Prof. Dr. Alexander Zakharov , Institute of Problems of Mechanical Science, RAS , Russia

Dr. Alexandre V. Zakharov is a distinguished Russian physicist specializing in molecular physics, hydrodynamics, and lubrication science. He is the Head of the Hydrodynamics of Liquid Crystals Laboratory at the St. Petersburg Institute for Machine Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences. With a research career spanning over four decades, he has contributed extensively to theoretical and applied physics. His expertise has led him to numerous international collaborations, including positions as a visiting professor in Japan, Canada, Italy, and Sweden. He has authored numerous scientific publications and played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding of liquid crystal hydrodynamics and lubrication phenomena. His contributions have been recognized worldwide, and he remains an influential figure in molecular and mathematical physics.

Professional Profile:

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Alexandre V. Zakharov is a highly accomplished physicist with a distinguished career spanning over four decades in molecular physics, liquid crystal hydrodynamics, tribology, and nanodevice engineering. His groundbreaking contributions to fluid dynamics, lubrication science, and computational modeling have significantly influenced both theoretical and applied physics. His Habilitation Doctorate in Molecular Physics and Ph.D. in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics (1983) demonstrate his deep academic expertise. Dr. Zakharov’s exceptional research contributions, international collaborations, leadership roles, and impact on multiple scientific domains make him a highly suitable nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His expertise in fluid dynamics, computational modeling, and nanophysics has significantly advanced scientific knowledge and practical applications. Given his outstanding achievements, he is a strong candidate for this prestigious honour.

🎓Education:

Dr. Alexandre V. Zakharov holds a Habilitation Doctorate in Molecular Physics, awarded in 1992 by the Higher Attestation Commission of the USSR. He earned his Ph.D. in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics from Byelorussian State University in 1983, under the guidance of Profs. L.A. Rott and E.T. Brook-Levinson. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his future contributions to molecular and mathematical physics. He completed his Master’s degree in Mathematical Physics at Leningrad State University in 1974 after studying there from 1969 to 1974. His strong mathematical background provided him with a rigorous framework to explore fluid dynamics, liquid crystal physics, and tribology. Throughout his academic career, he has integrated theoretical models with experimental data, shaping the development of nanophysics and lubrication science. His education has played a crucial role in his contributions to physics, particularly in hydrodynamics, photonics, and computational modeling.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Zakharov has over four decades of experience in molecular physics and hydrodynamics. Since 2009, he has served as Head of the Hydrodynamics of Liquid Crystals Laboratory at the St. Petersburg Institute for Machine Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences. Before this, he was a Leading Researcher (1995-2009) and Senior Researcher (1986-1995) in the Microwear and Lubrication Laboratory at the same institute. His career also includes roles as a Senior Researcher at the Medical Institute in Minsk (1985-1986) and a Junior Researcher at the Heat and Mass Transfer Institute of the BSSR Academy of Sciences (1974-1984). He has also held numerous international visiting professorships in Japan, Canada, Italy, Turkey, and Sweden. His global experience has significantly contributed to advancements in lubrication science, tribology, and liquid crystal hydrodynamics, reinforcing his position as a leading figure in theoretical and applied physics.

🏅Awards:

Dr. Zakharov has received numerous accolades for his contributions to physics. He was awarded multiple research grants by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and the COE “Photonics Nanodevice Integration Engineering” for his collaborative work at Tokyo Institute of Technology. The Cariplo Foundation and NATO grants supported his research at the University of Pavia, Italy. He also held a Senior Research Fellowship at KU Leuven, Belgium (2002-2004) and a two-year Visiting Professorship at Brandon University, Canada. His pioneering work on liquid crystal hydrodynamics, lubrication science, and photonics has earned him recognition in the global scientific community. His involvement in international collaborations has strengthened research ties across continents, making significant contributions to computational physics, tribology, and nanoscale engineering. These honors underscore his impact on advancing molecular physics and interdisciplinary research in fluid dynamics and materials science.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Zakharov’s research spans multiple interdisciplinary domains, including hydrodynamics of liquid crystals, tribology, nanodevice engineering, and mathematical physics. His work in molecular physics and lubrication science has advanced the understanding of fluid dynamics at the nanoscale. He specializes in microwear phenomena, studying the effects of lubrication and friction at microscopic levels to improve mechanical efficiency. His expertise in photonics and nanodevice integration contributes to the development of next-generation materials and optical devices. He has also conducted groundbreaking research in viscoelastic properties of complex fluids, providing theoretical and computational models for practical applications in material science. His mathematical modeling has been instrumental in describing nonlinear effects in liquid crystals, bridging theoretical predictions with experimental findings. His research continues to influence nanotechnology, physics, and mechanical engineering, driving innovations in computational simulations, material properties, and tribological applications.

Publication Top Notes:

Laser-driven nematic flow in microfluidic devices

Authors: Izabela Śliwa, Pavel V. Maslennikov, Dmitrii P. Shcherbinin, and Alex V. Zakharov

Journal: Physical Review E

Publication Date: December 24, 2024

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.110.064702