Shoaib Nazir | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shoaib Nazir | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Shenzhen University | China

Dr. Shoaib Nazir is a dynamic materials physicist whose research bridges solid-state physics, nanotechnology, and energy materials. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Shaanxi Normal University, China, where his dissertation focused on the synthesis and characterization of pure and doped nanomaterials for advanced functional applications. Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Shenzhen University, China, Dr. Nazir is deeply engaged in cutting-edge research on solid-state battery materials, energy storage devices, nanomaterials synthesis, and thermoelectric materials, contributing to the development of next-generation energy technologies. His extensive research portfolio encompasses areas such as optoelectronics, semiconductors, and magnetic materials, with numerous high-impact publications in journals including Ceramics International, Arabian Journal of Chemistry, and Physica B: Condensed Matter. His works highlight the influence of doping and nanostructuring on the electrical, optical, and thermoelectric properties of various compounds, advancing the understanding of material–property relationships for electronic and sustainable energy applications. Beyond research, Dr. Nazir has held several academic positions, including Head of the Physics Department at Punjab Group of Colleges, where he contributed to both teaching and scientific outreach. He also serves as an editorial board member and reviewer for multiple international journals, demonstrating his commitment to scientific excellence and peer advancement. Through his multidisciplinary expertise and active participation in international conferences, Dr. Shoaib Nazir continues to contribute significantly to the evolution of nanomaterials and energy systems research at the global level.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Saleem, S., Jameel, M. H., Akhtar, N., Nazir, N., Ali, A., Zaman, A., Rehman, A., et al. (2022). Modification in structural, optical, morphological, and electrical properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) by metal (Ni, Co) dopants for electronic device applications. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 15(1), 103518.

  • Yousaf, M., Nazir, S., Akbar, M., Akhtar, M. N., Noor, A., Hu, E., Shah, M. A. K. Y., & Lu, Y. (2022). Structural, magnetic, and electrical evaluations of rare earth Gd³⁺ doped in mixed Co–Mn spinel ferrite nanoparticles. Ceramics International, 48(1), 578–586.*

  • Khan, S., Ullah, I., Khan, H., Rahman, F. U., Rahman, M. U., Saleem, M. A., Nazir, S., et al. (2024). Green synthesis of AgNPs from leaves extract of Salvia sclarea, their characterization, antibacterial activity, and catalytic reduction ability. Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie, 238(5), 931–947.*

  • Yousaf, M., Nazir, S., Hayat, Q., Akhtar, M. N., Akbar, M., Lu, Y., Noor, A., Zhang, J. M., et al. (2021). Magneto-optical properties and physical characteristics of M-type hexagonal ferrite (Ba₁₋ₓCaₓFe₁₁.₄Al₀.₆O₁₉) nanoparticles (NPs). Ceramics International, 47(8), 11668–11676.*

  • Nazir, S., Zhang, J. M., Junaid, M., Saleem, S., Ali, A., Ullah, A., & Khan, S. (2024). Metal-based nanoparticles: Basics, types, fabrications and their electronic applications. Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie, 238(1).*

Youngkwon Kim | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Youngkwon Kim | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Youngkwon Kim, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, South Korea

Dr. Youngkwon Kim is a distinguished Senior Researcher at the Thin Film Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), located in Daejeon, South Korea. His research focuses on developing cutting-edge materials for advanced photolithography, photoresist technology, and atomic layer deposition (ALD). With extensive experience in polymer and inorganic photoresists, Dr. Kim has made significant contributions to the semiconductor industry, particularly in developing low-dose EUV photoresists and inorganic PRs. His expertise is demonstrated through numerous high-impact publications, solidifying his reputation as an innovative researcher in materials science.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for the Best Researcher Awards

Dr. Youngkwon Kim is highly suitable for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” due to his exceptional contributions to materials science, particularly in the field of photoresists, organic solar cells, and self-assembled polymers. As a senior researcher at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), his work in developing advanced photoresists and contributing to the growth of thin film materials has been instrumental in shaping the future of semiconductor and solar technologies. His expertise in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and self-assembled monolayers (SAM) positions him as a leader in his field, especially with the focus on next-generation materials.

Dr. Kim’s work in industry, particularly with Samsung Electronics, further highlights his suitability. Leading significant projects such as the development of low-dose EUV photoresists and the world’s first inorganic EUV PR application for memory devices demonstrates his capacity to translate cutting-edge research into practical, impactful technologies. His leadership in material development for semiconductor manufacturing reflects not only deep scientific knowledge but also a high level of innovation and impact on global industry standards.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (2016 – 2020)
    Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
    Advisor: Prof. Bumjoon J. Kim
    Thesis: Self-Assembly Behaviors of Polythiophene-based Homopolymers and Block Copolymers by Tuning Regioregularity and Molecular Weight.
  • M.S. in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (2014 – 2016)
    Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
    Advisor: Prof. Bumjoon J. Kim
    Thesis: Solution assembly behaviors of poly(3-hexylthiophene)-graft-poly(2-vinylpyridine) rod-coil copolymer.
  • B.S. in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (2010 – 2014)
    Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

💼 Professional Experience

  • Senior Researcher (April 2023 – Present)
    Thin Film Materials Research Center, KRICT
  • Researching polymer & inorganic photoresists, atomic layer deposition, and self-assembled monolayers.
  • Senior Research Engineer (Sep. 2021 – Mar. 2023)
    DRAM Process Architecture Team, Samsung Electronics Co.
  • Led material development for D1b (12.8nm) and EUV PR projects for high EUV-absorption and profile-uniformity.
  • Developed world’s first inorganic PR application for memory devices.
  • Senior Research Engineer (Mar. 2020 – Aug. 2021)
    Material Development Group, Samsung Electronics Co.
  • Developed DUV photoresists and photo-sensitive polyimides (PSPI).
  • Visiting Student (May 2018 – Nov. 2018)
    Material Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara.
  • Worked on polymer synthesis and electron transfer chain reactions.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

  • Significant contributor to developing world’s first inorganic PR for memory devices.
  • Published multiple high-impact research articles in prestigious journals.
  • Led numerous successful projects on photoresists, ALD, and polymers at KRICT and Samsung Electronics.
  • Recognized for innovative research techniques in semiconductor materials development.
  • Collaborative work with international research groups and universities.

🌍 Research Skills On Materials Science

  • Advanced materials development for semiconductor manufacturing.
  • Expertise in polymer and inorganic photoresists, particularly in EUV and DUV lithography.
  • Strong background in atomic layer deposition (ALD) and self-assembled monolayers (SAM).
  • Experience in polymer synthesis, structural control, and solution assembly.
  • Collaborative research with global research groups for high-impact studies.

  📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Architectural engineering of rod–coil compatibilizers for producing mechanically and thermally stable polymer solar cells
    Authors: HJ Kim, JH Kim, JH Ryu, Y Kim, H Kang, WB Lee, TS Kim, BJ Kim
    Journal: ACS Nano
    Citation Count: 103
    Year: 2014

  • Title: Controlling energy levels and blend morphology for all-polymer solar cells via fluorination of a naphthalene diimide-based copolymer acceptor
    Authors: MA Uddin, Y Kim, R Younts, W Lee, B Gautam, J Choi, C Wang, …
    Journal: Macromolecules
    Citation Count: 73
    Year: 2016

  • Title: Efficient and Air‐Stable Aqueous‐Processed Organic Solar Cells and Transistors: Impact of Water Addition on Processability and Thin‐Film Morphologies of Electroactive Materials
    Authors: C Lee, HR Lee, J Choi, Y Kim, TL Nguyen, W Lee, B Gautam, X Liu, …
    Journal: Advanced Energy Materials
    Citation Count: 61
    Year: 2018

  • Title: Regioregular-block-Regiorandom Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Copolymers for Mechanically Robust and High-Performance Thin-Film Transistors
    Authors: H Park, BS Ma, JS Kim, Y Kim, HJ Kim, D Kim, H Yun, J Han, FS Kim, …
    Journal: Macromolecules
    Citation Count: 52
    Year: 2019

  • Title: High‐Performance, Flexible NO2 Chemiresistors Achieved by Design of Imine‐Incorporated n‐Type Conjugated Polymers
    Authors: H Park, DH Kim, BS Ma, E Shin, Y Kim, TS Kim, FS Kim, ID Kim, BJ Kim
    Journal: Advanced Science
    Citation Count: 44
    Year: 2022

  • Title: Mechanistic study on the shape transition of block copolymer particles driven by length-controlled nanorod surfactants
    Authors: KH Ku, JH Ryu, J Kim, H Yun, C Nam, JM Shin, Y Kim, SG Jang, WB Lee, …
    Journal: Chemistry of Materials
    Citation Count: 43
    Year: 2018

  • Title: Regioregularity-control of conjugated polymers: from synthesis and properties, to photovoltaic device applications
    Authors: Y Kim, H Park, JS Park, JW Lee, FS Kim, HJ Kim, BJ Kim
    Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A
    Citation Count: 41
    Year: 2022

  • Title: Chain-length-dependent self-assembly behaviors of discrete conjugated oligo (3-hexylthiophene)
    Authors: Y Kim, H Park, A Abdilla, H Yun, J Han, GE Stein, CJ Hawker, BJ Kim
    Journal: Chemistry of Materials
    Citation Count: 37
    Year: 2020

  • Title: Disintegrable n‐type Electroactive Terpolymers for high‐performance, transient organic electronics
    Authors: H Park, Y Kim, D Kim, S Lee, FS Kim, BJ Kim
    Journal: Advanced Functional Materials
    Citation Count: 35
    Year: 2022

  • Title: Aqueous soluble fullerene acceptors for efficient eco-friendly polymer solar cells processed from benign ethanol/water mixtures
    Authors: Y Kim, J Choi, C Lee, Y Kim, C Kim, TL Nguyen, B Gautam, K Gundogdu, …
    Journal: Chemistry of Materials
    Citation Count: 35
    Year: 2018