Mihkel Koel | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Engineering Scientist

Dr. Mihkel Koel | Analytical chemistry
| Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Scientist at Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia.

Dr. Mihkel Koel is a senior research scientist in analytical chemistry at Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia. With a scientific career spanning over four decades, he has significantly advanced the fields of chromatography, green chemistry, and electromigration methods. A graduate in theoretical physics from Tartu State University and a Candidate of Chemical Sciences from Leningrad State University, Dr. Koel has led numerous international collaborations and editorial initiatives. His work has earned national and international recognition, including the prestigious Order of the White Star (IV class) and the Scientific Award of the Estonian Republic. A fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, he continues to contribute to analytical chemistry through research, teaching, and global scientific exchange.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Scopus

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award :

Dr. Mihkel Koel is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his lifelong dedication to innovation in analytical chemistry. With significant contributions to computer-aided chromatography and green chemistry, his research has advanced sustainable chemical analysis techniques globally. He has led major research projects, international scientific exchanges, and editorial work across leading journals. Recognized with national honors and global fellowships, Dr. Koel’s influence spans academia, industry, and policymaking. His pioneering methodologies, global collaborations, and commitment to sustainable science align perfectly with the core values of this award. As a thought leader and mentor, he continues to inspire new generations in chemistry and sustainable scientific development.

🎓 Education :

Dr. Mihkel Koel earned his degree in theoretical physics from Tartu State University (1967–1972). He later pursued postgraduate studies (1984–1989) at the Institute of Chemistry of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, where he specialized in analytical chemistry. His Candidate of Chemical Sciences degree was awarded in 1989 from Leningrad State University, Russia, for his dissertation on correlation chromatography. This strong foundation in both theoretical physics and analytical chemistry enabled him to bridge disciplines and innovate at the intersection of physical science and chemical analysis. His educational journey laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking contributions in electromigration, chromatographic separation, and sustainable analytical technologies.

🏢 Work Experience :

Dr. Koel began his research career in 1974 at the Institute of Chemistry of the Estonian Academy of Sciences as an engineer. Over the next several decades, he advanced through roles including junior researcher, senior scientist, and eventually lead research scientist at Tallinn University of Technology. He has participated in extended scientific exchanges at institutions like Duke University (USA), University of Helsinki (Finland), Vienna Technical University (Austria), and University of Lisbon (Portugal). A Fulbright Fellow and recipient of multiple international research grants, he has organized and chaired several global conferences on sustainable chemistry. Since 2005, he has served as the head of major analytical research efforts at Tallinn University of Technology.

🏅Awards and Honors

Dr. Koel has received numerous accolades recognizing his lifelong commitment to science. In 1991, he received the Scientific Award of the Estonian Republic for work in computer-aided chromatography. In 2006, he was awarded the Order of the White Star (IV class) for distinguished service to Estonia. Additional honors include the Golden Badge of Tallinn University of Technology (2004) and the Honorary Medal “Mente et Manu” (2018). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and a member of both the Estonian and American Chemical Societies. He has served on multiple editorial boards and organized leading international conferences, amplifying his influence in analytical and green chemistry worldwide.

🔬 Research Focus :

Dr. Mihkel Koel’s research centers on analytical chemistry, with particular emphasis on chromatographic separation, green chemistry, and electromigration techniques. His early work on correlation chromatography paved the way for automated chemical analysis, while his later studies introduced eco-friendly solvents and processes for sustainable chemical analytics. He has also contributed to capillary electrophoresis and ionic liquids for advanced biochemical detection. His research bridges theory and application, offering solutions for environmental monitoring, petrochemical analysis, and pharmaceutical testing. By integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges, Dr. Koel’s work promotes green analytical methodologies, aligning science with sustainability goals and fostering global impact through education, research, and policy engagement.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

Developments in analytical chemistry initiated from green chemistry
Cited by: 12 | Year: 2022

Ferrocene-Modified Resorcinol–Formaldehyde Aerogels
Cited by: 3 | Year: 2023

Preparation and characterization of lignin-derived carbon aerogels
Cited by: 5 | Year: 2023

Implementing greening into design in analytical chemistry
Cited by: 15 | Year: 2022

Extraction of bioactive compounds from Dipsacus fullonum leaves using deep eutectic solvents
Cited by: 16 | Year: 2022

Characterization of Organosolv Lignins and Their Application in the Preparation of Aerogels
Cited by: 23 | Year: 2022

Carbon Aerogel Platinum-Praseodymium Oxide Nanocatalyst for Methanol Oxidation in 0.5 M Sulfuric Acid
Cited by: 2 | Year: 2023

Editorial overview: A closer look on green developments in analytical chemistry: Green analytical chemistry is going mainstream
Cited by: 17 | Year: 2022

🔚 Conclusion

Prof. Mihkel Koel’s body of work is a testimony to sustained excellence, innovation, and global collaboration. His contributions to analytical and green chemistry have not only advanced the academic frontier but also directly impacted environmental sustainability and biochemical analysis practices.Given his robust research track, international acclaim, and national recognition, Prof. Mihkel Koel is an outstanding nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Rajendar Burki | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Engineering Scientist

Dr. Rajendar Burki | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Biological E Limited, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

👨‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

His academic foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Chemistry from Kakatiya University, India, which he completed in April 2000. His educational journey continued with a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry from NIT Warangal (Deemed University), awarded. He further advanced his knowledge and expertise by earning a Ph.D. in Bioanalytical/Biological Chemistry from Tohoku University, Japan. His doctoral and postdoctoral experiences equipped him with the rigorous scientific acumen required for pioneering work in protein biochemistry and analytical research.

💼 Professional Endeavors

He has a distinguished career spanning over two decades, marked by leadership and significant contributions in the field of vaccine research and development. Since, he has been with Biological E Limited in Hyderabad, where he serves as Vice President of Research and Development. In this capacity, he leads a team of over 30 scientists and plays a crucial role in vaccine R&D, encompassing recombinant proteins, bacterial, viral, and VLP vaccines. His experience includes product development from initial concepts to late-stage clinical material manufacturing (CMC expertise), process development, analytical sciences, and biophysical analysis.

🌟 Key Roles and Responsibilities

Regulatory Expertise: Dr. Burki has spearheaded regulatory documentation and submissions for various vaccine projects, ensuring thorough analytical and process development. Team and Resource Management: He excels in building and managing skilled teams, overseeing space planning, budget allocation, and resource optimization. Documentation and Compliance: Authored and reviewed critical documents including MFRs, BPRs, SOPs, and reports on method development, qualification, and validation.

🏆 Contributions and Achievements

He has led numerous groundbreaking projects in vaccine development that have significantly impacted public health. His notable achievements include: Approval and Development: Instrumental in obtaining PCV vaccine approval for Biological E, Methodology Development: Created and validated analytical methods for bacterial and viral vaccines, Process Engineering: Pioneered conjugation and downstream processes for mono-conjugate preparation, Formulation Optimization: Designed and enhanced formulations for various vaccine types, Technology Transfer: Successfully managed the transfer of processes and analytical methods to production and quality control units, Regulatory Success: Played an essential role in preparing technical packages for submissions to PCT (RCGM), CDSCO, WHO, and FDA.

🧪 Research Focus and Impact

His research is highly focused on the fields of protein expression, characterization, and vaccine development. His early career work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham involved exploring the molecular mechanisms of the ClpA molecular chaperone, including protein cloning, expression, purification, and binding analysis of peptide substrates. This foundational work in biophysical chemistry has contributed to his later expertise in analytical and biophysical methods, particularly for characterizing complex biological molecules.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

His contributions have earned him recognition and accolades, underscoring his influence in the scientific community: JST Doctoral Fellowship: Awarded during his Ph.D. program, showcasing his academic prowess, Postdoctoral Fellowship: Secured for advanced research at the University of Alabama, Biopharma Leadership Award (2022): Presented by Bluetech Media in acknowledgment of his leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry, FDD Leaders Award (2023): Honored by Express Pharma, recognizing his exceptional leadership and impact in vaccine development.

💻 Technical Skills

He is highly skilled in a range of analytical and biophysical techniques, essential for protein characterization and vaccine development: Chromatography: Proficient in protein expression, purification, and analysis, Spectroscopy and Fluorescence Studies: Used for in-depth biochemical investigations, Enzyme Kinetics: Applied for understanding enzyme functionality, Analytical Method Development: Expertise in developing and validating methods for both small molecules and large biomolecules.

🎓 Teaching Experience

Throughout his career, Dr. Burki has shared his expertise through mentoring and training in analytical techniques and biophysical methodologies. His experience as a postdoctoral researcher included training peers and contributing to research team learning in protein analysis and purification techniques.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

His leadership at Biological E Limited and his prior work have cemented his legacy as a trailblazer in vaccine R&D and analytical biochemistry. Looking ahead, his goal is to continue advancing the science of vaccine development and contribute to global health through innovative research and fostering the next generation of scientific leaders. With his expertise, he is set to influence future developments in vaccine technology, analytical methodologies, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

📖Notable Publications