Pingyu Zhang | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Pingyu Zhang | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shenzhen University | China

Pingyu Zhang is a distinguished professor and deputy director of the Department of Chemistry at Shenzhen University. She obtained her Ph.D. in 2015 under the mentorship of Professor Hui Chao at Sun Yat-sen University. Following her doctoral studies, she joined the University of Warwick as a Newton Fellow in Professor Peter J. Sadler’s group from 2015 to 2017. Since 2017, she has been a faculty member at Shenzhen University, where she has made significant contributions to the field of chemistry. In recognition of her outstanding research, she was honored as a Young Chang Jiang Scholar by the Ministry of Education in 2023.

Professional profile👤

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Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Outstanding Research Contributions

    • Professor Zhang has made significant advancements in the field of metal complex drugs for tumor-driven therapy, particularly in light- and sound-sensitive anti-tumor treatments.
    • Her pioneering work in sonodynamic therapy using metal complexes has opened new avenues for deep-tumor treatment, demonstrating high scientific impact.
  2. Academic Excellence & Recognitions

    • Recognized as a Young Chang Jiang Scholar (2023) by the Ministry of Education, a prestigious honor highlighting her research excellence.
    • Recipient of the Second-Class Natural Science Award of Shenzhen (2023, first contributor) and the Dalton Division Horizon Prize (2022) from the Royal Society of Chemistry.
  3. Research Productivity & Innovation

    • Published over 80 research papers in reputable journals, reflecting her consistent contributions to the scientific community.
    • Holds 18 Chinese invention patents, indicating her strong emphasis on translational research and innovation.
  4. International Experience & Collaborations

    • Gained global exposure through her postdoctoral research as a Newton Fellow at the University of Warwick (2015-2017) under the mentorship of Professor Peter J. Sadler.
    • Established a strong research presence both nationally and internationally, positioning her as a leading scientist in her field.

Education 🎓

Pingyu Zhang completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry at Sun Yat-sen University in 2015 under the guidance of Professor Hui Chao. Her academic journey equipped her with a strong foundation in metal complex chemistry, which later became a cornerstone of her research career.

Experience 💼

Following her Ph.D., Professor Zhang worked as a Newton Fellow at the University of Warwick from 2015 to 2017, collaborating with Professor Peter J. Sadler on groundbreaking research in metal-based therapeutics. In 2017, she joined Shenzhen University as a faculty member, where she currently serves as a distinguished professor and deputy director of the Department of Chemistry. Her leadership and dedication have significantly advanced the department’s research initiatives.

Research Interests On Biochemistry 🌍

Professor Zhang’s research focuses on the fundamental study of metal complex drugs for tumor-driven therapy. She has pioneered the development of light- and sound-sensitive anti-tumor drugs, creating innovative therapeutic strategies. Notably, she was the first to identify the potential application of metal complexes in sonodynamic therapy, a promising approach for treating deep-seated tumors. Her work aims to enhance cancer treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Awards 🏆

  • Young Chang Jiang Scholar, Ministry of Education (2023)
  • Second-Class Natural Science Award of Shenzhen (First Contributor, 2023)
  • Dalton Division Horizon Prize, Royal Society of Chemistry (2022)

Publications 📚

Professor Zhang has published over 80 research papers in prestigious journals and holds 18 Chinese invention patents. Below are some of her notable publications:

  1. Highly stable single Pt atomic sites anchored on aniline-stacked graphene for hydrogen evolution reaction

    • Authors: S Ye, F Luo, Q Zhang, P Zhang, T Xu, Q Wang, D He, L Guo, Y Zhang, …
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 474
  2. Highly charged ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes as lysosome‐localized photosensitizers for two‐photon photodynamic therapy

    • Authors: H Huang, B Yu, P Zhang, J Huang, Y Chen, G Gasser, L Ji, H Chao
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 445
  3. Targeted photoredox catalysis in cancer cells

    • Authors: H Huang, S Banerjee, K Qiu, P Zhang, O Blacque, T Malcomson, …
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 398
  4. Advances in the design of organometallic anticancer complexes

    • Authors: P Zhang, PJ Sadler
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 392
  5. New designs for phototherapeutic transition metal complexes

    • Authors: C Imberti, P Zhang, H Huang, PJ Sadler
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 377
  6. Ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes as mitochondria-targeted two-photon photodynamic anticancer agents

    • Authors: J Liu, Y Chen, G Li, P Zhang, C Jin, L Zeng, L Ji, H Chao
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 278
  7. Targeting nucleus DNA with a cyclometalated dipyridophenazineruthenium (II) complex

    • Authors: H Huang, P Zhang, B Yu, Y Chen, J Wang, L Ji, H Chao
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 230
  8. Redox‐active metal complexes for anticancer therapy

    • Authors: P Zhang, PJ Sadler
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 213
  9. Boosting the alkaline hydrogen evolution of Ru nanoclusters anchored on B/N–doped graphene by accelerating water dissociation

    • Authors: S Ye, F Luo, T Xu, P Zhang, H Shi, S Qin, J Wu, C He, X Ouyang, Q Zhang, …
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 174
  10. Noncovalent ruthenium (II) complexes–single-walled carbon nanotube composites for bimodal photothermal and photodynamic therapy with near-infrared irradiation

  • Authors: P Zhang, H Huang, J Huang, H Chen, J Wang, K Qiu, D Zhao, L Ji, …
  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 167

Conclusion 🎯

Pingyu Zhang is a leading researcher in the field of metal-based tumor therapy, with significant contributions to the development of innovative anti-cancer strategies. Through her pioneering work in sonodynamic and photodynamic therapy, she continues to push the boundaries of cancer treatment. Her numerous accolades, high-impact publications, and patents underscore her influence in the scientific community, making her a key figure in advancing metal complex drug research.

loannis Mitsopoulos | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. loannis Mitsopoulos | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student | University Of Thessaly | Greece

Ioannis Mitsopoulos, a researcher and Ph.D. candidate, is dedicated to advancing sustainable aquaculture. His work in fish and plant nutrition, focused on aquaponic systems, emphasizes a multitrophic approach to environmental balance. Ioannis has a diverse background that combines hands-on experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative research contributions in the field of agriculture and aquaculture.

Profile

Orcid

Strenghts for the Awards

  • Educational Background and Specialized Knowledge: Mr. Mitsopoulos has a solid educational foundation with an Integrated Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Environment, and is actively working on a Ph.D. focusing on aquaponics, a sustainable and innovative field. This specialized knowledge, along with participation in a Master’s program in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, positions him as a subject-matter expert in sustainable aquaculture practices.
  • Research Experience: His experience includes active involvement in research projects like “FutureAqua” and projects focused on improving the nutritional value of forage legumes for Mediterranean aquaculture species. He also contributes to critical conservation and environmental sustainability initiatives, such as monitoring fish species’ conservation status. This breadth of applied research highlights his ability to work on diverse and impactful studies.
  • Publications and Conferences: Mr. Mitsopoulos has presented his findings at multiple high-profile conferences (e.g., AQUA2018, Aquaculture Europe 2019), showing his work is recognized at international levels. His peer-reviewed publications further demonstrate the rigor and relevance of his research, especially in journals like PeerJ and MDPI. This consistent dissemination of his work to the scientific community is a strong indicator of his commitment to advancing his field.
  • Technical Skills and Certifications: Additional certifications such as the Tilapia, Shrimp, and Carp Welfare Indicators indicate his dedication to understanding animal welfare in aquaculture. This, along with technical workshops in aquaculture and environmental tolerance, shows his commitment to continuous professional development.
  • Extracurricular Involvement: His engagement in workshops, conferences, and technical seminars related to aquaculture and marine biology adds another dimension to his experience, showing a proactive approach to staying updated with current trends and methodologies in his field.

Education 🎓

Ioannis holds an Integrated Master’s Degree from the University of Thessaly, specializing in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Environment. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in fish physiology and plant nutrition within aquaponic systems at the same institution. In 2023, he joined the University of Patras for a Master’s program in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, furthering his commitment to eco-friendly and resilient aquaculture practices.

Experience 💼

Ioannis brings a wealth of experience from internships and research projects. His hands-on work includes monitoring drinking water quality, studying marine mammal biology, and participating in numerous research initiatives. These projects have ranged from improving nutritional value in Mediterranean species to evaluating fish conservation efforts, reflecting his dedication to advancing both scientific knowledge and practical applications in aquaculture.

Research Interests 🔬

Ioannis is passionate about sustainable aquaculture, focusing on fish and plant nutrition within aquaponic systems. His interests encompass the integration of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, aiming to foster resilience and reduce environmental impact. He is particularly interested in multitrophic systems that enhance resource efficiency by combining species in ways that mimic natural ecosystems.

Awards and Certifications 🏆

Ioannis has been recognized for his accomplishments, including certifications in advanced scuba diving and Taekwondo. His achievements also include professional training in fish welfare indicators for tilapia, shrimp, and carp. Through workshops and seminars, he has expanded his expertise in aquaculture innovations and environmental management.

Publications 📚

Ioannis has contributed to several prestigious conferences and journals. Here are selected publications:

  • Vlahos, N., Devetzoglou, K., Mitsopoulos, I., et al. (2018). The effect of fish meal replacement with insect meal on growth performance and survival rate of zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUA2018, Montpellier, France.
  • Mitsopoulos, I., Tzokas E., Anastasopoulos, E., et al. (2023). Starvation and re-feeding of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and Baltic prawn (Palaemon adspersus) co-cultured with glasswort (Salicornia europaea) in a polyculture aquaponic system. HydroMedit 2023, Mytilene, Greece.
  • Mitsopoulos I, Kontou IG, Babouklis K, et al. (2024). Starvation and re-feeding of Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) co-cultured with glasswort (Salicornia europaea) in a polyculture aquaponic system. PeerJ, 12

Conclusion 🌍

Through his innovative research and practical experience, Ioannis Mitsopoulos is contributing to the future of sustainable aquaculture. His work in multitrophic systems and aquaponics showcases his commitment to environmental stewardship and the pursuit of knowledge that benefits both ecosystems and human needs.