Minglu Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Minglu Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Beijing University of Technology and Business | China

Dr. Minglu Zhang is currently a professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Beijing Technology and Business University, having previously served as associate professor (2015–2019) and lecturer (2012–2015) in the same discipline. After completing a postdoctoral appointment in the School of Environment at Tsinghua University (2010–2012) and earlier research experience at the University of California, Irvine (2008–2010), he has built a distinguished career in environmental microbiology and water systems research. His primary research interests encompass microbial ecology and molecular microbiology in water and solid waste systems, with a special focus on antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in drinking water systems. Dr. Zhang has led and contributed to several major national research projects. For example, he is the principal investigator on the “Typing and Traceability System for VBNC State Pathogens of Major Digestive Tract at Ports” (2022–2025, National Key R&D Program), as well as on the “Technology and Equipment Development for Monitoring, Early Warning and Purification of Malodorous Gas Emissions under Classified Collection of Domestic Waste” (2020–2024, National Key R&D Program). Earlier, he also led work on the distribution and migration of antibiotic resistance genes at multi-phase interfaces in drinking water distribution systems (2015–2017, National Natural Science Foundation of China). To date, Dr. Zhang has authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications. According to his ResearchGate profile, his publication count is 79, with more than 1,300 citations. His academic impact is further reflected by his h-index, which is listed as 5 on the SciSpace author profile. Among his representative works are: “Metagenomics analysis of antibiotic resistance genes, bacterial community and virulence factor genes of fouled filters and effluents from household water purifiers in drinking water” (Science of the Total Environment, 2023); “Global transcriptional analysis for molecular responses of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores in drinking water after low- and medium-pressure UV irradiation” (Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2024); and “Highly efficient degradation of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and ethyl acetate removal by bio-trickling filter reactors” (Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 2024). These works illustrate how he combines high-throughput molecular methods (e.g. metagenomics, transcriptional profiling) with applied engineering systems (e.g. drinking water treatment, gas emission purification) to address critical environmental microbiology challenges. Over the course of his career, Dr. Zhang has established himself as a leading scholar at the intersection of environmental engineering and microbial molecular ecology. His work not only advances fundamental understanding of microbial community dynamics and resistance gene behavior in engineered systems, but also yields practical solutions for water quality protection, public health, and waste management. His contributions are broadly recognized in China’s environmental research community and are increasingly cited in the international literature.

Profiles: Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhang, M., et al. (2025). Adsorption and desorption characteristics of nano-metal-modified zeolite for removal of oxygenated volatile organic compounds. Coatings, 15(10), 1206. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101206

Jiang, J., Zhang, Y., Cui, R., Ren, L., Zhang, M., & Wang, Y. (2023). Effects of two different proportions of microbial formulations on microbial communities in kitchen waste composting. Microorganisms, 11(10), 2605. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102605

Wang, Y., Cui, R., Jiang, H., Bai, M., Zhang, M., & Ren, L. (2022). Removal of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia using a biotrickling filter packed with modified composite filler. Processes, 10(10), 2016. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10102016

Xu, S., Zhang, L., Lin, K., Bai, M., Wang, Y., Xu, M., Zhang, M., Zhang, C., Shi, Y., & Zhou, H. (2021). Effects of light and water disturbance on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa and the release of algal toxins. Water Environment Research, 93, 2958–2970. https://doi.org/10.1002/wer.1644

Guoying Yu | Environmental Health | Best Researcher Award | 13389

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Prof. Guoying Yu | Environmental Health | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Guoying Yu, Henan Normal University, China

Professor Guoying Yu is a distinguished biomedical scientist and professor at the College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, China. With a Ph.D. in Ecology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and postdoctoral experience at Yale and the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Yu has made significant contributions to lung biology, focusing on acute lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis, and thyroid hormone-based therapies. His innovative research has been published in top-tier journals like Nature Communications and Advanced Science, and he has secured major national and provincial research grants. A leader in translational medicine, Dr. Yu is widely respected for his impactful work, international collaborations, and dedication to advancing global health through scientific innovation.

Profile

Scopus

🏫 Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Guoying Yu’s journey into science began with a deep-rooted passion for biology and ecology. Born in China, he pursued his undergraduate studies at Henan Normal University, graduating in 1985 with a strong academic foundation in life sciences. Determined to explore ecological systems at a deeper level, he obtained his Master’s degree from Yunnan University in 1989. His unwavering commitment to academic excellence propelled him toward doctoral studies, and he earned his Ph.D. in Ecology in 1995 from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China’s leading research institution.

Dr. Yu’s Ph.D. work laid a critical foundation in interdisciplinary environmental biology, a focus that later expanded into biomedical research. His academic brilliance and research discipline were evident from these formative years, building a strong base for his future endeavors.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

After receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Yu broadened his horizons through prestigious postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Pittsburgh (USA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research during this period focused on biomedical applications of molecular ecology, marking his transition into translational and clinical research.

Over the years, he has held esteemed research and academic positions at globally recognized institutions including Yale University, University of Pittsburgh, and Chinese academic universities. Currently, Dr. Yu is a Professor at the College of Life Sciences at Henan Normal University, where he leads critical research in lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis, and drug development.

His career is characterized by a fusion of academic rigor and innovation, with a particular focus on diseases that have significant public health impacts.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Professor Yu’s research spans molecular biology, immunology, pulmonary disease, and translational medicine. A notable area of focus has been his exploration of thyroid hormone analogs, especially GC-1, for the treatment of acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis. His findings have significantly contributed to the non-steroidal therapeutic approach to lung repair.

Some of his groundbreaking work includes:

  • The TRβ/KLF2/CEBPA axis, which enhances alveolar repair by guiding alveolar type 2 to type 1 cell differentiation.

  • The inhibition of macrophage inflammasomes to control cytokine storms and lung injury.

  • The identification of MMP19 from endothelial cells as a critical contributor to pulmonary fibrosis.

His work integrates molecular mechanisms with clinical application and has been published in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Science, Theranostics, and Cell Communication and Signaling.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Yu’s research excellence has earned him national and provincial funding awards from:

  • National Key Research and Development Program (2020–2023) – ¥2.85 million

  • Zhongyuan Foreign Expert Program (2020–2021) – ¥220,000

  • Henan Major Scientific and Technological Projects (2024–2026) – ¥2 million

He is recognized as a leading talent in Henan Province, and has been entrusted with managing high-impact biomedical research projects. His leadership roles in academic and governmental collaborations underscore his credibility as a national research leader.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Yu’s influence transcends borders. His international collaborations, particularly with institutions in the United States such as Yale and Pittsburgh, have facilitated the global exchange of knowledge. His work on post-COVID-19 lung pathology, innovative drug discovery, and inflammation control strategies have directly impacted public health strategies and pharmaceutical development in China.

With over 1,300 citations and increasing global interest in his work, Dr. Yu is regarded as an authority in pulmonary disease mechanisms, especially within the translational research community.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Professor Guoying Yu’s legacy lies in his ability to bridge scientific innovation with practical application. As a mentor, he continues to shape the next generation of scientists at Henan Normal University. As a scientific leader, his vision for the future includes:

  • Developing affordable therapies for lung diseases in low- and middle-income countries.

  • Enhancing China’s biomedical innovation pipeline through international cooperation.

  • Advancing precision medicine approaches tailored to complex respiratory conditions.

His ongoing work positions him not only as a trailblazer in translational lung biology but also as a guiding force for future biomedical innovation in Asia and beyond.

Publication Top Notes

Integrative analysis of gene expression and chromatin dynamics multi-omics data in mouse models of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis

Author: Z., Li, Zhongzheng, M., Zhang, Mengke, Y., Zhang, Yujie, … G., Yu, Guoying, L., Wang, Lan

Journal: Epigenetics and Chromatin

Year: 2025

Fatty acid synthase inhibition alleviates lung fibrosis via β-catenin signal in fibroblasts

Author: H., Lian, Hui, Y., Zhang, Yujie, Z., Zhu, Zhao, … L., Wang, Lan, G., Yu, Guoying

Journal: Life Science Alliance

Year: 2025

TRβ activation confers AT2-to-AT1 cell differentiation and anti-fibrosis during lung repair via KLF2 and CEBPA

Author: X., Pan, Xin, L., Wang, Lan, J., Yang, Juntang, … I.O., Rosas, Ivan O., G., Yu, Guoying

Journal: Nature Communications

Year: 2024

Ying Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ying Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ying Zhang, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ying Zhang is a renowned expert in atmospheric environment remote sensing at the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. She has published over 90 scientific papers and holds multiple patents in the field. Her pioneering work in particulate matter remote sensing and atmospheric composition inversion has been adopted by key institutions, including the China Meteorological Administration. Dr. Zhang has led numerous national and international research projects, received prestigious awards such as the Aerosol Young Scientist Award and China Patent Award, and collaborates globally with top research institutes in advancing environmental and atmospheric monitoring technologies.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ying Zhang’s journey into the world of science began with a deep interest in environmental and atmospheric phenomena. Her academic foundation was solidified at the prestigious Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), where she earned her Ph.D. in Remote Sensing. Her doctoral research focused on atmospheric environment remote sensing, laying the groundwork for a career dedicated to environmental monitoring through satellite data and advanced algorithms. Her early academic work reflected a blend of precision, curiosity, and a strong commitment to addressing environmental challenges through scientific innovation.

👩‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Aerospace Information Research Institute, CAS, Dr. Zhang plays a vital role in advancing China’s capabilities in satellite-based environmental monitoring. Her professional journey includes participation in eight major national and international research projects, where she has worked extensively on atmospheric environmental remote sensing, air quality monitoring, and climate change analysis. In addition to her academic roles, she has provided critical consultancy as the Principal Investigator (PI) for three industry-linked projects in the meteorology and environmental protection sectors, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhang is a pioneer in the field of remote sensing for atmospheric monitoring. Her research introduced the Multi-parameter Particulate Matter Remote Sensing (PMRS) approach, a breakthrough in differentiating anthropogenic and natural sources of air pollution using satellite data. This methodology has since been operationalized by the China Meteorological Administration for real-time haze monitoring via the FY-4 satellite. Furthermore, she developed a remote sensing inversion method for determining the chemical composition of atmospheric particulates—now utilized by over ten institutions through the SONET (Sun-Sky Radiometer Observation Network).

Her academic contributions include the authorship of over 90 scientific papers, 70 of which are indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, earning her over 1,654 citations. She has also co-authored two monographs, one in English and another in Chinese, showcasing her ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to both domestic and international audiences.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Zhang’s exceptional contributions have earned her numerous prestigious awards that underscore her scientific impact. These include:

  • 🥇 Aerosol Young Scientist Award

  • 🧪 Beijing Natural Science Award

  • 🌱 Environmental Protection Science and Technology Award

  • 💡 China Patent Award for Excellence

These accolades not only highlight her technical excellence but also recognize her contributions to environmental sustainability and public health through improved monitoring systems and methodologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhang’s research has had a significant real-world impact. By advancing remote sensing techniques, her work has strengthened China’s environmental monitoring infrastructure, particularly in tracking air pollution and climate change. Her PMRS method is a cornerstone in national haze monitoring operations, while her composition inversion techniques have empowered research institutions and meteorological agencies to better understand and respond to pollution events.

In addition to her scientific output, she has actively shaped the research community through editorial roles, including guest editor positions at Remote Sensing and Atmosphere, and as an editorial board member of China Environmental Monitoring. Her collaborative efforts span across leading international institutions such as the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, University of Lille, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison—promoting global dialogue and cooperation in environmental science.

🧬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Zhang’s legacy is one of bridging theory and application, with her innovations in remote sensing poised to continue benefiting both scientific communities and policy-making bodies. Her leadership and contributions serve as an inspiration for young scientists, particularly women in STEM, and her methodologies are likely to influence future developments in artificial intelligence-driven remote sensing, big data atmospheric modeling, and international climate change monitoring frameworks.

Looking ahead, Dr. Zhang is expected to further explore multi-source data integration, enhancing the precision and scope of environmental monitoring systems. With 10 invention patents already published and 4 more under process, her work continues to shape the evolving landscape of atmospheric sciences and remote sensing technology.

Publication Top Notes

Inversion of the global carbonaceous aerosol components (CACs) based on ground-based remote sensing of AERONET

Contributors: Zhuolin Yang; Ying Zhang; Yisong Xie; Hua Xu; Chaoyu Yan; Tong Hu; Zhengqiang Li
Journal: Environment International
Year: 2025

Aerosol Optical Depth Retrieval Over Land from Particulate Observing Scanning Polarimeter (POSP) Using a New Look-Up Table (LUT) Method

Contributors: Zhe Ji; Zhengqiang Li; Ying Zhang; Yan Ma; Zheng Shi; Xiaoxi Yan; Yisong Xie; Yang Zheng; Zhenting Chen
Journal: Aerosol Science and Engineering
Year: 2024