Salvatore Garofalo | Smart Materials and Artificial Muscles | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Salvatore Garofalo | Smart Materials and Artificial Muscles | Best Researcher Award

PhD scholar, University of Calabria, Italy

Salvatore Garofalo is a PhD candidate in Civil and Industrial Engineering at the University of Calabria, Italy, specializing in smart materials and artificial muscles. He holds a Master’s (2023) and Bachelor’s (2020) in Mechanical Engineering, both with top honors. His research focuses on thermo-electro-mechanical behavior and the fatigue properties of nanostructured materials. He has been a visiting PhD scholar at Iowa University, contributing to advancements in Twisted and Coiled Artificial Muscles (TCAMs). Garofalo has published multiple peer-reviewed papers and won awards for his innovative research.

Profile

Education 🎓

PhD (2023–2026, Ongoing): Civil & Industrial Engineering, University of Calabria, Italy – Research in smart materials & artificial muscles. Master’s (2020–2023): Mechanical Engineering, University of Calabria – Thesis on fatigue behavior of nanostructured polymers. Bachelor’s (2017–2020): Mechanical Engineering, University of Calabria – Thesis on fatigue in composite materials. Secondary Diploma (2013–2017): Liceo Scientifico, Italy – Scientific high school graduate with top honors.

Experience 💼

Visiting PhD Scholar (2025): Iowa University, USA – Research on improving TCAMs. Teaching Assistant (2023–2025): University of Calabria – Courses on Mechanics of Materials. PhD Student Representative (2023–2026): University of Calabria – Institutional role. Internship (2022): Safran Aircraft Engines, France – Fatigue analysis of polymers & nanocomposites. Study Abroad (2015): ISIS Greenwich School, UK – English language & cultural immersion.

Awards & Honors 🏆

Best Poster Award (2024): General Meeting Age-It 2024, University of Venice, Italy. Best Poster Award (2023): 8th World Congress on Advanced Materials, Thailand. Internship at Safran Aircraft Engines (2022): Selected for a competitive role in polymer fatigue research. Top Academic Honors: Achieved highest distinction in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and secondary education.

Research Focus 🔬

Smart Materials & Artificial Muscles: Investigating thermo-electro-mechanical properties of TCAMs. Fatigue Behavior of Nanostructured Polymers: Enhancing durability of composite materials for aeronautics. Biomedical Applications: Exploring artificial muscles for rehabilitation devices. Finite Element Modeling: Simulating fatigue resistance of polymer matrix composites. All-Optical Actuation Systems: Developing non-contact control strategies for artificial muscles.

Publications

Production Parameters and Thermo-Mechanical Performance of TCAMs (Eng. Proc., 2025).

A Critical Review of Upper-Limb Rehabilitation Devices (Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 2025).

Transitioning to Artificial Muscles in Rehabilitation (J. Intelligent Material Systems, 2024).

Fatigue Behavior of Nanostructured Epoxy Composites (J. Reinforced Plastics, 2024).

 

Conclusion

Salvatore Garofalo is a highly promising researcher in smart materials and artificial muscles, with a strong academic foundation, innovative research contributions, and international exposure. His awards, publications, and industry experience position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By expanding collaborations, securing patents, and broadening research applications, he could further solidify his standing as a leader in his field.

 

Lei Li | Functional polymer | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lei Li | Functional polymer | Best Researcher Award

researcher at SINOPEC, China

🔬 Lei Li, PhD, is an assistant researcher at SINOPEC, specializing in polymer chemistry and physics. With over a decade of experience in advanced materials science, Dr. Li has published more than 10 papers in top-tier journals such as Nature Catalysis and Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.. His expertise spans ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber spinning, polyamide processing, and composite material preparation. Dr. Li has contributed to two English monographs and holds six patents (two authorized). His work drives innovation in high-performance polymer applications.

Publication Profile

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Education🎓

Lei Li earned his PhD in Polymer Chemistry and Physics from the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, graduating in 2022. His doctoral research focused on macromolecular self-assembly and responsive polymer materials, providing significant insights into novel polymer synthesis and applications.

Experience 👨‍🔬

Lei Li has been an assistant researcher at SINOPEC since 2022, conducting cutting-edge R&D in polymer material development and processing. His work enhances industrial applications, contributing to the advancement of fiber spinning, composite materials, and responsive polymers.

Awards and Honors 🏅

Dr. Li’s academic excellence is reflected in multiple Q1 journal publications and patents. His work has been recognized in prestigious conferences, contributing to advancements in polymer chemistry and materials science.

Research Focus 🧪

Dr. Li’s research focuses on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber spinning, polyamide material processing, composite materials, responsive polymers, and polypeptide synthesis. His contributions improve fiber properties, material performance, and polymer functionality.

Publications 📖

Current research status of high-performance UHMWPE fiber: A review
📅 Materials Technology Reports, 2024-12-31
🔗 DOI: 10.59400/mtr.v2i2.1518
Contributors: Lei Li; Fanmin Kong; Ang Xiao; Hao Su; Xiaolian Wu; Ziling Zhang; Yutian Duan

Engineering Gas‐Releasing Nanomaterials for Efficient Wound Healing
📅 ChemBioChem, 2024-12-05
🔗 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400790
Contributors: Yutian Duan; Lei Li; Jinming Hu; Bin Zheng; Kewu He

Constructing polyolefin-based lithium-ion battery separators membrane for energy storage and conversion
📅 Energy Storage and Conversion, 2024-11-13
🔗 DOI: 10.59400/esc1631
Contributors: Lei Li; Fanmin Kong; Ang Xiao; Hao Su; Xiaolian Wu; Ziling Zhang; Haoqi Wang; Yutian Duan

In situ solvothermal reduction engineering for photocatalytic CO2 reduction
📅 EES Catalysis, 2023
🔗 DOI: 10.1039/d3ey00019b
Contributors: Huanhuan Liu; Yanxu Chen; Wang Wentao; Xiaoyue He; ZiXu He; Lei Li; Suyuan Zeng; Ruiguo Cao; Genqiang

Engineering Semicarbazide-Bearing Polypeptide Conjugates for Tumor Chemotherapy
📅 Advanced Materials, 2023-12
🔗 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309315
Contributors: Pan W; Zhang L; Li L; Cen J; Song R; Song C; Zhang G; Hu J; Liu S

Engineering Polymer-Based Porous Membrane for Lithium-Ion Battery Separators
📅 Polymers, 2023-09
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/polym15183690
Contributors: Lei Li; Yutian Duan

Conclusion

Lei Li is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his robust academic background, outstanding publication record, and practical contributions to polymer science through patents and industrial research. To further strengthen his profile, focusing on leadership roles, international partnerships, and public engagement will enhance his competitive edge. His trajectory in polymer innovations and applied material science aligns exceptionally well with the spirit of the award.

Abdumutolib Atakhanov | Novel Acryloylated | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Abdumutolib Atakhanov | Novel Acryloylated | Best Researcher Award

Director at ,Institute of Polymer Chemistry and Physics, Uzbekistan

Director of the Institute of Polymer Chemistry and Physics since 2024, this professor has over two decades of experience in polymer chemistry research. Their leadership roles include managing key projects and laboratories in nanomaterials, biopolymers, and macromolecular systems. They’ve been instrumental in advancing both fundamental and applied research in Uzbekistan and internationally. An active member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), they’ve contributed to multiple international conferences and collaborations, driving innovations in polymer science. Their work bridges scientific inquiry with industrial applications, from nanofibers to biodegradable films.

Publication Profile

scholar

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Education 🎓📚

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Tashkent State University (1996-1999), followed by a Master’s in macromolecular chemistry from the National University of Uzbekistan (2000-2001). Ph.D. from the Institute of Polymer Chemistry and Physics (2006), Doctor of Sciences (2016), and full professorship (2022). With extensive training in Uzbekistan and collaborative research travel to Reading University (UK) and A.V.Topchiev Institute (Russia), they’ve built a robust academic foundation that spans over two decades of polymer research.

Professional Experience

Current Director of the Institute of Polymer Chemistry and Physics (2024-present). Held leadership roles as Head of Laboratory (2018-2024), Scientific Secretary (2013-2017), and Project Manager since 2010. Began as a junior researcher and doctoral student (2001-2008), progressing into senior roles where they managed high-profile projects related to nanofibers, biodegradable films, and nanocellulose. Their expertise in polymer chemistry has positioned them as a leader in both academic and applied research, fostering innovation in Uzbekistan’s scientific community. 🧑‍🔬👩‍💼

Awards and Honors

Recipient of numerous accolades for contributions to polymer science, they’ve led successful national and international collaborations, earning recognition for pioneering biodegradable materials and nanofiber technologies. They are a regular invited speaker at international symposiums, sharing insights on biodegradable composites, nanocellulose, and polymer nanostructures. Editorial board member of Uzbekistan Journal of Polymers and Thematic Journal of Chemistry, their impact in the field is celebrated by peers worldwide. 🏅🌟

Research Focus 🔬

Specializes in the fundamental and applied aspects of polymer chemistry, particularly nanofibers, biodegradable materials, and nanocellulose. Their projects include hydrogen and photocurrent generation using conductive biopolymers, microcrystalline cellulose production, and biodegradable film technologies. They’ve explored the relationship between polymer structure and function, contributing valuable knowledge on nanocomposites and biopolymers. Their work bridges theoretical research and practical industrial applications, driving sustainable solutions in polymer science.

Publication  Top Notes

  • Physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of nanocomposite films based on carboxymethylcellulose and silver nanoparticles
    Kh.E. Yunusov, A.A. Sarymsakov, J.Z. Jalilov, A.A. Atakhanov
    Polymers for Advanced Technologies, 19, 2021.
  • Physicochemical studies of cotton cellulose and its derivatives containing silver nanoparticles
    K.E. Yunusov, A.A. Atakhanov, N.S. Ashurov, A.A. Sarymsakov, S.S. Rashidova
    Chemistry of Natural Compounds, 47, 415-418, 2011.
  • Isolation of nanocellulose from cotton cellulose and computer modeling of its structure
    A. Atakhanov, I. Turdikulov, B. Mamadiyorov, N. Abdullaeva, I. Nurgaliev, …
    Open Journal of Polymer Chemistry, 9(04), 117-129, 2019.
  • Comparative study of the physicochemical properties and structure of cotton cellulose and its modified forms
    A.A. Atakhanov, B. Mamadierov, M. Kuzieva, S.M. Yugai
    Chemistry of Vegetable Raw Materials, 3, 5-13, 2019.
  • Cotton cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose and nanocellulose: carboxymethylation and oxidation reaction activity
    S. Yuldoshov, A. Atakhanov, S. Rashidova
    Nano Sci. Nano Technol, 10(6), 106, 2016.
  • Preparation of oxidized nanocellulose by using potassium dichromate
    K. Makhliyo, A. Abdumutolib, S. Sirojiddin, A. Nurbek, Y. Khaydar, G. Jiang
    Cellulose, 30(9), 5657-5668, 2023.
  • Comparative studies of the sorption properties and capillary-porous structure of cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, and nanocellulose
    A.A. Atakhanov, M.Y. Yunusov, A.A. Sarymsakov, S.S. Rashidova
    Chemistry of Vegetable Raw Materials, 45-48, 2012.
  • Physicochemical studies of the structure of chitosan and chitosan ascorbate nanoparticles
    N.S. Ashurov, S.M. Yugai, S.S. Shakhobutdinov, A.S. Kulumbetov, …
    Russian Chemical Bulletin, 71(2), 227-231, 2022.
  • Silver nanoparticles were formed on the polymer matrices and their bactericidal properties
    Y. Kh.E., A.A. Atakhanov, A.A. Sarymsakov, R. S.Sh, K.V. Lobanova
    Pharmaceutical Journal, 1, 55-59, 2010.
  • Obtaining and studying properties of biodegradable composite films based on polyethylene
    I.H. Turdikulov, B.N. Mamadiyorov, M.Q. Saidmuhammedova, A.A. Atakhanov
    Open Journal of Chemistry, 6(1), 030-036, 2020.
  • Rheological behavior of nanocellulose aqueous suspensions
    A.A. Atakhanov, A.A. Kholmuminov, B.N. Mamadierov, I.K. Turdikulov, …
    Polymer Science, Series A, 62, 213-217, 2020.
  • New low-silicate stabilizing systems for peroxide bleaching of cotton fibers
    A.A. Atakhanov, A.D. Tikhonovetskaya, D.S. Nabiyev, S.S. Rashidova
    Chemistry of Vegetable Raw Materials, 5-9, 2004.
  • Structure and thermal properties of chitin and chitosan from various sources
    N.S. Ashurov, M. Abdurazakov, S.M. Yugay, A.A. Atakhanov, K.A. Gulamjanov, …
    Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2388(1), 012011, 2022.
  • Thermal and mechanical properties of polymer composites reinforced by sulfuric acid-hydrolyzed and tempo-oxidized nanocellulose: a comparative study
    M.I. Voronova, O.V. Surov, M.M. Kuziyeva, A.A. Atakhanov
    Izvestiya Vysших Uchebnykh Zavedeniy. Seriya “Khimiya i Khimicheskaya Tekhnologiya”, 4, 2022.
  • Biomedical polymers and perspectives of their creation
    A.A. Sarymsakov, Y. Kh.E., A.A. Atakhanov, R. S.Sh
    Pharmaceutical Journal, 3, 29-37, 2011.
  • Possibility of obtaining cotton cellulose by combined cooking and bleaching
    A.A. Atakhanov, A.D. Tikhonovetskaya, D.S. Nabiyev, S.S. Rashidova
    Chemistry of Vegetable Raw Materials, 23-26, 2004.
  • Sodium-Carboxymethylcellulose/Polyphenol-Gossypol-Carboxymethylcellulose Copolymer Films for Ocular Drug Delivery: Preparation and Physico-Chemical Properties
    S.S. Yunusov Kh., Sarymsakov A., Shukurov A., Todjiyev J., Atakhanov A., Guohua J.
    Asian Journal of Chemistry, 34(12), 3085-3092, 2022.
  • Comparative studies of the physicochemical properties and structure of cotton cellulose and its modified forms
    A.A. Atakhanov, B. Mamadiyorov, M. Kuzieva, S.M. Yugai, S. Shakhobutdinov, …
    Chemistry of Vegetable Raw Materials, 5-13, 2019.
  • Biodegradable Polyethylene-Based Composites Filled with Cellulose Micro-and Nanoparticles
    M.Q. Saidmuhammedova, I.H. Turdikulov, A.A. Atakhanov, N.S. Ashurov, …
    Eurasian Journal of Chemistry, 28(2 (110)), 2023.
  • Founders: Ivanovo State Chemical Technology University
    A.E. Ponomareva, V.V. Pantelieva, A.B. Shein
    Izvestiya Vysших Uchebnykh Zavedeniy, 65(3), 52-59, 2022.

Conclusion

The candidate is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award due to their extensive educational background, leadership in significant research projects, and active participation in the scientific community. Their work in developing innovative materials aligns well with current global challenges, particularly in sustainability. While there are opportunities for improvement in publication output and collaboration, their strengths far outweigh these areas. Awarding them this recognition would not only honor their contributions but also inspire further advancements in polymer chemistry and materials science.