegetable Oils’ Composition upon Treatment with Algerian Clays

7. Performance of NF90 and NF270 Commercial Nanofiltration Membranes in the Defluoridation of Algerian Brackish Water

Citations: 17

8. Preparation, Characterization and Application of Fe-Pillared Bentonite to the Removal of Coomassie Blue Dye from Aqueous Solutions

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

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

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paresh Patel | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paresh Patel | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paresh Patel , Uka Tarsadia University , India

Dr. Paresh N. Patel, is an Indian chemist and academic leader, currently serving as the I/c Director of the Tarsadia Institute of Chemical Science, Uka Tarsadia University, Gujarat. With over 12 years of experience in teaching, research, and administration, Dr. Patel has significantly contributed to organic synthesis, nanotechnology, and bio-sensor development. He has authored 42 peer-reviewed publications, holds five patents, and supervised numerous MSc and PhD scholars. As an editor and reviewer for reputed journals, he actively engages in the scientific community. Dr. Patel has been instrumental in securing several high-value research grants, collaborating with academia and industry to advance chemical sciences.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Paresh N. Patel is an accomplished researcher with a prolific career spanning over a decade in chemical sciences. His expertise lies in organic synthesis, nanotechnology, and biosensor development, supported by 42 international publications, five patents, and significant research grants totaling over ₹3 crore. He has successfully led and collaborated on high-impact projects funded by prestigious organizations such as DST, GUJCOST, GSBTM, and DBT, demonstrating his ability to secure competitive funding and deliver innovative outcomes. Dr. Paresh N. Patel’s exceptional achievements, diverse research portfolio, and impactful contributions make him highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award.” His innovative work has advanced the frontiers of chemical sciences and demonstrated practical relevance, aligning with the award’s objective of recognizing excellence in research.

🎓Education:

Dr. Paresh N. Patel completed his PhD in Organic Synthesis from Sardar Patel University in 2013, after earning an MSc in Organic Chemistry (2009) and a BSc in Chemistry (2007) from the same institution. His academic training provided a robust foundation for his research in asymmetric synthesis, nanomaterials, and renewable resources. During his doctoral studies, he specialized in single-crystal X-ray diffraction and advanced organic methodologies. He also received an Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship at IIT Madras, where he further honed his expertise in heterocyclic compound synthesis. Over his academic journey, Dr. Patel has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, evident in his comprehensive research output and accolades for innovation.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Paresh N. Patel has an illustrious career spanning academia and research. He has served as an I/c Director at Tarsadia Institute of Chemical Science since 2019 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2024. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor (2016–2024) at Uka Tarsadia University and a Postdoctoral Fellow at IIT Madras (2013–2016), contributing to teaching and research in organic chemistry. He has also worked as a Fellow at NIF-Ahmedabad and an SRF at Sardar Patel University. His roles have encompassed teaching spectroscopy, nanotechnology, and stereochemistry, as well as guiding MSc, PhD, and Postdoctoral scholars. Dr. Patel’s leadership in organizing scientific events and workshops reflects his dedication to fostering innovation and skill development in chemical sciences.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Paresh N. Patel has earned numerous accolades for his contributions to chemical research. He was awarded the prestigious DST Inspire Grant (₹24 lakh) and several significant project grants, including ₹30 lakh from GUJCOST and ₹32 lakh from GSBTM. He also received an International Travel Grant from DBT to present his research in the USA and was a recipient of a ₹10 lakh ICSR-IIT Madras project fund. His excellence in academia has been recognized through various seed grants from Uka Tarsadia University and industrial-funded research projects. Additionally, his proposals under DST-SYST and DST-TDP are under consideration, with a substantial ₹3 crore DST-FIST project in preparation. These accolades highlight Dr. Patel’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering impactful collaborations.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Paresh N. Patel’s research centers on innovative applications of organic chemistry and nanotechnology. His projects include developing nano-scale organic biosensors (DST-SERB) and synthesizing gold nanoparticles from renewable resources for organic synthesis (GSBTM). He also explores asymmetric synthesis using biocatalysts and collaborates with industry to develop biotechnology for hydrogen and ethanol production. His research portfolio includes several high-value grants, such as DST Inspire, GUJCOST, and GSBTM. Dr. Patel’s interdisciplinary approach integrates materials science, biotechnology, and organic chemistry, aiming to address environmental and industrial challenges. His work not only advances theoretical understanding but also offers practical solutions in chemical and biosensor technology.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: Study of lawsone and its modified disperse dyes derived by triple cascade reaction: dyeing performance on nylon and polyester fabrics
Authors: Patel, N.C., Desai, D.H., Patel, P.N.
Year: 2024
Citations: 2

Title: Selective detection of azelnidipine in pharmaceuticals via carbon dot mediated spectrofluorimetric method: A green approach
Authors: Lodha, S.R., Gore, A.H., Merchant, J.G., Shah, S.A., Shah, D.R.
Year: 2024
Citations: 1

Title: Benzothiophene based semi-bis-chalcone as a photo-luminescent chemosensor with real-time hydrazine sensing and DFT studies
Authors: Oza, N.H., Kasundra, D., Deshmukh, A.G., Boddula, R., Patel, P.N.
Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Title: A lawsone based novel disperse dyes with DHPMs scaffold: dyeing studies on nylon and polyester fabric
Authors: Patel, N.C., Talati, K.S., Patel, P.N.
Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Title: Surface functionalized graphene oxide integrated 9,9-diethyl-9H-fluoren-2-amine monohybrid nanostructure: Synthesis, physicochemical, thermal and theoretical approach towards optoelectronics
Authors: Borane, N., Boddula, R., Odedara, N., Jirimali, H., Patel, P.N.
Year: 2024
Citations: 1

Title: Fungus reinforced sustainable gold nanoparticles: An efficient heterogeneous catalyst for reduction of nitro aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic scaffolds
Authors: Deshmukh, A.G., Rathod, H.B., Patel, P.N.
Year: 2023
Citations: 1

Title: Green and sustainable bio-synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Aspergillus Trinidadensis VM ST01: Heterogeneous catalyst for nitro reduction in water
Authors: Deshmukh, A.G., Mistry, V., Sharma, A., Patel, P.N.
Year: 2023
Citations: 3

Title: Design and synthesis of chalcone mediated novel pyrazoline scaffolds: Discovery of benzothiophene comprising antimicrobial inhibitors
Authors: Tandel, S.N., Kasundra, D.V., Patel, P.N.
Year: 2023
Citations: 2

Title: Studies of novel benzofuran based chalcone scaffolds: A dual spectroscopic approach as selective hydrazine sensor
Authors: Tandel, S.N., Deshmukh, A.G., Rana, B.U., Patel, P.N.
Year: 2023
Citations: 4

Title: Novel chalcone scaffolds of benzothiophene as an efficient real-time hydrazine sensor: Synthesis and single crystal XRD studies
Authors: Tandel, S.N., Mistry, P., Patel, P.N.
Year: 2023
Citations: 4