Assist. Prof. Dr. Shivam Tripathi | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Shivam Tripathi | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | India

Dr. Shivam Tripathi is a materials engineering researcher and faculty member specializing in atomistic simulations, machine learning–driven materials discovery, and the design of next-generation functional materials. With training from globally recognized institutions in materials science and computational engineering, he integrates advanced molecular dynamics, density functional theory, and data-driven modeling to address challenges in catalysis, shape memory alloys, energy storage, electronic materials, and space-relevant systems. His academic foundation combines rigorous theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on experience in computational methods, including large-scale molecular dynamics, enhanced sampling, and ab-initio simulations. During his postdoctoral research, he worked on dynamic mechanisms of ammonia synthesis on iron surfaces under operando conditions, unveiling fundamental insights into nitrogen adsorption, dissociation, and poisoning pathways using machine-learning-accelerated simulation frameworks. His doctoral research provided breakthroughs in understanding nanoscale precipitate effects on martensitic transformations, enabling guidelines for designing low-fatigue, ultra-fine-grain shape memory alloys and uncovering mechanisms governing superelasticity and phase transformation behavior. Dr. Tripathi’s research portfolio extends to designing tunable transformations in lightweight alloys, modeling environment-dependent atomic-level properties in complex-concentrated alloys, and unraveling phonon transport mechanisms in nanoscale copper hybrids for nanoelectronics. He has contributed to multiple high-impact publications across catalysis, materials physics, and computational materials science, and his work has been recognized through awards, research honors, and competitive travel grants. His technical expertise includes Python, C, VASP, LAMMPS, PLUMED, Quantum Espresso, TensorFlow, and advanced materials characterization methods. Beyond research, he has contributed significantly to academic service and outreach through leadership roles, mentoring, teaching computational and experimental materials science courses, and developing open-access scientific software tools used by the broader materials community. His contributions reflect a commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and advancing computational materials engineering.

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Featured Publications

Perego, S., Bonati, L., Tripathi, S., & Parrinello, M. (2024). How dynamics changes ammonia cracking on iron surfaces. ACS Catalysis, 14(19), 14652–14664.

Tripathi, S., Bonati, L., Perego, S., & Parrinello, M. (2024). How poisoning is avoided in a step of relevance to the Haber–Bosch catalysis. ACS Catalysis, 14, 4944–4950.

Tripathi, S., Vishnu, K. G., Titus, M. S., & Strachan, A. (2020). Tunability of martensitic transformation in Mg–Sc shape memory alloys: A DFT study. Acta Materialia, 189, 1–9.

Tripathi, S., Verma, V., Brown, T. W., & Kulkarni, K. N. (2017). Effect of small amount of manganese on the interdiffusivities in Fe–Al alloys. Journal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion, 38(2), 135–142.

Tripathi, S., Vishnu, K. G., Titus, M. S., & Strachan, A. (2022). Uncovering the role of nanoscale precipitates on martensitic transformation and superelasticity. Acta Materialia, 229, 117790.

Farnell, M. S., McClure, Z. D., Tripathi, S., & Strachan, A. (2022). Modeling environment-dependent atomic-level properties in complex-concentrated alloys. The Journal of Chemical Physics, 156(11).

Prof. Isabelle Boutron | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Isabelle Boutron | Université Paris Cité | France

Dr. Fatimah Ibrahim Qassadi is a dedicated academic, pharmacist, and emerging research leader with extensive experience across clinical, academic, and scientific research environments. With over four years of service in one of Riyadh’s largest governmental hospitals and current appointment as a Lecturer at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU), she brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, teaching excellence, and research innovation. Her previous role as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy strengthened her international academic exposure and commitment to high-quality pharmaceutical education. Dr. Qassadi is deeply passionate about fostering supportive learning environments, mentoring future pharmacy professionals, and enhancing students’ communication, leadership, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills. Her work strongly aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, where she contributes to transforming healthcare and higher education through innovative teaching methodologies, advanced pharmaceutical research, and patient-centered care. She is committed to elevating the quality of pharmacy education and strengthening healthcare outcomes across Saudi Arabia’s evolving knowledge-based economy. In addition to her academic and clinical achievements, Dr. Qassadi has established a strong research footprint. Her Scopus profile demonstrates 45,400 citations across 40,318 citing documents, with 181 published documents and an h-index of 62—reflecting substantial scholarly impact and global research influence. These metrics highlight the depth and reach of her contributions in pharmaceutical sciences, microbiology, and therapeutic innovation. (Note: The Scopus “View h-index” button is disabled in preview mode.) With a proven record in scientific writing, clinical research, and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Qassadi continues to advance impactful research while supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Bellissant, E., Boutron, I., Chapin, C., Clerici, C., Conroy, T., Corvol, J.-C., Dacos, M., Deplanque, D., Ducreux, M., Dufouil, C., et al. (n.d.). Assurer le postage des résultats de tous les essais cliniques en France [Report]. Crossref.

Ensuring that the results of all clinical trials in France are posted. (n.d.). Report. https://doi.org/10.52949/56

Bellissant, E., Boutron, I., Chapin, C., Clerici, C., Conroy, T., Corvol, J.-C., Dacos, M., Deplanque, D., Ducreux, M., Dufouil, C., et al. (n.d.). Ensuring that the results of all clinical trials in France are posted [Report]. Crossref.

Korfitsen, C. B., Krejčíková, H. V. B., Nejstgaard, C. H., Boutron, I., Bero, L., Hróbjartsson, A., & Lundh, A. (n.d.). Conflict of interest policies for editors and peer reviewers in medical journals: Cross-sectional study. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2025.111980

Duranté, E. K., Ribeiro, A., Gaspard-Boulinc, L., Boutron, I., Henry, C., Petit, A.-C., Houenou, J., Lemogne, C., & Chevance, A. (n.d.). Biological research on mental pain, social pain and other pains not primarily felt in the body: Methodological systematic review. The British Journal of Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2024.292

Yaacoub, S., Ioannidis, J. P. A., Hróbjartsson, A., Porcher, R., Ravaud, P., & Boutron, I. (n.d.). Factors influencing the trustworthiness of non-randomized studies of interventions: A survey of international experts [Preprint]. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.09.24.25336459

Chan, A.-W., Boutron, I., Hopewell, S., Moher, D., Schulz, K. F., Collins, G. S., Tunn, R., Aggarwal, R., Berkwits, M., Berlin, J. A., et al. (n.d.). SPIRIT 2025 statement: Updated guideline for protocols of randomized trials. Nature Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03668-w

Korfitsen, C. B., Krejcikova, H. V. B., Nejstgaard, C. H., Boutron, I., Bero, L., Hróbjartsson, A., & Lundh, A. (n.d.). Conflict of interest policies for editors and peer reviewers in medical journals: Cross-sectional study [Preprint]. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/rzug6_v1

Hróbjartsson, A., Boutron, I., Hopewell, S., Moher, D., Schulz, K. F., Collins, G. S., Tunn, R., Aggarwal, R., Berkwits, M., Berlin, J. A., et al. (n.d.). SPIRIT 2025 explanation and elaboration: Updated guideline for protocols of randomised trials. BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2024-081660

Dr. Suleiman Akilu | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Suleiman Akilu | BUA Cement Company LTD | Nigeria

Dr. Suleiman Akilu is a dynamic and results-driven mechanical engineer and project management professional with over a decade of experience in project execution, operational leadership, compliance oversight, and research innovation. His career spans the cement manufacturing industry, academic research institutions, and engineering operations, where he has consistently demonstrated strategic thinking, technical depth, and exceptional leadership capabilities. At BUA Cement Company PLC, one of Nigeria’s leading cement producers, Dr. Akilu was recruited to serve as Principal Manager and later Assistant Director, functioning as Technical Assistant/Adviser to the MD/CEO. In this role, he led a multidisciplinary project team that significantly increased raw material reserves, improved operational efficiency, and strengthened the company’s strategic growth initiatives. He supported major contract negotiations related to LNG supply, power plant operations, and input materials, while ensuring regulatory compliance and coordinating closely with mining and environmental agencies. His responsibilities also included logistics coordination, integration of alternative fuels to enhance sustainability, and contributing to technical documentation, contract reviews, and high-level stakeholder engagements. Earlier, as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Hydrocarbon Recovery in Malaysia, Dr. Akilu conducted advanced research on gas transport in porous media, shale reservoirs, adsorption phenomena, and fracturing fluid behavior. He published multiple high-impact papers, supported experimental system design, managed research materials, and supervised undergraduate research projects. His expertise includes computational tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL Multiphysics, and BIOVIA Materials Studio. During his tenure as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, he provided academic support in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, energy systems, and MATLAB, while assisting with laboratory instruction, project evaluations, course coordination, and research output. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and ongoing MSc studies in Project Management, Dr. Akilu brings a powerful combination of technical expertise, analytical capability, and strategic leadership—positioning him as a valuable asset to innovative, high-performing organizations.

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Featured Publications

Akilu, S., Sharma, K. V., Baheta, A. T., & Mamat, R. (2016). A review of thermophysical properties of water based composite nanofluids. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 66, 654–678.

Akilu, S., Baheta, A. T., Said, M. A. M., Minea, A. A., & Sharma, K. V. (2017). Properties of glycerol and ethylene glycol mixture based SiO₂–CuO/C hybrid nanofluid for enhanced solar energy transport. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 166, (year), pages.
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Akilu, S., Baheta, A. T., & Sharma, K. V. (2017). Experimental measurements of thermal conductivity and viscosity of ethylene glycol-based hybrid nanofluid with TiO₂–CuO/C inclusions. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 246, 396–405.

Akilu, S., Padmanabhan, E., & Sun, Z. (2021). A review of transport mechanisms and models for unconventional tight shale gas reservoir systems. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 175, 121125.

Akilu, S., Baheta, A. T., Minea, A. A., & Sharma, K. V. (2017). Rheology and thermal conductivity of non-porous silica (SiO₂) in viscous glycerol and ethylene glycol based nanofluids. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 88, 245–253.

Akilu, S., Baheta, A. T., Kadirgama, K., Padmanabhan, E., & Sharma, K. V. (2018). Viscosity, electrical and thermal conductivities of ethylene and propylene glycol-based β-SiC nanofluids. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 284, 780–792.

Dr. Fatimah Qassadi | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Fatimah Qassadi | Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz Univeristy | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Fatimah Ibrahim Qassadi is a dedicated pharmacist, academic, and researcher with extensive experience in both clinical and educational settings across Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. With over four years of clinical practice at King Abdulaziz Medical City—one of Riyadh’s leading governmental hospitals—she has developed strong expertise in clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacotherapy, and patient-centred care. She currently serves as a Lecturer at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU), where she previously worked as a teaching assistant. She also held an academic role at the University of Nottingham, School of Pharmacy, contributing to undergraduate teaching, supervision, and practical training. Dr. Qassadi holds a PhD in Pharmacy from the University of Nottingham, an MSc in Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry (Distinction) from University College London, and a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Pharmacy from King Saud University. Her research focuses on gastrointestinal bacteria, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and plant-derived therapeutics, with publications in reputable journals such as Pathogens, Frontiers in Nutrition, and Gut. She has presented her work at major international conferences and received multiple awards for best scientific presentations in the UK and China. Her competencies span curriculum development, instructional design, scientific research, statistical analysis (SPSS, MATLAB), and academic leadership. She is certified in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Lean Six Sigma, project management, advanced MATLAB, and higher education teaching. She is also licensed as a pharmacist in Saudi Arabia and trained in essential healthcare safety practices, including BLS and CPR. Actively engaged in community initiatives, Dr. Qassadi has contributed to health awareness campaigns, scientific committees, and student mentorship programs. Passionate about advancing pharmacy education and healthcare quality, she is committed to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 through innovative teaching, impactful research, and the development of future pharmacy professionals.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Qassadi, F. I., Johnson, C., Robinson, K., Griffin, R., Polytarchou, C., Kao, D., Kim, D.-H., Griffiths, R. L., Zhu, Z., & Monaghan, T. M. (2025). Untargeted metabolomics identifies faecal filtrate-derived metabolites that disrupt Clostridioides difficile metabolism and confer gut barrier cytoprotection. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(22), Article 11221. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211221

Sun, Y., Liu, S., Chen, L., Zhou, Z., Ma, M., Li, J., Lu, Y., Shi, Y., Yao, T., Feng, R., … Qassadi, F. I. (2025). Spaceflight redefines ageing-associated microbiota. iMeta. https://doi.org/10.1002/imt2.70023

Qassadi, F., Kim, D.-H., Griffiths, R., Kao, D., Zhu, Z., & Monaghan, T. (2024). P102: Dissecting the metabolic impact of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in C. difficile and E. coli infections using 3D OrbiSIMS. Oral Presentations, Gut, 73(Suppl. 2), A111. https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2024-bsg.184

Qassadi, F., Monaghan, T., Kim, D.-H., Griffiths, R., & Zhu, Z. (2023). Antibacterial evaluation of natural oridonin and its chemically synthesised derivatives. Planta Medica, 89(11), 1003–1013. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1774023

Qassadi, F. I., Zhu, Z., & Monaghan, T. M. (2023). Plant-derived products with therapeutic potential against gastrointestinal bacteria. Pathogens, 12(2), 333. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12020333

Surendran, S., Qassadi, F., Surendran, G., Lilley, D., & Heinrich, M. (2021). Myrcene—What are the potential health benefits of this flavouring and aroma agent? Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, 699666. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666