GEMMA FARGAS-Strategic Leadership Award-Best Researcher Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. GEMMA FARGAS-Strategic Leadership Award-Best Researcher Award 

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-Spain 

Author profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

Gemma Fargas Ribas embarked on her academic journey in the field of Materials Science and Engineering in the late 1990s. She obtained her degree in Chemistry from the University of Barcelona, followed by a Master's degree in Experimental Chemistry from the same institution. Her Master's thesis, conducted at the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy (CMEM) of Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), focused on the thermal shock behavior of yttria-stabilized zirconia. This early research laid the foundation for her future work in materials science and engineering.

Fargas Ribas then pursued doctoral studies at UPC under the guidance of Professor Antonio Mateo and Professor Marc Anglada. Her doctoral research centered on enhancing the mechanical properties of rolled duplex stainless steels, a project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology and supported by OCAS and ARCELOR's research center. Her thesis received the distinction of "cum laude" and resulted in the publication of fifteen articles in JCR indexed journals.

Professional Endeavors

Following her Ph.D., Fargas Ribas transitioned into an academic career. In February 2009, she joined the CMEM department as a lecturer professor and later achieved the position of associate professor in February 2014. She obtained accreditation as an associate professor from both the Catalan University Quality Assurance Agency (AQU) and the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation of Spain (ANECA).

Throughout her career, Fargas Ribas has been actively involved in various research projects spanning metallic materials, cemented carbides, titanium alloys, maraging steels, and 3D printing of ceramic materials. She has collaborated with international institutions such as Luleå University of Technology in Sweden and Universidade Federal do Ceará in Brazil, showcasing her commitment to global research partnerships.

Contributions and Research Focus

Fargas Ribas's research contributions are reflected in her extensive publication record, with numerous articles published in high-impact journals. Her research has delved into topics such as the phase transformation in metastable austenitic stainless steels, the effect of thermal treatments on titanium alloys, and the influence of corrosion-induced damage on cemented carbides' properties.

Additionally, her involvement in projects like the AMITIE European Project and the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación grant highlights her dedication to advancing additive manufacturing technologies, specifically in the biomedical and energy sectors.

Accolades and Recognition

Fargas Ribas has garnered significant recognition throughout her career, receiving accolades for her research work and academic excellence. Her contributions have been acknowledged with multiple periods of recognition for research and academic/teaching activity, showcasing her impact and leadership in her field.

Impact and Influence on Strategic Leadership Award 

Beyond her research and academic pursuits, Fargas Ribas has made substantial contributions to institutional management and social responsibility. Her roles as assistant director and vice-rector at UPC demonstrate her commitment to fostering research, knowledge transfer, mobility, and promoting gender equality and social inclusion within STEM fields.

The Strategic Leadership Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional vision, foresight, and execution in guiding organizations towards their long-term goals and objectives. Recipients of this prestigious award have distinguished themselves through their ability to formulate and implement innovative strategies that drive growth, enhance competitiveness, and create sustainable value. Their leadership style is characterized by strategic thinking, effective decision-making, and a deep understanding of market dynamics and industry trends.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As she continues to lead research initiatives and academic programs, Fargas Ribas's legacy lies in her interdisciplinary approach to materials science and engineering, her dedication to mentorship and supervision of doctoral students, and her advocacy for societal impact through research and education. Her future contributions are poised to further advance the boundaries of materials science and engineering while advocating for sustainable and inclusive practices in academia and industry.

Winners of the Strategic Leadership Award are not only adept at setting clear strategic direction but also at inspiring and mobilizing teams to achieve ambitious targets. They exhibit resilience and adaptability in navigating complex challenges and seizing opportunities in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Their strategic leadership extends beyond day-to-day operations to encompass a broader vision for the future, ensuring the organization remains agile, resilient, and well-positioned for long-term success in a dynamic global environment.

Notable publications 

 

 

 

Avijit Maity-Innovative Leadership-Best Researcher Award

Avijit Maity-Indian Institute of Technology Indore -India

Author Profile 

  • Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits:

Avijit Maity began his academic journey with a strong foundation in the field of Chemistry. His commitment to excellence is evident from his consistently impressive academic record. Starting with his High School education in Science and Arts, where he achieved an exceptional 86.5% in the 10th standard and 81.8% in the 12th standard from W.B.B.S.E and W.B.C.H.S.E, respectively. He continued his pursuit of knowledge at Vidyasagar University, earning a B.Sc. in Chemistry with a notable 68.6%. His academic journey then led him to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, where he completed his M.Sc. in Chemistry with an outstanding 8.72 CPI/10.

Professional Endeavors:

He academic journey reached its zenith when he embarked on his Ph.D. in Chemistry (Bio-physical Chemistry) at IIT Indore in July 2019. Under the guidance of Prof. Anjan Chakraborty, he delved into the intriguing realm of membrane biochemistry. His research focus primarily revolves around nano-bio interactions, lipid corona formation, and the intricate dynamics between proteins and lipid-coated nanoparticles.

Avijit's commitment to academic and research excellence led to him being recognized as a Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Fellow at the University of Massachusetts under the mentorship of Prof. Vincent M. Rotello from August 2023 to May 2024. This opportunity further showcases his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge on a global scale.

Contributions and Research Focus:

His research is pioneering in the field of membrane biochemistry, specifically focusing on the formation of lipid corona and its profound impact on protein corona formation. His work involves employing a diverse range of spectroscopic and imaging techniques, including UV-Visible, fluorescence, confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy.

His research publications, including the recently accepted paper in Chemical Physics Impact, demonstrate the depth and significance of his contributions to understanding lipid corona dynamics. Avijit's exploration into the interaction of lipid-coated nanoparticles with proteins, as well as the folding and unfolding state-dependent interactions, sheds light on critical aspects of nano-bio interactions.

Accolades and Recognition:

His academic and research prowess has been recognized through various accolades and scholarships. Notably, he received the Merit-cum-Means Scholarship from the Government of West Bengal during his High School and B.Sc. years (2012-2017) and from IIT Indore during his M.Sc. (2017-2019). His exceptional performance in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in Chemistry in 2019 is a testament to his academic excellence.

Avijit's contributions have not gone unnoticed within the academic community. He was awarded the Best Oral Presentation at the CHEM-In-house Symposium at IIT Indore in March 2022, showcasing his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively.

Impact and Influence:

He research has far-reaching implications in the fields of nanotechnology and biochemistry. By unraveling the mechanisms behind lipid corona formation and its interplay with proteins, his work contributes valuable insights that can influence the development of drug delivery systems and artificial virus nanoparticles.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

As a Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Fellow, Avijit is poised to make significant contributions during his tenure at the University of Massachusetts. His future research plans, focusing on lipid-mediated virus-cell interactions using lipid-coated nanoparticles as artificial virus nanoparticles, hold promise for advancing our understanding of complex biological processes.

In summary, Avijit Maity's academic journey, research contributions, accolades, and future endeavors collectively paint a picture of a dedicated and promising researcher making meaningful strides in the field of membrane biochemistry.

Citation

  • Citations     62    62
  • h-index       5      5
  • i10-index   4       4