Waseem Shoukat | Chemistry and Materials Science | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Waseem Shoukat | Chemistry and Materials Science | Editorial Board Member

Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University | Pakistan

Dr. Waseem Shoukat is an emerging and increasingly recognized researcher in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and bioinformatics, with a rapidly expanding contribution to the development of thiosemicarbazone-based therapeutic candidates and advanced functional materials. His research portfolio reflects a strong integration of synthetic chemistry, spectroscopic characterization, molecular docking, biological screening, and nanomaterials engineering, enabling the discovery of compounds with significant antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic potential. His notable work on thiosemicarbazones, particularly the WS-1 and WS-2 ligands, has demonstrated exceptional binding affinities toward alpha-glucosidase, highlighting their promise as lead molecules for future pharmaceutical development. He has published in reputable international journals such as Journal of Molecular Structure, RSC Advances, Inorganic Chemistry Communications, and Natural Product Communications, contributing findings related to MOF-based drug delivery systems, electrochemical behavior of modified nanostructures, graphene oxide functionalization, coordination polymer electrocatalysis, and plant stress mitigation strategies. His interdisciplinary collaborations extend into areas of environmental microbiology, hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, natural dyeing applications, and aquaculture-related sustainability research. According to Google Scholar, he has produced a growing body of scholarly output with 71 citations, an h-index of 4, and an i10-index of 3, demonstrating steady research impact. His computational expertise includes the use of Molegro, Schrödinger Suite, PyRx, and Discovery Studio, supporting predictive modeling and structure–activity relationship analysis. Through his diverse publications, analytical capabilities, and innovative research approaches, Waseem Shoukat continues to contribute meaningfully to advances in medicinal chemistry, materials science, environmental biotechnology, and emerging functional materials.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

• Haidri, I., Qasim, M., Shahid, M., Farooq, M. M., Abbas, M. Q., Fatima, R., & Ullah, Q. (2024). Enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activities and soil microbial biomass of tomato plants against the stress of sodium dodecyl sulfate by the application of bamboo biochar. Remittances Review, 9(2), 1609–1633.

• Shoukat, W., Hussain, M., Ali, A., Shafiq, N., Chughtai, A. H., Shakoor, B., … (2025). Design, synthesis, characterization and biological screening of novel thiosemicarbazones and their derivatives with potent antibacterial and antidiabetic activities. Journal of Molecular Structure, 1320, 139614.

• Qayyum, I., Rehman, F. U., Zahra, M., Batool, K., Shoukat, W., Arshad, S., & Zada, Z. (2023). Progressive innovations in advanced functional materials for emerging bio-electronics, drug sensing and healthcare. Journal of Drug & Alcohol Research, 12(5).

• Ain, Q., Nazli, Z. H., Aslam, M., Zafar, I., Afridi, H. I., Unar, A., Jamshaid, M., … (2024). Multifunctional analysis of banana leaves extracts for dyeing properties of pima cotton fabric using different mordants. Natural Product Communications, 19(2), 1934578X241231463.

• Ishfaq, M., Lateef, D., Ashraf, Z., Sajjad, M., Owais, M., Shoukat, W., Mohsin, M., … (2025). Zirconium-based MOFs as pH-responsive drug delivery systems: Encapsulation and release profiles of ciprofloxacin. RSC Advances, 15(33), 26647–26659.

Alina Lokteva | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Alina Lokteva | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

ITMO University | Russia

Mrs. Alina Lokteva is an outstanding young scientist whose interdisciplinary expertise in biochemistry, nanotechnology, and hybrid living materials has positioned her as an emerging leader in biomedical innovation. Currently serving as a lecturer and junior scientist at ITMO University, she has successfully integrated microbial biotechnology with material science to pioneer advanced antibacterial and regenerative systems that address urgent challenges in healthcare. With a strong academic background in ecology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, she has built a solid foundation for cutting-edge research on microbial stress responses, nanoparticle toxicity, and biohybrid material development. Scientifically, Mrs. Alina Lokteva has authored five peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus, with a citation record of 62 and an h-index of 4, reflecting both the quality and the growing influence of her work. Her research spans nanoparticle-enhanced antibacterial activity, mechano-bactericidal particles for oral biofilm treatment, magnetic soft robots for biofilm eradication, and probiotic-based biohybrid living materials with regenerative properties, with results published in highly regarded journals including Chemical Communications, Antibiotics, Journal of Materials Chemistry B, ACS Nano, Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, and Macromolecular Bioscience. Beyond her publications, she has successfully secured more than $120,000 in competitive funding, participated in over five collaborative grant projects, and demonstrated commitment to education by supervising and mentoring students in microbiology and biotechnology. Her international training at Universidade de Vigo strengthened global scientific collaboration, while her recognition as the 2024 Saint Petersburg Young Scientist Award winner highlights her academic excellence.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Baburova, P. I., Kladko, D. V., Lokteva, A., Pozhitkova, A., Rumyantceva, V., & others. (2023). Magnetic soft robot for minimally invasive urethral catheter biofilm eradication. ACS Nano, 17(21), 20925–20938.

Otinov, G. D., Lokteva, A. V., Petrova, A. D., Zinchenko, I. V., Isaeva, M. V., & others. (2020). Positive and negative effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on antibiotic resistance genes transfer. Antibiotics, 9(11), 742.

Serov, N., Darmoroz, D., Lokteva, A., Chernyshov, I., Koshel, E., & Vinogradov, V. (2020). One-pot synthesis of template-free hollow anisotropic CaCO₃ structures: Towards inorganic shape-mimicking drug delivery systems. Chemical Communications, 56(80), 11969–11972.

Protasiuk, L. E., Serov, N. S., Lokteva, A. V., Kladko, D. V., Koshel, E. I., & others. (2022). Mechano-bactericidal anisotropic particles for oral biofilm treatment. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 10(25), 4867–4877.

Lokteva, A. V., Trushlis, E. V., Ivankova, O. V., & Koshel, E. I. (2025). Induction of oxidative hormesis by TiO₂ nanoparticles enhances antibacterial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus. Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 51(4), 1801–1812.

Lokteva, A. V., & Sidorova, N. A. (2018). Ecology of Beggiatoa and its role in the biogeochemical cycle of sulfur in areas of technogenic risk. In Biodiagnostics of the state of natural and natural-technogenic systems (pp. 251–253).

Sidorova, N. A., & Lokteva, A. V. (2018). New approaches to the extraction of metals from multicomponent ores using a consortium of heterotrophic and lithotrophic microorganisms. In Lebedeva Nadezhda Anatolyevna – Doctor of Philosophy in the field (p. 32).

Ricardo Oliveira Freire | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ricardo Oliveira Freire | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Sergipe | Brazil

Dr. Ricardo Oliveira Freire (🎓 b. 29 May 1977, Aracaju, Brazil) is a distinguished Brazilian chemist renowned for his pioneering work in theoretical and computational chemistry, particularly involving lanthanide complexes. A Level 1C Researcher of Productivity at CNPq, Dr. Freire is currently an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS). With over two decades of dedication to research and teaching, he has led numerous innovative projects, developed the renowned LUMPAC software package, and significantly advanced the Sparkle model. His scientific influence spans Brazil and beyond through prolific publications, international collaborations, and impactful mentorship.

Author Profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Ricardo Oliveira Freire stands out as a highly accomplished researcher in the field of theoretical and computational chemistry, particularly in lanthanide luminescence and semiempirical quantum methods. With a prestigious CNPq Level 1C Productivity Fellowship, he reflects national recognition for sustained excellence. Dr. Freire has authored over 123 peer-reviewed publications, accumulating over 5,800 citations and achieving a Google Scholar h-index of 39, indicating both productivity and influence. His projects like LUMPAC and Sparkle/RM1 models have made significant contributions to computational chemistry and spectroscopy, especially for lanthanide complexes with biomedical and photonic applications.

He has mentored numerous students at undergraduate, Master’s, Ph.D., and postdoctoral levels, showcasing a robust commitment to research training. His involvement with more than 40 scientific journals as a reviewer and editorial board member, including JACS, Inorganic Chemistry, and J. Phys. Chem., reflects his thought leadership and service to the scientific community. Furthermore, his work has been acknowledged with multiple national and international awards, including listings in AD Scientific Index Top 10,000 Latin American Scientists, a cover feature in Dalton Transactions, and honors for impactful conference presentations and guidance.

🎓 Education

Dr. Freire earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the Federal University of Sergipe in 2002, where he explored the theoretical design of highly luminescent lanthanide complexes. He pursued both his M.Sc. (2002–2004) and Ph.D. (2004–2007) at the Federal University of Pernambuco under Prof. Alfredo Mayall Simas, focusing on the development and enhancement of the Sparkle model for lanthanides. His academic trajectory laid a robust foundation for high-level research in physical and theoretical chemistry.

👨‍🏫 Experience

Since 2007, Dr. Freire has been actively involved in teaching and research at UFS, where he has held various academic and administrative roles including Head of the Chemistry Department and Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Chemistry. He also collaborates with the Federal University of Pernambuco and has taught post-graduate courses at leading institutions like UNICAMP and USP. A sought-after reviewer for over 40 top-tier journals, he exemplifies excellence in both pedagogy and peer contribution.

🔍 Research Interests On Chemistry and Materials Science

Dr. Freire’s research delves into semiempirical methods and computational modeling of lanthanide complexes, with notable contributions to the RM1 and Sparkle methods. He leads the LUMPAC (Luminescence Package) project, enabling accurate predictions of photophysical properties. His interdisciplinary work spans materials science, bioinorganic chemistry, and quantum mechanics, collaborating globally with teams from the US, India, Russia, Portugal, and more.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Freire has received numerous accolades including the Latin America Top 10,000 Scientist (2021, 2023), BRICS Top 10,000 Scientist (2021), and recognitions from prestigious institutions like the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Brazilian Chemical Society. He was honored with cover features in journals, mentoring awards, and commendations from academic and government bodies, solidifying his reputation as a leading scientific voice in Latin America.

📄 Publications

  • RM1: A reparameterization of AM1 for H, C, N, O, P, S, F, Cl, Br, and I
    Authors: GB Rocha, RO Freire, AM Simas, JJP Stewart
    Year: 2006
    Cited by: 936

  • Cytotoxicity and slow release of the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin from ZIF-8
    Authors: IB Vasconcelos, TG da Silva, GCG Militão, TA Soares, NM Rodrigues, …
    Year: 2012
    Cited by: 330

  • LUMPAC lanthanide luminescence software: Efficient and user friendly
    Authors: JDL Dutra, TD Bispo, RO Freire
    Year: 2014
    Cited by: 277

  • Sparkle model for the calculation of lanthanide complexes: AM1 parameters for Eu(III), Gd(III), and Tb(III)
    Authors: RO Freire, GB Rocha, AM Simas
    Year: 2005
    Cited by: 195

  • Spectroscopic Study of a UV‐Photostable Organic–Inorganic Hybrids Incorporating an Eu³⁺ β‐Diketonate Complex
    Authors: PP Lima, RA Sá Ferreira, RO Freire, FA Almeida Paz, L Fu, S Alves Jr, …
    Year: 2006
    Cited by: 151

  • 3-phenyl-4-benzoyl-5-isoxazolonate Complex of Eu³⁺ with Tri-n-octylphosphine Oxide as a Promising Light-conversion Molecular Device
    Authors: R Pavithran, NS Saleesh Kumar, S Biju, MLP Reddy, SA Junior, RO Freire
    Year: 2006
    Cited by: 133

  • Sparkle/PM7 Lanthanide Parameters for the Modeling of Complexes and Materials
    Authors: JDL Dutra, MAM Filho, GB Rocha, RO Freire, AM Simas, JJP Stewart
    Year: 2013
    Cited by: 130

  • Sparkle/PM6 Parameters for all Lanthanide Trications from La(III) to Lu(III)
    Authors: RO Freire, AM Simas
    Year: 2010
    Cited by: 124

  • Tb³⁺ → Eu³⁺ Energy Transfer in Mixed-Lanthanide-Organic Frameworks
    Authors: MO Rodrigues, JDL Dutra, LAO Nunes, GF de Sá, WM de Azevedo, …
    Year: 2012
    Cited by: 123

  • Energy transfer mechanisms in organic-inorganic hybrids incorporating europium (III): a quantitative assessment by light emission spectroscopy
    Authors: PP Lima, SS Nobre, RO Freire, SA Junior, RA Sá Ferreira, U Pischel, …
    Year: 2007
    Cited by: 101

  • Sparkle model for AM1 calculation of lanthanide complexes: Improved parameters for europium
    Authors: GB Rocha, RO Freire, NB da Costa Jr, GF de Sá, AM Simas
    Year: 2004
    Cited by: 100

  • Tuning of the excitation wavelength from UV to visible region in Eu³⁺-β-diketonate complexes: Comparison of theoretical and experimental photophysical properties
    Authors: V Divya, RO Freire, MLP Reddy
    Year: 2011
    Cited by: 97

✅ Conclusion

With an illustrious career marked by innovative research, international impact, and unwavering academic leadership, Dr. Ricardo Oliveira Freire exemplifies the qualities of a “Best Researcher Award” recipient. His dedication to advancing theoretical chemistry, mentoring future scientists, and fostering global collaboration positions him as a pillar in the scientific community. This nomination not only honors his achievements but inspires continued excellence in chemical sciences.