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 . Dmitry Dar’in | Organic Chemistry Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof . Dmitry Dar’in | Organic Chemistry Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof . Dmitry Dar’in  , Saint Petersburg State University, Institute of Chemistry, Russia 

Prof. Dmitry Dar’in is a distinguished chemist at the Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, with over 20 years of academic and research expertise. He is widely recognized for his work in heterocyclic chemistry and organic synthesis, actively supervising more than 20 graduate students. Prof. Dar’in has significantly advanced research in the synthesis of polysubstituted lactams and diazo compounds, expanding the boundaries of diazo chemistry and multicomponent reactions. With a robust publication record, including 236 Scopus-indexed articles, he has made remarkable contributions to targeted protein degradation, antitubercular agents, and trace amine-associated receptor studies. His dedication to scientific collaboration is evident in his partnerships with top international researchers, including Prof. Ewgenij Proschak, Prof. Saeed Balalaie, and Dr. Marcus D. Hartmann. He also serves as a Guest Editor for the journal Molecules on the “Diazo Chemistry” special issue. Prof. Dar’in is an influential figure in modern chemistry, continually driving innovation and education.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Orcid

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Prof. Dmitry Dar’in is exceptionally suited for the “Best Researcher Award” due to his impactful contributions to the fields of diazo chemistry, heterocyclic compounds, and multicomponent reactions. With over 20 years of experience and an extensive portfolio of 236 Scopus-indexed publications, his work has significantly influenced organic synthesis, particularly in developing innovative methodologies for diazo compound synthesis in aqueous media and expanding the Castagnoli-Cushman reaction’s applications. His high citation index (h-index of 23) reflects the relevance and quality of his research contributions, demonstrating a consistent commitment to advancing chemical science.

🎓Education:

Prof. Dmitry Dar’in has pursued an extensive educational journey focused on chemistry, culminating in his expertise in heterocyclic compounds and organic synthesis. He completed his initial studies at a reputed university, where he laid a strong foundation in chemical theory and application. Further advancing his knowledge, Prof. Dar’in specialized in heterocyclic and diazo chemistry, undertaking advanced research projects and collaborative studies that have become foundational to his career. His formal education was complemented by ongoing research, allowing him to gain hands-on experience with complex chemical reactions and synthesis methodologies. Prof. Dar’in has continued his professional development through interactions with prominent research groups worldwide, which have enriched his teaching and research endeavors. His education paved the way for his current role as a professor and researcher, where he imparts deep knowledge in organic synthesis and continues to explore innovative approaches in chemistry.

🏢Work Experience:

With over two decades of experience in academic and applied research, Prof. Dmitry Dar’in has established himself as a leader in heterocyclic chemistry and diazo compound synthesis. He teaches advanced courses on heterocyclic chemistry and organic synthesis at Saint Petersburg State University, where he has also supervised over 20 graduate theses, guiding students in cutting-edge research methodologies. Prof. Dar’in’s experience spans multiple successful projects, including five current research endeavors and two consultancy projects for industry partners. His expertise is further reflected in his role as Guest Editor for Molecules, where he oversees specialized issues on diazo chemistry. Prof. Dar’in has extensive international collaboration experience, working closely with esteemed scientists like Prof. Ewgenij Proschak and Prof. Saeed Balalaie. His global engagements and dedication to advancing chemistry research continue to influence modern synthetic methods and applications, particularly in medicinal chemistry and targeted protein degradation.

🏅Awards:

Prof. Dmitry Dar’in has received several prestigious awards in recognition of his innovative contributions to chemistry, particularly in the areas of heterocyclic compounds and diazo chemistry. His groundbreaking work has earned him the respect of both academic and industrial circles, where his methods for synthesizing diazo compounds in aqueous environments and his contributions to the Castagnoli-Cushman reaction have been particularly celebrated. His scholarly excellence is also recognized through his editorial role for Molecules, showcasing his influence in shaping modern research directions. In addition to these honors, Prof. Dar’in has been acknowledged for his collaborative work with international research leaders, reflecting his commitment to global scientific advancement. His contributions to the field, both in education and research, have earned him nominations for top-tier awards such as the Best Researcher Award, emphasizing his stature as a leading scientist in organic synthesis and multicomponent reactions.

🔬Research Focus:

Prof. Dmitry Dar’in’s research primarily explores diazo chemistry, heterocyclic compounds, and multicomponent reactions. He has pioneered efficient synthesis methods for diazo compounds, especially diazo metanesulfonamides, and has introduced aqueous medium diazo transfer techniques, which have expanded the practical applications of these compounds. His work with polysubstituted lactams through the Castagnoli-Cushman reaction has unlocked new pathways for using cyclic anhydrides and imine-type reagents. Prof. Dar’in’s research also delves into targeted protein degradation, trace amine-associated receptors, and antitubercular agents, making substantial strides in medicinal chemistry. His innovative approaches to synthesizing five- and six-membered diazo heterocycles have opened avenues for further exploration in core functionalization and heterocyclic frameworks. Prof. Dar’in’s research remains at the forefront of organic chemistry, impacting both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in pharmaceutical sciences.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Title: Synthesis of cyclic sulfamides via one-pot alkylation/aza-Michael cascade reaction
  • Title: Coinage (Au, Ag, Cu) metal-catalyzed (3 + 2) annulation of α-aminoketones and electron-deficient alkynes as a route to 3-EWG-substituted pyrroles
    • Citations: 1
  • Title: Diazo Tetramic Acids Provide Access to Natural-Like Spirocyclic Δα,β-Butenolides through Rh(II)-Catalyzed O-H Insertion/Base-Promoted Cyclization
    • Citations: 6
  • Title: The synthesis of 1-oxa-9-azaspiro[5.5]undecane derivatives and optimization of antituberculosis activity thereof
  • Title: Phosphorescent Cyclometalated Palladium(II) and Platinum(II) Complexes Derived from Diaminocarbene Precursors