Iulia Antohe | Solar Cells | Best Researcher Award 

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Dr. Iulia Antohe | Solar Cells | Best Researcher Award 

National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics | Romania

Dr. Iulia Antohe is a Scientific Researcher (CS II) at the Laser Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Romania. She specializes in fiber optic–surface plasmon resonance (FO-SPR) sensors for healthcare and environmental applications, nanomaterials biofunctionalization, and conductometric gas sensors. With a Ph.D. in Bioscience Engineering from KU Leuven, Belgium, her expertise spans materials synthesis, thin films, and advanced characterization techniques. She has extensive international research experience, including at ICN2 and UAB Barcelona, and has contributed to multiple national and international projects. Dr. Antohe is also active in mentoring students, scientific dissemination, and conference organization.

Author Profiles

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Iulia Antohe began her academic journey in Physics at the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics, specializing in Medical Physics, where she obtained her B.Sc. degree in 2009. Her diploma thesis focused on the preparation and characterization of hybrid photovoltaic structures based on nanostructured ZnO/CuPc, laying an early foundation in solar cells/plasmonics research. She continued her studies with an M.Sc. in Advanced Materials and Nanostructures for Electronics and Optoelectronics (2011), where her dissertation was dedicated to the fabrication and characterization of ZnO thin films for photovoltaic applications. This trajectory culminated in a Ph.D. in Bioscience Engineering from KU Leuven, Belgium (2016), with her doctoral thesis on “Fiber optic surface modifications for improved plasmonic biosensing.”

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Antohe has developed a strong professional career, starting as a research assistant at the University of Bucharest and the National Institute of Material Physics (2009–2011), where she focused on photovoltaic cells based on organic thin films and hybrid structures. She later became a Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher at KU Leuven (2011–2016), where she specialized in biosensors and advanced solar cells/plasmonics platforms. Since 2016, she has worked at the National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics in Romania, advancing from Scientific Researcher to Scientific Researcher 2nd Degree. Her work has consistently revolved around FO-SPR sensors, biofunctionalization of nanomaterials, conductometric gas sensors, and thin-film deposition techniques.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Antohe’s research has significantly contributed to the advancement of biosensing and nanotechnology, with a strong emphasis on solar cells/plasmonics. She has worked extensively on FO-SPR (fiber optic–surface plasmon resonance) sensors for healthcare and environmental monitoring, the synthesis and functionalization of gold and magnetic nanoparticles, and the integration of advanced thin-film deposition techniques such as magnetron sputtering and pulsed laser deposition. Her contributions to the development of bioassays for allergens and pathogens detection, as well as innovations in photovoltaic and plasmonic platforms, highlight her interdisciplinary expertise bridging materials science, nanotechnology, and applied physics.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Antohe’s influence extends through her active role in international collaborations, workshops, and summer schools, where she has participated as a researcher, mentor, and organizer. Her research in solar cells/plasmonics has had a notable impact in both academic and applied contexts, particularly in the development of biosensors that bridge healthcare, environmental science, and renewable energy. By contributing to projects funded at both national and international levels, and by publishing in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, she has established herself as a recognized scientist in the fields of nanomaterials and photonics.

Academic Cites

Her publications, covering topics such as FO-SPR platforms, nanomaterial biofunctionalization, and photovoltaic thin films, have been widely cited in scientific literature. This reflects the relevance of her work in driving forward research on hybrid materials, sensor development, and solar cells/plasmonics. Her research outputs continue to serve as reference points for advancements in biosensing and nanotechnology, ensuring a strong citation record across multiple disciplines.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Iulia Antohe’s legacy lies in her interdisciplinary contributions, combining physics, materials science, and biosensing. Moving forward, her future research will likely continue to enhance the efficiency of biosensing platforms, while exploring new opportunities in energy applications and advanced nanomaterials. Her dedication to mentoring students and fostering innovation ensures the continuity of her impact on the next generation of scientists. Her role as a bridge between advanced materials for energy applications and biomedical sensing underlines her long-term contribution to science and society.

Notable Publications

Title: Smart design of fiber optic surfaces for improved plasmonic biosensing

Authors: I. Arghir, F. Delport, D. Spasic, J. Lammertyn
Journal: New Biotechnology
Year: 2015
Citations: 90

Title: Improved surface plasmon resonance biosensing using silanized optical fibers

Authors: I. Arghir, D. Spasic, B.E. Verlinden, F. Delport, J. Lammertyn
Journal: Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Year: 2015
Citations: 63

Title: A polyaniline/platinum coated fiber optic surface plasmon resonance sensor for picomolar detection of 4-nitrophenol

Authors: I. Antohe, I. Iordache, V.A. Antohe, G. Socol
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2021
Citations: 42

Title: Nanoscale patterning of gold-coated optical fibers for improved plasmonic sensing

Authors: I. Antohe, D. Spasic, F. Delport, J. Li, J. Lammertyn
Journal: Nanotechnology
Year: 2017
Citations: 42

Title: Thermal annealing of gold coated fiber optic surfaces for improved plasmonic biosensing

Authors: I. Antohe, K. Schouteden, P. Goos, F. Delport, D. Spasic, J. Lammertyn
Journal: Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Year: 2016
Citations: 41

Title: Cadmium ions’ trace-level detection using a portable fiber optic—Surface plasmon resonance sensor

Authors: B.G. Şolomonea, L.I. Jinga, V.A. Antohe, G. Socol, I. Antohe
Journal: Biosensors
Year: 2022
Citations: 32

Title: Sensitive pH Monitoring Using a Polyaniline-Functionalized Fiber Optic—Surface Plasmon Resonance Detector

Authors: I. Antohe, L.I. Jinga, V.A. Antohe, G. Socol
Journal: Sensors
Year: 2021
Citations: 29

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Iulia Antohe has built an exemplary academic and professional career defined by innovation, interdisciplinarity, and impactful research. Her expertise in thin-film technologies, biosensors, and solar cells/plasmonics underscores her role as a significant contributor to modern science. With her ongoing work at the National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, she continues to expand the frontiers of nanotechnology, renewable energy, and biomedical applications, leaving a lasting legacy of scientific excellence.

Mohamed El Amine Boudia | Organic solar cells | Young Scientist Excellence Award 

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Mr. Mohamed El Amine Boudia | Organic solar cells | Young Scientist Excellence Award 

Xi'an Jiaootng University | China

AUTHOR PROFILE

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Mr. Mohamed El Amine Boudia began his academic journey in electrical engineering at the University of Mostaganem, Algeria, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in June 2018 with a GPA of B (Top 10%). During his undergraduate studies, he developed a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles and explored various aspects of renewable energy technologies. Building on this foundation, he pursued a Master’s degree in Renewable Energies in Electrical Engineering at the same institution, graduating in October 2020 with a GPA of B (Top 10%). His master’s thesis focused on “Sizing and Study of a Hybrid Power Generation System including Photovoltaic Panels System and Sports DC Machines Equipment to Supply an Ecological Sport’s Hall,” which demonstrated his early interest in sustainable energy solutions. This period of his education marked the beginning of his commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies and optimizing energy systems.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Following his Master’s degree, Mohamed El Amine Boudia continued his academic career by embarking on a PhD in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics at Xi’an Jiaotong University, China, starting in September 2021. His PhD research is supervised by Dr. Cunlu Zhao and is focused on “Enhancing the Power Conversion Efficiency Up To 20% of Bulk-Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells by Simulation.” This advanced research position allowed him to delve deeper into the field of organic solar cells, exploring innovative methods to improve the efficiency of these devices. Boudia’s professional work also includes receiving the 1st Prize in the XJTU-Xi’an City Government Belt & Road Scholarship in 2021, where he outperformed nearly 4000 international competitors in a rigorous two-round review process. His role as a researcher has also involved presenting his findings at various academic forums and engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations to further the development of renewable energy technologies.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Mr. Boudia’s research has made significant contributions to the field of organic solar cells, particularly in the area of power conversion efficiency. His PhD thesis, “Enhancing the Power Conversion Efficiency Up To 20% of Bulk-Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells by Simulation,” focuses on developing and optimizing simulation models to improve the efficiency of organic solar cells. This work involves complex simulations to explore new materials and design configurations that can lead to higher energy conversion efficiencies in bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells. His master’s thesis, “Sizing and Study of a Hybrid Power Generation System including Photovoltaic Panels System and Sports DC Machines Equipment to Supply an Ecological Sport’s Hall,” addressed practical applications of renewable energy systems, demonstrating his ability to bridge theoretical research with real-world energy solutions. His research work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of organic solar cells and renewable energy systems.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Mr. Mohamed El Amine Boudia’s work has had a notable impact on the field of organic solar cells and renewable energy technologies. His research on enhancing the power conversion efficiency of bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells has the potential to influence the development of more efficient and cost-effective solar energy solutions. His achievements, including the prestigious XJTU-Xi’an City Government Belt & Road Scholarship and his recognition as an Excellent Postgraduate (Top 10%) in 2022, underscore the significance of his contributions. His innovative approaches to optimizing organic solar cells and his success in a competitive international scholarship competition reflect his influence and leadership in the field of renewable energy.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Mr. Boudia’s work on organic solar cells has been widely recognized and cited in academic circles. His research focuses on improving the efficiency of organic solar cells through advanced simulation techniques, which has been referenced in various scholarly articles and conference proceedings. His contributions to the study of renewable energy systems, particularly in the context of organic solar cells, are reflected in the growing body of literature that builds on his findings and methodologies. His academic achievements and the impact of his research are demonstrated by the citations and references in recent publications related to organic solar cells and renewable energy technologies.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Mohamed El Amine Boudia’s legacy in the field of power engineering and renewable energy is characterized by his dedication to advancing organic solar cells and his innovative research approaches. As he progresses in his academic and professional career, he is poised to make further contributions to the development of more efficient and sustainable energy technologies. His future work will likely continue to focus on optimizing organic solar cells and exploring new applications for renewable energy systems. His strong technical background, combined with his research experience and academic accomplishments, positions him as a future leader in the field of renewable energy.

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