Sofia Pacheco | Polymer Matrix Composites | Research Excellence Award

Sofia Pacheco | Polymer Matrix Composites | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Sofia Pacheco at Faculty of Engineering – University of Porto | Portugal

Sofia Pacheco is an early-career researcher in applied physics and biomaterials with a growing focus on biomedical and wound-healing applications. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Physics at the University of Aveiro (2022–2025) and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Porto (since September 2025). Her research interests lie at the intersection of physics, materials science, and biomedical engineering, particularly the development and characterization of functional biomaterials for therapeutic use. Sofia is the author of a 2025 peer-reviewed journal article published in Gels titled “Impact of CeO₂-Doped Bioactive Glass on the Properties of CMC/PEG Hydrogels Intended for Wound Treatment,” where she investigated the effects of cerium oxide–doped bioactive glass on hydrogel performance. This work highlights her expertise in hydrogel systems, bioactive materials, and experimental materials characterization. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, she has developed strong analytical and research skills, positioning her as a promising researcher in advanced biomaterials for regenerative and wound care applications.


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Dr. Anjana Jain | Composites | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Anjana Jain | Composites | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Anjana Jain , CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories , India.

Dr. Anjana Jain is a Chief Scientist at the Department of Materials Science, CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore, and an Associate Professor at the Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research. With an M.Sc., MPhil in Physics, and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Polymers, she specializes in the development of indigenous piezoelectric PVDF sensors and composites for aerospace, automotive, and defense applications. Her research contributes significantly to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, reducing foreign dependency. She has led numerous prestigious projects, facilitated technology transfers, patents, and publications, and played a key role in developing accelerometer devices for India’s first indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). ✈️🔬

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education & Experience 🎓👩‍🔬

Education:
  • M.Sc. in Physics 📚
  • MPhil in Physics 📖
  • Ph.D. in Aerospace Polymers 🏆
Experience:
  • Chief Scientist at CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore 🏢
  • Associate Professor at the Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research 🎓
  • Principal Investigator for various aerospace and defense projects 🚀
  • Extensive expertise in piezoelectric PVDF sensor development for aerospace, automotive, and defense applications 🔬

Summary Suitability

Dr. Anjana Jain, Chief Scientist at CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and Associate Professor at AcSIR, is a pioneering researcher in aerospace polymers and smart composite materials. With groundbreaking contributions to piezoelectric PVDF sensors, accelerometer devices, and PVDF-based composite materials, she has significantly impacted aerospace, defense, automotive, and healthcare industries. Her indigenous development of PVDF films has reduced dependency on imports, bolstered national self-sufficiency, and contributed to Atmanirbhar Bharat. Dr. Jain’s research has led to technology transfers, patents, high-impact publications, and prestigious awards, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 🚀🔬

Professional Development 📈🔬

Dr. Anjana Jain has made remarkable contributions to aerospace and defense technology through pioneering research in piezoelectric PVDF sensors and composites. She has played a crucial role in multiple national projects sponsored by NPMASS, NPMICAV, AR&DB, DRDO-GTMAP, and CSIR. Her research has led to technology transfers, patents, and innovations that have reduced foreign dependency in sensor technology. She successfully designed and developed accelerometer devices for India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), making significant advancements in structural health monitoring, vibration sensing, energy harvesting, and anti-icing applications. Her work aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting indigenous technology development. 🚀🔧

Research Focus 🔬🛩️

Dr. Anjana Jain’s research revolves around piezoelectric materials, polymer composites, and aerospace polymers, with a strong emphasis on developing indigenous PVDF sensors. These technologies have been crucial for pressure sensing, structural health monitoring, ultrasonic sensing, vibro-acoustic sensing, and energy harvesting. Her innovations support defense, aviation, and industrial applications, with key collaborations across DRDO, GTRE, NPOL, IISc, IITs, and NAL. She has also worked on PVDF nano-composites for anti-icing applications, a critical advancement for aerospace and extreme weather conditions. Her research has revolutionized sensor technology in aviation, chemical industries, healthcare, and energy sectors. 🌍✈️🔬

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

🏅 Technology Transfer & Patent Achievements in piezoelectric sensor technology
🏅 Key Contributor to India’s first indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) accelerometer devices
🏅 Raman Fellow, deputed to University of Illinois, Chicago, USA, for research on PVDF nano-composites for anti-icing applications 🌍
🏅 Lead Investigator in multiple national aerospace & defense projects 🚀
🏅 Recognized Expert in piezoelectric materials and polymer-based sensor development 🔬
🏅 Recipient of numerous research grants & fellowships for advancing smart materials and aerospace innovations 💡

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣ A. Jain, E. Dange, K.J. Jesmary, S.J. Kumar, R. Hamsa
Title: Effect of Mechanical Vibration and Impact Loading on the Performance of Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride) Composite
Journal: Mechanics of Composite Materials
Year: 2024
Cited by: 2

2️⃣ A. Jain, R. Hamsa, E. Dange, S. Murugan
Title: Processing and Fabrication of PVDF Sensors as a Dynamic Pressure Sensor (Book Chapter)
Source: Not available
Year: Not specified
Cited by: 0

3️⃣ A. Jain, R. Hamsa, E. Dange, S. Jayanth Kumar
Title: Strain Sensing Performance of Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride) – Onium Salt Composite Sensor to Mechanical Vibration and Impact Loading
Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Year: 2022
Cited by: 0

4️⃣ A. Jain, S. Minajagi, E. Dange, S.U. Bhover, Y.T. Dharanendra
Title: Impact and Acoustic Emission Performance of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Sensor Embedded in Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Structure
Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Year: 2021
Cited by: 11

5️⃣ T.S. Roopa, H.N. Narasimhamurthy, D.V.N. Harish, A. Jain, G. Angadi
Title: Properties of PVDF Films Stretched in Machine Direction
Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Year: 2021
Cited by: 18

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Anjana Jain’s innovative research in aerospace polymers, smart composites, and sensor technology has had a transformative impact on national defense, aviation, and industrial sectors. Her pioneering work has not only enhanced India’s technological self-reliance but also led to critical advancements in sensor systems, accelerometers, and composite materials. With an exceptional track record of research excellence, leadership, and real-world applications, Dr. Jain is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 🏅🚀

 

Dhirendra Jha | Nanocomposite | Best Researcher Award

Dhirendra Jha | Nanocomposite | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Dhirendra Jha, Tribhuvan University, Nepal.

Publication profile

Orcid

Education and Experience

Education 📘

  • M.Sc. in Physics (Advanced Solid-State Physics): Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 1998 (First Division, 60.78%).
  • B.Sc. in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry: Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 1995 (Second Division, 57.6%).
  • I.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics: Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 1992 (Second Division, 48%).
  • S.L.C.: Guru Nanak National High School, Guwahati, 1990 (First Division, 67%).

Experience 📂

  • Assistant Professor, Physics: Amrit Science Campus, Kathmandu (2017–Present).
  • Lecturer (Part-time): National School of Sciences, Kathmandu (2007–Present).
  • Lecturer: Trinity International College, Kathmandu (2007–2017).
  • HOD (Physics): Mithila Institute of Technology, Janakpur (1998–2007).
  • Campus Chief: Monastic H.S.E.B, Janakpur (1998–2007).

Suitability For The Award

Mr. Dhirendra Jha is a highly experienced educator and researcher in physics with over 25 years of teaching and leadership experience. He holds a Master’s degree in Physics with specialization in Advanced Solid-State Physics and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics. Jha has contributed significantly through his roles as Campus Chief, Head of Department, and Lecturer at various institutions. His commitment to academic excellence and ongoing research makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with further emphasis on his research contributions.

Professional Development 

Publications Top Notes

Enhanced super capacitance performance of V₂O₅·nH₂O/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterizations, and electrochemical properties