SAMANTH KOKKILIGADDA | Energy and Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. SAMANTH KOKKILIGADDA | Energy and Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher, Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea

Dr. Samanth Kokkiligadda is a research professor in Chemical Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea, specializing in sustainable energy solutions. With a Ph.D. in Physics, his expertise spans nanomaterials, energy storage, and biomass conversion. His work integrates biopolymers and flexible films to advance eco-friendly supercapacitors and photocurrent applications. Dr. Kokkiligadda has received prestigious awards, including the SKKU Innovation Research Fellowship and a gold medal in Chemistry. Proficient in nanomaterials functionalization, quantum dots, and electrochemical techniques, he contributes significantly to material synthesis and energy conversion research.

Profile

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🎓 Education

Ph.D. in Physics (2019–2023), Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea 🏅 Dissertation: “Nanomaterial-embedded DNA Nanostructures for Photocurrent and Supercapacitors.” Awarded the Best SKKU Innovative Research Award. M.Sc. in Physics (2016–2018), P.B. Siddhartha College of Arts & Sciences, India 🎓 Specialization in Condensed Matter Physics with an 80% aggregate score. B.Sc. in M.P.C. (2013–2016), Krishna University, India 🏆 Graduated with 91.3%, earning a gold medal in Chemistry.

💼 Experience

BK21+ Postdoctoral Researcher, Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea (Present) 🔬 Researching DNA-based nanostructures for photocurrent and supercapacitor applications. Developing high-performance biopolymer-based energy storage devices. Graduate Researcher, Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea (2019–2023) 🧪 Conducted extensive studies on functional nanomaterials, quantum dots, and MXenes. Specialized in electrode synthesis for energy storage applications.

🏆 Awards & Honors 

SKKU Innovation Research Fellowship (BK21), 2022 🌟 All India 14th Rank, UGC Merit Scholarship, 2016-17 🏅Pratibha Award & Gold Medal in Chemistry, Krishna University, 2016 🏆 KU-SET 17th Rank, Andhra Pradesh University Entrance Test 🎖 2nd Prize in Photography, Cognition Nalanda University, 2018 📸 1st Prize in Quiz, Andhra Pradesh Librarian Association, Avanigadda 🏅

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Kokkiligadda’s research focuses on nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion. His work integrates DNA-based nanostructures, biopolymer synthesis, and flexible energy storage films. He explores quantum dots, MXenes, and hybrid biomaterials to develop high-performance, eco-friendly supercapacitors and photocurrent devices. His expertise spans scanning electron microscopy, spectroscopy techniques, thermal vapor deposition, and electrode fabrication for batteries and PEC applications.

Publications

“Nanomaterial-embedded DNA Nanostructures for Photocurrent and Supercapacitors” 🔋

“Synthesis of Biomass-based Hybrid Nanomaterials for Sustainable Energy Conversion” 🌱

“Functionalization of Quantum Dots for High-Performance Energy Devices” ⚡

“MXenes in Flexible Supercapacitors: A Novel Approach” 🏭

“Electrode Fabrication Techniques for Advanced Energy Storage” ⚙️

“Innovative DNA Nanostructures for Photovoltaic Applications”

Conclusion:

Samanth Kokkiligadda is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional contributions to nanomaterials, energy storage, and sustainable innovations. With his expertise and growing recognition, he has the potential to become a key figure in the future of green energy research. Strengthening collaborations and increasing high-impact publications will further solidify his standing as a top-tier researcher.

Jinxia Zhang | Defect detection | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Jinxia Zhang | Defect detection | Best Researcher Award

 Associate Professor at Southeast University, China

Assoc Prof Dr. Jinxia Zhang is an Associate Professor at Southeast University, Nanjing, China, specializing in saliency detection, visual attention, computer vision, and deep learning. With a Ph.D. in Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems from Nanjing University of Science and Technology, he has extensive experience in artificial intelligence research. His journey includes time as a visiting scholar at Harvard Medical School and numerous prestigious research projects funded by national foundations. Assoc Prof Dr. Jinxia Zhang leads key AI initiatives, driving innovations in multimodal understanding, defect analysis, and object detection. His academic and professional contributions have positioned him as a prominent researcher in visual computing and AI.

Publication Profile

scholar

Education 🎓

Assoc Prof Dr. Jinxia Zhang  earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems from Nanjing University of Science and Technology in 2015. His doctoral research laid a foundation for his interest in artificial intelligence, particularly in areas like visual attention and computer vision. Prior to his postgraduate work, he completed his B.Sc. in Computer Science and Technology at the same institution in 2009, where he developed a solid understanding of computational theories and applications. His education has provided him with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are central to his current research on AI and deep learning.Assoc Prof Dr. Jinxia Zhang  is currently an Associate Professor at Southeast University, Nanjing, a role he has held since 2019. From 2016 to 2019, he served as a Lecturer at the same university, where he significantly contributed to AI teaching and research. His early career included a prestigious stint as a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Medical School, USA, between 2012 and 2014, where he collaborated on cutting-edge AI-driven healthcare projects. His international exposure and academic roles have enriched his teaching and research, particularly in computer vision and AI, making him a key figure in the field.

Awards and Honors  🏆

Assoc Prof Dr. Jinxia Zhang  has received numerous accolades for his research excellence and contributions to the field of AI. He was awarded the National Natural Science Foundation of China grant in 2018 for his project on salient object detection. In 2017, he secured the Jiangsu Natural Science Foundation Grant for his innovative research on visual cognitive characteristics. Additionally, his work in defect diagnosis for photovoltaic modules was recognized as part of the National Key Research and Development Plan. These prestigious awards underscore his pioneering contributions in artificial intelligence and computer vision research.

Research Focus  🔬

Assoc Prof Dr. Jinxia Zhang ‘s research focuses on the intersection of visual attention, saliency detection, and deep learning within artificial intelligence. He leads projects on multimodal understanding and e-commerce applications, and is a Principal Investigator for research into AI-based fruit and vegetable recognition. His earlier work in defect diagnosis for photovoltaic modules and salient object detection in complex scenes has been supported by prominent grants. His innovative approach combines perceptual grouping and visual attention to develop cutting-edge solutions in computer vision, making significant advancements in how machines perceive and interact with visual data.

Conclusion

The candidate demonstrates an impressive body of work across several domains of artificial intelligence, particularly in salient object detection, visual cognition, and multimodal learning. Their academic achievements, project leadership, and dedication to advancing AI make them a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. By continuing to broaden their industry collaborations and expanding the scope of their research impact, they can become a globally recognized leader in AI and computer vision.

Publication  Top Notes

  • Towards the Quantitative Evaluation of Visual Attention Models (2015)
    • Citation: 75
    • Journal: Vision Research
    • Key Contributors: Z. Bylinskii, E.M. DeGennaro, R. Rajalingham, H. Ruda, J. Zhang, J.K. Tsotsos
    • Highlights: Focuses on quantitative approaches to evaluate visual attention models, essential for improving saliency detection.
  • A Novel Graph-Based Optimization Framework for Salient Object Detection (2017)
    • Citation: 63
    • Journal: Pattern Recognition
    • Key Contributors: J. Zhang, K.A. Ehinger, H. Wei, K. Zhang, J. Yang
    • Highlights: Presents a new graph-based optimization method for enhancing the accuracy of salient object detection.
  • Salient Object Detection by Fusing Local and Global Contexts (2020)
    • Citation: 60
    • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Multimedia
    • Key Contributors: Q. Ren, S. Lu, J. Zhang, R. Hu
    • Highlights: This paper integrates both local and global visual contexts to refine salient object detection in multimedia applications.
  • Inter-Hour Direct Normal Irradiance Forecast with Multiple Data Types and Time-Series (2019)
    • Citation: 36
    • Journal: Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy
    • Key Contributors: T. Zhu, H. Zhou, H. Wei, X. Zhao, K. Zhang, J. Zhang
    • Highlights: Introduces a time-series forecasting model for direct normal irradiance, benefiting renewable energy systems.
  • Winter is Coming: How Humans Forage in a Temporally Structured Environment (2015)
    • Citation: 35
    • Journal: Journal of Vision
    • Key Contributors: D. Fougnie, S.M. Cormiea, J. Zhang, G.A. Alvarez, J.M. Wolfe
    • Highlights: Examines human visual foraging behavior in dynamically changing environments.
  • Domain Adaptation for Epileptic EEG Classification Using Adversarial Learning and Riemannian Manifold (2022)
    • Citation: 25
    • Journal: Biomedical Signal Processing and Control
    • Key Contributors: P. Peng, L. Xie, K. Zhang, J. Zhang, L. Yang, H. Wei
    • Highlights: This paper explores domain adaptation techniques to improve epileptic EEG classification through adversarial learning.
  • A Lightweight Network for Photovoltaic Cell Defect Detection in Electroluminescence Images (2024)
    • Citation: 23
    • Journal: Applied Energy
    • Key Contributors: J. Zhang, X. Chen, H. Wei, K. Zhang
    • Highlights: Develops a lightweight neural network for detecting defects in photovoltaic cells using knowledge distillation.
  • Salient Object Detection via Deformed Smoothness Constraint (2018)
    • Citation: 21
    • Journal: IEEE International Conference on Image Processing (ICIP)
    • Key Contributors: X. Wu, X. Ma, J. Zhang, A. Wang, Z. Jin
    • Highlights: Proposes a deformed smoothness constraint approach for improving salient object detection.
  • Character Recognition via a Compact Convolutional Neural Network (2017)
    • Citation: 20
    • Conference: International Conference on Digital Image Computing
    • Key Contributors: H. Zhao, Y. Hu, J. Zhang
    • Highlights: Develops a compact CNN for robust character recognition in natural scene images.
  • A Prior-Based Graph for Salient Object Detection (2014)
    • Citation: 23
    • Conference: IEEE International Conference on Image Processing (ICIP)
    • Key Contributors: J. Zhang, K.A. Ehinger, J. Ding, J. Yang
    • Highlights: Uses a prior-based graph model to enhance the performance of salient object detection algorithms.

Zhenghui Luo | organic solar cells | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Shenzhen University, China

Dr. Luo Zhenghui, born in October 1991 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, is an Associate Professor at Shenzhen University, specializing in organic optoelectronic functional materials. He completed his PhD in Organic Chemistry at Wuhan University under the supervision of Professor Yang Chuluo, with joint training at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Dr. Luo has published over 100 SCI papers, with 26 recognized as ESI Highly Cited Papers. His research focuses on the design and synthesis of non-fullerene acceptor materials and organic photovoltaic devices. He has received multiple awards, including recognition as a Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Scientist.

 

Professional Profiles:

google Scholar

Education:

PhD in Organic Optoelectronic Functional Materials, Wuhan UniversitySupervisor: Professor Yang ChuluoJoint Training: Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Academician Li Yongfang)Research Direction: Design, synthesis, and photovoltaic device research of non-fullerene acceptor materials

Research Focus:

Organic photovoltaic materials and devicesPreparation and optimization of organic photovoltaic devicesDesign and synthesis of non-fullerene acceptor materials

Key Achievements:

Published over 100 SCI papers since May 2016.26 papers selected as ESI Highly Cited Papers and 26 as ESI Hot Topics.Total citations exceed 8,000 (H-index: 51 on Google Scholar).First author or corresponding author on 54 papers, including top journals like Joule, Advanced Materials, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and Energy & Environmental Science.Awarded for outstanding research contributions, including the 2020 Cell Press Chinese Scientist Best Paper Award in Material Science and selection as a Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Scientist for multiple years.

Awards:

Top 2% of the world’s top scientists in Environment, Energy, and Sustainability journals for three consecutive years (2021-2023).Second prize winner in Guangdong Province and Shenzhen City Natural Science Award in 2022.

Strengths for the Award

1. Exceptional Publication Record: Luo Zhenghui has published over 100 SCI papers since May 2016, with 26 being selected as ESI Highly Cited Papers and 26 as ESI Hot Topics. His research output demonstrates both quality and impact, with a Google Scholar H-index of 51 and over 8,000 citations. His work in high-impact journals such as Advanced Materials, Angewandte Chemie, Joule, and Nature Communications underscores his contributions to the field of organic optoelectronic functional materials.

2. Expertise in Organic Photovoltaic Materials: Luo’s research focuses on organic photovoltaic materials and devices, particularly the design, synthesis, and application of non-fullerene acceptor materials. His innovative work in this area has led to significant advancements, including the development of polymer solar cells with efficiencies exceeding 17%. His expertise in molecular design and device engineering is evident in his numerous high-impact publications.

3. Recognition and Awards: Luo has received several prestigious awards, including the Cell Press Chinese Scientist Best Paper Award (First Place in Material Science) and the Outstanding Paper Award from Science China Chemistry. His recognition as a Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Scientist and inclusion in the top 2% of the world’s top scientists further solidifies his standing in the scientific community.

4. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Research: Luo has successfully collaborated with leading researchers and institutions, including joint training with the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and research at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. His interdisciplinary approach has contributed to his success in advancing organic optoelectronics and photovoltaic research.

Areas for Improvement

1. Diversification of Research Focus: While Luo’s focus on organic photovoltaic materials has yielded significant results, diversifying his research portfolio could enhance his contributions to other emerging areas within organic optoelectronics. Expanding into related fields such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) or organic semiconductors could further strengthen his overall research impact.

2. Increased Industry Collaboration: To translate his research into practical applications, Luo could benefit from increased collaboration with industry partners. Engaging in technology transfer and commercialization efforts could amplify the societal impact of his research, particularly in the development and deployment of organic photovoltaic technologies.

3. Outreach and Mentorship: Luo could consider increasing his involvement in outreach and mentorship activities. Guiding the next generation of researchers and actively participating in scientific outreach could enhance his visibility and influence within the broader scientific community.

 

✍️Publications Top Note :

Fine-tuning energy levels via asymmetric end groups – This paper reports on polymer solar cells achieving efficiencies over 17% through the fine-tuning of energy levels using asymmetric end groups. Published in Joule in 2020, it has been cited 367 times.

Improving open-circuit voltage by a chlorinated polymer donor – This study demonstrates how a chlorinated polymer donor can improve the efficiency of binary organic solar cells to over 17%. Published in Science China Chemistry in 2020, with 328 citations.

A layer-by-layer architecture for printable organic solar cells – This research addresses the challenge of module efficiency in organic solar cells by using a layer-by-layer architecture. It was published in Joule in 2020 and has 317 citations.

Precisely controlling the position of bromine on the end group – This work explores how the precise positioning of bromine on polymer acceptors can lead to solar cells with efficiencies over 15%. It was published in Advanced Materials in 2020 and has been cited 311 times.

Fine-tuning molecular packing and energy level through methyl substitution – This paper focuses on methyl substitution for fine-tuning molecular packing, leading to efficient nonfullerene polymer solar cells. Published in Advanced Materials in 2018, it has 292 citations.

Use of two structurally similar small molecular acceptors – The study shows how using two structurally similar acceptors can enable high-efficiency ternary organic solar cells. Published in Energy & Environmental Science in 2018, it has 280 citations.

Asymmetrical ladder-type donor-induced polar small molecule acceptor – This research promotes fill factors approaching 77% in high-performance nonfullerene polymer solar cells. Published in Advanced Materials in 2018, it has 273 citations.

16% efficiency all-polymer organic solar cells – The paper reports on achieving a 16% efficiency in all-polymer organic solar cells via a finely tuned morphology. Published in Joule in 2021, with 243 citations.

Simultaneous enhanced efficiency and thermal stability – This work demonstrates enhanced efficiency and thermal stability in organic solar cells using a polymer acceptor additive. Published in Nature Communications in 2020, it has 239 citations.

A nonfullerene acceptor with a 1000 nm absorption edge – This study discusses the development of a nonfullerene acceptor leading to improved efficiencies in organic solar cells. Published in Energy & Environmental Science in 2019, with 229 citations.

Conclusion

Luo Zhenghui is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a proven track record of high-impact research, numerous accolades, and significant contributions to the field of organic optoelectronic functional materials. His expertise in organic photovoltaic materials, coupled with his collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, positions him as a leader in his field. While there is potential for further growth in diversifying his research focus and increasing industry collaboration, Luo’s achievements to date make him a highly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Dr. Bowen Yang | solar cells | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Samuel Saio Mansaray | solar cells | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bowen Yang, Uppsala University, Sweden

Dr. Bowen Yang is academic and researcher in the field of renewable energy, holds a PhD in Bio systems Engineering from Kangwon National University, South Korea. His academic journey has been marked by a profound dedication to advancing solar energy technologies, specifically in solar thermal harvesting and its integration into agricultural and architectural applications.

 

Professional Profiles:

Orcid

Google scholar

📖 Publications  Top Note :

Title: The resource demands of multi-terawatt-scale perovskite tandem photovoltaics

Authors: Wagner, L., Suo, J., Yang, B., …, Gassmann, A., Goldschmidt, J.C.

Journal: Joule

Year: 2024

Volume: 8(4)

Pages: 1142–1160

Title: Multifunctional sulfonium-based treatment for perovskite solar cells with less than 1% efficiency loss over 4,500-h operational stability tests

Authors: Suo, J., Yang, B., Mosconi, E., …, De Angelis, F., Hagfeldt, A.

Journal: Nature Energy

Year: 2024

Volume: 9(2)

Pages: 172–183

Citations: 7

Title: A universal ligand for lead coordination and tailored crystal growth in perovskite solar cells

Authors: Yang, B., Suo, J., Bogachuk, D., …, De Angelis, F., Hagfeldt, A.

Journal: Energy and Environmental Science

Year: 2024

Volume: 17(4)

Pages: 1549–1558

Citations: 1

Title: The Dual Use of SAM Molecules for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Authors: Suo, J., Yang, B., Bogachuk, D., Boschloo, G., Hagfeldt, A.

Journal: Advanced Energy Materials

Year: 2024

Citations: 0

Title: Rethinking Electrochemical Deposition of Nickel Oxide for Photovoltaic Applications

Authors: Bogachuk, D., Baretzky, C., Eckert, J., …, Kohlstädt, M., Würfel, U.

Journal: Solar RRL

Year: 2024

Volume: 8(2)

Pages: 2300750

Citations: 1