Researcher, Chemist, and Professor at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași (UAIC), Romania
Specialist in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry, Coordination Compounds, and Nanomaterials
Prof. Dr. Aurel Pui is a leading Romanian chemist and professor at the Faculty of Chemistry of Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași (UAIC), widely recognized for his research in coordination chemistry, inorganic materials, nanostructured materials, and applications of nanoparticles. His academic career spans more than three decades of teaching, research, doctoral supervision, and leadership in chemical sciences at UAIC.(chem.uaic.ro)
Academic Career and Leadership
Born on 12 October 1964 in Maieru (Bistrița-Năsăud, Romania), Aurel Pui completed his higher education and doctoral training in inorganic chemistry before joining UAIC. He has progressed through academic ranks from assistant professor (1990) to full professor (since 2008) in the Department of Chemistry.(chem.uaic.ro)
He has held significant leadership roles at the Faculty of Chemistry, including:
- Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry (2016–2024)
- Prodean for Research (2012–2016)
- Director of the Department of Research (2012–2016)
- Member of faculty and university governance committees
- Doctoral supervisor in chemistry since 2009, mentoring multiple PhD students.(chem.uaic.ro)
He also serves as an evaluator for ARACIS (Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) and AQAS (German accreditation agency), and has participated in national technical working groups on best practice guidelines for inorganic chemical industries.(chem.uaic.ro)
Research Focus
Prof. Pui’s research group focuses on:
- Synthesis and characterization of coordination compounds
- Catalytic and antimicrobial activity studies of inorganic complexes
- Synthesis of nanoparticles and multifunctional magnetic materials
- Applications of nanostructured materials in sensors, catalysis, and medicine contexts.(chem.uaic.ro)
He coordinates the Coordination Compounds and Inorganic Materials (CCIM) research group within the UAIC Faculty of Chemistry, fostering collaborations with colleagues and doctoral students on advanced materials research.(chem.uaic.ro)
Scholarly Output and Bibliometrics
According to his ResearchGate profile, Prof. Pui has authored or co-authored approximately 140 research publications, covering a broad range of inorganic and materials chemistry topics, including nanostructured materials and coordination chemistry. He has garnered over 1,790 reads and significant citation attention, indicating his impact within the chemistry research community.(ResearchGate)
Google Scholar lists a profile for A. Pui with over 2,000 citations, reflecting cumulative scholarly influence in inorganic and materials chemistry. His work includes studies on coordination compounds of 3d transition metals and spectroscopic analyses of molecular systems.(Google Scholar)
Note: A formal Clarivate/Web of Science h-index is not accessible here, but Google Scholar numbers suggest an h-index in the 15–25 range, consistent with a seasoned research career in chemistry.
Most Cited Works
While specific Clarivate citation counts require subscription access, among Prof. Pui’s internationally visible publications are studies on:
- Coordination compounds of 3d metal ions with Schiff bases, characterizing structural and magnetic properties.(ResearchGate)
- Articles on novel multifunctional nanocomposites with enhanced catalytic and magnetic behavior (including recent nanocomposite studies published in Applied Sciences).(MDPI)
These papers are frequently cited in inorganic chemistry and nanomaterials literature, particularly in areas bridging traditional coordination chemistry with materials applications.
Books and Educational Contributions
Prof. Pui has contributed to the authorship of university textbooks and laboratory workbooks in inorganic chemistry and materials science, and his courses form part of the core curriculum for chemistry students at UAIC. According to a CV summary, he has authored around nine books, university courses, and laboratory workbooks used for undergraduate and graduate teaching in chemistry.(chem.uaic.ro)
International Collaboration and Projects
Prof. Pui’s research has involved:
- Membership in international research collaborations with universities and research institutes, contributing co-authored studies with scholars from Europe and beyond.(ResearchGate)
- Presentations and participation in international conferences on modern chemistry and materials science.(chem.uaic.ro)
- Engagement in research that intersects nanotechnology, magnetic materials, and catalysis, fields that routinely involve multinational academic cooperation.
Although specific EU-funded project records are not publicly listed, his group’s activity aligns with areas supported by international frameworks (e.g., collaborative work in nanomaterials and applied sciences).
Inventions and Patents
There are no publicly indexed patents directly attributed to Aurel Pui in major patent databases (such as WIPO or USPTO) under his name, which is typical for academic chemists whose work is centered on fundamental research and publications rather than proprietary inventions.
Service and Impact
Prof. Pui’s service has included:
- Editorial or leadership roles in chemistry research forums
- Doctoral supervision and mentorship for numerous PhD candidates
- Contributions to quality assurance and accreditation in chemistry education at UAIC and national bodies.(chem.uaic.ro)
His research and teaching have helped shape the next generation of chemists and materials scientists in Romania and contributed to UAIC’s reputation in scientific training.
Summary of Key Achievements
- 140 publications encompassing inorganic and materials chemistry.(ResearchGate)
- Research addressing coordination compounds, nanostructured materials, and multifunctional composites.(chem.uaic.ro)
- Leadership roles as Dean and research director at the UAIC Faculty of Chemistry.(chem.uaic.ro)
- International collaboration through co-authored research and conference participation.(ResearchGate)
- Contribution to textbooks and educational resources for chemistry students.(chem.uaic.ro)