Luca Montaina | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luca Montaina | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Post-Doc at CNR-IMM, Italy

Dr. Luca Montaina is a materials scientist with a PhD in Chemical Sciences, specializing in additive manufacturing and advanced composite materials. His research focuses on the development of conductive and biodegradable polymer composites for applications in flexible electronics and sensing technologies. Currently a research fellow at the National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, he has contributed to multiple interdisciplinary projects involving 3D printing, machine learning, and sustainable materials. Dr. Montaina has published extensively in high-impact journals, showcasing innovative work on electroconductive hydrogels, biodegradable substrates, and smart sensing platforms. He has presented his research at leading national and international conferences and served as a grant reviewer for Poland’s National Science Center. With a strong academic background and a growing international presence, Dr. Montaina demonstrates exceptional promise as a researcher at the intersection of materials science, bioelectronics, and sustainability, making him a valuable contributor to the advancement of next-generation technologies.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Luca Montaina holds a solid academic background in materials science and chemical sciences. He earned his PhD in Chemical Sciences from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (2020–2024), with a thesis focused on the development of conductive composite materials through vat photopolymerization 3D printing for advanced flexible electronics. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Technology from the same university in 2020, graduating with top honors (110/110 cum laude) for his thesis on bio-ink development for scaffold fabrication via 3D printing. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science in 2016, with a thesis on hydrogen absorption measurement systems. To broaden his technical skills, he completed several online certifications in additive manufacturing, machine learning, and circuit design. His education blends chemistry, physics, and engineering, forming a strong interdisciplinary foundation for his research in advanced and sustainable materials.

Professional Experience

Dr. Montaina’s professional experience centers on advanced materials research with a focus on additive manufacturing and flexible electronics. He is currently a research fellow at the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM) of the National Research Council (CNR) of Italy. His most recent work (2025–present) involves the use of additive manufacturing techniques to fabricate biodegradable substrates and active layers for sensing applications. In his prior fellowship at CNR-IMM (2024–2025), he worked on interdisciplinary projects involving 3D printing, machine learning, and biodegradable microelectronics. During his PhD (2020–2024), he collaborated closely with researchers from multiple scientific domains and also contributed to academic life by tutoring undergraduate students in General Chemistry. In each of these roles, Dr. Montaina has demonstrated hands-on expertise in photopolymerization, composite fabrication, and material characterization, positioning himself as a promising contributor to advanced materials research at both national and international levels.

Research Interest

Dr. Luca Montaina’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science, additive manufacturing, and bioelectronics. His primary focus is on developing innovative polymer composites that are flexible, conductive, and biodegradable—materials that are well-suited for use in next-generation sensing platforms, wearable devices, and biomedical engineering. He is particularly interested in leveraging vat photopolymerization and stereolithographic 3D printing to engineer materials with tailored mechanical and electrical properties. His work also explores the integration of machine learning techniques for spectroscopic sensing and smart diagnostics. Additionally, Dr. Montaina has investigated green and sustainable materials for applications such as dental aligners and cardiac tissue scaffolds. His research has practical relevance in areas such as healthcare, environmental monitoring, and soft electronics. With a strong drive toward sustainable innovation and multidisciplinary approaches, Dr. Montaina is pushing the boundaries of how smart materials can be designed, fabricated, and applied in real-world technologies.

Award and Honor

Although still in the early stages of his research career, Dr. Luca Montaina has already gained recognition through multiple notable achievements. His academic excellence is evident from his graduation with honors in both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He has actively participated in prestigious international conferences, delivering oral presentations at events such as FISMAT 2025 and the AIV XXVI Conference, and receiving acceptance for numerous poster contributions. A significant distinction includes his selection as a reviewer for Stage 2 grant evaluations for Poland’s National Science Center (NCN), a role that reflects the scientific community’s trust in his expertise. Additionally, he has contributed as a tutor for undergraduate chemistry courses, highlighting his dedication to academic mentorship. These early recognitions, combined with his robust publication record and growing international presence, signify Dr. Montaina’s potential to become a leading voice in the field of advanced functional materials and sustainable technologies.

Conclusion

Dr. Luca Montaina represents a dynamic and impactful early-career researcher in the field of materials science, with particular expertise in additive manufacturing and flexible, biodegradable electronic materials. His academic foundation is distinguished by top-tier performance and interdisciplinary training, while his professional experience at the National Research Council of Italy underscores his ability to contribute meaningfully to collaborative, high-impact projects. With research spanning smart sensing platforms, sustainable composites, and machine-learning-integrated diagnostics, he demonstrates both technical excellence and visionary thinking. His impressive list of publications, conference engagements, and grant reviewing activities reflect a researcher committed not only to scientific advancement but also to community and knowledge dissemination. As he continues to develop his independent research identity, Dr. Montaina stands out as a promising candidate for prestigious research honors and awards. His trajectory points toward meaningful contributions to both scientific innovation and societal advancement through technology and sustainability.

Publications Top Notes

1. Toward a User‑Accessible Spectroscopic Sensing Platform for Beverage Recognition Through K‑Nearest Neighbors Algorithm

  • Authors: Luca Montaina; Elena Palmieri; Ivano Lucarini; Luca Maiolo; Francesco Maita

  • Year: 2025

2. Enhanced Response of ZnO Nanorod‑Based Flexible MEAs for Recording Ischemia‑Induced Neural Activity in Acute Brain Slices

  • Authors: José Ignacio Del Rio De Vicente; Valeria Marchetti; Ivano Lucarini; Elena Palmieri; Davide Polese; Luca Montaina; Francesco Maita; Jan Kriska; Jana Tureckova; Miroslava Anderova; Luca Maiolo

  • Year: 2025

3. Towards Green Dentistry: Evaluating the Potential of 4D Printing for Sustainable Orthodontic Aligners with a Reduced Carbon Footprint

  • Authors: Elena Palmieri; Luca Montaina; Denise Bellisario; Ivano Lucarini; Francesco Maita; Martina Ielmini; Maria Elena Cataldi; Loredana Cerroni; Roberta Condò; Luca Maiolo

  • Year: 2024

4. Electrically Conductive Scaffolds Mimicking the Hierarchical Structure of Cardiac Myofibers

  • Authors: A. Ul Haq; L. Montaina; F. Pescosolido; F. Carotenuto; F. Trovalusci; F. De Matteis; E. Tamburri; P. Di Nardo

  • Year: 2023

5. Engineered Surface for High Performance Electrodes on Paper

  • Authors: Elena Palmieri; Luca Montaina; Giuseppina Polino; Matteo Bonomo; Gioele Giordanengo; Claudia Barolo; Gaio Paradossi; Francesca Brunetti; Emanuela Tamburri; Silvia Orlanducci

  • Year: 2023

6. A Sustainable Hydroxypropyl Cellulose‑Nanodiamond Composite for Flexible Electronic Applications

  • Authors: E. Palmieri; F. Pescosolido; L. Montaina; R. Carcione; G. Petrella; D.O. Cicero; E. Tamburri; S. Battistoni; S. Orlanducci

  • Year: 2022

7. Three‑Dimensional‑Printed PEGDA‑Polyaniline Composites by In Situ Aniline Photopolymerization: An Innovative Biomaterial for Electrocardiogram Monitoring Systems

  • Authors: L. Montaina; R. Carcione; F. Pescosolido; M. Montalto; S. Battistoni; E. Tamburri

  • Year: 2022

8. PANI‑Modified Ti‑Doped CVD Diamond As Promising Conductive Platform to Mimic Bioelectricity Functions

  • Authors: S. Politi; S. Battistoni; R. Carcione; L. Montaina; S. Macis; S. Lupi; E. Tamburri

  • Year: 2021

9. Beyond the Concepts of Nanocomposite and 3D Printing: PVA and Nanodiamonds for Layer‑by‑Layer Additive Manufacturing

  • Authors: M. Angjellari; E. Tamburri; L. Montaina; M. Natali; D. Passeri; M. Rossi; M.L. Terranova

  • Year: 2017

Jelena Jeftic | Chemistry | Excellence in Research Award

Prof Dr. Jelena Jeftic | Chemistry | Excellence in Research Award 

ENSCR, UMR CNRS 6226, France

Prof. Dr. Jelena Jeftić is a distinguished scientist and educator, currently serving as a Full Professor at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, University of Rennes, France. With a career spanning over two decades, she has made significant contributions in the fields of physical chemistry, crystallography, and molecular systems. Her expertise lies in the study of lipid and surfactant chemistry, and her research has earned her international recognition. 🌟🔬

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Mrs. Jelena Jeftić has a well-rounded and impressive profile that aligns strongly with the Research for Excellence in Research Award. Some of her key strengths include:

  1. Diverse Research Fields: Her work spans several cutting-edge research areas, including organized molecular systems, physical chemistry of lipids and surfactants, spin-crossover and phase transitions in molecular crystals, and the rheology of natural substances. This diversity shows her ability to contribute across multiple scientific disciplines, enhancing the quality of her research.
  2. Solid Educational Background: Mrs. Jeftić’s academic journey—from B.Sc. and M.Sc. at the University of Zagreb to a Ph.D. at the University of Berne, followed by her progression from Assistant to Full Professor at the University of Rennes—demonstrates a strong academic foundation and career trajectory in chemistry and molecular systems.
  3. Significant Recent Publications: Her recent academic contributions, such as spin cross-over and ferroelasticity and membrane-mimetic bolaamphiphile assemblies, showcase her engagement with high-impact research that resonates with current scientific trends. These publications highlight her expertise in both fundamental and applied sciences.
  4. Experience in Analytical Chemistry: Her hands-on experience with analytical chemistry and spectroscopy techniques (such as Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy) strengthens her ability to contribute significantly to her field.
  5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: She has worked with numerous collaborators, both domestically and internationally, indicating her ability to lead and be part of global scientific networks.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Impact and Recognition: While Mrs. Jeftić has a rich publication history, a greater emphasis on impactful research that addresses large-scale or pressing societal challenges might enhance her candidacy. Integrating her research into more applied fields such as environmental sustainability, biotechnology, or renewable materials could also increase her visibility in broader academic and industrial contexts.
  2. Grant and Award Recognition: There is no mention of major international grants or awards. Adding some high-impact funding sources, prestigious fellowships, or recognition for her research contributions could further bolster her candidacy for this award.
  3. Recent Publications Focus: While her work in 2024 and 2023 is current, many of the publications listed from 2016 may give the impression of slower output in recent years. Continuing to publish at a high rate in leading journals would improve her profile for the award.

 

Education:

Prof. Jeftić’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from the University of Zagreb, Croatia (1985-1991), followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Berne, Switzerland (1993-1997). 📚🏅 Her specialized education in crystallography, thermodynamics, rheology, and spectroscopy laid the foundation for her future work in molecular systems and analytical chemistry. 📖✨

Experience:

Prof. Jeftić started her academic career as an Assistant Professor at the University of Rennes (1997-1999) and was promoted to Full Professor at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes in 2000. 🌍👩‍🏫 She has been instrumental in teaching and guiding students in advanced physical chemistry topics, such as infrared and Raman spectroscopy and the rheology of natural substances. 🧑‍🔬

Research Focus:

Her research interests center around organized molecular systems, the physical chemistry of lipids and surfactants, spin-crossover phenomena, and phase transitions in molecular crystals. 🌐🧪 She is also an expert in the rheological properties of natural substances, contributing to various interdisciplinary scientific advancements. 🔍🔬

Awards and Honors:

Prof. Jeftić has been recognized for her groundbreaking work in molecular systems and spectroscopy, though specific awards are not listed. Her academic achievements continue to shape the landscape of physical chemistry research. 🏆🔖

Publication Top Notes:

“Spectroscopic determination of Deborah numbers in membrane-mimetic bolaamphiphile assemblies”Spectroscopy Letters (2024), cited by 5 articles DOI: 10.1080/00387010.2024.2404589

“Coupled spin cross-over and ferroelasticity: revisiting the prototype Fe(ptz)62 material”Advances in Physics X (2023), cited by 10 articles

“Synthesis, Physical Properties and Application of a Series of New Polyoxometalate-Based Ionic Liquids”Molecules (2021), cited by 12 articles

“Structural and rheological properties of kappa-carrageenans covalently modified with cationic moieties”Journal of Polymer Research (2016), cited by 20 articles

“Extracted and depolymerized alginates from brown algae Sargassum vulgare of Lebanese origin”Journal of Applied Phycology (2016), cited by 15 articles

Conclusion:

Mrs. Jelena Jeftić is a strong candidate for the Research for Excellence in Research Award due to her interdisciplinary research, extensive publication history, and deep expertise in molecular systems and physical chemistry. To further strengthen her case, focusing on large-scale, high-impact research and achieving broader recognition through grants and awards could propel her to the next level of excellence. Overall, she possesses a solid foundation to be considered for the award, with room to enhance the global impact and visibility of her research.