Sabi William Konsago | Ferroelectric Materials | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Sabi William Konsago | Ferroelectric Materials | Excellence in Research Award

Postdoctoral Researcher at Jožef Stefan Institute | Slovenia

Dr. Sabi William Konsago is an emerging researcher in electronic ceramics whose work focuses on the development, structural engineering, and functional optimization of lead-free ferroelectric and piezoelectric oxide materials, with a particular emphasis on Ba(Zr,Ti)O₃–(Ba,Ca)TiO₃ thin films prepared by chemical solution deposition. With 20 citations, 5 Scopus-indexed publications, and an h-index of 2, he has established a strong research footprint in the field through contributions that address fundamental and application-driven challenges in designing high-performance dielectric and electromechanical materials. His research advances understanding of how chemical formulation, solvent selection, and thermal-processing conditions influence microstructure, crystallographic orientation, domain behavior, and energy-storage efficiency in complex oxide thin films. He has developed novel ethylene-glycol-based precursor systems, optimized processing routes for improved film uniformity, and demonstrated pathways to enhance dielectric properties, breakdown strength, and electromechanical responses, leading to results published in internationally recognized journals such as Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, ACS Applied Electronic Materials, Journal of Materials Chemistry C, and Molecules. His work is characterized by the integration of advanced characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, AFM, SIMS, XPS, dielectric spectroscopy, and electromechanical testing, to correlate processing parameters with functional performance. Beyond thin films, his contributions also include investigations of bulk ceramics and structure–property relationships in high-entropy and multifunctional oxides. Through active participation in international conferences and collaborative projects, he has contributed to the broader advancement of sustainable, lead-free electronic materials and demonstrated potential for long-term scientific impact.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Konsago, S. W., Žiberna, K., Kmet, B., Benčan, A., Uršič, H., & Malič, B. (2022). Chemical solution deposition of barium titanate thin films with ethylene glycol as solvent for barium acetate. Molecules, 27(12), 3753. (Cited by: 18)

Konsago, S. W., Žiberna, K., Matavž, A., Mandal, B., Glinšek, S., Fleming, Y., Benčan, A., Brennecka, G. L., Uršič, H., & Malič, B. (2024). Engineering the microstructure and functional properties of 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O₃–0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO₃ thin films. ACS Applied Electronic Materials, 6(6), 4467–4477. (Cited by: 6)

Konsago, S. W., Debevec, A., Cilenšek, J., Kmet, B., & Malič, B. (2023). Linear thermal expansion of 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O₃–0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO₃ bulk ceramic. Informacije MIDEM, 53(4), 233–238. (Cited by: 3)

Konsago, S. W., Žiberna, K., Matavž, A., Mandal, B., Glinšek, S., Brennecka, G. L., Uršič, H., & Malič, B. (2025). High energy storage density and efficiency of 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O₃–0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO₃ thin films on platinized sapphire substrates. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 13(4), 2911–2919. (Cited by: 1)

Konsago, S. W., Žiberna, K., Ekar, J., Kovač, J., & Malič, B. (2024). Designing the thermal processing of Ba(Ti0.8Zr0.2)O₃–(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO₃ thin films from an ethylene glycol-derived precursor. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 12(36), 14658–14666.

Nishaben Mahepal | Condensed Matter Physics | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Nishaben Mahepal | Condensed Matter Physics | Best Researcher Award

Parul University | India

Ms. Nisha Mahepal is a dedicated research scholar at Parul University, specializing in Condensed Matter Physics with a focus on nanomaterials, thin-film fabrication, and computational modeling. She has distinguished herself academically as a Gold Medalist in M.Sc. Physics and has developed expertise in both experimental and theoretical aspects of materials research. Her scholarly contributions include publications in Brazilian Journal of Physics and Computational and Theoretical Chemistry, reflecting her strong engagement in contemporary materials science. She also serves as a reviewer for Physica Scripta, contributing to peer evaluation in her field. Nisha’s research integrates computational methods such as LAMMPS and Quantum ESPRESSO with experimental characterization to investigate electronic, optical, and structural properties of advanced materials. Her scientific efforts have resulted in 2 peer-reviewed publications indexed, with more than 1 citations and an h-index of 1, demonstrating her emerging research impact. Actively involved in professional development, she has participated in workshops and national conferences organized by PRL, BARC, and SERB, enhancing her exposure to cutting-edge methodologies in physics. Nisha’s analytical acumen, technical proficiency, and commitment to collaborative research make her a promising physicist contributing to advancements in condensed matter and nanoscience.

Profile : Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Mahepal, N., Akhani, T., & Solanki, M. B. (2025). First-principles simulation of SrReN₃ nitrogen-based perovskite: Insights into structural, electronic, thermoelectric, optical, and mechanical properties for next-generation materials. Brazilian Journal of Physics, 55(5), 1–22.
Cited by: 1

Mahepal, N., Akhani, T., Solanki, M., & Thacker, B. (2025). Unveiling the multifunctional properties of SrWN₃ nitride perovskite: A DFT study on structural, electronic, optical, thermoelectric, and thermodynamic properties for next-generation applications. Computational and Theoretical Chemistry, 115552.

Changjun Chen | Functional Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Changjun Chen | Functional Materials | Best Researcher Award

Director at Soochow University, China

Prof. Changjun Chen is a distinguished researcher in laser materials processing and an expert in laser-assisted material removal, shaping, and surface modification. Currently a professor at Soochow University’s Laser Processing Research Center, he also serves as Secretary General of the Laser Industry Alliance of G60 S&T Innovation Valley of the Yangtze River and Jiangsu Province Laser Innovation. His research group focuses on understanding process-material interactions to enhance quality and productivity. Prof. Chen has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers, with more than 100 indexed in SCI, and holds over 30 patents. With international recognition, he serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance and is a member of IEEE and ISO. His contributions have significantly advanced laser welding, laser metal deposition, and laser-induced shaping, making a remarkable impact on aerospace, automotive, and energy industries. 🚀🔬

Professional Profiles📖🌎

Scopus

Orcid

Education 🎓

🎓 Prof. Changjun Chen obtained his BE degree in 2000 from Northeastern University, Shenyang, China, specializing in materials science. He later pursued a PhD at the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, completing it in 2007. 📖 His doctoral research focused on advanced materials processing techniques. Following his PhD, he embarked on an academic journey at Wuhan University of Science and Technology, where he served as an associate professor from 2007 to 2011. In 2011, he earned the title of professor and transitioned to Soochow University, Suzhou. 🌍 In 2013-2014, Prof. Chen expanded his expertise internationally as a visiting scholar at Columbia University, New York, supported by the China Scholarship Council. His educational journey reflects a strong foundation in materials science and laser processing technologies. 📡🔬

Work Experience💼

🔹 2007-2011: Associate Professor, Wuhan University of Science and Technology 📌 🔹 2011-Present: Professor, Soochow University 📍 🔹 2013-2014: Visiting Scholar, Columbia University, New York 🌎 🔹 Secretary General, Laser Industry Alliance of G60 S&T Innovation Valley 🏆 🔹 Secretary General, Jiangsu Province Laser Innovation ⚙️ 🔹 International Editorial Board Member, Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance 📖 🔹 IEEE & ISO Member 📡 His career spans significant contributions to laser processing, industrial applications, and academic leadership. He has played a pivotal role in advancing laser manufacturing and materials science. ⚡

Research Focus 🔍

Prof. Chen’s research aims to understand the physics of process-material interactions for quality and productivity improvements. His key research areas include: 🔹 Laser metal deposition for superalloy and high-strength steel ⚙️ 🔹 Laser-forming of metallic foam for aerospace & automotive applications 🚗✈️ 🔹 Laser-induced temperature gradient shaping techniques 🌡️ 🔹 Fabrication of foam steel via laser metal deposition 🔩 🔹 Laser cladding of superalloy for gas turbines 🔥 🔹 Laser welding and sealing of glass to metal/alloy 🛠️ His work significantly impacts aerospace, automotive, and energy industries. 🌍

Conclusion ✅

Prof. Changjun Chen‘s exceptional contributions to laser processing research, combined with his leadership, patents, and academic influence, make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏆. With a proven track record in high-impact publications, industrial applications, and scientific leadership, his work has significantly shaped the field. Addressing minor areas of improvement, such as expanding global collaborations and industrial commercialization, could further strengthen his candidacy.

📚Publications to Noted

 

Effect of composite adding Ta and Mo on microstructure and properties of W-Mo-Cr high-speed steel prepared by laser metal deposition

Authors: Min Zhang, Changjun Chen, Liangxin Hong

Year: 2025

Preparation Process of WC Wear-Resistant Coating on Titanium Alloys Using Electro-Spark Deposition

Authors: Haodong Liu, Liuqing Huang, Dongsheng Wang, Changjun Chen, Aiyong Cui, Shikang Dong, Zhiwei Duan

Year: 2025

Effect of High-Temperature Oxidation on Laser Transmission Welding of High Borosilicate Glass and TC4 Titanium Alloy

Authors: Mengxuan Xu, Changjun Chen, Jiaqi Shao, Chen Tian, Min Zhang, Wei Zhang

Year: 2025

Ultrasonic Processing Across Different Phases in Laser Welding of Large Thin-Walled Structures

Authors: Haodong Liu, Dongsheng Wang, Changjun Chen, Aiyong Cui, Bing Wang, Li Han

Year: 2025

Comparative Study of the Effects of Different Surface States During the Laser Sealing of 304 Steel/High-Alumina Glass

Authors: Changjun Chen, Bei Bao, Jiaqi Shao, Min Zhang, Haodong Liu

Year: 2025

Effects of Different Surface Treatment Methods on Laser Welding of Aluminum Alloy and Glass

Authors: Changjun Chen, Lei Li, Min Zhang, Wei Zhang

Year: 2024

Wetting and Sealing of the Interface Between High-Alumina Glass and 304 Stainless Steel

Authors: Liwei Sui, Changjun Chen, Min Zhang

Year: 2024

Study on Laser Transmission Welding Technology of TC4 Titanium Alloy and High-Borosilicate Glass

Authors: Changjun Chen, Lei Li, Min Zhang, Mengxuan Xu, Wei Zhang

Year: 2024

Efects of Different Oxidation Methods on the Wetting and Diffusion Characteristics of a High-Alumina Glass Sealant on 304 Stainless Steel

Athors: Changjun Chen, Liwei Sui, Min Zhang

Year: 2024

Design of Maraging Steel with Aluminum by Laser Metal Deposition

Authors: Chen Gao, Linjun Jiang, Min Zhang

Year: 2023