Lanping Guo | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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 Prof. Lanping Guo | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Chinese Material Mecica, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

👩‍🔬 Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Guo Lanping began her academic journey in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), developing a strong foundation in the field of Chinese Materia Medica. Her early studies led her to a distinguished academic path, eventually earning her a position as a graduate advisor at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS). She later expanded her academic horizon as a visiting scholar at the University of Innsbruck in Austria, deepening her expertise in environmental and ecological aspects of medicinal plants.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Currently, Professor Guo serves as the Director of the National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica at CACMS and is the head of the “Innovation Team for Ecological Agriculture of Chinese Materia Medica” in China. She also directs the Key Laboratory of Investigation and Zoning of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources and oversees the Key Discipline of Medicinal Plants, both under the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SATCM). Her work spans institutional leadership, project coordination, and strategic direction in resource ecology.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Professor Guo’s research focuses primarily on the ecology of Chinese medicinal resources, with a special interest in ecological agriculture and how environmental stress influences plant growth and secondary metabolite accumulation. She pioneered the concept of ecological planting for Chinese material medica, offering practical and theoretical frameworks for sustainable agriculture. Her discovery of the “hormesis theory”, highlighting how low-dose heavy metals influence secondary metabolite production in medicinal plants, has significantly impacted the field, culminating in the development of the first ISO international standard for heavy metal limits in medicinal materials.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Professor Guo’s contributions have earned her widespread acclaim, including:

  • 🥈 Three-time recipient of the Second Prize of the State Science and Technology Progress Award

  • 🏅 Outstanding Contribution Award from ISO/TC249

  • 🏆 National Innovation Prize (2017)

  • 🎖 World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies Science and Technology Progress Award

  • 👩‍💼 Leading Role Model by the National Women’s Federation

  • 🧬 Young Experts with Outstanding Contributions Award

Her work has directly influenced over 400 national and international standards and significantly advanced China’s leadership in ecological TCM cultivation.

📚 Academic Citations and Publications

With over 400 academic publications, Professor Guo has made seminal contributions to both Chinese and international journals. Notable works include:

  • “A practical protocol for comprehensive evaluation of sulfur-fumigation of Gastrodia Rhizoma” in Journal of Hazardous Materials (2017)

  • “CYP76B74 catalyzes the 3”-hydroxylation of geranylhydroquinone in shikonin biosynthesis” in Plant Physiology (2018)

Her papers are widely cited in studies related to metabolomics, environmental stress physiology, and pharmacognosy.

🧠 Technical Skills and Expertise

Professor Guo’s technical strengths lie in:

  • Metabolomic and secondary metabolite analysis

  • Risk assessment modeling for environmental contaminants

  • Development of international and national ISO standards

  • Software database design for TCM resource management

  • Ecological zoning and mapping of medicinal plant resources

She holds 22 patents and software copyrights, reflecting her innovation in research tools and methodologies.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a graduate advisor at CACMS, Professor Guo has mentored numerous postgraduate students, integrating field research with academic instruction. Her pedagogical approach combines traditional herbal knowledge with modern ecological science, inspiring a new generation of TCM ecologists and pharmacologists.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Professor Guo Lanping’s legacy is deeply rooted in her holistic approach to medicinal plant research—linking ecology, agriculture, and pharmacology. Looking ahead, her focus remains on advancing sustainable and safe cultivation practices, influencing global standards, and bridging traditional knowledge with scientific innovation. Her work continues to shape China’s leadership in TCM ecological research and will likely guide global policy and practice in herbal medicine sustainability.

📖Notable Publications

A review of chemical constituents and health-promoting effects of citrus peels
Authors: N Liu, X Li, P Zhao, X Zhang, O Qiao, L Huang, L Guo, W Gao
Journal: Food Chemistry 365, 130585
Year: 2021

Proteomics: a powerful tool to study plant responses to biotic stress
Authors: Y Liu, S Lu, K Liu, S Wang, L Huang, L Guo
Journal: Plant Methods 15 (1), 135
Year: 2019

FAD-dependent enzyme-catalysed intermolecular [4+2] cycloaddition in natural product biosynthesis
Authors: L Gao, C Su, X Du, R Wang, S Chen, Y Zhou, C Liu, X Liu, R Tian, …
Journal: Nature Chemistry 12 (7), 620-628
Year: 2020

The potential roles of natural plant polysaccharides in inflammatory bowel disease: A review
Authors: W Yang, P Zhao, X Li, L Guo, W Gao
Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers 277, 118821
Year: 2022

Atractylodis Rhizoma: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and quality control
Authors: W Zhang, Z Zhao, L Chang, Y Cao, S Wang, C Kang, H Wang, L Zhou, …
Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology 266, 113415
Year: 2021

Characterisation and saccharide mapping of polysaccharides from four common Polygonatum spp.
Authors: P Zhao, X Li, Y Wang, L Yan, L Guo, L Huang, W Gao
Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers 233, 115836
Year: 2020

Threatened medicinal plants in China: Distributions and conservation priorities
Authors: X Chi, Z Zhang, X Xu, X Zhang, Z Zhao, Y Liu, Q Wang, H Wang, Y Li, …
Journal: Biological Conservation 210, 89-95
Year: 2017

Shufeng Pang | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Shufeng Pang | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Beijing Institute of Technology, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Shufeng Pang began his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Nanjing University (1998–2000), where he conducted spectroscopic studies on Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film structures. His early work laid the foundation for a multidisciplinary research career combining surface science, colloidal chemistry, and environmental studies.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

After completing his Ph.D., he pursued postdoctoral research at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2001–2003), focusing on structural investigations of colloidal systems. He then expanded his research internationally as a Research Associate at the Tokyo University of Science, Japan (2003–2005), working on surface modification and self-assembly behavior of gold nanoparticles. Since 2005, he has been serving as an Associate Professor at the Beijing Institute of Technology, where his recent research centers on the physical and chemical properties of atmospheric aerosols.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Pang has made notable contributions in nanoparticle synthesis, interfacial modification, and atmospheric aerosol chemistry. He developed asymmetric surface-modified gold nanoparticles through interfacial techniques and explored their aggregation and ordered assembly. His studies on aerosol systems revealed critical insights into the hygroscopicity of inorganic/organic salts, intraparticle chemical processes, and gas-particle interactions. One of his most significant findings was the discovery of a humidification-induced phase transition in mixed aerosols containing polyhydroxy organic acids and inorganic salts, which offered a mechanistic explanation for component redistribution in atmospheric particles.

🧠 Research Projects and Collaborations

As Principal Investigator, Prof. Pang has led three NSFC-funded research projects. Project No. 20603002 focused on the synthesis and self-assembly of Janus nanoparticles. Project No. 21373026 explored the in-situ observation of new particle formation and aerosol growth using FTIR spectroscopy. Project No. 91644101 investigated the burst and growth of new particles as influenced by ambient relative humidity through FTIR techniques. He collaborates with Prof. Yunhong Zhang in conducting advanced spectroscopic studies on aerosols.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Pang’s work has important implications for understanding urban air pollution and atmospheric chemistry. His investigation into copper-catalyzed SO₂ oxidation by NO₂ within aerosols and the resulting sulfate formation has contributed to the field of environmental science. His studies aid in pollution modeling, aerosol transformation mechanisms, and the evaluation of climate-related aerosol effects.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

Although specific citation counts were not detailed, Prof. Pang’s research—particularly in aerosol spectroscopy and nanomaterials—has gained significant traction in the scientific community, especially among those focused on air quality, environmental chemistry, and nanoparticle behavior.

🛠️ Technical Skills

He possesses strong technical expertise in FTIR spectroscopy, colloidal and interfacial chemistry, Langmuir-Blodgett film techniques, gold nanoparticle synthesis, and the structural characterization of aerosols. His proficiency in in-situ analysis makes him a leader in observing real-time chemical processes in atmospheric systems.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

At Beijing Institute of Technology, Prof. Pang has consistently merged research with education, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in physical chemistry, spectroscopy, and atmospheric research. His practical guidance and academic supervision have contributed to the development of many young scientists.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Pang aims to continue advancing the understanding of aerosol dynamics and their impact on climate and air quality. His future research will likely emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to atmospheric chemistry and nanoscience, making vital contributions to environmental policy, sustainable development, and academic innovation. His career reflects a dedication to both fundamental research and applied science, positioning him as a distinguished figure in modern physical and environmental chemistry.

📖Notable Publications

Sulfate formation through copper-catalyzed SO2 oxidation by NO2 at aerosol surfaces

  • Authors: P. Liu, Y. Liu, Q. Huang, Y. Zhang, M. Ge

  • Journal: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science

  • Year: 2025

Hydrogel network formation triggers atypical hygroscopic behavior in atmospheric aerosols

  • Authors: F. Dong, Q. Huang, S. Pang, Y. Zhang

  • Journal: Science of the Total Environment

  • Year: 2024

The interplay between aqueous replacement reaction and the phase state of internally mixed organic/ammonium aerosols

  • Authors: H. Yang, F. Dong, L. Xia, S. Pang, Y. Zhang

  • Journal: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics

  • Year: 2024

Rethinking urban haze formation: Atmospheric sulfite conversion rate scales with aerosol surface area, not volume

  • Authors: L. Li, P. Liu, Q. Huang, Y. Zhang, M. Ge

  • Journal: One Earth

  • Year: 2024

Compositional evolution for mixed aerosols containing gluconic acid and typical nitrate and the effect of multiply factors on hygroscopicity

  • Authors: Y. Zhu, S. Pang, Y. Zhang

  • Journal: Journal of Environmental Sciences

  • Year: 2024

Single Droplet Tweezer Revealing the Reaction Mechanism of Mn(II)-Catalyzed SO2 Oxidation

  • Authors: X. Cao, Y. Liu, Q. Huang, Y. Zhang, M. Ge

  • Journal: Environmental Science and Technology

  • Year: 2024

Xuteng Zhao | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xuteng Zhao | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

👨‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Xuteng Zhao began his academic journey with a strong foundation in materials science, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Northeast Forestry University (2012.09–2016.06). His early exposure to polymer science laid the groundwork for his multidisciplinary approach to energy and catalysis. Motivated by a deep interest in chemical processes, he pursued a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology at Harbin Engineering University (2016.09–2019.03), where he gained hands-on experience in process engineering and catalysis. His academic pursuits culminated in a Doctoral degree in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2019.04–2022.12), marking a transition into the emerging field of electrochemical energy conversion.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zhao continued his association with Shanghai Jiao Tong University as a Postdoctoral Fellow (2022.12–2024.11), contributing to cutting-edge research in electrochemical catalysis and thermophysical engineering. His commitment and research excellence led to his promotion as an Associate Researcher in March 2025, where he remains active in both scientific research and academic mentorship. His current role situates him at the forefront of hydrogen production technologies, particularly focusing on alcohol–ammonia-based hydrogen evolution systems.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhao’s research is deeply rooted in the development and optimization of electrochemical catalysis technologies for sustainable energy. His primary research focus includes alcohol-ammonia hydrogen production, a promising route for clean hydrogen generation. By integrating principles of thermophysics and catalysis, he has worked on improving the energy efficiency and catalytic performance of these systems. His work bridges materials engineering with chemical process innovation, contributing to the next generation of green hydrogen production technologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his innovative research, Dr. Zhao has significantly contributed to the global discourse on renewable energy and hydrogen economy. His studies on novel catalytic materials and ammonia-fueled hydrogen systems are expected to influence future industrial hydrogen production models. By collaborating within interdisciplinary teams at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, he supports both academic development and practical technology deployment for carbon-neutral energy solutions.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

Though still early in his career, Dr. Zhao’s research has begun to attract attention in scholarly circles, particularly in electrochemical and energy materials communities. His articles are cited in studies related to electrocatalysis, fuel processing, and ammonia decomposition, contributing to an expanding body of literature in sustainable energy production.

🧪 Technical Skills and Expertise

Dr. Zhao has mastered a wide array of experimental and analytical techniques essential to catalysis and thermophysical studies. These include Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), Tafel Polarization and Reaction Kinetics, Gas Chromatography for hydrogen quantification, and material characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, BET, and FT-IR. He is also adept at designing custom experimental systems for lab-scale hydrogen production and catalytic performance evaluation.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

As an associate researcher, Dr. Zhao actively participates in academic mentorship at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He has guided graduate students in experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. His teaching approach emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on experimentation, fostering the next generation of researchers in energy engineering.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Zhao aims to establish himself as a leading researcher in hydrogen energy and catalysis. His future research will likely delve into scalable hydrogen production techniques, advanced electrocatalyst design, and integration of renewable resources with chemical fuel synthesis. He aspires to develop systems that are not only energy-efficient but also economically viable for real-world deployment. His dedication to clean energy solutions and academic excellence positions him as a promising contributor to the global clean-tech landscape.

📖Notable Publications

Electrically Driven Gaseous Ammonia Decomposition for Hydrogen Production over SiC-Mediated Catalyst without External Heating
Authors: Xiaochao Wang, Xuteng Zhao, Guangzhao Zhou, Ting Chen, Qi Chen, Nicolas Alonso-Vante, Zhen Huang, Yiran Zhang, He Lin
Journal: ACS Catalysis
Year: 2025

The influence of phosphorus and CO poisoning on Pd/SSZ-13 with different Al distributions as passive NOx adsorbers
Authors: Yinan Wang, Jiaqi Feng, Ting Chen, Xuteng Zhao, Rijing Zhan, He Lin
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
Year: 2024

Nonthermal-Plasma-Catalytic Ammonia Synthesis Using Fe₂O₃/CeO₂ Mechanically Mixed with Al₂O₃: Insights into the Promoting Effect of Plasma Discharge Enhancement on the Role of Catalysts
Authors: Guangzhao Zhou, Ziyu Wang, Xiaochao Wang, Yiran Zhang, Xuteng Zhao, Qi Chen, Ting Chen, Zhen Huang, He Lin
Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
Year: 2024

The interaction between Pd/CeO₂ crystal surface and electric field: Application to complete oxidation of methane
Authors: Xuteng Zhao, Yinan Wang, Zuwei Zheng, Xuehong Chen, Ting Chen, He Lin
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
Year: 2024

Enhancing the NOx storage and hydrothermal stability of Pd/SSZ-13 passive NOx adsorbers by regulating the Al distributions
Authors: Yinan Wang, Xuteng Zhao, Ting Chen, Zuwei Zheng, Rijing Zhan, He Lin
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2024