Chenyuan Zhu | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Chenyuan Zhu | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award

Fudan University | China

Dr. Chenyuan Zhu is an accomplished researcher in chemistry and chemical engineering, recognized for impactful contributions to electrocatalysis, interfacial chemistry, and sustainable energy conversion. His research centers on the rational design of catalytic interfaces and active-site motifs to enable efficient electrochemical transformations, particularly carbon dioxide reduction and nitrate-to-ammonia conversion, which are critical for carbon neutrality and green nitrogen cycles. Dr. Zhu’s work systematically explores how bimetallic interfaces, crystallographic facets, defect engineering, and ionomer regulation influence reaction pathways, selectivity, and catalytic efficiency. By combining precise materials synthesis with advanced electrochemical characterization, his studies reveal structure–function relationships that govern multi-electron transfer reactions. Notably, his research on Au/Cu and Ag/Cu biphasic interfaces has demonstrated selective tandem conversion of CO₂ into value-added C₂+ alcohols, offering new strategies for carbon utilization. His investigations into Cu-based catalysts have provided fundamental insights into dynamic surface restructuring and product-specific active sites, significantly advancing the understanding of electrochemical CO₂ reduction mechanisms. In the area of electrochemical nitrogen conversion, Dr. Zhu has reported innovative approaches for nitrate-to-ammonia synthesis using tandem and biphasic catalytic systems, achieving enhanced activity and selectivity. These works contribute to sustainable ammonia production pathways that bypass energy-intensive Haber–Bosch processes. His broader research portfolio also includes contributions to electrochemical methanation, battery materials, and photocatalytic membranes for water treatment, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary foundation spanning catalysis, energy storage, and environmental remediation. Dr. Zhu’s scholarly output includes publications in leading journals such as Chem, ACS Catalysis, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Nano Letters, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, ChemSusChem, and Journal of Energy Chemistry. Several of these works are highly cited, featured as reviews or highlights, and published in top-tier journals, underscoring their scientific influence and originality. His research is characterized by methodological rigor, innovative interface engineering concepts, and clear relevance to global sustainability challenges. Through sustained contributions to fundamental catalysis science and applied electrochemical technologies, Dr. Zhu’s research advances the development of high-efficiency catalytic systems for clean energy and chemical production. His work continues to shape emerging strategies for carbon management, green ammonia synthesis, and next-generation electrochemical processes, positioning him as a significant contributor to modern catalysis and sustainable chemical engineering research.

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Heer Wang | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Heer Wang | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award 

Kunming University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Heer Wang is an emerging scholar in applied economics whose research lies at the intersection of industrial transformation, climate change, labor mobility, and sustainable economic development. His work explores how evolving economic structures and environmental shocks shape household behavior, productivity, and long-term growth pathways, particularly within developing and transitional economies. By integrating rigorous microeconometric evaluation methods with rich empirical data, he contributes meaningful insights into how societies adapt to climate risks and structural shifts. A major strand of his research investigates the socioeconomic consequences of climate variability, especially extreme rainfall and its implications for rural livelihoods. His publications in leading journals such as Science of The Total Environment and Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy highlight how climate shocks influence labor mobility, household vulnerability, agricultural productivity, and consumption smoothing. His studies provide evidence-based perspectives that deepen the understanding of how rural communities manage risk, adjust labor allocation, and navigate long-term adaptation strategies under environmental uncertainty. Another important area of his work focuses on industrial structure upgrading and technological capability. Through theoretical and empirical analyses published in the Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, his research examines the depth and sophistication of structural transformation, revealing how technological capacity and sectoral linkages drive high-quality economic development. His work contributes to policy discussions on how emerging economies can enhance industrial competitiveness while maintaining sustainable growth. In addition to published work, he has developed several working papers addressing market integration, climate-induced behavioral responses, and the dynamics of agricultural adaptation. These studies reflect a consistent research theme: understanding how economic agents respond to shocks and incentives within rapidly evolving socioeconomic environments. His research portfolio is reinforced by participation in multiple interdisciplinary and national research projects funded by major institutions. These projects span topics such as digital economy development, fertility policy evaluation, labor mobility under technological disruption, climate risk prediction using artificial intelligence, and the economic implications of population aging. His role across these initiatives demonstrates strong capabilities in empirical modeling, policy analysis, and data-driven decision support. He brings expertise in microeconometrics, policy evaluation techniques, and quantitative analysis using software platforms such as Stata, R, and SPSS. His work contributes directly to academic knowledge, policymaking, and practical interventions aimed at improving resilience, enhancing productivity, and supporting sustainable economic progress. Overall, his research advances critical conversations on how economies can navigate structural change while adapting to environmental and demographic challenges.

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Qingshan Pan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Qingshan Pan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Qingshan Pan | Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University | China

Dr. Qingshan Pan, Professor at Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, is a distinguished researcher specializing in DNA nanomaterials, MOF nanozyme materials, and self-assembled nano/nanogel systems derived from traditional Chinese medicine components. His work focuses on developing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory nanomedicines, advanced wound dressings, and targeted tumor diagnostics and therapies. A recipient of funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and multiple provincial grants, Dr. Pan has authored over 20 SCI-indexed publications in leading journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, contributing significantly to nanomedicine and precision therapeutics research.

Author Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Qingshan Pan’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemical engineering, earning his bachelor’s degree from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Central South University. His early studies nurtured a keen interest in material science, nanotechnology, and their biomedical applications. Driven by a passion for innovation, he pursued doctoral studies at the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Measurement, Hunan University, specializing in Analytical Chemistry, and graduated with his Ph.D. His doctoral training provided him with advanced expertise in nanoscale materials design, synthesis, and functionalization, particularly for healthcare applications. These formative years equipped him with a multidisciplinary skill set that integrates chemistry, biology, and materials science—an essential foundation for his later breakthroughs in nanomedicine.

Experience

Currently serving as a Professor at Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Dr. Pan is actively involved in teaching, mentoring, and leading high-impact research projects. He has successfully secured funding from prestigious organizations, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Jiangxi Province Outstanding Young Scholars Fund, the Jiangxi Province Natural Science Foundation, and the Education Department. Through these roles, he has developed innovative research programs that bridge fundamental nanoscience with real-world biomedical solutions. Beyond academia, Dr. Pan contributes to the growth of the scientific community by engaging in collaborations with other researchers, fostering interdisciplinary partnerships, and promoting the application of nanotechnology in medicine and healthcare.

Research Focus

Dr. Pan’s research portfolio is broad yet deeply specialized, encompassing DNA nanomaterials, metal–organic framework (MOF) nanozyme materials, and self-assembled nano/nanogel systems derived from traditional Chinese medicine components. These systems have been engineered for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory nanomedicines, advanced antibacterial dressings, and precision tumor diagnosis and therapy.

His innovative approach to combining traditional Chinese medicine with cutting-edge nanotechnology has led to the development of hybrid nanomaterials that exhibit unique bioactive properties, enhanced stability, and targeted delivery capabilities. By integrating DNA nanotechnology with MOF-based nanozymes, his work addresses key challenges in biomedical applications, such as targeted drug release, controlled therapeutic activity, and dual-function systems capable of both diagnosis and treatment. These contributions not only advance the frontiers of nanomedicine but also provide new strategies for combating bacterial infections, reducing inflammation, and improving cancer therapy outcomes.

Award and Recognition

Dr. Pan’s scientific achievements are reflected in his impressive publication record, with over 20 SCI-indexed papers in internationally renowned journals, including Chemical Engineering Journal and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. His work is recognized for its high citation value, innovative experimental design, and significant potential for translational application in clinical medicine. Receiving funding from multiple prestigious agencies underscores his reputation as a leading figure in nanomedicine research. His role as a principal investigator in national and provincial projects highlights his ability to conceive, lead, and execute complex research initiatives that meet rigorous scientific standards.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Dr. Pan’s research extends far beyond academic citations. His nanomedicine platforms have the potential to revolutionize how bacterial infections, inflammation, and tumors are diagnosed and treated. The antibacterial dressings developed in his lab could play a crucial role in preventing hospital-acquired infections and promoting faster wound healing. His tumor-targeted nanotherapies are paving the way for minimally invasive and highly specific cancer treatments, reducing side effects while improving efficacy. Furthermore, by integrating bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese medicine into modern nanocarriers, Dr. Pan is contributing to a new paradigm in personalized and culturally rooted healthcare innovation.

Publications 

Transition Metal Sulfide-Based Nanozymes: From Design Strategies to Applications in Chronic Wound Healing

Author: Yuying Zhang, Renxi Li, XianXi Li, Pengwu Zheng, Wufu Zhu, Cunpeng Nie, Qingshan Pan
Journal: ACS Applied Nano Materials
Year: 2025

Review of Metal-Polyphenol Self-Assembled Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Biological Applications in Inflammatory Diseases.

Author: Li Wan, Shizhe Li, Jiawei Du, Anqi Li, Yujie Zhan, Wufu Zhu, Pengwu Zheng, Dan Qiao, Cunpeng Nie, Qingshan Pan
Journal: ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
Year: 2025

Photothermally Enhanced Cascaded Nanozyme-Functionalized Black Phosphorus Nanosheets for Targeted Treatment of Infected Diabetic Wounds.

Author: Chunping Wen, Yan Zhang, Luogen Lai, Xuan Zhang, Yijun Liu, Qiuyan Guo, Rujue Peng, Yating Gao, Xufei Zhang, Yan He, Shan Xu, Dan Qiao, Pengwu Zheng, Qingshan Pan, Wufu Zhu
Journal: Advanced Healthcare Materials
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Qingshan Pan’s remarkable journey from his foundational studies in chemical engineering to his pioneering research in analytical chemistry and nanomedicine reflects a career marked by curiosity, dedication, and innovation. His expertise in designing DNA nanomaterials, MOF nanozyme platforms, and self-assembled nanogels bridges the gap between advanced material science and practical biomedical applications, addressing critical challenges in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and tumor-targeted therapies. Through his leadership in prestigious national and provincial research projects, his extensive scholarly publications, and his commitment to translating research into impactful solutions, Dr. Pan has firmly established himself as a trailblazer in interdisciplinary science. His work not only elevates the academic standing of Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University but also contributes meaningfully to global advancements in nanotechnology and precision medicine. As his career progresses, Dr. Pan is poised to expand his influence, inspiring future scientists while continuing to innovate at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and medicine.

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