Sumana Paul | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sumana Paul | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Senior Scientist from CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute | Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute CSIR | India

Dr. Sumana Paul is a Senior Scientist at the Energy Materials and Devices Division of the CSIR–Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CSIR-CGCRI), Kolkata, India. She is an accomplished researcher specializing in energy materials, nanostructured semiconductors, and optoelectronic devices. Her scientific journey reflects a consistent record of academic excellence, innovative research, and professional recognition. Dr. Paul obtained her Ph.D. in Physics from Jadavpur University in collaboration with the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), where she investigated the optical and photophysical properties of nano-structured semiconducting oxides and sulfides. Over the years, she has held prestigious fellowships such as the DST-INSPIRE Fellowship, SERB National Postdoctoral Fellowship, and Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship at IIT Guwahati, which allowed her to expand her expertise in experimental nanoscience and device engineering. Her extensive publication record includes papers in top-tier international journals such as Nature Nanotechnology, Nanoscale, ACS Applied Energy Materials, and Journal of Materials Chemistry C. Dr. Paul’s research has significant implications for sustainable energy harvesting, photocatalysis, sensing technologies, and next-generation optoelectronic applications. Alongside her research contributions, she is actively engaged in mentoring young researchers, participating in international collaborations, and contributing to the advancement of nanomaterials science on both academic and industrial fronts.

Professional Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Sumana Paul’s educational journey exemplifies a steady pursuit of excellence in science. She began her academic foundation at the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, where she excelled in Madhyamik with a score of 94.6%. She completed her Higher Secondary education under the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education, securing 89% with a strong focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Her academic achievements paved the way for admission to Jadavpur University, one of India’s premier institutions. She earned her B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science, followed by an M.Sc. in Physics, with consistently high performance. Building upon this strong foundation, she pursued doctoral research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) under Jadavpur University, focusing on “Optical and Photophysical Properties of Nano-Structured Semiconducting Oxides and Sulfides.” Awarded her Ph.D. in Physics under the mentorship of Prof. Subodh Kumar De, she produced impactful research contributing to the understanding of functional nanomaterials. Dr. Paul’s education also included practical exposure through thesis projects, such as her master’s dissertation on nanosized Ni-Zn ferrites. Collectively, her educational background equipped her with deep theoretical knowledge and experimental expertise, enabling her future breakthroughs in materials science.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sumana Paul has cultivated an impressive professional trajectory that bridges fundamental research with applied science. Her research career began with a Master’s Thesis at Jadavpur University, where she investigated nanosized ferrites under the guidance of Dr. Sanjoy Kumar. She then advanced to doctoral research at IACS, where she explored semiconducting oxides and sulfides, producing innovative outcomes that strengthened her foundations in nanoscience. Following her Ph.D., she secured a National Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, where her research expanded into the domain of energy materials and device applications. Her work continued as an Institute Postdoctoral Fellow at IIT Guwahati, where she refined her expertise in nanostructured materials for optoelectronic and photocatalytic systems. Currently, as a Senior Scientist at CSIR-CGCRI, she leads projects in the Energy Materials and Devices Division, contributing to the development of advanced nanostructures for energy harvesting, photodetection, and sustainable applications. Dr. Paul’s professional contributions also include presenting her work at international conferences in India and abroad, collaborating with global researchers, and co-authoring impactful journal articles. Her career path demonstrates a steady rise from academic researcher to an independent scientist recognized for her leadership in advanced materials and nanotechnology.

Research Interests

Dr. Sumana Paul’s research interests span across nanoscience, materials physics, and applied energy technologies. She focuses on the optical, electronic, and photophysical properties of semiconducting oxides, sulfides, and hybrid nanostructures. A central theme of her work is the design and synthesis of functional nanomaterials for applications in sustainable energy harvesting, photocatalysis, sensing, and optoelectronic devices. She has worked extensively on heterostructures, including Bi₂Se₃, WS₂, and oxyselenides, exploring charge transfer dynamics and tailoring material properties for improved performance. Her research also investigates piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators for biomechanical energy harvesting, merging materials science with practical energy solutions. Another important focus is on the development of perovskite-based materials and novel heterojunctions for photodetection and light-harvesting applications. Dr. Paul’s interdisciplinary approach integrates physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology, allowing her to address scientific challenges with real-world relevance. She has collaborated internationally with researchers in Japan and Europe to expand the scope of her investigations. Her interests continue to evolve toward next-generation devices that utilize nanomaterials for renewable energy, environmental remediation, and sensing applications. By combining fundamental research with applied perspectives, Dr. Paul’s work stands at the forefront of materials science and energy research.

Research Skills

Dr. Sumana Paul possesses a diverse and advanced skillset in both experimental and analytical research, enabling her to conduct high-impact work in nanoscience and materials physics. Her expertise includes the synthesis of nanostructured oxides, sulfides, and hybrid materials using chemical and hydrothermal methods. She is proficient in characterizing these materials through techniques such as UV/Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and electrochemical analysis. Additionally, she has deep expertise in studying charge transport and interfacial properties in heterostructures, crucial for understanding optoelectronic and photocatalytic systems. Dr. Paul is skilled in integrating nanomaterials into functional devices such as photodetectors, nanogenerators, and energy storage systems, bridging the gap between fundamental material properties and real-world applications. She has also acquired computational knowledge for interpreting experimental outcomes, particularly in studying photophysical mechanisms. Her ability to work across multidisciplinary platforms—physics, chemistry, and materials engineering—makes her a versatile researcher. Furthermore, her skills extend to mentoring students, writing competitive grant proposals, and publishing in reputed journals. Through her technical, analytical, and leadership skills, Dr. Paul has established herself as a well-rounded scientist contributing to both fundamental discoveries and practical innovations.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Sumana Paul’s academic journey has been consistently recognized through numerous awards, fellowships, and scholarships that highlight her research excellence and contributions to science. Early in her career, she was awarded the INSPIRE Scholarship by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India, which supported her studies. She later qualified for the prestigious CSIR Lectureship (LS), demonstrating her strong academic standing. During her Ph.D., she was honored with the DST-INSPIRE Junior Research Fellowship and subsequently the Senior Research Fellowship, supporting her innovative doctoral work on semiconducting nanostructures. Following her Ph.D., she was awarded the SERB National Postdoctoral Fellowship at IIT Guwahati, where she advanced her expertise in energy and device materials. She further received the Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship at IIT Guwahati, a recognition given to outstanding researchers demonstrating significant potential for leadership in science. Collectively, these awards underscore her scientific impact and contributions at various career stages. Alongside these honors, her active participation in international conferences and collaborations with globally reputed institutions further demonstrate her international research presence. These distinctions collectively position Dr. Paul as a rising leader in nanoscience and materials research.

Publication Top Notes

  • Maximization of photocatalytic activity of Bi2S3/TiO2/Au ternary heterostructures by proper epitaxy formation and plasmonic sensitization — 2017 — 74 citations

  • Control Synthesis of Air‐Stable Morphology Tunable Pb‐Free Cs2SnI6 Perovskite Nanoparticles and Their Photodetection Properties — 2018 — 71 citations

  • Nitrogenated CQD decorated ZnO nanorods towards rapid photodegradation of rhodamine B: A combined experimental and theoretical approach — 2021 — 53 citations

  • Maximizing the photocatalytic and photo response properties of multimodal plasmonic Ag/WO3−x heterostructure nanorods by variation of the Ag size — 2015 — 51 citations

  • Microwave synthesis of molybdenene from MoS2 — 2023 — 48 citations

  • Control Synthesis and Alloying of Ambient Stable Pb-Free Cs3Bi2Br9(1–x)I9x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) Perovskite Nanocrystals for Photodetector Application — 2020 — 47 citations

  • Shape Controlled Plasmonic Sn Doped CdO Colloidal Nanocrystals: A Synthetic Route to Maximize the Figure of Merit of Transparent Conducting Oxide — 2016 — 44 citations

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Sumana Paul is an accomplished scientist whose career embodies a blend of academic excellence, impactful research, and professional recognition. Her expertise in nanostructured energy materials and optoelectronic systems has resulted in significant contributions to both fundamental science and applied technologies. With over two dozen publications in high-impact journals, including Nature Nanotechnology, ACS Applied Energy Materials, and Nanoscale, her research has advanced global understanding of functional nanomaterials. Her academic achievements, including a Ph.D. from Jadavpur University/IACS and prestigious postdoctoral fellowships, reflect her strong foundation in scientific inquiry. Professionally, she has evolved from a promising doctoral researcher to a Senior Scientist at CSIR-CGCRI, where she leads projects with societal relevance in energy harvesting and sustainable devices. Her awards and fellowships further recognize her excellence and potential for leadership. Looking ahead, Dr. Paul is poised to make transformative contributions to nanoscience through expanded international collaborations, innovative device engineering, and mentorship of the next generation of scientists. Her dedication to advancing materials research and its societal applications makes her a deserving candidate for recognition through awards that honor scientific leadership and innovation.

Nosipho Moloto | Semiconductor nanocrystals | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Nosipho Moloto | Semiconductor nanocrystals | Best Researcher Award 

Professor, at University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

Nosipho Moloto is an accomplished researcher and academic in the field of Chemistry, specializing in nanoscience and nanotechnology. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand (2011) and an MSc from the University of Zululand (2007). Nosipho currently serves as the Director of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Materials, Energy, and Nanotechnology at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her research focuses on synthesizing and understanding the chemistry of novel nanomaterials for applications in water, energy, biomedical, and sensor fields. A member of several prestigious academic societies, Nosipho has contributed significantly to the scientific community through publications, patents, and conference presentations. Her leadership and dedication to advancing nanoscience have earned her recognition, including awards like the 2014 Distinguished Young Woman in Science and the 2023 National Science and Technology Forum Engineering Research Capacity Development Award.

Profile

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ORCID

Education 🎓

Nosipho Moloto’s academic journey is marked by distinguished achievements. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand (2011), where her research contributed significantly to the advancement of nanoscience. Prior to this, she earned an MSc in Chemistry from the University of Zululand in 2007, graduating with honors (Cum Laude). Nosipho’s educational foundation was further solidified with a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry in 2005, followed by a BSc in Chemistry in 2004, also from the University of Zululand. In 2018, she expanded her leadership and entrepreneurial skills by obtaining a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership from the Wits Business School. Her strong academic background has not only shaped her expertise in nanotechnology but has also positioned her as a key figure in advancing research in energy, materials, and sensors.

Experience 💼

Nosipho Moloto has extensive experience in both academia and research. She is currently the Director of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Materials, Energy, and Nanotechnology at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her previous roles include serving as Deputy Director and Full Research Professor at Wits University, as well as holding the SARChI Chair in Energy Materials since 2018. Nosipho has a rich history of working in high-profile positions, including a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT and a visiting researcher role at CSIR. She also lectured at the University of Johannesburg. Throughout her career, Nosipho has led several collaborative, industry-sponsored projects, accumulating over R50 million in funding. Her work has earned her national and international recognition, with over 100 publications, including book chapters, patents, and peer-reviewed journal articles. Nosipho’s leadership in cutting-edge research initiatives positions her as a key contributor to scientific and technological advancements.

Research Interests 🔬

Nosipho Moloto’s research is at the forefront of nanoscience, focusing on the synthesis and application of novel nanomaterials. Her group explores how these materials can be used in a wide range of applications, including energy generation, water purification, sensors, and biomedical technologies. Notably, her work involves the development of nanomaterials for energy applications such as hydrogen evolution and energy storage. Nosipho’s research aims to bridge the gap between fundamental nanoscience and practical applications. She leads projects exploring the catalytic properties of materials, such as metal-based nanostructures, and their potential for advancing renewable energy technologies. Her team also investigates the biomedical potential of nanoparticles, such as their use in drug delivery and diagnostics. Through these endeavors, Nosipho continues to contribute to both the theoretical and practical advancements in nanotechnology and materials science.

Awards 🏆

Nosipho Moloto has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career, highlighting her exceptional contributions to science and technology. Among her most notable accolades are the 2014 Distinguished Young Woman in Science Award in Physical and Engineering Science and the 2023 National Science and Technology Forum Engineering Research Capacity Development Award. Nosipho was also selected by the Department of Science and Technology as a South African Young Scientist representative at the European School on Nanoscience (ESONN) in 2011 and later participated in the 63rd Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting in Chemistry. In recognition of her research excellence, she has received the 2017 Friedel Sellschop Research Excellence Award and the 2020 ACS Pittcon Travel Grant. Her work in the field of energy materials has also been acknowledged through various fellowships and scholarships, including the SARChI Chair in Energy Materials.

Top Noted Publications 📑

Nosipho Moloto’s impressive publication record includes over 100 articles, book chapters, and patents. Her work has contributed significantly to the fields of nanoscience, energy materials, and sensor technologies. Some of her most recent publications include:

  • Elucidating the local structure and electronic properties of a highly active overall alkaline water splitting NixCo1-xO/hollow carbon sphere catalyst
    • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
    • Volume: 80, Pages 137-150
    • Link: Link to article
    • Abstract/Focus: This study investigates the local structure and electronic properties of NixCo1-xO catalysts supported on hollow carbon spheres for efficient alkaline water splitting. The research highlights the catalyst’s active sites and their potential for enhancing electrochemical water splitting performance.
  • Potential Gradient‐Driven Dual‐Functional Electrochromic and Electrochemical Device Based on a Shared Electrode Design
    • Journal: Advanced Science
    • Article ID: 2401948
    • Link: Link to article
    • Abstract/Focus: The paper presents a dual-functional electrochromic and electrochemical device based on a shared electrode design. The study focuses on the potential gradient-driven mechanism and explores its applications in energy storage and smart windows, providing insights into advanced device design.
  • Effects of reaction pH on regular nanorods and hierarchically structured β-Ga2O3 and their isopropanol sensing capabilities
    • Journal: Materialia
    • Volume: 34, Article ID: 102101
    • Link: Link to article
    • Abstract/Focus: This paper examines how different pH levels during synthesis affect the structural properties of β-Ga2O3 nanorods and hierarchical structures, with a focus on their isopropanol sensing capabilities. The study provides insights into optimizing material properties for gas sensing applications.

Conclusion

Nosipho Moloto is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her exceptional research output, leadership in mentorship, and recognition both nationally and internationally. Her contributions to nanoscience, particularly in the context of energy materials and environmental sustainability, are groundbreaking. With a strong track record in both research and leadership, Nosipho exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher. Expanding her engagement with public and interdisciplinary collaborations could enhance the broader impact of her work. Therefore, Nosipho Moloto deserves strong consideration for this prestigious award.