Yantao Xu | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yantao Xu | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yantao Xu began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Engineering in Wood Science & Engineering from Shandong Agricultural University (2013–2017). His passion for sustainable materials and bio-based innovations led him to pursue a Master’s and subsequently a Ph.D. in Forestry Engineering, specializing in Wood Science and Technology at Beijing Forestry University. Under the mentorship of Prof. Qiang Gao and Prof. Jianzhang Li, he developed a groundbreaking dissertation on Bioinspired Multifunctional Soy Protein Adhesives for Sustainable Wood Composites, laying a solid foundation for his research career.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor and Master's Supervisor at Zhejiang A&F University since 2022, Dr. Xu is at the forefront of wood and bamboo material modification and bio-adhesive development. His responsibilities extend beyond research, encompassing teaching graduate-level courses such as Wood Processing & Environmental Protection, and mentoring over 10 graduate students on thesis research and innovation.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Xu’s research portfolio is deeply rooted in the development of bioinspired wood adhesives and multifunctional wood composites. His core expertise includes the formulation of soy protein and chlorine oxide cement adhesive systems, engineering composites with enhanced flame-retardant and mildew-resistant properties, and translating these technologies into industrial applications. Notably, his patented formaldehyde-free resin technologies exemplify his dedication to eco-friendly innovation.

🌟 Impact and Influence

With over 20 published articles—including 7 in Q1 TOP-SCI journals as first or corresponding author, and an average Impact Factor exceeding 10—Dr. Xu has cemented his position as a significant contributor to sustainable materials science. His highly cited paper in Chemical Engineering Journal (IF: 16.7) is recognized in the TOP 1% globally. In addition to scholarly publications, he has secured five patents (four granted), directly influencing both academia and industry.

📚 Academic Cites & Publications

Dr. Xu’s standout works include:

  • A triple-network organic-inorganic hybrid adhesive featured in Chemical Engineering Journal (2022),

  • The first nacre-mimetic soy adhesive for strength-toughness synergy in Composites Part B (2021),

  • An industry-focused bamboo modification method in Polymers (2023),

  • And a high-performance, low-viscosity adhesive for particleboards in Journal of Cleaner Production (2020).

🧪 Technical Skills

He brings hands-on proficiency with a suite of analytical tools and processing techniques, including FTIR, XRD, SEM, rheological analysis, and composite manufacturing. Additionally, Dr. Xu is adept with software tools such as Origin, AutoCAD, and ImageJ for data analysis and structural visualization.

🎓 Teaching Experience

In his academic role, Dr. Xu seamlessly blends research with teaching, delivering impactful courses in wood science while guiding graduate students through complex experimental design, data interpretation, and thesis development. His mentorship plays a pivotal role in fostering the next generation of materials scientists.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

As an Outstanding Doctoral Graduate (2022) and National Talent Program Scholar (2021), Dr. Xu is recognized for his academic excellence and innovative thinking. His work bridges the gap between research and real-world application, particularly through his collaboration with Shandong Yixin Chemical Co., where he contributed to the industrial scaling of bio-adhesives. Looking ahead, Dr. Xu aims to further explore the intersection of sustainability and performance in bio-composite materials, driving forward China’s green material revolution and inspiring international collaboration.

📖Notable Publications

  1. Publication: Designed organic-inorganic hybrid adhesive with triple-network structure
    Authors: Xu, Y.* et al.
    Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
    Year: 2022

  2. Publication: First nacre-mimetic soy adhesive with strength-toughness synergy
    Authors: Xu, Y. et al.
    Journal: Composites Part B: Engineering
    Year: 2021

  3. Publication: Industry-applied bamboo modification
    Authors: Xu, Y.* et al.
    Journal: Polymers
    Year: 2023

  4. Publication: High-performance low-viscosity adhesive for particleboard manufacturing
    Authors: Xu, Y. et al.
    Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
    Year: 2020

 

Aldona Garbacz-Klempka | Archaeometallurgy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Aldona Garbacz-Klempka | Archaeometallurgy | Best Researcher Award

AGH University of Krakow, Poland

👨‍🎓Profiles

🏫 Early Academic Pursuits

Aldona Garbacz-Klempka began her academic journey with a strong focus on materials engineering and archaeometallurgy. Her early work laid the foundation for her expertise in the study of ancient manufacturing technologies, particularly focusing on prehistoric copper and copper alloys. Her academic development culminated in a professorship at the AGH University of Krakow, Poland, in 2019, where she continues her pioneering research.

🛠️ Professional Endeavors

Since joining AGH in 2006, Aldona has been a key figure in interdisciplinary research projects, collaborating extensively with scientific institutions and museums. Her role at the Historical Layers Research Centre AGH and ERIHS-PL (European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science) has enabled her to bridge technical and humanities-based research. These collaborations have significantly enriched the understanding of ancient technologies.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Aldona’s research revolves around the development and characterization of ancient manufacturing technologies, with an emphasis on archaeometallurgy. She has conducted groundbreaking studies on Bronze Age foundry technologies, employing non-destructive research methods. Her work integrates instrumental analysis, computer-aided engineering, and thermodynamic modeling to deepen the understanding of prehistoric casting processes and materials.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Aldona’s work has a dual impact—scientifically and culturally. By cataloging prehistoric non-ferrous metal casting alloys, she contributes to a comprehensive database of ancient technologies. Her findings not only enhance scientific knowledge but also aid in the conservation and reconstruction of historical artifacts. This research has profound implications for verifying the authenticity of cultural monuments and detecting art forgeries.

📚 Academic Cites and Achievements

With a prominent academic profile, Aldona is affiliated with AGH University’s Faculty of Foundry Engineering and holds credentials such as ORCID (0000-0001-8417-6131) and ResearcherID (A-3083-2017). Her work is widely recognized and cited within materials engineering and archaeometallurgy, underscoring her contributions to the field.

🧰 Technical Skills

Aldona’s technical expertise includes a range of instrumental methods such as thermodynamic modeling, non-destructive research, and computer-aided engineering processes. Her innovative approach integrates traditional analysis with modern computational tools, pushing the boundaries of archaeometallurgical research.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a professor at AGH University, Aldona has been instrumental in mentoring and inspiring students in materials engineering. She plays a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary learning, preparing future researchers to bridge the gap between ancient technologies and modern scientific methods.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Aldona Garbacz-Klempka’s research holds the promise of creating a lasting legacy in archaeometallurgy. Her efforts to build a comprehensive database of prehistoric alloys aim to preserve the technical and cultural heritage of ancient civilizations. Her work will continue to influence materials engineering, conservation practices, and historical authenticity assessments, ensuring a robust foundation for future generations of researchers.

📖Notable Publications

  • A metal hoard from Susz provides new evidence for the use of bast cordage during the Lusatian period in Poland
    • Authors: Przymorska-Sztuczka, M., Gackowski, J., Kowalski, Ł., Kamiński, D., Szczepański
    • Journal: Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
    • Year: 2024
  • Lead isotopic compositions link copper axes from Kietrz (Poland, 3500–3350 BC) to Slovak and Balkan copper mines
    • Authors: Kowalski, Ł., Stos-Gale, Z.A., Adamczak, K., Kofel, D., Matuszczyk, E.
    • Journal: Archaeometry
    • Year: 2024
  • How were medieval mace heads cast? Side note to technological analyses of find from Niebieszczany in south-eastern Poland
    • Authors: Kotowicz, P., Michalak, A., Garbacz-Klempka, A., Rozputyński, R., Momot, M.
    • Journal: Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences
    • Year: 2024
  • Determination of borides in Fe-Mo-B sintered powders using diffraction methods
    • Authors: Karwan-Baczewska, J., Perek-Nowak, M., Majchrowska, M., Garbacz-Klempka, A.
    • Journal: Archives of Materials Science and Engineering
    • Year: 2024
  • Phase Fraction Estimation in Multicomponent Alloy from EDS Measurement Data
    • Authors: Burbelko, A., Wiktor, T., Garbacz-Klempka, A., Ziółkowski, E.
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2024