Sadia Naz | Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sadia Naz | Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Assistant Professor (IPFP) at University of the Punjab, Pakistan

Dr. Sadia Naz is a distinguished researcher in the field of green chemistry, with a specific focus on ionic liquids and their applications in sustainable technologies. She has developed innovative chemical processes for biomass conversion and has significantly contributed to environmentally friendly chemical synthesis. Her academic journey and professional achievements reflect her deep commitment to scientific innovation, education, and societal impact. With an impressive record of high-impact publications, patents, and national-level awards, Dr. Naz stands out as a leading figure in the realm of sustainable chemistry in Pakistan. Her work is aligned with the global sustainability agenda, particularly in advancing biorefinery techniques and industrial applications of agricultural waste. Beyond research, she plays an active role in academia and mentoring, empowering young scientists, particularly women, through her involvement in teaching and training. She is also recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit, leading a start-up focused on industrial bio-solutions. Her contributions exemplify excellence in research and innovation.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Sadia Naz pursued her academic training in chemistry with distinction, obtaining her Ph.D. from the School of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore, where she conducted groundbreaking research on the synthesis and application of ionic liquids for biorefineries. Prior to this, she completed her MPhil in Chemistry at the same institution, focusing on lignocellulosic biomass processing using acidic ionic liquids, which laid the foundation for her doctoral work. She began her academic journey with a BS in Chemistry from Lahore College for Women University, where she also engaged in synthetic organic chemistry research. Each stage of her education reflects a consistent theme of research excellence, particularly in the domains of green chemistry, waste valorization, and sustainable processes. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Naz has demonstrated intellectual rigor and innovation, earning recognition and awards that highlight her potential as a scientific leader. Her strong academic background underpins her impactful career in research and innovation.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sadia Naz’s professional career spans research, teaching, and innovation. She is currently serving as a Research Associate at the Centre for Research in Ionic Liquids, University of the Punjab, where she contributes to several ongoing projects in sustainable chemistry. Additionally, she teaches postgraduate courses in chemistry and entrepreneurship as a Visiting Lecturer, bridging scientific research with commercial application. Previously, she worked as a Research Assistant on a prestigious HEC-funded NRPU project, and earlier served as a Lecturer in Chemistry at PSE College. She also demonstrated practical lab sessions for BS and MSc students during her early academic years. Dr. Naz was selected for the HEC IPFP Fellowship, reflecting national recognition of her academic excellence. Her professional experience is enriched by interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation-driven research, and active engagement in technology commercialization. Through her leadership in organizing conferences and presenting at national and international forums, she has also fostered a collaborative research culture.

Research Interests

Dr. Sadia Naz’s research revolves around the design and application of ionic liquids for sustainable chemical processes. She is especially passionate about converting agricultural waste into valuable platform chemicals using green chemistry methods. Her studies have led to cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional biomass processing techniques. She has explored the synthesis of biofuels and other fine chemicals through one-pot processes involving ionic liquids, significantly contributing to the field of biorefinery. Her interdisciplinary approach combines organic synthesis, catalysis, and environmental chemistry to address real-world industrial challenges. Additionally, she is exploring biocompatible materials for wastewater treatment and energy storage, reflecting her interest in solving both environmental and energy-related problems. Dr. Naz’s work is aligned with global sustainability goals and is motivated by the need to replace harmful industrial practices with greener alternatives. Her forward-thinking perspective makes her a valuable contributor to the future of sustainable science and technology.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Sadia Naz has received several prestigious awards and honors that recognize her scientific innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. Notably, she was awarded the Prime Minister’s National Innovation Award (PMNIA) in 2023 for her startup ChemSolTech, which focuses on converting local agricultural waste into industrial raw materials. This achievement includes substantial prize money and a follow-up incubation grant. She also received a Technology Award at the 9th Invention to Innovation Summit in 2024 and ranked among the top 5 in SDPI’s Sustainability Awards under the category of production innovation and decarbonization. Her innovative research has led to the successful grant of two patents in 2024, marking significant milestones in her career. She has authored a book with Elsevier and contributed to high-impact journals with a cumulative impact factor of over 100. Her consistent recognition in national platforms and conferences demonstrates her role as a leader in green chemistry and a role model for women in STEM.

Conclusion

Dr. Sadia Naz is a highly deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her blend of scientific rigor, technological innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and community engagement reflects an exemplary woman researcher in Pakistan’s scientific landscape. Her work is not only academically significant but also applied, scalable, and impactful—key attributes for recognition in research excellence awards.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Facile fabrication of high capacity citric acid cross-linked chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose-based hydrogel for fast kinetics removal of Cu(II)

  • Authors: Maida Akhlaq, Sadia Naz, Maliha Uroos

  • Journal: Adsorption

  • Year: 2024

  • Citations: 10

 

  • Title: Pharmaceutical applications of lidocaine-based ionic liquids – A remarkable innovation in drug delivery

  • Authors: Bushra Mir, Bakhtawar, Sadia Naz, Bisma Ali, Faiza Sharif

  • Journal: [Not specified]

  • Year: [Not specified]

  • Citations: 12

 

Ambar Shaikh | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ambar Shaikh | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

PhD at University of York, United Kingdom

Ambars Shaikh, born on April 24, 1997, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of York, UK, under the supervision of Prof. Caroline Dessent. His research focuses on “On-Line LED Photolysis as a method to study photodegradation,” employing various mass spectrometry techniques, such as Electrospray Ionization, Collision Induced Dissociation, and Orbitraps. Throughout his academic journey, Ambars has consistently demonstrated excellence in both theoretical and applied chemistry. His experience extends beyond research, as he actively participates in extracurricular activities, including leadership roles in the Graduate Student Association. Ambars is passionate about contributing to both scientific advancement and the community, balancing rigorous academic pursuits with volunteering efforts.

Professional Profile

Education

Ambars completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from K.J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, India, in 2018, where he was ranked among the top 10 students in his class. He then pursued a Master of Science in Chemistry, graduating in 2020 with a ranking among the top 5 students. His strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his current Ph.D. research. At the University of York, Ambars further developed his expertise in mass spectrometry and photochemistry, and his work is recognized for its innovative approach to studying photodegradation. Ambars’s academic performance, marked by high rankings and involvement in advanced research, reflects his dedication to the field of chemistry.

Professional Experience

Throughout his academic career, Ambars has gained extensive professional experience both in the UK and India. He has served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) at the University of York, where he assisted in academic support, tutoring, and facilitating laboratory sessions, honing his communication and leadership skills. Additionally, he has worked as an event manager for international student events, showcasing his organizational and leadership abilities. Ambars has also gained practical work experience as a kitchen porter and waitress, refining his multitasking and customer service skills in fast-paced environments. His diverse professional roles highlight his adaptability, work ethic, and ability to balance academic commitments with extracurricular activities.

Research Interest

Ambars Shaikh’s primary research interest lies in photochemistry and mass spectrometry, specifically in the area of photodegradation. His Ph.D. project focuses on developing novel methods for fragmenting biological molecules with light sources, utilizing cutting-edge techniques such as UV LEDs and various forms of mass spectrometry. This research aims to advance our understanding of the degradation processes of biological molecules under light exposure. His previous work, including a project at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), involved synthesizing and characterizing materials with potential applications in luminescence behavior. Ambars’s interdisciplinary approach merges traditional chemistry with modern spectroscopic techniques, positioning him to contribute significantly to the field of photochemistry and its applications.

Awards and Honors

Ambars Shaikh’s academic journey has been marked by several notable awards and recognitions. In addition to securing top rankings in his undergraduate and postgraduate courses, he received a certificate for his six-month internship at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in India. At BARC, he worked on significant projects involving the synthesis and characterization of luminescent materials, which further solidified his expertise in material science and spectroscopy. Ambars’s involvement in extracurricular activities, such as his role as a student trustee in the Graduate Student Association (GSA) at the University of York, has also earned him recognition for his leadership and commitment to the academic community. His academic excellence and contributions to the field have positioned him as a promising young researcher, with a bright future ahead.

Conclusion

Ambars Shaikh is a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his academic excellence, strong technical expertise, and leadership skills. His Ph.D. project in photodegradation using mass spectrometry is innovative, and his academic and extracurricular involvement reflects a well-rounded researcher. However, his candidacy could be further strengthened by demonstrating more tangible outputs from his research and providing clearer insights into the potential impact of his work.

Publications Top Noted

Title: Fragmentation and Isomerization Pathways of Natural and Synthetic Cannabinoids Studied via Higher Collisional Energy Dissociation Profiles
Author(s): Kgato P. Selwe, Ambar S. A. Shaikh, Kelechi O. Uleanya, Caroline E. H. Dessent
Year: 2025
Journal: Molecules
DOI: 10.3390/molecules30030717
Citation Count: This is the latest publication, so the citation count may be low, as the article was published on February 5, 2025.