Associate Professor at University of Science & Technology Bannu, Pakistan
Dr. Abdul Manan is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Science & Technology (UST), Bannu, Pakistan. With a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Peshawar and significant research exposure at The University of Sheffield (UK), Wuhan University of Technology (China), and Pennsylvania State University (USA), Dr. Manan has emerged as a recognized expert in materials science and applied physics. His research contributions are extensive, with over 40 high-impact international publications and a strong record of academic excellence and innovation. Dr. Manan’s work centers on advanced ceramics, dielectric materials, and energy storage systems, where he consistently explores the nexus between materials design and sustainable energy solutions. His active participation in national and international scientific committees, editorial boards, and technical programs reflects his commitment to research leadership and academic mentorship. Dr. Manan’s numerous awards from the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and international research societies underscore his valuable contributions to science and technology, making him a leading figure in his field. As an educator, researcher, and scientific ambassador, he continues to elevate Pakistan’s profile in the global academic community through excellence in research, teaching, and service.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Abdul Manan’s academic journey reflects a consistent pursuit of excellence. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Peshawar (2006–2011), where he conducted cutting-edge research at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Sheffield, UK. Before his doctorate, he completed his M.Sc. in Physics (2002–2004) and B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics (2000–2002) from the University of Peshawar and Gomal University respectively, securing first divisions throughout. He laid the foundation of his academic career with high achievements in his pre-engineering (HSSC) and science (SSC) studies from BISE Bannu. To further enrich his research acumen, he undertook two prestigious postdoctoral fellowships—first at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology (2017), and later at the Materials Research Institute, Penn State University, USA (2023). These international experiences greatly broadened his scientific perspective, particularly in dielectric materials and ceramics for energy applications. This robust academic background, enriched with international exposure and multidisciplinary training, positions Dr. Manan as a leader in physics and materials science research in Pakistan and beyond.
Professional Experience
Dr. Abdul Manan’s career spans diverse teaching and research roles that reflect his progression from a young researcher to a seasoned academic leader. His professional journey began as a Research Assistant at the University of Peshawar, followed by a lecturer position at Islamia College Peshawar. He further contributed as a visiting research scholar at The University of Sheffield, UK, and later taught at Khyber Medical University. In 2011, he was appointed Assistant Professor at UST Bannu and held the same post at Islamia College Peshawar before rejoining UST Bannu in 2015. Since October 2021, he serves as Associate Professor at UST Bannu, contributing to curriculum development, mentoring, and high-impact research. He has also held significant administrative roles including Chief Proctor, Director ORIC, Chairman of the Department of Physics, and Warden for Boys’ Hostels. Through these roles, Dr. Manan has demonstrated leadership in institutional development, academia-industry linkages, and student engagement. His broad professional experience has nurtured a multidisciplinary approach, reinforcing his capabilities in teaching, research, and university governance.
Research Interests
Dr. Abdul Manan’s research interests lie primarily in the field of materials science, with a strong focus on advanced ceramics, dielectric materials, piezoelectric systems, and energy storage devices. He is particularly interested in exploring the structural, electrical, and thermal behaviors of lead-free ceramics, a crucial domain in sustainable energy technology. His work involves designing new ceramic compositions, such as BaTiO3- and NaNbO3-based systems, to improve electrocaloric effects, dielectric constants, and storage efficiencies. He also has a keen interest in nanomaterials for sensing applications, microwave dielectric ceramics, and photoluminescent materials for LEDs. His recent studies on grain boundary effects, domain engineering, and microstructural tuning demonstrate his depth in the experimental and computational study of materials. Moreover, Dr. Manan actively contributes to collaborative research addressing global energy and environmental challenges. His ongoing projects aim to innovate smart materials for pulsed power capacitors and green electronics. This convergence of fundamental science and applied research underscores his commitment to scientific advancement with practical societal impact.
Research Skills
Dr. Abdul Manan possesses a comprehensive array of research skills in experimental physics and materials science. His technical proficiency includes ceramic processing techniques such as solid-state reaction, hydrothermal synthesis, and sol-gel methods. He is adept at characterizing materials using tools like XRD, SEM, impedance spectroscopy, and dielectric analyzers to investigate phase composition, microstructure, and electrical properties. Dr. Manan also demonstrates strong expertise in thermal analysis and energy storage characterization, essential for capacitor-grade material development. Additionally, his exposure to computational modeling and DFT simulations enables him to complement experimental findings with theoretical insights. He has a proven track record of conducting interdisciplinary research across institutions in China, the UK, and the USA. His editorial roles across several international journals further exhibit his deep understanding of peer-review processes, manuscript preparation, and scientific publishing. Dr. Manan’s ability to lead collaborative projects, mentor students, and publish impactful research articles highlights his exceptional capabilities in academic research and innovation.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Abdul Manan has received numerous awards that reflect his dedication to research excellence. He was awarded the prestigious Best Researcher Award in Materials Science by ScienceFather in 2024. His postdoctoral studies were supported by competitive grants from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, including IRSIP and Interim Placement of Fresh PhDs. Dr. Manan received multiple travel and research grants from HEC for participating in international conferences such as the IEEE ISAF-ISIF-PFM 2023 (USA), Electroceramics XIV (Romania), and the Pacific Rim Conference on Ceramic and Glass Technology (Canada, 2025). Additionally, The Pennsylvania State University awarded him publication and conference support funding in 2023. These honors signify recognition from both national and global research communities. He is also an active member of editorial boards and scientific committees, including for journals like the Journal of Electronic Research and Application, Modern Materials Science and Technology, and the Indonesian Journal of Materials Research. These distinctions underline his growing influence as a global academic contributor.
Conclusion
Dr. Abdul Manan stands as a paragon of academic excellence, research innovation, and institutional leadership. His contributions span the breadth of experimental physics and materials science, with a clear focus on developing sustainable energy materials. He has successfully bridged international collaborations, integrated advanced characterization techniques into his work, and mentored future scientists across multiple institutions. Beyond his research, his administrative roles as Director ORIC, Chief Proctor, and Chairman of the Physics Department reflect his dedication to academic governance and policy development. His prolific publication record, ongoing international collaborations, and editorial responsibilities position him as a highly respected figure in the global scientific community. Looking ahead, Dr. Manan is poised to further elevate his impact through advanced interdisciplinary research and policy-driven academic leadership. With a rare blend of scientific acumen, teaching experience, and institutional service, he exemplifies the modern scientist-educator and continues to make significant contributions toward technological advancement and educational excellence in Pakistan and beyond.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Achieving high electrostrain performance in BNT‑based lead‑free piezoelectric ceramics modified by Sr(Sn₀.₅Ta₀.₄)O₃
Authors: Abdul Manan, et al.
Year: 2025
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Title: Enhanced electrocaloric effect in BaTiO₃‑based ceramics over a wide working temperature range by domain engineering
Authors: Abdul Manan, et al.
Year: 2025
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Title: Dielectric, impedance, and energy storage properties of Bi(Mg₀.₅Sn₀.₅)O₃‑modified Bi₀.₅Na₀.₅TiO₃ based ceramics
Authors: Abdul Manan, et al.
Year: 2025
Citations: 2
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Title: Achievement of high energy density and efficiency in Bi(Mg₀.₅Hf₀.₅)O₃ modified Ba₀.₅₅Sr₀.₄₅TiO₃ ceramics
Authors: Abdul Manan, et al.
Year: 2025
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Title: Achieving improved dielectric energy storage properties in Na₀.₄₅₀₅Bi₀.₃₈₂₅Sr₀.₁₃₆Nb₀.₀₈₅Er₀.₀₁₅TiO₃ ferroelectric ceramics via La modification and processing optimization
Authors: Abdul Manan, et al.
Year: 2025
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Title: Enhanced dielectric energy storage properties of PLZST relaxor‑antiferroelectric ceramics achieved via phase transition modulation and processing optimization
Authors: Abdul Manan, et al.
Year: 2025
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Title: A DFT study to explore structural, electronic, optical and mechanical properties of lead‑free Na₂MoXO₆ (X = Si, Ge, Sn) double perovskites for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications
Authors: Abdul Manan, et al.
Year: 2024
Citations: 6
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Title: Structural, dielectric, electrical, and energy storage properties of Mn‑doped Ba₀.₅₅Sr₀.₄₅TiO₃ ceramics
Authors: Abdul Manan, et al.Year: 2024
Citations: 7