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.

KRISHAN KUMAR | Organic Chemistry and Computational Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. KRISHAN KUMAR | Organic Chemistry and Computational Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Krishan Kumar is a dedicated researcher in the field of organic and computational chemistry with expertise in functional materials for optoelectronic devices. He has contributed significantly to the design and synthesis of hole transport materials (HTMs) for OLED applications. His work integrates experimental and theoretical approaches, aiming to enhance energy-efficient electronic materials. With extensive research experience, he has collaborated with esteemed institutions worldwide and has earned recognition for his contributions to organic electronics.

Education

Dr. Kumar obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, where he specialized in the synthesis and theoretical evaluation of organic small molecules for OLED applications. He completed his postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia, focusing on functional organic materials for optoelectronic devices. He also holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from Hindu College, University of Delhi, with a focus on organocatalysis, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Hons.) from Maharishi Dayanand University.

Experience

Dr. Kumar has amassed over six years of research experience, including his tenure as a Teaching Assistant at IIT Mandi, where he guided master’s students in OLED research. He has worked extensively on C-H activation and functionalization of heterocyclic moieties, organic transformations, and material synthesis. He was also a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in a DRDO-sponsored project at the University of Delhi. His expertise extends to computational chemistry, where he evaluates molecular interactions and electronic properties.

Research Interests

Dr. Kumar’s research focuses on designing and synthesizing functional materials for optoelectronic devices, particularly OLEDs. His interests include C-H activation, functionalization of heterocyclic moieties, theoretical computational chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and the development of electron and hole transport materials. His work aims to improve material efficiency and stability for practical optoelectronic applications.

Awards

Dr. Kumar has received several prestigious awards, including the Young Researcher Award in Organic and Computational Chemistry (VIRA 2024) and the Best Researcher Award (25th International Research Awards on Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology 2024). He has also been recognized for his achievements in national-level exams such as JAM, GATE, and CSIR-NET, demonstrating his academic excellence.

Selected Publications

Kumar, K., et al. (2023). “Computational Evaluation with Experimental Validation: Arylamine-Based Functional Hole-Transport Materials for Energy-Efficient Solution-Processed OLEDs.” Journal of Physical Chemistry C. 127, 18560-18573. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c02357. Cited by: 20+ articles.

Kumar, K., et al. (2023). “Impact of Peripheral Functionalities around a Pyridine Core on Molecular Arrangement: Potential Hole Transport Materials.” Crystal Growth & Design. 23, 8771-8782. DOI: 10.1021/acs.cgd.3c00911. Cited by: 15+ articles.

Kumar, K., et al. (2024). “Indolo[3,2-a]carbazoles as Engineered Materials for Optoelectronic Applications: Synthesis, Structural Insights, and Computational Screening.” Journal of Organic Chemistry. 89, 7394–7407. DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02561. Cited by: 10+ articles.

Kumar, K., et al. (2024). “Sterically Crowded Donor-Rich Imidazoles: Design, Synthesis, and Application in Solution-Processed OLEDs.” Langmuir. 40, 5137–5150. DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03059. Cited by: 8+ articles.

Kumar, K., et al. (2024). “Exploring Acceptor-Functionalized Perylenes as HTMs for Solution-Processed OLEDs with Good Brightness.” ACS Applied Electronic Materials. 6, 3874-3883. DOI: 10.1021/acsaelm.4c00469. Cited by: 12+ articles.

Kumar, K., et al. (2024). “Charge Transporting and Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Materials for OLED Applications.” Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. 26, 3711-3754. DOI: 10.1039/D3CP03214K. Cited by: 18+ articles.

Kumar, K., et al. (2023). “Pyridine-Annulated Functional Fused Indole as a Hole Transport Material for Solution-Processed OLEDs.” ACS Applied Optical Materials. 12, 1930-1937. DOI: 10.1021/acsaom.3c00156. Cited by: 9+ articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Krishan Kumar’s outstanding academic background, innovative research in organic and computational chemistry, international collaborations, and mentorship contributions make him an ideal candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. His work is not only impactful in fundamental science but also holds potential for real-world applications in energy-efficient OLED technology.