Hyun-Jae Shin | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hyun-Jae Shin | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Chosun University | South Korea

Dr. Hyun-Jae Shin, an accomplished Associate Professor of Biochemical Engineering at Chosun University, stands as a leading figure in the field of biotechnology, biochemical engineering, and sustainable biomaterials research. As the President of the Korean Society of Mushroom Science, Dr. Shin has established himself as a pioneer in integrating fungal biotechnology, enzyme engineering, and natural product chemistry to create innovative and eco-friendly solutions for global sustainability challenges. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from KAIST, South Korea, and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Westminster, UK. Over his distinguished academic and research career, Dr. Shin has successfully completed 50 major research projects and continues to lead three ongoing initiatives focusing on bio-based materials and enzymatic biotransformation. With an impressive record of over 96 publications in high-impact SCI and SCIE journals, 13 published books, and 31 registered patents, his work has attracted more than 5,000 citations, reflecting its global influence. Dr. Shin’s research primarily revolves around the eco-friendly bioconversion of biomass, such as mushroom mycelium, plant polyphenols, and microbial enzymes, for the creation of sustainable materials like biodegradable fibers, bio-composites, and eco-leather. His groundbreaking innovations have redefined the role of green chemistry and fungal biotechnology in advancing the circular bioeconomy and reducing industrial carbon footprints. Through molecular breeding, enzymatic transformation, and process engineering, he has developed scalable methods that transform agricultural by-products into high-value materials, promoting waste minimization and renewable resource utilization. As Editor-in-Chief of the KSBB Journal and former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Mushroom, Dr. Shin continues to shape academic discourse in biochemical engineering. His collaborations with institutions such as Kyoto University (Japan) and the Shandong Academy of Sciences (China) further strengthen his global research network. Dr. Shin’s interdisciplinary expertise and leadership have made a lasting impact on sustainable biotechnology, positioning him as a visionary in the pursuit of green innovation and circular manufacturing for a sustainable future.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Im, H.-S., Ryu, M.-S., Kim, B.-J., Eo, J.-K., Park, E., Tagawa, S., & Shin, H.-J. (2025). Eco-friendly masks with a blend of mushroom fiber and cotton. Biotechnology Design. bio-composites

Jeong, Y.-H., Im, H.-S., Park, C., Seo, J., Joo, Y., & Shin, H.-J. (2025, October). Large-scale batch (1 m²) production and mechanical assessment of mushroom mycelium mats. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering.

Im, H.-S., Tagawa, S., Jeong, J.-S., & Shin, H.-J. (2025, March 5). Production of decolorized mushroom pulp for nonwoven cotton composite fibers. Fibers, 13(3), 30.

Shin, H.-J., Ro, H.-S., Kawauchi, M., & Honda, Y. (2025, January 10). Review on mushroom mycelium-based products and their production process: From upstream to downstream. Bioresources and Bioprocessing, 12(1), 8367.

Choi, M.-H., Yang, S.-H., Lee, Y.-J., Sohn, J.-H., Lee, K.-S., & Shin, H.-J. (2023). Anti-obesity effect of daidzein derived from Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urb. extract via PPAR pathway in MDI-induced 3T3-L1 cell line. Cosmetics, 10(6), 164.

Zhenhao Zhao | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhenhao Zhao | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Jilin University | China

Dr. Zhenhao Zhao, currently an Associate Professor and Doctoral Supervisor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Jilin University, is an emerging scholar recognized for his impactful contributions to the field of wastewater treatment and environmental biotechnology. He holds a Master’s degree from Jilin University and a Ph.D. from Northeast Normal University, and is also a distinguished Tang Aoqing Young Scholar, reflecting his excellence in scientific research and academic leadership. Dr. Zhao’s research primarily centers on the application of microbial activating agents and the development of biotechnological processes for advanced wastewater treatment and resource recovery. His work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of microbial systems for pollutant degradation, addressing critical issues related to water quality and environmental safety. He has successfully completed or is currently engaged in 13 research projects, including competitive grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, underscoring his strong research capability and leadership. Dr. Zhao has an impressive research output with 19 peer-reviewed papers published in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, accumulating 159 citations from 141 documents and achieving an h-index of 7 (Scopus). His publications have advanced understanding in microbial ecology, bioreactor design, and sustainable wastewater treatment mechanisms. In addition, he holds 10 patents (5 authorized) related to innovative water purification technologies, further demonstrating the translational impact of his research. Beyond research, Dr. Zhao actively contributes to the academic community as a Young Editorial Board Member of Water Purification Technology and as a member of the Jilin Provincial Society of Environmental Science and Engineering. His collaborative work with the NSFC Joint Fund further emphasizes his interdisciplinary and applied research focus. Dr. Zhao’s scholarly achievements and growing citation impact highlight his potential as a leading researcher in environmental science and sustainable water treatment innovation.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Zhao, Z., Wang, L., Li, Y., Chen, J., & Liu, H. (2025). Mechanistic insights into the enhanced synergistic removal of composite heavy metals using modified zeolite in constructed wetlands. Journal of Safety and Environment.

Zhang, C., You, Z., Li, S., Zhang, C., Zhao, Z., & Zhou, D. (2024). NO₃⁻ as an electron acceptor elevates antibiotic resistance gene and human bacterial pathogen risks in managed aquifer recharge (MAR): A comparison with O₂. Environmental Research, 249, 118277.

Sun, S., Zhao, Z., Cui, X., Huo, M., & Geng, Z. (2020). The influence of residual coagulant Al on the biofilm EPS and membrane fouling potential in wastewater reclamation, Water.