Nuryono Nuryono | Green Chemistry and Sustainable Materials | Best Paper Award

Prof. Nuryono Nuryono | Green Chemistry and Sustainable Materials | Best Paper Award

Department of Chemistry | Universitas Gadjah Mada | Indonesia

Prof. Nuryono Nuryono is a leading Indonesian chemist whose research centers on materials chemistry for renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and health applications. With 1,148+ Scopus citations, 118 peer-reviewed publications, and an h-index of 18, his scholarly contributions have significantly advanced the development of functional materials derived from natural resources. His work spans silica-based materials, heterogeneous catalysts, transition-metal chemistry, and macromolecular material synthesis, with strong relevance to green chemistry and sustainable technologies. His research group focuses extensively on the synthesis, characterization, and application of silica-based and natural-resource-derived materials, supported by a strong cluster in Silica-Based Materials and Mycotoxin Analysis and Detoxification. Over the past five years, Prof. Nuryono Nuryono has led or contributed to 10 funded research projects, including collaborations with industry partners such as Pertamina, demonstrating the translational impact of his work. Prof. Nuryono Nuryono has pioneered the development of novel acid and base heterogeneous catalysts synthesized from environmentally abundant resources-iron sand, chitosan, and limestone. These innovative catalysts enhance the production of ethyl levulinate, a valuable biofuel precursor. His findings highlight iron sand as a magnetic carrier and chitosan as an efficient matrix for incorporating sulfonate and quaternary ammonium functional groups, enabling enhanced catalytic activity and recyclability. This line of research positions him at the forefront of renewable energy material innovation. His scientific output includes 118 Scopus-indexed articles, 3 authored books, and 9 patents (granted or in process), reflecting a strong commitment to applied research, technology development, and innovation. He also maintains active collaborations with international institutions, including Hokkaido University, Japan. Prof. Nuryono Nuryono serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Indonesian Journal of Chemistry and is a reviewer for numerous international journals. His professional memberships include the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Indonesian Society of Chemistry (ISC), underscoring his recognized leadership within the global chemical sciences community.

Featured Publications

1. Buhani, Narsito, Nuryono, & Kunarti, E. S. (2010). Production of metal ion imprinted polymer from mercapto–silica through sol–gel process as selective adsorbent of cadmium. Desalination, 251(1–3), 83–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2009.09.139

2. Nuryono, N., Agus, A., Wedhastri, S., Maryudani, Y. B., Setyabudi, F. M. C. S., Böhm, J., & Razzazi-Fazeli, E. (2009). A limited survey of aflatoxin M1 in milk from Indonesia by ELISA. Food Control, 20(8), 721–724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2008.09.005

3. Nuryono, N., Noviandi, C. T., Böhm, J., & Razzazi-Fazeli, E. (2005). A limited survey of zearalenone in Indonesian maize-based food and feed by ELISA and high performance liquid chromatography. Food Control, 16(1), 65–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2003.11.009

4. Mujiyanti, D. R., Nuryono, & Kunarti, E. S. (2010). Synthesis and characterization of silica gel from rice husk ash immobilized with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-1-propanethiol. Jurnal Sains dan Teknologi Kimia, 4(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.20527/jstk.v4i2.2059

5. Nuryono, N., Miswanda, D., Sakti, S. C. W., Rusdiarso, B., Krisbiantoro, P. A., Utami, N., Otomo, R., & Kamiya, Y. (2020). Chitosan-functionalized natural magnetic particle@silica modified with (3-chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane as a highly stable magnetic adsorbent for gold(III) ion. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 255, 123507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2020.123507

Rifeng Wu | Environmental Pollution and Remediation | Best Paper Award

Dr. Rifeng Wu | Environmental Pollution and Remediation | Best Paper Award

Lecturer | Guangxi Normal University | China

Dr. Rifeng Wu is an emerging environmental scientist whose research focuses on microbial reductive dehalogenation, organohalide bioremediation, and the integration of microbial systems with material-based catalytic processes. His work targets the remediation of soils and groundwater contaminated with halogenated organic pollutants, advancing both mechanistic understanding and applied technologies for environmental cleanup. His research productivity includes 8 Scopus-indexed publications, 358 citations, and an h-index of 7, reflecting growing international recognition. A central component of Dr. Rifeng Wu’s research involves enhancing the ecological fitness, colonization behavior, and synergistic interactions of organohalide-respiring bacteria. His publication in Environmental Science & Technology demonstrates innovative strategies for improving microbial interactions to accelerate chloroethene bioremediation. He has also developed integrated systems combining microbial reductive dehalogenation with advanced oxidation processes such as persulfate activation, resulting in complete organohalide attenuation and improved remediation efficiency, as reported in Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering. Dr. Rifeng Wu has contributed impactful findings to high-impact journals including Journal of Hazardous Materials, where he introduced bio-RD-PAOP materials for polychlorinated biphenyl degradation, combining engineered materials with microbiological pathways to achieve enhanced dechlorination performance. His research also extends to nanomaterial synthesis for catalytic applications, demonstrated through multiple publications in Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, and Chinese Journal of Catalysis, where he has designed advanced Pt-Pd-based nanostructures with superior electrocatalytic behavior for oxygen reduction reactions. He has participated in several national and provincial research projects, contributing to methodological advancements in contaminant degradation, microbial ecology, and sustainable remediation technologies. His recent work also includes studying microplastic-induced physiological changes in plants, broadening his contributions to emerging environmental pollution challenges. Dr. Rifeng Wu’s research achievements span journal publications, funded projects, innovative remediation systems, and interdisciplinary material–microbe technologies, positioning him as a notable young scholar in environmental biotechnology and pollution control.

Profiles: Scopus | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Wu, R., Shen, R., Liang, Z., Zheng, S., Yang, Y., Lu, Q., Adrian, L., & Wang, S. (2023). Improve niche colonization and microbial interactions for organohalide-respiring-bacteria-mediated remediation of chloroethene-contaminated sites. Environmental Science & Technology, 57(45). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c05932

2. Wu, R., Zhang, S., & Wang, S. (2022). Development and microbial characterization of Bio-RD-PAOP for effective remediation of polychlorinated biphenyls. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 436, 129190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129190

3. Wu, R., & Wang, S. (2021). Integration of microbial reductive dehalogenation with persulfate activation and oxidation (Bio-RD-PAO) for complete attenuation of organohalides. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 16(2), 22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-021-1457-8

4. Li, Y., Wu, R., Liu, Y., Wen, Y., & Shen, P. K. (2021). High-quality and deeply excavated PtPdNi nanocubes as efficient catalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction. Chinese Journal of Catalysis, 42(5), 772–780. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-2067(20)63703-2

5. Wang, S., Wu, R., Zhang, S., & Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research. (2022). Development and microbial characterization of Bio-Rd-Pao for extensive attenuation of persistent organohalides. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4039585

Ajay Kamboj | Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ajay Kamboj | Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D. Scholar | Punjab Agricultural University | India

Mr. Ajay Kamboj is a emerging horticultural researcher specializing in postharvest biology, fruit quality management, antioxidant defence mechanisms, and novel edible coating technologies. His research primarily focuses on mitigating postharvest quality deterioration in fruits through biochemical, enzymatic, and oxidative stress analyses, with strong expertise in FTIR spectroscopy, coating rheology, and statistical modeling, including PCA and correlation analysis. His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent contributions to high-impact journals. He has authored multiple Q1-ranked research articles, including studies on carrageenan–potassium sorbate graft coatings for mandarin, composite xanthan gum coatings for strawberries, and cinnamic acid–based coatings for mangoes, published in Food Hydrocolloids, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, and Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. His work also extends to innovations such as chitosan/karonda polyphenol-enriched coatings for Prunus salicina and investigations into ripening and sugar metabolism in low-chill pear varieties, contributing to journals like Postharvest Biology and Technology and Acta Physiologiae Plantarum. Mr. Ajay Kamboj has contributed to academic publishing through a book chapter on protected cultivation in fruit crops, reflecting additional engagement in scholarly dissemination. His Scopus metrics-57 citations, 12 documents, and an h-index of 4-further evidence his growing research impact. He actively serves as a peer reviewer for reputable international journals, including Journal of Food Measurement and Characterisation and Erwerbs-Obstbau, demonstrating recognition within the scientific community for his subject-matter expertise. His research contributions advance sustainable postharvest technologies, shelf-life enhancement strategies, and biochemical quality preservation in horticultural produce. His findings support future innovations in food security, fruit storage, and plant-based coating materials, marking him as a promising researcher in postharvest fruit science.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Gautam, A., Gill, P. P. S., Singh, N., Jawandha, S. K., Arora, R., & Kamboj, A. (2024). Composite coating of xanthan gum with sodium nitroprusside alleviates the quality deterioration in strawberry fruit. Food Hydrocolloids, 110208.

2. Ajay, A., Gill, P. P. S., Jawandha, S. K., Singh, N. P., Kaur, S., & Kaur, P. (2023). Role of gum Arabic combined with cinnamic acid coating on quality and cell wall degradation enzymes of mango fruits at low temperature. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 259, 129088.

3. Jan, Z., Jawandha, S. K., Gill, P. S., Singh, H., Kamboj, A., Singh, A., & Jhanji, S. (2026). Chitosan/karonda polyphenol extract enriched coating alleviates postharvest quality deterioration by elicitation of antioxidant defence response in Prunus salicina. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 231, 113857.

4. Kamboj, A., Gill, P. P. S., Jawandha, S. K., Singh, N. P., Arora, R., Singh, A., & Kaur, P. (2025). Enhancing postharvest quality and antioxidant properties of mango using cinnamic acid-enriched xanthan gum coatings. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 80(3), 135.

5. Jalota, A., Singh, M., Gill, P. P. S., Grewal, S. K., & Kamboj, A. (2025). Effect of on-tree storage on ripening related changes and sugar metabolism in fruits of different low-chill pear varieties. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 47(11), 106.

Uma S | Environmental Pollution and Remediation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Uma S | Environmental Pollution and Remediation | Best Researcher Award

Guest Teacher | The Gandhigram Rural Institute-Deemed to be University (DTBU) | India

Dr. Uma S is an accomplished environmental engineer and researcher specializing in sustainable environmental technologies, anaerobic digestion, and wastewater treatment. Her research has significantly advanced solid-state anaerobic co-digestion processes and biogas production from organic substrates. With a strong interdisciplinary foundation, she integrates mathematical modeling, life cycle analysis, and phytoremediation to address complex environmental challenges. Her work on optimizing Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) systems for nitrogen removal demonstrates practical innovation in wastewater management. She has authored peer-reviewed papers in Waste and Biomass Valorization, Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability, and Annals of Agricultural & Crop Sciences, contributing to both SCIE and Scopus-indexed literature. Dr. Uma S has also published a specialized book titled Heavy Metal Adsorption Using Nanocomposites for Wastewater Treatment (ISBN: 978-981-96-0755-6), reflecting her expertise in nanocomposite applications for environmental remediation. Her research output, with 36 citations, 4 Scopus-indexed publications, and an h-index of 3, is complemented by a patented innovation—AIB-Bottle, an AI-based water filter bottle (Application No. 201941035054)—highlighting her focus on translational and applied sustainability technologies. She has collaborated with leading institutions such as NIT Karnataka, NIT Tiruchirappalli, Delta State University (Nigeria), and Kumamoto University (Japan), fostering international research synergy. Dr. Uma S’s contributions extend to mentoring postgraduate research in renewable energy, WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) management, and smart materials for infrastructure diagnostics. Recognized with the Best Reviewer Award (2015) by the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, she actively contributes to the global scientific community through editorial and peer-review service. Her research endeavors continue to enhance sustainable resource management and environmental resilience through innovative, eco-efficient engineering solutions.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | Web of Science | Academia

Featured Publications

1. Uma, S., Thalla, A. K., & Devatha, C. P. (2020). Co-digestion of food waste and switchgrass for biogas potential: Effects of process parameters. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 11(3), 827–839.

2. Owamah, H. I., Ikpeseni, S. C., Dharmaraj, R., Gopikumar, S., Malathy, R., Uma, S., … (2021). Influence of diethanolamine on the properties of concrete, corrosion rate of rebar and renewable energy generation. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 46(11), 11487–11496.

3. Sakthivel, U., Swaminathan, G., & Anis, J. (2022). Strategies for quantifying metal recovery from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE/E-waste) using mathematical approach. Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability, 6, 781–790.

4. Uma, S., Thalla, A. K., & Jayanthi, S. (2015). Performance evaluation on anaerobic digestion of banana waste along with domestic wastewater. In National Conference on Technological Innovations for Sustainable Development.

5. Uma, S. (2019). Solid-state anaerobic co-digestion of organic substrates for biogas production [Master’s thesis, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal].

Mriganka Shekhar Sarkar | Environmental Conservation and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mriganka Shekhar Sarkar | Environmental Conservation and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Scientist – C | G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment | India

Dr. Mriganka Shekhar Sarkar is an accomplished wildlife biologist and conservation ecologist currently serving as Scientist–C at the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, India. His research focuses on landscape ecology, population genetics, conservation biology, and climate change impacts on biodiversity across the Indian Himalayan Region. With over 26 peer-reviewed research publications, 3 authored books, 6 book chapters, and multiple technical reports, his scientific contributions span reintroduction biology, large carnivore ecology, habitat connectivity modeling, and macro-ecological assessments using advanced geospatial and statistical approaches. Dr. Mriganka Shekhar Sarkar’s interdisciplinary work integrates molecular ecology, spatial statistics, and remote sensing to address conservation challenges for flagship species such as the tiger (Panthera tigris), common leopard (Panthera pardus), and red panda (Ailurus fulgens). His pioneering studies in PeerJ, Landscape Ecology, PLoS ONE, European Journal of Wildlife Research, and Global Ecology and Conservation have significantly advanced understanding of habitat fragmentation, dispersal corridors, and reintroduced species viability. He has successfully completed and led more than ten national and international R&D and funding projects, including those supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), ICIMOD, SBI Foundation, and DST–SERB. His ongoing projects address ecosystem resilience, biodiversity mainstreaming, and climate vulnerability across the Himalayas. Dr. Mriganka Shekhar Sarkar has earned 26 documents, 403 Scopus citations, an h-index of 12, and numerous recognitions including the Research Excellence Award (2020) and the prestigious Max Planck–India Mobility Fellowship (2022–2025). He also serves as Editorial Advisor for Cambridge Scholars Publishing (UK) and reviewer for several international journals. His scientific leadership, innovative modeling approaches, and conservation-driven fieldwork continue to shape biodiversity management and sustainability strategies in fragile mountain ecosystems.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Sci Profiles | Scholar GPS | Academia

Featured Publications

1. Krishnamurthy, R., Cushman, S. A., Sarkar, M. S., Malviya, M., Naveen, M., et al. (2016). Multi-scale prediction of landscape resistance for tiger dispersal in central India. Landscape Ecology, 31(6), 1355–1368.

2. Sarkar, M. S., Ramesh, K., Johnson, J. A., Sen, S., Nigam, P., Gupta, S. K., et al. (2016). Movement and home range characteristics of reintroduced tiger (Panthera tigris) population in Panna Tiger Reserve, central India. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 62(5), 537–547.

3. Gour, D. S., Bhagavatula, J., Bhavanishankar, M., Reddy, P. A., Gupta, J. A., et al. (2013). Philopatry and dispersal patterns in tiger (Panthera tigris). PLOS ONE, 8(7), e66956.

4. Reddy, P. A., Cushman, S. A., Srivastava, A., Sarkar, M. S., & Shivaji, S. (2017). Tiger abundance and gene flow in Central India are driven by disparate combinations of topography and land cover. Diversity and Distributions, 23(8), 863–874.

5. Chaudhary, A., Sarkar, M. S., Adhikari, B. S., & Rawat, G. S. (2021). Ageratina adenophora and Lantana camara in Kailash Sacred Landscape, India: Current distribution and future climatic scenarios through modeling. PLOS ONE, 16(5), e0239690.

Van-Trung Ha | Renewable Energy | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Van-Trung Ha | Renewable Energy | Young Scientist Award

Lecturer | Wuhan University | China

Mr. Van-Trung Ha, currently a Lecturer and Ph.D. researcher in Regional Economics at Wuhan University, China, has demonstrated a robust interdisciplinary research trajectory combining tourism studies, rural development, and environmental economics. His work emphasizes the nexus between agritourism, sustainability, and economic growth in Southeast Asia. With 5 citations from 5 documents and an h-index of 1, his scholarly influence is steadily expanding through high-impact international publications and conference contributions. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed articles in SCOPUS- and SCI-indexed journals, including Journal of Environmental Management (Q1, SCIE), Heliyon (Q1, SCIE), Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (Q1, SSCI), Frontiers in Public Health (Q1, SCIE), and Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (Q3). His research covers diverse themes such as tourism-led growth models, green innovation for environmental sustainability, FDI and renewable energy impacts on economic development, and the socio-economic resilience of tourism amid crises such as COVID-19. Mr. Van-Trung Ha’s research contributions also extend to rural and cultural tourism development, particularly agritourism in Vietnam, with studies published in Journal of Gastronomy and Tourism and Journal of Tourism History (Q1). His works on preserving agricultural lifestyles as a sustainable tourism strategy have received international recognition. He has served as Editorial Board Member for the Asian Development Policy Review (SCOPUS Q4) and as an Advisory Board Member of the World Conference on Learning and Education Research (WCLER-23). As a peer reviewer, he has contributed to respected journals such as Tourism and Hospitality Research, Case Studies in the Environment (Q3), and Sage Open. Mr. Van-Trung Ha’s academic pursuits align with advancing sustainable tourism policies and integrating environmental and economic frameworks in tourism management. His ongoing research at Wuhan University focuses on the dynamic interrelations between tourism, globalization, renewable energy, and sustainable regional development across ASEAN economies.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Web of Science | Scholar GPS | Loop | Academia

Featured Publications

  1. Ha, V. T., Lichang, L., & Thuan, D. T. Q. (2024). Sustainable development in Southeast Asia: The nexus of tourism, finance, and environment. Heliyon, 10(24), e40829.

  2. Ha, V. T., & Mohanty, P. P. (2021). Exploring the level of tourist satisfaction in agritourism: A reflection of Tra Que village, Vietnam. Gastronomy and Tourism, 5(2), 107–116.

  3. Ha, V. T., & Mohanty, P. P. (2023). Activities of agricultural way of life – a key to attract tourists in agritourism: A study from Tra Que traditional village (Hoi An, Quang Nam, Viet Nam). Journal of Tourism History, 15(1), 65–83.

  4. Ha, V. T., & Dao, D. Q. (2024). Weaving the tastes of tradition: Uncovering the threads of India’s culinary identity amid globalisation. Research in Hospitality Management, 14(2), 150–158.

  5. Ha, V. T. (2025). Tourism, FDI, renewable energy, and growth: An analysis of ASEAN countries. Revista Turismo & Desenvolvimento (RT&D) / Journal of Tourism & Development, 48, 599–623.

 

Abouelnadar El Salem | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Abouelnadar El Salem | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher, Yellow River Delta Intelligent Agricultural Machinery Equipment Industry Academy, China

Assist. Prof. Dr. Abouelnadar El Salem is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Desert Research Center (DRC), Cairo, Egypt, and affiliated with the Yellow River Delta Intelligent Agricultural Machinery Equipment Industry Academy, China. He earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Mechanization Engineering from Huazhong Agricultural University, China (2022), where his research focused on experimental soil adhesion reduction and simulation of soil–tool interaction under paddy field conditions based on bionics. He also holds an M.Sc. in Farm Machinery and Power Engineering from Ain Shams University, Egypt (2017), and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering from Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt (2006, with honors). Dr. El Salem’s primary research interests lie in reducing soil adhesion and friction at the soil–tool interface using bio-inspired microstructures and low-surface-energy polymers, modeling soil–tool interactions with the Discrete Element Method (DEM), assessing and designing rainwater harvesting systems, and monitoring tillage- and rainfall-induced soil erosion under diverse land-use conditions. He has held key academic and research positions, including Researcher (Doctorate Holder) at DRC, supervising master’s students and conducting peer-reviewed research (2022–Present), Assistant Researcher at Huazhong Agricultural University (2018–2022), and Agricultural Engineer at the Agricultural Research Center, Egypt (2007–2012). His major contributions include innovations in soil conservation techniques, DEM-based mechanistic models of soil–tool interactions, sustainable water resource management, and practical recommendations for arid and semi-arid agriculture. He has published 15 documents, accumulated 136 citations, and holds an h-index of 7. Dr. El Salem has received recognition for his international collaborations in soil mechanization research and is actively engaged in peer-review and scientific societies related to agricultural engineering. His work advances sustainable agricultural mechanization, soil erosion control, and climate-resilient farming, providing practical solutions for global food security and water management. His vision is to integrate mechanization engineering and soil conservation innovations to benefit society, industry, and scientific research worldwide, while mentoring the next generation of agricultural engineers and researchers.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | Sci Profiles | Scilit

Featured Publications

1. Salem, A. E., Shang, S., Wang, D., Zhang, G., Wang, H., Abdeen, M. A., & Shehabeldeen, T. A. (2026). Developing an adequate DEM model to simulate soil-tool interactions under sticky soil conditions. Soil and Tillage Research, 256, 106893.

2. Salem, A. E., Wang, H., Gao, Y., Zha, X., Abdeen, M. A., & Zhang, G. (2021). Effect of biomimetic surface geometry, soil texture, and soil moisture content on the drag force of soil-touching parts. Applied Sciences, 11, 8927–8938.

3. Salem, A. E., Zhang, G. Z., Abdeen, M. A. M., & Wang, H. C. (2022). Optimizing the adhesion of soil-touching parts based on biomimetic concepts using the Taguchi method. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 15(1), 147–154.

4. Salem, A. E., Zhang, G., Wang, H., Salem, H. M., Abdalla, M. A., & Ghazy, A. A. (2023). The effect of integrating a bio-inspired convex structure with a low-surface energy polymer on soil adhesion and friction. Journal of Terramechanics, 109, 93–100.

5. Abdeen, M. A., & Salem, A. E., Zhang, G. (2021). Longitudinal axial flow rice thresher performance optimization using the Taguchi technique. Agriculture, 11, 88.

 

Jiajia Cai | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jiajia Cai | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Lecture, Anhui University of Technology, China

Dr. Jiajia Cai is a Lecturer at the School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, China, where she leads research on photoelectrochemical corrosion protection, renewable energy conversion, and AI-driven materials discovery. She earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science from Northeastern University in 2016, following an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry (2011) and a B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry (2009), all from Northeastern University, China. Her research focuses on developing advanced photoelectrochemical materials for sustainable energy applications, including photoelectrocathodic protection (PCP) for metals, green hydrogen production via water splitting, and AI-assisted design of novel semiconductor photoanodes. Professionally, Dr. Jiajia Cai has served as a Lecturer at Anhui University of Technology since 2016, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National University of Singapore (2019–2020) focusing on optimization of photoanode materials, and a Visiting Scholar at Tsinghua University (2024–2025) emphasizing AI applications in materials science. Her key contributions include the design and fabrication of highly efficient photoanodes using morphology engineering, heterojunction construction and cocatalyst loading strategies, bridging fundamental photoelectrochemistry with practical corrosion prevention technologies and publishing over 50 SCI-indexed papers (58 documents, 877 citations, h-index 17), along with 4 patents under publication or review. She has led multiple national and provincial research projects, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation, as well as support from the Key Lab for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (ATM), Ministry of Education. Dr. Jiajia Cai is an active member of the Chinese Chemical Society and collaborates with leading institutions such as Tsinghua University, National University of Singapore, and Northeastern University. Her work significantly advances sustainable energy solutions, corrosion protection, and AI-driven materials discovery, contributing to environmental engineering, industrial innovation, and global scientific knowledge. Dr. Jiajia Cai’s research excellence, leadership, and vision position her to continue making transformative contributions to renewable energy and advanced material technologies worldwide.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Sci Profiles | Scilit

Featured Publications

1. Cai, J., Zhang, Z., Zu, S., Cui, A., Li, X., Xie, Q., Mao, K., & Chen, J. (2025). Built-in electric field in BiVO₄-SnO₂ heterostructure for enhanced photoelectrochemical H₂O₂ production. Fuel, 405, 136762.

2. Zhu, S., Cai, Z., Wang, Y., Wang, J., Cai, J., Xie, Q., & Huang, Z. (2025). Enhanced photoelectrochemical cathodic protection on steel in marine environment by cascade heterojunctions. Construction and Building Materials, 493, 143255.

3. Zhu, S., Xu, F., Wang, Y., Cai, J., Xie, Q., Yang, Y., & Huang, Z. (2025). Experimental study on heat transfer characteristics of a moving single-nozzle jet impingement. ISIJ International, 65(9), 1348–1358.

4. Xie, Q., Cai, Z., Wang, Y., Cai, J., Wang, J., & Sun, S. (2025). Efficient Z-scheme of 2D ZnIn₂S₄/3D TiO₂ for enhanced photoelectrochemical cathodic protection. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 13(5), 118305.

5. Chen, Q., Zhu, S., Xin, Z., Wang, D., Cai, J., Li, H., & Ding, S. (2024). Surfactant-assisted synthesis of NiCo alloy with specific nanopore architecture as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc-air batteries. Functional Materials Letters, 17(04), 451021.

 

Harshit Shukla | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Harshit Shukla | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant, University of Lucknow, India

Mr. Harshit Shukla is an emerging researcher in Green Chemistry and Organic Synthesis, with expertise spanning enantioselective synthesis, organometallic catalysis, heterocyclic chemistry and computational chemistry approaches such as DFT analysis and molecular modeling. He earned his M.Sc. in Chemistry from Mahidol University, Thailand (2024) with a thesis on [4 + 2] cycloaddition reactions and a B.Sc. in Chemistry & Zoology from the University of Lucknow, India (2021). Professionally, Harshit has conducted research at Mahidol University and CDRI CSIR, India, contributed as a teaching assistant in undergraduate chemistry courses and actively participated in interdisciplinary workshops and student mentoring, demonstrating early leadership and collaborative skills. His research interests focus on the development of small molecule therapeutics, including JAK1 inhibitors for anti-inflammatory applications, integrating both synthetic and computational methodologies. He is proficient in computational and experimental tools including Python, Java, Gaussian, AutoDock, ChemDraw and NMR spectroscopy software and continually enhances his expertise through certifications from Stanford University, UC San Diego, Duke University, IBM Quantum and Google Cloud. Mr. Harshit Shukla has been recognized in the academic community with a Best Poster Award at the 49th International Congress on Science, Technology and Technology-based Innovation (STT 49) and his author metrics include 2 documents, 2 citations and an h-index of 1. While expanding his portfolio of Q1 publications, international collaborations and participation in editorial boards or specialized conferences could further enhance his global impact, he demonstrates strong potential to advance green chemistry and drug discovery research internationally. Overall, Mr. Harshit Shukla embodies exceptional promise as a young scientist with rigorous academic standards, international exposure and a track record of impactful research, making him highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award for his dedication, innovation and future leadership in the field.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Shukla, H., Promcharoen, P., Poonsawat, T., Chakarawet, K., Chumkaeo, P., & Somsook, E.* (2024). Diels–Alder cycloaddition of 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) and N-phenylmaleimide derivatives. ACS Omega.

2. Shukla, H.*, Shukla, M., & Deepak, D. (2025). Inverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction involving indole scaffold and its derivatives. Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry

 

Xiangjiao Yi | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiangjiao Yi | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China

Dr. Xiangjiao Yi is a rising scholar in environmental and musculoskeletal medicine, currently serving as a Lecturer at the School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. She earned her Ph.D. in Ethnic Medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM) from Minzu University of China in 2020, where she was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate and received the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award and was jointly trained at the University of Rochester, USA, through a prestigious China Scholarship Council fellowship. Her academic journey also includes a Master’s degree in TCM from Minzu University of China (2016) and a Bachelor’s degree in TCM from Henan University of Chinese Medicine (2012). Professionally, Dr. Xiangjiao Yi has held research appointments as an Assistant Researcher at Westlake University and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at both Westlake University and Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, where she focused on the mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy of TCM in treating musculoskeletal disorders. Her research interests center on the pathogenesis, therapeutic targets and TCM-based interventions for musculoskeletal diseases caused by genetics, aging and environmental toxicants, integrating big data population analyses, GWAS, multi-omics and experimental disease models. Dr. Xiangjiao Yi is proficient in advanced research skills, including gene editing, single-cell and bulk transcriptomics, and observational data analyses, bridging computational and laboratory-based approaches. She has successfully led four competitive projects, including a National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Youth project, and participated in three additional national-level grants. Her achievements include 11 Scopus-indexed publications with 160 citations and an h-index of 7, along with multiple award-winning conference papers. Among her many honors are the ICMRS Webster Jee Young Investigator Award, the ASBMR Young Investigator Travel Grant and provincial high-level talent recognition. With her innovative methodologies, international training and leadership in multidisciplinary projects, Dr. Xiangjiao Yi demonstrates outstanding potential to advance global research in environmental health and TCM-based musculoskeletal therapeutics.

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Featured Publications

1. Li, J., Yi, X., Yao, Z., Chakkalakal, J. V., Xing, L., & Boyce, B. F. (2020). TNF receptor‐associated factor 6 mediates TNFα‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy in mice during aging. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 35(8), 1535–1548.

2. Pan, J., Zhao, M., Yi, X., Tao, J., Li, S., Jiang, Z., Cheng, B., Yuan, H., & Zhang, F. (2022). Acellular nerve grafts supplemented with induced pluripotent stem cell-derived exosomes promote peripheral nerve reconstruction and motor function recovery. Bioactive Materials, 15, 272–287.

3. Dai, X., Yi, X., Wang, Y., Xia, W., Tao, J., Wu, J., Miao, D., & Chen, L. (2022). PQQ dietary supplementation prevents alkylating agent-induced ovarian dysfunction in mice. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13, 781404.

4. Li, J., Yao, Z., Liu, X., Duan, R., Yi, X., Ayoub, A., Sanders, J. O., Mesfin, A., Xing, L., … [additional authors if needed]. (2023). TGFβ1+CCR5+ neutrophil subset increases in bone marrow and causes age-related osteoporosis in male mice. Nature Communications, 14(1), 159.

5. Yi, X., Tao, J., Qian, Y., Feng, F., Hu, X., Xu, T., Jin, H., Ruan, H., Zheng, H. F., & Tong, P. (2022). Morroniside ameliorates inflammatory skeletal muscle atrophy via inhibiting canonical and non-canonical NF-κB and regulating protein synthesis/degradation. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 1056460.