Suocheng Dong | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Suocheng Dong | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Prof. Dong Suocheng is a leading scholar in regional economic geography, ecological economics, and green development studies, widely recognized for his influential contributions to the understanding of resource–environment interactions and sustainable development pathways in China and across Eurasia. As a senior professor at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR), Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has built a distinguished academic career centered on the theory, methodology, and empirical assessment of ecological economic systems, regional sustainable development, and the coupling mechanisms between urbanization, economic growth, and the ecological environment. His research spans a broad range of topics including regional ecological economic differentiation, circular economy models, eco-city construction, ecological civilization pathways, green development strategies, and the quantitative analysis of urban–environment coordination. He has contributed extensively to the development of frameworks for evaluating ecological risks, optimizing regional resource allocation, and guiding policy for cross-border sustainable development initiatives such as the Belt and Road, the China–Mongolia–Russia corridor, and regional integration across Northeast and Central Asia. Prof. Dong has led nearly one hundred major national-level, ministerial, and regional research projects, including key programs of the National Natural Science Foundation of China and strategic cooperation initiatives. His contributions have resulted in more than 360 academic publications, monographs, and research reports that have significantly shaped scholarly discourse and policy formulation in resource economics, environmental management, and regional planning. More than forty of his advisory reports have been acknowledged and adopted by national decision-making bodies, demonstrating his strong impact on high-level sustainable development policy. His influential publications include seminal works on the coupling coordination between urbanization and the eco-environment in Mongolia, ecological and socioeconomic risks in international infrastructure projects, spatial–temporal drivers of carbon emissions in interprovincial trade, and assessment of circular economy systems in energy-intensive industries. His research in Land Use Policy, Environmental Science & Technology, Sustainability, Journal of Geographical Sciences, and Resources Science has become central to the advancement of regional ecological economics and spatial sustainable development. Through decades of rigorous scholarship, multidisciplinary collaboration, and strategic policy engagement, Prof. Dong has established himself as a major contributor to the evolution of ecological economic theory, regional green development models, and the science–policy interface essential to achieving sustainable development in rapidly transforming regions.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Dong, S., Chen, C., & Li, Y. (2016). An investigation report on economic and social sciences in Northern China and its adjacent areas. Science Press.

Dong, S., & Sun, J. (2017). Regional sustainable development of Northeast and Central Asia. Science Press.

Dong, S., Zheng, J., Li, Y., Li, Z., Li, F., Jin, L., & Yang, Y. (2019). Quantitative analysis of the coupling coordination degree between urbanization and eco-environment in Mongolia. Chinese Geographical Sciences, 29(5), 861–871.

Dong, S., Yang, Y., Li, F.*, et al. (2018). An evaluation of the economic, social, and ecological risks of China-Mongolia-Russia high-speed railway construction and policy suggestions. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 28(7), 900–918.

Dong, S., Wang, Z., Li, Y., Li, F., Chen, F., & Cheng, H. (2017). Assessment of comprehensive effects and optimization of a circular economy system of coal power and cement in Kongtong District, Pingliang City, Gansu Province, China. Sustainability, 9(787). https://doi.org/10.3390/su9050787

Dong, S., Cheng, H., Guo, P., et al. (2016). Transportation industry patterns and strategy of the Belt and Road. Bulletin of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 31(6), 663–670.

Dong, S., Huang, Y., Li, Z., et al. (2014). Economic development patterns and regional economic integration modes for the Silk Road Economic Zone. Resources Science, 36(12), 2451–2458.

Wu, Y., & Dong, S.* (2018). Quantifying urban land expansion dynamics through improved land management institution model—Application in Ningxia–Inner Mongolia, China. Land Use Policy, 78, 386–396.

 

Heng Liu | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Heng Liu | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award

Qingdao University of Science and Technology | China

Prof. Heng Liu is an accomplished materials scientist and professor at Qingdao University of Science and Technology, widely recognized for his significant contributions to organometallic catalysis and polymer chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in 2015 from the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), followed by productive postdoctoral research at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology between 2015 and 2017. Upon returning to China, he served as an associate professor at CIAC before joining Qingdao University of Science and Technology as a full professor in 2020. Throughout his career, Prof. Liu has built an impressive portfolio of research achievements that reflect his scientific rigor, innovation, and leadership in advancing olefin and diene polymerization technologies. His research primarily focuses on the development of high-efficiency organometallic catalysts, the functionalization of polymers, and performance enhancement strategies for synthetic rubber materials—areas that hold major industrial relevance in the rubber, plastic, and advanced materials sectors. Prof. Liu has published 63 high-impact journal articles in prestigious publications such as Advanced Functional Materials, ACS Catalysis, Coordination Chemistry Reviews, Macromolecules, and other leading SCI-indexed platforms. His strong publication record is supported by a robust citation footprint in global scientific databases, reflecting the wide impact and recognition of his work within the research community. He has successfully led and participated in multiple funded research projects, including major grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52573115, 22071236, 21801236), the Shandong Province Natural Science Foundation (ZR2024ME117), and the Taishan Scholar Foundation (202211165), demonstrating his capability to secure competitive funding for frontier research. Beyond academic projects, Prof. Liu has completed six consultancy and industry collaborations, reinforcing the practical applicability of his scientific innovations. He holds 18 patents, underscoring his commitment to translating research outcomes into technological advancements. His editorial contributions include serving on the editorial boards of Frontiers in Chemistry and China Synthetic Rubber Industry, where he supports scholarly communication and peer review in his field. Prof. Liu’s work is strengthened by active collaborations with researchers across institutions and countries, contributing to scientific progress through interdisciplinary engagement. With expertise spanning catalysis, polymer design, and advanced material fabrication, Prof. Liu continues to make substantial contributions to both fundamental science and industrial technology. His achievements, leadership, and innovation position him as a distinguished candidate for the Research Excellence Award.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Polymer Chemistry (2025)

Zhang, H., Zhang, X., Zheng, H., Wang, F., Wei, X., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2025). Synthesis of α,ω-end hetero-functionalized polyisoprene via neodymium-mediated coordinative chain transfer polymerization. Polymer Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4PY01452A

Journal of Applied Polymer Science (2025 – Nov 05)

Zheng, H., Zhang, H., Zhao, W., Wang, F., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2025). Controllable preparation of hydroxyl-terminated liquid polydiene rubber featuring high 1,4-content by neodymium-mediated coordinative chain transfer polymerizations strategy. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.57602

Journal of Applied Polymer Science (2025 – Mar 10)

Li, X., Zhang, X., Wang, F., Liu, W., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2025). Neodymium-mediated coordinative chain transfer homopolymerization of bio-based myrcene and copolymerization with butadiene and isoprene. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.56557

Macromolecules (2025 – Feb 25)

Wang, X., Ma, L., Dong, B., Zhang, C., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2025). Axial anagostic interaction in α-diimine nickel catalysts: An ultraefficient occupation strategy in suppressing associative chain transfers to achieve UHMWPEs. Macromolecules, 58(?), pages pending. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.4c03244

Molecular Catalysis (2024)

Liu, X., Yang, Q., Zhang, C., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2024). 3,4-selective polymerization of isoprene by iron-based system: The key role of borate salts for enhancing catalytic activities and broadening 1,10-phenanthroline ligand scope. Molecular Catalysis, 114082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcat.2024.114082

SSRN Preprint (2024)

Liu, H., Liu, X., Zhang, C., Yang, Q., & Zhang, X. (2024). 3,4-selective polymerization of isoprene by iron-based system: The key role of borate salts for enhancing catalytic activities and broadening 1,10-phenanthroline ligand scope [Preprint]. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4690393

 

Yan Wang | Sustainable Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Yan Wang | Sustainable Materials | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Yan Wang, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yan Wang, a dedicated researcher at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, specializes in advanced oxidation processes for water treatment. With over a decade of expertise, she has led innovations in catalytic materials, environmental functional membranes, and contaminant removal technologies. She has authored over 40 SCI-indexed publications, holds 8 patents, and actively collaborates on national projects focused on wastewater reclamation. Dr. Wang’s impactful contributions have earned her prestigious honors, including the IWA China Star Program Member and multiple national science awards, reinforcing her role as a key figure in sustainable water treatment research.

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yan Wang embarked on her academic journey with a deep-rooted passion for environmental science and sustainability. She pursued her doctoral degree at Shandong University, where she laid the foundation for her future in eco-environmental research. Her early academic focus on chemistry and materials science seamlessly blended with environmental applications, particularly in the realm of water treatment. This strong academic preparation not only shaped her scientific perspective but also inspired her to delve into the complex challenges facing global water systems.

In 2015, following her Ph.D., she joined the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES), Chinese Academy of Sciences—one of China’s most prestigious environmental research institutions. This marked the beginning of a prolific research career dedicated to solving pressing water contamination issues through scientific innovation.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Researcher and Master’s Supervisor at RCEES, Dr. Wang has cultivated an impressive research portfolio that includes:

  • 12 completed/ongoing projects

  • 40+ high-impact publications in SCI/Scopus-indexed journals

  • 8 patents (published/under process)

  • 1 authored book

  • 2 consultancy/industry collaborations

Her editorial contributions are notable as well, holding roles such as Guest Editor and Editorial Board Member for the journal Water Emerging Contaminants & Nanoplastics, showcasing her thought leadership in the field.

Dr. Wang is a key contributor to the National Natural Science Foundation of China-funded project: “Strengthening mechanism in wastewater reclamation by multiple micro-interface processes and water quality risk control,” where she designs novel materials for water remediation systems.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

Over the past decade, Dr. Wang has established herself as a prominent expert in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), specializing in:

  • Development of environmental functional materials

  • Catalytic mechanisms for photo/electrochemical and Fenton-like systems

  • Removal of emerging contaminants and nanoplastics from water

A hallmark of her research is the development of self-supporting catalytic membranes via an in-situ synthesis approach—an innovation that enhances the stability and reusability of catalysts used in water treatment. Furthermore, she proposed a pioneering strategy to promote the regeneration of Fe(Ⅱ) from Fe(Ⅲ), addressing a long-standing limitation in Fenton catalytic cycles.

With an H-index of 27 (Web of Science), her research is both scientifically impactful and practically applicable, often bridging the gap between laboratory findings and real-world water purification systems.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Wang’s outstanding work has earned her national and international recognition, including:

  • IWA China Young Committee Member & Star Program Member

  • First Prize – Science and Technology Award, China Surface Engineering Association

  • Second Prize – Scientific and Technological Progress Award, Ministry of Environmental Protection

Her association with esteemed organizations like the International Water Association (IWA) and the Beijing Ecological Restoration Society further highlights her commitment to both the scientific community and sustainable development goals.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Wang’s influence extends beyond academia. Through collaborative partnerships with environmental companies, several of her technologies have been successfully commercialized and applied in water treatment plants across China. Her work not only contributes to improving water quality but also plays a critical role in shaping policy and best practices for water sustainability.

Her mentorship of graduate students fosters the next generation of eco-environmental scientists, and her editorial involvement ensures the advancement of scientific discourse on water contamination and remediation.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Yan Wang aims to lead transformative projects that address climate-adaptive water purification, nanomaterials for pollutant capture, and low-energy AOP systems. Her future research will likely focus on risk assessment and quality control frameworks for wastewater reuse, crucial for achieving circular water economies.

With her proven track record and visionary outlook, Dr. Wang is well-positioned to become a global leader in eco-environmental innovation, with a legacy grounded in scientific excellence, environmental impact, and public health protection.

✍️Publication Top Notes

📘 Ozone Reactions with Olefins and Alkynes: Kinetics, Activation Energies, and Mechanisms

Author: Yan Wang, Eva M. Rodríguez, Daniel Rentsch, Zhimin Qiang, Urs von Gunten

Journal: Physico-Chemical Treatment and Resource Recovery

Year: 2025

📘Synergistic photogeneration of reactive oxygen species by Fe species self-deposited on resorcinol-formaldehyde towards the degradation of phenols under visible light

Author: Wenxiang Ji, Huiyu Dong, Yan Wang, Zhimin Qiang

Journal: Chemosphere

Year: 2024