Waseem Khan | Oil and Gas | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Waseem Khan | Oil and Gas | Best Researcher Award

PhD Scholar, University of Science and Technology of China, China.

Waseem Khan is an emerging geoscientist from Pakistan with a strong background in petrography, geochemistry, sedimentology, and geochronology. Born on May 27, 1992, he has built an impressive research and professional profile across academia and industry. He holds a Master’s degree from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he was awarded the prestigious ANSO scholarship. Waseem has contributed to multiple high-impact publications on salt range provenance, Jurassic reservoir characterization, and paleogeographic reconstructions in journals like Gondwana Research and Carbonates and Evaporites. His cross-disciplinary expertise includes U-Pb-Hf isotopic analysis, LA-ICP-MS, reservoir modeling, and GIS-based mapping. With professional experience ranging from QA/QC engineering in Qatar to exploration geology in Pakistan, he bridges the gap between theoretical research and field practice. Waseem is recognized for his ability to combine analytical geoscience tools with hands-on industry applications, making him a valuable contributor to both academic and energy sectors.

🔹Author Profile

🔹 Education 

Waseem Khan earned his Master’s in Earth Sciences from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China, with a CGPA of 3.74 in 2024. His thesis focused on the provenance and paleogeography of the Salt Range Formation in Pakistan. His undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Haripur, where he earned a BS in Geology with a CGPA of 3.5. His BS thesis investigated microfacies and diagenesis in the Middle Jurassic Samana Suk Formation in the Nizampur Basin. Both degrees emphasized fieldwork, lab-based petrography, sedimentology, and tectonics. Waseem’s academic journey has been supported by competitive scholarships and enriched by international exposure and certified training from global institutions such as the University of Toronto, Macquarie University, and Duke University. This foundation has equipped him with expertise in detrital zircon geochronology, geospatial analysis, petroleum systems, and sedimentary provenance, bridging classical geology with advanced analytical techniques.

🔹Strengths for the Award

  1. Diverse and Deep Research Portfolio:

    • Waseem Khan has published seven peer-reviewed journal articles (2024–2025), including in prestigious venues like Gondwana Research, Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, and Carbonates and Evaporites.

    • His research spans a wide array of geological sub-disciplines: petrography, sedimentology, reservoir characterization, detrital zircon geochronology, and paleogeography, with a regional focus on the Western Himalayas, Tethys, and Tibetan Plateau.

    • He has contributed to both applied (e.g., oil and gas reservoir studies) and fundamental research (e.g., Gondwana paleogeography reconstruction).

  2. Technical and Analytical Expertise:

    • Demonstrated strong technical proficiency with tools like LA-ICP-MS, XRF, ArcGIS, and IOLITE.

    • Conducted advanced U-Pb-Hf isotopic work, showing deep specialization in detrital zircon analysis and geochronology.

  3. Global Academic Exposure and Collaboration:

    • Completed his Master’s at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) — one of Asia’s premier research institutions — under the ANSO scholarship, indicating high academic merit.

    • Worked with globally recognized geoscientists like Eduardo Garzanti, enhancing the academic quality and international visibility of his research.

  4. Professional Experience and Applied Knowledge:

    • Extensive multidisciplinary experience across QA/QC in materials engineering, nuclear gauge operation, and mineral exploration, which enriches his research with applied industrial insights.

    • Worked on high-impact projects like Mohmand Dam Hydro Project and M-9 Motorway Construction with organizations such as FWO, NESPAK, and NHA.

  5. Training and Certifications:

    • Completed over ten international certified courses, including in GIS, petroleum engineering, environmental safety, and ISO accreditation standards, reflecting a commitment to continuous learning.

🔹 Experience 

Waseem Khan’s experience spans six diverse roles across academia, industry, and international research institutions. He most recently worked as a Research Assistant at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (2020–2025), where he conducted geochronological and geochemical analysis (U-Pb-Hf, LA-ICP-MS). He also served as a QA/QC Officer in Qatar (2021–2022), ensuring compliance with international testing standards and ISO certifications. His prior roles include Assistant Geologist at China Gezhouba Group (Mohmand Dam project), Exploration Geologist for base metals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Research Associate at University of Haripur, and Material Engineer for the M-9 Motorway project with FWO. His work has included core logging, XRF sampling, seismic interpretations, reservoir assessments, and site-level geological mapping. His well-rounded field and lab experience, combined with his ability to manage geotechnical and QA/QC processes, make him uniquely suited to bridge scientific exploration with applied oil and gas geology.

🔹 Awards and Honors 

Waseem Khan has received several academic and professional accolades. Most notably, he was awarded the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) Scholarship for his Master’s studies at the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences, which recognizes outstanding students from developing countries in scientific research. He was also awarded a government-issued laptop for securing over 80% marks in his undergraduate program—an initiative by Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission to support merit-based excellence. In addition to formal awards, his certifications reflect a proactive approach to continuous learning. These include ISO 17025 and ISO 17020 accreditations, radiation protection training, and multiple Coursera credentials from leading universities in petroleum engineering, environmental safety, and GIS analysis. These honors underscore his commitment to excellence, scientific integrity, and professional development, positioning him as a dedicated researcher capable of contributing to global energy and environmental challenges.

🔹 Research Focus on Oil and Gas

Waseem Khan’s research centers on the petrological and geochemical evolution of sedimentary basins, with particular emphasis on reservoir potential, tectonic reconstruction, and paleogeography. He specializes in U-Pb-Hf zircon geochronology, detrital zircon provenance analysis, and basin tectonics, applying advanced tools like LA-ICP-MS, XRF, and GIS modeling. His work investigates processes within the Western Himalayas, Salt Range, and the Tibetan Plateau, unraveling Earth’s tectono-sedimentary history through integrative datasets. He bridges academic research with industrial applications, especially in the oil and gas sector, focusing on carbonate and sandstone reservoirs, diagenetic processes, and subsurface characterization. His collaborative projects span stratigraphy, seismic interpretations, and paleoclimatic reconstructions. By integrating isotopic dating with sedimentological observations, Waseem contributes to both the understanding of ancient paleoenvironments and the exploration of hydrocarbon systems, positioning him as a versatile researcher in petroleum geology and tectonics.

🔹 Publications Top Notes

1. Petrophysical characterization and reservoir potential of the lower Goru sandstone

Journal: Journal of Natural Gas Geoscience, June 2025
Contributors: Waseem Khan et al.
Summary: This study evaluates reservoir properties of Lower Goru sandstone through petrophysical logs, thin-section analysis, and core measurements. Results highlight moderate to good reservoir quality with effective porosity and permeability ranges ideal for gas production. The study provides key insights for exploration in Pakistan’s Sindh Basin.

2. Reservoir potential of middle Jurassic carbonates in the Nizampur Basin:

Journal: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, June 2025
Contributors: Waseem Khan et al.
Summary: The paper explores Jurassic carbonates using microfacies analysis and diagenetic markers to assess reservoir viability. It finds that early marine cementation followed by dissolution-enhanced porosity created suitable reservoir zones, contributing to future petroleum exploration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

3. Petrography and geochemistry of Early Cambrian phosphorites from Abbottabad:

Journal: Carbonates and Evaporites, May 2025
Contributors: Waseem Khan et al.
Summary: The authors investigate phosphorite deposits to interpret depositional environments and trace element enrichment. Their geochemical signatures suggest upwelling-driven sedimentation under anoxic to dysoxic conditions, offering a paleoceanographic perspective on Cambrian phosphorus cycles.

4. Decoding the Ediacaran Enigma: Gondwana paleogeography revisited through a provenance study of the Salt Range Formation

Journal: Gondwana Research, April 2025
Contributors: Waseem Khan et al.
Summary: This landmark paper applies detrital zircon dating to reconstruct Gondwana’s paleogeography, revealing sediment routing from northeastern Africa to the Salt Range. It reshapes tectonic models of the western Himalayas during the late Neoproterozoic.

Conclusion

Waseem Khan is a highly capable and emerging researcher in the field of geosciences with a strong academic foundation, hands-on field and lab expertise, and a growing international publication record. His combination of advanced analytical skills, cross-disciplinary work experience, and recent high-impact journal articles make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the Earth and Environmental Sciences category.

Yoshitada Morikawa | Quantum Simulations | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr Yoshitada Morikawa | Quantum Simulations | Best Researcher Award

Professor, The University of Osaka, Japan.

Professor Yoshitada Morikawa is a leading Japanese physicist and materials scientist specializing in quantum simulations. Born in Osaka in 1966, he currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Precision Engineering at Osaka University. With a rich academic journey spanning Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo, he has significantly contributed to computational physics, surface science, and AI-driven materials design. Professor Morikawa is known for combining quantum mechanics with machine learning to explore and optimize surface/interface phenomena, catalysis, and semiconductor behavior. His scholarly work includes over 218 peer-reviewed publications and a remarkable h-index of 49. His impact is further demonstrated through leadership roles in the Japan Society of Vacuum and Surface Science and the Physical Society of Japan. Widely respected for his visionary research and scientific leadership, Professor Morikawa is a strong advocate for a carbon-neutral society through fundamental science.

  📌Author’s Profile

🎓 Education 

Yoshitada Morikawa received his B.Sc. in Physics and Chemistry in 1989 and M.Sc. in Chemistry in 1991, both from Kyoto University. He then earned his Ph.D. in Physics in 1994 from the Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo. His education laid a robust foundation in theoretical and computational science, equipping him with the necessary tools to explore the intersections of quantum mechanics, chemistry, and material interfaces. During his doctoral studies, he held a prestigious Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellowship (DC), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship (PD) at Kyoto University. These early roles catalyzed his deep involvement in atomic-scale material analysis and first-principles simulations. Professor Morikawa’s academic path exemplifies a seamless integration of multi-disciplinary domains and a commitment to scientific rigor, establishing him as a globally recognized figure in quantum materials research and theory-driven computational modeling.

🧪 Experience 

Professor Morikawa’s career spans over three decades of distinguished service in academic and national research institutions. After his Ph.D., he joined the Joint Research Center for Atom Technology (JRCAT) and later served at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). He held visiting positions at JAIST and the Technical University of Denmark. Since 2004, he has been with Osaka University, first as an Associate Professor at ISIR and then, from 2009, as a full Professor in the Graduate School of Engineering. He has supervised major projects involving surface physics, electrochemistry, and materials simulations. His leadership roles include serving as Vice President of the Japan Society of Vacuum and Surface Science and Representative of the Physical Society of Japan’s Division 9. Professor Morikawa’s vast experience in academic, industrial, and international contexts makes him a valuable leader and a mentor in materials science innovation.

🔬 Research Focus

Professor Morikawa’s research explores quantum mechanical simulations of surfaces and interfaces, targeting real-world problems in energy, catalysis, and semiconductor technology. His lab develops first-principles electronic structure methods integrated with molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, and machine learning algorithms (including deep learning and Gaussian processes). The primary goal is to bridge the microscopic quantum world with macroscopic material properties. Applications range from designing efficient CO₂ conversion catalysts to improving fuel cell performance. His recent focus on AI-enhanced materials design supports the global drive toward a carbon-neutral society. By decoding physical origins of material behavior, he provides theoretical guidelines for improving functionality, efficiency, and sustainability. His comprehensive approach offers insights into both fundamental and applied materials science.

📚Publication Top Notes

1. Experimental and Theoretical Investigations on pH-Dependent Molecular Structure, Electronic Structure, and Absorption Spectra of Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Extended Ligand

Journal of Molecular Structure, November 2025
Contributors: Zi Ying Yeoh, Yoshitada Morikawa, Siow-Ping Tan, Mohammad B. Kassim, Siew San Tan
Summary: This work combines experimental spectroscopy and first-principles simulations to analyze how pH variation influences the molecular geometry and electronic structure of ruthenium(II) complexes. The study demonstrates that protonation states significantly affect the absorption spectra, providing insights into their electronic transitions and potential in sensing and catalytic applications.

2. VibIR-Parallel-Compute: Enhancing Vibration and Infrared Analysis in High-Performance Computing Environments

Journal of Open Source Software, April 15, 2025
Contributors: Kurt Irvin M. Rojas, Yoshitada Morikawa, Ikutaro Hamada
Summary: This publication presents a new open-source computational tool designed to improve the efficiency of vibrational and infrared spectral analysis in large-scale simulations. The tool utilizes parallel computing to accelerate data processing, enabling high-throughput simulations of complex molecular systems in quantum chemistry and materials research.

3. Stabilization of Oxygen Vacancy Ordering and Electrochemical-Proton-Insertion-and-Extraction-Induced Large Resistance Modulation in Strontium Iron Cobalt Oxides Sr(Fe,Co)Oₓ

Nature Communications, January 2, 2025
Contributors: Yosuke Isoda, Thanh Ngoc Pham, Ryotaro Aso, Shuri Nakamizo, Takuya Majima, Saburo Hosokawa, Kiyofumi Nitta, Yoshitada Morikawa, Yuichi Shimakawa, Daisuke Kan
Summary: This collaborative study investigates resistance changes in Sr(Fe,Co)Oₓ caused by reversible proton insertion and oxygen vacancy ordering. Using both experimental data and theoretical modeling, it uncovers mechanisms relevant to next-generation memory and switching devices based on complex oxides.

4. CO Hydrogenation Promoted by Oxygen Atoms Adsorbed onto Cu(100)

Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 2024
Contributors: K. Nagita, K. Kamiya, S. Nakanishi, Y. Hamamoto, Y. Morikawa
Summary: This research explores how the presence of adsorbed oxygen atoms on a copper (100) surface alters the catalytic pathway for carbon monoxide hydrogenation. The study combines surface science experiments and density functional theory to propose a more efficient CO-to-methanol conversion mechanism, relevant for sustainable fuel production.

5. Effect of Fluorine Substitution on the Electronic States and Conductance of CuPc on Cu(100)

Applied Surface Science, 2024
Contributors: H. Okuyama, S. Kuwayama, S. Hatta, T. Aruga, Y. Hamamoto, T. Shimada, I. Hamada, Y. Morikawa
Summary: This paper investigates the electronic behavior of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) molecules modified with fluorine atoms when adsorbed on a Cu(100) surface. The study reveals how fluorine substitution modifies the molecule–metal interaction, enhancing electronic tunability for organic semiconductor and device engineering applications.

🏆 Conclusion 

Professor Yoshitada Morikawa is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, especially for awards that prioritize:

  • Long-term scholarly excellence,

  • Interdisciplinary research, and

  • Cutting-edge integration of AI with quantum materials science.

His career is marked by rigorous academic scholarship, leadership in the scientific community, and a forward-looking research agenda tackling environmental and energy-related grand challenges.