Dr. Sonaji Gayakwad is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Chemistry, with more than a decade of teaching and research experience. He began his academic career as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Mrs. K.S.K. Alias Kaku College, Beed, where he served from October 2011 to January 2026. He subsequently advanced to the position of Associate Professor at V. P. College, Patoda, where he continues to contribute to higher education.

His academic career reflects a strong commitment to chemistry education, scientific research, student mentoring, and the integration of modern approaches into teaching and learning.

Research & Academic Specialization

Dr. Gayakwad's doctoral research focused on the synthesis and characterization of mixed-ligand vanadium complexes using organic ligands, under the guidance of Dr. D. S. Wankhede at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded. He was awarded his research degree in May 2022.

His research interests encompass coordination chemistry, mixed-ligand metal complexes, vanadium chemistry, Schiff bases, thermodynamic studies, viscosity and volumetric properties of binary mixtures, green chemistry, nanotechnology, and biological applications of metal complexes. His work has increasingly explored the antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, cytotoxic, and antimalarial potential of synthesized compounds.

Research Publications & Scholarly Contributions

Dr. Gayakwad has demonstrated sustained research productivity through publications in international and national journals. His publication record includes studies on:

• Mixed-ligand complexes of vanadium, chromium, copper, nickel, cobalt, zinc, manganese, and iron.
• Schiff-base complexes and their biological activities.
• Thermodynamic parameters, viscosity, density, excess molar volume, and Gibbs free energy of binary liquid mixtures.
• Green synthesis and nanomaterials.
• Antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antimalarial activities of coordination compounds.
• Environmental pollution, global warming, and ecological issues.
• ICT-enabled teaching and quality improvement in higher education.
• Recent developments in nanotechnology and chemical sciences.

His research contributions extend through publications from 2016 to 2025, demonstrating continued engagement with contemporary areas of chemical research.

Books & Academic Resources

Dr. Gayakwad has also contributed to chemistry education through academic publications and practical resources. His contributions include “Chemistry Practical Handbook” and “Advanced Practicals in Chemistry for B.Sc. III Year,” supporting undergraduate laboratory education and practical learning in chemistry.

Conferences, Seminars & Professional Development

He has actively participated in numerous national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and symposia covering emerging trends in chemical sciences, green chemistry, environmental pollution, nanoscience, material science, biosciences, physical sciences, research methodology, and higher-education quality enhancement.

He has also presented research papers at several academic forums, reflecting his active involvement in scholarly communication and dissemination of research findings.

Research Impact & Interdisciplinary Contributions

A significant strength of Dr. Gayakwad's profile is the interdisciplinary nature of his research. His work connects fundamental chemistry with areas such as pharmaceutical applications, environmental science, nanotechnology, and biomedical research. Her investigations into biologically active metal complexes demonstrate an effort to translate coordination chemistry into potentially useful applications in healthcare and related scientific fields.

Teaching & Educational Contributions

Alongside research, Dr. Gayakwad has contributed to the improvement of chemistry education. His scholarly work addresses ICT-based teaching-learning processes, student mentoring, quality enhancement, modern educational technologies, and institutional quality-improvement strategies. This combination of teaching experience and research engagement strengthens his contribution to higher education.

Key Strengths

• More than a decade of experience in higher education and chemistry teaching.
• Doctoral research in mixed-ligand vanadium chemistry.
• Extensive research involving coordination compounds and Schiff-base chemistry.
• Research contributions in thermodynamics, physical chemistry, nanotechnology, and green chemistry.
• Publications spanning national and international journals.
• Research on the biological potential of metal complexes.
• Authorship of chemistry practical and educational resources.
• Active participation and paper presentations at numerous academic conferences.
• Interdisciplinary contribution connecting chemistry with environmental and biomedical applications.

Eligibility for Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Sonaji Gayakwad is eligible for the Best Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels based on his sustained contribution to chemical research, doctoral-level research achievement, extensive publication record, participation and presentations at national and international scientific forums, and interdisciplinary research spanning coordination chemistry, physical chemistry, nanotechnology, environmental science, and biologically active metal complexes.

His continued research output, particularly his investigations into vanadium and other mixed-ligand complexes and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antimalarial properties, demonstrates a meaningful and application-oriented research profile. His combination of research productivity, academic experience, scholarly publications, scientific presentations, and contributions to chemistry education makes his a strong candidate for recognition under the Best Researcher Award category.