Vikram Raja Jothi | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Vikram Raja Jothi | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | Germany

Dr. Vikram Raja Jothi is an accomplished materials scientist and researcher specializing in physical and mechanical metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and high-temperature alloy design. He earned his Ph.D. and M.Tech (Res) in Materials Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and holds a B.Tech in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from IIT Madras. Currently an Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellow at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany, he has also worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Michigan, USA. His research explores superalloys, refractory high-entropy alloys, creep behavior, and microstructural evolution in advanced materials. Dr. Vikram Raja Jothi has published extensively in reputed journals such as Scripta Materialia, Acta Materialia, and Advanced Engineering Materials, and has delivered invited talks at IIT Bombay and BARC. Recognized with prestigious awards and fellowships from SERB, CSIR, and IIM, he continues to advance innovative research in high-performance materials engineering.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Vikram, R. J., Sen, S., Yang, L., Eusterholz, M. K., Radi, A., Schliephake, D., … Heilmaier, M. (2026). Ultra-slow coarsening in precipitation-strengthened refractory high-entropy alloys. Scripta Materialia, 271, 117026.

Dash, K., Vikram, R. J., Wilde, G., & Phanikumar, G. (2025). Processing and properties of high entropy alloy multilayer laminates: A deformation study. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 131520.

Sasi, A., Vikram, R. J., & Dash, K. (2025). Corrosion and oxidation behavior of high entropy alloys in extreme and harsh environments: A perspective on steam corrosion. Journal of Applied Physics, 138(2).

Schliephake, D., Ramdoss, S. R., Vikram, R. J., Falcão, G., Galgon, F., Thota, H., … Heilmaier, M. (2025). Microstructure and mechanical properties of a laser-based directed energy deposited Mo-Si-Ti alloy. Journal of Materials Science, 1–15.

Yang, L., Sen, S., Schliephake, D., Vikram, R. J., Laube, S., Pramanik, A., … Heilmaier, M. (2025). Creep behavior of a precipitation-strengthened A2-B2 refractory high entropy alloy. Acta Materialia, 288, 120827.

Vikram, R. J., Reddy, S. T., Kirchner, A., Klöden, B., & Suwas, S. (2025). Monotonic tension and creep response of electron-beam powder bed fusion processed IN718 superalloy: Role of orthorhombic Ni3Nb δ-phase at grain boundaries. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 925, 147728.

Pedro Fonte | Nanomedicine | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte | Nanomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Portugal

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte is a distinguished researcher in pharmaceutical technology and nanomedicine. He earned his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences – Nanotechnologies from the University of Porto and the University of Copenhagen in 2016, supported by an FCT scholarship. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Algarve and leads the Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Lab at CCMAR and iBB, IST–ULisboa. With over 63 peer-reviewed publications, 11 book chapters, and an h-index of 31, he has been recognized among the Top 2% Scientists globally by Stanford University/Elsevier since 2021. His research focuses on nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, having mentored numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers. He previously held academic and leadership positions at Lusófona University and has contributed to international scientific bodies, including COST and the Science Fund of Serbia. Dr. Fonte is also an editor and author of several scientific books and experimental protocols in his field.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Academic Background

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte has a strong multidisciplinary academic background, integrating pharmaceutical sciences, nanotechnology, and business management. He earned his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences – Nanotechnologies in 2016 from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (Portugal), and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Denmark), under the supervision of Drs. Bruno Sarmento, Salette Reis, and Marco van de Weert. His thesis, titled “Optimization of lyophilization parameters of polymeric nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutic proteins,” was completed with distinction and supported by an FCT scholarship (SFRH/BD/78127/2011). In 2012, he obtained an MBA in Business Management and Administration from Lusíada University, Porto, with a classification of 15 values. Prior to this, he completed an Integrated Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2010 and a Bachelor’s degree in the same field in 2009 at the Advanced Institute of Health Sciences – North, CESPU, Gandra-Prd, Portugal, with classifications of 15 and 14 values, respectively.

Professional Journey

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pedro Fonte has established a distinguished academic and research career in biomaterials and nanomedicine. Since October 2019, he has served as Assistant Professor at the University of Algarve and Group Leader at Fonte’s Lab, affiliated with CCMAR and iBB, both recognized research units in Portugal. He is also an integrated member of CCMAR and a collaborating researcher at iBB. Previously, Dr. Fonte held positions at Lusófona University, including Assistant Professor, Director of the Biomedical Nanoscience Lab, and Group Leader in Biomaterials. He was also affiliated with LAQV/REQUIMTE and UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, both classified as excellent R&D units. His doctoral studies spanned institutions like the University of Porto, University of Copenhagen, and University of Lisbon, supported by FCT grants. Earlier in his career, he undertook multiple internships and fellowships in hospital, community pharmacy, and clinical labs, laying the groundwork for his pioneering work in nanomedicine and drug delivery.

Teaching and Pedagogical Contributions

Prof. Pedro Fonte has made remarkable contributions to academic development through the creation and dissemination of high-quality pedagogical materials in pharmaceutical technology and nanomedicine. His scholarly dedication is evident in the authorship of 11 textbook publications and 4 detailed experimental protocols, which serve as valuable resources for students and researchers alike. He has also contributed 7 encyclopaedia entries and 4 insightful articles to magazines and newsletters, enhancing public and academic understanding of complex scientific topics. Embracing modern educational tools, Prof. Fonte has developed 5 computer applications and 3 experimental prototypes that support interactive learning and research. Furthermore, he has produced a wide array of teaching materials tailored to various educational levels and contexts. His pedagogical work reflects a deep commitment to fostering learning through innovative and accessible content, positioning him as a key academic figure in advancing education in pharmaceutical sciences and nanomedicine across national and international platforms.

Research Focus

Prof. Pedro Fonte’s research is centered on advanced drug delivery systems, with a particular emphasis on nanotechnology, biomaterials, and biopharmaceuticals. His work spans a diverse range of applications, including wound healing, cancer therapy, tuberculosis treatment, and oral and inhalable delivery of therapeutic proteins and peptides. He has made substantial contributions to the development of nanoparticle-based systems, such as PLGA nanoparticles, mesoporous silica carriers, and lipid-based nanostructures, aimed at enhancing the stability, targeting, and bioavailability of drugs. His recent publications highlight innovations in freeze-drying of biopharmaceuticals, mucoadhesive systems, and nanonutraceuticals. Prof. Fonte also explores the biomedical application of sustainable materials like carbon dots in imaging and treatment, demonstrating a strong commitment to translational research. His multidisciplinary collaborations and editorial contributions to high-impact journals and books further emphasize his leading role in pharmaceutical nanotechnology and the development of next-generation therapeutics for chronic and infectious diseases

Publication Top Notes

  • Delivery of therapeutic proteins for wound healing (book chapter, 2024) –ScienceDirect+9OUCI+9cienciavitae.pt+9

  • Drug delivery systems for mouth wound healing (book chapter, 2024) – cienciavitae.pt+1ResearchGate+1

  • Unravelling the drying techniques of protein biopharmaceuticals (book chapter, 2024) –cienciavitae.pt+1ResearchGate+1

  • Inhalable N‑Acetylcysteine‑loaded Lactose‑coated PLGA Nanoparticles for Tuberculosis Treatment (Journal article, 2025) 

  • Impact of chain‑length of sulfhydryl‑modified surface‑decorated surfactants on mucoadhesive nanostructured lipid carriers (Journal article, 2025)

  • Recent advances in antibacterial nanoformulations for endodontic applications (Journal article, 2025) 

  • Camptothecin‑loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles… skin cancer treatment (Journal article, 2024) 

  • Transforming cancer treatment: The potential of nanonutraceuticals (Journal article, 2024) 

 

 

Patricia Rico | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Patricia Rico | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Patricia Rico, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine , Spain

Dr. Patricia Rico is a distinguished molecular biologist and Associate Researcher at the Spanish national biomedical network CIBER-BBN (Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine). Her research integrates bioengineering, molecular biology, and regenerative medicine to develop novel therapies for muscle injuries and epithelial cancers. With extensive experience in designing cellular microenvironments and stem cell niches, she has made significant strides in tissue engineering and cell-material interactions. Her interdisciplinary work connects basic science with clinical applications. Dr. Rico is widely recognized for her commitment to translational biomedical research and has contributed to pioneering studies in boron-based therapies and extracellular matrix dynamics.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Patricia Rico began her academic career with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (1994–1999), followed by a CAP Master for pedagogical aptitude (1999–2000). She completed doctoral coursework and earned the Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA) between 2001 and 2003 as part of her PhD pathway. She earned her PhD in Molecular Biology in 2006, focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning regenerative biology. Her training also includes a Master in experimental animal research procedures (2013) and the European R3 certification (2023), showcasing her commitment to both scientific excellence and ethical research standards.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Rico currently serves as an Associate Researcher at the CIBER-BBN network within the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBERISCIII), where she leads and contributes to several interdisciplinary biomedical projects. Her role involves engineering cellular microenvironments, designing synthetic tumor niches, and integrating biomaterials into therapeutic models. She has collaborated with leading Spanish and European institutions, mentoring junior scientists and contributing to strategic biomedical innovations. Her career spans over two decades, with a consistent focus on cell-material interactions, matrix biology, and translational research. She also holds research identifiers through ORCID and ResearcherID to ensure her scholarly contributions are accessible.

🏅 Awards & Honors

Dr. Patricia Rico has earned recognition for her impactful contributions to molecular biology and biomedical engineering. She holds the European R3 Researcher Certification (2023), which highlights her experience and competency at the international level. Her research has been supported by prestigious biomedical institutions, including CIBER-BBN and ISCIII. While specific named awards were not listed in the provided CV, her consistent leadership in projects, research collaborations, and participation in national biomedical research consortia reflect a high level of academic trust and professional standing. She is also authorized to conduct animal-based biomedical research, underscoring her credibility in preclinical studies.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Rico’s research focuses on developing boron-based therapies for muscle injuries, aging, neuromuscular diseases, and muscular dystrophies. She designs biomaterial-based cellular microenvironments that modulate intracellular signaling and promote stem cell differentiation for regenerative purposes. Her work also targets the engineering of synthetic tumor niches for the treatment of epithelial cancers. With a strong emphasis on the extracellular matrix and integrin-mediated adhesion, she explores how ions like boron and zinc influence cell behavior. Her studies integrate stem cells, membrane receptors, and matrix proteins to unlock new biomedical solutions, particularly in bone, cartilage, and muscle tissue regeneration.

Publication Top Notes

📘 Role of material-driven fibronectin fibrillogenesis in cell differentiation 📊 Cited by 164 🗓️ 2011
📘 Effect of nanoscale topography on fibronectin adsorption, focal adhesion size and matrix organisation 📊 Cited by 146 🗓️ 2010
📘 Substrate-induced assembly of fibronectin into networks: influence of surface chemistry and effect on osteoblast adhesion 📊 Cited by 117 🗓️ 2009
📘 Role of surface chemistry in protein remodeling at the cell-material interface 📊 Cited by 104 🗓️ 2011
📘 Engineered 3D hydrogels with full-length fibronectin that sequester and present growth factors 📊 Cited by 99 🗓️ 2020
📘 Role of superhydrophobicity in the biological activity of fibronectin at the cell–material interface 📊 Cited by 78 🗓️ 2011
📘 Insights into the Selective Pressures Restricting Pelargonium Flower Break Virus Genome Variability 📊 Cited by 62 🗓️ 2006
📘 Subtle variations in polymer chemistry modulate substrate stiffness and fibronectin activity 📊 Cited by 57 🗓️ 2010
📘 In Situ Hydroxyapatite Content Affects the Cell Differentiation on Porous Chitosan/Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds 📊 Cited by 44 🗓️ 2016
📘 Effect of in situ formed hydroxyapatite on microstructure of freeze-gelled chitosan-based biocomposite scaffolds 📊 Cited by 43 🗓️ 2015
📘 Controlled wettability, same chemistry: biological activity of plasma-polymerized coatings 📊 Cited by 42 🗓️ 2012
📘 Effect of topological cues on material-driven fibronectin fibrillogenesis and cell differentiation 📊 Cited by 41 🗓️ 2012
📘 Zinc uptake promotes myoblast differentiation via Zip7 transporter and activation of Akt signalling 📊 Cited by 39 🗓️ 2018
📘 Development of a Ta/TaN/TaNx(Ag)y/TaN nanocomposite coating system and bio-response study 📊 Cited by 34 🗓️ 2017