Lykourgos Magafas | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Engineering Scientist

Prof. Dr. Lykourgos Magafas | Materials Science
| Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr . Lykourgos Magafasat at Democritus University of Thrace, Greece.

Professor Lykourgos Magafas is a distinguished physicist and academic with over three decades of experience in electrical engineering, informatics, and applied physics. He currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Informatics at Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. Holding a Ph.D. from the same university, he has held professorial roles across several prominent Greek institutions. With a profound dedication to interdisciplinary research, Professor Magafas has led numerous international and national projects in complex systems, energy, and environmental monitoring. His scholarly contributions include high-impact publications and academic program development, notably in Economic Physics. His leadership and innovation continue to influence policy and academic research, marking him as a pioneering figure in modern applied science and technology in Greece.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Google Scholar 

Scopus 

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award :

Professor Lykourgos Magafas is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to his impactful, sustained, and interdisciplinary research contributions across physics, informatics, and engineering. With over 16 major research projects, including seven as coordinator, he has demonstrated leadership in complex system modeling, sustainable technologies, and applied informatics. His research has influenced both academic advancements and practical implementations in environmental and technological domains. His dedication to mentoring, teaching, and building international collaborations further reflects his commitment to excellence in research and academic service. Recognized for bridging theoretical and applied science, Professor Magafas stands out as a visionary researcher whose work continues to shape innovative approaches in physics-based systems and computational intelligence.

🎓 Education :

Professor Magafas began his academic journey with a degree in Physics from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 1987. He later earned his Ph.D. in 1992 from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Democritus University of Thrace. His doctoral thesis focused on “Deposition Properties and Applications of Amorphous Semiconductors,” laying the foundation for his interdisciplinary research in electronics, materials science, and computational physics. This strong educational foundation equipped him with deep analytical and experimental skills, enabling him to contribute significantly to both theoretical and applied scientific domains. His academic training spans both pure and applied sciences, making him a versatile educator and innovative researcher in physics and informatics.

🏢 Work Experience :

Professor Lykourgos Magafas has over 30 years of academic and research experience. He began his career as a Research Fellow at the Technological Institute of Kavala (1992–2005). He held academic appointments at Democritus University and Kavala Institute of Technology, progressing from Lecturer to Associate Professor. From 2010 to 2019, he was a full Professor at the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology. He then served at the International Hellenic University before returning to Democritus University in 2025 as a Professor of Informatics. His diverse appointments highlight a strong record of research supervision, project leadership, and academic governance. He has also coordinated M.Sc. programs, demonstrating a strong commitment to interdisciplinary education and institutional development.

🏅Awards and Honors

Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Magafas has received multiple recognitions for his contributions to science and education. While specific named awards are not detailed in the provided record, his leadership as coordinator of major EU and national projects such as ASPIDA and GREEN PUMB demonstrates a high level of trust and acknowledgment from funding bodies and scientific institutions. He has served as coordinator for 7 out of 16 major projects, reflecting his respected standing in the research community. Additionally, his academic appointments at leading institutions and his role in curriculum development, such as the MSc in Economic Physics, highlight professional esteem and peer recognition. These accomplishments collectively attest to his reputation as a leading scientific and academic figure.

🔬 Research Focus :

Professor Magafas’ research spans applied physics, complex systems, computational intelligence, and informatics. He focuses on the integration of physics-based methods with real-world applications, particularly in environmental monitoring, energy systems, and economic modeling. His coordination of projects like ASPIDA and GREEN PUMB showcases expertise in autonomous monitoring systems and groundwater resource management. He is also active in developing algorithms for complex network analysis, with applications ranging from public health policy (e.g., COVID-19 analysis) to electrostatics and system modeling. His interdisciplinary approach blends theoretical physics with modern computational techniques, contributing to smart systems, sustainability, and decision-making frameworks. He also leads academic initiatives in Economic Physics, merging physics methodologies with financial forecasting and socio-economic dynamics.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

📊 Modeling and forecasting the COVID-19 temporal spread in Greece: An exploratory approach based on complex network defined splines – Cited by 81 – 🗓️ 2020

🔌 Electrical properties of a-SiC/c-Si (p) heterojunctions – Cited by 53 – 🗓️ 1992

🌀 Chaotic behaviour of a fourth-order autonomous electric circuit – Cited by 48 – 🗓️ 2003

🧪 Cost estimation of polymeric adsorbents – Cited by 47 – 🗓️ 2019

🦠 The effect of anti-COVID-19 policies on the evolution of the disease: A complex network analysis of the successful case of Greece – Cited by 45 – 🗓️ 2020

📡 Digital chaotic synchronized communication system – Cited by 42 – 🗓️ 2009

📘 The Papadopoulos – Cited by 28 – 🗓️ 2006

📈 The use of scaling properties to detect relevant changes in financial time series: A new visual warning tool – Cited by 26 – 🗓️ 2021

🔬 Optical properties of α-SiC:H thin films grown by rf sputtering – Cited by 25 – 🗓️ 1994

⚡ The influence of metal work function on electrical properties of metal/a-SiC:H Schottky diodes – Cited by 23 – 🗓️ 1997

Karin Larsson | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Engineering Scientist

Prof. Dr. Karin Larsson | Materials Science |Best Researcher Award

Professor at  Uppsala University, Sweden .

Professor Karin Larsson is a Professor Emerita at the Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University. With a distinguished career in inorganic and materials chemistry, she has made profound contributions to theoretical surface studies and materials design. Holding a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Uppsala University (1988), she has supervised numerous Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering academic excellence across generations. Her research, rooted in both theoretical and applied chemistry, has positioned her as a leader in materials innovation. Professor Larsson’s dedication to teaching, curriculum development, and international collaboration underscores her holistic approach to science, making her a respected figure in the global scientific community.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Google scholar

Scopus

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award

Professor Karin Larsson is an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her decades-long contribution to inorganic and materials chemistry. Her pioneering work in theoretical surface chemistry has opened new avenues in materials design, corrosion studies, and surface science. Beyond her research, she has shaped the future of chemistry through curriculum development and mentorship of numerous Ph.D. scholars. Her interdisciplinary approach and impactful publications underscore her standing as a thought leader. With global academic recognition, including visiting professorships and active supervision roles, she continues to elevate the standards of scientific inquiry. Her combination of innovation, leadership, and educational impact makes her a model recipient for this prestigious award.

🎓 Education 

Professor Karin Larsson’s academic journey began at Uppsala University, where she earned her M.Sc. in Chemistry/Mathematics in 1981. She proceeded to earn her Ph.Lic. in Inorganic Chemistry in 1986, followed by a Ph.D. in 1988 from the same institution. In 1997, she was awarded the qualifications required for appointment as a docent (Associate Professor) in Inorganic Chemistry. Her educational background is marked by a deep integration of chemical theory and mathematical principles, providing a strong foundation for her future research in materials and surface chemistry. Her lifelong association with Uppsala University highlights her academic consistency and excellence.

🏢 Work Experience 

Professor Larsson has had a long and distinguished academic career. Starting as a Ph.D. student at Uppsala University in 1981, she progressed through roles as researcher, junior lecturer, and senior lecturer. She was appointed as a full professor of inorganic chemistry in 2004 and served as Director for Undergraduate Studies in Materials Chemistry (2007–2011). She has held a visiting professorship at the University of Science and Technology Liaoning, China (2012), and has supervised numerous doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. Her professional path reflects her depth in theoretical surface chemistry, passion for academic leadership, and sustained commitment to scientific development.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Although specific awards are not listed, Professor Karin Larsson’s distinguished roles and international engagements point to high recognition in her field. Her appointment as a Professor Emerita, visiting professorship in China, and long-standing leadership in curriculum development at Uppsala University all underscore her career excellence. Her legacy is further marked by the successful supervision of over a dozen Ph.D. students and several postdoctoral researchers. The impact of her educational contributions and international collaborations stands as evidence of the esteem with which she is regarded in the global scientific community.

🔬 Research Focus 

Professor Larsson’s research focuses on theoretical surface chemistry, materials design, and inorganic surface studies. She applies quantum chemical methods and modeling to understand surface interactions and develop advanced materials with tailored properties. Her work encompasses corrosion science, catalytic surface reactions, and the molecular-level design of new functional materials. This foundational research supports a wide range of applications including sustainable materials development, semiconductor processing, and corrosion protection. By bridging theoretical chemistry with material innovation, her work enables the design of smarter, more durable, and application-specific materials, making substantial contributions to both academic theory and industrial applications.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

  • Mattsson, A., Leideborg, M., Larsson, K., Westin, G., & Österlund, L. (2006). Adsorption and Solar Light Decomposition of Acetone on Anatase TiO₂ and Niobium Doped TiO₂ Thin Films. The Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 110(3), 1210–1220.

  • Hultman, L., Bareño, J., Flink, A., Söderberg, H., Larsson, K., Petrova, V., Odén, M., … (2007). Interface structure in superhard TiN-SiN nanolaminates and nanocomposites: Film growth experiments and ab initio calculations. Physical Review B, 75(15), 155437.

  • Steinmüller-Nethl, D., Kloss, F.R., Najam-Ul-Haq, M., Rainer, M., Larsson, K., … (2006). Strong binding of bioactive BMP-2 to nanocrystalline diamond by physisorption. Biomaterials, 27(26), 4547–4556.

  • Kloss, F.R., Gassner, R., Preiner, J., Ebner, A., Larsson, K., Hächl, O., Tuli, T., … (2008). The role of oxygen termination of nanocrystalline diamond on immobilisation of BMP-2 and subsequent bone formation. Biomaterials, 29(16), 2433–2442.

  • Schneider, J.M., Larsson, K., Lu, J., Olsson, E., Hjörvarsson, B. (2002). Role of hydrogen for the elastic properties of alumina thin films. Applied Physics Letters, 80(7), 1144–1146.

  • Yakimova, R., Virojanadara, C., Gogova, D., Syväjärvi, M., Siche, D., Larsson, K., … (2010). Analysis of the formation conditions for large area epitaxial graphene on SiC substrates. Materials Science Forum, 645, 565–568.

  • Petrini, D., Larsson, K. (2007). A theoretical study of the energetic stability and geometry of hydrogen-and oxygen-terminated diamond (100) surfaces. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 111(2), 795–801.

  • Mårlid, B., Ottosson, M., Pettersson, U., Larsson, K., Carlsson, J.O. (2002). Atomic layer deposition of BN thin films. Thin Solid Films, 402(1-2), 167–171.

  • Ziming, Z., Larsson, F., Larsson, K. (2014). Effect of CVD diamond growth by doping with nitrogen. Theoretical Chemistry Accounts, 133(2), 1432.

  • Steenackers, M., Sharp, I.D., Larsson, K., Hutter, N.A., Stutzmann, M., Jordan, R. (2010). Structured polymer brushes on silicon carbide. Chemistry of Materials, 22(1), 272–278.

Daniel Macharia |Materials Science |Outstanding Contribution Award

Published on by Engineering Scientist

Dr. Daniel Macharia| Materials Science| Outstanding Contribution Award

 

Postdoctoral research scientist at Donghua university, China .

Dr. Daniel K. Macharia is a pioneering postdoctoral researcher at Donghua University, recognized for groundbreaking innovations in reversible, color-switching smart materials. His research bridges material science and functional nanotechnology, enabling real-world applications such as adaptive wearables, smart coatings, and redox-sensitive inks. He has led multiple high-impact projects, invented novel fiber and film systems, and published widely in top-tier journals. His leadership, creativity, and technical excellence have resulted in transformative advancements in semiconductor catalysis and stimuli-responsive materials, making him a standout candidate for the Outstanding Contribution Award.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Orcid 

Scopus

🏆 Suitability for the Outstanding Contribution Award

Dr. Daniel K. Macharia is a pioneering postdoctoral researcher at Donghua University, recognized for groundbreaking innovations in reversible, color-switching smart materials. His research bridges material science and functional nanotechnology, enabling real-world applications such as adaptive wearables, smart coatings, and redox-sensitive inks. He has led multiple high-impact projects, invented novel fiber and film systems, and published widely in top-tier journals. His leadership, creativity, and technical excellence have resulted in transformative advancements in semiconductor catalysis and stimuli-responsive materials, making him a standout candidate for the Outstanding Contribution Award.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Macharia earned his Doctor of Engineering in Materials Science from Donghua University (2016–2022), with top grades in both coursework and thesis. His Ph.D. focused on designing semiconductor nanomaterials with photocatalytic and photothermal properties for photoreversible color-switching. He also holds a Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering from Donghua University (2012–2015), where he researched photothermal nanoagents for cancer therapy. His foundational education includes a Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial and Textile Engineering from Moi University, Kenya (2006–2011), graduating with Second Class Upper Division honors. His undergraduate thesis explored electronic waste management in Kenya. Across all academic levels, Dr. Macharia consistently demonstrated academic excellence and a strong commitment to innovative research.

🏢 Work Experience 

Since 2022, Dr. Macharia has served as a postdoctoral fellow at Donghua University, leading a sub-group on color-switching materials. He has overseen postgraduate student projects and spearheaded innovations in dual-light responsive nanomaterials, redox-sensitive inks, and smart fibers. His contributions include inventing wet-spun color-switching fibers, developing multi-responsive films, and designing adaptive, chameleon-like materials using Prussian blue analogues. His work has led to first-author publications, national and international research grants, and multiple patents. He has presented his research at international conferences and co-authored over ten papers. With hands-on leadership and a knack for material innovation, Dr. Macharia has significantly advanced the field of smart materials and wearable technologies.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Dr. Macharia’s contributions to material science have earned him significant accolades. He received a prestigious National Science Foundation of China grant (Grant No. 52350410455) worth over USD 55,000 for his work on semiconductor-based nanomaterials with dual-light responses. Additionally, he secured an international cooperation grant, bringing total research funding to USD 100,000. He has published first-author and corresponding-author papers in top journals like Advanced Optical Materials and Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. His patented inventions and leadership in cutting-edge smart color-switching materials have been recognized both nationally and internationally. These honors reflect his innovative spirit, deep expertise, and contributions that bridge academia and practical industry applications.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Macharia’s research centers on stimuli-responsive smart materials, particularly reversible color-switching systems using semiconductor nanomaterials. His work integrates photocatalysis, photothermal effects, and redox chemistry to create advanced fibers, inks, films, and coatings. His key innovations include wet-spun, dual-light responsive fibers, multi-color switching inks, and thermochromic and hydrochromic dyes for adaptive applications. He explores the mechanisms behind nanomaterial-driven color transitions and light-induced molecular assembly, aiming to develop intelligent materials for next-generation textiles, displays, and environmental sensing. His interdisciplinary approach spans materials science, nanotechnology, and engineering—positioning him at the forefront of functional material innovation for smart wearables and beyond.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

  • Wen, Z., Yang, X., Macharia, D. K., Feng, Q., Lv, H., Wen, M., Yu, N., & Chen, Z. (2024). Photo-sensitive Bi-doped TiO₂ nanocrystals with reversible single and multi-mode color transformations for rewritable printing. Advanced Optical Materials, 2024, 2402793.

  • Macharia, D. K., Liu, M., Wen, Z., Feng, Q., Yang, X.*, & Chen, Z. (2024). On-demand green/red light-responsive self-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles for single/multi-color transitioning fabrics. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2024, 678, 534–544.

  • Liu, M., Liu, Z., Wen, Z., Yu, N., Macharia, D. K., Zhu, M., & Chen, Z. (2024). N-Doped Carbon-Quantum-Dot-Integrated Colorimetric System for Visible Photoprinting and Oxygen Sensing. Advanced Optical Materials, 2024, 12, 2302787.

  • Macharia, D. K., Sarker, S., Liu, M., Wen, Z., Yu, N., Zhu, M., & Chen, Z.* (2023). Constructing on-demand single/multi-color transitioning fabrics with photocatalysis/photothermal-armed deficient semiconductors. Nano Research, 2023, 17, 3633.

  • Macharia, D. K., Ahmed, S., Sarker, S., Zhu, Y., Geng, P., Yu, N., & Chen, Z.* (2022). Ag decorated CeO₂₋ₓ nanojunctions with plasmon-enhanced catalytic performance for mono/multi-color switching. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2022, 431, 133996.

  • Macharia, D. K., Sarker, S., Zhu, B., Zhang, Y., Liu, Z., Yu, N., & Chen, Z. (2021). Constructing On-demand Photoreversible Mono/Multi-color Switching Fabrics with Plasmonic In-doped ZnO Catalyzed Systems. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2021, 425, 130638.

  • Macharia, D. K., Ahmed, S., Zhu, B., Liu, Z., Wang, Z., Mwasiagi, J. I., Chen, Z., & Zhu, M. (2019). UV/NIR-Light Triggered Rapid and Reversible Color Switching for Rewritable Smart Fabrics. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2019, 11, 13370–13379.