Dr. Shaista Taimur is a distinguished researcher and educator specializing in polymer and material chemistry. She earned her Ph.D. in Material/Polymer Chemistry from PIEAS, Islamabad, in 2018, with groundbreaking research on hybrid polymer nanocomposites. Her expertise spans advanced functional materials, nanocomposites, catalysis, and EMI shielding. Dr. Taimur is actively engaged in international collaborations with universities worldwide and serves as a consultant for industrial applications. She is passionate about sustainable materials and has contributed significantly to teacher training and capacity-building initiatives. Her dedication has earned her multiple awards and global recognition.
Ph.D. in Material/Polymer Chemistry (2018) – Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad.
MPhil in Organic Chemistry (2002) – Government College University, Lahore.
MSc in Organic Chemistry (1998) – Punjab University, Lahore.
Consultant for Mineral Exploration Development Organization (MEDO) and polymeric antistatic flooring development.
Teacher Trainer for various institutions, focusing on Blooms Taxonomy and effective teaching methods.
Collaborator with institutions like King Abdulaziz University (Saudi Arabia), Cornell University (USA), and Nottingham Trent University (UK).
Suitability For The Award
Dr. Shaista Taimur is an exceptional researcher whose groundbreaking work in material and polymer chemistry positions her as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a Ph.D. in Material/Polymer Chemistry from the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), her expertise spans advanced functional materials, nanocomposites, and green chemistry innovations. Her achievements include prestigious awards such as the Best Paper Award at the TANN’18 Conference and multiple travel grants for international conferences. Her research collaborations with global institutions, impactful contributions to academia and industry, and dedication to sustainable scientific solutions demonstrate her outstanding qualifications for this award.
Professional Development
Dr. Shaista Taimur actively participates in professional growth through workshops, training, and hands-on experiences . She has attended programs on patent drafting, nanomaterials synthesis, and green chemistry, gaining expertise in cutting-edge technologies. Her interactive sessions on Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and Bloom’s Taxonomy have empowered educators in Pakistan. Collaborations with top global institutions like NUST, PIEAS, and BUITEMS reflect her commitment to excellence. As a resource person, she ensures knowledge transfer to academia and industry alike. Her focus on interdisciplinary research and innovative teaching makes her a beacon of inspiration in material sciences and education.
Research Focus
Dr. Shaista Taimur’s research centers on the development of advanced functional materials, focusing on polymer brushes, nanohybrids, and nanocomposites. Her pioneering work includes synthesizing conductive organic-inorganic hybrids for EMI shielding, catalysis, and environmental applications such as toxic metal recovery. She explores cutting-edge graft polymerization techniques, including emulsion, radiation, and microwave-assisted approaches. Her projects aim to revolutionize materials for sustainable development, with practical applications in biomedical devices, elastomeric nanocomposites, and space coatings. Passionate about green solutions, she combines innovation and sustainability in her research endeavors.
Awards And Honors
Travel Grant by HEC for Oral Presentation at the 50th Polymer World Congress (2024).
Best Paper Award at the 2nd International Conference of Theoretical and Applied Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (2018).
Travel Grant by HEC for Oral Presentation at TANN’18 (2018).
Recognized for developing polyamidoxime polymer brushes for various applications.
Active participant and presenter in numerous global conferences.
Study of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) Thin Film Technology for Smart Electronic Devices – Cited by: 4, Year: 2024
Fabrication of nanofibrous vinyl brushes of clay minerals as an active support for gold nanoparticles for catalytic reduction – Year: 2023
Polypyrrole fabricated Laponite RD conductive nanocomposites: influence of grafting efficiency on structural and conductive properties – Year: 2023
Probing the role of hydrolytically stable, 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane crosslinked chitosan/graphene oxide membrane towards Congo red dye adsorption – Cited by: 11, Year: 2022
Investigations on amidoxime grafted sepiolite based chitosan organic–inorganic nanohybrid composite beads towards wastewater detoxification – Cited by: 6, Year: 2022
Synthesis and EMI shielding studies of polyaniline grafted conducting nanohybrid – Cited by: 13, Year: 2021
Dr. Muhammad Azeem Munawar, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
Muhammad Azeem Munawar is an experienced Polymer/Chemical Engineer and Material Scientist based in Erlangen, Germany. With over a decade of expertise in research and development, he specializes in polymeric materials for automotive and biomedical applications. He obtained his PhD in Polymer Material Engineering from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, where he focused on conductive nanofibrous biocomposites. Azeem has a proven track record in managing interdisciplinary projects, supervising students, and publishing extensively in prestigious journals. His passion for advancing material science drives his continuous pursuit of innovation in the field.
B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering
Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan | 10.2006 – 05.2011
Professional Experience
Senior Research Scientist
Institute of Polymer Materials, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany | 10.2020 – 10.2024
PhD Research Associate
Institute of Polymer Materials, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany | 10.2016 – 09.2020
Research Scholar
Institute of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan | 10.2013 – 05.2016
Research Technician
Institute of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan | 01.2013 – 09.2013
Assistant Energy Manager
Sustainable Business Solution, Lahore, Pakistan | 09.2011 – 12.2011
Trainee Engineer
Pak American Fertilizer Company, Mianwali, Pakistan | 07.2009 – 08.2009
Suitability for The Award
Dr. Azeem Munawar is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive background in polymer material engineering and his significant contributions to research and development in polymeric materials for automotive and biomedical applications. With over a decade of experience, a robust academic foundation, and a proven track record in interdisciplinary project management, he is well-positioned to receive this prestigious recognition.
Professional Development ()
Muhammad Azeem Munawar actively engages in professional development through ongoing research in polymer and materials science. He has delivered numerous presentations at national and international conferences, showcasing advancements in polymeric materials for automotive and biomedical applications. His dedication to education extends to supervising over 15 research theses for undergraduate and master’s students, fostering the next generation of engineers. Azeem’s collaborative efforts enhance the reputation of his research institute, promoting interdisciplinary projects and innovations in polymer technology. Through continuous learning and sharing knowledge, he contributes significantly to the field.
Research Focus
Azeem’s research focuses on advanced polymeric materials, particularly in the development of conductive nanofibrous biocomposites for biomedical applications. His work includes optimizing electrospinning processes and characterizing polymer composites for automotive use. He investigates the percolation and elasticity of highly aligned materials, contributing to innovations in technical and biomedical fields. By exploring the integration of nanofillers in polymer matrices, Azeem aims to enhance material properties and functionality, promoting sustainable solutions in engineering. His interdisciplinary approach bridges gaps between material science, engineering, and practical applications.
Awards and Honors ()
2nd Position in M.Phil. Polymer Technology at Punjab University, Lahore
PhD Scholarship awarded by the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan
Published over 20 research articles in top-tier scientific journals
Delivered presentations at numerous national and international conferences
Publication
Thermal-Induced Percolation Phenomena and Elasticity of Highly Oriented Electrospun Conductive Nanofibrous Biocomposites for Tissue Engineering International Journal of Molecular Sciences | Cited by: 10 | Year: 2022 | DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158451
Revealing Electrical and Mechanical Performances of Highly Oriented Electrospun Conductive Nanofibers of Biopolymers with Tunable Diameter International Journal of Molecular Sciences | Cited by: 15 | Year: 2021 | DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910295
Electrophoretic deposition of chitosan/gelatin/bioactive glass composite coatings on 316L stainless steel: A design of experiment study Surface and Coatings Technology | Cited by: 5 | Year: 2019 |
Investigation of functional, physical, mechanical and thermal properties of TiO<inf>2</inf> embedded polyester hybrid composites: A design of experiment (DoE) study Progress in Natural Science: Materials International | Cited by: 12 | Year: 2018 |
Mechanical, Thermal, and Microscopic Profile of Novel Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composites as a Function of Barium Sulfate Loading Advances in Polymer Technology | Cited by: 7 | Year: 2018 |
Dr. Önder Pekcan is an accomplished physicist and professor specializing in polymer science and materials physics. He earned his PhD in Solid State Physics from the University of Wyoming in 1974. Throughout his career, he has held prestigious academic positions at institutions such as Hacettepe University, Istanbul Technical University, and Kadir Has University, where he became an Emeritus Professor in 2020. His research spans solid-state physics, polymer physics, and material science, with numerous publications in top journals. Önder Pekcan has been recognized globally for his contributions to science and remains an influential figure in academia.
Graduated from Experimental High School, Ankara (1960) BS in Engineering Physics, University of Ankara (1965) MS in Reactor Engineering, University of Ankara (1967) PhD in Solid State Physics, University of Wyoming (1974) Assistant Professor, Hacettepe University (1974-1979) Visiting Professor, University of Toronto (1981-1988) Professor, Istanbul Technical University (1988-2005) Professor, Kadir Has University (2008-present)
Suitability for The Award
Dr. Önder Pekcan is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive contributions to the fields of physics and materials science. With a career spanning over five decades, Dr. Pekcan has demonstrated a profound commitment to research, education, and the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Professional Development ()
Önder Pekcan has been a dynamic force in the realm of academia and research, advancing his expertise in both teaching and scientific innovation. His research primarily revolves around polymer science, nanotechnology, and materials engineering. With numerous visiting professorships, he has shared his knowledge globally, enhancing collaborations between Turkey and institutions in Canada, Italy, and Poland. His work has influenced a generation of scientists, contributing significantly to the understanding of gelation mechanisms and the optical properties of materials. His professional journey is marked by innovation, collaboration, and impactful research.
Research Focus
Önder Pekcan’s research primarily focuses on polymer scienceand materials engineering, with special emphasis on understanding the gelation process, optical properties of materials, and the behavior of polymers in different states. His most notable contributions include studies on polyacrylamide gels, graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)-enhanced films, and tungsten disulfide (WS2) doped composites. He has utilized fluorescence techniques to investigate the properties of these materials. Through this, he aims to enhance the development of advanced materials that contribute to cutting-edge technologies in various fields.
Awards and Honors ()
Turkish Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) Scholarship (1968-1974) Minna James Heinemann Scholarship (1981) Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) Elected Member (1995) TÜBİTAK Scientific Award (1998) Kadir Has University Academician Prize (2011-2012) Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing, Elsevier (2015) International Best Research Award (2022) Asia’s Most-Promising Researcher Award (2024) International Best Researcher Award (2024)
Publication Top Notes
“Decoding compositional complexity: Identifying composers using a model fusion-based approach with nonlinear signal processing and chaotic dynamics” – FK Mirza, T Baykaş, M Hekimoğlu, Ö Pekcan, GP Tunçay, Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, 2024 Cited by: N/A
“Composite Hydrogel of Polyacrylamide/Starch/Gelatin as a Novel Amoxicillin Delivery System” – Y Poyraz, N Baltacı, G Hassan, O Alayoubi, BÖ Uysal, Ö Pekcan, Gels, 2024 Cited by: N/A
“Residual LSTM neural network for time dependent consecutive pitch string recognition from spectrograms: a study on Turkish classical music makams” – FK Mirza, AF Gürsoy, T Baykaş, M Hekimoğlu, Ö Pekcan, Multimedia Tools and Applications, 2024 Cited by: 2
“The Effect of Pyranine and MoS2 Content on the Optical Properties of Polyacrylamide-MoS2 Composite Gels” – B Özuğur Uysal, B Osma, GA Evingür, Ö Pekcan, Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part B, 2024 Cited by: N/A
“Sol-Gel and Gel-Sol Transitions of Biodegradable Chlorella-k-Carrageenan Composites: Photon Transmission Study” – I Dogruoglu, Y Akarsu, CS Sen, O Pekcan, BO Uysal, arXiv preprint, 2023 Cited by: N/A
“Novel MoSe-enhanced polyacrylamide composites with tunable refractive index and band gap energy” – BO Uysal, O Pekcan, arXiv preprint, 2023 Cited by: N/A
“A Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) Study on the Formation of Aqueous κ-Carrageenan-Chitosan Composite Bilayers with NaCl and Graphene Oxide” – S Kara, E Arda, F Dolaştır, Ö Pekcan, G Akın Evingür, Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part B, 2023 Cited by: N/A
Conclusion
Dr. Önder Pekcan embodies the qualities of an outstanding researcher and educator. His groundbreaking contributions to materials science, coupled with his dedication to teaching and mentoring, make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also inspires future generations of researchers to pursue excellence in their fields. Recognizing Dr. Pekcan with this award would honor his legacy and commitment to advancing science and education on a global scale.