Yi Zhang | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yi zhang | Physical chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Nanjing University, china

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Yi Zhang's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the prestigious Peking University (2002–2006). Demonstrating early promise, he pursued a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics at the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2006–2011), under the supervision of Prof. Qi-Kun Xue. His formative academic years were marked by a deep immersion in solid-state physics, particularly focusing on advanced material growth techniques and surface science.

Professional Endeavors

After earning his doctorate, Prof. Zhang embarked on a globally collaborative postdoctoral fellowship (2011–2015), jointly hosted by the Advanced Light Source (ALS) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences (SIMES), under the mentorship of renowned physicist Prof. Zhi-Xun Shen. In 2015, he returned to China as a full Professor at the School of Physics, Nanjing University, where he began to lead his own independent research group.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Zhang's research is at the forefront of experimental condensed matter physics. His work combines molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to explore the electronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, topological insulators, and magnetic materials. Notable achievements include the MBE growth and ARPES characterization of topological Dirac semimetals (Na₃Bi), topological crystalline insulators (SnTe (111)), and 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (MoSe₂, WSe₂, NbSe₂). His pioneering studies on the band structure transitions in 2D materials and topological systems have significantly advanced our understanding of quantum materials at the atomic scale.

Impact and Influence

Professor Zhang is widely recognized for his influential scientific output. He was named a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher in 2023, a testament to the global impact of his publications across multiple disciplines. In 2011, his research was ranked among the Top 100 Most Cited Chinese Papers Published in International Journals, highlighting his early influence in the field. His role as Principal Scientist in China's National Key R&D Program further cements his leadership in cutting-edge materials science.

Academic Cites and Honors

His prolific output has earned numerous prestigious honors:

  • 2023 Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (Cross-Field)

  • 2015 National Program for Thousand Young Talents of China

  • 2020 & 2017 Jiangsu Province High-Level Talent Programs

  • 2011 Top 100 Most Cited Chinese Papers

  • Chinese Academy of Sciences & Institute of Physics Student Excellence Awards (2010)

These accolades reflect both the depth and breadth of his academic influence.

Technical Skills

Prof. Zhang is an expert in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), mastering the growth of complex thin-film materials with atomic precision. His skill in angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) enables him to probe electronic band structures and surface states with remarkable clarity. Additionally, his early work included scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies, demonstrating his versatility across multiple surface science techniques.

Teaching and Mentorship

As a professor at Nanjing University, Prof. Zhang is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of physicists. He combines rigorous training in experimental methods with a forward-thinking perspective on quantum materials, offering students and postdocs a rich, interdisciplinary research environment. Many of his mentees go on to pursue successful academic and research careers.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Yi Zhang stands at the intersection of innovation and impact. His research group continues to push the boundaries of quantum materials science, with a strong emphasis on emerging 2D magnetic and topological systems. As materials physics enters an era of quantum information and next-gen electronics, Prof. Zhang’s ongoing and future work promises to shape fundamental understanding and inspire transformative technologies.

Notable Publications

  • Title: Discovery of a Three-Dimensional Topological Dirac Semimetal, Na₃Bi
    Authors: Z.K. Liu, B. Zhou, Y. Zhang, Z.J. Wang, H.M. Weng, D. Prabhakaran, S.-K. Mo, et al.
    Journal: Science
    Year: 2014


  • Title: Giant Bandgap Renormalization and Excitonic Effects in a Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Semiconductor
    Authors: M.M. Ugeda, A.J. Bradley, S.F. Shi, H. Felipe, Y. Zhang, D.Y. Qiu, W. Ruan, et al.
    Journal: Nature Materials
    Year: 2014​

  • Title: Crossover of the Three-Dimensional Topological Insulator Bi₂Se₃ to the Two-Dimensional Limit
    Authors: Y. Zhang, K. He, C.-Z. Chang, C.-L. Song, L.-L. Wang, X. Chen, J.-F. Jia, et al.
    Journal: Nature Physics
    Year: 2010


  • Title: Direct Observation of the Transition from Indirect to Direct Bandgap in Atomically Thin Epitaxial MoSe₂
    Authors: Y. Zhang, T.-R. Chang, B. Zhou, Y.-T. Cui, H. Yan, Z. Liu, F. Schmitt, et al.
    Journal: Nature Nanotechnology
    Year: 2014

  • Title: Topological Quantum Compiling with Reinforcement Learning
    Authors: Yuan-Hang Zhang, Pei-Lin Zheng, Yi Zhang*, Dong-Ling Deng*
    Journal: Physical Review Letters
    Year: 2020​

 

guoping zhong | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Assoc Prof Dr. guoping zhong | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Sun Yat-sen University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🧑‍🏫Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Guoping Zhong’s academic journey began with a B.S. in Pharmacology from Shanghai Medical University. Building on this foundation, he pursued an M.S. and Ph.D. in Pharmacology at Sun Yat-sen University, where he developed a deep expertise in clinical pharmacology, drug metabolism, and pharmacokinetics. His early academic endeavors shaped his career and led him to become a leading figure in pharmaceutical sciences, particularly in the field of pharmacokinetics and clinical evaluation of innovative drugs.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zhong’s career has been marked by significant leadership roles, including serving as an Associate Professor, Ph.D. Supervisor, and Director of the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University. He has contributed extensively to the development of drug evaluation technologies and played a pivotal role in advancing the clinical evaluation of innovative drugs. His influence extends to being a Chair Professor at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and a Distinguished Professor at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. In addition, he leads several key laboratories and research centers focused on pharmacokinetics and drug evaluation in Guangdong Province.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhong’s research focuses on the evaluation of novel drugs, with particular emphasis on pharmacokinetic studies, clinical trial methodologies, and drug-drug interactions. His ongoing research projects address cutting-edge challenges in drug analysis, such as response drift mechanisms in high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and the evaluation of innovative anti-tumor drugs. He has led multiple major national projects, including those aimed at developing clinical evaluation platforms for anti-tumor drugs and addressing the consistency evaluation of pharmaceutical formulations. His work bridges the gap between theoretical pharmacology and practical drug development, making substantial contributions to the drug evaluation field.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhong’s research has had a significant impact on the development of pharmacokinetic evaluation technologies, influencing drug approval processes and clinical trial management. His work on LC-MS response drift mechanisms has revolutionized quantitative drug analysis, enhancing the sensitivity and accuracy of pharmaceutical research. He has also shaped the clinical pharmacology field through his roles in the National Science and Technology Major Projects for “Significant New Drug Development” and his leadership in numerous provincial and national science and technology programs. His expertise has garnered him recognition as a trusted consultant for industry-leading projects in both drug development and clinical trials.

📚 Academic Citations

Dr. Zhong’s academic contributions are reflected in his substantial citation index, with an H-index of 19 and over 1,100 citations in Scopus. Key studies, such as the discovery of small molecules targeting autophagy in colorectal cancer and the pharmacokinetics of Wuzhi tablet extracts, have garnered significant attention, highlighting his influence in both the academic and clinical pharmacology communities. His research publications serve as essential resources for researchers in the fields of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

🔧 Technical Skills

Dr. Zhong possesses a wide range of technical skills, including expertise in high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), pharmacokinetic modeling, drug-drug interaction studies, and clinical trial design. He has also developed novel techniques to improve the sensitivity of drug detection methods and has applied these technologies in both preclinical and clinical settings. His ability to integrate innovative technology with drug research has established him as a leader in the pharmacological sciences.

🏫 Teaching Experience

In addition to his extensive research, Dr. Zhong has made significant contributions to the academic development of future pharmacologists. As an Associate Professor and Ph.D. supervisor, he has mentored many graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, guiding them through complex pharmacological studies. His courses on pharmacokinetics and drug evaluation have inspired a new generation of professionals, and his textbooks, such as Pharmacokinetics Experimental Tutorial and Clinical Rational Drug Use Based on Pharmacokinetics, are essential reading in the field.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Zhong’s legacy is defined by his pioneering contributions to the pharmacology field, particularly in drug evaluation and clinical pharmacokinetics. His work has influenced drug development practices and clinical trial methodologies globally. Looking ahead, Dr. Zhong’s continued research on the pharmacokinetics of novel drugs and drug-drug interactions will likely lead to new breakthroughs in drug discovery and precision medicine. His leadership in drug evaluation platforms and his ongoing work in pharmacokinetics position him to remain at the forefront of clinical pharmacology, ensuring his influence on both academia and industry for years to come.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Memberships and Editorial Appointments

Dr. Zhong is a highly respected member of numerous professional organizations, including the Chinese Pharmacological Society and the Guangdong Pharmacological Society. His roles as an expert reviewer for journals like ACTA Pharmacologica Sinica and Pharmaceutical Biology further demonstrate his standing within the scientific community. He also serves in key roles in clinical trial oversight and drug evaluation committees, making critical contributions to the development of healthcare standards in China.

📖Notable Publications