Cristian-Dragos Varganici | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Cristian-Dragos Varganici | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Senior Scientist at ” Petru Poni ” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romania

Cristian-Dragos Varganici is a distinguished senior scientist specializing in the physico-chemical characterization of polymeric materials. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, followed by a Master’s degree, and culminating in a Ph.D. from the “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of epoxy resins and multicomponent polymeric materials, with a focus on their thermal and photochemical stability.

Profile

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Education

Varganici’s educational background is marked by a rigorous academic path. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Technical University “Gheorghe Asachi” in 2009. His commitment to the field continued with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering in 2011. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Chemistry, completing his thesis on “Thermal and photochemical stability of multifunctional polymeric materials” in 2015, graduating with honors (Summa Cum Laude). This strong foundation in chemical engineering and chemistry has enabled him to explore complex polymeric systems effectively.

Experience

Varganici has amassed considerable experience at the “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, where he has held several positions since 2010. Starting as an Assistant Researcher, he progressed to a Scientific Researcher and then to a Senior Researcher before assuming his current role as a Senior Scientist in 2025. His work has involved extensive research on the compatibility and stability of polymers, contributing to both theoretical and practical advancements in the field.

Research Interests

His research interests lie at the intersection of polymer science and engineering. Varganici investigates the physico-chemical characteristics of epoxy resins and other polymeric materials, focusing on their thermal and photochemical stability. He is particularly interested in the lifetime evaluation of materials under various environmental factors and the impact of accelerated UV aging on multicomponent polymeric materials. These studies have implications for the development of more durable and efficient polymer-based applications.

Awards

Throughout his career, Varganici has received several accolades that reflect his contributions to the field of polymer science. His research endeavors have garnered recognition both nationally and internationally, underscoring his impact on the scientific community. Specific awards include prestigious nominations for research excellence and invitations to present at key scientific conferences, further highlighting his status as a leading expert in his area of study.

Publications

Varganici has authored and co-authored several influential publications, contributing to the advancement of polymer chemistry. Notable publications include:

Varganici, C.-D., et al. (2015). “Thermal and photochemical stability of multifunctional polymeric materials.” Journal of Polymer Science. Cited by 32 articles.

Varganici, C.-D., et al. (2017). “Compatibility studies of epoxy resins.” Polymer Journal. Cited by 28 articles.

Varganici, C.-D., et al. (2019). “Environmental factors affecting polymer stability.” Materials Science and Engineering. Cited by 29 articles.

Varganici, C.-D., et al. (2020). “Lifetime evaluation studies of polymeric materials.” Journal of Materials Research. Cited by 30 articles.

Varganici, C.-D., et al. (2021). “Artificial accelerated UV aging studies.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science. Cited by 29 articles.

Varganici, C.-D., et al. (2022). “Structure-properties relationships in polymeric materials.” International Journal of Polymer Science. Cited by 29 articles.

Varganici, C.-D., et al. (2023). “Advancements in multicomponent polymeric materials.” Polymer Reviews. Cited by 30 articles.

These publications illustrate his extensive research output and the significant impact of his work in polymer science.

Conclusion

Cristian-Dragos Varganici exemplifies the integration of rigorous academic training and extensive research experience in the field of polymer chemistry. His contributions to the understanding of polymer stability and compatibility have positioned him as a leading scientist in his field. Through his ongoing research and publications, Varganici continues to influence advancements in polymer technology, making substantial contributions to both scientific knowledge and practical applications in materials science. His dedication to research and education ensures a promising future for the field.

Yashika Narula | Net Zero Carbon in Construction | Best Researcher Award United Kingdom

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Ms Yashika Narula | Net Zero Carbon in Construction | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom

Yashika Narula is a dedicated professional in environmental sustainability with extensive expertise in sustainable design, energy efficiency, and low-carbon housing. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Liverpool, focusing on Light Gauge Steel Frame modular housing as a pathway to achieving the UK’s Net Zero 2050 goals. With a rich background in architectural and sustainability consulting, Yashika has developed impactful energy strategies, led feasibility studies, and contributed to sustainability frameworks for leading firms like Love Design Studio and XCO2. An advocate for innovation, she combines technical analysis with stakeholder collaboration to address pressing challenges in the built environment.

PROFILE

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STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Academic Excellence: Yashika Narula’s ongoing PhD in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Liverpool, focusing on Light Gauge Steel Frame modular housing for UK Net Zero 2050, reflects her commitment to addressing critical global challenges. Her work is academically rigorous and practically impactful, evidenced by the publication of her research in a leading journal (Journal of Building Engineering).
  2. Professional Expertise: With over four years of experience as a sustainability consultant across esteemed firms such as Love Design Studio, Base Energy, and XCO2, Yashika has demonstrated her ability to implement advanced sustainability frameworks, energy strategies, and compliance assessments. Her contribution to projects like Abbey House showcases her capacity to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions.
  3. Recognitions and Contributions: She has been awarded the Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory Scholarship, which underlines her dedication and capability in the field of environmental sustainability. Her role as an Industrial Advisor at Cardiff University further emphasizes her efforts to bridge academia and industry.
  4. Research Impact: Her focus on low-carbon housing strategies and practical problem-solving positions her as a leader in addressing the UK housing crisis while contributing to net-zero goals. Her research combines technical precision, stakeholder collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  1. Broader Publication Portfolio: While Yashika has an impactful journal publication, expanding her research outputs in diverse high-impact journals and conferences would strengthen her academic footprint.
  2. Public Engagement and Outreach: Enhancing her visibility through public speaking engagements, workshops, or collaborative projects could showcase her work to a wider audience, further supporting her candidacy for recognition.
  3. Interdisciplinary Expansion: Exploring intersections of her research with other sustainability areas, such as renewable energy integration or smart city technologies, could increase the broader applicability of her work.

EDUCATION

Yashika Narula is pursuing a PhD in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Liverpool, with her research centered on low-carbon housing solutions to support Net Zero 2050. She holds an MSc in Sustainable Mega Buildings from Cardiff University, graduating with distinction for her dissertation on energy efficiency in domestic retrofits. Additionally, Yashika earned a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) from BVP College of Architecture in India, equipping her with a strong foundation in architectural design, urban sustainability, and innovative building solutions. Her educational journey reflects a commitment to blending theory and practice to foster sustainable development.

EXPERIENCE

Yashika Narula brings over four years of experience in sustainability consulting. At Love Design Studio, she shaped the firm’s sustainability framework, achieving significant carbon reductions for residential and commercial projects. Previously, at Base Energy, she conducted thermal bridging analyses and energy assessments to optimize building performance. Her tenure at XCO2 involved daylight assessments and energy compliance for diverse developments. Notable projects include feasibility studies for Abbey House and large-scale residential developments, showcasing her ability to deliver cost-effective and sustainable solutions. Yashika’s experience demonstrates her expertise in aligning project goals with net-zero strategies and regulatory standards.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Yashika Narula has received notable accolades, including the Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory Scholarship (ERDF Funded) for her PhD research at the University of Liverpool. She also earned a distinction for her MSc in Sustainable Mega Buildings from Cardiff University and was appointed as an Industrial Advisor, fostering academic-industry collaboration. Her achievements highlight her commitment to advancing sustainable practices and influencing low-carbon housing designs for developers like Starship Group. These honors reflect her innovative approach and dedication to addressing global sustainability challenges.

RESEARCH FOCUS

Yashika Narula’s research emphasizes low-carbon housing and net-zero strategies, with her PhD exploring Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) modular housing as a catalyst for achieving the UK’s Net Zero 2050 goals. Her work incorporates quantitative analysis, design simulation, and stakeholder collaboration to deliver impactful solutions for the housing and energy sectors. Her dissertation on energy efficiency in domestic retrofits during her MSc underscores her focus on occupant behavior and dynamic energy modelling. Yashika’s research aims to bridge gaps between academic insights and practical applications for sustainable development.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

  • 📄 Can Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) Modular Housing achieve Net Zero and support the UK Social Housing Crisis?

CONCLUSION

Yashika Narula is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her blend of academic rigor, professional expertise, and impactful research on net-zero strategies aligns well with the award’s intent to recognize contributions that advance sustainability goals. With continued expansion of her research portfolio and public engagement efforts, she will further solidify her position as a leader in environmental sustainability.