Avnee Chauhan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Avnee Chauhan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Avnee Chauhan, FunGlass – Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín Študentská 2, 911 50 Trenčín, Slovakia 

Avnee Chauhan is a dedicated PhD student at the FunGlass – Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass in Trencin, Slovakia. Her research journey is distinguished by her focus on high-entropy ceramics, thermoelectric materials, and functional nanocomposites. Avnee’s academic path led her from Amity University and the University of Delhi to international collaborations in Italy and Germany. She has demonstrated excellence in synthesis and characterization of high-entropy oxide ceramics through advanced sintering techniques. Avnee has contributed significantly to international conferences and reputed journals such as the Journal of the European Ceramic Society and ACS Applied Energy Materials. Her work has implications for renewable energy and materials sustainability. Recognized for her innovative contributions and technical expertise, she has received multiple scholarships, including the Erasmus Plus and INSPIRE fellowships. Avnee embodies a rare blend of scientific rigor and interdisciplinary creativity, making her a rising star in the global materials science community.

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Assessment of Suitability for “Research for Best Researcher Award” — Avnee Chauhan

Summary of Suitability:

Avnee Chauhan emerges as a highly promising early-career researcher whose academic journey and research contributions strongly align with the goals of the “Research for Best Researcher Award.” With a focused research trajectory in high-entropy ceramics, thermoelectric materials, and nano-composites, Avnee has demonstrated both technical depth and innovation. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. through a joint doctoral program between FunGlass (Slovakia) and the University of Padova (Italy), she is engaged in cutting-edge work involving high-entropy oxide ceramics, a domain of growing relevance in sustainable energy and advanced functional materials.

Her prior experience at prestigious Indian research institutes like IIT Madras and RRCAT adds to her multidisciplinary expertise, particularly in the fabrication and application of polymer-inorganic composites and nano-phosphor materials. Her projects have been strategically aligned with real-world energy applications such as flexible thermoelectric generators and enhanced solar cell efficiency, reflecting a strong translational impact.

🎓 Education 

Avnee Chauhan completed her BSc in Physics (Honours) from the University of Delhi, graduating with First Class (74.94%) and a research project on innovative laboratory practices under Dr. Punita Verma. She pursued her MSc in Physics at Amity University, where she studied nano phosphor materials to enhance amorphous solar cell efficiency under Prof. Srinibas Satapathy. Currently, she is a PhD student jointly affiliated with the FunGlass Centre in Slovakia and the University of Padova in Italy. Her doctoral research focuses on the development of high-entropy oxide ceramics using pressure-assisted sintering methods. Avnee has also engaged in international academic exposure through workshops and fellowships, including a JECS Trust Research Fellowship at the Fraunhofer Institute, Germany. Her educational background combines fundamental physics with specialized knowledge in materials science, equipping her with a diverse and strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of ceramic and thermoelectric materials.

💼 Professional Experience 

Avnee Chauhan brings a solid foundation of professional experience in both academic and research settings. She is currently pursuing her PhD (Jan 2022–Present) at FunGlass Centre, Slovakia, and the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Italy. Her research involves high entropy oxide ceramics synthesized through spark plasma sintering. Prior to her doctoral studies, she worked as a Project Associate (Dec 2018 – Nov 2021) at the Soft Materials Laboratory, IIT Madras, focusing on thermoelectric polymer-inorganic composites. She also held a Project Associate position at RRCAT (Dec 2016 – Jun 2017), where she investigated nano phosphor materials for enhancing solar cell efficiency. Avnee’s career reflects a progressive and interdisciplinary approach to materials research. Her roles have involved synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced materials, often integrating theoretical insights with practical experiments. These experiences have shaped her into a versatile researcher in functional materials and energy applications.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Avnee Chauhan has received several prestigious awards and scholarships that reflect her research excellence. In 2024, she was honored with the Best Poster Award at the 5th International Symposium on New Frontier of Advanced Si-Based Ceramics and Composites (ISASC) in Jeju, South Korea. She is also a recipient of the Erasmus Plus Fellowship under a joint supervised PhD program and was awarded the JECS Trust Research Fellowship at Fraunhofer IKTS, Germany. During her tenure at IIT Madras, she earned a Certificate of Appreciation for operating complex thermoelectric measurement systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she was the winner of the Corropic Photo Competition and an early recipient of the prestigious INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (2012), which supports young talents in science. These accolades underscore her scientific innovation, technical mastery, and commitment to impactful research in the field of materials science.

🌍 Research Skills On Materials Science

Avnee Chauhan possesses an impressive set of research skills in advanced materials science. She specializes in high-entropy ceramics, with expertise in spark plasma sintering and pressure-assisted synthesis of rare-earth-based multicomponent oxides. Her research also encompasses thermoelectric materials and polymer-inorganic nanocomposites aimed at room-temperature energy conversion. Avnee is proficient in structural and optical characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR, which she applies to evaluate material properties and phase transitions. She has a solid grounding in experimental design and data analysis and is adept at integrating theoretical insights with practical applications. Her ability to conduct interdisciplinary research across institutions in India, Slovakia, Italy, and Germany speaks to her adaptability and collaborative spirit. Whether working on transparent ceramics or flexible thermoelectric textiles, Avnee’s skillset drives innovation in materials design, processing, and performance evaluation for sustainable energy and functional applications.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Enhancing the thermoelectric efficiency in p-type Mg₃Sb₂ via Mg site co-doping
    Authors: M. Tiadi, M. Battabyal, P. K. Jain, A. Chauhan, D. K. Satapathy, R. Gopalan
    Citation: Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 5(16), 4104–4114
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 33
  • Title: Effect of iodine doping on the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of SnSe for thermoelectric applications
    Authors: A. Das, A. Chauhan, V. Trivedi, M. Tiadi, R. Kumar, M. Battabyal, …
    Citation: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 23(7), 4230–4239
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 26
  • Title: Charge transport mechanism and thermoelectric behavior in Te:(PEDOT:PSS) polymer composites
    Authors: A. Kumar, M. Battabyal, A. Chauhan, G. Suresh, R. Gopalan, D. K. Satapathy
    Citation: Materials Research Express, 6(11), 115302
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 24
  • Title: Effect of Refractory Tantalum Metal Filling on the Microstructure and Thermoelectric Properties of Co₄Sb₁₂ Skutterudites
    Authors: V. Trivedi, M. Battabyal, S. Perumal, A. Chauhan, D. K. Satapathy, B. S. Murty, …
    Citation: ACS Omega, 6(5), 3900–3909
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 9
  • Title: Polymer-infused textile thermoelectrics for power generation
    Authors: A. Chauhan, S. Kumar, D. K. Satapathy, M. Battabyal
    Citation: ACS Applied Electronic Materials, 6(4), 2774–2781
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4
  • Title: Preparation of Gold Target through Electron Vapor Deposition and “Paras” the Rutherford Back Scattering Experimental setup@ IUAC
    Authors: S. Kumar, T. Sharma, P. Bhardwaj, A. Chauhan, S. Kapoor, P. Verma
    Citation: Proceedings or report
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 1
  • Title: Enhanced Thermoelectric Efficiency in Highly Flexible PVDF–Te Composite Films: Role of Nanoparticle Morphology
    Authors: A. Chauhan, A. K. Das, D. K. Satapathy, M. Battabyal
    Citation: ACS Applied Energy Materials
    Year: 2025
    Citations: — (Likely too recent for citation data)
  • Title: Tailoring optical properties of (Ce, Pr)O₂–δ·(La, Sm, Y)₂O₃ high entropy oxides by substituting Pr with Gd or Dy for multi-wavelength emission applications
    Authors: A. Chauhan, E. Bernardo, D. Galusek
    Citation: Open Ceramics, 21, 100730
    Year: 2025
    Citations: — (Likely too recent for citation data)
  • Title: Synthesis and characterization of Er³⁺ doped Sr₂SiO₄ based upconversion nanophosphor
    Authors: P. Deshmukh, S. Satapathy, A. Chauhan, A. K. Karnal
    Citation: Proceedings of Eighty First Annual Session of Indian Ceramic Society
    Year: 2017
    Citations: — (Not listed)

HoYoung Yoon | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. HoYoung Yoon | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. HoYoung Yoon, Åbo Akademi University, Finland

Dr. Ho Young Yoon is a dedicated researcher in the field of Chemical Engineering, specializing in natural materials and environmental sustainability. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Åbo Akademi University, Finland, he focuses on innovative materials derived from biological sources. With a Ph.D. from Gyeongsang National University, South Korea, he has made significant contributions to applied microbiology and biomaterials. His research explores novel approaches to wastewater treatment, bio-based fertilizers, and circular economy solutions. Dr. Yoon has been instrumental in pioneering smart fertilizers and sustainable material innovations, securing major research grants and patents. Recognized globally, he has participated in prestigious scientific summits and collaborated with international institutions. His groundbreaking work has led to several high-impact publications, highlighting his expertise in biotechnological applications. Passionate about eco-friendly engineering solutions, Dr. Yoon continues to push the boundaries of sustainable science to address critical environmental challenges.

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Evaluation of Dr. Ho Young Yoon for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ho Young Yoon is a highly accomplished researcher specializing in natural materials technology, applied microbiology, and biomaterials. His academic journey spans prestigious institutions such as Åbo Akademi University in Finland and Gyeongsang National University in South Korea, where he has excelled in research related to sustainable materials, environmental chemistry, and bio-based innovations. His diverse expertise is evident in his postdoctoral and doctoral work, which focuses on developing eco-friendly technologies for agricultural and industrial applications.

A key strength of Dr. Yoon’s research is his ability to secure competitive funding, including grants from the National Research Foundation of Korea and the Korea Water Resources Corporation. These grants have supported groundbreaking projects such as developing mycelium-based bricks for pollutant removal and creating slow-release fertilizers using wastewater sludge. His leadership in these projects underscores his ability to conduct impactful, real-world research that bridges academia and industry.

🎓 Education

Dr. Ho Young Yoon’s academic journey is rooted in excellence and innovation. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Life Science from Gyeongsang National University (2020-2024) under the mentorship of Prof. Jong-Rok Jeon. His doctoral research focused on advanced bio-based materials and environmental applications, particularly in wastewater treatment and sustainable fertilizers. Prior to that, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Applied Life Chemistry at the same university (2013-2020), where he developed a strong foundation in biochemistry and material science. Currently, Dr. Yoon is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Åbo Akademi University in Finland, specializing in Natural Materials Technology under Prof. Chunlin Xu. His education has been enriched by competitive fellowships and research grants, including the prestigious National Research Foundation of Korea Ph.D. fellowship. His interdisciplinary training in chemistry, microbiology, and material engineering equips him to develop groundbreaking solutions for environmental and industrial challenges.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. Ho Young Yoon’s professional experience reflects his expertise in Chemical Engineering and sustainable technology. Since 2024, he has been a Postdoctoral Fellow at Åbo Akademi University, focusing on bio-based material innovations. Earlier, he was a Visiting Researcher at the same institution (Jan-Apr 2024), collaborating on advanced natural material applications. His contributions extend beyond academia, as he played a key role in technology transfer projects, including the development of a natural hair dye composition ($74,000 contract) and a nano-coated smart phosphorus fertilizer (European patent). Additionally, he was an official Korean participant at the Global Young Scientist Summit in Singapore (2024), where he engaged with top international researchers. Dr. Yoon’s research projects, funded by leading organizations, have addressed critical environmental concerns, from micropollutant removal to sustainable agriculture. His industry collaborations and pioneering patents highlight his commitment to bridging scientific discovery with real-world impact.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Ho Young Yoon has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to Chemical Engineering and environmental sustainability. He was awarded the prestigious Ph.D. fellowship from the National Research Foundation of Korea ($16,000), supporting his innovative work on bio-based slow-release fertilizers. His research was also funded by the Korea Water Resources Corporation’s Open Innovation R&D program ($8,000), acknowledging his groundbreaking work in wastewater treatment. His patented smart fertilizer technology led to a significant industry collaboration with Recover Ingredients in Italy, securing licensing rights with ongoing revenue. Additionally, his research has been featured as a front cover article in Advanced Sustainable Systems. His participation in the Global Young Scientist Summit (2024) further solidified his reputation as an emerging leader in sustainable engineering. Through his work, Dr. Yoon continues to make a lasting impact in academia and industry, driving forward eco-friendly material innovations.

🌍 Research Skills On Chemical Engineering

Dr. Ho Young Yoon possesses a diverse range of research skills, specializing in biopolymer engineering, nanotechnology, and environmental sustainability. He has extensive experience in developing smart fertilizers, bio-based adsorbents, and eco-friendly composite materials. His expertise in wastewater treatment includes advanced methods for removing micropollutants using mycelium-based bio-materials. Dr. Yoon is proficient in structural analysis of natural polymers, employing techniques such as FTIR, SEM, and XRD. His ability to synthesize bio-functionalized nanoparticles has led to patented innovations in agricultural and cosmetic industries. He is skilled in technology transfer, having successfully commercialized multiple sustainable materials. His research approach integrates multidisciplinary knowledge from microbiology, chemistry, and engineering, enabling him to design circular economy solutions. With a strong publication record and collaborations across academia and industry, Dr. Yoon continues to drive innovation in environmental biotechnology, creating scalable solutions for real-world applications.

 📖 Publication Top Notes

Recycling tempura powder debris derived from the fried food industry as a binder for 3-dimensional biodegradable composites: A novel circular economy alternative to low-performance plastics.

Authors: M., Oh, Minseung, H., Yoon, Ho-young, N., Thanh Phong, Nguyen, K., Kim, Kang-soo, J., Jeon, Jong-rok

year: 2024