Mrs. Mercedes Bertotto | Organic Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Chemistry Awards

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

 

 

Mr. Yong-Feng Cheng | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Chemistry Awards

Mr. Yong-Feng Cheng | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yong-Feng Cheng , Organic Chemistry, Anhui Normal University, China

Dr. Yong-Feng Cheng is an Associate Professor at the School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, China. He is a leading researcher in the field of radical chemistry and enantioselective catalysis. After earning his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Nankai University, he pursued postdoctoral and faculty roles at the Southern University of Science and Technology, where he made significant contributions to copper-catalyzed asymmetric transformations. Dr. Cheng’s research, published in prestigious journals such as Nature Chemistry, JACS, and Nature Catalysis, emphasizes radical-based bond-forming reactions and novel catalytic systems. With a solid background in pharmacy and pharmaceutical analysis, he bridges organic synthesis with potential bioactive molecule development. His work is characterized by mechanistic insight, innovation in catalyst design, and collaboration with renowned scientists like Prof. X. Liu and Prof. K.N. Houk. Dr. Cheng continues to push boundaries in modern synthetic chemistry, mentoring students and contributing to cutting-edge discoveries.

Professional Profile :         

Orcid

Scopus  

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Assoc. Prof. Yong-Feng Cheng stands out as a highly suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award” . Based on his exceptional publication record, breakthrough contributions to enantioselective radical chemistry, rapid career advancement, and international collaboration, Assoc. Prof. Yong-Feng Cheng is highly deserving of the “Best Researcher Award.” His work reflects a balance of innovation, depth, and scientific rigor, and he has already made a significant mark in modern synthetic chemistry. Granting him this recognition would not only honor a deserving candidate but also inspire broader excellence in chemical sciences.

🎓Education:

Yong-Feng Cheng began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Wannan Medical College (2005–2009). Motivated by a strong interest in the analytical and chemical aspects of drug development, he pursued a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Analysis at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2009–2012). His growing passion for organic synthesis led him to Nankai University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (2012–2015). At Nankai, he specialized in developing synthetic methodologies and advanced radical transformations. His doctoral training laid a solid foundation for his future work in radical catalysis. With this multidisciplinary education—spanning pharmacy, analytical science, and organic chemistry—Dr. Cheng brings a uniquely integrated perspective to the development of functional molecules and asymmetric synthesis. His academic background enables him to innovate at the intersection of fundamental chemistry and potential therapeutic applications.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Yong-Feng Cheng has steadily advanced through competitive academic roles in China’s premier institutions. From 2016 to 2018, he worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), collaborating on pioneering research in enantioselective radical transformations. Recognized for his innovative approach, he was promoted to Research Assistant Professor at SUSTech (2018–2022), where he co-authored several high-impact papers and contributed significantly to catalyst development. In 2023, he joined Anhui Normal University as an Associate Professor in the School of Chemistry and Materials Science. His current role involves leading a research group focused on asymmetric catalysis, mentoring graduate students, and securing national research grants. With a blend of research acumen and teaching excellence, Dr. Cheng continues to shape the future of synthetic chemistry, integrating his deep understanding of radicals, catalysis, and reaction mechanisms across disciplines.

🏅Awards: 

While the specific awards and honors of Dr. Yong-Feng Cheng are not explicitly listed, his track record of publishing in journals like Nature Chemistry, JACS, and Angewandte Chemie reflects high recognition in the international scientific community. Being co-first and corresponding author in several high-impact papers demonstrates peer acknowledgment of his leading role in radical catalysis. His research collaborations with globally renowned scientists like Prof. K.N. Houk and Prof. X. Liu further validate his standing as an innovative researcher. His rapid career progression—from Ph.D. to Associate Professor in under a decade—is itself a testimony to his scientific excellence. He has likely received institutional recognition for teaching and research performance and may have earned national-level research grants or young scientist accolades. As his work continues to draw citations and attention, more formal honors are anticipated in the near future.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Yong-Feng Cheng’s research is centered on enantioselective radical transformations, with a focus on copper-catalyzed asymmetric reactions. His work explores the interface of Organic chemistry and catalysis, developing novel methodologies for constructing C–O, S–O, and C–C bonds with high stereo control. His synthetic strategies employ innovative ligand systems and cooperative catalysis to achieve de- symmetrization and functionalization of otherwise inert molecules. Dr. Cheng has contributed significantly to the design of catalytic systems that enable precise manipulation of reactive radical intermediates, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and material science. He is particularly interested in mechanistic insights, transition-state modeling, and computational collaboration to understand catalytic pathways. With a strong background in both pharmacy and organic synthesis, Dr. Cheng’s research is both methodologically rigorous and application-oriented. His group continues to develop sustainable and scalable reactions for asymmetric synthesis, including redox-triggered transformations and metal-catalyzed coupling strategies.

Publication Top Notes:

1. A P‐nucleophile Interrupted Seyferth‐Gilbert Reaction​

2. Synthesis of Axially Chiral Vinyl Halides via Cu(I)-Catalyzed Enantioselective Radical 1,2-Halofunctionalization of Terminal Alkynes

3. Cu(I)-Catalyzed Chemo- and Enantioselective Desymmetrizing C–O Bond Coupling of Acyl Radicals

4. Cu-Catalyzed Enantioselective Radical Heteroatomic S–O Cross-Coupling

5. Catalytic Enantioselective Desymmetrizing Functionalization of Alkyl Radicals via Cu(I)/CPA Cooperative Catalysis​

6. Desymmetrization of Unactivated Bis-Alkenes via Chiral Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Hydroamination​

7. Achiral Pyridine Ligand-Enabled Enantioselective Radical Oxytrifluoromethylation of Alkenes with Alcohols​

8. Synthesis of γ-Lactams by Mild, o-Benzoquinone-Induced Oxidation of Pyrrolidines Containing Oxidation-Sensitive Functional Groups​

9. Redox-Triggered α-C–H Functionalization of Pyrrolidines: Synthesis of Unsymmetrically 2,5-Disubstituted Pyrrolidines​

10. A New Practical Approach Towards the Synthesis of Unsymmetric and Symmetric 1,10-Phenanthroline Derivatives at Room Temperature

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. cetin bayrak | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Chemistry Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. cetin bayrak | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. cetin bayrak , Agri Ibrahim Cecen University , Turkey

Dr. Çetin Bayrak is an Associate Professor at Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Turkey. With a strong academic foundation in organic chemistry, he holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Food Engineering from Atatürk University, where he also completed his MSc and PhD in Organic Chemistry. Dr. Bayrak’s research spans natural product synthesis, bromination, and mechanistic organic chemistry, focusing on biologically active molecules and enzyme inhibition studies. He has published extensively in top-tier journals and contributed to several high-impact research projects funded by TUBITAK. Dr. Bayrak has also been a visiting scholar with the Kozlowski Group, furthering his expertise in synthesis and catalysis. In addition to his academic accomplishments, he has presented at numerous international conferences, showcasing his innovative research. An expert in NMR spectroscopy and organic compound characterization, Dr. Bayrak’s work bridges fundamental organic chemistry and applied biological research.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Çetin Bayrak is a distinguished academic and researcher with extensive contributions to the field of organic chemistry. He has demonstrated excellence in education, holding dual bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Food Engineering, and advanced degrees (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) from Atatürk University. His research career includes notable positions, such as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, and a visiting scholar experience that highlights his global scientific engagement. Dr. Çetin Bayrak is a highly suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Awards” due to his significant academic achievements, impactful research contributions, and demonstrated commitment to advancing the field of organic chemistry. His innovative work and dedication make him a strong contender for this prestigious recognition.

🎓Education:

Dr. Çetin Bayrak completed his education at Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey. He earned a BSc in Chemistry (2004–2008) and a double major in Food Engineering (2005–2009). For postgraduate studies, he pursued an MSc in Organic Chemistry (2010–2013) and a PhD in Organic Chemistry (2013–2017). His research during this time laid a robust foundation in organic synthesis, with a focus on biologically active bromophenols and reaction mechanisms. His academic journey continued as an Assistant Professor at Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University (2017–2024) and later as an Associate Professor (2024–present). From 2021 to 2023, Dr. Bayrak was a visiting scholar with the Kozlowski Group, where he advanced his expertise in triazole phosphines and catalytic applications. This diverse and rigorous academic training has shaped him into a leading researcher in organic and mechanistic chemistry, emphasizing biologically significant compound synthesis and enzyme activity studies.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Çetin Bayrak has a rich professional background in organic chemistry research and teaching. He began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University in 2017, where he was promoted to Associate Professor in 2024. From 2021 to 2023, he worked as a visiting scholar with the Kozlowski Group, focusing on triazole phosphines and catalytic applications. His extensive project experience includes significant contributions to TUBITAK-funded research, such as the first synthesis of biologically active bromophenols (Project 113Z702) and the total synthesis of Onosmon analogs (Project 119R034). Dr. Bayrak has presented his work at numerous national and international conferences, sharing insights into enzyme inhibition, molecular docking, and natural product synthesis. He is proficient in advanced characterization techniques like NMR, GCMS, and HPLC, showcasing a commitment to cutting-edge research in mechanistic and applied organic chemistry.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Çetin Bayrak has received recognition for his groundbreaking contributions to organic chemistry. He was honored with funding through prestigious TUBITAK programs, including Project 2219 for his work on triazole phosphines and their catalytic applications (2021–2023). His projects, such as the first synthesis of biologically active bromophenols and the total synthesis of Onosmon analogs, highlight his innovative approach to natural product synthesis and catalysis. Dr. Bayrak’s consistent publication of high-impact research has earned him accolades within the scientific community, and his presentations at esteemed international conferences have further distinguished his academic career. These honors underscore his dedication to advancing the field of organic chemistry, with a particular focus on biologically significant compounds and their applications.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Çetin Bayrak’s research centers on organic synthesis, focusing on the development of biologically active molecules and natural product derivatives. His work includes bromination reactions, mechanistic organic chemistry, and enzyme inhibition studies. Dr. Çetin Bayrak has synthesized novel bromophenol compounds, characterized their biological activities, and explored their inhibitory effects on enzymes like carbonic anhydrase and aldose reductase. He is also proficient in molecular docking studies, elucidating enzyme-ligand interactions. Recent projects include developing triazole phosphines for selective oxidative addition and investigating their catalytic properties. With expertise in advanced analytical techniques like NMR and HPLC, Dr. Çetin Bayrak’s research contributes significantly to medicinal chemistry and material science, bridging theoretical and applied organic chemistry.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: The first synthesis, carbonic anhydrase inhibition, and anticholinergic activities of some bromophenol derivatives with S including natural products
Authors: C. Bayrak, P. Taslimi, H.S. Karaman, İ. Gülçin, A. Menzek
Citations: 139
Year: 2019

Title: The first synthesis of 4-phenylbutenone derivative bromophenols including natural products and their inhibition profiles for carbonic anhydrase, acetylcholinesterase, and…
Authors: Ç. Bayrak, P. Taslimi, İ. Gülçin, A. Menzek
Citations: 135
Year: 2017

Title: The first synthesis and antioxidant and anticholinergic activities of 1-(4, 5-dihydroxybenzyl)pyrrolidin-2-one derivative bromophenols including natural products
Authors: M. Rezai, C. Bayrak, P. Taslimi, İ. Gülçin, A. Menzek
Citations: 87
Year: 2018

Title: Synthesis and rearrangement reactions of 1,4-dihydrospiro[1,4-methanonaphthalene-9,1′-cyclopropane] derivatives
Authors: C. Bayrak, H. Senol, S. Sirtbasi, E. Sahin, A. Menzek
Citations: 19
Year: 2018

Title: Cycloaddition reaction of spiro[2.4]hepta-4,6-dien-1-ylmethanol and PTAD: a new rearrangement
Authors: H. Şenol, C. Bayrak, A. Menzek, E. Şahin, M. Karakuş
Citations: 18
Year: 2016

Title: Synthesis and photophysical properties of new pyrazolines with triphenyl and ester derivatives
Authors: A.M. Şenol, Ç. Bayrak, A. Menzek, Y. Onganer, N. Yaka
Citations: 14
Year: 2020

Title: Synthesis and aldose reductase inhibition effects of celecoxib derivatives containing pyrazole linked-sulfonamide moiety
Authors: C. Bayrak
Citations: 10
Year: 2022

Title: The first synthesis of phenylpropanoid derivative bromophenols including natural products: Formation of an indene derivative compound
Authors: C. Bayrak, A. Menzek
Citations: 8
Year: 2020

Title: 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions of the compound obtained from cyclopentadiene‐PTAD and biological activities of adducts formed selectively
Authors: M.A. Yavari, P. Taslimi, C. Bayrak, T. Taskin‐Tok, A. Menzek
Citations: 7
Year: 2022

Title: Synthesis and biological activity of some bromophenols and their derivatives including natural products
Authors: C. Bayrak, P. Taslimi, N. Kilinc, I. Gulcin, A. Menzek
Citations: 6
Year: 2023