Wenbo Yu | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Wenbo Yu | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Wenbo Yu | Materials | Director at Beijing Jiaotong University | China

Prof. Wenbo Yu is a highly accomplished scholar and researcher in the field of Materials Science and Engineering, currently serving as a Professor at Beijing Jiaotong University, China. With a strong academic foundation and global research exposure, Prof. Wenbo Yu has made remarkable contributions to the synthesis, processing, and performance optimization of ceramic and composite materials. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Université de Poitiers, France, where he conducted advanced studies on the synthesis and mechanical properties of ceramics under the supervision of Professors Sylvain Dubois and Véronique Gauthiers. Prior to that, he obtained his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Materials Science from Beijing Jiaotong University and Changsha University of Science and Technology, respectively. Prof. Wenbo Yu has held several significant academic positions, including Associate Professor and Postdoctoral Researcher at Tsinghua University, where his work focused on material forming and mechanical performance improvement. His research interests include ceramic composites, nanolaminated materials, MAX and MAB phases, thermal shock resistance, and additive manufacturing. With strong research skills in material synthesis, microstructural characterization, and mechanical analysis, he has authored more than 60 SCI-indexed papers with over 1,000 citations and an H-index of 22. His groundbreaking work has appeared in top journals such as Acta Materialia, Journal of the European Ceramic Society, and Journal of Alloys and Compounds. Prof. Wenbo Yu has been honored with prestigious recognitions, including the Beijing Rail Transit Outstanding Youth Talent Award and the Machinery Industry Award for innovation in high-pressure die casting. Through his teaching, research leadership, and collaboration, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of materials science both in academia and industry. In conclusion, Prof. Wenbo Yu stands as a leading figure in his field, dedicated to pioneering new frontiers in sustainable and high-performance materials research.

Profile: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Hu, J., Li, S., Zhang, J., Chang, Q., Yu, W., & Zhou, Y. (2020). Mechanical properties and frictional resistance of Al composites reinforced with Ti₃C₂Tx MXene. Chinese Chemical Letters, 31(4), 996–999. (Cited by 122)

  2. Li, S. B., Yu, W. B., Zhai, H. X., Song, G. M., Sloof, W. G., & Van der Zwaag, S. (2011). Mechanical properties of low temperature synthesized dense and fine-grained Cr₂AlC ceramics. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 31(1–2), 217–224. (Cited by 119)

  3. Yu, W., Wang, X., Zhao, H., Ding, C., Huang, Z., Zhai, H., Guo, Z., & Xiong, S. (2017). Microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of Ti₂AlC reinforced AZ91D composites fabricated by stir casting. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 702, 199–208. (Cited by 94)

  4. Yu, W., Li, S., & Sloof, W. G. (2010). Microstructure and mechanical properties of a Cr₂Al(Si)C solid solution. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 527(21–22), 5997–6001. (Cited by 89)

  5. Lu, X., Li, S., Zhang, W., Yao, B., Yu, W., & Zhou, Y. (2019). Crack healing behavior of a MAB phase: MoAlB. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 39(14), 4023–4028. (Cited by 87)

  6. Yu, W., Mauchamp, V., Cabioc’h, T., Magne, D., Gence, L., Piraux, L., & Dubois, S. (2014). Solid solution effects in the Ti₂Al(CxNy) MAX phases: Synthesis, microstructure, electronic structure and transport properties. Acta Materialia, 80, 421–434. (Cited by 77)

  7. Lu, X., Li, S., Zhang, W., Yu, W., & Zhou, Y. (2019). Thermal shock behavior of a nanolaminated ternary boride: MoAlB. Ceramics International, 45(7), 9386–9389. (Cited by 75)

 

Liana Lucchetti | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Liana Lucchetti | Materials | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Liana Lucchetti | Materials | Associate Professor at Polytechnic University of Marche | Italy

Prof. Liana Lucchetti is an Associate Professor of Physics at Università Politecnica delle Marche, where she leads the Laboratory “Optics of Soft Matter.” She is internationally recognized for her pioneering research in liquid crystal physics and soft matter optics. With more than a hundred peer-reviewed publications, numerous invited talks, and leadership in both academic and professional communities, she has made transformative contributions to the fields of nonlinear optics, ferroelectric nematic materials, and complex fluid dynamics. Her research has been featured on journal covers and highlighted by scientific media outlets, further demonstrating her international impact. Beyond research, Prof. Liana Lucchetti plays a critical role as an academic mentor, conference organizer, and editorial board member, shaping the direction of scientific inquiry while fostering the next generation of scholars.

Academic Profile

ORCID  | Scopus

Education

Prof. Liana Lucchetti completed her doctoral studies in Physics at the University of Bologna, where her research explored light-induced memory effects in liquid crystalline materials. This early training in fundamental physics established a strong foundation for her subsequent academic career. Through advanced research in optics and soft matter, she has continuously expanded her scientific expertise, combining experimental physics with interdisciplinary approaches. Her academic journey reflects both rigorous specialization and a commitment to developing innovative methodologies in applied photonics.

Experience

Prof. Liana Lucchetti has advanced from early research fellowships to her current position as Associate Professor of Physics, consistently expanding her leadership and academic influence. She heads the Laboratory “Optics of Soft Matter,” where she oversees high-level projects in collaboration with both national and international institutions. She has delivered invited seminars, keynote lectures, and specialized training courses at major international conferences and universities, contributing to global scientific exchange. In addition, she has supervised numerous postdoctoral researchers, doctoral candidates, and master’s students, ensuring strong continuity in research innovation and knowledge transfer. Her service to the scientific community includes acting as a reviewer for leading journals such as Nature Physics, PNAS, and Scientific Reports, while also serving on editorial boards and scientific committees of conferences.

Research Interest

Prof. Liana Lucchetti’s research spans a wide spectrum of topics in soft matter physics and optics. Her main interests include nonlinear optical properties of liquid crystals, hybrid liquid crystal-lithium niobate systems, and optical manipulation in anisotropic media. She has also advanced studies on the viscoelastic properties of DNA liquid crystals and on the electrowetting and wetting dynamics of complex fluids. Recently, her focus on ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals has attracted global attention, providing new insights into electromechanical instabilities and polarization phenomena. These areas of investigation not only advance fundamental physics but also open new pathways for technological applications in photonics, materials science, and bioengineering.

Award

Prof. Liana Lucchetti has received multiple awards and recognitions for her scientific contributions. She was named “Researcher of the Year” by Università Politecnica delle Marche in acknowledgment of her outstanding achievements. Several of her research articles have been selected for journal covers and highlighted in international scientific media, underscoring their significance to the broader optics and materials science communities. Her leadership roles in international conferences and scientific committees further demonstrate her professional recognition. She has consistently secured research funding and institutional awards, strengthening her position as a leading figure in soft matter and optical physics.

Selected Publication

  • “Optical phase conjugation and efficient wave front correction of weak light beams by dye doped liquid crystals,” published in 2003, with 95 citations.

  • “Surface alignment of ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals,” published in 2021, with 210 citations.

  • “Explosive electrostatic instability of ferroelectric liquid droplets on ferroelectric solid surfaces,” published in 2022, with 178 citations.

  • “Fluid superscreening and polarization following in confined ferroelectric nematics,” published in 2023, with 134 citations.

Conclusion

Prof. Liana Lucchetti is a distinguished scholar whose work in liquid crystal optics and soft matter physics has advanced the frontiers of scientific knowledge. Her contributions span fundamental theory, experimental breakthroughs, and interdisciplinary applications, with results published in leading international journals. She has combined research excellence with institutional leadership, extensive editorial service, and a strong record of mentoring, thereby influencing both academic communities and industrial applications. Her recognition through awards, invited talks, and high-impact publications demonstrates her status as a thought leader in physics. Looking forward, Prof. Liana Lucchetti is positioned to continue shaping the global research landscape through expanded international collaborations, pioneering investigations into ferroelectric nematic systems, and ongoing leadership in scientific organizations. Her career exemplifies the qualities of innovation, dedication, and international impact, making her a highly deserving nominee for this award.

Dora Zakarian | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dora Zakarian | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at Institute for Problems in Materials Science, Ukraine

Dr. Dora Zakarian, a distinguished theorist in solid-state physics, has been contributing to material science since 1980 at the Institute for Problems in Materials Science (IPMS), Ukrainian National Academy of Science, Kyiv, Ukraine. With a doctorate in Physical and Mathematical Sciences, she is renowned for her innovative “a priori pseudopotential” method and groundbreaking studies on the mechanical properties of advanced materials.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Dr. Zakarian holds a Doctorate in Physical and Mathematical Sciences, specializing in solid-state physics. Her academic background is rooted in rigorous theoretical approaches, emphasizing quantum mechanics and material modeling.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Zakarian’s career spans over four decades at IPMS, where she has conducted theoretical studies of mechanical properties in diverse materials. She developed the “a priori pseudopotential” method, which has led to significant advancements in understanding materials like metals, carbides, borides, and eutectic composites. Her work has influenced fields such as nanotechnology and high-entropy alloys, resulting in dozens of foundational methodologies.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Zakarian’s research is centered on computational materials science, particularly:

  • Mechanical properties of composite materials under varying conditions.
  • Thermodynamic modeling of binary systems and eutectics.
  • Pioneering methods to account for size factors, anharmonic effects, and intercomponent interactions in composite materials.
  • Young’s modulus and other critical properties of advanced materials.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Dr. Zakarian has actively contributed to international research through:

  1. U.S. Navy Grant (2007-2009) – Simulation of ceramic composites in LaB₆-MeB₂ systems.
  2. U.S. Air Force Grant (2012-2014) – Modeling of boride ceramic composites.
  3. NATO Project Grant (2016-2023) – Development of shock-resistant boron-based ceramics, integrating production and testing.

Her groundbreaking contributions have been recognized globally, with applications in defense and aerospace industries.

Key Publications 📚

Dr. Zakarian has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles. Key works include:

Universal temperature dependence of Young’s modulus

  • Year: 2019
  • Citations: 42

Calculation of composition in LaB6–TiB2 and LaB6–ZrB2 eutectics by means of pseudopotential method

  • Year: 2011
  • Citations: 23

Pseudopotential method for calculating the eutectic temperature and concentration of the components of the B4C–TiB2, TiB2–SiC, and B4C–SiC systems

  • Year: 2009
  • Citations: 19

Ab-initio calculation of the coefficients of thermal expansion for MeB2 (Me–Ti, Zr) and LaB6 borides and LaB6–MeB2 eutectic composites

  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 11

Quasi-harmonic approximation model in the theory of pseudopotentials

  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 7

Расчет теоретической прочности алмазоподобных материалов, исходя из энергии взаимодействия атомных плоскостей

  • Year: 2006
  • Citations: 7

Mechanical characteristics of quasibinary eutectic composites with regard for the influence of an intercomponent interaction of the interface

  • Year: 2014
  • Citations: 5

Theoretical Strength of Borides and Quasibinary Boride Eutectics at High Temperatures

  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 4

Наночастицы с алмазоподобной структурой и обратный закон Холла–Петча

  • Year: 2014
  • Citations: 3

Temperature dependence of the hardness of materials with a metallic, covalent-metallic bonds

  • Year: 2021
  • Citations: 2

For a complete list of publications, please refer to the accompanying document.

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Dora Zakarian’s contributions to theoretical solid-state physics and materials science are pivotal in advancing our understanding of composite materials. Her innovations in computational methods and models have reshaped the study of mechanical and thermodynamic properties of advanced materials, making her a prominent figure in her field