Makarand Ghangrekar | Wastewater treatment | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Makarand Ghangrekar | Wastewater treatment | Research Excellence Award

National Institute of Technology Puducherry | India

Dr. Shivalinga Swamy T is a distinguished physicist with significant contributions to quantum theory, nuclear physics, and advanced computational methods. He holds foundational degrees in physics leading to a doctoral dissertation focused on bound-state and scattering problems in quantum systems, supervised by a renowned expert in the field. His academic journey includes extensive specialized training in experimental physics, quantum mechanics, cryogenics, nanoscience, and advanced pedagogical methods, enhancing both his research and teaching capabilities. With a long-standing career in higher education, he has served in progressive roles from lecturer to professor, along with key administrative responsibilities such as evaluation, curriculum development, examination management, and academic governance across various institutions. His research interests span quantum mechanics, approximation methods, anharmonic oscillators, computational simulations, and nanomaterials, supported by a completed funded research project and ongoing Ph.D. supervision. He has authored research output that has received 2 citations, 1 indexed document, and carries an h-index of 1. His innovative physics experiments have repeatedly earned recognition at national conventions, along with awards for teaching excellence, research contributions, and scientific innovation. As an active member and leader in multiple professional physics bodies, he continues to advance physics education and research with dedication and impact.

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Featured Publications

1. Jadhav, G. S., & Ghangrekar, M. M. (2009). Performance of microbial fuel cell subjected to variation in pH, temperature, external load and substrate concentration. Bioresource Technology, 100(2), 717–723.

2. Ghangrekar, M. M., & Shinde, V. B. (2007). Performance of membrane-less microbial fuel cell treating wastewater and effect of electrode distance and area on electricity production. Bioresource Technology, 98(15), 2879–2885.

3. Priyadarshini, M., Das, I., Ghangrekar, M. M., & Blaney, L. (2022). Advanced oxidation processes: Performance, advantages, and scale-up of emerging technologies. Journal of Environmental Management, 316, 115295.

4. Ghangrekar, M. M., Asolekar, S. R., & Joshi, S. G. (2005). Characteristics of sludge developed under different loading conditions during UASB reactor start-up and granulation. Water Research, 39(6), 1123–1133.

5. Behera, M., Jana, P. S., More, T. T., & Ghangrekar, M. M. (2010). Rice mill wastewater treatment in microbial fuel cells fabricated using proton exchange membrane and earthen pot at different pH. Bioelectrochemistry, 79(2), 228–233.

Rajesh Pandiyan | Wastewater Management | Emerging Scientist Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rajesh Pandiyan | Wastewater Management | Emerging Scientist Award

Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research | India

Dr. Rajesh Pandiyan is a dedicated researcher and academic with expertise spanning microbiology, biochemistry, materials engineering, and pharmaceutical technology. He has served in progressive teaching and research roles across leading institutions, contributing significantly to interdisciplinary advancements. His research journey includes extensive work in nanocomposite-based ultrafiltration membranes, magnetic nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery, medicinal plant-based therapeutics, and biochemical models for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. He has also worked on environmental biotechnology, wastewater remediation, tissue engineering, and drug discovery. With a strong academic foundation built through doctoral and postgraduate training in microbiology, biochemistry, and chemistry, he has developed a wide research portfolio combining materials chemistry with biological applications. His scholarly contributions include 67 peer-reviewed research and review articles, supported by an H-index of 19, i10-index of 27, and more than 1300 citations, reflecting global recognition of his work. He has delivered invited talks, chaired scientific sessions, and served as a resource person for various scientific forums, in addition to contributing as an editorial member for reputed journals. His awards span excellence in research, oral and poster presentations, and international recognition for scientific contributions. Overall, his work integrates innovation and multidisciplinary approaches aimed at solving challenges in healthcare, environment, and materials science.

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Featured Publications

Pandiyan, R., & Collaborators. (n.d.). Nanocomposite-doped PES and PVDF membranes for environmental biotechnology applications. Journal of Membrane Science.

Pandiyan, R., & Collaborators. (n.d.). Magnetic nanocomposites for joint-targeted therapy in rheumatoid arthritis models. International Journal of Pharmaceutics.

Pandiyan, R., & Collaborators. (n.d.). Evaluation of medicinal plants for anti-arthritic potential using experimental inflammation models. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Pandiyan, R., & Collaborators. (n.d.). Curcuma longa extract against ethanol-induced liver toxicity: A biochemical and histopathological investigation. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports.

Pandiyan, R., & Collaborators. (n.d.). Advances in wastewater remediation using nanomaterial-based filtration systems. Environmental Science and Pollution Research.

Sahima Tabasum | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Sahima Tabasum | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Lovely Professional University | India

Dr. Sahima Tabasum is an emerging Environmental Science researcher with expertise in nanomaterials, water purification, photocatalysis, and environmental remediation, supported by an h-index of 4, over 48 citations, and 10 indexed documents. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences, where she focused on nano-structural modification of g-C3N4-based composites for pesticide mineralization and the development of continuous photocatalytic reactor systems. Her multidisciplinary training includes advanced material synthesis, wastewater treatment technologies, solid waste management, and water quality monitoring. Dr. Tabasum has gained research experience through academic and international environmental programs, contributing to nanomaterial-based pollutant degradation, biochar fabrication, membrane technologies, microplastic treatment, and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) systems for emerging contaminants such as PFAS, ammonia, and heavy metals. Her research interests span photocatalysis, polymer membranes, CO₂ conversion, energy generation, nanomaterial–pollutant interactions, and sustainable environmental technologies. She has been recognized with distinctions for poster presentations, project excellence, and prestigious Young Scientist–International Travel Support, along with contributions to conferences, workshops, and global sustainability dialogues. With active roles as a reviewer and editorial board member for reputed journals, she continues to advance sustainable materials, green catalytic systems, and innovative solutions for environmental challenges.

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Featured Publications

Tabasum, S., Singh, P. P., Pramanik, A., Kavitha, V., & Iqbal, R. (n.d.). Mechanistic insights into the synergistic photocatalytic degradation of carbofuran by g-C3N4/GO/V2O5 nano-composite. Topics in Catalysis. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-025-02126-8

Tabasum, S., Sharma, A., Dhupar, N., Bagri, U., Yousuf, S., Kumar, V., Singh, A., & Shukla, S. K. (n.d.). Visible light-induced continuous process for photodegradation of chlorpyrifos using g-C3N4/GO/La2O3 photocatalyst from agricultural aquatic waste. Chemical Physics Impact. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chphi.2024.100751

Tabasum, S., Rani, S., Sharma, A., Dhupar, N., Singh, P. P., Bagri, U., & Kumar, D. (n.d.). Efficient photocatalytic degradation of chlorpyrifos pesticide from aquatic agricultural waste using g-C3N4 decorated graphene oxide/V2O5 nanocomposite. Topics in Catalysis. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-023-01865-w

Rani, S., Sharma, A., Tabasum, S., Malik, A. Q., Chaudhary, S., Kumar, D., Singh, H., & Singh, P. P. (n.d.). Highly efficient photocatalytic properties of La-doped ZnO over pristine ZnO for degradation of 2-chlorophenol from aquatic agriculture waste. Chemistry Africa. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42250-023-00630-6

Tabasum, S., Rani, S., Thakur, A., Sindhu, M., Maan, K. S., Upasana, Patel, V., Sarika, Malik, A. Q., Gajbhiye, P., et al. (n.d.). Photo-catalytic detoxification of chlorpyrifos pesticide from the aquatic environment using g-C3N4 doped with GO nano-composite. In The Fourth Scientific Conference for Electrical Engineering Techniques Research (EETR2022). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0163717

Hiren Raval | Membrane Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hiren Raval | Membrane Science | Best Researcher Award

CSIR-CSMCRI (Central salt and marine chemical research Institute | India

Dr. Hiren D. Raval is a Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR–CSMCRI, Bhavnagar, specializing in sustainable water desalination, membrane technology, and process innovation. His pioneering work includes the development of thin-film composite RO and ultrafiltration membranes, low-fouling surfaces, and high-efficiency desalination systems. As Principal Investigator of multiple DST-funded projects, he established pilot-scale facilities for rejuvenation of end-of-life RO membranes, a technology now successfully transferred to industry. Dr. Raval has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal papers and holds patents in membrane transformation and salt recovery processes. With an H-index of 17, he has contributed significantly to the fields of water treatment, nanocomposite membranes, and resource recovery. His leadership has secured competitive research funding exceeding INR 4.5 crore and advanced the TRL level of several membrane technologies.

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Featured Publications

Raval, H. D., Trivedi, J. J., Joshi, S. V., & Devmurari, C. V. (2010). Flux enhancement of thin film composite RO membrane by controlled chlorine treatment. Desalination, 250(3), 945–949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2009.09.090

Raval, H. D., Rana, P. S., & Maiti, S. (2015). A novel high-flux, thin-film composite reverse osmosis membrane modified by chitosan for advanced water treatment. RSC Advances, 5(9), 6687–6694. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4RA13349J

Ankoliya, D., Mehta, B., & Raval, H. (2019). Advances in surface modification techniques of reverse osmosis membrane over the years. Separation Science and Technology, 54(3), 293–310. https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2018.1479049

Meena, R., Chaudhary, J. P., Agarwal, P. K., Maiti, P., Chatterjee, S., & Raval, H. D., et al. (2014). Surfactant-induced coagulation of agarose from aqueous extract of Gracilaria dura seaweed as an energy-efficient alternative to the conventional freeze–thaw process. RSC Advances, 4(53), 28093–28098. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4RA03406E

Raval, H. D., Chauhan, V. R., Raval, A. H., & Mishra, S. (2012). Rejuvenation of discarded RO membrane for new applications. Desalination and Water Treatment, 48(1–3), 349–359. https://doi.org/10.1080/19443994.2012.697034