Juan de Pablo | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Juan de Pablo | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor and Vice President from New York University, United States

Dr. Juan José de Pablo is a globally recognized leader in molecular engineering, materials science, and chemical engineering, known for his groundbreaking research and extensive leadership in academic and national scientific organizations. Currently serving as the Executive Vice President for Global Science and Technology and Executive Dean at the Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Dr. de Pablo has had an illustrious academic and professional journey. He is also a senior scientist at Argonne National Laboratory and has held pivotal roles at the University of Chicago and the University of Wisconsin. His work spans multiple research areas, including directed self-assembly of polymers, soft materials, molecular simulation, and biotechnology. Over the years, Dr. de Pablo has established himself as a prolific researcher with over 20 patents, numerous influential publications, and editorial positions in high-impact journals. He is an elected member of prestigious institutions including the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His leadership has influenced science policy, strategic research initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations across the globe. His contributions are not only scientific but visionary, paving the way for future technological advances in materials design, nanotechnology, and energy solutions.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. de Pablo’s academic foundation is as impressive as his professional accomplishments. He began his education at the National University of Mexico (UNAM), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1985. His passion for chemical engineering led him to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of California, Berkeley, where he received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in 1990. After completing his doctorate, he furthered his research capabilities during a postdoctoral fellowship in Materials Science at the Institute for Polymers, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, from 1990 to 1992. These formative years provided him with a robust interdisciplinary background that blends engineering principles with advanced materials science. His exposure to leading institutions in North America and Europe gave him a global perspective early in his career, which continues to shape his international collaborations and leadership roles. The rigorous training he received laid the groundwork for his expertise in thermodynamics, polymer physics, and computational modeling, which would go on to influence countless innovations in both academic and industrial domains.

Professional Experience

Dr. de Pablo’s professional career spans over three decades and includes a distinguished trajectory of teaching, research, and leadership. He began his academic career as an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin in 1992, rising through the ranks to become a full professor and eventually Director of its Materials Research Science and Engineering Center. From 2000 to 2012, he also served as Deputy Director of the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center. In 2012, he joined the University of Chicago as the Liew Family Professor at the Institute for Molecular Engineering, and later took on pivotal roles including Co-Director of the Center for Hierarchical Materials Design (CHiMaD) and Deputy Director for Education and Outreach. Since 2018, he has also been CEO of UChicago-Argonne LLC. Dr. de Pablo’s influence extends beyond academia into national and global science leadership, particularly through his vice presidency roles related to U.S. National Laboratories and global innovation. In 2024, he was appointed Executive Dean at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, a role through which he continues to shape engineering education and research strategy. His extensive professional background reflects a unique combination of scientific innovation and strategic governance.

Research Interests

Dr. de Pablo’s research interests are both broad and deep, focusing on the intersection of molecular engineering, materials science, and computational physics. A primary focus of his work is on the directed self-assembly of block copolymers, a field in which he has pioneered several methodologies now used in nanomanufacturing and lithography. He also investigates thermophysical properties of soft materials, advanced polymer systems, biological interfaces, and molecular thermodynamics. His interest in computational modeling has led to the development of new simulation tools and theoretical frameworks for studying molecular and nanoscale systems, facilitating predictions of material behavior with high accuracy. Additionally, Dr. de Pablo has contributed significantly to biotechnology research, particularly in areas related to cryopreservation, stem cell engineering, and synthetic biology. His interdisciplinary approach allows him to tackle complex problems that span chemistry, physics, and engineering. Through collaborative projects and centers such as CHiMaD, he works closely with experimentalists to translate computational models into real-world applications. His research agenda reflects an enduring commitment to solving fundamental scientific challenges while also addressing practical issues in health, energy, and technology.

Research Skills

Dr. de Pablo possesses an exceptional array of research skills that reflect his training and contributions across multiple scientific disciplines. He is a world leader in computational modeling and molecular simulation, applying these techniques to study the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of polymers, colloids, and biological systems. His skillset includes advanced knowledge of coarse-grained and multiscale simulations, free energy calculations, and structure-property prediction methods. Beyond computational proficiency, he has deep expertise in thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and polymer physics. His laboratory and theoretical work complement each other, allowing him to bridge gaps between experimental observations and theoretical predictions. He is also adept at integrating interdisciplinary methods, including those from materials science, chemical engineering, and applied physics. His ability to conceptualize and lead large-scale research initiatives, such as the Materials Genome Initiative, highlights his strengths in research strategy and innovation management. In mentoring and supervision, Dr. de Pablo has guided dozens of Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows, instilling in them a rigorous and holistic research methodology. His technical versatility and collaborative mindset are key reasons behind his influential role in shaping modern materials science.

Awards and Honors

Dr. de Pablo has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and honors that reflect the depth, breadth, and impact of his scientific career. Early in his career, he received multiple young investigator awards from leading institutions like NSF, IBM, Xerox, 3M, and DuPont, signaling his early promise. He went on to receive the Presidential Faculty Fellow Award from President Bill Clinton and was later elected as a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His research has been recognized through lectureships and invited professorships at top global institutions such as ETH Zurich, Stanford, and the University of Michigan. He has delivered keynote talks and plenary lectures at more than 30 prestigious conferences and universities worldwide. In 2016, he was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and later to the National Academy of Sciences in 2022. Internationally, he holds honors like the Marie Curie Professorship and the Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite (France, 2024). His accolades also include the Polymer Physics Prize from the American Physical Society and numerous distinguished lectureships from Caltech, MIT, Princeton, and others. These honors underline his status as a leading global authority in materials and molecular engineering.

Conclusion

Dr. Juan José de Pablo exemplifies excellence in scientific research, innovation, and leadership. His prolific academic career, paired with his impactful administrative and advisory roles, highlights a rare combination of deep technical expertise and visionary leadership. His contributions to molecular engineering and materials science have not only expanded fundamental scientific understanding but have also enabled new technologies in fields ranging from nanolithography to cryopreservation. With over 20 patents, numerous high-impact publications, and a strong track record of mentorship, Dr. de Pablo has influenced both the academic community and industrial applications. His election to multiple national academies and his global recognition through prestigious awards are testaments to the quality and impact of his work. While already an established authority, he continues to contribute actively through roles in science policy, research strategy, and education at the highest levels. In summary, Dr. de Pablo’s lifelong dedication to advancing science and mentoring the next generation of researchers makes him a truly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His career serves as an inspiration and a benchmark for excellence in global scientific leadership.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Water-mediated ion transport in an anion exchange membrane
    Nature Communications, 2025
    Citations: 2
  2. Structural studies of the IFNλ4 receptor complex using cryoEM enabled by protein engineering
    Nature Communications, 2025
    Citations: 1
  3. Reflection and refraction of directrons at the interface
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2025
  4. Free-Energy Landscapes and Surface Dynamics in Methane Activation on Ni(511) via Machine Learning and Enhanced Sampling
    ACS Catalysis, 2025
  5. Synthetic Active Liquid Crystals Powered by Acoustic Waves
    Advanced Materials, 2025
  6. Current Advances in Genome Modeling Across Length Scales 2025
  7. Chromatin structures from integrated AI and polymer physics model
    PLOS Computational Biology, 2025
    Citations: 1
  8. A Twist on Controlling the Equilibrium of Dynamic Thia-Michael Reactions
    Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2025
  9. Bio-Based Surfactants via Borrowing Hydrogen Catalysis
    Chemistry – A European Journal, 2025
  10. Efficient sampling of free energy landscapes with functions in Sobolev spaces
    Journal of Chemical Physics, 2025
    Citations: 1

Omar Anis HARZALLAH | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Omar Anis HARZALLAH | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor from University of Haute-Alsace, France

Omar Anis Harzallah is an accomplished Associate Professor at the University of Haute-Alsace, affiliated with the École Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs Sud Alsace (ENSISA) and the Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique Textiles (LPMT – EA 4365). He has developed a distinguished career in textile engineering, focusing on sustainable materials and innovative fiber technologies. His work spans the morphological, physico-chemical, and mechanical characterization of natural fibers, with special attention to exotic plant fibers and their applications in textile and bio-based composites. Dr. Harzallah has also made significant advancements in functional polymeric fibers and nanostructured textile materials, emphasizing eco-design principles. Beyond research, he has been a committed educator and mentor for over two decades, contributing to student development, international pedagogy, and the promotion of textile engineering education. His dedication extends to scientific leadership, coordination of laboratories, and international academic collaborations. With more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, 9 book chapters, and 2 patents, his academic footprint is well-established globally. Dr. Harzallah’s contributions have earned him prestigious awards and recognition in the textile industry. His multidisciplinary approach, commitment to sustainability, and consistent research excellence make him a valuable asset to the scientific and educational community.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Omar Anis Harzallah holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from the University of Haute-Alsace, which he completed in 1999. His doctoral studies laid the foundation for his extensive work in textile characterization and sustainable fiber research. Prior to his Ph.D., he earned an Engineering degree in Textile Science from the Institut Supérieur Industriel de Verviers in Belgium. His academic training provided him with a solid background in both theoretical and practical aspects of textile engineering, fiber mechanics, and materials science. Throughout his educational journey, he developed a keen interest in the eco-friendly utilization of natural fibers and the advancement of bio-based composites, which would later become central to his research focus. His academic credentials reflect a strong commitment to both scientific excellence and practical industrial applications. In addition to his formal degrees, Dr. Harzallah has continuously expanded his knowledge through international collaborations and participation in professional development initiatives. His education has equipped him with multidisciplinary expertise, blending textile engineering with sustainable design principles. This combination of high-level education and continuous skill enhancement has positioned him as a leading figure in textile innovation and eco-conscious material development in the global academic landscape.

Professional Experience

Dr. Omar Anis Harzallah has built an impressive professional career as an Associate Professor at the University of Haute-Alsace, where he is affiliated with ENSISA and LPMT – EA 4365. With over 20 years of experience, he has played a central role in textile engineering research and education. His career includes scientific leadership within the Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique Textiles, where he has coordinated textile metrology laboratories and led several major research initiatives. He has served as an elected member of both the Research Commission and the Academic Council at the University of Haute-Alsace, contributing to institutional development and research policy. Dr. Harzallah has also been actively involved in promoting international academic partnerships and double-degree programs, especially with universities in Tunisia. In addition to his research and teaching responsibilities, he has participated in international pedagogical projects in Algeria and Mongolia, demonstrating his commitment to global knowledge exchange. His professional journey includes close collaborations with both academic and industrial partners in countries like Cameroon, Iran, the United States, and Australia. This international exposure has significantly enriched his expertise and allowed him to contribute to cutting-edge developments in sustainable textile materials and fiber engineering.

Research Interest

Dr. Omar Anis Harzallah’s primary research interests center on the morphological, physico-chemical, and mechanical characterization of natural fibers, with a particular emphasis on exotic plant fibers. His work focuses on the valorization of these fibers for applications in textiles and bio-based composite materials, aligning strongly with sustainability goals. He has also explored the development of functional polymeric fibers and innovative nanostructured textile materials. A core theme in his research is eco-design, where he seeks to create environmentally friendly and high-performance materials. Dr. Harzallah’s interdisciplinary research bridges materials science, textile engineering, and mechanical analysis, contributing to the evolution of next-generation fibers and composites. His collaborations with international research teams and industries aim to translate laboratory findings into real-world applications, particularly in sustainable product design. In addition, he has shown interest in textile metrology, advancing methodologies for precise measurement and quality control in fiber-based products. Dr. Harzallah’s research is not only theoretical but also application-driven, with significant relevance to eco-conscious manufacturing, green composites, and functional textiles. His diverse research portfolio continues to contribute to the advancement of sustainable engineering practices and offers valuable insights into the circular economy within the textile and materials industries.

Research Skills

Dr. Omar Anis Harzallah possesses a wide range of research skills essential for advanced textile and fiber engineering. He is highly proficient in the morphological, physico-chemical, and mechanical characterization of natural and synthetic fibers. His expertise includes advanced testing and analytical methods for evaluating fiber properties, durability, and performance in composite applications. Dr. Harzallah is skilled in eco-design methodologies, enabling him to develop sustainable and high-functionality textile products. He has hands-on experience in creating functional polymeric fibers and nanostructured textile materials, integrating novel processing techniques to achieve targeted material characteristics. His research skill set also encompasses textile metrology, where he contributes to the development of precise measurement techniques and laboratory standards for textile analysis. Additionally, he is adept at managing multidisciplinary research teams and coordinating complex laboratory infrastructures. Dr. Harzallah’s international collaborations have equipped him with cross-cultural research management skills and the ability to lead joint research projects. He regularly serves as a reviewer for national and international funding bodies, providing critical evaluations of research proposals. His comprehensive research abilities allow him to translate scientific concepts into practical applications, driving innovation in sustainable textiles and bio-based composites across academic and industrial domains.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Omar Anis Harzallah has received several prestigious awards and honors that recognize his scientific and academic contributions. In 2012, he was awarded the Théophile Legrand International Prize for Textile Innovation, which is a significant accolade in the textile industry, celebrating groundbreaking advancements in textile materials and processes. This award highlights his role in developing innovative, eco-friendly fiber technologies. In 2021, he was honored with the “Avenir” Award by the Association of Textile Industry Chemists, further recognizing his forward-thinking approach and leadership in textile engineering. In addition to these awards, Dr. Harzallah’s influence is acknowledged through his position as an expert reviewer for funding agencies such as the French National Research Agency (ANR) and Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). His standing in the academic community is reinforced by his contributions to international conferences, numerous collaborative projects, and his supervision of doctoral candidates. These recognitions not only validate his research excellence but also underscore his role as a thought leader in sustainable textiles and fiber science. Dr. Harzallah’s award-winning innovations and sustained academic impact have significantly advanced the field of eco-conscious textile engineering.

Conclusion

Dr. Omar Anis Harzallah stands out as a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to textile science, particularly in the characterization and valorization of natural fibers, reflect a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation. Through his extensive research, academic leadership, and international collaborations, he has consistently driven forward the development of eco-friendly materials and functional textiles. His impressive record of publications, patents, and successful student supervision highlights his dedication to advancing knowledge and mentoring the next generation of researchers. Dr. Harzallah’s work not only advances scientific understanding but also addresses critical global challenges such as sustainable material production and circular economy practices. His ability to bridge academic theory with industrial application makes his research highly impactful and widely respected. His awards and recognitions further validate his pioneering role in textile innovation. Dr. Harzallah’s career demonstrates a balanced integration of research excellence, educational commitment, and international outreach. With his strong multidisciplinary background, proven research capabilities, and dedication to eco-design, he continues to be a valuable contributor to the advancement of textile engineering and sustainable material sciences.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Aurélie Decker, Jean-Yves Drean, Vivien Sarazin, Omar Harzallah – 2024
    Influence of Different Retting on Hemp Stem and Fiber Characteristics Under the East of France Climate Conditions

  2. Thomas Jeannin, Gilles Arnold, Alain Bourmaud, Stéphane Corn, Emmanuel De Luycker, Pierre J.J. Dumont, Manuela Ferreira, Camille François, Marie Grégoire, Omar Harzallah et al. – 2024
    A round-robin study on the tensile characterization of single fibres: A multifactorial analysis and recommendations for more reliable results

  3. Wafa Mahjoub, Sarangoo Ukhnaa, Jean-Yves Drean, Omar Harzallah – 2024
    Influence of Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Mongolian Cashmere Fiber Properties

  4. Narcisse Defo, Omar Harzallah, Rodrigue Nicodème Tagne Sikame, Ebenezer Njeugna, Sophie Bistac – 2024
    Effect of alkaline treatment on hard vegetable shells on the properties of biobased abrasive wheels

  5. Solange Mélanie Anafack, Omar Harzallah, Didymus Efeze Nkemaja, Paul William Mejouyo Huisken, Aurélie Decker, Rodrigue Nicodème Sikame Tagne, Jean-Yves Drean, K. Murugesh Babu, Ebenezer Njeugna – 2023
    Effects of extraction techniques on textile properties of William banana peduncle fibers

  6. Syrille Brice Tchinwoussi Youbi, Omar Harzallah, Nicodème Rodrigue Sikame Tagne, Paul William Mejouyo Huisken, Tido Tiwa Stanislas, Jean-Yves Drean, Sophie Bistac, Ebenezer Njeugna, Chenggao Li – 2023
    Effect of Raphia vinifera Fibre Size and Reinforcement Ratio on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of an Epoxy Matrix Composite: Micromechanical Modelling and Weibull Analysis

  7. Adel Elamri, Khmais Zdiri, Mohamed Hamdaoui, Omar Harzallah – 2023
    Chitosan: A biopolymer for textile processes and products

  8. Imen Landolsi, Narjes Rjiba, Mohamed Hamdaoui, Omar Harzallah, Anis, Chedly Boudokhane – 2022
    Homogeneous microwave-assisted carboxymethylation from totally chlorine free bleached olive tree pruning residues pulp

  9. Khmais Zdiri, Omar Harzallah, Adel Elamri, Nabyl Khenoussi, Jocelyne Brendlé, Hamdaoui Mohamed – 2018
    Rheological and thermal behavior of Tunisian clay reinforced recycled polypropylene composites