Zara Cherkezova-Zheleva | Mechanochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Zara Cherkezova-Zheleva | Mechanochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zara Cherkezova-Zheleva | Mechanochemistry – Research Group leader at Institute of Catalysis Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria

Dr. Zara Cherkezova-Zheleva is a prominent Bulgarian scientist with over three decades of research experience in the field of inorganic chemistry and materials science. She has dedicated her career to the synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced materials for environmental and catalytic purposes. Working primarily at the Institute of Catalysis, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, she has become well-regarded in both national and international scientific communities. Her contributions span a wide range of disciplines including mechanochemistry, photocatalysis, nanomaterials, and sustainable technologies, positioning her as a key figure in green and circular chemistry initiatives.

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Education:

Dr. Cherkezova-Zheleva holds a robust academic background in chemistry, with advanced training in inorganic, solid-state, and physical chemistry. She received her higher education in Bulgaria, where she developed a strong foundation in crystallography, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Over time, she refined her skills in the design and analysis of functional materials, integrating theoretical and practical methodologies into her educational journey. Her academic path provided her with a multidisciplinary skill set that supports her ongoing contributions to materials research and environmental technology.

Experience:

Since 1993, Dr. Cherkezova-Zheleva has been affiliated with the Institute of Catalysis at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. She has served as a senior researcher and key investigator in numerous collaborative scientific projects, both domestic and European. Her experience includes the development of catalytic systems for environmental remediation, nanomaterials for water and air purification, and studies on ancient metallurgy. In her role, she has actively mentored younger scientists and contributed to the expansion of analytical capabilities within her institution, particularly in spectroscopy and materials characterization.

Research Interest:

Dr. Cherkezova-Zheleva’s research interests lie at the intersection of chemistry, environmental science, and materials engineering. She is particularly focused on green synthesis methods, the recycling of rare earth and precious metals, the use of biogenic materials for catalytic applications, and the structural investigation of metal-containing compounds. Her interest in sustainable technologies has led her to work extensively on converting industrial and electronic waste into valuable secondary raw materials, supporting the global shift toward circular economy practices.

Awards:

Although Dr. Cherkezova-Zheleva has not yet received major international research awards, she has earned widespread academic recognition through high-impact publications, collaborations with top-tier European research teams, and citations of her work in key areas such as catalysis, nanotechnology, and sustainable chemistry. She has also been actively involved in peer review activities and conference participation, strengthening her professional reputation and establishing her as a reliable and innovative voice in her field.

Selected Publications:

  1. 🔁 “Green and Sustainable Rare Earth Element Recycling and Reuse from End-of-Life Permanent Magnets” – Metals, 2024: Cited by 12 articles, this study advances recovery methods for critical materials.
  2. 🧲 “Experimental and DFT Study of Monensinate and Salinomycinate Complexes Containing {Fe₃(µ₃–O)}⁷⁺ Core” – Molecules, 2024: A hybrid experimental-computational work cited in 9 recent papers.
  3. ⚗️ “Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, and Structural Modelling of Di- and Trinuclear Iron(III) Monensinates” – Inorganics, 2024: Recognized for its structural insights, with 6 citations to date.
  4. 🌱 “Direct Reuse of Spent Nd–Fe–B Permanent Magnets” – Materials, 2025: This highly relevant recycling study is already cited by 8 articles.
  5. 🚗 “Platinum Group Metals: Green Recovery from Spent Auto-Catalysts” – Crystals, 2023: A major review cited in over 20 academic studies and industrial reports.
  6. 🏺 “Ancient Metallurgical Iron Slags—Chemical, Powder X-ray Diffraction and Mössbauer Spectroscopic Study” – Crystals, 2023: Cited by 5 articles, bridging archaeology and materials science.
  7. 🧱 “Synthesis of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers: Effect of Calcite Addition” – Minerals, 2020: This sustainable construction material study is cited in 17 publications.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Zara Cherkezova-Zheleva exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher. Her deep expertise, long-term commitment to sustainable materials, and ability to lead interdisciplinary projects make her an ideal nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Through her impactful publications, collaborative achievements, and scientific leadership, she continues to push the boundaries of green chemistry and catalysis, making valuable contributions to both scientific advancement and environmental preservation.

 

 

 

 

Liangbin Huang | Synthesis | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Liangbin Huang | Synthesis | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Liangbin Huang | Synthesis – South China University of Technology, China

Prof. Liangbin Huang is a distinguished scientist in the field of catalysis and organic synthesis, currently serving as a professor at South China University of Technology. His research primarily focuses on the green and efficient synthesis of functional molecules, including drug compounds and optoelectronic materials. Additionally, he explores catalytic conversion and the value-added utilization of biomass, aiming to contribute to sustainable chemical processes. With a strong academic background and numerous accolades, Prof. Huang has established himself as a leading researcher in his domain.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Education

Prof. Huang earned his Ph.D. from South China University of Technology in 2013, where he conducted extensive research on transition metal-catalyzed oxidative functionalization of alkenes under the supervision of Prof. Huanfeng Jiang. Prior to this, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology in 2008. His academic journey laid a strong foundation for his future contributions to catalysis and organic chemistry, equipping him with the skills and knowledge to advance chemical synthesis methodologies.

Experience

Prof. Huang has a rich and diverse professional background, including multiple prestigious postdoctoral positions. From 2013 to 2016, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Technische Universität Kaiserslautern in Germany, supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, where he worked under Prof. Lukas J. Gooßen on catalytic reactions involving carboxylic acids. He then moved to the United States, joining the University of Rochester and later the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a postdoctoral researcher under Prof. Daniel J. Weix, specializing in reductive cross-coupling and bimetallic catalysis. In 2018, he began his independent career as a professor at South China University of Technology, where he continues to make groundbreaking contributions to organic synthesis and catalysis.

Research Interests

Prof. Huang’s research is centered on innovative catalytic methodologies for the synthesis of valuable molecules. His primary focus areas include the green and efficient synthesis of drug molecules and optoelectronic materials, as well as the catalytic conversion of biomass into high-value chemicals. His work leverages transition metal catalysis, C–H activation, and novel reaction mechanisms to achieve efficient and sustainable chemical transformations. Through his research, he aims to develop environmentally friendly processes that enhance the synthesis of complex organic molecules with high selectivity and yield.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Huang has received several prestigious awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to organic chemistry. In 2019, he was honored with the First Prize of the Natural Science Award of the Ministry of Education as the second recipient. He was also selected for the “Thousand Talents Plan” Youth Project in 2018, recognizing his exceptional research capabilities. In 2014, he was awarded a research fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and received the Guangdong Province Outstanding Doctoral Thesis award. Additionally, in 2011, he was granted the “Academic Scholarship Award for Excellent Doctoral Students” by the Ministry of Education.

Selected Publications

  1. Pd-Catalyzed Coupling of Aryl Chloride, Isocyanides, and Thiocarboxylate to Synthesize Thioamides (2025) – Org. Lett. 📖
  2. Ruthenium-Catalyzed Meta-Alkylation of (Hetero)aromatic Acids with Pyridinium Salts (2025) – ACS Catal. 🔬
  3. Nickel-Catalyzed C-O Bond Cleavage of Silylenol Ether for Divergent Synthesis of Aryl Alkenes (2025) – Org. Chem. Front. ⚛️
  4. Quasi-Homogeneous Photocatalysis in Ultrastiff Microporous Polymer Aerogels (2024) – J. Am. Chem. Soc. 🌟
  5. Ligand-Enabled Ruthenium-Catalyzed Meta-C−H Alkylation of (Hetero)Aromatic Carboxylic Acids (2024) – Nature Communications 🏅
  6. Cobalt-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Coupling of Alkynyl Sulfides with Unactivated Chlorosilanes (2024) – Nature Communications ⚗️
  7. Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Alkenes by Rhodium-Catalyzed Regioselective Cyano Transfer (2024) – Org. Lett. 📑

Conclusion

Prof. Liangbin Huang is an accomplished chemist whose work has significantly impacted the field of organic synthesis and catalysis. With a strong educational background, extensive research experience, and a deep commitment to advancing sustainable chemistry, he continues to lead groundbreaking studies in green and efficient chemical processes. His numerous awards and high-impact publications underscore his influence and contributions to modern organic chemistry. As a professor at South China University of Technology, he remains at the forefront of innovative research, inspiring future generations of scientists in the field of catalysis and synthetic chemistry.

Salar Hafez Ghoran | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Salar Hafez Ghoran | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Research Associate | North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State university | United States

Dr. Salar Hafez Ghoran is an accomplished researcher and postdoctoral scholar specializing in food and nutrition science. Currently affiliated with the Center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, his expertise lies in metabolomic approaches to study dietary biomarkers. Dr. Ghoran has extensive experience in phytochemistry, focusing on the isolation and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds from various natural sources, including plants and marine fungi. His work bridges ethnopharmacology, chemical ecology, and pharmacognosy, aiming to uncover novel compounds with therapeutic potential.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Ghoran holds a Ph.D. in Phytochemistry from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, where his research focused on isolating phytochemical compounds from Scilla bisotunensis and Salvia dracocephaloides. He also earned a Master’s degree in Phytochemistry from Golestan University, where he studied alkaloid, terpenoid, and polyphenol compounds. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry at Payam Noor University of Urmia. His academic journey is complemented by postdoctoral research fellowships in phytochemistry across leading institutions in Iran, Pakistan, and Indonesia, further refining his expertise in natural product chemistry.

Experience

Dr. Ghoran has extensive experience in chromatographic techniques, structural elucidation using advanced spectroscopy, and bioassays to evaluate the biological activities of natural compounds. His hands-on expertise extends to molecular networking, synthesis of organic compounds, and GNPS analysis. He has collaborated on several projects involving the bioassay-guided isolation of secondary metabolites and optimization of extraction methods for pharmacologically active compounds.

Research Interest

Dr. Ghoran’s research interests revolve around natural product discovery, particularly from plants, marine organisms, fungi, and bacteria. He is passionate about using ethnopharmacological insights to guide his investigations, with an emphasis on chemical ecology, food chemistry, and the bioactivity of natural compounds. His interdisciplinary approach integrates metabolomics, molecular docking, and cheminformatics to advance therapeutic discoveries.

Awards

Dr. Ghoran has been recognized for his contributions to phytochemistry and natural product research. His accolades include excellence awards for his doctoral research and recognition from high-impact journals for his peer-reviewed publications. His dedication to advancing the field has also led to multiple research grants and fellowships.

Selected Publications

  1. Hafez Ghoran, S., Abdjan, M.I., Kristanti, A.N., Aminah, N.S. (2024): Insights into in vitro and in silico studies of α-glucosidase inhibitors isolated from the leaves of Grewia optiva. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. (IF: 7.7, Q1).
  2. Elshikh, A., Hafez Ghoran, S., Kabbashi, A., et al. (2024): Vachellia flava: Biological activities and chemical constituents. Plant Biosystems. (IF: 1.6, Q1).
  3. Hafez Ghoran, S., Yousuf, M., Zafar, H., et al. (2024): In vitro, in silico, and STD-NMR studies of flavonoids from Hypericum helianthemoides against Leishmania major. Journal of Biomolecular Structure & Dynamics. (Accepted).
  4. Manafi, H., Mozafari, A.A., Hafez Ghoran, S. (2024): Melatonin modulates the phyto-biochemical mechanisms of Hymenocrater longiflorus under salinity stress. Plant Growth Regulation. (IF: 3.5, Q1).
  5. Satria, D., Hasibuan, P.A.Z., Hafez Ghoran, S., et al. (2024): Cytotoxic effects of Vernonia amygdalina fractions on triple-negative breast cancer cells. Phytomedicine Plus.
  6. Hafez Ghoran, S., Sousa, E., Fernandes, C., et al. (2023): Peptides from marine-derived fungi: Chemistry and biological activities. Marine Drugs. (IF: 5.4, Q1).
  7. Danaei, N., Panahi Kokhdan, E., Hafez Ghoran, S., et al. (2022): Stachys pilifera ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis via antioxidant pathways. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (IF: 2.65, Q2).

Conclusion

Dr. Salar Hafez Ghoran’s impressive academic background, coupled with his extensive research experience, underscores his commitment to advancing food and nutrition science through innovative approaches. His contributions to phytochemistry and natural product research have not only expanded the scientific understanding of bioactive compounds but also opened avenues for therapeutic applications. Dr. Ghoran remains a vital contributor to the global scientific community, continually striving for excellence in research and education.