Assist. Prof. Dr. Nannan LI | Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Nannan LI | Astronomy – Assistant Professor at Shenzhen Technology University, China

Dr. Nannan Li is a dynamic early-career researcher specializing in nanophotonics and optical communication. With a strong background in both theoretical physics and materials science, he has developed innovative techniques for manipulating light at the nanoscale. Currently a postdoctoral fellow at Shenzhen University, he has published in top-tier journals, collaborated with global experts, and made impactful contributions to structured light technologies. His dedication to academic excellence, research innovation, and mentorship makes him a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

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Education:

Dr. Li completed his Ph.D. in Physics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), where he focused on photonics and semiconductor physics under Professor Jianfang Wang. His research was supported by a rigorous curriculum including instrumentation and thin film physics. Prior to this, he earned a BSc in Polymer Materials and a second BSc (Minor) in Mathematics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he built a strong interdisciplinary foundation. His education has equipped him with analytical and experimental expertise critical to advanced photonic research.

Research Experience:

Following his Ph.D., Dr. Li remained at CUHK for postdoctoral research before moving to the Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics at Shenzhen University in 2021. Working under the guidance of Professor Michael Somekh, he has contributed to multiple national science foundation projects and led independent research initiatives. His research experience includes optical field manipulation, nanostructure fabrication, and device-level integration, where he has demonstrated the ability to translate fundamental physics into functional optoelectronic devices.

Research Interests:

Dr. Li’s research focuses on the design and application of structured light, including vortex beams and orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes, as well as light–matter interaction at the nanoscale. His work in optical chips, Tamm plasmon polaritons, and Bloch surface wave devices supports advances in all-optical computing and communication systems. He is particularly interested in integrating these technologies into high-speed, chip-based platforms for scalable quantum and classical communication.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Li has received multiple prestigious awards that recognize his academic and research excellence. These include the Wiley Top Cited Article Award, the Guangdong Overseas Postdoctoral Talent Award, and the Shenzhen Peacock Plan (C-Level) for high-level talent. He also received the Best Teaching Assistant Award at CUHK and Best Poster Awards at various international conferences. His selection as a recipient of the C. N. Yang Scholarship further underscores his outstanding academic performance during his doctoral studies.

Selected Publications:

Directional control of light with nanoantennas (2021, Advanced Optical Materials) – Widely cited study on manipulating light directionality using nanoantennas.

On-chip sorting of orbital angular momentum beams using Bloch surface wave structures (2023, Photonics Research) – Influential paper on integrated OAM beam sorting; cited in recent chip-based optics research.

Near-field manipulation of Tamm plasmon polaritons (2023, Optics Express) – Highlights precise control of surface plasmons; referenced in next-gen photonic circuit design.

Infrared‐responsive colloidal silver nanorods for surface‐enhanced infrared absorption (2018, Advanced Optical Materials) – Cited in IR sensing and detection technologies.

Gold nanobipyramids: an emerging and versatile type of plasmonic nanoparticles (2019, Accounts of Chemical Research) – Comprehensive and highly cited review paper.

Substrate-modulated electromagnetic resonances in colloidal Cu₂O nanospheres (2020, Particle & Particle Systems Characterization) – Awarded Wiley Top Cited Article 2020–2021.

Asymmetric light scattering on heterodimers made of Au nanorods (2021, Advanced Optical Materials) – Applied in anisotropic nano-optical systems.

Conclusion:

Dr. Nannan Li has distinguished himself as an innovative and productive researcher in the fields of photonics and nanotechnology. His ability to tackle fundamental challenges while delivering practical applications in integrated optics positions him as a future leader in the scientific community. His strong academic background, extensive publication record, successful project involvement, and recognition through multiple honors validate his candidacy for the Best Researcher Award. With growing international visibility and ongoing contributions to national research programs, Dr. Li exemplifies the excellence and promise this award seeks to recognize.

Mr. Joshua Benjamin | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Member at African University of Science and Technology Abuja/ TYDACOMM NIGERIA LIMITED, LAGOS

Joshua Olamide Benjamin is a dedicated scholar and researcher with a strong academic background in pure and applied physics. His passion for space physics has driven his studies and research, culminating in a distinction from the African University of Science and Technology in Abuja. With a keen interest in ionosphere, solar system, and space weather, he has actively contributed to scientific advancements in these areas. His career is marked by diligence, creativity, and an aptitude for problem-solving, particularly in data analysis, research development, and technical applications. Beyond academia, he is committed to environmental sustainability and innovative solutions for human habitation on Earth.

Profile

Education

Joshua Olamide Benjamin pursued his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Pure and Applied Physics from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, where he graduated with first-class honors in 2019. His passion for space physics led him to further his studies, earning a Master of Science (MSc) in Space Physics with Distinction from the African University of Science and Technology in 2022. His academic journey has been complemented by various certifications in space weather, health and safety, and entrepreneurship, strengthening his expertise in research and technical applications.

Experience

With a diverse professional background, Joshua has gained valuable experience in both academic and industrial settings. He currently works as an RF Network Planning and Field Test Engineer at TYDACOMM Nigeria Limited, where he specializes in network planning, optimization, and field data analysis. His previous roles include teaching Mathematics and Economics at Jofegal International School and serving as a research intern at Perfect Seven Solar Company. His leadership roles as a class representative and department head have further refined his ability to coordinate projects, manage teams, and facilitate knowledge transfer.

Research Interest

Joshua’s research interests are centered on space physics, particularly the ionosphere, solar system dynamics, and space weather phenomena. His work focuses on investigating the global climatological performance of ionospheric models, utilizing satellite measurements for enhanced atmospheric modeling. He is also interested in the application of biophysics in scientific advancements. His research contributes to the broader field of space science, aiming to improve predictive models and enhance our understanding of space weather’s impact on Earth.

Awards

Joshua’s academic excellence has been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2022, he was named the Best Graduating Student at the Institute of Space Science and Engineering, an affiliate of the African University of Science and Technology. He also received the Best Graduating Student Award in the Department of Space Physics. His earlier achievements include the Akinrogun Trust Fund Award in 2019 and recognition for having the best WAEC result at New Era High School in Ondo State. His consistent academic performance highlights his dedication and intellectual prowess in the field of science and technology.

Publications

Joshua has made significant contributions to scientific literature, with a focus on ionospheric modeling and space physics. Some of his notable publications include:

2024: “Investigation of the Global Climatologic Performance of Ionospheric Models Utilizing In-Situ Swarm Satellite Electron Density Measurements.”

2022: “Global Comparison of Latitudinal Electron Density Profiles from SWARM Measurements and IRI Model.”

2020: “Biophysics and Its Applications.” His research has been cited by several scholars, reinforcing his impact on the scientific community.

Conclusion

Joshua Olamide Benjamin is a passionate researcher dedicated to advancing space physics through innovative research and technical expertise. His academic achievements, professional experience, and research contributions position him as a rising expert in ionospheric studies and space weather analysis. With a strong commitment to problem-solving and leadership, he continues to push the boundaries of scientific inquiry while fostering sustainable solutions for humanity’s future.