Cornelia Vasile | bio-based materials | Best Paper Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cornelia Vasile | bio-based materials | Best Paper Award

Senior researcher at Romanian Academy, “P.Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romania

Dr. Cornelia Vasile is a highly acclaimed chemist and educator with over five decades of experience in physical chemistry, particularly in polymer science. She has made significant contributions to the characterization, recovery, and development of polymer materials. As a senior researcher and head of the Physical Chemistry of Polymers Department at the “P.Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry in Romania, Dr. Vasile has been instrumental in advancing polymer science research. She has also served as an associate professor at Laval University, Canada, and other prestigious institutions, mentoring MSc and PhD students. Her pioneering work has earned her multiple international awards, including medals at the “Inventica” symposia, highlighting her influence on material science and waste recovery.

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ORCID

🎓 Education

Dr. Cornelia Vasile holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry of Polymers from “Al.I. Cuza” University, awarded in 1971. She completed her undergraduate studies in chemistry at Bucharest University, Romania, graduating in 1966. Her doctoral research at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry laid the foundation for her expertise in polymer science, focusing on the chemical physics of polymers. Throughout her career, she has continuously expanded her knowledge through various fellowships and international collaborations.

💼 Experience

Dr. Vasile’s career spans nearly five decades at the “P.Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, where she worked as a senior researcher and later led the Physical Chemistry of Polymers Department. Her tenure included supervising numerous PhD theses and spearheading innovative research in polymer waste recovery, pyrolysis, and the development of eco-friendly packaging systems. She also collaborated with international institutions, including Laval University, Canada, and the University of Massachusetts, USA, contributing her expertise as a visiting expert. Her scientific collaborations have extended across Europe, North America, and Asia.

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Vasile’s research interests encompass a broad range of topics in polymer science, including:

Thermal analysis of polymers

Biomaterials and biodegradable packaging

Polymer waste recovery through pyrolysis

Polymer compatibility and biocompatibility

Smart polymer systems for drug delivery

Bio(nano)composites for medical applications Her work aims to address environmental challenges by developing sustainable materials and innovative waste management techniques.

🏅 Awards

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Vasile has received numerous awards, including:

“Bucharest University Award” (1965) – For outstanding student research on the kinetics of decomposition of metal complexes.

“N. Teclu Romanian Academy Prize” (1969) – Recognizing her contributions to the chemical sciences.

Gold and silver medals at international “Inventica” symposia (1986, 1987, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2018) for her patents on polymer waste recovery.

Excellence Diploma and Medal (2006) – For her contributions to the EUROATOM PC6 program of the European Commission.

Best Paper Award by Japan Society of Materials Cycles and Waste Management (2017) – For her publication on gas production by steam gasification of polypropylene/biomass waste composites.

📚 Selected Publications

  1. “Lignins as Promising Renewable Biopolymers and Bioactive Compounds for High-Performance Materials”
    Journal: Polymers (2023), 15(15), 3177
    Cited by: Multiple articles in sustainable polymer science.

  2. “Lignin Modification with Carboxylic Acids and Butyrolactone under Cold Plasma Conditions”
    Journal: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research (2013)
    Cited by: Articles on polymer surface modifications and biomaterials.

  3. “Effect of the Lignin Type on the Morphology and Thermal Properties of Xanthan/Lignin Hydrogels”
    Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (2013)
    Cited by: Studies on hydrogel applications in biomedicine.

  4. “Semi-interpenetrating Polymer Networks Containing Polysaccharides”
    Journal: High Performance Polymers (2011)
    Cited by: Research on polymer blends and controlled drug delivery.

  5. “In Vitro Evaluation of Mixed Xanthan/Lignin Hydrogels as Vanillin Carriers”
    Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure (2011)
    Cited by: Articles on polymeric hydrogels for drug delivery.

  6. “Thermal Degradation of Lignin – A Review”
    Journal: Cellulose Chemistry and Technology (2010)
    Cited by: 1314 citations, indicating its significant influence on lignin degradation research.

  7. “Polyolefins/Lignosulfonate Blends”
    Journal: Macromolecular Materials and Engineering (2004)
    Cited by: Articles on polymer-lignin composites and their applications.

Conclusion

Dr. Cornelia Vasile is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Paper Award. Her outstanding scientific contributions, impactful publications, and multiple recognitions position her as a frontrunner. Her work on polymer waste recovery, eco-sustainable packaging, and lignocellulosic biopolymers exemplifies excellence in research, making her a strong contender for this prestigious accolade.

Razieh Niazmand | film and packaging | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Razieh Niazmand | film and packaging | Women Researcher Award

academic member/researcher at Research Institute of Food Science and Technology, Iran

Razieh Niazmand is a distinguished professional in the field of food science and technology with extensive experience in academia and research. With a strong passion for innovation, she has dedicated her career to exploring various aspects of food chemistry, active packaging, bioactive compound extraction, and edible oils. Her expertise extends to research design, project execution, and data analysis using advanced statistical tools. She has been an academic member of the Research Institute of Food Science and Technology (RIFST) for over a decade and has held multiple leadership positions in research and publication management. Through her dedication, she has significantly contributed to food science advancements, particularly in food packaging and lipid chemistry.

profile

scopus

Education

Razieh Niazmand holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Food Science and Technology from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, which she obtained in 2011. Prior to this, she completed her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in the same field from the same university, in 2002 and 2000, respectively. Her academic journey has been marked by a deep focus on food chemistry, research methodologies, and the development of sustainable food technologies. Her extensive educational background has laid a strong foundation for her contributions to the scientific community, particularly in food safety, preservation, and innovative packaging solutions.

Experience

Dr. Niazmand has amassed over two decades of experience in the food science sector, with a focus on research and academia. She has been an academic member of the Research Institute of Food Science and Technology (RIFST) since 2011 and has played a vital role in various administrative and research capacities. She served as the Manager of Entrepreneurship and Communication Group at RIFST from 2020 to 2023, where she facilitated industry-academia collaboration. Additionally, she was the Head of the Food Chemistry Department in 2015-2016, further strengthening her leadership in food research. Her tenure as the Executive Director of the Journal of Research and Innovation in Food Science and Technology from 2012 to 2016 highlights her commitment to advancing scholarly publications in food science.

Research Interest

Dr. Niazmand’s research focuses on several key areas of food science, including active food packaging, bioactive compound extraction from plant sources, and lipid chemistry. She is particularly interested in the application of biodegradable and smart packaging solutions that enhance food preservation and safety. Her work on polymer-based food packaging, edible coatings, and controlled-release antimicrobial films has received significant recognition. Additionally, she has explored the nutritional and physicochemical properties of food products, working towards improving their health benefits and shelf life. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates chemistry, microbiology, and engineering principles to develop innovative food technologies.

Awards

Dr. Niazmand’s contributions to food science have been recognized with several awards and honors. She has been nominated for excellence in research and innovation in food technology, as well as for her contributions to sustainable packaging solutions. Her pioneering work in biodegradable food packaging has earned her accolades in academic and industrial settings. Her research on saffron-based bioactive compounds and their applications in the food industry has been particularly well received, showcasing her impact in both scientific and commercial domains.

Publications

Dr. Niazmand has an extensive publication record, with numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals. Some of her recent and most cited works include:

Birjandi Toroghi, Z., Moradinezhad, F., Niazmand, R., & Bayat, H. (2023). Effect of Vacuum and Active Packaging on the Qualitative Characteristics and Microbial Load of Dry Saffron Stigma (Crocus sativus L.). Saffron Agronomy and Technology.

Razavizadeh, B. M., Shahrampour, D., & Niazmand, R. (2024). Investigating the effect of acoustic waves on spoilage fungal growth and shelf life of strawberry fruit. Fungal Biology.

Niazmand, R., Sharayei, P., Jahani, M., Azarpazhooh, E. (2023). Evaluation of the efficiency of sulfur dioxide releasing acetate cellulose sheets on the shelf life of kiwi fruits in the cold store. Research and Innovation in Food Science and Technology.

Asl, P.J., Niazmand, R., Razavizadeh, B.M., Shakeri, M.A., Jahani, M. (2023). Monitoring of pesticide and some metal residues in Mazafati date fruit cultivar and risk assessment to health. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.

Sabbagh, F., Muhamad, I.I., Niazmand, R., Dikshit, P.K., & Kim, B.S. (2022). Recent progress in polymeric non-invasive insulin delivery. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.

Naji Tabasi, S., Niazmand, R., Modiri‐Dovom, A. (2022). Quality characteristics of reduced‐calorie spaghetti based on unprocessed and hydrothermal wheat brans in presence of xanthan gum. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation.

Mardani, M., Yeganehzad, S., & Niazmand, R. (2022). Structure–function relationship of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract–xanthan/guar gum mixture in a high sugar content system. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

Conclusion

The Research for Women Researcher Award serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of outstanding female researchers. The award not only recognizes individual excellence but also fosters a culture of inclusion and support for women in research. A deserving recipient would be someone whose work has left a lasting impact on her field and continues to inspire future generations of women in science and academia.