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

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📘 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

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