Rajendra Kumar Konidena | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Rajendra Kumar Konidena | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Indian Institute of Technology, Patna | India

Dr. Rajendra Kumar Konidena is an accomplished researcher in the field of organic functional materials, with a strong focus on π-conjugated organic molecules for optoelectronic applications including OLEDs, solar cells, biomedicine, and molecular sensors. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, specializing in carbazole-based functional materials for light-emitting and photovoltaic devices, following his Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from VIT University and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics from Acharya Nagarjuna University. His academic journey has been complemented by international research experiences as a postdoctoral fellow and faculty member in leading institutions across India, South Korea, Germany, Japan, and Lithuania, before joining IIT Patna as an Assistant Professor. He has authored more than 39 peer-reviewed publications, with over 1,300 citations, an h-index of 20, and more than 40 documents indexed in reputed databases. His research excellence has been recognized through prestigious fellowships and awards including JSPS, Marie-Curie Seal of Excellence, NRF Korea, Ramanujan Fellowship, and SERB National Postdoctoral Fellowship. He also contributes actively as a reviewer for leading journals in chemistry and materials science. His career reflects a commitment to innovating sustainable molecular designs that advance the performance of optoelectronic devices.

Profiles : Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

” A guide to mastering multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence: from challenges to strategies for high-performance OLEDs”

” Leveraging quinoxaline functionalization for the design of efficient orange/red thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters”

” Overcoming the 5% EQE ceiling in deep-blue fluorescent OLEDs with hybridized local and charge transfer featured phenanthroimidazole-carbazole emitters”

” Recent advances in the molecular designs of near ultraviolet emitters for efficient organic light emitting diodes”

” Strategic molecular design of efficient solution- and vacuum-processable deep-red thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters featuring remarkable color saturation”

Pragnesh Dave | Chemistry | Distinguished Scientist Award

Prof. Dr. Pragnesh Dave | Chemistry | Distinguished Scientist Award

Sardar Patel University | India

Prof (Dr) Pragnesh N Dave is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Chemistry with over two decades of teaching, research, and leadership experience. He has served at prestigious institutions, contributing significantly to the growth of chemical sciences and curriculum development. His academic journey has been marked by dedication to advancing knowledge in polymer science, nanotechnology, and green chemistry. With extensive contributions to scientific research, publications, and student mentorship, he has established himself as a respected figure in both national and international academic circles, consistently promoting the importance of innovation and sustainability in scientific education and practice.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education

Prof (Dr) Pragnesh N Dave pursued advanced studies in Chemistry, specializing in Polymer Science, which formed the foundation of his research career. He obtained his doctoral degree in Polymer Science from Sardar Patel University, where he gained strong expertise in synthesis, material characterization, and emerging fields within chemistry. His academic path reflects a deep commitment to science and innovation, equipping him with the knowledge to advance studies in green technology, nanomaterials, and environmental chemistry. Through continuous academic engagement, he expanded his vision to bridge scientific knowledge with practical applications, nurturing future generations of scientists through structured learning and impactful research.

Professional Experience

Prof (Dr) Pragnesh N Dave has held significant academic and administrative roles across reputed universities. He served as Professor and Head in the Department of Chemistry at K S K V Kachchh University, where he also contributed as Vice Chancellor and Acting Registrar. At Nirma University, he played a vital role in developing Engineering Chemistry curricula and establishing a Nanotechnology course. Currently, he is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Sardar Patel University. His professional career reflects a balance of teaching, research, and academic leadership, with major contributions to curriculum design, laboratory development, and fostering interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Awards and Recognition

Prof (Dr) Pragnesh N Dave has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding academic contributions. He has been repeatedly acknowledged by leading scientific bodies, including recognition as one of the top scientists globally by Stanford University. His achievements include prestigious fellowships, visiting scientist appointments, and national-level awards that highlight his commitment to teaching, research, and scientific advancement. Notably, he has been honored by the Gujarat Science Academy for excellence in postgraduate teaching and received accolades from prominent science academies for his educational leadership. These recognitions affirm his dedication to advancing chemistry and nurturing future researchers.

Research Skills

Prof (Dr) Pragnesh N Dave has extensive research expertise in polymer science, nanotechnology, and green chemistry. His work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles, green fuels, and removal of heavy metals from wastewater. He has guided multiple doctoral and postgraduate students, advancing applied research in environmental sustainability and material sciences. His research has been supported by various national funding agencies, enabling impactful studies that combine theoretical insights with practical solutions. He has published widely in reputed international journals, authored books, and contributed chapters, reflecting his strong capability in advancing research across diverse areas of chemical sciences.

Notable Publications

Density Functional Theory (DFT) Study of LaMn0.4Fe0.6O3 Perovskite Oxide
Author: Taruna Likhariya; Pragnesh N. Dave; Rita Kakkar; Ajay Lohar
Journal: ChemistrySelect
Year: 2025

Synthesis, Characterization, and Effective Adsorption of Naproxen Sodium from Wastewater Using Eco-Friendly Gum Acacia-Grafted-Poly(N,N-Dimethylacrylamide)/CoFe2O4 Hydrogel Nanocomposite
Author: Pragnesh N. Dave; Sanjay Bamaniya
Journal: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution
Year: 2025

LaCoxMn1−xO3 Perovskite Oxide: Its Synthesis and Catalytic Application in Thermal Study of AP
Author: Pragnesh N. Dave; Taruna Likhariya; Shalini Chaturvedi
Journal: Chemical Engineering & Technology
Year: 2025

Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) as Advanced Carriers for Corrosion Prevention: Cutting‐Edge Advances and Promising Future Opportunities
Author: Pallavi Singh; Pragnesh N. Dave
Journal: ChemNanoMat
Year: 2025

Glutaraldehyde crosslinked chitosan-β-cyclodextrin/ZnO composite for the effective adsorption of Congo red anionic dye: A glimpse into adsorption performance and ANN modeling
Author: Ruksana Sirach; Pragnesh N Dave
Journal: Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Prof (Dr) Pragnesh N Dave’s career exemplifies a blend of academic excellence, research innovation, and leadership in chemical sciences. With vast experience in teaching, mentoring, and curriculum development, he has contributed significantly to higher education and research. His prolific publications, authorship of books, and active engagement in scientific forums demonstrate his role as a thought leader in chemistry. Recognized nationally and internationally, his awards and fellowships highlight his influence on scientific advancement. Through his dedication to innovation and sustainable practices, he continues to inspire the academic community while shaping the future of chemistry education and research in meaningful ways.

Manoj Nayak | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Manoj Nayak | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation- India

Author Profile

🎓Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Manoj Kumar Nayak embarked on his academic journey with a solid foundation in chemistry. He earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry (Hons.) from Utkal University, Orissa, in 1995. His academic excellence continued as he pursued an M.Sc. in Chemistry from Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Odisha, in 1997. Driven by a passion for deeper knowledge, Dr. Nayak completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur in 2004. His research during this period laid the groundwork for his future contributions to the field of chemistry and materials science.

🧪Professional Endeavors

Dr. Nayak’s professional journey is marked by a series of esteemed positions and significant contributions. He began his career as a DBT Postdoctoral Fellow at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, working on fluorescent molecular probes. His postdoctoral research took him to international destinations, including Seoul National University, South Korea, where he delved into sol-gel thin film formation and polymer self-assembly as a BK 21 Postdoctoral Researcher. This was followed by stints at the University of Victoria, Canada, and Texas A&M University, Qatar, where he explored molecular photoswitching systems and nanocomposites with enhanced optical properties.In 2012, Dr. Nayak joined the CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO) in Chandigarh, India, as a Senior Scientist in the Materials Research Division, Agrionics. Here, he has been at the forefront of advancing materials and micro/nano science and engineering, making significant strides in the field.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Nayak’s research spans several cutting-edge areas, including:

  1. Photocatalysis Activities & Solar Cell Applications: Developing materials for enhanced solar energy conversion and environmental remediation.
  2. Nanocontact Sensors for Trace Analysis: Innovating sensors to detect carcinogens, heavy metals, essential elements, pesticides, and pathogens with improved binding and removal efficiencies.
  3. Biosensors for Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Creating biosensors for rapid and accurate medical diagnostics.
  4. Light Harvesting, Rechargeable Battery, Self-Healing, and Vapochromic Materials: Investigating advanced materials for energy storage, self-repair, and environmental sensing applications.

🏅Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Nayak’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including:

  • Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) – 1998: Scoring in the 89.5 percentile under MHRD, Government of India.
  • Graduate Research Fellowship, IIT Kanpur: Acknowledging his research potential during his doctoral studies.
  • Department of Bio-Technology Postdoctoral Fellowship (DBT-PDF), 2005: Under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
  • Brain Korea 21 (BK-21) Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2005–2007: From the National Government of South Korea.
  • NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Victoria: Highlighting his research excellence in Canada.
  • National Priorities Research Program (NPRP) Fellowship, Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF): Supporting his postdoctoral research from 2008 to 2012.

🌍Impact and Influence

Dr. Nayak’s work has had a profound impact on both academic research and practical applications. His innovations in sensor technology and materials science have paved the way for advancements in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and energy storage solutions. His research on photocatalysis and solar cell applications contributes significantly to sustainable energy solutions, addressing critical global challenges.

🌟Legacy and Future Contributions

As a Sr. Scientist & Assistant Professor at AcSIR, Dr. Nayak’s legacy is built on a foundation of pioneering research and academic mentorship. His involvement with professional societies such as the American Chemical Society and the Chemical Research Society of India, along with his role as a frequent manuscript reviewer for high-impact journals, underscores his influence in the scientific community.Looking ahead, Dr. Nayak is poised to continue his contributions to science and technology. His future work promises to further advance the fields of nanotechnology, materials science, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that his legacy endures through innovative research and impactful discoveries.

Citations

A total of 714 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         714
  • h-index           38
  • i10-index        13

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Highly sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of Aflatoxin B1 in water and Pistachio samples with MOF/MXene composite based sensor
    Authors: Kaur, G., Sharma, S., Bhardwaj, N., Nayak, M.K., Deep, A.
    Journal: Food Control
    Year: 2024
  • Title: Quality evaluation of strawberries coated with water-in-oil based emulsion using an advanced electrostatic spray coating system
    Authors: Sohel, A., Rani, R., Mehta, D., Nayak, M.K., Patel, M.K.
    Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology
    Year: 2024
  • Title: Development of cobalt oxide and titanium carbide based composite for microwave absorption in X-band
    Authors: Ahlawat, A., Bala, M., Nayak, M.K., Tyagi, S.
    Journal: Materials Science and Engineering: B
    Year: 2024
  • Title: Simple fluorochromic detection of chromium with ascorbic acid functionalized luminescent Bio-MOF-1
    Authors: Kaur, G., Sharma, S., Bhardwaj, N., Nayak, M.K., Deep, A.
    Journal: Nanoscale
    Year: 2024
  • Title: Reusable magnetic graphene oxide based anion exchanger for the separation and removal of anionic dyes
    Authors: Kumari, P., Disha, N., Rani, R., Singhai, S., Nayak, M.K.
    Journal: New Journal of Chemistry
    Year: 2023.