Jana Petrović | Materials in catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jana Petrović | Materials in catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Innovation Centre of the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy | Serbia

Jana Petrović is a dedicated researcher specializing in semiconductor materials and photocatalysis, with a strong focus on developing innovative materials for the photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium under visible light irradiation. Her career reflects a continuous commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and practical applications in environmental protection and advanced material science. She has contributed to research and development in the field of chemical engineering and material science, actively participating in cutting-edge projects and presenting promising outcomes for sustainable technological solutions.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Jana pursued her academic journey at the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, where she successfully completed undergraduate and master’s studies in chemical engineering and is currently enrolled in doctoral academic studies. Her formal education provided her with an exceptional foundation in chemical engineering principles, materials science, and environmental technologies. Through rigorous academic training, she has developed extensive expertise in advanced research methodologies and analytical techniques that contribute to her innovative work in photocatalysis and semiconductor materials.

Experience

Her professional career began as a Young Research Intern, where she contributed to research projects focusing on material science and environmental applications. Currently, she holds the position of Research Assistant at the Innovation Center of the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, where she continues to expand her expertise in materials characterization and innovative photocatalytic technologies. Her role involves conducting experiments, analyzing materials through advanced characterization techniques such as FESEM microscopy, BET surface analysis, XRD and FTIR analysis, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, as well as contributing to collaborative research initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability.

Research Interest

Jana’s primary research interests lie in the field of semiconductor materials and photocatalysis, with a particular focus on materials designed for the photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium under visible light irradiation. Her work addresses key environmental challenges by exploring sustainable and efficient ways to remove toxic pollutants from industrial wastewater. She is passionate about the development of new materials that harness visible light for effective photocatalytic reactions, contributing to cleaner technologies and innovative solutions in the field of environmental remediation.

Awards

Throughout her academic and research career, Jana has been recognized with multiple scholarships and awards for her outstanding achievements and contributions to science. She has received prestigious scholarships from national foundations supporting young researchers and talented students, as well as institutional recognition for her excellence in academic and research performance. These accolades reflect her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and her potential to make a significant impact in the fields of chemical engineering and materials science.

Publications

Petrović, J., Radovanović, Ž., Obradović, B., Janaćković, Đ., Petrovic, R., et al. (2025). “Modification of surface properties and photocatalytic performance of pure and oxygen-doped graphitic carbon nitride via DBD plasma treatment” in Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society.

Petrović, J., Radovanović, Ž., Lazarević, S., Barać, N., Janaćković, Đ., Petrovic, R., et al. (2024). “Synthesis of photocatalysts for the reduction of hexavalent chromium by modification of TiO₂ with nanoparticles of Cu and/or CdS” in Tehnika.

Conclusion

Jana Petrović stands as a promising researcher whose work bridges the gap between innovative material science and environmental sustainability. Her dedication to research, coupled with her hands-on expertise in advanced materials characterization techniques, positions her as a valuable contributor to the scientific community. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering, a growing portfolio of research accomplishments, and a clear focus on solving critical environmental challenges, she continues to advance the field of photocatalysis and semiconductor materials, paving the way for sustainable technological advancements.

Viwe Notole | Augmented Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Viwe Notole | Augmented Analytics | Best Researcher Award

University of the Witwatersrand | South Africa

Mr. Viwe Notole is an emerging geoscientist and data analyst whose academic and professional journey reflects a strong dedication to Earth sciences, mining, and geometallurgy. With a foundation built through advanced studies at the University of Fort Hare, University of Johannesburg, and the University of the Witwatersrand, he has developed expertise across geology, mineralogy, geostatistics, and machine learning applications in geosciences. His career aspiration is to contribute meaningfully to the mining and geoscience sectors through innovative research, data-driven approaches, and applied geological solutions that support both industry development and sustainable resource management.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Mr. Notole has pursued a comprehensive academic trajectory in geology and mineral sciences. He began his studies with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Chemistry at the University of Fort Hare, where he built the scientific foundation for his career. Advancing further, he completed a B.Sc. Honours in Geology at the University of Johannesburg, refining his technical and analytical skills in applied geosciences. His passion for mineralogy and mining processes led him to the University of the Witwatersrand, where he obtained a Master of Science in Economic Geology with research focused on the mineralogy and processing characteristics of the Elsburg Reefs in the South Deep Gold Mine of South Africa. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate in the field of Geometallurgy at the University of the Witwatersrand, where his research integrates advanced mineral characterization, geostatistics, and metallurgical evaluation to optimize mineral recovery and processing techniques.

Experience

Mr. Notole’s professional experience reflects a blend of field geology, laboratory-based mineral analysis, and applied data analytics. At Umvoto Africa in Cape Town, he worked as a Junior Geologist where he contributed to geological and hydrogeological projects through data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. His responsibilities included supervising borehole drilling and test pumping, conducting geotechnical site investigations, supporting GIS-related tasks, and performing data analysis and visualization for project outcomes. He later joined Mintek, a leading mineral research organization in Randburg, as a Mineralogist Intern. There, he honed his technical skills in mineral characterization using advanced techniques such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and QEMSCAN technology. These roles equipped him with a strong interdisciplinary skillset that spans mineral exploration, hydrogeology, mineral processing, and data science applications in the mining industry.

Research Interest

His research interests are primarily centered on economic geology, geometallurgy, and the integration of data analytics into mineral processing. Mr. Notole focuses on investigating the mineralogical and processing characteristics of gold-bearing reefs, with the aim of improving mineral recovery processes. His interests extend to diagnostic leaching, mineral characterization techniques, geostatistical modeling, and the application of machine learning to predict metallurgical performance. By combining traditional geological expertise with modern computational methods, he aims to bridge the gap between field-based geological sciences and advanced data-driven resource optimization. He is particularly passionate about exploring environmentally friendly processing alternatives, such as glycine-based leaching, to support sustainable mining practices.

Awards and Achievements

Among his academic accomplishments, Mr. Notole was formally admitted to the degree of Master of Science in Economic Geology by the University of the Witwatersrand, marking a significant milestone in his scholarly journey. His upcoming publications reflect his commitment to advancing research in geometallurgy, with studies exploring predictive data analytics for gold recovery and innovative leaching techniques using glycine and potassium permanganate. These contributions highlight his role as a young researcher actively pushing the boundaries of mineral processing technologies and sustainable mining practices.

Publication

(2025). “Investigating mineral composition of PGE low-grade ore in Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa” in Minerals Engineering.

Conclusion

Mr. Viwe Notole exemplifies the new generation of geoscientists who combine deep geological knowledge with data-driven approaches to solve contemporary challenges in mining and resource management. His academic background, professional experience, and active research contributions position him as a promising figure in the fields of geometallurgy, mineral processing, and applied geosciences. Driven by innovation, sustainability, and the pursuit of scientific excellence, he continues to advance his career with the vision of making a lasting impact on the mining industry and the broader geoscientific community.

Bipasha Das | Laser Surface Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Bipasha Das | Laser Surface Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | India

Bipasha Das is a dedicated researcher in the field of nanoscience and technology, specializing in surface engineering of titanium alloys for biomedical applications. Her academic journey and research pursuits reflect a strong commitment to advancing the performance of bio-implant materials through innovative laser-based surface modification techniques. With a robust foundation in chemical engineering and environmental engineering, she bridges the gap between materials science and biomedical engineering. Bipasha’s work combines deep theoretical knowledge with extensive experimental expertise, contributing significantly to the improvement of tribological, corrosion, and biocompatibility properties of titanium-based alloys. She has shared her research at prestigious international conferences and published in high-impact journals, gaining recognition for her scientific contributions.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Education

Bipasha holds a Ph.D. in Nanoscience and Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, where her thesis focuses on the “Surface Engineering of Titanium Alloys for Biomedical Applications.” Her doctoral research involves diverse laser processing techniques, including laser surface melting, composite surfacing, shock peening, and hybrid laser processing of Ti6Al4V alloy. She also earned a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Environmental Engineering from the University of Calcutta, where she conducted research on photocatalytic degradation of nanocomposite films. Her academic foundation was laid with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal. This multidisciplinary education has equipped her with strong technical knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to address challenges at the intersection of materials science, environmental sustainability, and biomedical engineering.

Experience

Throughout her academic and research career, Bipasha has engaged in extensive laboratory work, mastering advanced characterization and testing methods for engineering materials. Her expertise spans metallographic sample preparation, optical microscopy, surface profilometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, microhardness testing, nanoindentation, electrochemical evaluation, wear testing, and tribocorrosion studies. She has also acquired proficiency in various software tools, data analysis methods, and programming languages, enabling her to interpret experimental results with precision. Her professional experience includes industrial training at reputed companies, where she developed practical knowledge of chemical process operations. Additionally, she has contributed as a speaker at multiple national and international conferences, showcasing her findings to a global scientific community.

Research Interest

Bipasha’s primary research interest lies in enhancing the functional performance of titanium-based alloys for biomedical applications through advanced surface engineering. She focuses on laser-assisted techniques to improve wear resistance, corrosion protection, and biocompatibility of Ti6Al4V alloy implants. Her studies investigate the kinetics and mechanisms of tribo-corrosion, the development of in situ carbide-reinforced titanium matrix composites, and the optimization of surface treatments for long-term implant stability. She is also keenly interested in hybrid laser processing methods that combine mechanical, chemical, and thermal effects to create superior surface properties. Beyond biomedical applications, her background in environmental engineering provides her with an interdisciplinary approach, enabling her to explore sustainable and eco-efficient materials processing.

Awards

Bipasha’s research excellence has been recognized through various academic and professional achievements. She received the Journal of Bio and Tribo-Corrosion (JBTC) award for the best presentation and scientific contribution at the 6th International Conference on Tribo-Corrosion. Her selection as a speaker at numerous international symposia and conferences, including events in the United Kingdom and collaborative Indo-Austrian programs, further demonstrates her prominence in the scientific community. She has also been a recipient of government scholarships in recognition of her academic merit, which has supported her advanced studies and research pursuits.

Publications

Mechanically tailored surface of titanium-based alloy (Ti6Al4V) by laser surface treatment

Authors: Das, B., Srivastava, S. K., Manna, I., & Majumdar, J. D.

Journal: Surface and Coatings Technology

Year: 2024

Studies on Kinetics and Mechanism of Tribo-corrosion of in situ Laser Composite Surfaced Ti6Al4V using diode laser

Authors: Das, B., Srivastava, S. K., Manna, I., & Majumdar, J. D.

Journal: Tribology International

Year: 2025

Conclusion

Bipasha Das exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher dedicated to innovation in biomedical materials engineering. Her work in laser-based surface engineering has the potential to significantly impact the design and durability of next-generation bio-implants, offering improved performance and patient outcomes. With her strong academic foundation, cross-disciplinary expertise, and growing international presence, she stands as a promising contributor to both scientific advancement and practical applications in healthcare materials. Her future endeavors are poised to build on her current successes, further bridging the gap between advanced materials processing and biomedical innovation.