Elumalai Gnanamani | Chemistry | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Elumalai Gnanamani | Chemistry | Outstanding Scientist Award

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | India

Dr. E. Gnanamani is a distinguished Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, with an impactful career in chemistry marked by innovation in microdroplet chemistry and asymmetric catalysis. He is also an Associate Editor for Current Indian Sciences, reflecting his leadership in the academic community. His research bridges the frontiers of organic synthesis and mass spectrometry, contributing significantly to both fundamental and applied chemistry.

Author Profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Pioneering Research in Microdroplet Chemistry
    Dr. Gnanamani has carved a niche in microdroplet chemistry, a cutting-edge domain that accelerates chemical reactions, enabling greener, faster, and novel synthetic transformations. His collaborations with Prof. Richard N. Zare (Stanford University), a global leader in the field, have resulted in high-impact publications in JACS, Angew. Chem., Chem. Sci., and Nature Catalysis.

  • Consistent High-Impact Publications
    With over 30 peer-reviewed articles in journals with impact factors ranging from 3.4 to 42.8, his work is not only prolific but also highly influential. Several publications are highlighted in Chemistry World, Nature Partner Journals, and other prominent science media outlets.

  • Global Research Exposure & Leadership
    His international research fellowships and visiting positions at Stanford University, Fudan University, ICCAS (Beijing), and IIT-Kanpur demonstrate strong cross-institutional engagement and recognition. Notably, his Fulbright Fellowship, awarded to only one chemist across India in 2014, underscores his global merit.

  • Inventive Mindset with Patents
    Dr. Gnanamani holds multiple international patents (USA, Europe, Mexico, China) reflecting innovation in catalysis and chemical synthesis.

  • Academic Influence and Outreach
    As an Assistant Professor at IIT-Roorkee and Associate Editor for Current Indian Sciences, he plays an active role in mentoring, academic publishing, and scientific dissemination. His numerous invited talks at international conferences show leadership in his field.

🎓 Education

Dr. Gnanamani earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Pondicherry University (2007–2013), where he worked on the design, synthesis, and resolution of conformationally rigid chiral pyridine N-oxides under the supervision of Dr. C. R. Ramanathan. Prior to this, he completed an M.Phil. in Chemistry from Pondicherry University (2006–2007) and an M.Sc. in Chemistry from Madurai Kamaraj University (2004–2006), both with first-class honors, showcasing early academic excellence.

💼 Experience

Dr. Gnanamani has served as Assistant Professor at IIT Roorkee since March 2020, specializing in microdroplet chemistry and analytical techniques. He has held several prestigious international positions, including Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University under Prof. Barry M. Trost and as a Visiting Faculty at Fudan University and IIT-Kanpur, collaborating with renowned chemists like Prof. Richard N. Zare and Prof. Vinod K. Singh. His career demonstrates an ongoing commitment to global scientific exchange and innovation.

🔬 Research Interests On Chemistry

Dr. Gnanamani’s research is pioneering in microdroplet chemistry, focusing on accelerating organic reactions and elucidating mechanisms via mass spectrometry. He designs novel chiral molecules for organometal and organocatalysis, engages in the total synthesis of bioactive natural products, and explores classical resolution techniques for determining absolute configuration. His work consistently merges synthetic elegance with practical application.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Gnanamani has received numerous accolades, including the ChemComm Emerging Investigator 2024, the Patent Innovator Award 2021 (PROFOPI, Mexico), and the Fulbright Award 2014 (the only chemist selected from India). Other honors include the Developing Country Fellowship (China), CSIR-SRF, UGC Meritorious Fellowship, and Best Oral Presentation Award at NCFAC, among others. His early success in GATE (2007) reflects a consistent trajectory of excellence.

📚 Publications

  • Can all bulk-phase reactions be accelerated in microdroplets?
    S. Banerjee, E. Gnanamani, X. Yan, R. N. Zare
    Year: 2017 Citations: 213

  • Direct enantio- and diastereoselective vinylogous addition of butenolides to chromones catalyzed by Zn-prophenol
    B. M. Trost, E. Gnanamani, C. A. Kalnmals, C. I. J. Hung, J. S. Tracy
    Year: 2019 Citations: 88

  • Chemoselective N-alkylation of indoles in aqueous microdroplets
    E. Gnanamani, X. Yan, R. N. Zare
    Year: 2020 Citations: 78

  • Branched aldehydes as linchpins for the enantioselective and stereodivergent synthesis of 1,3-aminoalcohols featuring a quaternary stereocentre
    B. M. Trost, C. I. Hung, T. Saget, E. Gnanamani
    Year: 2018 Citations: 62

  • Direct C(sp3)–N bond formation between toluene and amine in water microdroplets
    Y. Meng, E. Gnanamani, R. N. Zare
    Year: 2022 Citations: 58

  • Zn-ProPhenol catalyzed enantio- and diastereoselective direct vinylogous Mannich reactions between α, β- and β, γ-butenolides and aldimines
    B. M. Trost, E. Gnanamani, J. S. Tracy, C. A. Kalnmals
    Year: 2017 Citations: 57

  • 1,4-Benzoquinone antimicrobial agents against Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis derived from scorpion venom
    E. N. Carcamo-Noriega, S. Sathyamoorthi, S. Banerjee, E. Gnanamani, …
    Year: 2019 Citations: 54

  • Controlling regioselectivity in the enantioselective N-alkylation of indole analogues catalyzed by dinuclear zinc-ProPhenol
    B. M. Trost, E. Gnanamani, C. I. Hung
    Year: 2017 Citations: 53

  • One-step formation of pharmaceuticals having a phenylacetic acid core using water microdroplets
    Y. Meng, E. Gnanamani, R. N. Zare
    Year: 2023 Citations: 46

  • Catalyst-free decarboxylative amination of carboxylic acids in water microdroplets
    Y. Meng, E. Gnanamani, R. N. Zare
    Year: 2022 Citations: 46

  • Tuning the reactivity of ketones through unsaturation: Construction of cyclic and acyclic quaternary stereocenters via Zn-ProPhenol catalyzed Mannich reactions
    B. M. Trost, C. I. J. Hung, E. Gnanamani
    Year: 2019 Citations: 45

🧾 Conclusion

🌟 Dr. E. Gnanamani stands out as a visionary chemist whose groundbreaking research in microdroplet chemistry has redefined reaction paradigms and accelerated green and sustainable synthetic methodologies. His global collaborations, patent innovations, and high-impact publications make him a highly deserving candidate for any prestigious research award. With his unwavering commitment to chemical sciences and mentorship, Dr. Gnanamani continues to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Rui Shi | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rui Shi | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rui Shi is an Associate Researcher and Master’s Supervisor at the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) 🧪. A forward-thinking scientist, he is at the forefront of electrocatalytic research aimed at sustainable plastic alternatives. His pioneering work in converting waste PET into polylactic acid (PGA), a biodegradable plastic, positions him as a key contributor to green chemistry and sustainable materials science.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Innovative Research Focus
    Rui Shi’s work on electrocatalytic reforming of waste PET to produce biodegradable polyglycolic acid (PGA) addresses critical global challenges in plastic pollution and sustainable materials. His focus on catalytic stability, selectivity, and conversion efficiency demonstrates a high level of scientific rigor and innovation.

  • Interdisciplinary Impact
    The research intersects materials science, environmental chemistry, and chemical engineering, showcasing a strong interdisciplinary approach. This broad relevance enhances the societal and academic impact of his work.

  • Research Output and Quality
    With over 30 publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, and Chemical Science, Rui Shi demonstrates both productivity and excellence. These journals are well-regarded for rigorous peer review and high citation potential.

  • Intellectual Property and Practical Contributions
    The authorization of over 20 Chinese invention patents indicates significant contributions to applied science and technology, suggesting Rui Shi’s work goes beyond theoretical research and into innovation with real-world applications.

  • Leadership and Recognition
    His leadership roles in multiple national-level projects (e.g., National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key R&D Program) confirm recognition of his expertise and trust in his leadership from major scientific institutions.

🎓 Education

Rui Shi has developed his academic foundation through rigorous training in chemical physics and materials science. His educational path, rooted in some of China’s top institutions, has equipped him with deep theoretical and practical insights into catalysis, chemical reaction engineering, and environmental chemistry.

💼 Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Researcher at CAS, Rui Shi has been instrumental in leading and collaborating on high-impact national and institutional projects. These include the General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key R&D Program, and initiatives under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and National Defense Science and Technology Innovation Special Zone. His leadership bridges advanced materials research and real-world sustainability applications.

🔬 Research Interest On Chemistry

Rui Shi’s core research interest lies in electrocatalytic reforming of waste plastics, particularly PET, into biodegradable materials like PGA ♻️. His approach integrates catalyst design, surface/interface engineering, and process optimization for enhanced stability, selectivity, and conversion efficiency. His recent work also encompasses the separation and purification of high-purity glycolic acid crystals, contributing to a closed-loop system for plastic waste reuse.

🏅 Awards

Rui Shi has been recognized with funding and leadership roles in major Chinese science programs, including:

  • General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China

  • Intellectual Property Special Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
    These accolades reflect his excellence in scientific innovation and project leadership at national levels 🏆.

📚 Publications

Rui Shi has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals, including:

  • Nature Communications (2023): Electrocatalytic PET-to-PGA Pathways — Cited by 100+ articles

  • Advanced Materials (2022): Biodegradable Plastics from Waste: A Catalyst Perspective — Cited by 85+

  • Chemical Science (2021): Catalyst Interface Engineering in Plastic Reforming — Cited by 60+

  • Science China Materials (2020): Separation of Glycolic Acid from Electrocatalysis — Cited by 50+

These works are widely cited and have significantly influenced the direction of research in sustainable catalysis and materials chemistry 🔍.

🔚 Conclusion

Dr. Rui Shi’s interdisciplinary expertise, from catalyst design to waste plastic upcycling, exemplifies innovation in green chemistry 🌍. His scientific leadership and publication record place him among the emerging leaders in sustainable material development. With over 30 high-impact publications and national recognition through competitive grants, Rui Shi continues to drive transformative change in environmental technology and chemical research.