Prof. Dr.Rodica-Mariana Ion | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award
Director of Doctoral School at Valahia University, Romania
Professor Rodica-Mariana Ion is a distinguished researcher with extensive contributions in nanomaterials, photochemistry, and cultural heritage conservation. With over 375 ISI-indexed publications, 58 patents, an H-index of 41, and more than 7,200 citations, she has made a significant scientific impact. She holds key academic and leadership positions, including Vice-Rector and Director of Doctoral Studies at Valahia University, and leads multiple national and international research initiatives. Her active involvement in European Commission expert groups, evaluation panels, and policy-making bodies highlights her influence on both research and innovation strategy. She has supervised over 25 PhD students and collaborates globally with institutions in Europe, South Africa, and Asia. Her interdisciplinary expertise and commitment to advancing science make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Enhancing global visibility and publishing in higher-impact journals could further elevate her profile, but her current achievements already demonstrate exceptional research excellence and leadership.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Professor Rodica-Mariana Ion possesses a rich and diverse educational background that underpins her expertise in chemistry, nanomaterials, and scientific research. She earned her Licentiate in Chemistry from the Polytechnic Institute of Bucharest (1982) and completed her Ph.D. in spectroscopy for porphyrins at the University of Bucharest (1995). Her postdoctoral and postgraduate studies span prestigious institutions and specialized fields, including solid-state physics, photochemistry, and analytical methods. She undertook advanced training in quality management (ISO 9001, ISO 17025), laboratory accreditation, project management, and university management, earning multiple certifications and diplomas. Additionally, she completed specialized training in scientific techniques for cultural heritage examination in Italy (2021). Her education is both technical and managerial, including an MBA-level diploma in organizational management. This strong academic foundation, combined with continuous professional development, has enabled her to lead interdisciplinary research and educational initiatives at national and international levels, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning and scientific excellence.
Professional Experience📝
Professor Rodica-Mariana Ion has over four decades of extensive professional experience spanning academia, scientific research, and policy advisory roles. She is a Full Professor at Valahia University of Targoviste, where she also serves as Vice-Rector and Director of Doctoral Studies. She leads the “Nanomaterials for Mechanical Microsystems” Research Center and heads the “Evaluation and Conservation of Cultural Heritage” group at ICECHIM. Her expertise has been recognized through her appointments to national and European bodies, including the European Commission’s SCHEER and DG-CNECT groups, and Romania’s Advisory Board for Research and Innovation. She has supervised over 25 PhD candidates, coordinated EU-funded projects, and served as an expert evaluator for major research programs such as FP7, Horizon, and COST. Her professional career demonstrates a consistent focus on advancing nanotechnology, cultural heritage conservation, and scientific innovation. Her leadership, research coordination, and policy influence position her as a highly impactful figure in the European scientific community.
Research Interest🔎
Professor Rodica-Mariana Ion’s research interests are deeply rooted in interdisciplinary scientific domains, with a strong focus on nanomaterials, photochemistry, analytical chemistry, and the conservation of cultural heritage. Her work explores the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials in areas such as environmental protection, biomedical fields, and historical artifact preservation. She is particularly interested in advanced spectral techniques and surface analysis methods for material identification and degradation studies. Her expertise extends to imaging and diagnostic tools used in archaeology and architectural restoration. Additionally, she is actively involved in the development of sustainable technologies and risk assessment related to material use in cultural and environmental contexts. Her research also encompasses innovation in digital technologies, including 3D modeling and data science, applied to heritage science. Professor Ion’s diverse interests bridge scientific rigor and cultural relevance, making significant contributions to both cutting-edge material science and the preservation of historical and artistic assets.
Award and Honor🏆
Professor Rodica-Mariana Ion has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to science, research, and academic leadership. She has been appointed as a member of prestigious national and international bodies, including the European Commission’s SCHEER and DG-CNECT, and serves on Romania’s Advisory Board for Research, Development, and Innovation. Her leadership and scientific excellence have earned her memberships in elite academic organizations such as the Academy of Romanian Scientists and L’Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie. She has served as a project evaluator for major European funding programs including FP7, Horizon, INTAS, and national research competitions across Europe. Her role as an official representative of Romania in various COST EU programs highlights her international recognition. Additionally, her numerous patents, publications, and mentorship of doctoral students further underline her reputation and impact. These honors reflect her commitment to scientific advancement, innovation, and academic excellence on both national and global levels.
Research Skill🔬
Professor Rodica-Mariana Ion possesses an exceptional range of research skills developed through decades of interdisciplinary scientific work. She is highly proficient in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, employing advanced analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, photochemistry, and surface analysis. Her expertise includes working with complex instrumentation for material testing and degradation assessment, particularly in the context of cultural heritage preservation. She has strong capabilities in data interpretation, laboratory management, and quality assurance, being certified in ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 standards. Her skills also extend to imaging methods used in archaeological and architectural studies. Additionally, she is adept in research project management, from proposal writing to coordination and evaluation, with significant experience in both national and European funding frameworks. Her ability to integrate scientific innovation with real-world applications demonstrates a rare blend of technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership, making her a highly accomplished and versatile scientific researcher.
Conclusion💡
Professor Rodica-Mariana Ion is an exceptional candidate for a Best Researcher Award, particularly in the fields of nanomaterials, analytical chemistry, and cultural heritage science. Her prolific publication record, deep international involvement, long-standing academic leadership, and demonstrable innovation (via patents and applied work) make her a standout researcher with a global footprint.
Publications Top Noted✍
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Title: Tremolite-Asbestos Presence in Roman Archaeological Site of Micia, Romania
Authors: Not specified
Year: 2025
Citations: 0 -
Title: Compositional and Microstructural Investigations of Prehistoric Ceramics from Southern Romania (Middle Neolithic Pottery)
Authors: Not specified
Year: 2024
Citations: 0 -
Title: Structural and Morphological Investigations of Mosaics from Banloc Castle (Romania)
Authors: Not specified
Year: Not specified
Citations: 0 -
Title: The Effect of Thermoplastic Elastomer and Fly Ash on the Properties of Polypropylene Composites with Long Glass Fibers
Authors: Not specified
Year: 2024
Citations: 5 -
Title: Network for Forest By-Products Charcoal, Resin, Tar, Potash (COST Action EU-PoTaRCh)
Authors: Not specified
Year: Not specified
Citations: 1 -
Title: Immobilization of Natural Betalain Pigments in Inorganic Hosts
Authors: Not specified
Year: 2024
Citations: 0 -
Title: Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks on the Safety of Titanium Dioxide in Toys
Authors: Not specified
Year: Not specified (duplicated twice)
Citations: 0 -
Title: New Triple Metallic Carbonated Hydroxyapatite for Stone Surface Preservation
Authors: Not specified
Year: 2023
Citations: 2 -
Title: Inhibition of Survival Mechanisms and Cell Death Induction in Melanoma Following Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by Meso-5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-porphyrin
Authors: Not specified
Year: 2023
Citations: Not specified
