ATU PhD Researcher Receives Prestigious Award at International Photocatalysis Conference

August 03, 2023

ATU PhD Researcher, Keerthi M. Nair, has been honoured with the 'Best Oral Presentation Award' at the 4th International Photocatalysis Conference, held at Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) in Heraklion, Greece. Keerthi's presentation was selected from an impressive pool of 52 submissions representing 22 countries.

A PhD researcher in a white coat, smiling at the camera with her hands in the pockets of her lab coat. She is standing in a hallway, with a glass window in the background.

The conference held in Crete, explores Photocatalysis, a prospective way to efficiently convert and store solar energy. The four-day event included talks, workshops and presentations which focuses on the experimental and theoretical aspects of photocatalysis and its real-life applications in environmental and sustainable energy.

The conference provided an excellent platform for experts to exchange ideas and explore advancements in the field of Photocatalysis. Keerthi’s remarkable contribution showcased her expertise and dedication to excellence, earning her the recognition she truly deserves.

Keerthi M. Nair is currently engaged in cutting-edge research as part of the European Union’s prestigious Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program, PANIWATER (Paniwater.eu). This program emphasises the development of innovative solutions for water treatment, an area of utmost importance for environmental sustainability and human well-being.

After receiving the award, Keerthi said: ‘‘I’m grateful to have received this recognition. I’m immensely thankful to my supervisor Prof. Suresh Pillai for his support and guidance. This would’ve never been possible without the support from my colleagues in the Nano-engineering and Biotechnology group and all our collaborators. My research focuses on developing novel Fe-based advanced functional materials as catalysts for Fenton and photo-Fenton processes, to degrade the contaminants of emerging concerns present in the water bodies. Science has always been my passion, and being a part of ATU has given me wonderful opportunities to promote science on so many levels, including CCI outreaches, workshops, and science carnivals, where we could engage with the general public and school children to talk about our work and what research means.”

Prof. Suresh Pillai, Head of the Nanotechnology and Bio-Engineering Research Group at ATU, proudly recognised the achievement of his PhD Student: “Keerthi’s prestigious award at the International Photocatalysis Conference serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring researchers. It underscores ATU’s position as a hub of knowledge and innovation, and the University’s determination to deliver research outcomes of huge relevance and benefit to society. Keerthi’s project exemplifies the type of research impact that ATU strives to achieve.”