Prof. Rishi Kumar Tiwari | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Published on 28/07/202531/07/2025 by Physicist Particle

Prof. Rishi Kumar Tiwari | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Govt. Model Science College, Rewa (M.P.), India

Dr. Rishi Kumar Tiwari is a distinguished Professor of Mathematics with over 30 years of academic service, currently holding a post secured through the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (2011). He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from A.P.S. University, Rewa, in 1998, following an M.Sc. with a Gold Medal. With a prolific research portfolio including 134 national and international publications and six authored books, he has supervised 21 Ph.D. scholars and continues to guide research in cosmology, general relativity, and differential geometry. Dr. Tiwari has presented his work globally, including in Italy, Germany, and South Africa, contributing to international scientific collaborations. His accolades include the DST-ICTP Fellowship (Italy), IASc-INSA-NASI Summer Research Fellowship, and the Shikshavid Samman (2023). Having served as Head of Departments and on multiple academic boards, Dr. Tiwari remains committed to advancing mathematics through education, research, and international cooperation in theoretical physics and cosmology.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Rishi Kumar Tiwari holds a strong academic background in science and mathematics. He completed his Higher Secondary education from the Board of Secondary Education, Bhopal, in 1985 with a focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. He earned his B.Sc. from A.P.S. University, Rewa, in 1988, and later completed his M.Sc. in Mathematics from the same university in 1990, earning an outstanding, which earned him a Gold Medal. He was awarded a Ph.D. in Mathematics from A.P.S. University in 1998. His doctoral work laid the foundation for a research career focused on general relativity, cosmological modeling, and tensor analysis. Dr. Tiwari’s academic credentials reflect a consistent record of academic excellence and deep subject mastery, serving as the cornerstone for his teaching, research, and scholarly contributions to the field of mathematics and cosmology over the last three decades.

Professional Experience

Dr. Rishi Kumar Tiwari brings with him over 30 years of extensive teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He has held several significant academic leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Pt. S.N. Shukla University, Shahdol, and formerly at Govt. Model Science College, Rewa. He has also been a member of various Boards of Studies across reputed institutions like A.P.S. University and Govt. T.R.S. College, Rewa. Selected through the M.P. Public Service Commission in 2011, Dr. Tiwari has not only imparted knowledge but also shaped curricula and research agendas. Under his mentorship, 21 Ph.D. scholars have completed their doctorates, with others currently under supervision. His ability to blend deep mathematical theory with modern cosmological applications makes him a respected academic figure in India. He continues to engage students and researchers in exploring advanced topics in mathematical physics.

Research Interest

Dr. Tiwari’s research interest lies primarily in the fields of General Relativity, Cosmology, Tensor Analysis, and Differential Geometry, with a particular emphasis on exploring homogeneous cosmological models and conharmonic curvature tensors. His contributions to understanding the expanding universe and dark energy models have been presented at premier international conferences, including the TAUP Series and the Texas Symposium on Relativistic Astrophysics. With 134 research papers in reputed journals and conferences, Dr. Tiwari has carved a niche in the academic study of mathematical models underpinning astrophysical phenomena. His involvement in UGC-funded research projects on Bianchi Models and Robertson-Walker cosmologies illustrates his commitment to foundational and applied research. Collaborating with institutions in South Africa and Europe, he frequently shares findings on time-varying deceleration parameters and symmetry models. His international exposure and research depth continue to influence global discussions on theoretical physics and contribute to the development of cosmological theory.

Award and Honors

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Rishi Kumar Tiwari has received several awards and fellowships that affirm his academic excellence and research impact. He was awarded the DST-ICTP Fellowship (Italy, 2008), recognizing his work in mathematical physics. In 2012, he received the prestigious IASc-INSA-NASI Summer Research Fellowship, further solidifying his standing in the Indian scientific community. His most recent recognition, the Shikshavid Samman from the Department of Higher Education, Madhya Pradesh (2023), honors his decades-long contribution to higher education and mentorship in mathematics. Additionally, Dr. Tiwari has received two major UGC research grants for his projects on cosmological models. These accolades, combined with invitations for popular and technical talks at institutions like the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Mangosuthu University in South Africa, showcase his international academic reputation. His dedication to theoretical exploration and student development continues to garner respect and admiration in the fields of mathematics and cosmology.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Perfect fluid Bianchi Type-I cosmological models with time varying G and Λ
Authors: JP Singh, RK Tiwari
Year: 2008
Citations: 63
Source: Pramana – Journal of Physics, Vol. 70 (4), pp. 565–574
Title: Bianchi type-I cosmological models with time dependent G and Λ
Authors: RK Tiwari
Year: 2008
Citations: 43
Source: Astrophysics and Space Science, Vol. 318 (3), pp. 243–247
Title: Phase transition of LRS Bianchi type-I cosmological model in $f (R, T)$ gravity
Authors: RK Tiwari, D Sofuoğlu, VK Dubey
Year: 2020
Citations: 42
Source: International Journal of Geometric Methods in Modern Physics, Vol. 17 (12), Article ID: 2050187
Title: Cosmological tests of parametrization $q (z)$ in FLRW cosmology
Authors: A Bouali, BK Shukla, H Chaudhary, RK Tiwari, M Samar, G Mustafa
Year: 2023
Citations: 41
Source: International Journal of Geometric Methods in Modern Physics, Vol. 20 (09), Article ID: 2350152
Title: Scenario of two-fluid dark energy models in Bianchi type-III Universe
Authors: RK Tiwari, A Beesham, BK Shukla
Year: 2018
Citations: 41
Source: International Journal of Geometric Methods in Modern Physics, Vol. 15 (11), Article ID: 1850189
Title: Cosmological model with variable deceleration parameter in $f (R, T)$ modified gravity
Authors: RK Tiwari, A Beesham, B Shukla
Year: 2018
Citations: 38
Source: International Journal of Geometric Methods in Modern Physics, Vol. 15 (07), Article ID: 1850115
Title: Bianchi type-III cosmological models with gravitational constant G and the cosmological constant Λ
Authors: JP Singh, RK Tiwari, P Shukla
Year: 2007
Citations: 36
Source: Chinese Physics Letters, Vol. 24 (12), pp. 3325
Title: Anisotropic model with decaying cosmological term
Authors: RK Tiwari, A Beesham
Year: 2018
Citations: 33
Source: Astrophysics and Space Science, Vol. 363 (11), Article: 234
Title: Some Robertson-Walker models with time dependent G and Λ
Authors: RK Tiwari
Year: 2009
Citations: 33
Source: Astrophysics and Space Science, Vol. 321 (2), pp. 147–150
Title: Time varying G and Λ cosmology in $f (R, T)$ gravity theory
Authors: RK Tiwari, A Beesham, R Singh, LK Tiwari
Year: 2017
Citations: 31
Source: Astrophysics and Space Science, Vol. 362 (8), Article: 143
Title: Transit cosmological models with domain walls in f(R, T) gravity
Authors: RK Tiwari, A Beesham, A Pradhan
Year: 2017
Citations: 30
Source: Gravitation and Cosmology, Vol. 23 (4), pp. 392–400
Title: Cosmological models with viscous fluid and variable deceleration parameter
Authors: RK Tiwari, A Beesham, BK Shukla
Year: 2017
Citations: 30
Source: The European Physical Journal Plus, Vol. 132 (1), Article: 20
Title: An LRS Bianchi type-I cosmological model with time-dependent Λ term
Authors: JP Singh, RK Tiwari
Year: 2007
Citations: 27
Source: International Journal of Modern Physics D, Vol. 16 (04), pp. 745–754
Title: Cosmographic studies of $q (z)$ parametrization in $f (R, T)$ framework
Authors: BK Shukla, A Bouali, H Chaudhary, RK Tiwari, MS Martín
Year: 2023
Citations: 24
Source: International Journal of Geometric Methods in Modern Physics, Vol. 20 (14), Article ID: 2450007
Title: Quadratically varying deceleration parameter in $f (R, T)$ gravity
Authors: RK Tiwari, D Sofuoğlu
Year: 2020
Citations: 24
Source: International Journal of Geometric Methods in Modern Physics, Vol. 17 (10), Article ID: 2030003

Conclusion

Dr. Rishi Kumar Tiwari stands as a paragon of dedication, intellect, and international engagement in the realm of mathematical sciences. From earning a Gold Medal in his master’s studies to mentoring 21 Ph.D. scholars and producing an expansive body of scholarly work, he exemplifies the ideals of academic leadership. His prolific research, particularly in the areas of general relativity and cosmological modeling, has transcended national borders, earning him respect across continents. Participation in global scientific platforms and collaborations with African and European institutions underline his commitment to knowledge exchange and cross-cultural academic growth. With multiple leadership roles in universities and active contributions to curriculum development and academic governance, Dr. Tiwari continues to shape the future of mathematical education and research in India. His legacy is built not only on research excellence but also on his lifelong mission to inspire, educate, and innovate in the ever-evolving landscape of mathematical physics.

Dr. Nan Liu | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Published on 21/07/202521/07/2025 by Physicist Particle

Dr. Nan Liu | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Student at University of Science and Technology Beijing, China

Dr. Nan Liu 🎓 is a rising scholar in the domain of mechanics, renowned for her cross-disciplinary grasp of mathematics, physics, and materials science. With an ongoing Ph.D. at the University of Science and Technology Beijing 🏛️, she delves into the intricate world of crystal nucleus growth during solidification — a pivotal concept in materials engineering. Her analytical mindset 🌐 was shaped early on during her Master’s in Applied Mathematics and a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Applied Math. Backed by national-level funding 💰 from the NSFC, her research is crucial to understanding the kinetics of nanosecond phase formation in copper alloys. With a methodical approach and a passion for deep theoretical exploration, Nan Liu’s academic arc reflects both precision and persistence. She symbolizes the future of multidisciplinary scientific investigation 🔍, standing at the intersection of abstract modeling and material behavior. Her journey is as structured as the crystals she studies — ordered, impactful, and evolving. ✨

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

📘 Education

Nan Liu’s 📚 academic odyssey is rooted in rigorous disciplines and thoughtful progression. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in General and Fundamental Mechanics at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (2020–2025), under the mentorship of Prof. Ming-Wen Chen 🧪. Her doctoral thesis focuses on crystal nucleus growth morphology — a vital concern in solidification science. Earlier, she earned a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics (2016–2019) from Beijing Information Science & Technology University, exploring dynamic behaviors of nonlinear equations 🌀 under the guidance of Prof. Xiao-Yong Wen. Her journey began with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics from Baotou Teachers’ College (2012–2016), where she built the foundational knowledge that now underpins her interdisciplinary insight. Each academic stage not only honed her technical acumen but also broadened her lens toward complex problem-solving and real-world modeling 🔭 — making her a well-rounded, resilient, and intellectually curious researcher. 🎓✨

💼 Professional Experience

Though primarily rooted in academia, Nan Liu’s professional development 🌐 reflects deep immersion in research-intensive environments. As a doctoral candidate, she actively engages in computational modeling, thermophysical analysis, and solidification dynamics — collaborating with peers and mentors in high-precision labs 🔬. Her participation in funded research under the NSFC grant has given her project management experience, proficiency in analytical tools, and exposure to multi-phase material behavior under shear flows ⚙️. While her CV does not yet reflect formal industry roles, her academic trajectory mimics a research scientist’s responsibilities: hypothesis formulation, numerical simulation, data interpretation, and scholarly dissemination 📈. She contributes to the academic community by assisting in coursework, guiding junior students, and participating in departmental research seminars. Nan Liu’s role as a scholar is more than theoretical; it is a living practice of scientific exploration and knowledge transfer. With this blend of technical depth and project involvement, she is poised for impactful contributions to science and engineering. 🧑‍🔬📊

🔬 Research Interests

Nan Liu’s research world 🌍 orbits around the intersections of mathematics, physics, and materials science — forming a triad of intellectual synergy. Her core focus is the solidification processes in metallic systems, especially the morphology of crystal nuclei during rapid phase transformations. She explores how nanosecond-scale phase formations are influenced by multidimensional shear flows, utilizing a blend of kinetic theory, dynamic systems, and thermodynamic modeling 🔥. Her background in nonlinear equations and applied mathematics enables her to investigate material behaviors through both numerical and analytical lenses 📐. Beyond materials science, she maintains a deep interest in theoretical physics and computational simulations — seeking universal patterns and predictive models within complex systems. Her vision is to bridge the gap between abstract theory and real-world materials engineering 🧩, pushing the boundaries of how we understand the microstructural evolution in advanced alloys. With curiosity and rigor, she forges knowledge at the edge of known science. 🚀

🏆 Awards and Honors

Nan Liu’s academic journey 🌟 has been highlighted by her participation in a prestigious NSFC-funded research project (Grant No. 51971031), focusing on in-situ phase formation during alloy solidification — a competitive and nationally significant initiative 💼. While explicit awards aren’t listed, being entrusted with such a cutting-edge project testifies to her scientific credibility, diligence, and intellectual promise 🧠. Her consistent academic excellence across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels — in elite institutions such as USTB — reflects the high standards she has upheld throughout her career. She has also gained recognition within her research groups for problem-solving, modeling proficiency, and collaborative mindset 🤝. Whether presenting her findings in internal forums or contributing to experimental validations, Nan Liu remains a trusted and respected member of her academic community. These honors may not always be in the form of medals 🥇, but they are etched into the foundations of impactful research and scholarly trust. 🎓🔬

📚 Publications Top Note

Title: A Particle-Based Approach for the Prediction of Grain Microstructures in Solidification Processes

Authors: Salem Mosbah, Rodrigo Gómez Vázquez, Constantin Zenz, Damien Tourret, Andreas Otto

Published: April 17, 2025

DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2504.12858

Summary:
This study introduces a novel approach to track crystallographic solidification grain envelopes using Lagrangian particles. The model simulates competitive grain growth scenarios and transitions between columnar and equiaxed structures. It has been validated against analytical, experimental, and numerical results, and coupled with a laser-material-interaction model to simulate grain growth during laser beam welding of steel.

🧩 Conclusion

Nan Liu is not merely a scholar 📖 — she is an embodiment of cross-disciplinary excellence, threading together mathematics, physics, and materials science into a unified quest for understanding the building blocks of matter 🔍. With strong roots in theory and hands-on application, her research is both groundbreaking and relevant, contributing to material design, thermophysical modeling, and solidification dynamics. She is supported by national funding and shaped by elite mentorship — a clear sign of her standing in the academic arena 🏛️. Her trajectory suggests not just potential but a strong certainty of impact in the field of mechanics and beyond. Whether pursuing postdoctoral endeavors, teaching, or continuing in high-level research, Nan Liu is poised to become a significant contributor to science’s future. Her journey is one of precision, patience, and purposeful curiosity 🌌 — and her story is just beginning to unfold. 🌱🔮

Pengxia Zhou | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Published on 05/05/202505/05/2025 by Physicist Particle

Prof. Dr. Pengxia Zhou | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at Nantong University, China

Zhou Pengxia (Zhou Pengxia) 🎓, born on October 24, 1977 🎂, is a dedicated physicist and educator at the School of Physical Science and Technology, Nantong University 🇨🇳. With over two decades of experience, she has contributed significantly to condensed matter physics and multiferroic materials research ⚛️. She earned her Ph.D. from Nanjing University and conducted postdoctoral research at leading institutions in Singapore 🌏. As the principal investigator of an NSFC-funded project, she explores octahedral rotations in perovskite superlattices 🧪. Her work bridges teaching and innovation, advancing the frontiers of physics through both academia and international collaboration 🌟.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

🔹 Education and Experience

📘 Education:

🎓 1997–2001: Bachelor’s Degree in Physics – Yanbei Normal College
📚 2001–2004: Master’s Degree in Condensed Matter Physics – Yangzhou University
🧠 2011–2015: Doctor’s Degree in Physics – Nanjing University

🧑‍🏫 Professional Experience:

🏫 2004–Present: Lecturer – Nantong University
🌏 2017.10–2018.02: Visiting Scholar – Singapore University of Technology and Design
🌐 2018.09–2019.08: Research Fellow – National University of Singapore

🔹 Professional Development

Dr. Zhou Pengxia’s professional journey reflects her passion for physics and global academic growth 🌍📈. She has participated in international collaborations in Singapore, enriching her research and teaching perspectives 🇸🇬🔬. At Nantong University, she not only teaches but also mentors students in advanced materials science 🎓🧪. Her participation in cutting-edge research on perovskite superlattices and multiferroicity has positioned her as a recognized contributor in her field ⚛️. Through continual learning, overseas exchanges, and scientific leadership, Dr. Zhou remains committed to academic excellence and innovation in physical science education and research 📘🌟.

🔹 Research Focus

Dr. Zhou Pengxia’s research is centered around condensed matter physics with a specific emphasis on multiferroic materials and perovskite superlattices 🧲⚡. She investigates how octahedral rotation affects multiferroicity, exploring mechanisms to enhance functional properties of complex oxides 🧪🧬. Her work contributes to the understanding and engineering of materials that exhibit both ferroelectric and magnetic properties – critical for next-generation electronic devices 💻🔋. With a focus on crystal structures and symmetry interactions, her research bridges fundamental science and potential applications in sensors, memory devices, and spintronics 🌐🔧. Zhou’s interdisciplinary approach adds great value to material innovation 🔍🧠.

🔹 Awards and Honors

🏆 Awards & Honors:

🌟 Principal Investigator – National Natural Science Foundation of China (2017–2019) for research on perovskite superlattices
🎓 Invited Research Fellow – National University of Singapore (2018–2019)
🌍 International Collaboration Grant – Singapore University of Technology and Design (2017–2018)

Publication Top Notes

1. Employing interpretable multi-output machine learning to predict stable perovskites in photovoltaics

Journal: Materials Today Communications, 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2025.112552
Summary:
This study leverages interpretable multi-output machine learning models to predict thermodynamically stable perovskite materials for photovoltaic applications. The key innovation lies in the simultaneous prediction of multiple material properties (e.g., stability, band gap, defect tolerance) using models that offer transparency into decision-making (e.g., SHAP values, decision trees). This work contributes to faster and explainable discovery of efficient perovskites for solar cell design.

2. A first-principles study on the multiferroicity of semi-modified X₂M (X = C, Si; M = F, Cl) monolayers

Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D2CP04575C
Summary:
This DFT-based study explores multiferroic behavior in 2D monolayers composed of X₂M (X = C, Si; M = F, Cl), highlighting their coexisting ferroelectric and magnetic properties. The findings suggest semi-modified 2D materials could serve as candidates for spintronic and memory devices, due to their tunable multiferroic characteristics.

3. Theoretical investigation of the magnetic and optical properties in a transition metal-doped GaTeCl monolayer

Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D3CP02313C
Summary:
This study investigates how doping GaTeCl monolayers with transition metals (e.g., Mn, Fe, Co) affects their magnetic and optical behavior. Using DFT, the authors show enhanced magneto-optical properties, suggesting that doped GaTeCl systems are promising for optoelectronic and spintronic devices.

4. Magnetism and hybrid improper ferroelectricity in LaMO₃/YMO₃ superlattices

Journal: Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2019
Author: Pengxia Zhou
Summary:
This work presents a theoretical analysis of LaMO₃/YMO₃ (M, Y = transition metals) superlattices, showing hybrid improper ferroelectricity arising from coupling between octahedral tilting and rotations, along with magnetic ordering. The results support the design of multifunctional oxide heterostructures combining electric and magnetic orderings.

5. The excitonic photoluminescence mechanism and lasing action in band-gap-tunable CdS₁−ₓSeₓ nanostructures

Journal: Nanoscale, 2016
Author: Pengxia Zhou
Summary:
This paper discusses CdS₁−ₓSeₓ nanostructures with tunable band gaps. The team demonstrates strong excitonic photoluminescence and low-threshold lasing, linking optical properties to composition and quantum confinement. It provides a foundational understanding for nanoscale optoelectronic and laser devices.

6. Ferroelectricity driven magnetism at domain walls in LaAlO₃/PbTiO₃ superlattices

Journal: Scientific Reports, 2015
Author: Pengxia Zhou
Summary:
This study reveals that in LaAlO₃/PbTiO₃ superlattices, ferroelectric domain walls can induce localized magnetic moments due to lattice distortions and charge redistributions. This domain-wall magnetism introduces the potential for non-volatile magnetic memory controlled by ferroelectric domains.

Conclusion:

Dr. Zhou Pengxia is a suitable candidate for a Best Researcher Award, particularly in the fields of condensed matter physics and material science. Her leadership in nationally funded research, international collaboration experience, and long-standing academic service reflect a researcher committed to scientific advancement and knowledge dissemination. While her publication record and citation metrics were not provided, her PI role on an NSFC project suggests peer recognition and scholarly maturity.

Orfeu Bertolami | Physics | Outstanding Scientist Award

Published on 11/04/202511/04/2025 by Physicist Particle

Prof. Orfeu Bertolami | Physics | Outstanding Scientist Award

Professor at Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal

Orfeu Bertolami 🇧🇷🇮🇹 is a distinguished theoretical physicist born on January 3, 1959, in São Paulo, Brazil. He is a Full Professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Porto 🇵🇹. With over 400 publications 📚 and deep expertise in cosmology, astroparticle physics, and quantum gravity 🌌, he’s recognized globally for advancing fundamental and applied physics in space 🚀. His academic journey spans Oxford, Cambridge, Heidelberg, and Lisbon 🎓, reflecting a rich career in top research institutions. A widower and proud father 👨‍👧, Prof. Bertolami also engages in science awareness through writings and outreach efforts 🌍.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Scopus

Education and Experience

🎓 B.Sc. in Physics – University of São Paulo, 1980
📚 M.Sc. in Theoretical Physics – Instituto de Física Teórica, São Paulo, 1983
📐 Advanced Studies – Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, UK, 1984
🎓 Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics – University of Oxford, UK, 1987
🧪 Postdoc – University of Heidelberg, Germany (1987–1989)
🧬 Postdoc – Instituto Nacional de Investigação Científica, Portugal (1989–1991)
👨‍🏫 Assistant Professor – Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon (1991–2002)
🔬 Scientific Associate – CERN, Switzerland (1993–1995)
🔬 Scientific Associate – INFN Torino, Italy (1994–1995)
🧠 Habilitation (Agregação) – Instituto Superior Técnico, 1996
🗽 Visiting Scholar – New York University, USA (1999)
👨‍🔬 Associate Professor – Instituto Superior Técnico (2002–2010)
🌠 Full Professor – University of Porto, Portugal (Since 2010)
🌍 Visiting Scholar – Stockholm University, Sweden (2024)

Professional Development

Prof. Bertolami has continuously advanced his academic and research pursuits through international collaborations and top-tier institutional appointments 🌐. From his early academic formation at Oxford and Cambridge 🏛️ to his research posts at CERN and Heidelberg 🧪, his career reflects a global commitment to scientific excellence. His visiting roles in the U.S. 🇺🇸 and Sweden 🇸🇪 further signify his engagement in cross-disciplinary dialogues. Actively involved in mentoring, publishing, and leading scientific dialogue 📢, he also contributes to public science education 📰. His dynamic career continues to evolve through projects at the intersection of physics, sustainability, and Earth system science 🌎.

Research Focus

Prof. Orfeu Bertolami’s research bridges the realms of the very large and the very small ✨. He specializes in cosmology, astroparticle physics, quantum and classical gravity, and space-based fundamental physics 🚀. His interest in Earth system physics connects fundamental physics to sustainability and planetary resilience 🌍. His theoretical work provides insights into dark matter, dark energy, and spacetime structure 🌌. With hundreds of peer-reviewed publications 📝, he shapes the international scientific conversation on the origin, structure, and future of the universe 🔬. His interdisciplinary curiosity also integrates physics with broader existential and ecological questions 🌱.

Awards and Honors

🥇 Scientific Associate, CERN Theory Division, Geneva 🇨🇭 (1993–1995)
🏅 Scientific Associate, INFN – Torino, Italy 🇮🇹 (1994–1995)
🎖️ Visiting Scholar, New York University 🇺🇸 (1999)
🌍 Visiting Scholar, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Sweden 🇸🇪 (2024)
📈 Recognized Author with 263+ ISI-indexed publications and over 300 entries in INSPIRE-HEP
🧠 Habilitation (Agregação) in Physics – Portugal (1996)
📚 400+ total publications including scientific outreach writings

Publication Top Notes

1. Is cosmological data suggesting a nonminimal coupling between matter and gravity?

Journal: Physics of the Dark Universe
Publication Date: May 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.dark.2025.101861
Authors: Miguel Barroso Varela, Orfeu Bertolami
Summary: This paper investigates whether current cosmological data supports theories where matter and gravity interact via a nonminimal coupling. The authors compare observational data (e.g., from Pantheon+, DES, DESI, and eBOSS) with predictions from these alternative models and find stronger statistical evidence for nonminimal coupling over standard ΛCDM in several dataset combinations.

2. Gravitational wave polarizations in nonminimally coupled gravity

Journal: Physical Review D
Publication Date: January 6, 2025
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevD.111.024014
Authors: Miguel Barroso Varela, Orfeu Bertolami
Summary: This paper explores how nonminimal matter-curvature coupling affects gravitational wave (GW) polarization modes. The analysis suggests that these modified gravity models introduce extra polarization modes, potentially observable by future GW detectors.

3. Chaotic behaviour of the Earth System in the Anthropocene

Journal: Evolving Earth
Publication Date: January 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.eve.2025.100060
Summary: The paper discusses the Earth System’s dynamic instability in the Anthropocene epoch, emphasizing feedback loops and thresholds that could lead to chaotic planetary behavior under continued anthropogenic stress.

4. From a dynamic integrated climate economy (DICE) to a resilience integrated model of climate and economy (RIMCE)

Journal: The Anthropocene Review
Publication Date: December 2024
DOI: 10.1177/20530196231205486
Summary: Proposes a shift from Nordhaus’s DICE model to a more resilient framework (RIMCE) that incorporates climate tipping points and adaptive capacity, aiming for a more realistic integration of socio-economic and environmental risks.

5. Gravitational waves from a curvature-induced phase transition of a Higgs-portal dark matter sector

Journal: Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (JCAP)
Publication Date: October 1, 2024
DOI: 10.1088/1475-7516/2024/10/104
Summary: Analyzes how a phase transition in a Higgs-portal dark matter model, induced by spacetime curvature, could produce detectable gravitational wave signatures. The results connect early-universe particle physics with gravitational wave astronomy.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Prof. Orfeu Bertolami embodies the ideals of an Outstanding Scientist Award recipient. His remarkable scientific output, international collaborations, pioneering work in cosmology and gravitation, and his dedication to science education and outreach make him an exceptional candidate. His career demonstrates visionary thinking, interdisciplinary engagement, and a deep commitment to advancing fundamental physics and inspiring future generations.Recommendation: Strongly recommended for the Outstanding Scientist Award or Best Researcher Award. His achievements are not only outstanding in volume but deeply impactful in shaping contemporary physics and space research.