Mihkel Koel | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Wonjae Lee | Chiral Separation | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Wonjae Lee | Chiral Separation | Best Researcher Award

Chosun University, College of Pharmacy, South Korea

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

His academic journey began with a B.S. in Chemistry from Seoul National University. He furthered his studies with an M.S. in Chemistry at KAIST. His pursuit of excellence led him to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA, where he earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry . This robust academic foundation provided him with the skills and expertise necessary for impactful research in analytical chemistry.

💼 Professional Endeavors

His career has been marked by significant contributions across academia, industry, and research institutions: Medical Synthetic Lab, KIST, Korea : Worked as a researcher, honing his skills in medical synthetic research, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA : Served as a teaching and research assistant during his doctoral studies, later continuing as a postdoctoral researcher, LG Chem R&D, Korea: Played a pivotal role as a senior researcher at the Analytical Center, contributing to advancements in analytical techniques, College of Pharmacy, Chosun University : Advanced from Assistant to Full Professor, leading innovative research and shaping the next generation of scholars, Held prestigious administrative roles, including Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Dean of the Graduate School of Clinical Pharmacy.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on: Enantiomer Separation: Developing analytical methods for chiral compound separation to ensure the purity and efficacy of pharmaceutical agents, Chiral HPLC Column Development: Innovating chiral stationary phases to enhance the resolution and efficiency of chromatography techniques, Chiral Recognition Mechanism: Investigating the molecular interactions underlying chiral recognition, with implications for drug design and safety.

🌍 Impact and Influence

He has significantly impacted both academia and industry: He has pioneered methods that have transformed pharmaceutical analysis and chiral separation technologies, enabling the development of safer and more effective medications. As Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Analysis Division of the Korean Pharmaceutical Society (2014–2015), he shaped policies and initiatives that promoted innovation in pharmaceutical research.

📚 Academic Citations and Publications

Through his extensive research, Professor Lee has contributed to numerous high-impact journals and conferences. His work has garnered global recognition, reflecting his dedication to advancing analytical and pharmaceutical sciences.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a professor at Chosun University, He has not only conducted cutting-edge research but also mentored numerous students and researchers. His dedication to teaching ensures the continuous development of skilled professionals in pharmacy and analytical chemistry.

🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions

His illustrious career continues to inspire researchers worldwide. His pioneering work in chiral analysis and pharmaceutical sciences will have long-lasting impacts on both academic and industrial sectors. Moving forward, he aims to further innovate in chiral column technologies and contribute to global pharmaceutical advancements.

📖Notable Publications

 

Martín Fernández Baldo | Bioanalítica | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Martín Fernández Baldo | Bioanalítica | Best Researcher Award 

Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Argentina

👨‍🎓 Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

He pursued a solid academic journey, beginning with his primary education at Justo José de Urquiza in Maipú, Mendoza, where he graduated in December 1989. He later attended Liceo Militar General Espejo for his secondary education, graduating as a Bachiller and Subteniente de Reserva del Arma de Infantería in December 1994.

🏛 Higher Education

Fernández Baldo pursued his Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the Universidad Nacional de San Luis, completing his studies in 2007. He later obtained his Doctorate in Biochemistry, with his thesis titled "Control Biológico en Postcosecha: Desarrollo de Metodologías para la Detección y Cuantificación de Mohos Fitopatógenos y Micotoxinas". His thesis work was guided by Dr. María Isabel Sanz Ferramola (Director) and Dr. Germán Messina (Co-Director).

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently, Martín Fernández Baldo is based in San Luis, Argentina, where he works at the Universidad Nacional de San Luis. He holds positions in both the Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas. He is associated with CONICET and works in the Instituto de Química de San Luis (INQUISAL), contributing to the Laboratorio de Bioanalítica.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Fernández Baldo's research is centered around bioanalytical chemistry and nanotechnology. He has expertise in synthesizing nanomaterials using both chemical and biological methods (such as microorganisms like fungi and bacteria). His work includes the use of these nanomaterials in biosensors with electrochemical detection or laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) for the determination of various biochemical, environmental, and agro-food analytes.

In recent years, his research has expanded to focus on the early diagnosis of epithelial cancers (breast, colorectal, lung, prostate) through the determination of specific tumor markers. He is also dedicated to the diagnosis of infectious diseases like parasitic, viral, and fungal infections.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Fernández Baldo's work in the field of bioanalytical chemistry and nanotechnology is making significant strides in improving diagnostic tools for both cancer and infectious diseases. His interdisciplinary approach, combining nanotechnology with bioanalytical methods, has had a notable impact on public health diagnostics, especially in low-resource settings where early and accurate detection is critical.

🛠️ Technical Skills

His technical expertise spans a variety of advanced techniques, including: Nanomaterial synthesis (chemical and biological methods). Characterization of nanomaterials using: UV-vis, XRD, XRF, FTIR, DLS, SEM, EDS, TEM. Biosensor development for: Electrochemical detection, Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection.

🏅 Teaching Experience

Throughout his career, Martín Fernández Baldo has also been involved in teaching and mentorship. He contributes to postgraduate courses, such as the course on "Instrumental Analysis Methods: Biological Applications", offered by the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. His participation in academia extends to supervising students and guiding research projects in the fields of analytical chemistry and bioanalysis.

📚 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Martín Fernández Baldo aims to further his research in bioanalytical chemistry and nanotechnology, specifically focusing on the early diagnosis of cancers and infectious diseases. His goal is to develop more efficient, cost-effective diagnostic tools that can be applied globally. His work will likely continue to influence the fields of public health, analytical chemistry, and nanotechnology, contributing to the betterment of global diagnostic practices.

📖  Notable Publications

Copper nanoparticles as a potential emerging pollutant: Divergent effects in the agriculture, risk-benefit balance and integrated strategies for its use

Authors: Tortella, G., Rubilar, O., Fincheira, P., Fernandez-Baldo, M., Seabra, A.B.
Journal: Emerging Contaminants
Year: 2024

Metal nanoparticles and pesticides under global climate change: Assessing the combined effects of multiple abiotic stressors on soil microbial ecosystems

Authors: Fernández-Triana, I., Rubilar, O., Parada, J., Seabra, A.B., Tortella, G.R.
Journal: Science of the Total Environment
Year: 2024

Electrochemical microfluidic immunosensor with graphene-decorated gold nanoporous for T-2 mycotoxin detection

Authors: Fernandez Solis, L.N., Silva Junior, G.J., Bertotti, M., Fernández-Baldo, M.A., Regiart, M.
Journal: Talanta
Year: 2024

Advances in Nanomaterials and Composites Based on Mesoporous Materials as Antimicrobial Agents: Relevant Applications in Human Health

Authors: Gomez, G.E., Hamer, M., Regiart, M.D., Soler Illia, G.J.A.A., Fernández-Baldo, M.A.
Journal: Antibiotics
Year: 2024

Use of Mechanochemical Methodology to Explore the Formation of a New Crystalline Phase in the Curcumin-Quercetin System

Authors: D'Vries, R.F., Pastrana-Dávila, A., Pantoja, K.D., Gomez, G.E., Fernández-Baldo, M.A.
Journal: ChemistrySelect
Year: 2024

Five years of advances in electrochemical analysis of protein biomarkers in lung cancer: a systematic review

Authors: Regiart, M., Fernández-Baldo, M.A., Navarrete, B.A., Valero, T., Ortega, F.G.
Journal: Frontiers in Chemistry
Year: 2024

Origami Paper-Based Electrochemical Immunosensor with Carbon Nanohorns-Decorated Nanoporous Gold for Zearalenone Detection

Authors: Laza, A., Pereira, S.V., Messina, G.A., Regiart, M.D., Bertolino, F.A.
Journal: Chemosensors
Year: 2024