Professor Emeritus, Hon DSc

Rizgar Jiawook
Advancing science and innovation.

Former Vice Minister and Scientific Advisor with 50+ years of experience in nanotechnology, optical storage, and academic research, dedicated to shaping the future through innovation and education.

01.

About Me

I am a Professor Emeritus, former Vice Minister and Scientific Advisor to the Kurdistan government's Ministry for Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Scientist and Senior Manager at Obducat Technologies AB in Sweden. With fifty years of experience, I have dedicated my career to researching, teaching, and overseeing the design and development of new IT methodologies and tools in both commercial and academic contexts.

My expertise spans optical storage and encoding, nanotechnology, and Nano-imprint lithography, with a focus on applications in machine manufacturing, photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes, bio-applications, and cryptography. I have played a key role in the formulation and review of CD standards and have developed strategies for various European Commission projects.

I have authored and delivered more than 30 publications in refereed international journals, conference proceedings, and books. As a reviewer and editorial board member for Cambridge Scholars Publishing, the Journal of Applied Biotechnology and Bioengineering, and the Journal of Advanced Healthcare Technologies, I remain committed to advancing scientific knowledge.

I bring a passion for new ideas, discovery and innovation, with a collaborative, inclusive and democratic ethos. I place the highest value on nurturing talent and promoting a culture of maximizing individual contribution within teams, empowering and inspiring others to realize their potential and push the boundaries of scientific knowledge.

Nanotechnology and Nano-imprint lithography
Optical storage and encoding
Photovoltaics and solar technology
European Commission projects
Academic publishing and review
Light-emitting diode technology
Bio-applications
Scientific strategy and management
Professor Rizgar Jiawook
02.

Research Areas

Nanotechnology

Advancing the field of nanoscale materials and structures, particularly in Nano-imprint lithography (NIL) for creating precise patterns at the nanoscale level. Applications include semiconductors, photonics, and biomedical devices.

Photovoltaics

Research focusing on improving solar cell efficiency, reducing costs, and developing new architectures for ultra-thin high-efficiency CIGS solar cells with high manufacturability for sustainable energy solutions.

Light-Emitting Diodes

Developing advanced LED technologies with improved efficiency and performance through nanoscale engineering and innovative materials, with applications in displays, lighting, and communications.

Optical Storage

Contributing to the development and standardization of optical storage technologies, including CD standards, focusing on improving data density, longevity, and retrieval efficiency.

Bio-Applications

Exploring the intersection of nanotechnology and biology, including applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and diagnostic tools, to advance healthcare and medical treatments.

Cryptography

Researching advanced cryptographic methods utilizing physical properties at the nanoscale level for secure information storage and transmission in an increasingly digital world.

03.

Professional Journey

2017 - Present

International Editorial Advisory Board Member

Cambridge Scholars Publishing - Helping to steer commissioning focus and support original academic work across a wide range of subjects.

2017 - Present

Editorial Board Member

Journal of Applied Biotechnology & Bioengineering - Contributing to the spread of scientific ideas and research information in biotechnology.

2016 - Present

Editorial Board Member

Journal of Advanced Health Care Technologies - Acting as an ambassador for the journal and helping to raise its profile within the scientific community.

2015 - Present

Registered Expert for Horizon 2020

European Commission - Assisting in the evaluation of proposals, monitoring of actions, and preparation of programs and policies.

2018 - Present

Professor Emeritus

After half a century of work (1968-2018), now enjoying retirement while maintaining academic connections and mentoring relationships.

2008 - 2018

Scientist & Senior Manager

Obducat Technologies AB, Sweden - Involved in nanotechnology research, project management, and intellectual property rights.

2011 - 2018

LEAR of Obducat Technologies AB

European Commission - Legal Entity Appointed Representative responsible for communications and correspondence towards the European Commission.

2007 - 2008

Scientific Advisor

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kurdistan Regional Government - Providing scientific expertise and policy guidance.

2004 - 2006

Vice Minister

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kurdistan Regional Government - Helping shape educational policy and scientific research initiatives.

1996 - 1999

Senior Scientist

Obducat AB - Co-establisher, developed first-ever CD-encoder in software, contributed to ISO standards for DVD family, and served as liaison with Philips and the DVD Forum.

1994 - 1996

Senior Researcher

Ingenjör Lennart Olsson AB - Major contributions to ISO/10149 standards for CD-ROM and expertise in CD/DVD standards at ECMA.

1989 - 1991

Chief Experts

Military Research and Development Council - Contributing expertise to military technological development.

1984 - 1989

Chief Experts & Editorial Board Member

Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission - Served as an expert in technical fields and contributed to the Commission's Annual Report.

1978 - 1984

Head of Nuclear Information Dept

Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission - Managed information systems and resources in the nuclear field.

1973 - 1976

Economic Researcher

The State Organization for Food Industries - Head of Industrial Training Department and Head of Statistics Department.

1968 - 1972

Science Teacher

Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia - Taught Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Geometry, and Trigonometry at the high school level.

04.

Education

M.Phil, Biomedical Engineering

University of Sussex

1976 - 1978

Computer application for medical Diagnosis using CT-Scanner. Thesis titled: Computerised Tomography; Quantified Image Analysis and Three Dimensional Reconstruction, 1978

Pg D, Applied Statistics

University of Southampton

1972 - 1974

Activities and societies: Tennis, Table tennis; Fellow Royal Statistical Society, Member Institute of Mathematics and its applications

B.Sc, Mathematics

University of Mustansiriya

1963 - 1968

Activities and societies: Tennis, Table tennis

Certificate, European Commission FP7 Program

FP7 Winter Academy, Budapest

2013

Intensive training covering the full life-cycle of project management from strategic planning to post-project financial audits.

Certificate, Software Engineering

NEC Training Center, Tokyo

1984

Three-month course including ACOS-4 OS, APL Programming, and IRS Relational Database System.

Certificate in Technology Transfer

Brazilian Atomic Energy Commission, Rio de Janeiro

1982

On-job training resulting in the transfer of the Nuclear Information System from the Brazilian Atomic Energy Commission to Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission.

Certificate, Systems Analysis and Design

ICL Training Center, Windsor

1981

A three months course included: COBOL Programming Language, Systems Analysis, Systems Design, Case study at ICL Center, Windsor, UK.

05.

Projects

ARCIGS-M Project

ARCIGS-M Project

December 2016 - November 2019

Advanced aRchitectures for ultra-thin high-efficiency CIGS solar cells with high Manufacturability, focused on demonstrating a new CIGS PV architecture with increased efficiency, improved reliability, and stability at reduced cost.

Nanotechnology
Solar Energy
Photovoltaics
MOSAICS Project

MOSAICS Project

May 2015 - April 2018

Manufacturing of Sizable Area and Integrated Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, aiming to manufacture DSSC panels with high efficiency and long-term stability, including thermal stability and light soaking tests.

Nanotechnology
Solar Cells
Dye-Sensitized
GreeNanoFilms Project

GreeNanoFilms EC Project

February 2014 - January 2017

Development and application of ultra-high resolution nano-organized films by self-assembly of plant-based materials for next generation opto- and bio-electronics.

Nanotechnology
Green Technology
Thin Films
ANILP Project

ANILP Project

November 2013 - October 2016

Advanced Nanoimprint Lithography Platform for large-area nanopatterning, establishing a 730mm x 920mm large area manufacturing platform for advanced nanopatterning based on NIL technology.

Nanoimprint
Lithography
Manufacturing
MATSENS Project

MATSENS Project

September 2013 - March 2016

Development of new electrode surfaces and recognition elements for next-generation sensitive and low-cost electrochemical biosensors integrated in a portable microfluidic platform.

Biosensors
Microfluidics
Electrochemical
PhotoNVoltaics Project

PhotoNVoltaics Project

November 2012 - October 2015

Nanophotonics for ultra-thin crystalline silicon photovoltaics, enabling a new solar cell generation by combining crystalline-silicon photovoltaics with advanced light-trapping schemes from nanophotonics.

Nanophotonics
Photovoltaics
Silicon
POLARIC Project

POLARIC Project

January 2010 - June 2014

Printable, Organic and Large-Area Realisation of Integrated Circuits, producing roll-to-roll manufacturable, high-performance organic integrated circuit technology for applications in packaging and displays.

Organic Electronics
Integrated Circuits
Roll-to-Roll
06.

Publications

Emerging Applications of Nanoparticles and Architecture Nanostructures: Current Prospects and Future Trends

Rizgar Jiawook et al.

Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

March 1, 2018

This publication discusses the most important current applications of nanoparticles and architecture nanostructures in a comprehensive, detailed manner. It covers major applications, taking into account their unusual shapes and high surface areas, with particular focus on aerospace, automotive, batteries, sensors, smart textile design, energy conversion, color imaging, printing, computer chips, medical implants, pharmacy, and cosmetics.

Manufacturing Nanoimprint Lithography System to Produce Efficient Microneedles Patch for Transdermal Drug Delivery

Rizgar Jiawook

Journal of Applied Biotechnology & Bioengineering

June 9, 2017

This paper describes a sophisticated device for delivering drugs continuously via the skin to the systemic circulation in the human body. The Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL) system was manufactured for the first time by Obducat AB to make this possible. The system comprises of the NIL process to imprint a pattern on a foil with nano structure that mimics human cell structure, resulting in a very efficient Microneedles Patch for Transdermal Drug Delivery.

Fabrication of inter-digitized nano electrode for electrochemical biosensors using nanoimprint lithography

Rizgar Jiawook and colleagues

The 4th Nano Today Conference, Dubai

December 6, 2015

This conference paper explores how material science and nanotechnology improve electrode surfaces for electrochemical transducers. It addresses the growing demand for low-cost, user-friendly devices for quick diagnosis in point-of-care testing, describing the fabrication of electrodes using Obducat's patented IPS® and STU® processes.

High volume manufacturing system for transdermal drug delivery device using NIL technology

Rizgar Jiawook and 4 colleagues

The 4th Nano Today Conference, Dubai

December 6, 2015

This paper discusses a sophisticated system for delivering drugs continuously via the skin using Nano Imprint Lithography (NIL) technology. The system enables high-volume, cost-effective manufacturing of transdermal drug delivery devices with nano-structured surfaces that mimic human cell structure for improved biocompatibility.

Transdermal Drug-Delivery Device Manufacturing in High Volume using NIL Technology

Rizgar Jiawook and 4 colleagues

The 14th International Conference on NNT 2015, Napa, California, USA

October 22, 2015

This conference paper details a Nano Imprint Lithography system for manufacturing transdermal drug-delivery devices with significant advantages: the immune system does not respond to the device, it is painless, efficiency improved 200 times, and the device is sufficiently flexible for use on sensitive skin areas.

When Nanophotonics Meet Thin Crystalline-Silicon Photovoltaics

Rizgar Jiawook and 10 colleagues

EUPVSEC 2015, Conference Proceedings (3DO.13.4), Hamburg, Germany

September 14, 2015

This paper discusses how the "Lambertian limit" of light trapping may be overcome by texturing crystalline silicon solar cell surfaces at the wavelength scale. It presents results from the PhotoNVoltaics project, suggesting that the ideal thin c-Si solar cell is a heterojunction back-contact cell with inverted nano-pyramids at its front side.

Self-aligned flexible organic thin-film transistors with gates patterned by nano-imprint lithography

Rizgar Jiawook and 10 colleagues

Organic Electronics Journal, Vol 22

July 1, 2015

This paper addresses the limited switching speed of organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) by patterning transistor channels with lengths from 10 µm down to the sub-micrometre regime using UV-nanoimprint lithography, while reducing overlap capacitance through self-aligned electrode definition.

A Method for Metallic Stamp Replication Using Nanoimprinting and Electroforming Techniques

Rizgar Jiawook and 4 colleagues

Microelectronic Engineering Journal

March 1, 2012

This paper presents a simple method for replicating metallic stamps from original masters via combined nanoimprint and electroforming processes. The method demonstrates replication of structures with dimensions from several microns to sub-100 nm across large patterned areas.

Nickel Stamp Replication Assisted By Soft Imprinting

Rizgar Jiawook and 4 colleagues

The 9th International Conference on NNT' 2010 Conf. Copenhagen

October 13, 2010

This conference paper introduces a novel method for replicating large quantities of nickel stamps from an original master via combined NIL and electroforming processes, with significant advantages for extending master stamp lifetimes.

Private – Key Cryptosystem for CD and DVD

Rizgar Jiawook

SPIE Vol. 3456, Mathematics and Data / Image Coding, Compression and Encryption

July 21, 1998

This paper proposes a private key cryptosystem based on algebraic coding theory using Reed-Solomon code. The approach is ideal for optical media applications, incorporating with CD and DVD encoding systems while increasing error correction capabilities as a by-product.

Design and Implementation of Audit System (AUDSYS) for the Integrated Bibliographic Information System (IBIS)

Rizgar Jiawook

Scientific Research Council, Electronics and Computers Research Center Journal

April 1, 1990

This paper details an auditing computerized system for the Library management system at the Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission.

Statistics for Researchers

Rizgar Jiawook

Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission

January 1, 1989

A comprehensive English-language book on statistics designed for researchers.

Automated Bibliographic Information Systems to Standardize the Activities of the Libraries in the Country using MINISIS

Rizgar Jiawook and colleagues

7th Conference of Informatics '87, Scientific Research Council

January 1, 1987

This paper discusses designing and implementing the MINISIS database management system to standardize activities across libraries in Iraq, enabling them to connect and share resources.

Programming Languages in FORTRAN and COBOL

Rizgar Jiawook

Al Alamiya Publishing

January 1, 1987

A comprehensive textbook on FORTRAN and COBOL programming languages, published in Arabic.

Principles of Computers and Programming Language in BASIC

Rizgar Jiawook

Al Hurriyah Publishing

January 1, 1986

An award-winning textbook on computer principles and BASIC programming, published in Arabic. This book was recognized as one of the ten best Computer Sciences textbooks by the Iraqi Presidency Office.

The Iraqi experience in the field of Bibliographic Information Systems Automation

Rizgar Jiawook

The 3rd Arab Conference of Physics and Mathematics in Tunis

April 4, 1984

This paper documents the first attempt to design and implement a Nuclear Information System in Iraq, which was also adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Nuclear Information System's Technology Transfer from CIN in Brazil to Nuclear Information Center in Iraq

Rizgar Jiawook

CIN, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

December 1, 1982

A study on transferring Nuclear Information System technology from Brazil to Iraq, conducted at the Brazilian Atomic Energy Commission and published by the International Nuclear Information System of the IAEA.

Computerised Tomography; Quantified Image Analysis and Three Dimensional Reconstruction

Rizgar Jiawook

University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom

October 1, 1978

This thesis pioneered a computerized method for 3D reconstruction and volume calculation of internal human body organs from CT cross-section images, representing one of the earliest works in this field.

Data Bank System for Food Industries

Rizgar Jiawook

State Organisation for Food Industries

January 1, 1976

This book documents the first Data Bank System in the Middle East, designed and implemented for Food Industries in Iraq (Arabic edition).

Applied Statistics

Rizgar Jiawook

State Organisation for Food Industries

January 1, 1975

A comprehensive book on applied statistics (Arabic Edition).

07.

Patents

Nanostructured Light Emitting Diode Device Manufacturing

CN Patent No. HK 1178318

Issued April 13, 2017

A patent for photovoltaic and light emitted diode devices comprising an epitaxial wafer of multiple layers. Quantum Dots are deposited onto the micro-nano structure layer from the light incident direction to increase light transmission to the active layer. The innovation improves light excitation by using quantum dots that can absorb wavelengths not absorbed by the active layer, with size and composition determining band-gap characteristics.

High Efficiency Nanostructured Photovoltaic Device Manufacturing

KR Patent Number 10-1683095

Issued November 30, 2016

This patent describes a manufacturing method for high-efficiency photovoltaic devices utilizing nanostructured materials and designs. The technology enhances light absorption and conversion efficiency through innovative nanoscale architectural features, contributing to the advancement of solar energy applications.

High Efficiency Nanostructured Photovoltaic Device Manufacturing

CN Patent Number ZL201180011206.9

Issued June 15, 2016

This patent covers technologies for enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic devices through nanostructured designs, specifically focusing on the Chinese market. It represents an extension of the broader patent family covering similar technologies in other jurisdictions.

High Efficiency Nanostructured Photovoltaic Device Manufacturing

US Patent Number 9,117,954

Issued August 20, 2015

This patent describes photovoltaic and light-emitting diode devices comprising epitaxial wafer of multiple layers. Quantum dots are deposited between the light source and the active layer to improve light excitation, with a micro-nano structured layer at the bottom of the PV wafer to increase internal light reflections and efficiency.

View Patent

Cryptosystem for Optical Storage

US Patent Number 6,125,183

Issued September 26, 2000

A method of encrypting and decrypting digital data such as text, numeric, images, pictures, especially tailored for optical compact discs; said method comprising of ciphering/deciphering and error detection and correction using algebraic method, namely Reed-Solomon code.

View Patent

Cryptosystem for Optical Storage / Kruptosystem för optiskt lagringsmedia

SE Patent Number SE 9503838-6

Issued October 30, 1995

This invention is a method of encryption and decryption of digital data such as text, numeric, images, pictures, especially tailored for optical compact discs; said method comprising error detection and correction using Reed-Solomon code algebraic method.

Nanostructured Light Emitting Diode Device Manufacturing

EU EP 2674984 A1

Filed September 10, 2013

A light emitting device comprising of epitaxial grown wafer of a plurality of layers with plurality of the quantum dots deposited onto the micro-nanostructure layer for the purpose of non-radiative energy transfer in color-conversion emission. The quantum dots are used onto a micro-nanostructure layer near the active layer in the light emitting diode.

View Patent

High Efficiency Nanostructured LED Device Manufacturing

EU Publication Number EP2545589

Filed September 15, 2011

This European patent application covers methods and devices for enhancing the efficiency of LED technology through nanostructured components. It builds on earlier advances in photovoltaic technology to create more efficient light emission.

High Efficiency Nanostructured Photovoltaic Device Manufacturing

EU PCT - WO 2011/110596

Filed March 9, 2011

Photovoltaic and Light emitted diode devices comprising epitaxial wafer of plurality of layers. Quantum Dots are deposited onto the micro-nano structure layer from the light incident direction to increase light transmission to the active layer, improving light excitation and efficiency.

View Patent

Method for Coding for Optical Storage

EU WO 97/16896

Filed October 30, 1996

A method of encrypting and decrypting digital data such as text, numeric, images, pictures, especially tailored for optical compact discs; said method comprising of ciphering/deciphering and error detection and correction using algebraic method, namely Reed-Solomon code.

08.

Honors & Awards

Honorary Doctorate of Science

International Biographical Centre of Cambridge

November 2015

Awarded for significant contributions to the World Scientific and Engineering Communities in Nano Imprint Lithography for Solar Energy and Biomedical Applications and Information Technology.

Best Computer Sciences Textbook

Iraqi Presidency Office

July 1986

One of the ten best Computer Sciences textbook prize winners in a competition for writing textbooks for intermediate schools. The winning book was titled "Principles of Computers and Programming Language in BASIC" (Arabic Edition).

09.

Skills & Expertise

Skills listed below include LinkedIn endorsements from colleagues and peers in the field

Technical Skills

Nanotechnology 68
R&D 52
Materials Science 45
Thin Films 33
Physics 19
Scanning Electron Microscopy 13
Photovoltaics 16
Nanoimprint Lithography 9
Semiconductors 12
Optics 11
Sensors 9
Engineering 8
Simulations 8
Lithography 8
Biomedical Engineering 7
Nanofabrication 8
Energy 7
Nanoimprinting 5
Electron Beam Lithography 5

Management & Leadership

Project Planning 30
Management 22
Program Management 18
Project Management 16
Product Development 13
Innovation Management 13
Strategic Planning 15
Team Leadership 8
Information Technology 7
Patents 5

Academic & Research

Research 27
Science 24
Statistics 15
Analysis 15
Teaching 12
Applied Statistics 6
Research and Development (R&D) 11
Renewable Energy 11
Open Innovation 7

Languages

Arabic

Native or bilingual proficiency

Kurdish

Native or bilingual proficiency

English

Full professional proficiency

Swedish

Limited working proficiency

10.

Contact

Get in Touch

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Whether you're interested in research collaboration, academic consulting, or discussing advancements in nanotechnology and scientific publishing, I welcome the opportunity to connect with fellow researchers, academics, and industry professionals.

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