Alina Lokteva | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Alina Lokteva | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

ITMO University | Russia

Mrs. Alina Lokteva is an outstanding young scientist whose interdisciplinary expertise in biochemistry, nanotechnology, and hybrid living materials has positioned her as an emerging leader in biomedical innovation. Currently serving as a lecturer and junior scientist at ITMO University, she has successfully integrated microbial biotechnology with material science to pioneer advanced antibacterial and regenerative systems that address urgent challenges in healthcare. With a strong academic background in ecology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, she has built a solid foundation for cutting-edge research on microbial stress responses, nanoparticle toxicity, and biohybrid material development. Scientifically, Mrs. Alina Lokteva has authored five peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus, with a citation record of 62 and an h-index of 4, reflecting both the quality and the growing influence of her work. Her research spans nanoparticle-enhanced antibacterial activity, mechano-bactericidal particles for oral biofilm treatment, magnetic soft robots for biofilm eradication, and probiotic-based biohybrid living materials with regenerative properties, with results published in highly regarded journals including Chemical Communications, Antibiotics, Journal of Materials Chemistry B, ACS Nano, Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, and Macromolecular Bioscience. Beyond her publications, she has successfully secured more than $120,000 in competitive funding, participated in over five collaborative grant projects, and demonstrated commitment to education by supervising and mentoring students in microbiology and biotechnology. Her international training at Universidade de Vigo strengthened global scientific collaboration, while her recognition as the 2024 Saint Petersburg Young Scientist Award winner highlights her academic excellence.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Baburova, P. I., Kladko, D. V., Lokteva, A., Pozhitkova, A., Rumyantceva, V., & others. (2023). Magnetic soft robot for minimally invasive urethral catheter biofilm eradication. ACS Nano, 17(21), 20925–20938.

Otinov, G. D., Lokteva, A. V., Petrova, A. D., Zinchenko, I. V., Isaeva, M. V., & others. (2020). Positive and negative effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on antibiotic resistance genes transfer. Antibiotics, 9(11), 742.

Serov, N., Darmoroz, D., Lokteva, A., Chernyshov, I., Koshel, E., & Vinogradov, V. (2020). One-pot synthesis of template-free hollow anisotropic CaCO₃ structures: Towards inorganic shape-mimicking drug delivery systems. Chemical Communications, 56(80), 11969–11972.

Protasiuk, L. E., Serov, N. S., Lokteva, A. V., Kladko, D. V., Koshel, E. I., & others. (2022). Mechano-bactericidal anisotropic particles for oral biofilm treatment. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 10(25), 4867–4877.

Lokteva, A. V., Trushlis, E. V., Ivankova, O. V., & Koshel, E. I. (2025). Induction of oxidative hormesis by TiO₂ nanoparticles enhances antibacterial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus. Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 51(4), 1801–1812.

Lokteva, A. V., & Sidorova, N. A. (2018). Ecology of Beggiatoa and its role in the biogeochemical cycle of sulfur in areas of technogenic risk. In Biodiagnostics of the state of natural and natural-technogenic systems (pp. 251–253).

Sidorova, N. A., & Lokteva, A. V. (2018). New approaches to the extraction of metals from multicomponent ores using a consortium of heterotrophic and lithotrophic microorganisms. In Lebedeva Nadezhda Anatolyevna – Doctor of Philosophy in the field (p. 32).

Shujun Li | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shujun Li | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D. in Materials at University of Science & Engineering | China

Dr. Shujun Li is a highly accomplished materials scientist currently serving as a researcher at Sichuan University of Science & Engineering. With a Ph.D. in Engineering from Lanzhou University of Technology (2023), Dr. Li has established himself in the fields of nanotechnology, metallic material engineering, and environmental remediation. His dedication to science is reflected in his contributions to cutting-edge research projects, patented technologies, and the mentorship of future scientists. Through practical innovations and scholarly excellence, he continues to advance the integration of nanomaterials into real-world applications, particularly in addressing industrial and ecological challenges.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Shujun Li earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering in 2023 from Lanzhou University of Technology, a premier institution known for technological research. His academic journey was driven by a passion for materials science, with a specialized focus on nano-functional materials, new energy applications, and metal quality control systems. During his doctoral studies, he laid the groundwork for several high-impact innovations and engaged in multidisciplinary research that bridged chemical engineering, metallurgy, and environmental science an academic foundation that continues to influence his current research endeavors.

Experience

Over the years, Dr. Shujun Li has accumulated significant experience in both academic and industry-focused research. He has led four enterprise-level industrial projects and a university-funded scientific initiative, all of which were geared toward the development and optimization of advanced materials. He also contributed to a high-profile National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) project, reflecting his credibility and national recognition. His hands-on work includes collaboration with engineering teams, supervising student researchers, and translating laboratory discoveries into commercially viable solutions demonstrating his unique ability to connect theory with practical impact.

Research Interest

Dr. Shujun Li research interests are at the intersection of material innovation and environmental responsibility. He specializes in the preparation and application of nanomaterials and metallic materials, particularly their use in pollution control, heavy metal removal, and sustainable construction. His recent work on nano-composites for radioactive wastewater treatment, industrial slag identification, and ultra-high-strength automotive steel reflects a strategic focus on solving high-stakes industrial and ecological problems. His passion for functional materials aligns closely with global needs for sustainability, innovation, and cleaner technologies.

Awards

Dr. Shujun Li has received three prestigious awards in recognition of his scientific and technical excellence. Among them, he was notably honored as the “Sichuan Outstanding Instructor”, a title awarded for his exceptional mentorship that enabled students to achieve national honors in physics competitions. His ability to combine academic leadership with research innovation has positioned him as both a top-tier scientist and a transformative educator. These accolades affirm his status as an influential figure within his field, acknowledged for both scholarly impact and academic contribution.

Publications

Dr. Shujun Li has made significant strides in the fields of nanomaterials and metallurgical science, authoring 12 peer reviewed articles in high-impact SCI-indexed journals, with 6 of these as first author.

  1. Adsorption performance of nano-composites for radioactive wastewater treatment
    Journal: Hazardous Materials
    Published on: May 2023
    Citation: 22

  2. Slag phase analysis via XRD coupled spectroscopy
    Journal: Materials Chemistry and Physics
    Published on: September 2022
    Citation: 15

  3. Mechanical behavior of ultra-high-strength automotive steel
    Journal: Materials Science and Engineering 
    Published on: March 2021
    Citation: 18

  4. Nano-ZnO modified biochar for cadmium removal in water treatment
    Journal: Chemosphere
    Published on: December 2020
    Citation: 20

  5. Graphene-oxide enhanced aluminum alloy composites
    Journal: Alloys and Compounds
    Published on: July 2020
    Citation: 13

  6. Thermal stability of nickel-titanium shape memory alloys
    Journal: Materials Letters
    Published on: February 2019
    Citation: 10

Conclusion

Dr. Shujun Li is a prominent researcher whose work resonates with the core values of scientific innovation, interdisciplinary impact, and community advancement. His expertise in nano-functional and metallic materials has not only resulted in real-world industrial applications and environmental benefits but has also strengthened China’s position in advanced material science. As a committed educator and a pioneering scientist, Dr. Li is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His journey continues to inspire academic excellence and forge new pathways in forensic, environmental, and materials science.

Ricardo Oliveira Freire | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ricardo Oliveira Freire | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Sergipe | Brazil

Dr. Ricardo Oliveira Freire (🎓 b. 29 May 1977, Aracaju, Brazil) is a distinguished Brazilian chemist renowned for his pioneering work in theoretical and computational chemistry, particularly involving lanthanide complexes. A Level 1C Researcher of Productivity at CNPq, Dr. Freire is currently an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS). With over two decades of dedication to research and teaching, he has led numerous innovative projects, developed the renowned LUMPAC software package, and significantly advanced the Sparkle model. His scientific influence spans Brazil and beyond through prolific publications, international collaborations, and impactful mentorship.

Author Profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Ricardo Oliveira Freire stands out as a highly accomplished researcher in the field of theoretical and computational chemistry, particularly in lanthanide luminescence and semiempirical quantum methods. With a prestigious CNPq Level 1C Productivity Fellowship, he reflects national recognition for sustained excellence. Dr. Freire has authored over 123 peer-reviewed publications, accumulating over 5,800 citations and achieving a Google Scholar h-index of 39, indicating both productivity and influence. His projects like LUMPAC and Sparkle/RM1 models have made significant contributions to computational chemistry and spectroscopy, especially for lanthanide complexes with biomedical and photonic applications.

He has mentored numerous students at undergraduate, Master’s, Ph.D., and postdoctoral levels, showcasing a robust commitment to research training. His involvement with more than 40 scientific journals as a reviewer and editorial board member, including JACS, Inorganic Chemistry, and J. Phys. Chem., reflects his thought leadership and service to the scientific community. Furthermore, his work has been acknowledged with multiple national and international awards, including listings in AD Scientific Index Top 10,000 Latin American Scientists, a cover feature in Dalton Transactions, and honors for impactful conference presentations and guidance.

🎓 Education

Dr. Freire earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the Federal University of Sergipe in 2002, where he explored the theoretical design of highly luminescent lanthanide complexes. He pursued both his M.Sc. (2002–2004) and Ph.D. (2004–2007) at the Federal University of Pernambuco under Prof. Alfredo Mayall Simas, focusing on the development and enhancement of the Sparkle model for lanthanides. His academic trajectory laid a robust foundation for high-level research in physical and theoretical chemistry.

👨‍🏫 Experience

Since 2007, Dr. Freire has been actively involved in teaching and research at UFS, where he has held various academic and administrative roles including Head of the Chemistry Department and Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Chemistry. He also collaborates with the Federal University of Pernambuco and has taught post-graduate courses at leading institutions like UNICAMP and USP. A sought-after reviewer for over 40 top-tier journals, he exemplifies excellence in both pedagogy and peer contribution.

🔍 Research Interests On Chemistry and Materials Science

Dr. Freire’s research delves into semiempirical methods and computational modeling of lanthanide complexes, with notable contributions to the RM1 and Sparkle methods. He leads the LUMPAC (Luminescence Package) project, enabling accurate predictions of photophysical properties. His interdisciplinary work spans materials science, bioinorganic chemistry, and quantum mechanics, collaborating globally with teams from the US, India, Russia, Portugal, and more.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Freire has received numerous accolades including the Latin America Top 10,000 Scientist (2021, 2023), BRICS Top 10,000 Scientist (2021), and recognitions from prestigious institutions like the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Brazilian Chemical Society. He was honored with cover features in journals, mentoring awards, and commendations from academic and government bodies, solidifying his reputation as a leading scientific voice in Latin America.

📄 Publications

  • RM1: A reparameterization of AM1 for H, C, N, O, P, S, F, Cl, Br, and I
    Authors: GB Rocha, RO Freire, AM Simas, JJP Stewart
    Year: 2006
    Cited by: 936

  • Cytotoxicity and slow release of the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin from ZIF-8
    Authors: IB Vasconcelos, TG da Silva, GCG Militão, TA Soares, NM Rodrigues, …
    Year: 2012
    Cited by: 330

  • LUMPAC lanthanide luminescence software: Efficient and user friendly
    Authors: JDL Dutra, TD Bispo, RO Freire
    Year: 2014
    Cited by: 277

  • Sparkle model for the calculation of lanthanide complexes: AM1 parameters for Eu(III), Gd(III), and Tb(III)
    Authors: RO Freire, GB Rocha, AM Simas
    Year: 2005
    Cited by: 195

  • Spectroscopic Study of a UV‐Photostable Organic–Inorganic Hybrids Incorporating an Eu³⁺ β‐Diketonate Complex
    Authors: PP Lima, RA Sá Ferreira, RO Freire, FA Almeida Paz, L Fu, S Alves Jr, …
    Year: 2006
    Cited by: 151

  • 3-phenyl-4-benzoyl-5-isoxazolonate Complex of Eu³⁺ with Tri-n-octylphosphine Oxide as a Promising Light-conversion Molecular Device
    Authors: R Pavithran, NS Saleesh Kumar, S Biju, MLP Reddy, SA Junior, RO Freire
    Year: 2006
    Cited by: 133

  • Sparkle/PM7 Lanthanide Parameters for the Modeling of Complexes and Materials
    Authors: JDL Dutra, MAM Filho, GB Rocha, RO Freire, AM Simas, JJP Stewart
    Year: 2013
    Cited by: 130

  • Sparkle/PM6 Parameters for all Lanthanide Trications from La(III) to Lu(III)
    Authors: RO Freire, AM Simas
    Year: 2010
    Cited by: 124

  • Tb³⁺ → Eu³⁺ Energy Transfer in Mixed-Lanthanide-Organic Frameworks
    Authors: MO Rodrigues, JDL Dutra, LAO Nunes, GF de Sá, WM de Azevedo, …
    Year: 2012
    Cited by: 123

  • Energy transfer mechanisms in organic-inorganic hybrids incorporating europium (III): a quantitative assessment by light emission spectroscopy
    Authors: PP Lima, SS Nobre, RO Freire, SA Junior, RA Sá Ferreira, U Pischel, …
    Year: 2007
    Cited by: 101

  • Sparkle model for AM1 calculation of lanthanide complexes: Improved parameters for europium
    Authors: GB Rocha, RO Freire, NB da Costa Jr, GF de Sá, AM Simas
    Year: 2004
    Cited by: 100

  • Tuning of the excitation wavelength from UV to visible region in Eu³⁺-β-diketonate complexes: Comparison of theoretical and experimental photophysical properties
    Authors: V Divya, RO Freire, MLP Reddy
    Year: 2011
    Cited by: 97

✅ Conclusion

With an illustrious career marked by innovative research, international impact, and unwavering academic leadership, Dr. Ricardo Oliveira Freire exemplifies the qualities of a “Best Researcher Award” recipient. His dedication to advancing theoretical chemistry, mentoring future scientists, and fostering global collaboration positions him as a pillar in the scientific community. This nomination not only honors his achievements but inspires continued excellence in chemical sciences.

Zhen Zhang | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Zhen Zhang | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Northwestern Polytechnical University | China

Dr. Zhen Zhang is a distinguished Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo, Canada, and subsequently held roles as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Senior Researcher at the same institution. Recognized as a Shaanxi Province High-Level Talent, Young Talent of Xi’an Association for Science and Technology, and Aoxiang Overseas Scholar, Prof. Zhang is a leading researcher in the field of energy electrocatalysis, with more than 5,500 citations, 14 ESI highly cited papers, and an H-index of 38.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

Prof. Zhen Zhang exemplifies excellence in materials science and energy electrocatalysis. With a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo and a robust academic trajectory, he has made pioneering contributions to confined electrocatalytic materials. His exceptional research productivity—over 50 SCI-indexed publications, including in top-tier journals like JACS, Advanced Materials, and Angewandte Chemie—alongside 14 ESI Highly Cited Papers, H-index of 38, and 5,500+ citations, clearly demonstrate profound scientific influence. His leadership in 16 competitive research projects, including national and industrial collaborations, speaks to both his technical depth and applied impact. Furthermore, his involvement in prestigious international collaborations and multiple editorial roles solidify his standing as a thought leader in his field.

🎓 Education

Prof. Zhang pursued his doctoral studies at the University of Waterloo, Canada, where he specialized in electrocatalytic materials and energy systems. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for innovative research in CO₂ reduction, hydrogen production, and advanced battery technologies. His global educational exposure significantly enhances his scientific perspective.

🧪 Experience

Prof. Zhang has a rich and varied research background, including appointments as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Senior Researcher at the University of Waterloo before returning to China. He now serves as a full Professor at Northwestern Polytechnical University, where he leads multiple national and provincial-level research initiatives. His industrial consultancy includes a 30 million RMB project on fuel cell power generation.

🔬 Research Interests On Chemistry and Materials Science

Prof. Zhang’s research centers on energy electrocatalytic materials and devices, especially focusing on CO₂ reduction reactions (CO₂RR), oxygen/hydrogen evolution and reduction reactions (OER/ORR, HER/HOR). His work facilitates the development of fuel cells, electrolyzers, and metal-air batteries for sustainable energy production ⚡. His innovations in confined electrocatalytic systems are advancing next-generation energy devices.

🏆 Awards

Prof. Zhang has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Advanced Materials Award from the International Association of Advanced Materials, Canadian Mitacs Accelerate Award, and the Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad. He is also a Fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society and Chinese Materials Research Society. These accolades underscore his contributions to materials science and global energy sustainability 🌟.

📚 Publications

  • Microporous framework membranes for precise molecule/ion separations
    H. Dou, M. Xu, B. Wang, Z. Zhang, G. Wen, Y. Zheng, D. Luo, L. Zhao, A. Yu, …
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 285

  • Constructing multifunctional solid electrolyte interface via in-situ polymerization for dendrite-free and low N/P ratio lithium metal batteries
    D. Luo, L. Zheng, Z. Zhang, M. Li, Z. Chen, R. Cui, Y. Shen, G. Li, R. Feng, …
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 279

  • Quasi-Covalently Coupled Ni–Cu Atomic Pair for Synergistic Electroreduction of CO₂
    J. Zhu, M. Xiao, D. Ren, R. Gao, X. Liu, Z. Zhang, D. Luo, W. Xing, D. Su, A. Yu, …
    Year: 2022 | Citations: 244

  • Revealing the rapid electrocatalytic behavior of ultrafine amorphous defective Nb₂O₅–x nanocluster toward superior Li–S performance
    D. Luo#, Z. Zhang# (co-first author), G. Li, S. Cheng, S. Li, J. Li, R. Gao, M. Li, …
    Year: 2020 | Citations: 237

  • Template-guided synthesis of Co nanoparticles embedded in hollow nitrogen doped carbon tubes as a highly efficient catalyst for rechargeable Zn-air batteries
    Q. Zhou, Z. Zhang, J. Cai, B. Liu, Y. Zhang, X. Gong, X. Sui, A. Yu, L. Zhao, …
    Year: 2020 | Citations: 218

  • Synergistic engineering of defects and architecture in binary metal chalcogenide toward fast and reliable lithium–sulfur batteries
    D. Luo, G. Li, Y.P. Deng, Z. Zhang, J. Li, R. Liang, M. Li, Y. Jiang, W. Zhang, …
    Year: 2019 | Citations: 216

  • Rational design of tailored porous carbon-based materials for CO₂ capture
    Z. Zhang, Z.P. Cano, D. Luo, H. Dou, A. Yu, Z. Chen
    Year: 2019 | Citations: 213

  • Regulation of outer solvation shell toward superior low‐temperature aqueous zinc‐ion batteries
    Q. Ma, R. Gao, Y. Liu, H. Dou, Y. Zheng, T. Or, L. Yang, Q. Li, Q. Cu, R. Feng, …
    Year: 2022 | Citations: 212

  • “Two Ships in a Bottle” Design for Zn–Ag–O Catalyst Enabling Selective and Long-Lasting CO₂ Electroreduction
    Z. Zhang, G. Wen, D. Luo, B. Ren, Y. Zhu, R. Gao, H. Dou, G. Sun, M. Feng, …
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 200

  • Nano-crumples induced Sn-Bi bimetallic interface pattern with moderate electron bank for highly efficient CO₂ electroreduction
    B. Ren, G. Wen, R. Gao, D. Luo, Z. Zhang, W. Qiu, Q. Ma, X. Wang, Y. Cui, …
    Year: 2022 | Citations: 191

✅ Conclusion

🌟 Prof. Zhen Zhang is a visionary in the field of energy electrocatalysis, combining scientific innovation with a strong record of international collaboration. His pioneering work on confined electrocatalytic materials addresses critical challenges in catalyst performance, contributing to cleaner and more efficient energy systems. With a strong academic foundation, over 5,500 citations, prestigious awards, and leadership in over 16 major projects, Prof. Zhang exemplifies excellence and innovation, making him a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏅.