Jinhua Zhu | Separation Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Jinhua Zhu | Separation Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Prof Dr. Jinhua Zhu | Henan University | China

Prof. Dr. Jinhua Zhu, a distinguished Professor and Doctoral/Master’s Supervisor at Henan University, is recognized as an Outstanding Youth of Henan Province. Her research centers on life separation science and the theory and application of chromatography technology, with impactful contributions in active component screening and functional drug delivery systems. She has published extensively in leading journals and has led numerous national and provincial research projects, advancing both theoretical and applied aspects of analytical chemistry.

Author Profile
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Education

Prof. Dr. Jinhua Zhu began her academic journey with a strong foundation in chemistry, cultivating an early passion for scientific inquiry and innovation. Her undergraduate studies provided her with a comprehensive understanding of core chemical principles, analytical thinking, and practical laboratory skills. This academic base ignited her curiosity in analytical chemistry, encouraging her to pursue advanced research in the field. As she progressed into doctoral studies, she immersed herself deeply in the study of separation science, chromatography, and applied chemical methodologies. Her doctoral training not only sharpened her research abilities but also nurtured her interest in solving real-world challenges related to drug discovery, environmental monitoring, and biochemical analysis. These formative years set the stage for her emergence as a respected academic, shaping her professional identity and building the foundation for her future contributions.

Experience

After completing her academic preparation, Prof. Zhu embarked on a professional journey that showcased her dedication to both teaching and research. She began her career in higher education, taking on roles that balanced classroom instruction with laboratory exploration. Her teaching portfolio has grown to include key undergraduate and graduate courses such as Instrumental Analysis, Separation Technology, and Modern Environmental Analysis Technology. Through these courses, she has not only transferred technical knowledge but also instilled scientific curiosity and critical problem-solving skills in her students. Alongside teaching, she pursued postdoctoral research, gaining deeper insights into advanced chemical analysis and international exposure through academic exchange programs. Her visiting scholarship abroad further broadened her scientific vision, allowing her to connect with global research trends and establish meaningful collaborations. Over time, her professional trajectory advanced steadily, reflecting her commitment to both academic excellence and innovative research leadership.

Research Focus

At the core of Prof. Zhu’s work lies her extensive contribution to life separation science and chromatography technology. Her research delves into both theoretical advancements and practical applications, making her work highly impactful in modern analytical chemistry. She has been particularly dedicated to the screening of bioactive components with hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties, which has significant implications for therapeutic drug development. Another important dimension of her research is the construction and application of functional drug delivery systems, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and precision of medical treatments. By combining fundamental chemical principles with applied research goals, Prof. Zhu bridges the gap between laboratory research and societal needs. Her publications in respected journals such as Separation and Purification Technology, Analytica Chimica Acta, Colloids and Surfaces B, and Talanta reflect her ability to contribute knowledge that is both novel and widely recognized in the scientific community.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Zhu’s academic journey has been marked by numerous awards, grants, and recognitions that highlight her leadership in chemistry and separation science. She has successfully led a variety of funded research projects, ranging from national-level grants to provincial programs that underscore her innovative contributions. Being recognized as an Outstanding Youth of Henan Province reflects not only her academic achievements but also her role as a model for emerging researchers in her region. These honors demonstrate her ability to consistently produce high-quality research, mentor the next generation of chemists, and push the boundaries of analytical methodologies. Her leadership in securing key projects at both national and provincial levels stands as testimony to her expertise, trustworthiness, and scientific vision.

Impact and Influence

The influence of Prof. Zhu extends beyond academic publications and research projects—her impact resonates within the broader scientific community and in real-world applications. Her work in drug delivery systems and natural product analysis offers pathways toward improved medical therapies, addressing health challenges such as diabetes and inflammation-related diseases. By developing innovative chromatography technologies, she has provided researchers with more efficient and precise analytical tools that can be applied in pharmaceutical, environmental, and food sciences. As a mentor and teacher, she has inspired numerous students, cultivating a culture of curiosity, discipline, and innovation in scientific practice. Her dual role as a researcher and educator ensures that her influence is both immediate in advancing scientific frontiers and long-lasting through the students she continues to guide.

Publication

Dual-monomer magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer for highly efficient luteolin separation from natural products.

Author: Yunfeng Yuan, Xiaoqi Liu, Chenjia Jiang, Haodong Zhou, Jinhua Zhu, Abdelhadi El Jaouhari, Xiuhua Liu, Minghua Lu*
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology,
Year: 2025

Three-dimensional ordered macro-microporous ZIF-8-α-Glu microreactors for α-glucosidase inhibitors screening from green tea.

Author: Xiaoqi Liu, Haodong Zhou, Chenjia Jiang, Yunfeng Yuan, Jinhua Zhu, Minghua Lu*
Journal: Talanta
Year: 2025

Phenylboronic acid functionalized magnetic ferroferric oxide nanoparticles and capillary electrophoresis for efficient isolation of flavonoid compounds from leaves of Lonicera japonica Thunb.

Author: Chenjia Jiang, Xiaoqi Liu, Yunfeng Yuan, Haodong Zhou, Jinhua Zhu, Minghua Lu*
Journal: Chromatography A,
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Jinhua Zhu stands as a leading figure in the field of analytical and separation science, with her research bridging theoretical chemistry and real-world biomedical applications. Through her pioneering work in chromatography, bioactive compound screening, and functional drug delivery systems, she has advanced both scientific knowledge and practical healthcare solutions. Her impactful publications, successful research leadership, and dedication to mentoring young scholars highlight her as a role model in academia. With continued innovation and global collaborations, Prof. Zhu’s contributions are set to leave a lasting legacy, shaping the future of separation science and strengthening its role in improving human health and well-being.

Kaiqi Fan | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Kaiqi Fan | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Kaiqi Fan | Zhengzhou University of Light Industry | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaiqi Fan, a distinguished researcher at Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, China, specializes in polymers, supramolecular chemistry, co-crystalline gels, and hydrogels. He has led multiple provincial-level science and technology projects, secured several invention patents, and published impactful papers in leading journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal and Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. His pioneering work on asymmetric-adhesion Janus hydrogels has advanced medical interface technologies, enabling improved continuous ultrasound Doppler monitoring. Dr. Fan’s research integrates innovation, material design, and practical applications, significantly contributing to the development of advanced functional materials with biomedical and industrial relevance.

Author Profile

Scopus

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaiqi Fan’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemistry and materials science, where his early education nurtured a passion for understanding molecular interactions and functional materials. His curiosity for polymers and supramolecular assemblies developed during his higher education years, leading him to focus on designing advanced materials with tailored properties. Driven by a desire to merge fundamental chemistry with practical applications, Dr. Fan excelled in both theoretical understanding and laboratory experimentation. This early dedication provided the groundwork for his later breakthroughs in hydrogels, ionic elastomers, and co-crystalline gels, ensuring that his career would be deeply rooted in innovation and scientific rigor.

Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Dr. Fan plays a vital role in advancing polymer science research while mentoring the next generation of scientists. He has successfully led multiple provincial-level science and technology projects in Henan Province, each addressing real-world challenges through advanced material design. His expertise extends beyond academia into collaborative research with industrial partners, translating laboratory findings into practical solutions. Moreover, Dr. Fan has contributed significantly to scientific literature, with publications in prestigious journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal and Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. His academic and professional roles are characterized by a balance of teaching excellence, research leadership, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Research Focus

Dr. Fan’s research centers on polymers, supramolecular chemistry, and the design of functional gels with unique mechanical and interfacial properties. Among his most notable contributions is the development of chitosan-integrated asymmetric-adhesion Janus hydrogels via solid–gel interfacial engineering. This innovation addresses the challenge of programmable adhesion asymmetry by introducing a mold-directed solid–gel interface strategy, achieving an 18-fold difference in adhesion strength between the two sides of the hydrogel. The resulting materials not only exhibit exceptional acoustic impedance properties comparable to commercial ultrasound gels but also demonstrate dual-functionality—secure attachment for medical probes and a sliding interface for dynamic tissue interaction. His broader research portfolio includes eutectogel adhesives, self-healing conductive gels, underwater-sensing gels, and low-temperature-resistant hydrogel electrolytes, all contributing to advancements in biomedical devices, sensing technologies, and energy storage systems.

Award and Recognition

Dr. Fan’s pioneering work has been recognized through multiple avenues. He has secured several invention patents, demonstrating his capacity for translating scientific concepts into practical and commercially viable innovations. His research articles have been featured in high-impact journals indexed in SCI and Scopus, earning citations from scholars worldwide. By leading competitive provincial research grants, he has established himself as a trusted innovator in China’s scientific community. These accolades not only highlight his academic excellence but also validate the societal relevance of his research in areas such as medical diagnostics, wearable technology, and sustainable material design.

Impact and Influence

The influence of Dr. Fan’s research extends far beyond the laboratory. His innovations in hydrogel technology have the potential to transform biomedical imaging and monitoring, particularly in continuous ultrasound Doppler measurements, where his designs enhance signal quality and patient comfort. By advancing materials that combine stretchability, self-healing properties, and environmental resilience, his work supports the development of wearable electronics and energy devices that can withstand harsh operating conditions. His contributions are also shaping the next generation of researchers through mentorship, workshops, and collaborative projects, fostering a culture of creativity and scientific curiosity.

Publications 

Janus POSS-based hydrogel electrolytes with high-ionic conductivity and low-temperature-resistance for all-in-one flexible supercapacitors.

Author: Xiaojing Zhang, Luxin Cao, Xiaobo Wang, Zhen Liu, Jiwei Peng, Wentong Yang, Kaiqi Fan
Journal: Journal of Energy Storage
Year: 2025

Eutectogel adhesives with underwater-enhanced adhesion to hydrophilic surfaces and strong adhesion in harsh environments.

Author: Kaiqi Fan, Wentong Yang, Jiwei Peng, Xiaobo Wang, Luxin Cao, Xidong Guan, Haijun Sun, Xiaojing Zhang
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Year: 2024

One-step preparation of highly conductive eutectogel for a flexible strain sensor.

Author: Kaiqi Fan, Jiwei Peng, Wentong Yang, Xiaobo Wang, Sen Liu, Luxin Cao, Haijun Sun, Xiaojing Zhang.
Journal: Applied Polymer Science
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaiqi Fan exemplifies the ideal blend of scientific curiosity, technical mastery, and practical innovation. From his early academic foundation in polymer and supramolecular chemistry to his groundbreaking work on asymmetric-adhesion Janus hydrogels and advanced functional materials, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of materials science. His patents, publications, and leadership in provincial research projects demonstrate both academic excellence and societal impact. Beyond his personal achievements, Dr. Fan’s mentorship and collaborations are cultivating the next generation of researchers. With a vision firmly set on solving real-world challenges, his legacy will continue to inspire innovation and shape the future of advanced material technologies.

Georgina Gregory | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Georgina Gregory | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellow at University of Oxford, United Kingdom.

Georgina L. Gregory is a renowned chemist and Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. She holds a PhD and MRes (Distinction) from the University of Bath and a first-class honours MSci from Imperial College London. Her career spans academia and industry, including roles at Wadham College, the Faraday Institute, and Crown Packaging Ltd. Georgina’s research focuses on sustainable chemical technologies and battery applications, particularly innovative polymers for energy storage. She has received numerous awards for her leadership and research excellence, highlighting her expertise in strategic planning, data analysis, and project management. Georgina continues to drive advancements in green chemistry, making significant contributions to her field. 🌿🔬🌟

Professional Profiles:

Education

Georgina L. Gregory holds a PhD and MRes (Distinction) in Chemistry from the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies at the University of Bath, which she completed in 2017. She also earned a first-class honours MSci in Chemistry from Imperial College London in 2011. 🎓🌟

Professional Experience

Georgina Gregory’s professional journey is marked by significant roles in academia and industry. She currently serves as a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Research Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Department of Chemistry since October 2022. Concurrently, she is a Junior Research Fellow in Inorganic Chemistry at Wadham College, Oxford, a position she has held since October 2020. Previously, she was a Senior Postdoctoral Research Associate on the SOLBAT project at the Faraday Institute (2020-2022) and a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Chemistry Research Lab at Oxford (2018-2020). Her industry experience includes a role as a Scientist at Crown Packaging Ltd. (2017-2018) and a PhD Placement at Syngenta (2016). 🔬📊

Research Interest

Georgina Gregory’s research interests are centered around sustainable chemical technologies and battery applications. Her work focuses on the development of polymers for use in energy storage, particularly in batteries, and she is actively involved in exploring innovative materials and methodologies to improve battery performance and sustainability. She is passionate about contributing to advancements in green chemistry and the development of environmentally friendly chemical processes. 🌿🔋

Awards and Honors

Georgina has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. Notably, she has been recognized by the University of Oxford with the Award for Excellence Scheme, both in salary increments and monetary awards in 2022 and 2023. She has also received the Recognition Award for Leadership at Oxford in 2021 and 2022. Her research presentations have garnered accolades, including the Best Talk Prize at the Recent Appointees in Polymer Science (RAPS) in 2022, and several poster prizes and talk awards from conferences and symposia during her academic tenure. 🏆🎖️

Research Skills

Georgina Gregory possesses a robust set of research skills, including strategic planning, innovation, and creativity in scientific research. She is proficient in data analysis and project planning, with strong quantitative skills and experience in audit reporting. Her analytical thinking and ability to manage interdisciplinary teams have been instrumental in her research endeavors, particularly in the development and application of polymers for battery technologies. Her expertise is further demonstrated by her numerous invited presentations, published patents, and successful mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students. 📊

Publications

  1. Switchable Catalysis Improves the Properties of CO2-Derived Polymers: Poly(cyclohexene carbonate-b-ε-decalactone-b-cyclohexene carbonate) Adhesives
    • Authors: GS Sulley, GL Gregory, TTD Chen, L Peña Carrodeguas, G Trott, CK Williams
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 195
  2. Polymers from sugars: cyclic monomer synthesis, ring-opening polymerisation, material properties and applications
    • Authors: GL Gregory, EM López-Vidal, A Buchard
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 137
  3. Sequence control from mixtures: switchable polymerization catalysis and future materials applications
    • Authors: AC Deacy, GL Gregory, GS Sulley, TTD Chen, CK Williams
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 129
  4. Polymers from Sugars and CO2: Synthesis and Polymerization of a d-Mannose-Based Cyclic Carbonate
    • Authors: GL Gregory, LM Jenisch, B Charles, G Kociok-Kohn, A Buchard
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 115
  5. 2020 roadmap on solid-state batteries
    • Authors: M Pasta, D Armstrong, ZL Brown, J Bu, MR Castell, P Chen, A Cocks, et al.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 112
  6. Easy access to oxygenated block polymers via switchable catalysis
    • Authors: T Stößer, GS Sulley, GL Gregory, CK Williams
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 93
  7. Bio‐based and degradable block polyester pressure‐sensitive adhesives
    • Authors: TTD Chen, LP Carrodeguas, GS Sulley, GL Gregory, CK Williams
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 81
  8. Triblock polyester thermoplastic elastomers with semi-aromatic polymer end blocks by ring-opening copolymerization
    • Authors: GL Gregory, GS Sulley, LP Carrodeguas, TTD Chen, A Santmarti, CK Williams
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 81
  9. Synthesis of 5-to 8-membered cyclic carbonates from diols and CO2: A one-step, atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature procedure
    • Authors: TM McGuire, EM López-Vidal, GL Gregory, A Buchard
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 80
  10. Synthesis of 6-membered cyclic carbonates from 1,3-diols and low CO2 pressure: A novel mild strategy to replace phosgene reagents
    • Authors: GL Gregory, M Ulmann, A Buchard
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 78