Weiguang Ran | Optical Materials | Best Researcher Award | 13659

Mr. Weiguang Ran | Optical Materials | Best Researcher Award

Qufu Normal University | China

Dr. Ran Weiguang is a distinguished young associate professor at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, with a dynamic research agenda at the interface of inorganic functional materials and optoelectronic technology. Since joining Qufu Normal University in September 2019, Dr. Ran has made notable strides in teaching, research, and project leadership. His teaching portfolio spans courses such as Polymer Material Processing and Molding, Materials Chemistry, Physical Chemistry Experiment, and postgraduate-level literature analysis and industrial analytical technologies. In research, Dr. Ran’s interests are both deep and broad: he leads in the design and performance regulation of inorganic luminescent materials (including rare-earth and non-rare-earth phosphors), the development of LED lighting and display devices (narrow-band phosphors, efficient emitters), optical temperature sensing (ratiometric and near-infrared upconversion sensors), green synthesis and scale-up of organic small molecules, and wet electronic chemical materials—including applications in industrial wastewater treatment. Regarding scholarly output, Dr. Ran maintains a robust publication record. He has accumulated approximately 2233 citations by 1842 documents and achieved an h-index of 29. This reflects his strong influence across his work, especially as a relatively young researcher. Many of his publications appear in high-impact venues, contributing significantly to the fields of luminescent materials and optoelectronic devices. His portfolio demonstrates both depth—through targeted work on functional luminescent systems—and breadth—spanning synthesis, scale-up, device integration, and environmental applications. In the trajectory of his career, Dr. Ran Weiguang stands out for his balanced integration of fundamental materials science, device engineering, and applied environmental technologies. His ability to straddle multiple domains—optics, materials chemistry, environmental science—reflects maturity beyond his years. With substantial funding success, a growing citation footprint, and an expanding scope of research challenges ahead, Dr. Ran is well positioned to emerge as a leading international figure in functional materials and optoelectronics.

Profiles: ScopusOrcid

Featured Publications

Ran, W., Zhang, Z., Wang, F., Jiang, H., Shao, Y., Ma, X., Geng, J., & Yan, T. (2025). Theoretical and experimental investigation of BaY₂(MoO₄)₄:xSm³⁺ phosphors. Journal of Luminescence, 277, 120968.

Ran, W., Geng, J., Zhou, Z., Zhou, C., Wang, F., Zhao, M., & Yan, T. (2024). Narrow-band green phosphor RbK₂Na(Li₃SiO₄)₄:Eu²⁺ with excellent thermal stability and high efficiency for wide color gamut displays. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 12(47), 19148–19155.

Zhang, Z., Ran, W., Wang, F., Jiang, H., & Yan, T. (2024). Enhancement of photoluminescence properties in Na⁺ doped K₂BaPO₄F:Sm³⁺ phosphors. Ceramics International, 50(3, Part B), 5614–5623.

Ran, W., Zhang, Z., Ma, X., Shao, Y., Wang, F., Jiang, H., Gong, W., Guan, K., & Yan, T. (2024). Small Stokes shift and high thermostability in Ce³⁺ doped K₂BaPO₄F phosphors. Materials Research Bulletin, 170, 112574.

Song, M., Zhou, W., Wang, J., Wang, M., Zhao, J., & Ran, W. (2024). Full color luminescence and high efficient optical thermometric performance of Eu³⁺ and Sm³⁺ in self-activated Na₂LuMg₂V₃O₁₂ garnet. Journal of Rare Earths. Advance online publication.

Ran, W., Zhang, Z., Ma, X., Sun, G., & Yan, T. (2023). A novel optical temperature sensor based on Boltzmann function in BiZn₂PO₆ phosphor. Journal of Luminescence, 255, 119562.

 

 

Kawther Meliani | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award | 13650

Mrs. Kawther Meliani | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award 

Laboratory of Physics of Experimental Techniques and its Applications | Algeria

Dr. Kawther Meliani is a dedicated researcher and Ph.D. candidate in Material Physics at the University of Medea, Algeria, affiliated with the Laboratory of Physics of Experimental Techniques and its Applications. Her core research focuses on Heusler alloys — specifically their structural, magnetic, electronic, and thermoelectric properties — which have wide-ranging applications in spintronics and energy conversion technologies. She utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations using tools like WIEN2k, Quantum ESPRESSO, and CASTEP with experimental synthesis and characterization techniques to validate theoretical models and accelerate materials discovery. Dr. Meliani has published three research papers in reputable SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, including Journal of Alloys and Compounds (Elsevier), Physica B: Condensed Matter, and the Brazilian Journal of Physics. Her publications have collectively received 9 citations, and she currently holds an h-index of 2, demonstrating early-career research impact and growing academic visibility. In addition to her publication record, she has participated in international conferences and research training, including a self-financed one-month collaboration at the University of Girona in Spain, and is preparing for further collaboration at Tohoku University in Japan. Dr. Meliani has made significant contributions to understanding the stability and electronic structure of full and half-metallic Heusler compounds, which are essential for developing next-generation spintronic devices and thermoelectric generators. Her work supports the design of functional materials with high performance and sustainability, aligned with global scientific priorities. Beyond her research, she is actively engaged in undergraduate teaching, fostering scientific curiosity and technical competence in physics students. With her commitment to innovation, cross-border collaboration, and academic rigor, Dr. Kawther Meliani represents a promising and impactful figure in the field of material physics. Her integration of theoretical modeling with hands-on experimentation sets her apart as a researcher who bridges scientific theory and real-world applications. She is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in recognition of her contributions and continued potential for scientific excellence.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Meliani, K., Haireche, S., Bouchenafa, M., Elbaa, M., Douakh, S., & Chiker, R. (2024). Comprehensive analysis of the structural, electronic, elastic, and optical properties of SrS compound under pressure: First-principles calculations. Brazilian Journal of Physics, 54(2), 46.

Meliani, K., Dehbaoui, M., Djennane, K., & Dehimi, N. E. H. (2024). Pressure effect investigation of structural, electronic, elastic and magnetic properties of X₂CrSb (X = Mn, Co and Cu) Heusler alloys. Physica B: Condensed Matter, 694, 416442.

Haireche, S., Douakh, S., Elbaa, M., Bouchenafa, M., & Meliani, K. (2025). Influence of phase transition on the mechanical and optical properties of SrSe and SrTe compounds via ab initio calculations. Physica B: Condensed Matter, 696, 416610.

Dehimi, N. E. H., Mourad, D., Meliani, K., Djennane, K., Benaisti, I., & Ozdogan, K. (2025). Unveiling the pressure-induced properties and ambient thermoelectric behaviour of Co₂YZ (Z = Si, Ge, Sn) Heusler alloys. Physica Scripta. (In press)

Meliani, K., Dehbaoui, M., Sarhani, M. E. S., Benalia, A., Djennane, K., & others. (2025). Unveiling the antiferromagnetic Co₂−ₓFeₓCrSn (x = 0, 0.5, 1) hexagonal quaternary Heusler alloys: Experimental and theoretical study. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, In press, 183537.

Khaoula, D., Mourad, D., Elhouda, D. N., & Kawther, M. (2025). HfZFe candidate 2 (Z = Si, Ge, Sn), promising new materials for electronic and thermoelectric applications. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference of Nanotechnology for Renewable Energy (ICNRE).

Wanting Zhu | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award | 13543

Prof. Wanting Zhu | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Wanting Zhu, Wuhan University of Technology (WUT), China

Prof. Wanting Zhu is a distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the Wuhan University of Technology (WUT), where she conducts advanced research at the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing. Her expertise lies in thermoelectric materials and device engineering, with a particular focus on artificially tilted-structure transverse thermoelectric devices. She has pioneered high-throughput screening methods and established key design principles for these systems across various application scenarios. With over ten SCI-indexed publications, including recent works in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces and Journal of Power Sources, Prof. Zhu is a recognized leader in optimizing thermoelectric performance and device stability.

Author Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Wanting Zhu’s academic journey in materials science began with a strong inclination towards fundamental research and practical engineering applications. From the outset of her education, she demonstrated a profound interest in energy materials, particularly those that contribute to sustainable and efficient thermal-to-electric energy conversion. Her early academic training equipped her with a solid foundation in thermodynamics, solid-state physics, and electronic materials, laying the groundwork for what would become a career at the intersection of cutting-edge materials research and real-world technological applications. Her curiosity and drive for innovation during her formative academic years eventually led her to explore thermoelectric materials—an area both scientifically rich and highly relevant to global energy challenges.

Experience

Currently serving as a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the Wuhan University of Technology (WUT), Prof. Zhu is affiliated with the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing. In this role, she actively leads high-impact research focused on the design, fabrication, and optimization of thermoelectric devices, especially those with artificially tilted multilayer structures. She has emerged as a leading figure in her field, bridging theoretical insight and experimental prowess.

Her lab not only conducts fundamental research but also engages in the development of functional materials for real-world applications in electronics, energy harvesting, and thermal management systems. Prof. Zhu also plays a vital role in mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovation-driven research environment. Her commitment to scientific advancement is evident in her hands-on leadership, guiding both applied research and long-term academic training.

Research Focus

She has made pioneering contributions in developing artificially tilted multilayer thermoelectric systems, which exhibit transverse thermoelectric effects. Her research elucidates both the structural design principles and manufacturing techniques necessary for tailoring these devices to specific energy and thermal environments. Prof. Zhu developed an innovative high-throughput screening method for optimizing the performance of thermoelectric devices, significantly accelerating materials discovery and device fabrication. This method enables rapid identification of effective material combinations and geometric configurations, increasing the efficiency of research and reducing production costs. She has also extended her research into materials with broadband infrared radiation capabilities, such as spinel ferrites, for thermal regulation in electronics—demonstrating the versatility and interdisciplinary reach of her work.

Her publications, appearing in Journal of Power Sources, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, and Ceramics International, are a testament to her deep expertise and forward-thinking approach.

Award and Recognition

Prof. Zhu has authored more than 10 SCI-indexed publications as a first or corresponding author, and her research has been widely cited in the fields of thermoelectricity and materials engineering. Her scientific contributions have positioned her as a thought leader in thermoelectric device design in China and internationally.

Her work has gained attention not just for its academic rigor but also for its potential applications in next-generation wearable electronics, energy harvesters, and electronic cooling systems. She is frequently invited to collaborate and review for leading journals, reflecting her growing influence and professional standing in the global research community.

Publications

📘Enhancing electrical properties of flexible BiSbTe/epoxy composite films via liquid-phase extrusion – Journal of power resources(2024).

📘Optimizing Room‐Temperature Thermoelectric and Magnetocaloric Performance via Constructing Multi‐Scale Interfacial Phases in LaFeSi/BiSbTe Thermo‐Electro‐Magnetic Refrigeration Materials – Advanced functional materials(2024).

📘Excellent thermoelectric performance of Fe2NbAl alloy induced by strong crystal anharmonicity and high band degeneracy – Quantum Materials(2024).