Prof. HRUDANANDA JENA | Research and development in science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Leadership and Management

Prof. HRUDANANDA JENA | Research and development in science | Best Researcher Award

Homi Bhabha National Institute, IGCAR campus, India

Author Profile

Orcid 

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hrudananda Jena’s journey into the world of science began with a deep-rooted curiosity for materials and their transformations. Born on December 31, 1966, in India, his academic inclination matured into a focused pursuit of knowledge in the realm of materials science. His doctoral studies at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, placed him in the heart of one of India’s leading scientific institutions. There, he explored ionic transport phenomena and the structural behavior of perovskite materials — critical components in many modern technologies — through his thesis titled “Ionic transport and structural investigations on selected perovskites synthesized by wet chemical methods.”

His strong foundation in experimental and theoretical materials science was further strengthened by his postdoctoral research at Southern University, Baton Rouge, USA, from July 2005 to August 2006. There, he contributed to a United States Department of Energy (U.S-DOE-NETL) project, further honing his skills in advanced material characterization and expanding his research horizon into energy technologies.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Jena’s professional trajectory is marked by a distinguished association with the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), one of India’s premier nuclear research facilities under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Currently serving as the Head of the Materials Processing Chemistry Section and holding the senior rank of Scientific Officer (H), he plays a pivotal role in pioneering material synthesis and processing techniques essential to the atomic energy program.

Simultaneously, he contributes to the academic ecosystem as a Professor in Chemical Sciences at the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, stationed at the IGCAR campus. His dual role as a researcher and educator underscores his commitment to advancing science both in practice and pedagogy.

From developing cutting-edge techniques in materials processing to mentoring young scientists, Dr. Jena’s role at IGCAR spans innovation, leadership, and strategic planning in material chemistry critical to India’s nuclear fuel cycle and energy future.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Jena’s research revolves around materials chemistry, solid-state ionics, wet chemical synthesis, and perovskite structures. His doctoral and postdoctoral work laid the foundation for his continuing interest in ionic conductivity and material stability — topics of central importance in energy storage devices, fuel cells, and nuclear material development.

At IGCAR, he has led efforts in processing nuclear materials using innovative wet chemical routes and advanced characterization. His expertise in solid-state synthesis and chemical methods has contributed to efficient material development techniques vital for metal fuel cycles. His work supports the safe and efficient operation of fast breeder reactors and aligns with India’s long-term nuclear energy goals.

In addition to his hands-on laboratory contributions, Dr. Jena is also known for his interdisciplinary collaborations, especially those integrating chemical sciences with physics and engineering domains.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Jena’s academic and professional excellence has been recognized both nationally and internationally. His selection as a Senior Research Associate on a U.S. Department of Energy project is a testament to his global scientific standing. Domestically, his continuous rise within the Department of Atomic Energy, from researcher to section head and scientific officer at the highest grade, reflects the high regard in which he is held by India’s scientific community.

Moreover, his appointment as a Professor at HBNI further affirms his stature not only as a researcher but also as a thought leader and educator in chemical sciences.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Jena’s influence reaches beyond his laboratory at Kalpakkam. His work directly supports India’s strategic energy autonomy, particularly in the nuclear sector. The materials he helps develop and process are integral to fuel safety, reactor efficiency, and long-term sustainability in nuclear power generation.

As a mentor and professor, he has inspired numerous young scientists, guiding them through advanced research and helping them understand the complex interplay between chemistry and energy systems. His participation in both national and international forums adds to his impact, enabling knowledge exchange and fostering global scientific cooperation.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

With decades of rich experience, Dr. Hrudananda Jena continues to be a guiding force in the field of materials chemistry. His legacy will be defined not just by the innovations he has introduced but also by the scientific culture he fosters — one grounded in curiosity, precision, and purpose.

Looking ahead, his continued contributions to the chemical sciences, particularly in sustainable nuclear materials and energy systems, are expected to remain central to India’s scientific advancement. As the global demand for clean and safe energy intensifies, researchers like Dr. Jena will be at the forefront of crafting solutions that balance innovation with safety and environmental stewardship.

His journey stands as a beacon for aspiring scientists, showing that rigorous research, global collaboration, and a commitment to national development can come together to create a meaningful and lasting impact.

Synthesis of nano-crystalline zeolite-A and zeolite-X from Indian coal fly ash, its characterization and performance evaluation for the removal of Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ from simulated solutions

Authors: M.K. Murukutti, H. Jena
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2022

Ionic transport and structural investigations on MSn(OH)₆ (M = Ba, Ca, Mg, Co, Zn, Fe, Mn) hydroxide perovskites synthesized by wet sonochemical methods

Authors: H. Jena, K.V.G. Kutty, T.R.N. Kutty
Journal: Materials Chemistry and Physics
Year: 2004

Innovative processing of dense LSGM electrolytes for IT-SOFCs

Authors: B. Rambabu, S. Ghosh, W. Zhao, H. Jena
Journal: Journal of Power Sources
Year: 2006

Actinide immobilization in crystalline matrix: a study of uranium incorporation in gadolinium zirconate

Authors: K.V.G. Kutty, R. Asuvathraman, R.R. Madhavan, H. Jena
Journal: Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids
Year: 2005

Direct single-step synthesis of phase pure zeolite Na–P1, hydroxy sodalite and analcime from coal fly ash and assessment of their Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ removal efficiencies

Authors: M.M. Kumar, H. Jena
Journal: Microporous and Mesoporous Materials
Year: 2022

Prof ShaoHua Zhou | Innovative Leadership | Best Research Article Award

Posted on by Leadership and Management

Prof ShaoHua Zhou | Innovative Leadership | Best Research Article Award

Zhongyuan University of Technology, China

Author Profile

Google Scholar 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Shaohua Zhou, born in December 1995, is a prodigious talent whose academic journey began with a strong foundation in engineering, eventually leading to the attainment of a Ph.D. in the field. From the earliest stages of his education, Dr. Zhou exhibited a profound interest in electronic systems, intelligent optimization, and RF circuit design. His curiosity for scientific challenges and his commitment to problem-solving quickly propelled him toward more specialized studies. He soon established a reputation for academic excellence, underpinned by his selection for prestigious programs such as the Polish National Academic Exchange Scholarship—an award limited to only ten recipients globally in 2019. This formative period laid the groundwork for his eventual ascent into complex research territories that marry artificial intelligence with the intricate design of radio-frequency (RF) integrated circuits.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

As a core research backbone in multiple high-level national projects—including the National Major Science and Technology Special Project, National Key R&D Program, National Foundation Commission Key Projects, and the JKW Innovation Special Zone Project—Dr. Zhou has firmly established himself as an indispensable figure in advanced engineering research. Over the last four years, his primary focus has centered on the behavioral modeling of RF power amplifiers (PAs), a field critical to the advancement of next-generation wireless communication systems. His methodology combines artificial intelligence with practical engineering, exemplified by innovations such as Particle Swarm Optimization-XGBoost-based modeling—a technique recognized among Wiley’s Top 10 Most Cited Papers in 2023. Through his involvement in more than ten major projects, he has developed a pragmatic yet innovative approach to technical challenges, applying AI solutions to real-world RF performance bottlenecks.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhou’s publication record reflects the depth and relevance of his research. With 26 SCI-indexed papers where he serves as both first and sole corresponding author, he contributes significantly to scholarly discourse in his discipline. Notably, his work has appeared in highly respected journals like the International Journal of Numerical Modelling: Electronic Networks, Devices and Fields. One of his papers was distinguished by Advances in Engineering (AIE) as a Key Scientific Article, an honor reserved for just 1% of published works. Beyond academic publishing, his inventive spirit is evident in his substantial patent portfolio—55 international patents granted in the UK and US, 30 Chinese invention patents, and 12 software copyrights—a testimony to the practical applicability of his research.

He has also made regulatory and standards contributions, playing a vital role in the drafting and revision of two national/local technical metrology specifications. His efforts in this arena earned him the distinction of Excellent Drafter by the National Technical Committee for Radio Metrology in 2024. Furthermore, Dr. Zhou was entrusted with writing a chapter in an international English-language monograph, underscoring his growing stature as a thought leader.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Zhou’s academic brilliance and research excellence have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. Among these are the First Prize from the China Instrumentation Society Scholarship, the First Prize of the Integrated Circuit Scholarship awarded by the Chinese Institute of Electronics, and the Baosteel Outstanding Student Scholarship. These recognitions highlight not only the quality of his research but also his influence as a young scholar within China’s technology and engineering ecosystem. Additionally, one of his research results was named among the Top Ten Research Advances in Semiconductors in 2024, demonstrating his broader impact on one of the most crucial high-tech sectors in the world.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond individual accolades, Dr. Zhou’s influence extends into mentorship and academic leadership. He successfully supervised a student team that won second prize at the 19th National Intelligent Vehicle Competition for College Students, fostering innovation and excellence in the next generation of engineers. His global perspective, reinforced by international exposure and collaborative projects, enables him to bridge theory and application across geographical and disciplinary boundaries. His contributions are shaping not just academic thought but also the practical design and performance of integrated circuits vital to global communications infrastructure.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Shaohua Zhou is poised to continue making substantial contributions at the nexus of artificial intelligence, RF design, and semiconductor innovation. His work addresses some of the most pressing challenges in engineering today—such as miniaturization, energy efficiency, and intelligent design automation. His pioneering efforts in AI-based modeling are likely to play a pivotal role in the design of future wireless systems and smart devices.

With an enviable track record already behind him and a visionary outlook guiding his path, Dr. Zhou’s career is on a remarkable trajectory. His legacy will be one of intellectual rigor, technological innovation, and collaborative leadership, paving the way for smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable electronic systems.

Experimentally investigating the degradations of small-signal gain for a GaN class-AB dual-band power amplifier under high temperature and humidity conditions

Author: S. Zhou
Journal: AIP Advances
Year: 2020

BPNN-based behavioral modeling of the S-parameter variation characteristics of PAs with frequency at different temperatures

Authors: Z. He, S. Zhou
Journal: Micromachines
Year: 2022

 Experimentally investigating the performance degradations of the CMOS PA at different temperatures

Authors: Z. He, S. Zhou, M. Nie
Journal: AIP Advances
Year: 2021

Experimental investigation on the performance degradations of the GaN class-F power amplifier under humidity conditions

Author: S. Zhou
Journal: Semiconductor Science and Technology
Year: 2021

Particle swarm optimization‐XGBoost‐based modeling of radio‐frequency power amplifier under different temperatures

Authors: J. Wang, S. Zhou
Journal: International Journal of Numerical Modelling: Electronic Networks, Devices and Fields
Year: 2024

Prof Dr. Chengming Wang | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Leadership and Management

Prof Dr. Chengming Wang | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

Huazhong Agricultural University, China

Author Profile

Orchid 

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Chengming Wang’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in analytical chemistry, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wuhan University, China. His early studies in this field laid the groundwork for his methodical approach to food sciences and his future innovations in oils and fats processing. Following this, his academic curiosity led him abroad, where he pursued a Ph.D. in Material Engineering at Fukui University in Japan. His time in Japan was marked by intense academic training and cross-cultural scientific exchange, sharpening his research skills and instilling a global perspective in his work. Upon returning to China, he continued to deepen his expertise by completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Huazhong Agricultural University in the field of Food Science and Engineering. These formative years were not only academically enriching but pivotal in shaping the direction of his lifelong research ambitions.

🧪 Professional Endeavors and Research Focus

Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Wang has carved a niche in the area of oils and fats processing, with an exceptional focus on the comprehensive utilization of agricultural by-products. His research extends across an impressive range of topics, from the low-temperature ethanol steam deodorization of oils to the detection of illegal gutter oil. His work does not remain confined to theory—he has developed technologies for the physical, biological, and chemical removal of toxic elements from rapeseed meal and pioneered methods to create probiotic feed and high-value products from oilseed meals.

He has delved into developing efficient, green extraction technologies for by-products like phospholipids and phytosterols, ensuring that nothing goes to waste in the oil processing chain. His studies on cottonseed protein detoxification, tea seed saponin extraction, peanut beverages and protein functionalization, and Pistacia seed polyphenol applications demonstrate the breadth of his research vision. Moreover, he has made significant progress in biodiesel production from waste oil and agricultural residues, contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

This body of work stands not just as a scientific portfolio but as a roadmap to building a zero-waste, value-added agro-industrial ecosystem. With 119 published journal articles in international databases such as SCI and Scopus, 16 invention patents as the first inventor, and 2 published monographs, his scholarship has reached across academic and industrial spheres alike.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

While formal accolades have not been enumerated, Professor Wang’s impact speaks volumes. His citation index includes widely referenced works such as his study on Lactobacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus warneri in traditional fermented foods, which has received 36 citations. His publications on acrylamide detoxification and novel edible oil deodorization methods further attest to his relevance in cutting-edge food safety and processing research. His research outputs have not only advanced academic knowledge but also laid the foundation for practical applications in food technology and bioenergy.

The breadth of his funded projects reflects his research reputation both at home and abroad. He has led or contributed to projects supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key R&D Program of China, and the Ministry of Education in Japan. These high-impact projects underscore the national and international trust placed in his scientific leadership.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Professor Wang’s influence goes beyond the confines of academia. His consultancy experience with seven projects and four industry collaborations signifies his role as a bridge between scientific theory and real-world application. These engagements have likely contributed to the commercialization and industrial scaling of his innovative processing technologies.

His work contributes meaningfully to several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those addressing responsible consumption and production, clean energy, and zero hunger. Through bioconversion of oil residues and extraction of plant-based proteins, his research offers alternative sources of nutrition and energy, directly impacting both public health and environmental sustainability.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Chengming Wang’s legacy is being built on the pillars of scientific rigor, innovation, and social responsibility. He stands as a role model for how researchers can convert basic scientific knowledge into applied technology that benefits society at large. His commitment to improving the efficiency and safety of oil and fat processing, while simultaneously enhancing the value of agricultural by-products, ensures that his work will continue to resonate across multiple disciplines and industries.

Looking to the future, his focus on pilot-scale and industrialized applications of biodiesel and rapeseed-based products promises to strengthen the global movement toward sustainable agriculture and green energy. His research lab, his patents, and the many students and collaborators he continues to inspire will serve as enduring vessels of his intellectual legacy.

In sum, Professor Chengming Wang exemplifies the kind of academic whose work is not only deeply scholarly but also profoundly impactful, with real-world applications that touch upon health, industry, energy, and the environment. His continued efforts promise to illuminate new paths in food science and technology, benefitting both current and future generations. 🌟

📝Notable Publications

 Bleaching of Idesia polycarpa Maxim. Oil Using a Metal-Organic Framework-Based Adsorbent: Kinetics and Adsorption Isotherms

Authors: Dong, Y.; Wang, C.; Gao, Y.; Xu, J.; Ping, H.; Liu, F.; Niu, A.
Journal: Foods
Year: 2025

Mesophilic Argonaute-Based Single Polystyrene Sphere Aptamer Fluorescence Platform for the Multiplexed and Ultrasensitive Detection of Non-Nucleic Acid Targets

Authors: Lu, Y.; Wen, J.; Wang, C.; Wang, M.; Jiang, F.; Miao, L.; Xu, M.; Li, Y.; Chen, X.; Chen, Y.
Journal: Small
Year: 2024

Procyanidin A1 and its digestive products alleviate acrylamide-induced IPEC-J2 cell damage through regulating Keap1/Nrf2 pathway

Authors: Yan, F.; Lu, Q.; Wang, C.; Liu, R.
Journal: Food Science and Human Wellness
Year: 2024

Acrylamide in food: Occurrence, metabolism, molecular toxicity mechanism and detoxification by phytochemicals

Authors: Yan, F.; Wang, L.; Zhao, L.; Wang, C.; Lu, Q.; Liu, R.
Journal: Food and Chemical Toxicology
Year: 2023

Autocatalytic formed bamboo-like N-doped carbon nanotubes encapsulated with Co nanoparticles as highly efficient catalyst for activation of peroxymonosulfate toward degradation of tetracycline

Authors: Lu, Y.; Li, Y.-K.; Huang, C.; Chen, R.; Chen, Y.; Wang, C.
Journal: Reactive and Functional Polymers
Year: 2023