Hyun-Jae Shin | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hyun-Jae Shin | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Chosun University | South Korea

Dr. Hyun-Jae Shin, an accomplished Associate Professor of Biochemical Engineering at Chosun University, stands as a leading figure in the field of biotechnology, biochemical engineering, and sustainable biomaterials research. As the President of the Korean Society of Mushroom Science, Dr. Shin has established himself as a pioneer in integrating fungal biotechnology, enzyme engineering, and natural product chemistry to create innovative and eco-friendly solutions for global sustainability challenges. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from KAIST, South Korea, and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Westminster, UK. Over his distinguished academic and research career, Dr. Shin has successfully completed 50 major research projects and continues to lead three ongoing initiatives focusing on bio-based materials and enzymatic biotransformation. With an impressive record of over 96 publications in high-impact SCI and SCIE journals, 13 published books, and 31 registered patents, his work has attracted more than 5,000 citations, reflecting its global influence. Dr. Shin’s research primarily revolves around the eco-friendly bioconversion of biomass, such as mushroom mycelium, plant polyphenols, and microbial enzymes, for the creation of sustainable materials like biodegradable fibers, bio-composites, and eco-leather. His groundbreaking innovations have redefined the role of green chemistry and fungal biotechnology in advancing the circular bioeconomy and reducing industrial carbon footprints. Through molecular breeding, enzymatic transformation, and process engineering, he has developed scalable methods that transform agricultural by-products into high-value materials, promoting waste minimization and renewable resource utilization. As Editor-in-Chief of the KSBB Journal and former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Mushroom, Dr. Shin continues to shape academic discourse in biochemical engineering. His collaborations with institutions such as Kyoto University (Japan) and the Shandong Academy of Sciences (China) further strengthen his global research network. Dr. Shin’s interdisciplinary expertise and leadership have made a lasting impact on sustainable biotechnology, positioning him as a visionary in the pursuit of green innovation and circular manufacturing for a sustainable future.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Im, H.-S., Ryu, M.-S., Kim, B.-J., Eo, J.-K., Park, E., Tagawa, S., & Shin, H.-J. (2025). Eco-friendly masks with a blend of mushroom fiber and cotton. Biotechnology Design. bio-composites

Jeong, Y.-H., Im, H.-S., Park, C., Seo, J., Joo, Y., & Shin, H.-J. (2025, October). Large-scale batch (1 m²) production and mechanical assessment of mushroom mycelium mats. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering.

Im, H.-S., Tagawa, S., Jeong, J.-S., & Shin, H.-J. (2025, March 5). Production of decolorized mushroom pulp for nonwoven cotton composite fibers. Fibers, 13(3), 30.

Shin, H.-J., Ro, H.-S., Kawauchi, M., & Honda, Y. (2025, January 10). Review on mushroom mycelium-based products and their production process: From upstream to downstream. Bioresources and Bioprocessing, 12(1), 8367.

Choi, M.-H., Yang, S.-H., Lee, Y.-J., Sohn, J.-H., Lee, K.-S., & Shin, H.-J. (2023). Anti-obesity effect of daidzein derived from Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urb. extract via PPAR pathway in MDI-induced 3T3-L1 cell line. Cosmetics, 10(6), 164.

Bassam Najri | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bassam Najri | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Turkey

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Bassam A. Najri began his academic journey with exceptional distinction, completing both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry with top honors. Demonstrating a strong aptitude for analytical and organic chemistry from the outset, he consistently ranked among the top of his class. His early academic interests were rooted in the exploration of structure–activity relationships and the synthesis of biologically active compounds, which naturally progressed into his current doctoral work in Organic Chemistry at Eskisehir Osmangazi University. This strong foundation set the stage for his interdisciplinary approach to chemical research.

Professional Endeavors

As a PhD candidate, Mr. Najri has cultivated a diverse research portfolio spanning organic synthesis, nanomaterials, electrocatalysis, and medicinal chemistry. His work is driven by the synthesis and characterization of functional materials with applications in clean energy and biomedicine. He has actively participated in five major research projects, leading investigations into novel catalysts for hydrogen production and drug development frameworks. His expertise is supported by hands-on proficiency in high-performance analytical techniques including HPLC, UV-Vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and various in silico computational platforms for drug modeling.

Contributions and Research Focus

Najri’s contributions are marked by innovation at the interface of chemistry and engineering. He has co-developed benzofuran derivatives and metal-organic frameworks with promising catalytic and therapeutic applications. His research approach blends experimental design with computational analysis, yielding high-impact results in hydrogen evolution reactions, drug–target interactions, and electrochemical sensor development. His goal is to engineer materials that offer real-world solutions to energy storage challenges and emerging health issues. This multifaceted focus enables him to remain at the forefront of applied organic chemistry and nanotechnology.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Najri has co-authored over 14 publications in prestigious, peer-reviewed, indexed journals including ACS Omega, Fuel, Renewable Energy, Ionics, and Process Safety and Environmental Protection. His citation record reflects a growing academic impact, with over 100 citations, an h-index of 4, and an i10-index of 3. His interdisciplinary work has attracted attention from collaborators across Turkey, Palestine, Algeria, and Tunisia, where he contributes to international teams tackling problems in clean energy, cancer therapy, and environmental sustainability.

Academic Citations and Recognition

His academic footprint continues to expand through consistent scholarly publishing and conference participation. Despite not holding editorial or consultancy roles, his involvement in multi-country research collaborations and conference forums underlines his academic credibility and growing recognition within the scientific community. He remains actively involved with the NanotechSEM research team and participates in national chemistry and microscopy congresses in Turkey.

Technical Skills

Najri possesses a wide array of technical competencies central to modern chemical research. He is proficient in instrumental analysis techniques including HPLC, UV-Vis, FT-IR, and electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. On the computational side, he has applied molecular docking, DFT calculations, and QSAR modeling tools for drug design and catalyst optimization. These combined skills empower him to bridge experimental and theoretical chemistry efficiently.

Teaching and Mentorship Experience

While formal teaching positions are not listed, Najri’s active involvement in academic research projects suggests strong collaborative and mentorship capabilities. His ability to integrate complex methods and explain cross-disciplinary phenomena indicates a readiness to mentor junior researchers and contribute to academic training programs, particularly in laboratory environments and applied research teams.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Bassam A. Najri is building a research legacy focused on sustainability, clean energy, and precision medicine. His commitment to developing high-performance electrocatalysts and therapeutic agents aligns with global efforts to transition toward environmentally friendly technologies. Moving forward, he aims to expand his collaborations and lead cutting-edge research in hydrogen energy systems and nanomedicine. With his solid scientific foundation and collaborative spirit, he is well-positioned to become a transformative figure in the chemical sciences.

Notable Publications

Modified carbon paste electrode for potentiometric determination of silver (I) ions in burning cream and radiological films
Authors: H.M. Abu-Shawish, S.M. Saadeh, H.M. Dalloul, B.A. Najri, H. Al Athamna
Journal: Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 182, 374–381
Year: 2013

Utilization of surface plasmon resonance band of silver nanoparticles for determination of critical micelle concentration of cationic surfactants
Authors: J.K. Salem, I.M. El-Nahhal, B.A. Najri, T.M. Hammad
Journal: Chemical Physics Letters, 664, 154–158
Year: 2016

Effect of anionic surfactants on the surface plasmon resonance band of silver nanoparticles: Determination of critical micelle concentration
Authors: J.K. Salem, I.M. El-Nahhal, B.A. Najri, T.M. Hammad, F. Kodeh
Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids, 223, 771–774
Year: 2016

Design of highly effective organic catalyst for hydrazine electrooxidation: Iodobenzo[b]furan derivatives
Authors: B.A. Najri, S. Kaya, E. Kavak, A. Kivrak, H. Kivrak
Journal: Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 187, 792–798
Year: 2024

Tahereh Momeni Isfahani | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tahereh Momeni Isfahani | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Islamic Azad University, Iran

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tahereh Momeni Isfahani laid the foundation of her academic career in chemistry with a B.Sc. from Islamic Azad University, Arak (1996). She advanced her expertise with a Master’s degree from the University of Isfahan, where her thesis focused on the design and construction of an optical sensor using polymeric membranes for nickel (II) ion detection. Her Ph.D., completed in 2014 at Islamic Azad University of Arak, further deepened her analytical skills with a thesis centered on simultaneous determination of cations and equilibrium studies through spectrophotometric and chemometrics methods. These early academic experiences shaped her proficiency in sensor technology and analytical chemistry.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Throughout her career, Dr. Momeni Isfahani has contributed significantly to the field of electrochemical sensor development and analytical chemistry. She holds a pivotal role on the Science Committee at Arak Branch of Islamic Azad University. Her supervision experience is notable, mentoring 12 MSc and 6 PhD students to graduation and advising a total of 32 graduate researchers. She remains actively involved in both academic research and applied projects, bridging theoretical chemistry with practical sensor fabrication and environmental applications.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research is prominently focused on advanced sensor fabrication, particularly electrochemical sensors for biological applications such as neurotransmitter detection. A highlight is her innovative work on a pencil graphite electrode modified with electrospun polyacrylonitrile and Sudan Black B nanofibers, achieving sensitive dopamine detection in plasma samples. This advancement holds clinical relevance in neuroscience and disease monitoring. Additional research includes heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions, trace gold detection, and development of extraction methods, reflecting her versatile expertise in analytical methods like QSAR/QSPR, cyclic voltammetry, and various extraction techniques.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Momeni Isfahani’s work has earned recognition and provisional nomination for the prestigious Best Researcher Award. Her publications have been cited over 350 times, reflecting her growing influence in the scientific community. Her innovative sensor designs enhance capabilities for early disease diagnostics and environmental monitoring, impacting fields such as neuroscience, environmental science, and nanotechnology.

📊 Academic Cites and Recognition

With an h-index of 9 on Scopus and citations from 359 documents, her research outputs consistently contribute to scholarly discourse. Publications in reputable journals such as the Journal of Cluster Science and Journal of Nanostructures underline her scientific rigor and commitment to advancing sensor technology and analytical chemistry.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Momeni Isfahani excels in sensor fabrication techniques, including electrospinning and electrochemical sensor design. Her methodological expertise spans cyclic voltammetry, solid-phase extraction, liquid-liquid extraction, and cloud point extraction. She is adept in using chemometric tools for simultaneous multi-ion detection and equilibrium studies, emphasizing her multidisciplinary command over both chemical analysis and materials science.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Her dedication to education is evident through her extensive supervision of graduate students at MSc and PhD levels. She fosters the next generation of chemists by integrating cutting-edge research topics with practical laboratory skills, thereby ensuring her mentees gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Momeni Isfahani’s legacy lies in her pioneering sensor research with practical applications in health and environmental sciences. Looking forward, she aims to further refine sensitive detection methods for neurotransmitters and trace metals, expanding the impact of her work on clinical diagnostics and pollution control. Her ongoing mentorship will continue to cultivate innovative research, inspiring advancements in analytical chemistry.

📖Notable Publications

  • QSAR studies of quinoline alkaloids camptothecin derivatives for prediction anticancer activity using linear and nonlinear methods
    Authors: Mohebbi, S.; Shafiei, F.; Momeni Isfahani, T.; Ahmadi Sabegh, M.
    Journal: International Journal of Quantum Chemistry
    Year: 2024

  • QSPR study to predict some of quantum chemical properties of anticancer imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine derivatives using genetic algorithm multiple linear regression and molecular descriptors
    Authors: Jafari, M.; Momeni Isfahani, T.; Shafiei, F.; Senejani, M.A.
    Journal: International Journal of Quantum Chemistry
    Year: 2024

  • Development of a novel method for determination of Ultra-Trace gold in cosmetics based on ion Pair-Dispersive Liquid-Liquid microextraction Assisted syringe to syringe coupled to Tailor-Made Quartz Atom Concentrator tube -flame atomic absorption Spectrometry: Experimental design optimization
    Authors: Mahmoud Asadieraghi; Tahereh Momeni Isfahani; Masumeh Abdoli Senejani
    Journal: Microchemical Journal
    Year: 2024

  • QSPR analysis to predict some quantum chemical properties of 2‐phenylindol derivatives as anticancer drugs using molecular descriptor and genetic algorithm multiple linear regression
    Authors: Samira Bahrami; Fatemeh Shafiei; Azam Marjani; Tahereh Momeni Isfahani
    Journal: International Journal of Quantum Chemistry
    Year: 2024

  • Comparative QSAR Modeling for Predicting Anticancer Potency of Imidazo[4,5-b]Pyridine Derivatives Using GA-MLR and BP-ANN Techniques
    Authors: Jafari, M.; Isfahani, T.M.; Shafiei, F.; Senejani, M.A.; Alimoradi, M.
    Journal: Letters in Drug Design and Discovery
    Year: 2023

Yun Zhao | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Yun Zhao | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Institute of Technology, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Yun Zhao, originally from Shanghai, pursued her Ph.D. in Science at the prestigious Nanjing University, laying a strong foundation for her academic and research journey in the field of chemistry. Her early education and research were deeply rooted in analytical and environmental chemistry, preparing her for a distinguished career in both theoretical and applied scientific research.

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Since October 2014, Ms. Zhao has served at the School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, rising through the ranks to become Associate Professor, Master’s Supervisor, and currently Vice Dean of the School. Between September 2020 and November 2024, she also served concurrently at the Higher Vocational College within the university. Her leadership is reflected not only in academic management but also in strategic research coordination and teaching excellence.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Ms. Zhao’s primary research interests include green chemistry, clean energy, and chemical process analysis and control technology. She has led 4 major national and provincial-level research projects, including a National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Youth Project, and has completed over 10 enterprise-funded R&D projects, contributing significantly to applied chemical engineering. Her research achievements have secured more than ¥3.42 million RMB in funding. She has published 35 SCI-indexed papers, filed 14 invention patents (with 4 already granted), and developed impactful industry collaborations.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Recognized as a recipient of the 2023 Shanghai Rising-Star Program for Young Scientists and Technologists, Ms. Zhao has gained considerable acclaim in both academic and industry circles. Her influence extends into education, having won four prestigious provincial/ministerial-level teaching awards, including the First and Second Class Shanghai Teaching Achievement Awards, and the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Education Teaching Achievement Award.

📚 Academic Citations & Peer Recognition

Her role as a peer reviewer for leading international journals like Advanced Functional Materials and Analytical Chemistry signifies her standing in the global scientific community. With 35 high-impact SCI publications, Ms. Zhao continues to be a strong contributor to scholarly discourse in analytical chemistry and chemical engineering education.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Ms. Zhao demonstrates advanced technical expertise in instrumental analysis, analytical chemistry, and process control systems. Her hands-on experience in both experimental and theoretical techniques has enabled her to design efficient, eco-friendly chemical processes, making notable contributions to sustainable chemistry and energy systems.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Ms. Zhao is actively involved in undergraduate education, teaching bilingual courses such as Instrumental Analysis and Analytical Chemistry. She also serves as Chief Editor for the widely used textbook Professional English for Chemical Engineering, enhancing the linguistic and professional competence of future chemical engineers.

🧭 Student Mentorship & Competitions

She has been a dynamic mentor, guiding students in major competitions like the China International College Students’ “Internet+” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, and helping them win multiple awards, including the 1st team prize and individual prizes (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) in the Chemical Laboratory Technology category of the 9th Shanghai “Starlight Plan” Vocational College Skills Competition.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a robust foundation in research and a commitment to excellence in teaching and leadership, Ms. Zhao is shaping the future of chemical engineering education and sustainable technology development in China. Her ongoing work aims to bridge academic research with industrial innovation, reinforcing her legacy as a transformative educator and scientist in the field.

📖Notable Publications

Unlocking the access to nature-identical vanillin via isoeugenol ozonation: in situ ATR-IR monitoring and safety evaluation
Authors: Yun Zhao, Tingfei Li, Sisi Xie, Pingyi Zhang, Haifang Mao
Journal: Analytical Methods
Year: 2025

Enhanced enantioselective separation of racemic menthol via reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography: Method development and computational insights for pre-screening
Authors: Haifang Mao, Yucheng Zhou, Zhengyang Xu, Yun Zhao
Journal: Talanta
Year: 2025

Application of in situ ATR-IR spectroscopy for the synthesis of bisphenol F: optimization, mechanistic and kinetics studies
Authors: Yun Zhao, Xinkai Zhang, Yanxia Chen, Pingyi Zhang, Haifang Mao
Journal: Analytical Methods
Year: 2023

Accelerating Surface Lattice Oxygen Activation of Pt/TiO2–x by Modulating the Interface Electron Interaction for Efficient Photocatalytic Toluene Oxidation
Authors: Haifang Mao, Mengli Xu, Shuangjun Li, Yuqing Ren, Yun Zhao, Jun Yu, Qizhong Zhang, Wenshu Zhao, Gui Zhang, Lan Yan et al.
Journal: ACS ES&T Engineering
Year: 2023

Boosting Higher Selectivity for Thymol Hydrogenation Reaction over Ni/Ce Catalyst
Authors: Haifang Mao, Yongqi Wu, Bo Cui, Yun Zhao, Xiang Zheng
Journal: Catalysts
Year: 2023

An in-depth mechanistic study of the p-hydroxyphenylglycine synthetic process using in situ ATR-IR spectroscopy
Authors: Hai-Fang Mao, Hui-Min Xing, Miao-Miao Jin, Ji-Bo Liu, Yue-Liang Yao, Yun Zhao
Journal: Analytical Methods
Year: 2022

Cycloaddition of carbon dioxide and epoxides over Fe-PYPA: Synthetic optimization and mechanistic study
Authors: Mao, Hai-Fang; Fu, Hong-Qing; Liu, Ji-Bo; Zhao, Yun
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2022

Jia Huang | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jia Huang | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

China Agricultural University, China

👨‍🎓Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Jia Huang began her academic journey in Animal Science at Nanjing Agricultural University (2017–2021), where she excelled in major courses such as Animal Biochemistry, Genetics, Nutrition, and Reproduction. She demonstrated academic excellence from an early stage. She was awarded the National Encouragement Scholarship and the Three Good First-Class Scholarship, reflecting both her diligence and outstanding performance.

🧪 Professional Endeavors & Internships

Throughout her academic life, Jia Huang actively engaged in hands-on training and field practice. During internships such as the Feed Science Internship (2019), she participated in designing feed formulas for various livestock. Her work at Huai’an Jielong Animal Husbandry involved practical techniques like artificial insemination and dairy cow examination. R language data analysis, and egg quality determination, showcasing a well-rounded practical skill set and a strong collaborative spirit.

🔬 Contributions & Research Focus

Jia Huang’s research reflects a keen focus on animal nutrition and immunity, especially in young animals. She led a national-level innovation project (2019–2020) under the supervision of Dr. Fan Hongjie, developing a multivalent recombinant Lactobacillus vector vaccine for porcine viral diarrhea—handling lactic acid bacteria cultivation, PCR, RNA extraction, and protein expression. She later conducted research on the effects of indole-3-formaldehyde feed additives (2020–2021), working with both mice and piglets, and was rated excellent in her project outcomes. Currently, as part of her master’s thesis, she investigates the replacement of antibiotics in broiler feed using plant essential oils and organic acid microcapsules, applying RT-PCR, enzyme activity assays, 16s microbiome analysis, and volatile fatty acid testing—culminating in a publication in Poultry Science (IF = 4.4), with a second paper under review.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Jia Huang’s research aligns with global efforts to reduce antibiotic use in animal husbandry and promote sustainable, safe food systems. Her scientific insights contribute to better understanding intestinal health, immunity, and metabolic nutrition, directly impacting public health and animal welfare. She is driven by a vision: ensuring people eat better meat, eggs, and milk while prioritizing agricultural stability and national well-being. Her work is not only academically significant but socially conscious.

📚 Academic Citations & Publications

Jia has already made her mark academically, with one Zone 1 SCI paper published in Poultry Science and another in Animal Nutrition in progress. These early publications signal her capacity to contribute meaningfully to peer-reviewed literature, especially in the fields of nutritional immunology and molecular nutrition.

💻 Technical Skills

Jia possesses robust technical expertise in both laboratory techniques and data analysis. She’s proficient in SPSS, GraphPad Prism, EndNote, and adept with R language for data visualization. Her practical skills include bacteria and cell culture, aseptic operations, intestinal tissue analysis, and vaccine development. She regularly uses platforms like Lianchuan Bio Cloud for correlation heatmaps, highlighting her modern approach to scientific research.

👩‍🏫 Teaching & Leadership Experience

Jia’s leadership capabilities were evident during her tenure as the Discipline Inspection Committee Member of the Party Branch for Poultry Nutrition Graduate Students at China Agricultural University (2021–2022). Through this role, she gained experience in academic integrity, peer management, and teamwork. Her enthusiasm for scientific seminars and mentoring also suggests she will be a strong educator and guide for future scholars.

🌱 Legacy & Future Contributions

With a deep-seated passion for scientific research, Jia Huang is poised to become a thought leader in the field of animal nutrition and immunology. Her interests lie in tackling nutritional metabolic diseases, intestine-immune interactions, and molecular regulatory pathways, especially for young animals. She stands committed to enhancing animal welfare, ensuring sustainable agriculture, and improving food quality for human consumption. Her integrity, persistence, and vision point toward a future marked by innovation and impact.