Deependra Parajuli | Physics and Astronomy | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Deependra Parajuli | Physics and Astronomy | Outstanding Scientist Award

Professor at Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Dr. Deependra Parajuli is a distinguished physicist and researcher, currently serving as Professor and Senior Researcher at the Research Center for Applied Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. With a Ph.D. focused on topological insulators and MXene materials, his work spans advanced materials, plasma physics, and nanotechnology. He has over 1800 citations, an h-index of 26, and 60+ indexed publications, reflecting his strong academic impact. Dr. Parajuli has received several prestigious national and international awards, including the IFSM Youth Award, Technology Award (NAST), and Nepal Bidhya Bhushan. He plays an active leadership role in scientific societies, Olympiads, and international collaborations, and serves on editorial boards of reputed journals. His contributions to science education, research methodology, and innovation have significantly advanced Nepal’s scientific landscape. With a balance of research excellence, academic mentorship, and science advocacy, Dr. Parajuli exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding scientist committed to national and global progress.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education 

Dr. Deependra Parajuli began his formal education in Syangja, Nepal, completing secondary school with a focus on science. He pursued intermediate and bachelor-level studies in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Statistics at Prithvi Narayan Multiple Campus under Tribhuvan University in Pokhara. He completed his Master’s degree in Physics at the Central Department of Physics, Tribhuvan University, specializing in Solid State and Plasma Physics. His M.Sc. dissertation involved the study of high-frequency power absorption in plasma. For his doctoral studies, he attended the Department of Physics at Andhra University in India, where he focused on advanced materials—particularly ordered double T-layered MXenes and their topological insulating behavior. His Ph.D. thesis, combining both computational and experimental approaches, has contributed to the growing field of quantum materials and condensed matter physics. This comprehensive academic journey laid a strong foundation for Dr. Parajuli’s multifaceted research and teaching career in applied physics and materials science.

Experience

Dr. Deependra Parajuli’s professional career spans over two decades in teaching, research, and academic leadership. He began as a part-time lecturer in physics and progressed to Assistant Lecturer, eventually becoming a full-time Professor and Senior Researcher at Tribhuvan University. His responsibilities include delivering undergraduate and graduate-level physics courses, supervising laboratory experiments, and mentoring students in research. In addition to teaching, he has led numerous research projects related to plasma, smart materials, nanoferrites, and MXenes. Dr. Parajuli has also served in several scientific organizations, including the Nepal Physical Society and IEEE Nepal Chapter, where he held leadership roles such as General Secretary and Vice-President. He has been actively involved in organizing and chairing international conferences, Olympiads, and academic workshops. His hands-on experience in advanced computational tools, experimental setups, and science education initiatives has positioned him as a key figure in developing Nepal’s scientific capacity and regional research collaborations.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Deependra Parajuli has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his academic excellence and research contributions. These include the Nepal Bidhya Bhushan “Ka” and the Science and Technology Promotion Award from the Government of Nepal. He also earned the IFSM Youth Award 2020 during the 12th APMC, and the Technology Award 2081 from NAST. His international recognition includes the Silver Jubilee Scholarship from the Indian Government for Ph.D. studies and the Excellence Award in Professionalism and Research from IEEE in 2023. In 2025, he received the Innovative Research Award from Science Father Group. Throughout his academic life, Dr. Parajuli benefitted from scholarships and grants at various levels. He was also awarded certificates of reverence by Amity University and travel grants from multiple national science agencies. These accolades reflect his consistent commitment to scientific innovation, education, and global collaboration, cementing his reputation as one of Nepal’s foremost scientists in the field of physics.

Research Focus 

Dr. Deependra Parajuli’s research focuses on applied physics, especially advanced materials, nanotechnology, and quantum materials. His Ph.D. work on MXenes as topological insulators combines both computational and experimental methods, contributing to cutting-edge developments in condensed matter physics. He has conducted research on smart materials like Nitinol, nanoferrites for spintronics, plasma physics, and material characterization techniques. His work often bridges theory and application, with a special emphasis on materials useful for electronics, energy storage, and sensor technologies. Dr. Parajuli has led and collaborated on multiple funded projects including from the National Research Foundation of Korea and Nepalese institutions such as UGC and NAST. He is proficient in high-level tools like VASP, WEIN2k, and MATLAB, and has supervised various innovations like Tokamak models and mobile-controlled robotic systems. Through interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches, his research aims to solve real-world problems while advancing fundamental scientific understanding.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Advancements in MXene-polymer nanocomposites in energy storage and biomedical applications
    Authors: D Parajuli, N Murali, D KC, K Samatha, AA Kim, M Park, B Pant
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 73

  • Title: Magnetic and DC Electrical Properties of Cu Doped Co–Zn Nanoferrites
    Authors: P Himakar, D Parajuli, N Murali, V Veeraiah, K Samatha, TW Mammo, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 62

  • Title: Cadmium substitution effect on structural, electrical and magnetic properties of Ni-Zn nano ferrites
    Authors: D Parajuli, PA Rao, V Raghavendra, B Suryanarayana, T Paulos, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 60

  • Title: Effect of Cr3+ substitution on dc electrical resistivity and magnetic properties of Cu0.7Co0.3Fe2−xCrxO4 ferrite nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel auto combustion method
    Authors: K Chandramouli, B Suryanarayana, PP Varma, V Raghavendra, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 50

  • Title: Correction to: Microstructural, thermal, electrical and magnetic analysis of Mg2+ substituted Cobalt ferrite
    Authors: S Jesus Mercy, D Parajuli, N Murali, A Ramakrishna, Y Ramakrishna, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 49

  • Title: Surface plasmon resonance biosensor sensitivity improvement employing of 2D materials and BaTiO3 with bimetallic layers of silver
    Authors: A Uniyal, A Pal, G Srivastava, MM Rana, SA Taya, A Sharma, BR Altahan, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 46

  • Title: Correlation between the structural, magnetic, and dc resistivity properties of Co0.5M0.5−xCuxFe2O4 (M= Mg, and Zn) nano ferrites
    Authors: D Parajuli, P Taddesse, N Murali, K Samatha
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 46

  • Title: Structural, dc electrical resistivity and magnetic investigation of Mg, Ni, and Zn substituted Co-Cu nano spinel ferrites
    Authors: D Parajuli, N Murali, AV Rao, A Ramakrishna, K Samatha
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 45

  • Title: Influence of Cr3+ substituted NiZnCo nano-ferrites: structural, magnetic and DC electrical resistivity properties
    Authors: GV Priya, N Murali, MK Raju, B Krishan, D Parajuli, P Choppara, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 45

  • Title: Effect of Cu substitution on the structural, magnetic, and dc electrical resistivity response of Co0.5Mg0.5−xCuxFe2O4 nanoferrites
    Authors: P Himakar, D Parajuli, K Jayadev, N Murali, P Taddesse, SY Mulushoa, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 45

  • Title: Synthesis and characterization MXene-Ferrite nanocomposites and its application for dying and shielding
    Authors: D Parajuli, S Uppugalla, N Murali, A Ramakrishna, B Suryanarayana, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 40

  • Title: Influence of Nd3+ substituted Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 ferrite on structural, morphological, dc electrical resistivity and magnetic properties
    Authors: SR Kumar, GV Priya, B Aruna, MK Raju, D Parajuli, N Murali, R Verma, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 40

  • Title: Influence of Mg

  • 2+ and Ce3+ substituted on synthesis, structural, morphological, electrical, and magnetic properties of Cobalt nano ferrites
    Authors: KLV Nagasree, B Suryanarayana, V Raghavendra, S Uppugalla, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 39

  • Title: A computational study of carrier lifetime, doping concentration, and thickness of window layer for GaAs solar cell based on Al2O3 antireflection layer
    Authors: DK Shah, KC Devendra, D Parajuli, MS Akhtar, CY Kim, OB Yang
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 39

  • Title: Cu2+ substituted Mg-Co ferrite has improved dc electrical resistivity and magnetic properties
    Authors: RV Bharathi, MK Raju, S Uppugalla, V Raghavendra, D Parajuli, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 36

Conclusion

Dr. Deependra Parajuli exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher and scientific contributor through his pioneering work, academic excellence, and active leadership in the global scientific community. His extensive research achievements, international recognition, and unwavering commitment to advancing materials science make him a highly deserving candidate for this award.

Effiom Antia | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Effiom Antia | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor, University of Calabar, Nigeria

🌊 Professor Effiom Edem Antia is a distinguished scholar in oceanography and marine geology, known for his pioneering contributions to coastal and marine environmental studies. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, the African Academy of Science, and serves as the Vice President for Africa of the International Society of Environmental Geotechnology. With over 35 years of experience in coastal studies, Professor Antia has significantly advanced our understanding of coastal and oceanic processes, both within Nigeria and internationally. He currently heads the Department of Physical Oceanography at the University of Calabar, Nigeria.

Publication Profile

Google scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Experience and Expertise: Prof. Antia has over 35 years of experience in coastal studies, spanning various regions, including the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. His expertise in geological and physical oceanography is well-established, as evidenced by his appointment as the first Professor of Oceanography in the Nigerian University System.
  2. Global Recognition: He is a Fellow of prestigious scientific organizations, such as the Nigerian Academy of Science, the African Academy of Science, and Vice President for Africa of the International Society of Environmental Geotechnology. His recognition extends globally through numerous scholarly fellowships and international engagements.
  3. Significant Contributions to Research: Prof. Antia’s research has made substantial contributions to global understanding of coastal ocean mechanisms. His work on Nigeria’s inner shelf hydrodynamics and his model’s application to the 1998 Idoho oil spill have reshaped contingency planning for oil spills in Nigeria. His studies on coastal dynamics, sea-level rise, and pollutant management are central to effective coastal zone management.
  4. Leadership and Advocacy: As the head of the National Centre for Marine Geosciences, he brought the center to continental prominence with benchmark reports on Africa’s coastal issues and innovative geochemical mapping. His efforts in advocating integrated marine sciences education and developing coastal management curricula demonstrate his dedication to education and capacity building in Nigeria.
  5. Research Versatility: With over 200 oral and technical presentations, Prof. Antia showcases his versatility in various research areas, including sedimentology, geochemistry, and hydrogeology.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Focused Research Output in High-Impact Journals: While Prof. Antia has a substantial number of oral and technical presentations, emphasizing publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals could further solidify his research influence and citation metrics.
  • Broader International Collaborations: Expanding collaborations beyond Africa could increase the global impact and visibility of his work, bringing in diverse perspectives and strengthening international partnerships.

 

Education

🎓 Professor Antia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology (1981) from the University of Calabar, Nigeria, and a Dr.rer.nat. in Marine Geology (1992) from the University of Bremen, Germany. He has further enriched his knowledge through professional certifications in Coastal and Shelf Sediment Dynamics, Ocean Circulation, and Coastal Zone Management from institutions in France, Italy, and Belgium, respectively.

Experience

🏆 With a profound academic and professional journey, Professor Antia has held notable positions such as the pioneer Physical Environmental Scientist of the Niger Delta Environmental Survey at Shell Petroleum and the first Professor of Oceanography in the Nigerian University System. He has also served as the pioneer Director of the National Centre for Marine Geosciences, elevating the institution to continental prominence with his leadership and expertise.

Research Focus

🔬 Professor Antia’s research spans a wide range of marine and coastal topics, including hydrodynamics, morphodynamics, sedimentology, geochemistry, and hydrogeology. His groundbreaking work on Nigeria’s inner shelf hydrodynamics has redefined oil spill contingency planning, and his studies on coastal groundwater dynamics, sea-level rise, and pollutant dispersal have informed coastal management practices in Nigeria and beyond.

Awards and Honours

🏅 Professor Antia has received numerous accolades for his contributions to marine science, including his nomination as a pioneer member and Technical Coordinator of the International Council for Science’s Consortium on Hazards and Disaster in Africa. He is recognized for his impactful professional reports on Africa’s coastal issues and for producing the first multi-parameter geochemical maps of Nigerian lagoons, estuaries, and mangrove swamps.

Publication Top Notes

Antia, E. E. (2012). “Coastal Groundwater Dynamics: A Geochemical Perspective.” Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. Cited by 25 articles.

Antia, E. E. (2015). “Morphosedimentary Processes in the North Sea Inner Shelf.” Continental Shelf Research. Cited by 18 articles.

Antia, E. E. (2018). “Hydrodynamic Domains of Nigeria’s Inner Shelf.” Journal of Coastal Research. Cited by 30 articles.

Conclusion:

Prof. Effiom Edem Antia is a highly suitable candidate for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” due to his extensive experience, global recognition, significant contributions to coastal and marine science, and leadership in both research and education. While there is room for further strengthening his international collaborations and publishing in high-impact journals, his outstanding achievements and contributions to understanding complex coastal dynamics and his role in education and policy development make him a compelling nominee for this prestigious award.