Shizhen Zhao | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shizhen Zhao | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

👨‍🎓 Early Academic and Research Foundations

Dr. Shizhen Zhao has pursued a career deeply rooted in environmental geochemistry and pollutant dynamics. From the early stages of his academic training, he has been engaged in the study of organic pollutants, combining field-based investigations with advanced numerical simulations to understand their transport, transformation, and long-term impact on ecosystems.

🧪 Professional Endeavors and Research Projects

Currently serving at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. Zhao leads multiple high-impact environmental research initiatives. A central focus of his current work is the International Science and Technology Cooperation Project titled:
“Historical evolution of the aquatic environment in the CKDu region of Sri Lanka: Sedimentation of an ancient impoundment lake.”
This project addresses the agricultural water environment in Sri Lanka, specifically examining its links with the chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu)—a significant public health crisis. The project is conducted through China-Sri Lanka bilateral cooperation and aims to reconstruct historical water environment changes using sediment geochemistry and assess their spatiotemporal correlation with CKDu.

🌱 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhao’s research stands out in its integration of geochemical tools (e.g., ICP-MS, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, HPLC) with epidemiological data and historical sediment analysis from ancient water tanks (AWTs). His team applies external observation methods, soil and air pollutant analysis, and field sampling techniques, aiming to uncover the origins, behavior, and human health risks of organic contaminants in vulnerable regions. This work represents a pioneering fusion of environmental forensics, historical ecology, and public health research.

🌍 International Cooperation and Collaboration

With over three years of active collaboration with Sri Lankan institutions and nearly 20 academic exchange visits, Dr. Zhao has built strong international ties. His research team also works closely with scholars from Hong Kong, sharing a decade-long history of cooperative projects and joint publications. These collaborations ensure multidisciplinary expertise, complementary methodologies, and smooth project execution.

🧾 Recognitions and Achievements

Dr. Zhao’s excellence has been recognized by several prestigious awards and talent programs, including:

  • Youth Innovation Promotion Association Award, Chinese Academy of Sciences

  • Tu Guangchi Young Scholar B Talent Program

  • Pearl River Talent—Overseas Young Talent Introduction Plan, Guangdong Province

He has also published 5 papers as first/corresponding author in the top-tier journal Environmental Science & Technology, with 2 selected as supplementary cover features—a rare distinction.

📊 Academic Output and Impact

Dr. Zhao has published over 22 SCI-indexed papers, many in high-impact journals. His research contributes significantly to understanding pollutant source attribution, environmental risks, and geochemical reconstruction of aquatic systems in Southeast Asia. His field investigations, especially in CKDu-endemic zones, are backed by rich epidemiological datasets and extensive regional insights.

🛠️ Technical and Field Capabilities

Equipped with advanced instruments and field tools, Dr. Zhao’s laboratory supports:

  • Sediment coring and borehole sampling

  • Chemical characterization of soils and surface sediments

  • Pollutant analysis using ICP-MS, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS
    These resources, combined with strong logistical coordination, enable comprehensive field-to-lab research pipelines.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Shizhen Zhao is a rising leader in the fields of environmental geochemistry, sedimentology, and transboundary water health research. Through cutting-edge science and sustained international cooperation, he is paving the way for new understandings of how environmental degradation intersects with human disease. His work not only deepens the knowledge of CKDu but also lays a robust scientific foundation for future environmental health policies and remediation strategies in affected regions.

📖Notable Publications

Aqueous secondary formation substantially contributes to hydrophilic organophosphate esters in aerosols
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2025
Citations: 1

Polycyclic aromatics in the Chang’E 5 lunar soils
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

Legacy and currently-used pesticides in sedimentary archives: Anthropogenic footprint in the Pearl River Estuary
Journal: Science of the Total Environment
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

Quantification of micro- and nano-plastics in atmospheric fine particles by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with chromatographic peak reconstruction
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

Heavy metals in atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Dhaka, Bangladesh: Source apportionment and associated health risks
Journal: Environmental Research
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

The Intrinsic Link between Optical Properties and Toxicity of Extractable Organic Matter in Combustion Particles: Mediated by Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds
Journal: Environment and Health
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

Krittiya Sreebunpeng | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Krittiya Sreebunpeng | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Chandrakasem Rajabhat University Thailand

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Krittiya Sreebunpeng laid a solid foundation in physics through her studies at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT). She earned her B.S. in Physics in 2009 with a project on the calibration of radiating-time digital machines for radiation diagnosis. She went on to complete her M.S. in Physics in 2011 with a stellar GPA of 3.66, investigating the optical and scintillation properties of Pr³⁺-doped Lu₃Al₅O₁₂ crystals. Her passion for materials science culminated in a Ph.D. in Physics (2015), where her thesis focused on the luminescence and scintillation behavior of Pr³⁺-doped Lu₃Al₅O₁₂ and Y₃Al₅O₁₂ single crystal scintillators.

🔬 Research Focus and Contributions

Dr. Sreebunpeng’s core research revolves around scintillation materials, radiation detectors, crystal growth, and transparent ceramics, with extensions into nuclear safety and physics education. Her contributions to scintillator development have significantly advanced materials used in radiation detection. Two of her key completed research projects include:

  1. Photoluminescence and scintillation properties of K⁺, Pr- and Mg²⁺, Pr-doped garnet crystals (2019, funded by the National Research Council of Thailand).

  2. Fabrication of Mg²⁺ co-doped Ce:(Lu₂Y)(Al₅₋ₓGaₓ)O₁₂ ceramic scintillators for fast timing applications, supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.

🌏 Global Exposure and Training

Dr. Sreebunpeng’s academic journey includes international research stints and specialized technical training. She conducted summer research at the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics (SIOM), China in 2018–2019. In 2015, she enhanced her expertise with research training at the National Centre for Nuclear Research in Poland and the Institute of Physics in Prague, Czech Republic. Her participation in radiation safety and research communication workshops reflects her commitment to well-rounded scientific practice.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Academic Roles

Dr. Sreebunpeng currently serves as a lecturer in Physics at the Faculty of Science, Chandrakasem Rajabhat University since 2016. Prior to that, she was a teaching assistant at KMUTT (2009–2015) and briefly taught general physics at Muban Chombueng Rajabhat University. Her dedication to pedagogy is reflected in her continual engagement with training programs on science teaching methods, research writing techniques, and technology tools such as EndNote and XRD analysis.

🛠️ Technical Skills and Experimental Expertise

She possesses robust technical expertise in scintillator material synthesis, optical characterization, and radiation detector analysis. Her hands-on skills cover crystal growth, transparent ceramics, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and radiation protection protocols. These proficiencies are complemented by her training in mind-mapping techniques, scientific writing, and academic communication.

🏅 Impact, Recognition, and Influence

Dr. Sreebunpeng’s research has contributed to the development of advanced scintillation materials essential in medical imaging and nuclear safety. She was selected for Thailand’s “New Generation Researcher” program and has also played a crucial role as a local trainer for the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST). Her involvement in the academic and research communities demonstrates her growing influence in both applied and educational physics.

🌱 Legacy and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Dr. Sreebunpeng is poised to deepen her impact in nuclear materials science and radiation detection technologies, while continuing her dedication to science education and public awareness. Her multidisciplinary approach—spanning research, teaching, and training—places her as a vital contributor to Thailand’s scientific advancement, especially in the realms of radiation safety and detector innovation.

📖Notable Publications

Temperature-dependent characteristics, light yield nonproportionality, and intrinsic energy resolution of Ce,Mg:Lu₂Y(Al,Ga)₅O₁₂ garnet ceramics
Authors: K. Sreebunpeng, Wa. Chewpraditkul, N. Pattanaboonmee, W. Chewpraditkul, R. Kucerkova, V. Babin, Y. Wang, D. Zhu, C. Hu, M. Nikl, J. Li
Journal: Radiation Physics and Chemistry
Year: 2025

Effect of Ga³⁺ content on the luminous properties of Ce³⁺-doped Lu₂YGaxAl₅₋ₓO₁₂ phosphor ceramics for potential lighting application
Authors: Y. Wang, Z. Cheng, J. Ye, D. Zhu, C. Hu, Z. Zhou, T. Li, Wa. Chewpraditkul, K. Sreebunpeng, W. Chewpraditkul, J. Li
Journal: Journal of Luminescence
Year: 2025

Luminescence and scintillation properties of fast Ce,Mg:Lu₂YGaxAl₅₋ₓO₁₂ ceramic scintillators fabricated from co-precipitated powders
Authors: K. Sreebunpeng, Wa. Chewpraditkul, W. Chewpraditkul, R. Kucerkova, A. Beitlerova, M. Nikl, T. Szczesniak, M. Grodzixja-Kobylka, D. Zhu, C. Hu, J. Li
Journal: Optical Materials
Year: 2024

Luminescence and light yield of Ce³⁺-doped (60−x)SiO₂–xBaF₂–20Al₂O₃–20Gd₂O₃ scintillation glasses: The effect of BaF₂ admixture
Authors: P. Lertloypanyachai, Wa. Chewpraditkul, N. Pattanaboonmee, N. Yawai, K. Sreebunpeng, T. Nimphaya, A. Beitlerova, M. Nikl, W. Chewpraditkul
Journal: Optik
Year: 2023

Optical, luminescence and scintillation properties of Mg²⁺-codoped (Lu,Y)₃Al₂Ga₃O₁₂:Pr garnet crystals: The effect of Y
Authors: K. Sreebunpeng, Wa. Chewpraditkul, W. Chewpraditkul, A. Yoshikawa, M.E. Witkowski, W. Drozdowski, M. Nikl
Journal: [Journal name incomplete]
Year: 2022

Vanessa de Andrade Royo | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

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Dr. Vanessa de Andrade Royo | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros - Unimontes, Brazil

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Academic and Professional Background

Vanessa de Andrade Royo is a distinguished Professor and Researcher at Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (Unimontes), with a strong background in Pharmacy and Organic Chemistry. She holds a degree in Chemistry and has earned both a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from the University of São Paulo (USP). Her academic journey has been marked by an extensive engagement in biotechnology, pharmacognosy, and natural product research. She has been an active member of the Graduate Programs in Biotechnology (PPGB) and Biodiversity (PPGBURN) and also served as Coordinator of PPGB from 2015 to 2017. Additionally, since 2023, she has contributed as a member of the Editorial Board of Editora Unimontes.

🔬 Research and Innovations

With a strong focus on natural and synthetic products, phytochemistry, and biological activities, Vanessa has made remarkable strides in scientific research. Her work includes extensive contributions to the honey supply chain, pharmacognosy, and sustainable waste reuse. She has successfully completed 35 research projects and is currently leading 13 ongoing projects. In addition, she is actively engaged in 4 extension projects, 1 teaching project, and 1 project under development, showcasing her commitment to academia and innovation. Her research extends beyond the university, as she is involved in consultancy projects with cooperatives, particularly with COOPEMAPI, where she studies and develops products related to beekeeping, and with Ricaho D’Antas, where she contributed to the development of briquettes (ecological firewood).

📚 Publications and Scientific Contributions

Vanessa has an impressive academic record, with 89 indexed journal publications in high-impact databases such as SCI and Scopus, as well as 32 published books (ISBN registered). Her expertise is also reflected in 6 patents (published or under process), demonstrating her contributions to innovative product development. Her citation index highlights her research influence, with an H-index of 34 on Web of Science, 13 on Scopus, and 25 on Google Scholar. As a respected academic, she serves as a reviewer for scientific journals and international congresses and is an advisor to Unimontes Publishing House, ensuring the quality and integrity of scientific discourse.

🤝 Collaborations and Industry Engagement

Vanessa actively collaborates with prestigious research institutions such as USP, Unesp, FioCruz, and UFMG, participating in studies related to bioactive compounds and their therapeutic and industrial applications. She has also partnered with cooperatives, associations, and companies such as Petrobrás to translate her research into practical, sustainable solutions for industries and local communities.

🌿 Contributions to Sustainability and Innovation

Her research in pharmacognosy and natural product development not only advances pharmaceutical sciences but also promotes sustainability. Through her consultancy work and collaborations, she helps develop eco-friendly products, ensuring the responsible use of natural resources and advocating for waste reuse in industrial applications.

🚀 Future Vision and Legacy

With a career dedicated to bridging academia and industry, Vanessa de Andrade Royo aims to further her contributions to biotechnology, pharmacognosy, and sustainable product development. Her work continues to impact scientific research, industry innovation, and environmental sustainability, paving the way for future breakthroughs in natural and synthetic pharmaceuticals.

📖Notable Publications

  • Physicochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Honeys Produced in Minas Gerais (Brazil)

    • Authors: Vanessa de Andrade Royo, Dario A. de Oliveira, PEDRO HENRIQUE FONSECA VELOSO, Verônica de M. Sacramento, Ellen L. A. Olimpio, Luciano F. de Souza, Nathália da C. Pires, Martins CHG, Mariana Brentini Santiago, Tânia Maria de A. Alves et al.
    • Journal: Antibiotics
    • Year: 2022

  • Filtrates from cultures of endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of Copaifera oblongifolia (Fabaceae) affect germination and seedling development differently

    • Authors: Silva P.S., Royo V.A., Valerio H.M., Fernandes E.G., Queiroz M.V., Fagundes M.
    • Journal: Brazilian Journal of Biology
    • Year: 2021

  • Filtrates from cultures of endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of Copaifera oblongifolia (Fabaceae) affect germination and seedling development differently

    • Authors: Priscila Sousa Silva, Vanessa de Andrade Royo, Henrique Maia Valerio, Elio Fernandes, Marisa Vieira de Queiroz, Marcilio Fagundes Fagundes
    • Journal: Brazilian Journal of Biology
    • Year: 2021

  • Chemical profile and antioxidant activity in Diplopterys pubipetala (Malpighiaceae)

    • Authors: Sacramento V.D.M., Santos K.T., Rocha D.F.D.O., Cabral E.C., Eberlin M.N., Mercadante-Simões M.O., Fonseca F.S.A.D., Melo Júnior A.F., Menezes E.V., Oliveira D.A.D. et al.
    • Journal: Natural Product Research
    • Year: 2020

Xinxin Li | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xinxin Li | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Xinxin Li began his academic journey with a B.S. degree from Tsinghua University, one of China's premier institutions, before obtaining his Ph.D. from Fudan University. These foundational years set the stage for his exceptional career, providing a robust background in engineering and research fundamentals.

💼 Professional Endeavors

His career spans multiple prestigious positions: Research Associate at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and Lecturer at Tohoku University, Japan, through the COE Fellowship. Since 2001, he has been a Professor at the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology (SIMIT) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he also served as Director of the State Key Lab of Transducer Technology. Additionally, he holds adjunct professor roles at both Fudan University and Shanghai Tech University, highlighting his influence across multiple leading institutions.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research interests lie at the intersection of micro/nano sensing and detection technology, MEMS/NEMS technology, and analytical-chemistry instrumentation technology. With more than 200 patents and over 600 publications, his contributions are central to advancements in sensor technology and microsystem design.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Awarded the National Science Fund of China for Distinguished Young Scholar in 2007, Prof. Li’s impact extends across the scientific community. His guidance led to his Ph.D. student earning a place in the National Excellent 100 Ph.D. Dissertations of 2009, underscoring his influence on the next generation of researchers.

📊 Academic Citations

His extensive work has garnered over 10,000 citations, including more than 300 SCI-indexed journal articles. This citation count reflects the high value and relevance of his research to the global scientific and engineering communities.

🛠 Technical Skills

An expert in MEMS/NEMS fabrication, sensor technology, and analytical instrumentation, Prof. Li's technical prowess is evident in his innovations. His 200+ patents showcase his hands-on capabilities and commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

He has shared his expertise as an Adjunct Professor at Fudan University and Shanghai Tech University, demonstrating his dedication to fostering talent and disseminating knowledge in microelectronics and sensing technologies.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

His enduring legacy includes his patents, influential publications, and mentorship roles. Currently, as the Asia/Oceania Regional TPC Chair for the Transducers conference, he continues shaping the field’s future. His ongoing editorial work for top journals further reinforces his role as a thought leader, inspiring future contributions in micro/nano sensing and analytical technologies.

📖Notable Publications