Speakers

23–25 September 2026 · Bucharest, Romanian Academy

Invited speakers and featured contributors

The conference brings together distinguished researchers, professionals, and institutional representatives working across interdisciplinary domains.

Speaker 1

Japan

Prof. K-I. Aika

National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Numazu College

Prof. Akihiko Kudo is a leading researcher in photocatalysis and solar energy conversion, known for his pioneering work on water splitting and hydrogen production. His research focuses on developing advanced materials for efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and carbon-neutral technologies.

Speaker 1

USA

Prof. Andrei Jitianu

Lehman College, City University of New York

Prof. Andrei Jitianu is a materials scientist specializing in sol–gel processes, nanomaterials, and hybrid organic–inorganic systems, with applications in energy, environmental technologies, and protective coatings. He is actively involved in international research collaborations and the development of advanced functional materials.

Speaker 2

Japan

Prof. A. Kudo

Tokyo University of Science, Research Institute for Science and Technology (RIST) Carbon Value Research Center

Prof. Akihiko Kudo is a leading researcher in photocatalysis and solar energy conversion, known for his pioneering work on water splitting and hydrogen production. His research focuses on developing advanced materials for efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and carbon-neutral technologies.

Speaker 3

Japan

Prof. Y. Izumi

Chiba University

Prof. Y. Izumi is an expert in catalysis and sustainable chemistry, with researches focusing on photocatalysis, CO₂ utilization, and green energy processes. His study advances catalytic systems for environmental applications and supports the development of low-carbon energy technologies. .

Speaker 4

Japan

Dr. Taketoshi Minato

Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences

Dr. Taketoshi Minato is a researcher in surface science and catalysis, specializing in the atomic-scale understanding of catalytic materials. His work focuses on reaction mechanisms, surface interactions, and the design of efficient catalysts for energy and environmental applications.

Speaker 5

Japan

Prof. J. Ryu

Chiba University, Graduate School of Engineering

Prof. J. Ryu is a researcher in materials science, focusing on advanced functional materials for energy and environmental applications. His work explores the design and characterization of materials for improved performance in sustainable technologies, including catalysis and energy conversion systems.

Speaker 6

Japan

Prof. K. Inazu

National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Numazu College

Prof. K. Inazu is a researcher in chemistry and biochemistry, focusing on functional materials and catalytic systems for energy and environmental applications. His work contributes to the development of sustainable processes and innovative materials supporting green energy technologies.

Speaker 7

Japan

Akihiro Endo

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

Akihiro Endo is an industry expert in advanced chemical materials and industrial innovation. His work focuses on the development and application of functional materials and chemical processes supporting sustainable technologies and next-generation energy solutions.

Speaker 9

Canada

Prof. Dan V. Nicolau

Department of Bioengineering, McGill University

Prof. Dan V. Nicolau is a leading researcher in biomolecular engineering and nanotechnology. His work focuses on bio-inspired systems, molecular transport, and lab-on-a-chip technologies, with applications in biosensing, energy-efficient systems, and innovative computing approaches based on biological principles.

Speaker 9

Japan

Mr. Futa Shigemoto

National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Numazu College

Mr. Futa Shigemoto is a researcher in materials science and energy technologies, focusing on advanced materials for sustainable energy conversion and environmental applications. His work contributes to innovations in catalysis and green energy systems.

Speaker 9

China

Prof. Shi Pilong

Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (UNESCO HIST)

Prof. Shi Pilong is an Associate Professor specializing in geoscience remote sensing and digital heritage conservation. His research focuses on Earth observation technologies, 3D modeling, and environmental monitoring, with applications in cultural heritage protection and ecosystem resilience. He has led and contributed to numerous national and international research projects and has published extensively in the field.

Speaker 9

Serbia

Jovana Karaulić

Faculty of Dramatic Arts, University of Arts in Belgrade

Jovana Karaulić is Vice-Dean and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade. Her work focuses on cultural management, performing arts, and interdisciplinary artistic practices. She is co- founder of the Green Art Incubator, promoting sustainability and innovation in the cultural and creative sector.

Speaker 8

Italy

Stefano Filacorda

University of Udine

Stefano Filacorda is a researcher in animal ecology at the University of Udine. His work focuses on ecology and conservation biology, with particular interest in wildlife management and biodiversity conservation.

Speaker 8

Greece

Prof. Athanasios Salifoglou

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Prof. Athanasios Salifoglou specializes in molecular biological engineering and bioinorganic materials chemistry, with a focus on abiotic and biologically relevant systems. His research encompasses energy considerations, engenders environmentally imposed stimuli, and embodies genetically emerging cellular aberrations that collectively influence cellular (patho)physiology. His work extends from the rational design of metallodrugs to (multi)functional materials and sustainable (bio)chemical processes, targeting protection, prevention, and theranostics in neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders and cancer through advanced (nano)technology.

Speaker 9

France

Dr. G. N. Manjunatha Reddy

University of Lille

Dr. G. N. Manjunatha Reddy is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Lille, working in the Solid-State Chemistry Division. His research focuses on advanced materials for energy and environmental applications, including organic semiconductors, hybrid materials, and catalysis, with a strong emphasis on structure–property relationships and solid-state characterization techniques.

Speaker 9

France

Prof. Sylvain Marque

Aix-Marseille University, CNRS

Prof. Sylvain Marque is a leading researcher in molecular chemistry and materials science, specializing in radical chemistry, dynamic covalent systems, and functional molecules. His work supports the development of innovative materials for medicine, energy, environmental, and technological applications.

Speaker 9

France

Prof. Alice Mija

University Côte d’Azur, Nice

Prof. Alice Mija is a leading expert in green chemistry and sustainable materials. Her research focuses on bio-based polymers, eco-friendly resins, and the development of renewable materials for advanced applications, contributing to circular economy strategies and low-carbon technologies.

Speaker 9

USA

Prof. Lia Stanciu

Purdue University

Prof. Lia Stanciu is a materials scientist specializing in biomaterials, biosensors, and functional nanomaterials. Her research focuses on the design of advanced materials for energy storage, biomedical applications, and environmental monitoring, contributing to innovative and sustainable technological solutions.

Speaker 9

China

Prof. Heng Yin

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Prof. Heng Yin is a researcher in chemical physics, with expertise in catalysis and energy-related processes. His work focuses on advancing interdisciplinary research and fostering international scientific collaboration

Speaker 9

Germany

Prof. Sara Diana Leonhardt

Technical University of Munich

Prof. Sara Diana Leonhardt is a professor specializing in the ecology and chemistry of plant– pollinator relationships. Her research combines ecological, behavioral, and chemical approaches to understand biodiversity, pollinator health, and ecosystem functioning

Speaker 9

Hungary

András G. Szanthoffer

Institute of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest

András G. Szanthoffer is a PhD candidate in Physical Chemistry. His research focuses on the chemical kinetic modeling of ammonia–hydrogen combustion systems, with the aim of advancing low-emission energy technologies based on renewable sustainable fuels.

Speaker 9

Hungary

Dr. Tibor Nagy

HUN-REN TTK, Hungarian Research Centre for Natural Sciences

Dr. Tibor Nagy is a Senior Research Fellow working at the interface of theoretical and computational science. His research focuses on the development of advanced methods in reaction dynamics and kinetics, with emphasis on mechanism reduction and kinetic parameter optimization, and their application to gas-phase kinetics, particularly combustion, as well as to catalysis. His work aims to develop accurate and computationally efficient kinetic models for the combustion of conventional and alternative fuels and catalytic processes, with direct relevance to modern energy applications.

Speaker 9

Japan

Dr. Pakpoom ATHIKAPHAN

Research Fellow, Institute for Molecular Science (IMS), NINS

Dr. Pakpoom Athikaphan is research fellow at the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), Japan, affiliated with the Institute for Molecular Science (IMS). His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for biomass conversion and the production of value-added bio-based chemicals, with expertise in catalyst synthesis, characterization, kinetic evaluation, and process analysis. His work also includes CO₂ methanation, wastewater treatment, fluoride-ion batteries, and energy materials.

Speaker 9

Romania

Dr. Gabriela Ionita

Romanian Academy Institute of Physical Chemistry -Ilie Murgulescu

Dr. Gabriela Ioniță initiated and established frontier exploratory research directions at the intersection of supramolecular chemistry, materials science, and biomedical diagnostics. Her core approach relies on pioneering the use of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to probe non-covalent interactions, host–guest dynamics, and complex macromolecular architectures. Her interdisciplinary breakthrough is highlighted by the successful translation of advanced physical chemistry methods into clinical and biomedical applications, notably through the structural modulation of interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels and the non-invasive biomagnetic analysis of clinical biofluids.

Speaker 9

Hungary

Dr. Renata Homlok

HUN-REN Centre for Energy Reearch

Dr. Renata Homlok is a Senior Research Fellow at the HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Budapest, Hungary. She has nearly 20 years of research experience in radiation chemistry and environmental technologies. Her research focuses on the application of ionizing radiation and advanced oxidation processes for wastewater treatment, the degradation of emerging contaminants and antibiotic resistance, as well as the modification and recycling of polymeric materials. She is the principal investigator of several national and international projects, including IAEA collaborations, and actively cooperates with research groups across Europe and Asia. She has published numerous peer-reviewed papers and regularly presents her work at international conferences, contributing to the development of sustainable water treatment and material recycling technologies.