Dan Chen | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dan Chen | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

National University of Defense Technology, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Educational Background & Career

Dr. Dan Chen is currently an Assistant Professor at the National University of Defense Technology, China. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where he also completed his Bachelor’s degree. His academic journey reflects strong expertise in materials science, focused particularly on micro/nano structures, polymer microspheres, photonic crystals, and composites.

🔬 Research Focus & Contributions

Dan’s research primarily explores advanced polymer processing technologies, especially the synthesis and forming mechanisms of polymer nanospheres. He has innovated in rubbery thermoforming technology, advancing the manufacturing of precision polymer optical products with nanoscale control. His work also addresses key challenges in optical materials by developing novel non-melting forming methods that overcome orientation defects like birefringence and optical distortion, improving product precision in demanding optical applications.

🚀 Research Leadership & Projects

Dan has led multiple significant projects including:

  • A Youth Independent Innovation Fund project on non-cooled infrared detectors leveraging heterogeneous core-shell structures for enhanced upconversion luminescence.

  • A Hunan Provincial Young Researcher Fund project on high refractive index inorganic-polymer core-shell nanospheres and new elastic-state forming methods.

  • Innovation Technology and National Natural Science Foundation projects focused on thermoforming and polymer optical product manufacturing, often leading small teams of doctoral and master’s students.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

He has been recognized with several prestigious honors such as the Fourth Batch of High-level Innovative Talents, Academic Rising Star, and China National Scholarship (a highly selective award given to 0.2% of students). He also earned the title of “Academic Nova” at Huazhong University of Science and Technology and multiple first-class scholarships throughout his studies.

⚙️ Technical Expertise & Innovations

Dan’s technical skillset spans polymer micro/nano fabrication, material modification, and precision forming technologies. He has made notable contributions to industrial applications, such as developing charge-laden masks with an efficient melt-blown process that address environmental and health challenges associated with conventional electrostatic mask filters. His interdisciplinary approach combines material science with practical product design for high-performance applications.

🌟 Impact & Future Directions

Dr. Chen’s work tackles both fundamental science and industry-relevant problems, pushing forward innovative polymer processing methods that enhance optical and functional material properties. His leadership in research projects and collaborative team management underscores his role as an emerging leader in materials science and engineering. Looking ahead, his focus on nano-engineered composites and precision polymer devices is likely to influence fields ranging from optics to biomedical materials.

📖Notable Publications

DEM-bond model: A computational framework for designing mechanically enhanced polymer nanosphere-based ordered nanostructures
Authors: Dan Chen*, §, Zhiren Chen§, Zhihong Zhu, Chucai Guo, et al.
Journal: Materials & Design
Year: 2025

Smart Window with Reversible and Instantaneous Photoluminescence based on Microsphere Structure
Authors: Dan Chen*, §, Yuang Chen§, Zhihong Zhu, Chucai Guo, et al.
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2024

Spreading Behavior of Non-Spherical Particles with Reconstructed Shapes Using Discrete Element Method in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Tengfang Zhang§, Dan Chen§, Yunming Wang*, Huamin Zhou*, et al.
Journal: Polymers
Year: 2024

Current and Future Trends for Polymer Micro/nano Processing in Industrial Applications
Authors: Dan Chen§, Yunming Wang§, Humin Zhou*, et al.
Journal: Advanced Materials
Year: 2022

Birefringence- and Optical Distortion-free Isotropic Polymer Lens Assisted by Photonic Microspheres
Authors: Dan Chen, Yunming Wang*, Yue Fu, Huamin Zhou*, et al.
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2020

Reza Ahmadi | Nanotechnology | Material Chemistry Award

Mr. Reza Ahmadi | Nanotechnology | Material Chemistry Award

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Reza Ahmadi’s academic journey began with a High School Diploma in Mathematics and Physics from Nabi Akram High School in Iran, where he laid a strong foundation in analytical and scientific thinking. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering at Malayer University (2013–2017), achieving a commendable GPA of 16.8/20 in his final year. Demonstrating a deep interest in materials science, he secured a top 30 national rank among over 50,000 candidates in the highly competitive Iranian Nationwide Matriculation Exam (Konkoor) in 2017. This exceptional performance led him to the Sharif University of Technology, one of Iran’s top institutions, where he completed his Master’s in Materials Engineering with a specialization in Corrosion and Materials Protection (GPA: 15.34/20). His academic excellence and persistent curiosity paved the way for his current pursuit of a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Spain, starting in 2024, under the Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology (GBMI) Group.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Reza’s academic and research journey reflects a seamless blend of theory and application. His Master’s research focused on advanced corrosion protection, while his doctoral studies at UPC emphasize biomaterials innovation, integrating molecular biology, nanotechnology, and chemical engineering. Throughout his academic career, Reza has engaged in hands-on lab work, interdisciplinary collaborations, and advanced materials characterization—preparing him to tackle challenges at the interface of materials science, healthcare, and biotechnology.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Ahmadi’s research is centered around the design, synthesis, and characterization of biomaterials with potential applications in antibacterial surfaces, chronic wound treatment, drug delivery, and bone regeneration implants. He has delved into the development of nanomaterials for antibacterial applications and explored the intricate interactions between cells and biomaterials through in vitro studies and cell culture. His comprehensive approach spans from fundamental material design to biological evaluation, making his contributions highly relevant to biomedical engineering and translational medicine.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Reza’s interdisciplinary work bridges the gap between engineering and medicine. His innovative strategies in hydrogel-based wound dressings, cancer-targeted drug delivery systems, and biocompatible implants not only contribute to academic advancements but also have promising societal impact. His technical understanding and lab experience allow him to contribute to real-world healthcare solutions, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and biocompatibility.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

While currently in the early stages of his PhD, Reza’s past academic accomplishments—such as ranking 30th nationally in the Iranian engineering entrance exam—demonstrate his consistent excellence and potential for significant contributions. As his doctoral research progresses, his work is expected to result in high-quality journal publications, conference presentations, and international collaborations, increasing his academic visibility and citation record.

🛠️ Technical Expertise

Reza has developed strong laboratory and instrumentation skills essential to his research. He is proficient in X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), FTIR spectroscopy, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Polarization testing using Autolab, pull-off adhesion testing for bio-coatings, and basic AAS/ICP techniques. His software proficiency includes Xpert HighScore for XRD analysis, Nova for EIS and corrosion data, OriginPro for data visualization, Clemex for microscope image analysis, SolidWorks for CAD design, and standard Microsoft Office tools for documentation and presentation.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentoring Experience

While primarily focused on research, Mr. Ahmadi has contributed to academic settings through peer mentoring, lab support, and collaborative student-led projects during his Master’s and early PhD years. His clear communication skills, combined with a passion for applied science, equip him well for future roles in higher education teaching, seminar delivery, and student research supervision.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Mr. Reza Ahmadi is committed to advancing the field of biomedical materials and nanotechnology. His long-term vision includes contributing to biomedical device innovation, sustainable material development, and interdisciplinary scientific collaboration. Through research, mentorship, and applied engineering, he aspires to bridge scientific knowledge with patient care, leaving a lasting impact on both academic and healthcare landscapes.

📖Notable Publications

In vitro study: Bond strength, electrochemical and biocompatibility evaluations of TiO₂/Al₂O₃ reinforced hydroxyapatite sol–gel coatings on 316L SS
Authors: R. Ahmadi, A. Afshar
Journal: Surface and Coatings Technology, Vol. 405, Article 126594
Year: 2021

In vitro study: Synthesis and evaluation of Fe₃O₄/CQD magnetic/fluorescent nanocomposites for targeted drug delivery, MRI, and cancer cell labeling
Authors: R. Fattahi Nafchi, R. Ahmadi, M. Heydari, M.R. Rahimipour, M.J. Molaei, et al.
Journal: Langmuir, Vol. 38(12), pp. 3804–3816
Year: 2022

In vitro study: Evaluation of mechanical behavior, corrosion resistance, antibacterial properties and biocompatibility of HAp/TiO₂/Ag coating on Ti6Al4V/TiO₂ substrate
Authors: R. Ahmadi, N. Asadpourchallou, B.K. Kaleji
Journal: Surfaces and Interfaces, Vol. 24, Article 101072
Year: 2021

Development of HAp/GO/Ag coating on 316 LVM implant for medical applications
Authors: R. Ahmadi, S. Izanloo
Journal: Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, Vol. 126, Article 105075
Year: 2022