Alexia Mihaela Frincu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Alexia Mihaela Frincu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai din Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Alexia Mihaela Frincu embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in chemistry, completing her undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest. Her early interest in organic synthesis was evident in her Bachelor’s thesis, where she explored the synthesis of polyaryl compounds using the SUZUKI coupling reaction in aqueous medium. Her academic excellence was matched by practical laboratory proficiency, which she continued to develop throughout her studies. She advanced to earn a Master’s degree in Clinical Chemistry from the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Babeș-Bolyai University, where her research focused on N-heterocyclic carbene catalysts involving copper(I) and cyclic peptides, blending coordination chemistry with synthetic methodology.

Professional Endeavors

Currently a PhD student and research assistant at the Department of Chemistry and SOOMCC, Babeș-Bolyai University, Ms. Frincu contributes to cutting-edge chemical research in both academic and applied contexts. She has also undertaken internships at the National Institute of Endocrinology C.I. Parhon and Microsin SRL, where she was exposed to real-world applications of analytical and clinical chemistry, especially within pharmaceutical and biomedical frameworks.

Contributions and Research Focus

Ms. Frincu’s primary research interests lie in organic synthesis, organometallic catalysis, and chemical analysis. Her graduate and doctoral work investigates novel synthetic methodologies using metal complexes and bioactive scaffolds, with an emphasis on sustainability and bio-compatibility. She has contributed to the development of innovative pathways for carbene-catalyzed reactions and the structural characterization of biologically relevant molecules. Participation in interdisciplinary studies has broadened her scope to include peptide chemistry and clinical biochemistry.

Impact and Influence

Her scholarly efforts have been presented at multiple high-level academic platforms, including national and international chemistry conferences. Notably, she presented her research at the Belgian Organic Synthesis Symposium, the National Chemistry Conference, and the International Conference of Chemical Societies of South-East European Countries. These engagements reflect her growing presence in the broader chemical research community and affirm the relevance of her studies to contemporary chemical and medical sciences.

Academic Contributions and Citations

While still in the early stages of her academic career, Ms. Frincu has laid the groundwork for impactful contributions in both research publications and collaborative projects. Her academic writings and conference proceedings contribute to ongoing conversations in organic catalysis and analytical chemistry. As her research progresses, it is expected to gather increasing academic citations, especially in the fields of sustainable synthesis and medicinal chemistry.

Technical and Analytical Skills

Ms. Frincu possesses a robust suite of technical proficiencies essential for modern chemical research. These include the use of ChemDraw, MestReNova, Xcalibur, DMfit, Microsoft Office Suite, and specialized analytical software such as Chemsketch and Inkscape. She is skilled in spectroscopic interpretation and structural analysis, including NMR, IR, and MS methods, enabling detailed compound characterization. Her training includes the use of complex instrumentation and digital platforms critical for reproducible scientific work.

Teaching and Mentorship Experience

As a research assistant, Ms. Frincu has contributed to student support in laboratory instruction and academic guidance at Babeș-Bolyai University. She is actively engaged in mentoring junior students and peers within the department and through student associations, especially in topics related to organic synthesis and laboratory techniques. Her volunteer work with the Chemistry Students Association of the University of Bucharest also exemplifies her commitment to peer engagement and educational outreach.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Ms. Frincu is poised to make significant contributions to the field of organic and clinical chemistry. Her future research is likely to explore green chemistry techniques, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for catalysis, and biocompatible compounds for therapeutic applications. With a solid grounding in both theoretical and applied science, she is well-positioned to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world chemical applications, contributing meaningfully to both academic and industrial scientific communities.

Notable Publications

📘 Synthesis of 2-(2-((5″-(4-Cyanophenyl)-3,4′,4″-trioctyl[2,2′:5′,2″-terthiophen]-5-yl)methylene)-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-ylidene)malononitrile
A.M. Frîncu, L. Căta, D. Bălăceanu, I. Grosu, A.P. Crișan, A. Terec Molbank, 2025(3), M2038, Year: 2025

🔬 Synthesis of Polyaryl Compounds Using Aqueous Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reaction
A.M. Frîncu, A.G. Coman, A. Păun, C.C. Popescu, I. Nicolau, M. Matache

Conclusion

Ms. Alexia Mihaela Frincu exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and forward-thinking researcher. With a strong academic background, interdisciplinary research interests, and a commitment to scientific excellence, she continues to grow her influence within the chemistry domain. Her contributions not only reflect personal achievement but also support the advancement of chemical sciences in Romania and beyond. Her academic trajectory suggests a future marked by impactful discoveries, meaningful collaborations, and sustained academic engagement.

Zhao Wei | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhao Wei | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Air Force Medical University, China

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Zhao Wei began his academic journey in chemistry, completing undergraduate studies at Nankai University, where he was recognized for academic excellence. He pursued doctoral studies in Medicinal Chemistry at the Academy of Military Medical Sciences under the mentorship of esteemed academician Li Song. His doctoral work laid a strong foundation for his future contributions in the field of drug design and medicinal chemistry.

Professional Endeavors

After completing his doctoral studies, Dr. Zhao commenced his professional academic career at the School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University. He joined the institution as a lecturer and has since advanced to the role of Associate Professor. Throughout his tenure, he has actively engaged in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, while simultaneously driving research efforts in drug discovery, particularly targeting neurological disorders.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhao has made significant strides in the design, synthesis, and screening of small-molecule therapeutics. His core research areas include acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivators aimed at treating organophosphorus poisoning through novel non-quaternary reactivators with dual-site binding capabilities. Over 300 compounds have been synthesized, with more than 30 demonstrating in vitro reactivation potency and 2 showing promising in vivo efficacy. In the development of anti-Alzheimer’s agents, he synthesized over 100 quinoline-based AChE inhibitors, more than 20 of which showed potent enzyme inhibition. Some compounds demonstrated dual AChE/BChE activity, giving rise to the concept of Fragment-Informed Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR). In neuroprotective agent development, he synthesized over 100 dihydropyridine derivatives targeting ASICs and GPR30, identifying five highly active compounds with significant in vitro neuroprotective effects.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhao’s work addresses pressing global health challenges, such as neurodegenerative diseases and chemical poisoning. His innovative strategies for drug reactivation and multi-target inhibition have introduced new directions in medicinal chemistry. His success in translating fragment-based insights into potent therapeutic candidates highlights his influence in shaping modern drug design methodologies.

Academic Cites and Recognition

Dr. Zhao’s scholarly output has garnered attention in high-impact medicinal chemistry and pharmacology journals. His research papers are widely cited by academic peers, reflecting the importance and applicability of his findings across both theoretical and applied medicinal sciences.

Technical Skills and Methodological Strengths

He possesses deep expertise in organic synthesis, bioassays for neuropharmacological evaluation, and structure-based drug design. His ongoing work incorporates Fragment-Based Drug Design (FBDD), molecular docking, and SAR analysis, ensuring an integrative approach to rational drug development.

Teaching Experience and Mentorship

As a faculty member of the School of Pharmacy, Dr. Zhao has been instrumental in developing curriculum content for medicinal chemistry courses. He has supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate research projects, instilling analytical and experimental skills in the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists.

Professional Leadership

He serves as Vice Chairperson of the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Professional Committee under the Shaanxi Pharmaceutical Society, contributing to academic exchange, policy development, and advancement of pharmaceutical research within the region.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Zhao Wei continues to expand his research into innovative therapeutic strategies for nervous system disorders. His long-term vision includes the development of multifunctional drug candidates that integrate efficacy, safety, and novel mechanisms of action. With a commitment to excellence in both education and research, he is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the field of medicinal chemistry.

Notable Publications

Screening of efficient salicylaldoxime reactivators for DFP and paraoxon-inhibited acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Zhao Wei, Dongxu Zhang, Xueying Liu, Huifang Nie, Qin Ouyang, Xinlei Zhang, Zhibing Zheng
Journal: RSC Medicinal Chemistry
Year: 2024

Lifestyle habits and gastric cancer in an East Asian population: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yuegui Tan, Zhao Wei, Kun Liu, Yuzhen Qin, Wenqi Hui, Zhao Wei
Journal: Frontiers in Oncology
Year: 2023

Discovery of Novel Non-Oxime Reactivators Showing In Vivo Antidotal Efficiency for Sarin Poisoned Mice
Authors: Zhao Wei, Xinlei Zhang, Huifang Nie, Lin Yao, Yanqin Liu, Zhibing Zheng, Qin Ouyang
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2022

Drug Synthesis and Analysis of an Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor: A Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry Experience for Undergraduates
Authors: Yang J., Yuan Y., Gu J., Li A., Wei Z., Ouyang Q.
Journal: Journal of Chemical Education
Year: 2021