Rifat Capan | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Rifat Capan | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Had of Atomic and Molecular Physics at Balikesir university, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Rifat Çapan is a distinguished physicist at the University of Balıkesir, specializing in pyroelectric heat sensors, gas sensors for environmental applications, and organic thin film fabrications. He completed his education at Hacettepe University and the University of Sheffield, where he earned his PhD. Throughout his career, he has published 144 articles and authored two books, receiving numerous accolades, including the Leverhulme Visiting Fellowship and International Scientist of the Year 2004. Prof. Çapan has held various leadership roles, including establishing the first Thin Film and Gas Sensor Research Laboratory at his university. He actively collaborates internationally, serving as the Turkey project coordinator for European Union initiatives. His significant contributions to physics and dedication to research and education make him a highly respected figure in his field, reflecting a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation.

Profile

Education

Prof. Dr. Rifat Çapan completed his primary, secondary, and high school education in his hometown of Yozgat, Turkey. He pursued higher education at Hacettepe University in Ankara, where he graduated in 1989 with a degree in Physics Teaching from the Faculty of Education. Following his graduation, he worked as a research assistant in the same department from 1989 to 1993 while completing his Master’s degree in Physics Engineering at Hacettepe University between 1989 and 1991. Prof. Çapan then advanced his academic career by moving to the University of Sheffield in the UK to pursue his doctoral studies in Physics, representing Balıkesir University. He successfully earned his PhD in 1998 and returned to Balıkesir University, where he has since made significant contributions to research and education in the field of physics. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his subsequent research endeavors and leadership roles in academia.

Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Rifat Çapan has a distinguished professional experience primarily at the University of Balıkesir, where he has served since 1993. He began his academic journey as a research assistant in the Department of Physics at Hacettepe University, later completing his master’s and PhD at the same institution and the University of Sheffield, respectively. After returning to Balıkesir University, he rose through the ranks from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and ultimately became a full Professor in 2007. Throughout his career, Prof. Çapan has held various administrative roles, including Head of the Physics Department, Deputy Head of the Department, and Manager of the Scientific Research Projects Unit. He established the Thin Film and Gas Sensor Research Laboratory and has been actively involved in several research projects, securing funding from Turkish Research Council (TÜBİTAK). His leadership and contributions have significantly advanced the university’s research profile and fostered international collaborations.

Research Interest

Prof. Dr. Rifat Çapan’s research interests primarily focus on the development and characterization of advanced sensor technologies, specifically pyroelectric heat sensors and gas sensors for environmental applications. His work involves the fabrication of organic thin films and their subsequent analysis using structural, electrical, and optical techniques. Prof. Çapan explores the properties and mechanisms of pyroelectric materials, contributing to the enhancement of sensor sensitivity and efficiency. His research is vital for addressing environmental challenges, particularly in monitoring air quality and detecting harmful gases. Additionally, he is engaged in projects that involve molecular engineering of sensor materials, aiming to create innovative solutions for industrial and scientific applications. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, Prof. Çapan actively seeks to integrate his research with other fields, enhancing the applicability and impact of his findings within the scientific community and beyond.

Research Skills

Prof. Dr. Rifat Çapan possesses a diverse set of research skills that significantly contribute to his expertise in physics. His proficiency in pyroelectric heat sensors and gas sensors is supported by a strong foundation in structural, electrical, and optical characterizations, enabling him to innovate in sensor technology for environmental applications. Dr. Çapan’s experience in organic thin film fabrication enhances his ability to develop novel materials with specific functionalities. His adeptness in experimental design and data analysis ensures rigorous methodologies in his research projects. Additionally, he demonstrates strong collaboration skills, evidenced by his coordination of international projects and partnerships with various institutions. His engagement in mentorship allows him to guide emerging researchers, fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation. Dr. Çapan’s ability to communicate complex concepts clearly through publications and presentations further solidifies his role as a leading figure in his field.

Award and Recognition

Prof. Dr. Rifat Çapan has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions throughout his academic career, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of physics. He was honored with the Overseas Research Student (ORS) award during his doctoral studies at the University of Sheffield, underscoring his commitment to research excellence. In 2004, he was named International Scientist of the Year by the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, UK, a testament to his global recognition in the scientific community. Additionally, he received the Leverhulme Visiting Fellowship, allowing him to conduct research as a visiting professor at Sheffield Hallam University. His accolades also include the Turkish Physical Society Honor Award in 2021 and the Balıkesir Radio BRT award for Scientists of the Year in 2007. These honors highlight his impactful research in pyroelectric heat sensors and gas sensors, establishing him as a leading figure in his field and a respected mentor for future generations of scientists.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Rifat Çapan is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive contributions to the field of physics, particularly in sensor technology. His accomplishments in research, teaching, and administrative roles underscore his dedication and leadership in the scientific community. By addressing areas for improvement, he can further enhance his impact, ensuring that his work continues to contribute significantly to both academia and society. Recognizing him with this award would not only honor his past achievements but also encourage his future endeavors in research and mentorship.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Sensor parameters and adsorption behaviour of rhodamine-based polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber against dichloromethane vapour
    • Authors: Capan, R., Capan, I., Bayrakci, M.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Microchemical Journal
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 207, 111806
    • Citations: 0
  2. Spin-coated films of calix[4]resorcinarenes as sensors for chlorinated solvent vapours
    • Authors: Çapan, R., Çapan, İ., Davis, F., Ray, A.K.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 35(25), 1701
    • Citations: 0
  3. Heterocyclic-based Schiff base material designed as optochemical sensor for the sensitive detection of chlorinated solvent vapours
    • Authors: Halay, E., Capan, I., Capan, R., Ay, E., Acikbas, Y.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Research on Chemical Intermediates
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 50(9), pp. 4579–4593
    • Citations: 0
  4. Rhodamine-Based Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Nanofiber Sensor for the Detection of Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Vapors
    • Authors: Capan, R., Capan, I., Bayrakci, M.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: ACS Applied Polymer Materials
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 6(13), pp. 7500–7511
    • Citations: 2
  5. Sensing Volatile Pollutants with Spin-Coated Films Made of Pillar[5]arene Derivatives and Data Validation via Artificial Neural Networks
    • Authors: Kursunlu, A.N., Acikbas, Y., Yilmaz, C., Buyukkabasakal, K., Senocak, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 16(24), pp. 31851–31863
    • Citations: 1
  6. Sensing volatile organic compounds with CVD graphene: insights from quartz crystal microbalance and surface plasmon resonance studies
    • Authors: Selvi, H., Capan, I., Capan, R., Acikbas, Y.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 35(18), 1268
    • Citations: 0
  7. Chloroform sensing properties of Langmuir-Blodgett thin films of Zn(II)phthalocyanine containing 26-membered tetraoxadithia macrocycle groups
    • Authors: Capan, I., Capan, R., Acikbas, Y., Kabay, N., Gök, Y.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Optik
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 294, 171429
    • Citations: 1
  8. A new approach for the adsorption kinetics using surface plasmon resonance results
    • Authors: Çapan, R., Çapan, İ., Davis, F.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 394, 134463
    • Citations: 9
  9. Metal sulfide sub-nanometer clusters formed within calix(8)arene Langmuir-Blodgett films
    • Authors: Ozkaya, C., Abu-Ali, H., Nabok, A., Hammond, D., Capan, R.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Thin Solid Films
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 782, 140024
    • Citations: 1
  10. Electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/polypyrrole (PPy) nanofiber-coated quartz crystal microbalance for sensing volatile organic compounds
    • Authors: Yagmurcukardes, N., Ince Yardimci, A., Yagmurcukardes, M., Capan, R., Acikbas, Y.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
    • Volume/Issue/Page: 34(27), 1869
    • Citations: 3

 

 

 

 

Nasir Mirza | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Nasir Mirza | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Pakistan

Dr. Nasir M. Mirza, a distinguished professor and rector at the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), boasts over 30 years of experience in Nuclear Engineering and Computational Physics. He earned his Ph.D. from Purdue University and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Georgia. Dr. Mirza has significantly advanced PIEAS’s global standing, achieving top 400 QS world rankings and securing substantial funding for research and infrastructure projects. His leadership has led to the initiation of new programs and the establishment of key research centers. Recognized with prestigious awards such as the Presidential Medal (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz) and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Gold Medal, his contributions include numerous influential publications. Dr. Mirza’s extensive expertise and impactful research make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, reflecting his substantial impact on both academia and institutional development.

Profile

Education

Dr. Nasir M. Mirza’s educational background is marked by distinguished achievements across multiple institutions. He completed his Postdoctoral research in Computational Physics at the Center for Simulation Physics, University of Georgia, USA, from 2001 to 2002. Prior to this, he earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA, between 1986 and 1989. His foundational studies include an M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan (1980-1983), following his M.Sc. in Physics from the same institution (1978-1980). Dr. Mirza began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics from Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan (1976-1978). His educational trajectory reflects a strong focus on nuclear engineering, physics, and computational techniques, underpinning his extensive career in research and academia.

Professional Experience

Dr. Nasir M. Mirza boasts over 30 years of distinguished professional experience in the fields of Nuclear Engineering and Computational Physics. He has served as Professor and Chief Scientist at the Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS) since 2010, and previously held roles as Deputy Chief Scientist, Associate Professor, and Principal Scientific Officer at the same institution. Dr. Mirza’s leadership as Rector of PIEAS (2016–present) has significantly enhanced the university’s global ranking and research capabilities. His tenure includes pivotal roles such as Pro-Rector, Dean of Applied Sciences, and Dean of Research. Under his guidance, PIEAS secured major funding for infrastructure and research projects, initiated new academic programs, and established international collaborations. His extensive experience includes roles in academic administration, curriculum development, and research leadership, demonstrating his profound impact on both educational and scientific advancements.

Research Skills

Dr. Nasir M. Mirza exhibits a diverse and advanced skill set in research, prominently in Nuclear Engineering and Computational Physics. His expertise encompasses large-scale mathematical modeling and simulation, particularly using Monte Carlo methods and genetic algorithms for nuclear reactor safety and radiation physics. In experimental research, he excels in radiation detection and shielding, demonstrating significant contributions to environmental physics. Dr. Mirza’s proficiency extends to theoretical aspects, where his work involves complex modeling and simulation techniques. His role in leading various research projects and securing substantial funding reflects his strong capabilities in research management and strategic planning. Furthermore, his extensive publication record, including international books and book chapters, highlights his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Dr. Mirza’s skills are complemented by his extensive experience in teaching advanced courses related to his research fields, showcasing a well-rounded and impactful research profile.

Award and Recognition

Dr. Nasir M. Mirza has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions for his exceptional contributions to the field of nuclear engineering and academia. Notably, he was honored with the Presidential Medal and Award (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz) by the President of Pakistan in 2022 for his valuable services in education. His research excellence has earned him the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Gold Medal for outstanding research in 1999 and multiple Research Productivity Awards from the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology. Additionally, Dr. Mirza has been listed as one of the top productive scientists in Pakistan across several years. His leadership in enhancing PIEAS’s global standing, including achieving QS world rankings and securing substantial funding for significant projects, further underscores his esteemed position in the academic and research community.

Conclusion

Dr. Nasir M. Mirza is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his extensive experience, significant contributions to the field, and impactful leadership at PIEAS. His achievements in improving institutional rankings, securing substantial funding, and advancing research in nuclear engineering and related fields demonstrate his exceptional qualifications. Addressing the areas for improvement could further enhance his profile and broaden his impact on the global research community.

Publications Top Notes

  • Natural radioactivity from the building materials used in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan
    • Authors: M Tufail, N Ahmad, SM Mirza, NM Mirza, HA Khan
    • Journal: Science of the Total Environment
    • Year: 1992
    • Citations: 98
  • Core loading pattern optimization of a typical two-loop 300 MWe PWR using Simulated Annealing (SA), novel crossover Genetic Algorithms (GA) and hybrid GA (SA) schemes
    • Authors: A Zameer, SM Mirza, NM Mirza
    • Journal: Annals of Nuclear Energy
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 92
  • Cartesian path generation of robot manipulators using continuous genetic algorithms
    • Authors: S Za’er, NM Mirza, SM Mirza, M Arif
    • Journal: Robotics and Autonomous Systems
    • Year: 2002
    • Citations: 67
  • A shape and mesh adaptive computational methodology for gamma ray dose from volumetric sources
    • Authors: NM Mirza, B Ali, SM Mirza, M Tufail, N Ahmad
    • Journal: Radiation Protection Dosimetry
    • Year: 1991
    • Citations: 49
  • Bio-inspired heuristics for layer thickness optimization in multilayer piezoelectric transducer for broadband structures
    • Authors: A Zameer, M Majeed, SM Mirza, MAZ Raja, A Khan, NM Mirza
    • Journal: Soft Computing
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 40
  • Simulation of reactivity transients in current MTRs
    • Authors: AM Mirza, S Khanam, NM Mirza
    • Journal: Annals of Nuclear Energy
    • Year: 1998
    • Citations: 39
  • Sensitivity of reactivity insertion limits with respect to safety parameters in a typical MTR
    • Authors: R Nasir, NM Mirza, SM Mirza
    • Journal: Annals of Nuclear Energy
    • Year: 1999
    • Citations: 38
  • Numerical solution of second-order, two-point boundary value problems using continuous genetic algorithms
    • Authors: ZS Abo-Hammour, M Yusuf, NM Mirza, SM Mirza, M Arif, J Khurshid
    • Journal: International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering
    • Year: 2004
    • Citations: 35
  • Source term evaluation for the upgraded LEU Pakistan Research Reactor-1 under severe accidents
    • Authors: S Ullah, SE Awan, NM Mirza, SM Mirza
    • Journal: Nuclear Engineering and Design
    • Year: 2010
    • Citations: 28
  • Review of computer codes for modeling corrosion product transport and activity build-up in light water reactors
    • Authors: M Rafique, NM Mirza, SM Mirza, MJ Iqbal
    • Journal: Nukleonika
    • Year: 2010
    • Citations: 27