Saule Nurzhanova | Chemistry | Scientific Advancement Achievement Award

Prof. Saule Nurzhanova | Chemistry | Scientific Advancement Achievement Award

Head of Laboratory | Institute of Fuel, Catalysis and Electrochemistry | Kazakhstan

Dr. Saule Bakirovna Nurzhanova is a dedicated researcher at the D.V. Sokolskiy Institute of Fuel, Catalysis, and Electrochemistry in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where she focuses on advancing catalytic science through comprehensive studies in heterogeneous catalysis, nanoscale zeolitic materials, hydrocarbon transformation processes, and the design of cerium-modified catalysts for cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable chemical reactions. She has authored 11 peer-reviewed scientific publications, which have collectively received 35 citations from 29 documents, with an h-index of 3, reflecting her steadily growing influence in catalysis and materials chemistry. Her significant research contributions include investigations on the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons over nanoscale zeolitic catalysts, particularly cerium-modified HZSM and MCM-41, which support the development of improved fuel technologies and environmentally responsible chemical processes. Dr. Nurzhanova collaborates extensively with over 25 co-authors from diverse fields, including catalysis, electrochemistry, and nanostructured materials, demonstrating her active engagement in interdisciplinary research and strengthening Kazakhstan’s scientific presence internationally. Her work emphasizes understanding catalytic mechanisms, exploring structure–property relationships, and optimizing materials for enhanced activity, selectivity, and sustainability. By addressing critical challenges in energy efficiency, emission reduction, and advanced material design, her research contributes directly to societal and environmental priorities. Through her ongoing commitment to scientific rigor, innovation, and collaboration, Dr. Nurzhanova continues to advance the frontiers of catalysis, promote sustainable technological solutions, and enhance the visibility of Kazakhstan’s research on the global stage, making meaningful contributions to both the scientific community and broader societal development.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publication

1. Omarova, A. A., Nauryzbaeva, A. Zh., Khairulin, S. R., Nurzhanova, S. B., & Nagashybaeva, A. S. (2025). Catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons over nanoscale zeolitic catalysts based on cerium-modified HZSM and MCM-41. ES Materials & Manufacturing, 29, Article 1645. https://doi.org/10.30919/mm1645

Vllaznim Mula | Environmental Chemistry | Excellence in Research Award

Mr. Vllaznim Mula | Environmental Chemistry | Excellence in Research Award

Doctoral Researcher | Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje | Macedonia

Mr. Vllaznim Mula, a Kosovar scholar born on 28 November 1988, is an emerging researcher in the field of environmental analytical chemistry with a strong academic and professional trajectory. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Engineering (2010) and Master of Science in Environmental Analytical Chemistry (2014) from the University of Prishtina, where he conducted thesis research on electrochemical sensors for hydrogen peroxide detection. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, North Macedonia, with anticipated completion in 2025, focusing on the assessment and characterization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor and outdoor environments using passive sampling and advanced analytical methods. Professionally, he has been engaged as a full-time Assistant at the University “Fehmi Agani” in Gjakova since 2018, contributing actively to teaching, mentorship, and research development. His research interests include air quality monitoring, electrochemical sensing, nanomaterials for pollutant detection, and cross-border environmental studies with emphasis on public health implications. He has developed strong research skills in chromatography, mass spectrometry, electrochemical techniques, and data interpretation, which have been applied to international collaborations with institutions in Italy, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. His work has resulted in impactful publications indexed in Web of Science and Scopus, including Atmosphere, Aerosol and Air Quality Research, and Macedonian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, where he has often served as corresponding author, reflecting leadership in collaborative projects. Mr. Mula has also delivered oral and poster presentations at leading international conferences such as NanoBalkan, SCTM, and the Università di Parma’s research forums, enhancing the visibility of his work. Recognized for his academic excellence, he continues to build a research profile with growing impact. Currently, his academic metrics include 5 citations across 4 documents with an h-index of 2, reflecting a promising upward trajectory in scholarly contributions.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Januzaj, V., Mula, V., Turdean, G. L., & Muresan, L. M. (2015). Composite electrodes with carbon-supported Ru nanoparticles for H₂O₂ detection. Acta Chimica Slovenica, 62(1), 28–34. Cited by 6.

  2. Mula, V., Bogdanov, J., Stanoeva, J. P., Zeneli, L., & Zdravkovski, Z. (2024). Monitoring volatile organic compounds in air using passive sampling: Regional cross-border study between N. Macedonia and Kosovo. Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 24(1), 230170. Cited by 3.

  3. Mehmeti, V., Mula, V., Maiga, M. D., Seydou, M., Dagdag, O., Berisha, A., & Kaya, S. (2025). DFT analysis of fenethylline (Captagon): Investigating its interaction with graphene as a potential adsorbent. Macedonian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 44(1), 39–52.

  4. Mula, V., Bogdanov, J., Stanoeva, J. P., Zeneli, L., Berisha, A., & Zdravkovski, Z. (2024). Assessment of volatile organic compounds in indoor environments across North Macedonia and Kosovo using passive sampling. Macedonian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 43(2), 207–218.

  5. Mula, V., Bogdanov, J., Stanoeva, J., Zeneli, L., Gelmini, F., Daci, A., Berisha, A., Zdravkovski, Z., & Beretta, G. (2024). Monitoring volatile organic compounds in indoor and outdoor air using passive sampling in Milan, Italy. nanoBalkan International Conference (NB2024) / NANOKOS Workshop 2024, 80.