Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe | Technology Scientists Innovations | Nanotechnology Innovation Award

Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe | Technology Scientists Innovations | Nanotechnology Innovation Award

Senior Research Officer at Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Nigeria

Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe is a Senior Research Officer at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, Nigeria. With over 9 years of experience, he specializes in food processing, postharvest technology, and agricultural nanotechnology. His research focuses on prolonging the shelf-life of perishable crops using eco-friendly nano-fibre systems and enhancing food quality through advanced preservation methods. Dr. Gbabe earned his M.Eng. in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and is pursuing his Ph.D. in Food Processing and Technology at Benue State University. He has conducted international research at the Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, TNAU, India, and published multiple peer-reviewed articles. He also contributes actively to training farmers, artisans, and technical personnel. Dr. Gbabe’s work bridges the gap between sustainability and innovation in food preservation, making him a standout candidate in the technological innovation domain.

Author Profile

Strengths for the Award

  1. Strong Foundation in Agricultural Nanotechnology
    Dr. Gbabe has established a niche in the application of nanotechnology to agricultural and food preservation challenges. His Ph.D. research focuses on developing an electrospun hexanal nano-fibre matrix—a cutting-edge innovation aimed at extending the shelf-life of perishable fruits like banana, mango, and tomato.

  2. International Exposure and Training
    He completed a prestigious internship at the Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, TNAU, India, where he conducted nanotoxicity, biosafety, and electrospinning-based preservation studies—highlighting both cross-cultural collaboration and technological advancement.

  3. Peer-Reviewed Nanotech Publications
    Dr. Gbabe has authored several relevant papers in reputed journals:

    • Journal of the Indian Chemical Society (2025): On hexanal nano-fiber matrices for tomato preservation.

    • IJETT (2025): Development of nano-fiber matrices for mango shelf-life extension.

    • Nano Plus (2023): On banana fruit preservation using electrospun nanotechnology.
      These works clearly demonstrate applied innovation, rigorous experimentation, and measurable societal impact in reducing food loss.

  4. Technical Skills Aligned with Nanotech Innovation
    Proficient in electrospinning, FTIR, GC-MS, SEM & TEM, and statistical software (R, SPSS), showing an interdisciplinary approach involving both materials science and food technology.

  5. Leadership in National Innovation Projects
    As a Senior Research Officer at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, he actively leads R&D on postharvest loss reduction and food quality enhancement technologies—bridging innovation with policy and field deployment.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Gbabe holds a Master of Engineering in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering (2019) from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. His thesis focused on eco-building materials using rice husk and sawdust, reflecting an early interest in sustainable engineering. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in Food Processing and Technology (2020–2025) at Benue State University, Makurdi. His doctoral research is centered on the development of electrospun hexanal nano-fibre matrices aimed at extending the shelf-life of tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes. He is a registered engineer with COREN Nigeria and a member of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers. In 2023, he was a research intern at the Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, TNAU, India, where he gained hands-on experience in nanotoxicology, electrospinning, and biosafety. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in multidisciplinary innovation and food systems sustainability.

🔬 Research Focus on Technology Scientists Innovations

Dr. Gbabe’s research is rooted in postharvest technology, agricultural nanotechnology, and food quality preservation. His core contributions lie in the design and development of nanostructured packaging and preservation systems using biodegradable hexanal-based nano-fibers, created via electrospinning. These innovations target tropical fruit shelf-life extension and nutrient retention during storage. He is equally involved in evaluating postharvest handling systems, including the construction of solar dryers and inert-atmosphere silos. His projects align closely with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption & Production). Dr. Gbabe also explores sustainable materials (like rice husk-based eco-panels), biosafety assessments in nanoformulations, and pest management using botanicals. His work is highly applied, integrating field deployment, engineering fabrication, and local capacity building—benefiting smallholder farmers and food industries across West Africa.

📚 Publication Top Notes

  1. Gbabe et al. (2025)
    Effect of Hexanal Nano-fiber Matrix on Quality Parameters of Tomato Fruits during Storage
    Journal: Journal of the Indian Chemical Society
    Summary: Demonstrates improved shelf-life and reduced spoilage in tomato fruits using hexanal-loaded nano-fiber packaging developed via electrospinning.
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2025.101912

  2. Gbabe et al. (2025)
    Development of Novel Hexanal Nano-fibre Matrix by Electrospinning for Shelf-life Extension of Mango Fruits
    Journal: International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology
    Summary: Describes the fabrication and optimization of mango-preserving nano-matrices, with a focus on temperature resilience and biodegradability.
    DOI: 10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V73I3P132

  3. Chukwu et al. (2025)
    Implication of Different Storage Techniques on Physical Attributes of African Okra
    Journal: IJABR
    Summary: Assesses how traditional vs. improved storage impacts okra firmness, color, and moisture, with relevance to rural postharvest systems.

  4. Idris et al. (2024)
    Maize grains milling efficiency: A performance analysis of a hammer mill
    Journal: International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research
    Summary: Compares efficiency metrics of hammer mills to suggest design improvements for rural grain processing.
    Link

  5. Adeniyi et al. (2024)
    Insecticidal and Toxicity Studies of Heliotropium Indicum Leaf Extracts
    Journal: Journal of Exposure Toxicology
    Summary: Investigates natural pest control agents for stored grain insects—highlighting bio-safety and efficacy.

  6. Oyewole et al. (2020)
    Commercial Utilization of Inert Atmosphere Silo for Maize Storage
    Journal: IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science
    Summary: Presents the benefits of modified atmosphere storage in reducing maize spoilage.

Conclusion

Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe is highly suitable for the Research for Nanotechnology Innovation Award. His work represents a strong blend of scientific depth, practical relevance, and innovation in nanotechnology applications for agriculture and food preservation. With further strides in international publication, commercialization, and cross-sectoral collaborations, Dr. Gbabe has the potential to become a leading figure in agricultural nanotech innovation across Africa and globally.

Sirmayanti | AI and Digital Communication | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirmayanti | AI and Digital Communication | Women Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Politeknik Negeri Ujung Pandang, Indonesia.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirmayanti, Ph.D., is a prominent Indonesian scholar in telecommunication engineering, currently serving at the State Polytechnic of Ujung Pandang (PNUP). With a career spanning over two decades, she combines academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and impactful community engagement. She earned her Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Telecommunication Engineering from Victoria University, Australia, with Cum Laude distinction. Her research explores a wide spectrum—from 5G and RF engineering to artificial intelligence, IoT, and green communication technologies. As Head of the Telecommunication Network Engineering Technology program and the Centre for Applied Telecommunications Technology Research at PNUP, she has mentored numerous scholars and led various national and international innovation projects. Her prolific output includes over 60 publications, 15 technical books, and numerous patented inventions. A passionate advocate for education and digital equity, she’s been widely recognized for her contributions, including multiple presidential awards and the Australia Awards Alumni honor.

🌐Author Profile

🎓 Education 

Sirmayanti’s educational journey reflects a trajectory of excellence across multiple continents. She earned her Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Telecommunication Engineering from Victoria University, Australia (2015), where she graduated cum laude for her innovative research in digital RF architectures. Her Master of Engineering from the same university (2008) was awarded with First-Class Honors, reinforcing her expertise in signal processing and software radio systems. Her Bachelor of Engineering in Telecommunications, from Hasanuddin University, Indonesia (2001), was completed with High Distinction. She began her technical training at SMK Telkom Sandhy Putra 2 (1997), where she laid the foundation for her career in communications technology. In 2024, she was formally recognized as an Insinyur Profesional Utama (IPU), ASEAN Engineer, and APEC Engineer, further validating her technical leadership at the global level. Her continuous professional development includes numerous international certifications in Open RAN, IoT, AI, and RF engineering, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning.

Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic Excellence & Global Exposure:

    • Holds a Ph.D. with Cum Laude honors in Electrical and Electronic Telecommunication Engineering from Victoria University, Australia.

    • Her academic track includes top honors at every level, showcasing consistent high performance.

  2. Extensive Multidisciplinary Research:

    • Research covers Wireless Communications, IoT, AI, RF Engineering, Satellite Communications, and 5G.

    • Led and contributed to over 35+ funded research projects from national and international agencies (e.g., BRIN, KEMENRISTEKDIKBUD, DIKTI, AFS, Australia Direct Aid).

  3. High Research Output:

    • Over 60 peer-reviewed publications, including Scopus-indexed journal articles (Q1–Q3) and IEEE Award proceedings.

    • Significant work on metaheuristic algorithms for diabetes prediction, 5G networks, and digital RF systems.

  4. Innovation and Patents:

    • Holds multiple patents and copyrights (2020–2025) on innovations such as:

      • Wireless Bridge Mi-Fi 4G

      • Techniques for RF Spectrum Image Cancellation

      • Tools for lithium battery drop testing

    • Demonstrates intellectual property development at a national level.

  5. Leadership and Capacity Building:

    • Head of the Telecommunication Network Engineering Program and Center for Applied Telecommunications Technology Research (PNUP).

    • National assessor, ISO lead auditor, and active in curriculum reform and national education initiatives.

💼 Professional Experience 

Since 2001, Sirmayanti has served as a Lecturer and Researcher at the State Polytechnic of Ujung Pandang (PNUP), where she currently leads both the Telecommunication Network Engineering Technology Program and the Centre for Applied Telecommunications Technology Research (CATTAR). Her experience spans academia, national policy, quality assurance, and technology innovation. She is a certified lead auditor for ISO 9001 and an assessor for national educational programs like BKD, BIP, and Praktisi Mengajar under Indonesia’s Ministry of Research and Education. Her leadership in internal quality systems and curriculum design has transformed vocational education frameworks. She has led over 40 funded research and community service projects across 5G, AI, IoT, and rural connectivity systems. Internationally, she collaborates with UiTM Malaysia and is a certified practitioner in Open RAN, AI, and RF planning. Her blend of administrative leadership, hands-on technical innovation, and commitment to community service uniquely positions her in advancing AI and digital communication technologies.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Assoc. Prof. Sirmayanti has been decorated with some of Indonesia’s highest honors for civil service, including the Satyalancana Karya Satya 20 Tahun and 10 Tahun awards from the President of the Republic of Indonesia in 2024 and 2018. She is also among the “70 Outstanding Alumni” of Australian institutions recognized by Australia Awards Indonesia. She received the PIN LEMHANNAS award in 2024 and the prestigious INSINAS Research Grant Award from BRIN for her research on distortion mitigation in 5G systems. Her academic journey was supported by multiple competitive scholarships, such as the Australian Development Scholarship (ADS) and DIKTI Fellowships for postgraduate research. Beyond institutional honors, her contributions to community service and STEM education have garnered attention from various national and international programs. Her consistent record of excellence in education, research, innovation, and social impact establishes her as a leading figure in digital communication and AI technology in Southeast Asia.

🔬 Research Focus on AI and Digital Communication

Sirmayanti’s research sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, wireless communication, and digital signal processing. Her key focus areas include 5G/6G networks, RF engineering, IoT-based infrastructure, AI-powered healthcare diagnostics, and green communication technologies. She applies metaheuristic algorithms and machine learning models to enhance wireless performance, such as through feature optimization for disease prediction or spectral efficiency in OFDM systems. Notably, she has developed low-power RF transmitters, digital baseband tuning systems, and hardware innovations like dual-band filters for 5G. She also works on rural connectivity solutions using mini BTS and community Wi-Fi networks. Her projects are not only technically advanced but socially driven—such as her work on digital inclusion in remote Indonesian islands and health monitoring systems. Her patents and intellectual property showcase strong emphasis on applied research, while her academic publications reflect rigorous peer-reviewed contributions to the fields of AI, digital modulation, and next-generation communication protocols.

📚 Publication Top Notes

1. E-Government dan Digitalisasi Layanan Publik

Authors: M. Mirfan, M. Mariana, S. Abdullah, A. Nurfadly, S. Suhada, S. Sirmayanti
Publisher: Yayasan Kita Menulis (2025)
Type: Book/Handbook
Summary:
This publication explores the digital transformation of public services through e-government frameworks. It addresses how Indonesian government institutions adopt ICT-based platforms for public administration, service efficiency, and transparency. Sirmayanti’s contribution lies in her analysis of telecommunication infrastructure enabling smart governance and public service digitization. The book combines theoretical frameworks with empirical insights and practical models for policymakers and technocrats.

2. A Systematic Literature Review of Diabetes Prediction Using Metaheuristic Algorithm-Based Feature Selection: Algorithms and Challenges Method

Authors: FR Sirmayanti, Pulung Hendro Prastyo, Mahyati
Journal: Applied Computer Science, 21(1), pp. 126–142, 2025 (Scopus Q3)
DOI: Applied Computer Science
Summary:
This systematic review focuses on AI-based diabetes prediction models utilizing metaheuristic feature selection algorithms. The authors classify and analyze recent algorithms (GWO, PSO, ACO, etc.), evaluating their effectiveness in reducing feature dimensionality while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy. Challenges such as computational cost, algorithm convergence, and overfitting are critically discussed. The work contributes a taxonomy of algorithmic strategies and highlights future research gaps for clinical decision support systems in e-health.

3. An Enhanced Grey Wolf Optimizer with Opposition, Mutation, and Local Search Strategy for Feature Selection

Authors: M. Sirmayanti, Pulung Hendro Prastyo
Conference: 2024 IEEE International Conference on Communication, Networks and Satellite (COMNETSAT), pp. 96–101
Summary:
This Award paper proposes an improved version of the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) for feature selection by incorporating opposition-based learning, mutation, and local search mechanisms. The hybridized GWO algorithm demonstrated enhanced exploration-exploitation balance and was tested on medical and telecom datasets. Results showed better performance compared to standard GWO and other algorithms, with significant implications for AI-driven feature selection in classification systems.

4. Design of Dual-Band Bandpass Filter (DBPF) for 5G Applications

Authors: M. Mimsyad, A. Bazergan, S. Sirmayanti
Journal: AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 3140, 040018 (2024)
DOI: 10.1063/5.0222871
Summary:
This study presents the design and simulation of a dual-band bandpass filter (DBPF) aimed at 5G wireless applications. Utilizing advanced substrate materials and electromagnetic modeling, the design supports frequency bands relevant for mid-band 5G use cases. Sirmayanti contributed to the filter miniaturization and optimization phase. The paper outlines how the DBPF improves signal selectivity and reduces interference, with potential application in small-cell architectures and 5G-enabled devices.

5. Rekayasa Mitigasi Kebocoran Gas LPG dengan Sistem Monitoring Telegram Bot Berbasis Internet of Things (IoT)

Authors: S. Sirmayanti, E. Dwi Melda
Conference: Seminar Nasional Teknik Elektro dan Informatika (SNTEI), Vol. 9(1), pp. 223–228, 2023
Summary:
This paper discusses the development of an IoT-based real-time monitoring system for LPG gas leak detection, integrated with a Telegram bot alert system. The authors designed and implemented an Arduino-based sensor framework to monitor gas concentration in households and notify users immediately through messaging. Sirmayanti led the system integration and sensor calibration. The project highlights practical IoT use cases in smart safety systems for domestic environments.

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Sirmayanti is highly suitable for the Women Researcher Award. Her extensive academic, research, innovation, and community engagement portfolio, combined with her leadership in engineering education and commitment to women’s empowerment in STEM, exemplify the spirit of the award. Her work not only advances telecommunications and AI research but also bridges technology with sustainable development and inclusive education—hallmarks of a transformative woman researcher.

Yoshitada Morikawa | Quantum Simulations | Best Researcher Award

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.