Abrar Hussain | Synthetic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Abrar Hussain | Synthetic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant at University of Science and Technology (UST) | South Korea

Mr. Abrar Hussain is a Pakistani chemist currently serving as a Research Assistant at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), South Korea. He earned his Master of Science in Chemistry from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, graduating with distinction for his thesis on the synthesis and biological screening of novel Schiff bases, and completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Sargodha. His research spans synthetic, environmental, and polymer chemistry, focusing on the development of nanomaterials, electrochemical sensors, and biomaterials for environmental and biomedical applications. Hussain has authored and co-authored multiple publications in leading journals, including the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, European Polymer Journal, Chemosphere, and Microchemical Journal, with additional papers under review in top-tier outlets such as the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and Polymer Reviews. His notable works explore nanocomposite hydrogels, fluorescence-based detection technologies, and machine learning-driven environmental monitoring. According to his Scopus profile, he has accumulated 36 citations from 13 documents with an h-index of 4, reflecting his growing influence in multidisciplinary research. He has actively participated in international conferences and received several honors, including the Best Researcher of the Year Award from UST-KAERI. Professionally, he is affiliated with the American Chemical Society (ACS) and is recognized for his collaborative research contributions bridging chemistry, materials science, and environmental sustainability.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Feautured Publications

Saleem, M., Hussain, A., Rauf, M., Khan, S. U., Haider, S., Hanif, M., Rafiq, M., et al. (2025). Ratiometric fluorescence and chromogenic probe for trace detection of selected transition metals. Journal of Fluorescence, 35(3), 1841–1853. Cited by: 12

Shahzad, K., Hasan, A., Naqvi, S. K. H., Parveen, S., Hussain, A., Ko, K. C., & Park, S. H. (2025). Recent advances and factors affecting the adsorption of nano/microplastics by magnetic biochar. Chemosphere, 370, 143936. Cited by: 11

Hussain, A., Raza, M. A., Shahzad, K., Ko, K. C., Han, S. S., & Park, S. H. (2024). Integration of molybdenum disulfide and phosphorene into polymeric-based nanocomposite hydrogels for various biomedical applications: Recent advances and future prospects. European Polymer Journal, 218, 113347. Cited by: 8

Saleem, M., Hussain, A., Hanif, M., Ahmad, H., Khan, S. U., Haider, S., Rafiq, M., et al. (2025). Synthesis, in vitro cytotoxic activity and optical analysis of substituted Schiff base derivatives. Journal of Fluorescence, 35(6), 3981–3989. Cited by: 6

Saleem, M., Hussain, A., Khan, S. U., Haider, S., Lee, K. H., & Park, S. H. (2025). Symmetrical ligand’s fabricated porous silicon surface based photoluminescence sensor for metal detection and entrapment. Journal of Fluorescence, 35(5), 2749–2762. Cited by: 5

Azam Anaraki Firooz | chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azam Anaraki Firooz | chemistry
| Women Researcher Award

Associate Prof. at Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Iran.

Dr. Azam Anaraki Firooz is an Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran. She specializes in nanochemistry, catalysis, and advanced functional materials. Her prolific academic career includes impactful publications in high-ranking journals such as Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, with an h-index of 18. Dr. Firooz has led research on heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis, gas sensors, and fuel cell technologies. A skilled experimentalist, she utilizes advanced synthesis (sol-gel, hydrothermal) and characterization techniques (XRD, TEM, BET, DR-UV/Vis). She has fostered international collaborations and mentored over 30 students. Her work contributes significantly to sustainable energy and environmental remediation solutions. With over a decade of experience, she is recognized for innovation, scientific leadership, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Education📚

Dr. Firooz completed her Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry through a joint program between the University of Tehran and Tarbiat Modares University. Her doctoral research focused on the catalytic and sensing functions of SnO₂ nanostructures, where she ranked in the top 1% of her class. She also pursued a sabbatical at Nagasaki University in Japan, synthesizing mesoporous MoO₃ nanostructures via spray pyrolysis for gas sensing. She earned her M.Sc. from Tarbiat Modares University, working on the synthesis and characterization of N-carbonyl phospho compounds. Her education combined theoretical rigor with hands-on experimental expertise in material synthesis and characterization, forming the basis of her future research in smart catalysts, functional nanomaterials, and energy/environmental applications.

Professional Experience💼

Dr. Azam Anaraki Firooz has over a decade of academic and research experience. She serves as Associate Professor at Shahid Rajaee University, where she has also held the position of department head for six years. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in inorganic chemistry and supervised over 30 theses. As a visiting professor at the University of Twente (Netherlands), she designed and synthesized smart catalysts and collaborated on advanced research projects. She has led numerous experimental studies involving catalyst development, material characterization, and sensor design. Her leadership in research, teaching, and international collaboration highlights her ability to integrate academic excellence with impactful scientific contributions in the fields of energy and environmental science.

Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Firooz’s research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of advanced inorganic and nanostructured materials for applications in catalysis, environmental remediation, and sustainable energy. She designs smart catalysts and functional materials using methods like sol-gel and hydrothermal synthesis. Her work targets heterogeneous and photocatalytic reactions for water purification and gas pollutant breakdown. She also develops gas sensors, fuel cell components, and polymer-graphite hybrid materials. Her lab is equipped with advanced tools such as XRD, TEM, BET, and DR-UV/Vis for material analysis. A key area of her interest is the interface of nanochemistry with energy conversion and sensing technologies, striving to solve environmental challenges through innovative, scalable, and environmentally friendly materials.

Awards and Honors🏆

Dr. Firooz has consistently demonstrated excellence throughout her academic journey. She graduated in the top 1% of her Ph.D. class and was selected for a prestigious research sabbatical at Nagasaki University in Japan. She has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Applied Catalysis B, receiving strong citation metrics (h-index 18) that reflect the influence of her work. Her role as head of the chemistry department and visiting professor at international institutions like the University of Twente also attest to her leadership and recognition. While specific award titles are not mentioned, her accolades include competitive research fellowships, institutional leadership positions, and invitations to collaborate globally—all of which reinforce her standing as a distinguished and award-worthy researcher.

Conclusion ✅

Dr. Azam Anaraki Firooz is a highly deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her research in inorganic and nanochemistry, backed by a solid publication record and international experience, reflects both depth and innovation. She has contributed significantly to environmental sustainability through catalysis and sensor development. While she could benefit from greater commercialization and global stage presence, her academic leadership, mentoring impact, and scientific excellence make her a standout in her field. This award would not only recognize her current achievements but also empower her future endeavors in advancing science and mentoring the next generation of women in STEM.

Publications to Noted📚

🌿 Green in situ synthesis of sandwich-like W-bridged siligraphene (g-SiC@WC@g-SiC) heterostructure from Saccharum Ravennae gum for ultrahigh-rate photodegradation of acetaminophen
🗓️ Year: 2024 | 🔍 Cited by: — | 🌞 Photodegradation | 🍃 Green Chemistry | 🧪 Nanomaterials

⚡ Achievement of an efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst based on carbon boosted with MnOx/MnCo₂O₄ with excellent electrocatalytic activity in neutral media
🗓️ Year: 2024 | 🔍 Cited by: 2 | 🔋 Electrocatalysis | 🌐 ORR | 🧪 Carbon-Based Materials

🧬 Synthesis of Ag and Mn/ZnO nanoparticles using a hydrothermal method – A brief study and their role in the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose in alkaline media
🗓️ Year: 2023 | 🔍 Cited by: 12 | 🧫 Nanoparticles | 💉 Glucose Sensing | ⚗️ Hydrothermal Synthesis

🧠 Green Synthesis of Nonprecious Metal-Doped Copper Hydroxide Nanoparticles for Construction of a Dopamine Sensor
🗓️ Year: 2021 | 🔍 Cited by: 14 | 🌿 Green Synthesis | 🧠 Dopamine Detection | 🔬 Biomedical Sensor

🔷 High electrochemical detection of dopamine based on Cu-doped single-phase hexagonally ZnO plates
🗓️ Year: 2021 | 🔍 Cited by: — | ⚡ Electrochemical Sensor | 🔵 ZnO Nanoplates | 🧪 Metal Doping

☀️ The Effect of Different Dopants (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and Ni) on Photocatalytic Properties of ZnO Nanostructures
🗓️ Year: 2020 | 🔍 Cited by: — | 🧪 Photocatalysis | 🔧 Doping Effect | 🌱 Environmental Nanoscience