Published on 15/11/202415/11/2024 by Composite Awards Sándor Valkai | Biophysics | Best Researcher Award Dr. Sándor Valkai, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, Hungary. Dr. Sándor Valkai is an accomplished physicist and chemist specializing in biophysics and microfluidics, currently working as a research fellow at the Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics, in Szeged, Hungary. With a background that includes a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Veszprém University and postdoctoral experience at Bar-Ilan University, Dr. Valkai’s work focuses on developing lab-on-a-chip devices, sensory systems, and integrated optical sensors for applications in biological materials. His dedication to advancing biophysics is evident through multiple patents and special editorial contributions to scientific journals. Publication profile Orcid Scopus Education and Experience 1995: MSc in Physics (Optics and Quantum Electronics), JATE, Szeged 1999: Ph.D. in Chemistry (Physical Chemistry), Veszprém University 1999–2001: Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Physics, Bar-Ilan University, Israel 2002–Present: Research Fellow, Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged Suitability For The Award Dr. Sándor Valkai is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his groundbreaking contributions to the fields of biomolecular electronics, microfluidics, and biosensing technologies. His research has significantly advanced the understanding and development of integrated optics, optical biosensors, and lab-on-a-chip devices for biological applications. Dr. Valkai’s work has resulted in critical innovations in sensing biological materials, including complex models of the blood-brain barrier and other biological tissues, which have practical implications in medical diagnostics and therapeutic developments. His continued focus on optical and microfluidic systems has led to multiple publications in renowned journals and a strong international reputation in his field. Professional Development Dr. Sándor Valkai is continuously engaged in scientific innovation and collaboration. His editorial roles for special issues, such as “Versatile Organ-on-a-Chip Devices” and “Recent Trends and Advances in Lab-on-a-Chip,” underscore his dedication to advancing microfluidics and optical biosensor technology . He holds two patents, one for a sensory device and another for an integrated microdevice for cell membrane models. His active profiles on Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and ORCID reflect his research impact, while his work with integrated optical sensors and dielectric properties of biological materials helps bridge physics, chemistry, and biophysics to support new discoveries. Research Focus Dr. Valkai’s research focuses on developing cutting-edge microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip technologies , with applications that extend across sensory systems, dielectric properties of biological materials, and integrated optical biosensors . His interdisciplinary expertise combines physics and chemistry to support studies on organ-on-a-chip devices, enabling improved cellular and organoid models . This research holds potential for significant advancements in diagnostics, biomedical engineering, and biophysics, aiming to offer practical solutions that enhance biological research and medical applications worldwide. Awards and Honors Patent: Sensory Device (WO2010064058A1) – March 12, 2009 Patent: Integrated Microdevice for Cell Membrane Models (HU230797B1) – October 31, 2014 Guest Editor: “Versatile Organ-on-a-Chip Devices” Special Issue, MDPI Guest Editor: “Recent Trends and Advances in Lab-on-a-Chip” Special Issue, MDPI Guest Editor: “Dielectric Properties of Biological Materials” Special Issue, Frontiers Publications Optical Interferometric Device for Rapid and Specific Detection of Biological Cells by Valkai, S., Petrovszki, D., Fáskerti, Z., Andó, I., Dér, A. (Biosensors, 2024, 14(9), 421) Lab-on-a-chip models of the blood-brain barrier: evolution, problems, perspectives by Deli, M.A., Porkoláb, G., Kincses, A., Walter, F.R., Dér, A. (Lab on a Chip, 2024, 24(5), 1030–1063) Microsecond All-Optical Modulation by Biofunctionalized Porous Silicon Microcavity by Petrovszki, D., Valkai, S., Kelemen, L., Zimányi, L., Dér, A. (Nanomaterials, 2023, 13(14), 2070) The Use of Sensors in Blood-Brain Barrier-on-a-Chip Devices: Current Practice and Future Directions by Kincses, A., Vigh, J.P., Petrovszki, D., Deli, M.A., Dér, A. (Biosensors, 2023, 13(3), 357) Multifunctional microfluidic chips for the single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis of inorganic nanoparticles by Kajner, G., Kéri, A., Bélteki, Á., Geretovszky, Z., Galbács, G. (Lab on a Chip, 2022, 22(14), 2766–2776) Penetration of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein across the Blood–Brain Barrier, as Revealed by a Combination of a Human Cell Culture Model System and Optical Biosensing by Petrovszki, D., Walter, F.R., Vigh, J.P., Deli, M.A., Dér, A. (Biomedicines, 2022, 10(1), 188) All-optical switching demonstrated with photoactive yellow protein films by Petrovszki, D., Krekic, S., Valkai, S., Heiner, Z., Dér, A. (Biosensors, 2021, 11(11), 432) Transendothelial electrical resistance measurement across the blood–brain barrier: A critical review of methods by Vigh, J.P., Kincses, A., Özgür, B., Dér, A., Deli, M.A. (Micromachines, 2021, 12(6), 685) Sándor Valkai | Biophysics | Best Researcher Award