Arash NourbakhshSadabad | Mechanics of Functional and Intelligent Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Arash NourbakhshSadabad | Mechanics of Functional and Intelligent Materials | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at University of Tabriz | Iran

Dr. Arash Nourbakhsh Sadabad is a distinguished Iranian mechanical engineer specializing in Energy Conversion, with profound expertise in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and energy systems optimization. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Tabriz, he has demonstrated exceptional academic and professional excellence through numerous research contributions, innovations, and leadership roles. As the CEO of Bornafidar Rasa Company and a university lecturer, he has successfully bridged the gap between theory and industrial application, designing and developing advanced engineering systems such as handheld spray devices, 3D spacer mesh equipment, vacuum forming machines, and GPC wall panels for the first time in Iran. His research and publications reflect a deep focus on hydrogen production and liquefaction, pump design optimization, heat transfer analysis, turbomachinery performance, renewable energy systems, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using advanced simulation tools like ANSYS, CATIA, MATLAB, OpenFOAM, and Python. Dr. Nourbakhsh has co-authored and authored several academic and scientific books published by Asr Zendegi, and his scholarly works appear in reputable journals and international conferences, addressing topics such as exergy analysis, cavitation, aerodynamic performance, and energy-efficient design. Recognized as an exemplary and elite student by multiple foundations, he has been honored with awards at national and international scientific festivals, including the Creative Academic Award and multiple Harakat Festival distinctions. His patents on hydraulic systems, solar-powered devices, and smart mechanical structures further showcase his innovative capabilities. Beyond research, he has held significant academic leadership roles as Secretary-General of the National Mechanical Union, scientific association leader, and advisor to the Ministry of Science, contributing to Iran’s mechanical engineering advancement and nurturing future innovators in mechanical and energy sciences.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Nourbakhsh, A., Nami Khalilehdeh, M., Faramarzi, S., & Mafi, M. (2021). Energy, exergy and economic analysis of a hydrogen liquefaction process integrated with a PRICO cycle. Gas Processing Journal, 9(2), 83–102.

Aryanfar, Y., Keçebaş, A., Nourbakhsh Sadabad, A., Alcaraz, J. L. G., Fernandez, J. B., & Wu, W. (2024). Production of biodiesel from industrial sludge: Recent progress, challenges, perspective. Processes, 12(11), 2517.

Castellanos, H. G., Aryanfar, Y., Nourbakhsh Sadabad, A., Keçebaş, A., Youssef, M., & others. (2025). Integrating solar energy in urban development: Strategies for sustainable and smart cities. International Transactions on Electrical Energy Systems, 2025(1), 6096036.

Nourbakhsh Sadabad, A., Namikhalilehdeh, M., Abdollahi, S. A., & Ranjbar, F. (2024). A review of the methods of experimental detection and vibration effects of cavitation phenomenon in centrifugal pump. Journal of Pump, 39(54), 15–32.

Aryanfar, Y., Nourbakhsh Sadabad, A., Nami Khalilehdeh, M., Keçebaş, A., Mirzaei, F., & others. (2024). Synthetic biodegradable polymers as adsorbents of dyes. Elsevier.

 

Devagi Kanakaraju | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Devagi Kanakaraju | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Devagi Kanakaraju is a Malaysian chemist and educator dedicated to the advancement of sustainable environmental practices through science and education. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from James Cook University, Australia, she has established herself as a prominent researcher and academic leader at UNIMAS. Her contributions to both research and pedagogy have earned her numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Malaysian Australian Alumni Council and multiple innovation medals at national and university expos. She continues to drive impact through research excellence, innovative teaching, and academic leadership.

Profile

Scopus

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scholar

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry, James Cook University, Australia – 2014

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) – 2005

  • M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia – 2003

  • B.Sc. Ed (Hons) in Chemistry, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia – 2000

👨‍🔬 Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Devagi Kanakaraju is an academic with over two decades of experience in higher education, currently serving as Deputy Director at the Centre for Academic Development and Management at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). Since joining UNIMAS in 2003, she has held various leadership and academic positions, including Program Coordinator at the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology (2015–2017, 2019–2023). She has contributed significantly to curriculum innovation, teaching excellence, and academic management. She began her professional career as a Publishing Editor at Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd (2002–2003). Dr. Kanakaraju is also an active member of the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry, the American Chemical Society, and the Malaysian Young Chemists Network.

🔍 Research Interest

Dr. Kanakaraju’s research spans across Environmental Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry. Her work focuses on water and wastewater treatment, photocatalysis, green chemistry, and the development of novel composite materials for environmental remediation. She is particularly known for innovations like the “Capture and Break (Cab)” and “DARe-CP” photocatalyst systems for dye and waste degradation. Her multidisciplinary research integrates chemistry, environmental science, and sustainability.

📚 Publications 

  • Kanakaraju, D., Anak Kutiang, F.D., Lim, Y.C., Goh, P.S.
    “Recent progress of Ag/TiO₂ photocatalyst for wastewater treatment: Doping, co-doping, and green materials functionalization”
    Applied Materials Today, Volume 27, 101500 (2022)
    📈 Citations: 121
    🔬 This paper reviews cutting-edge advancements in Ag/TiO₂ photocatalysts, highlighting the role of metal/non-metal doping, co-doping, and eco-friendly functionalization techniques to enhance photocatalytic efficiency for wastewater treatment.

  • Kanakaraju, D., Ravichandar, S., Lim, Y.C.
    “Combined effects of adsorption and photocatalysis by hybrid TiO₂/ZnO-calcium alginate beads for the removal of copper”
    Journal of Environmental Sciences, Volume 55, pp. 214–223 (2017)
    📈 Citations: 116
    🧪 This study explores a dual-function hybrid bead system incorporating TiO₂/ZnO and calcium alginate, capable of simultaneously adsorbing and degrading copper ions from aqueous systems, paving the way for multifunctional treatment technologies.

  • Kanakaraju, D., Chandrasekaran, A.
    “Recent advances in TiO₂/ZnS-based binary and ternary photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants”
    Science of the Total Environment, Volume 868, 161525 (2023)
    📈 Citations: 105
    🧫 A comprehensive review of TiO₂/ZnS photocatalyst systems, this article details their mechanisms, synthesis techniques, and potential in degrading persistent organic pollutants through advanced photocatalytic reactions.

  • Al-Sharqi, A., Apun, K., Vincent, M., Kanakaraju, D., Bilung, L.M.
    “Enhancement of the antibacterial efficiency of silver nanoparticles against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria using blue laser light”
    International Journal of Photoenergy, 2019(1), Article ID 2528490
    📈 Citations: 81
    💡 This paper demonstrates the synergistic use of silver nanoparticles and blue laser light in improving antibacterial efficacy, showing promise for non-antibiotic antimicrobial strategies.

  • Wahi, R., Zuhaidi, N.F.Q., Yusof, Y., Jamel, J., Kanakaraju, D., Ngaini, Z.
    “Chemically treated microwave-derived biochar: An overview”
    Biomass and Bioenergy, Volume 107, pp. 411–421 (2017)
    📈 Citations: 81
    🌱 This overview assesses the potential of chemically modified, microwave-derived biochar for environmental applications, particularly in adsorption and soil enhancement.

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Devagi Kanakaraju stands out as a leading researcher in materials and environmental chemistry, with an outstanding record in sustainable innovation, high-impact publications, academic leadership, and applied research. Her contributions to novel photocatalyst systems and hybrid materials have direct implications for environmental sustainability and green technology.

She is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Materials Chemistry, with both the academic pedigree and real-world impact to represent excellence in this field.