Pengfei Li | Theoretical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award -1929

Prof. Pengfei Li | Theoretical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Pengfei Li’s journey in scientific research has been deeply rooted in environmental physics and remote sensing. His passion for atmospheric studies and hyperspectral technologies developed during his formative academic years, where he excelled in blending physical science with environmental applications. His academic path ultimately led him to become a key researcher at the prestigious State Key Laboratory of Infrared Physics under the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently, as a Research Fellow, Prof. Li is a leading figure in satellite-based atmospheric monitoring. His role includes spearheading research on weak gas emissions detection, a crucial area for tackling global issues like climate change and environmental pollution. His leadership in the lab is marked by interdisciplinary integration, where hyperspectral satellite technology, data assimilation, atmospheric modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI) converge to address modern environmental challenges.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Li’s research is at the intersection of hyperspectral remote sensing and AI-driven environmental monitoring. His team is developing next-generation techniques for satellite-based detection of weak gas emissions, aimed at pushing the detection limits in extreme environments. This work also involves defining payload specifications for future hyperspectral satellites. The outcomes of his research hold significant relevance for addressing atmospheric pollution, climate change, and homeland security threats, providing critical insights into satellite system design and operational strategies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With over 50 SCI-indexed publications, including 20+ first-author or corresponding-author papers in leading journals such as PNAS and One Earth, Prof. Li has made a global impact. His research has informed both the academic community and policymakers, particularly in the realms of climate change mitigation, environmental monitoring, and satellite payload engineering. His work is frequently showcased at international conferences like the United Nations Climate Change Conference, AMS Annual Meeting, and the Goldschmidt Conference, where he has delivered numerous invited talks.

🏆 Honors and Leadership Roles

Prof. Li was selected for the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences “Hundred Talents Program” (Category B), recognizing his innovative research and leadership potential. Beyond research, he plays a pivotal role as a review expert for China’s National Key R&D Program and serves on scientific committees, including as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology and Application Professional Committee under the China Association for Remote Sensing Applications.

📚 Academic Citations

Prof. Li’s publications are highly cited within the fields of environmental monitoring, satellite remote sensing, and atmospheric sciences, reflecting the value and influence of his contributions on an international scale. His research continues to shape the discourse around climate resilience, pollution tracking, and advanced remote sensing methods.

🛠️ Technical Skills

His technical expertise includes:  Hyperspectral satellite data processing, Atmospheric modeling and data assimilation, AI and machine learning for environmental monitoring, Payload design and specification for next-generation satellites, Quantitative remote sensing and geospatial analysis.

👨‍🏫 Teaching & Mentoring

In addition to research, Prof. Li is actively involved in mentoring graduate students and early-career scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in hyperspectral remote sensing. His guidance has produced a growing cadre of young scientists contributing to China’s leadership in satellite-based environmental science.

🚀 Vision and Future Contributions

Prof. Li’s future goals include expanding the applications of hyperspectral technologies to global-scale monitoring of greenhouse gases and pollutants, developing real-time AI-driven detection frameworks, and enhancing China’s position in next-gen satellite missions. His work is set to continue making a transformative impact on how we monitor and respond to environmental and security-related atmospheric events.

📖Notable Publications

The effectiveness of solar radiation management using fine sea spray across multiple climatic regions
Authors: Z Song, S Yu, P Li, N Yao, L Chen, Y Sun, B Jiang, D Rosenfeld
Journal: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Year: 2025

Photostationary state assumption seriously underestimates NOx emissions near large point sources at 10 to 60 m pixel resolution
Authors: L Chen, Z Song, N Yao, H Xi, J Li, P Gao, Y Chen, H Su, Y Sun, B Jiang, …
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Year: 2025

Multi-task deep learning for quantifying methane emissions from 2-D plume imagery with Low Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Authors: Q Xu, X Gu, P Li, X Gu
Journal: International Journal of Remote Sensing
Year: 2024

Less anthropogenic aerosol indirect effects are a potential cause for Northeast Pacific warm blob events
Authors: N Yao, Z Song, L Chen, Y Sun, B Jiang, P Li, J Chen, S Yu
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Year: 2024

Different contributions of meteorological conditions and emission reductions to the ozone pollution during Shanghai’s COVID-19 lockdowns in winter and spring
Authors: X Dou, M Li, Y Jiang, Z Song, P Li, S Yu
Journal: Atmospheric Pollution Research
Year: 2024

Tianchao Niu | Surface Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Tianchao Niu | Surface Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Beihang University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

Prof. Dr. Tianchao Niu is a distinguished researcher in the field of low-dimensional materials, with expertise in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and surface/interface physicochemical properties. His research focuses on the controllable preparation of semiconductor materials and optimization of device-related interface properties, making significant contributions to nanotechnology and materials science.

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Niu began his academic journey at Ludong University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Education (2002-2006). He then pursued a Master’s degree (2006-2009) at Suzhou University, focusing on electrochemical and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy studies of ionic liquid/metal interface structures. His passion for surface science and nanomaterials led him to the National University of Singapore (2009-2013), where he obtained a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Chen Wei. His doctoral research, centered on low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy studies of molecular dipole self-assembly on surfaces, laid the foundation for his future work in nanomaterials and interface engineering.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Niu has built an impressive career, holding academic and research positions in renowned institutions across China and the United States. His professional journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship (2016-2017) at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA, where he worked at the Center for Functional Nanotechnology. From 2013 to 2016, he was an Assistant Researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, contributing to research in superconductivity and surface science. He later joined Nanjing University of Science and Technology (2017-2020) as a Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering before becoming a Tenured Associate Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2020-2021). Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor at the International Innovation Institute, Beihang University (since 2021), where he continues his pioneering research on low-dimensional materials and nanotechnology.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Niu’s research is centered on the growth mechanisms, characterization, and application of low-dimensional semiconductor materials. His work integrates STM characterization, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and MBE techniques to investigate the surface and interface properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Additionally, he specializes in vacuum system design, interconnection, and construction, contributing to the development of high-performance nanodevices. His studies have led to advancements in next-generation electronics, optoelectronics, and quantum materials, with a strong emphasis on device optimization and novel material synthesis.

📚 Impact and Influence

As a leading scientist in materials research, Dr. Niu has authored over 40 research papers and review articles as the first or corresponding author in high-impact journals such as Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), Nano Today, Advanced Materials, ACS Nano, Progress in Surface Science, and 2D Materials. His publications provide groundbreaking insights into nanomaterial growth and interface engineering, influencing researchers and industries in nanoelectronics, energy storage, and advanced material applications. His high citation index reflects the significant impact of his research in the global scientific community.

🛠️ Technical Expertise

Dr. Niu has mastered a wide range of cutting-edge experimental techniques essential for nanomaterial research. His expertise includes low-temperature to high-pressure scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for surface chemical analysis, and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for thin-film growth. He is also skilled in vacuum system design and integration, allowing for precise control over material fabrication processes. His technical proficiency has enabled the development of high-quality, application-oriented nanomaterials.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

Beyond his research, Dr. Niu is an active educator and mentor at Beihang University. He is dedicated to training the next generation of material scientists and engineers, emphasizing hands-on experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation in nanotechnology. He has supervised numerous doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, guiding them in advanced materials research and applications. His teaching approach bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, fostering scientific curiosity and technical excellence among his students.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Niu’s future research endeavors aim to expand the capabilities of semiconductor materials for flexible electronics and quantum computing. He continues to develop novel methodologies for precise control of 2D material properties, which could lead to breakthroughs in nanoscale device performance and functionality. His vision includes strengthening global collaborations in nanoscience to accelerate technological advancements and push the boundaries of materials innovation. His pioneering work not only enhances scientific understanding but also paves the way for transformative applications in next-generation technology.

📖Notable Publications

One-dimensional topological phase and tunable soliton states in atomic nanolines on Si(001) surface
Authors: B. Song, Biyu; G. Zhi, Guoxiang; C. Hua, Chenqiang; T. Li, Tianzhao; T. Niu, Tianchao
Journal: npj Quantum Materials
Year: 2024

Epitaxial Growth of 2D Binary Phosphides
Authors: W. Gao, Wenjin; W. Dou, Wenzhen; D. Zhou, Dechun; C. Hua, Chenqiang; A.T. Wee, Andrew T.S.
Journal: Small Methods
Year: 2024

Atomically Precise Bottom-Up Fabrication of Ultra-Narrow Semiconducting Zigzag BiP Nanoribbons
Authors: D. Zhou, Dechun; Y. Feng, Yisui; L. Zhang, Lei; H. Li, Hui; T. Niu, Tianchao
Journal: Advanced Functional Materials
Year: 2024

Growth of Single Crystalline 2D Materials beyond Graphene on Non-metallic Substrates
Authors: W. Gao, Wenjin; G. Zhi, Guoxiang; T. Niu, Tianchao
Journal: Small
Year: 2024

Room-temperature magnetic higher-order topological states in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides and dihalogenides
Authors: C. Hua, Chenqiang; D. Shao, Dexi; W. Wu, Weikang; T. Niu, Tianchao; S.A. Yang, Shengyuan A.
Journal: Physical Review B
Year: 2024

Anisotropic Strain-Mediated Growth of Monatomic Co Chains on Unreconstructed Regions of the Au(111) Surface
Authors: B. Song, Biyu; W. Gao, Wenjin; G. Zhi, Guoxiang; M. Wu, Meimei; T. Niu, Tianchao
Journal: Chemistry of Materials
Year: 2024

Sarika Jain | Analytical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award -1759

Dr. Sarika Jain | Analytical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Amity University Haryana, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Sarika Jain’s academic journey is marked by excellence and dedication to the field of mathematics. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (Hons.) from Delhi University in 2005, achieving an outstanding 89% score, which laid the foundation for her higher studies. Her passion for mathematics led her to IIT Delhi, where she pursued a Master’s degree in Mathematics and secured a CGPA of 7.13 in 2007. Determined to contribute to research, she enrolled in a Ph.D. program at IIT Delhi, where she worked on Numerical Modeling of the Impact of Urbanization in the DMIC Region on Surface Air Temperature. She successfully completed her coursework with an impressive CGPA of 9.2, showcasing her strong analytical and research capabilities.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

With 15 years of experience, Sarika Jain has made significant contributions to both academia and industry. Her career spans 13 years in teaching and 2 years in the industry, where she has been involved in research, education, and data analysis. She currently holds the position of Associate Professor at Amity University, Gurugram, a role she has been serving in since June 2023, where she is actively engaged in teaching and research. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor at the same institution from 2012 to 2023, playing a crucial role in academic development and research guidance.

Her teaching career also includes a stint as a Senior Lecturer at IMC, New Delhi (2011-2012) and a Lecturer at WIT, Gurgaon (2009-2010), where she nurtured students in mathematics and computational sciences. Apart from academia, she has industrial experience as an Analyst at MG Mobile Trading Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi (2007-2009), specializing in data analysis and mathematical modeling. She also worked as a Subject Matter Expert at Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon (2011), contributing to technical services and assessments.

📚 Research Focus and Contributions

Sarika Jain’s research interests span multiple domains, including Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) Modeling, Statistical Data Analysis, Optimization, Nature-Inspired Algorithms, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Soft Computing. Her Ph.D. research focused on analyzing the impact of urbanization on surface air temperature, using numerical modeling techniques to understand environmental changes in urban regions. Given the increasing concerns about climate change and urban expansion, her research provides valuable insights for sustainable urban development.

Her work in nature-inspired optimization algorithms has further applications in solving large-scale computational problems. By integrating mathematical modeling, AI, and statistical analysis, she has contributed to advancements in climate forecasting, machine learning applications, and optimization techniques.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Sarika Jain’s research has been recognized in high-impact journals and international conferences, reinforcing her influence in computational mathematics and artificial intelligence. Her contributions are documented under her Scopus ID (57220831968) and ORCID ID (0000-0002-4795-9556), which highlight the significance of her work.

Her research in climate modeling and AI-driven predictive analysis has practical applications in urban development, environmental sustainability, and smart city planning. Through her work, she has helped develop advanced forecasting models that aid policymakers and industries in making informed decisions regarding climate adaptation and risk assessment.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognitions

Sarika Jain’s research contributions have been widely cited in academic publications and industry reports. Her work in climate forecasting, statistical modeling, and artificial intelligence applications has served as a foundation for future research in these domains. The growing citations of her publications reflect the relevance and impact of her research in the broader scientific community.

🖥️ Technical Skills

Sarika Jain possesses strong technical expertise in applied mathematics and computational techniques. She has advanced proficiency in Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) Modeling, which is crucial for climate simulations and predictive analytics. Her expertise extends to statistical data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, soft computing, and nature-inspired algorithms, enabling her to create efficient mathematical models for solving complex problems. Her ability to integrate computational intelligence with real-world applications has made her research highly impactful.

🎓 Teaching Experience

As an educator, Sarika Jain has dedicated 13 years to mentoring students in mathematics and computational sciences. Her research-driven approach to teaching helps bridge the gap between theory and practical applications. She specializes in applied mathematics, statistical computing, and algorithmic modeling, ensuring that students gain the necessary skills to analyze and solve real-world challenges.

She fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among students, encouraging them to pursue research-based learning. Many of her students have gone on to excel in academia, research, and the tech industry, thanks to her mentorship. Her ability to simplify complex mathematical concepts makes her a respected professor, admired for her teaching methodology and academic leadership.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Sarika Jain’s contributions to academia, research, and industry continue to grow as she explores new advancements in computational mathematics and artificial intelligence. Moving forward, she aims to:

  • Advance her research in climate forecasting using AI and deep learning.
  • Develop innovative nature-inspired algorithms for large-scale optimization problems.
  • Mentor young researchers and students to contribute to cutting-edge scientific advancements.
  • Establish global collaborations for interdisciplinary research in mathematical modeling.

📖Notable Publications

Divided opposition strategy in particle swarm framework for constrained optimization problem

Authors: Sarika Jain, Rekha Rani, Pradeep Jangir, Seyed Jalaleddin Mousavirad, Ali Wagdy Mohamed

Journal: Results in Control and Optimization

Year: 2025-03

A hybrid Mountain Gazelle particle swarm-based algorithm for constrained optimization problems

Authors: Rekha Rani, Vanita Garg, Sarika Jain, Harish Garg

Journal: Evolving Systems

Year: 2025-02

A review of nature-inspired algorithms on single-objective optimization problems from 2019 to 2023

Authors: Rekha Rani, Sarika Jain, Harish Garg

Journal: Artificial Intelligence Review

Year: 2024-04-24

Diagnostic Efficacy of LAMP Assay for Human Fungal Pathogens: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Authors: Gurvinder Singh Bumbrah, Sarika Jain, Shweta Singh, Zeeshan Fatima, Saif Hameed

Journal: Current Fungal Infection Reports

Year: 2023-09

Efficacy of LAMP assay for Mycobacterial spp. detection to prevent treatment delays and onset of drug resistance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Gurvinder Singh Bumbrah, Sarika Jain, Zeeshan Fatima, Saif Hameed

Journal: Drug Target Insights

Year: 2023-06-07

Prediction of temperature for various pressure levels using ANN and multiple linear regression techniques: A case study

Authors: Sarika Jain, Sarita Rathee, Ajay Kumar, Anivel Sambasivam, Rahul Boadh, Tushar Choudhary, Parveen Kumar, Pravin Kumar Singh

Journal: Materials Today: Proceedings

Year: 2022