Ping Chen | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ping Chen | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

China Institute of Atomic Energy | China

Dr. Ping Chen is an accomplished assistant researcher at the China Institute of Atomic Energy, specializing in nuclear chemistry and geochemistry. Her work focuses on the synthesis and analysis of high-purity uranium oxides, redox behavior of uranium on Beishan granite, and the migration and diffusion of technetium-99 in clay. With extensive experience in handling unsealed radioactive sources and advanced analytical techniques, she has contributed significantly to understanding radionuclide behavior in geological environments.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Outstanding Academic Background: Ping Chen’s education spans top institutions, from East China University of Technology to the University of Bern, covering radiation protection, nuclear chemistry, and earth chemistry.
  • Diverse Research Experience: Extensive research in nuclear chemistry and geochemistry, with a focus on uranium oxides, redox behavior, adsorption processes, and radionuclide migration, demonstrates a deep understanding of critical topics in environmental safety and nuclear waste management.
  • Impressive Publication Record: With six publications in high-impact journals such as Applied Geochemistry and Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Ping Chen has made significant contributions to understanding nuclear material behavior.
  • International Collaboration: Research conducted with global institutions, including collaborations with PSI (Paul Scherrer Institute), shows the ability to work across borders, enriching scientific perspectives.
  • Technical Proficiency: Mastery of techniques like SEM, XPS, XAS, ICP-OES, and PHREEQC modeling reflects a robust skillset for cutting-edge research.
  • Recognized Excellence: Multiple scholarships, including from the Chinese Scholarship Council, highlight consistent academic excellence.
  • Practical Experience: Hands-on experience with unsealed radioactive sources and work in controlled environments ensures practical expertise in handling sensitive materials.

🎓 Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Radiation Protection and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Technology (2010.09-2014.06)
  • Master’s Degree in Nuclear Science and Technology/Nuclear Chemistry, Sun-Yat University (2014.09-2017.06)
  • PhD in Earth Chemistry, University of Bern (2018.08-Present)

💼 Experience

  • Internship: Institute of Radiation Protection, China (2013.05-2013.06)
  • Lecturer: East China University of Technology (2023.12-2024.04)
  • Assistant Researcher: China Institute of Atomic Energy (2024.05-Present)

🔬 Research Interests On Chemistry

  • Synthesis and analysis of high-purity uranium oxides
  • Redox behavior of uranium on Beishan granite
  • Adsorption of divalent iron on illite
  • Migration and diffusion of technetium-99 in clay

🏆 Awards

  • Scholarship awarded by the Chinese Scholarship Council (2018-2021)
  • First Prize Scholarship (2015, 2016, 2017)
  • National Encouragement Scholarship (2011)

🔖 Publications

  • Chen, P., Van Loon, L.R., Koch, S., Alt-Epping, P., Reich, T., & Churakov, S.V. (2024). “Reactive transport modeling of diffusive mobility and retention of TcO₄⁻ in Opalinus clay.” Applied Clay Science, 251, 107327.

    • Authors: Ping Chen, Luc R. Van Loon, Steffen Koch, Peter Alt-Epping, Tobias Reich, Sergey V. Churakov.
    • Publication Year: 2024
  • Shengchao Li, Duo Zhou, Mingfang Zhou, Hongyun Liu, & Ping Chen. (2025). “Research on electromigration of Sr²⁺ in mudstone: diffusion and modelling.” Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry.

    • Authors: Shengchao Li, Duo Zhou, Mingfang Zhou, Hongyun Liu, Ping Chen.
    • Publication Year: 2025
  • Chen, P., Churakov, S.V., Glaus, M., & Van Loon, L.R. (2023). “Impact of Fe(II) on ⁹⁹Tc diffusion behavior in illite.” Applied Geochemistry, 56, 105759.

    • Authors: Ping Chen, Sergey V. Churakov, Martin Glaus, Luc R. Van Loon.
    • Publication Year: 2023
  • Chen, P., Van Loon, L.R., Marques Fernandes, M., & Churakov, S.V. (2022). “Sorption mechanism of Fe(II) on illite: Sorption and modelling.” Applied Geochemistry, 143, 105389.

    • Authors: Ping Chen, Luc R. Van Loon, Maria Marques Fernandes, Sergey V. Churakov.
    • Publication Year: 2022
  • Chen, P., Ma, Y., Kang, M., Shang, C., Song, Y., Xu, F., Wang, J., Song, G., & Yang, Y. (2020). “The redox behavior of uranium on Beishan granite: Effect of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ content.” Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 217, 106208.

    • Authors: Ping Chen, Yue Ma, Mingliang Kang, Chengming Shang, Yang Song, Fengqi Xu, Ju Wang, Gang Song, Yongqiang Yang.
    • Publication Year: 2020
  • Chen, P., Huang, D., Chen, C., Suzuki-Muresan, T., Kang, M., Wang, J., Song, G., & Wang, B. (2017). “Investigation of reaction conditions on synthesis of UO₂.₃₄ and UO₂ via hydrothermal route.” Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 313(1), 229-237.

    • Authors: Ping Chen, Dongyu Huang, Chenchen Chen, Tomo Suzuki-Muresan, Mingliang Kang, Jin Wang, Gang Song, Biao Wang.
    • Publication Year: 2017

Conclusion

Ping Chen’s dedication to nuclear chemistry and geochemistry has led to remarkable insights into radionuclide behavior in geological environments. Her research has contributed significantly to the understanding of uranium oxidation states, iron adsorption, and technetium-99 diffusion, paving the way for advancements in radioactive waste management and environmental safety.

Zhi-Gang Gu | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Zhi-Gang Gu | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Dr. Zhi-Gang Gu is a distinguished professor and Ph.D. supervisor at the Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter (FJIRSM), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). He earned his Ph.D. from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in 2014 under the mentorship of Prof. Christof Wöll. Following his doctoral studies, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at KIT, collaborating with Prof. Wöll and Prof. Andrea Iris Schaefer. Dr. Gu’s research primarily focuses on porous thin films for guest molecule loading, chiral separation, and optical applications. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed research articles, making significant contributions to his field.

Profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Extensive Publication Record

    • Dr. Gu has published over 100 peer-reviewed research papers in high-impact journals such as J. Am. Chem. Soc., Adv. Mater., Nano Lett., ACS Nano, and Nat. Commun.
    • His work has covered a broad range of cutting-edge topics, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), nonlinear optics, chiral chemistry, and thin-film fabrication, which are highly relevant in materials science and nanotechnology.
  • Innovative Research Contributions

    • Dr. Gu has made significant advancements in MOF thin films for chiral separation, guest molecule loading, and optical applications.
    • He has contributed to the development of photo-curable 3D printing of chiral MOF monoliths, an emerging and impactful area in functional materials.
    • His research on circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) and nonlinear optical switching has high potential for real-world applications in optical sensing and communication.
  • International Collaborations and Recognition

    • He completed his Ph.D. at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany, and continued postdoctoral research under renowned scientists.
    • His work is well recognized, and he has collaborated with leading researchers, such as Prof. Christof Wöll and Prof. Andrea Iris Schaefer.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany, 2014
    • Advisor: Prof. Christof Wöll

💼 Experience

  • 2015-Present: Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter (FJIRSM), CAS
    • 2015-2018: Associate Professor
    • 2018-Present: Full Professor, Ph.D. Supervisor
  • 2014-2015: Postdoctoral Researcher, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
    • Collaborated with Prof. Christof Wöll and Prof. Andrea Iris Schaefer

🔬 Research Interests On Chemistry

Dr. Gu’s research revolves around the development and application of porous thin films for various advanced applications, including:

  • Guest molecule loading for controlled chemical interactions
  • Chiral separation using novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)
  • Optical applications, including nonlinear optics and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)
  • Layer-by-layer assembly of MOFs for sensing and electronic applications

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Gu has been recognized with multiple prestigious honors, including:

  • National High-Level Young Talent Program
  • High-Level Talent Award in Fujian Province
  • Member of the Youth Innovation Promotion Association, CAS

📚 Publications

Dr. Gu has authored over 100 research papers in top-tier journals. Some notable recent publications include:

  1. Breathable Biomimetic Chiral Porous MOF Thin Films for Multiple Enantiomers Sensing

    • Authors: Na Li, Jin‐Biao Zhang, Christof Wöll, Zhi‐Gang Gu, Jian Zhang
    • Year: 2025
    • Journal: Advanced Functional Materials
    • DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202422860
  2. Correction to “Topochemical Polymerization at Diacetylene Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films for Tuning Nonlinear Optics”

    • Authors: Zhi-Bin Jin, Guojun Zhou, Yu Han, Zhehao Huang, Zhi-Gang Gu, Jian Zhang
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society
    • DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c13365
  3. Layer‐By‐Layer Chiral Induction of Fluorene‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Films for Circularly Polarized Luminescence Sensing of Enantiomers

    • Authors: Chong Li, Xue‐Xian Yang, Ming‐Yi Zheng, Zhi‐Gang Gu, Jian Zhang
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Advanced Functional Materials
    • DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202401102
  4. Topochemical Polymerization at Diacetylene Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films for Tuning Nonlinear Optics

    • Authors: Zhi-Bin Jin, Guojun Zhou, Yu Han, Zhehao Huang, Zhi-Gang Gu, Jian Zhang
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society
    • DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c07432
  5. Photo‐Curable 3D Printing of Circularly Polarized Afterglow Metal–Organic Framework Monoliths

    • Authors: Ming‐Yi Zheng, Zhi‐Bin Jin, Zhi‐Zhou Ma, Zhi‐Gang Gu, Jian Zhang
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Advanced Materials
    • DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313749
  6. Host–Guest Metal–Organic Frameworks-Based Long-Afterglow Luminescence Materials

  7. Chiral Liquid Crystalline Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films for Highly Circularly Polarized Luminescence

    • Authors: Xue-Xian Yang, Na Li, Chong Li, Zhi-Bin Jin, Zhi-Zhou Ma, Zhi-Gang Gu, Jian Zhang
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society
    • DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c04125
  8. Facile Synthesis of Novel Ti2C Nano Bipyramids for Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapy of Breast Cancer

    • Authors: Israt Ali, Li‐Mei Chang, Jabeen Farheen, Jiandong Huang, Zhi‐Gang Gu
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: ChemPlusChem
    • DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202300544
  9. Layer by Layer Spraying Fabrication of Aggregation‐Induced Emission Metal‐Organic Frameworks Thin Film

    • Authors: Xue‐Xian Yang, Chong Li, Shu‐Mei Chen, Zhi‐Gang Gu, Jian Zhang
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Chemistry – A European Journal
    • DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400350
  10. Electro-Induced Phase Transformation of a Conductive Metal–Organic Framework Film for Nonlinear Optical Switching

  • Authors: Zhi-Zhou Ma, Zirui Wang, Qiao-Hong Li, Yan-Yue Wang, Zhi-Gang Gu, Jian Zhang
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: Nano Letters
  • DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00194

🔚 Conclusion

Dr. Zhi-Gang Gu has made remarkable contributions to the field of metal-organic framework thin films, significantly advancing applications in optical materials, molecular separation, and sensing technologies. His dedication to research and numerous high-impact publications have established him as a leading figure in materials chemistry. As an innovator in chiral MOF films and nonlinear optics, he continues to push the boundaries of functional materials for future applications.

Ahmed Ehab Abdelsalam | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ahmed Ehab Abdelsalam | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Digital Creativity & User Experience | School of Design and Creative Arts, Loughborough University |United Kingdom

Dr. Ahmed Ehab Abdelsalam is a visionary academic and professional specializing in Digital Architecture, Digital Creativity, and User Experience Design within Extended Realities. Currently serving as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at Loughborough University, Dr. Abdelsalam is dedicated to advancing sustainable and interactive urban designs. His multidisciplinary expertise spans teaching, research, and industry collaboration, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to reimagine education and urban landscapes.

Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards

  1. Expertise and Innovation in Digital Architecture and Extended Reality:
    • Dr. Ahmed Ehab Abdelsalam has substantial expertise in digital architecture, sustainable urban design, and extended reality. His work in interactive VR co-design techniques and digital twins is pioneering in enhancing user engagement and urban development.
  2. Extensive Academic and Professional Experience:
    • Over a decade of experience in academia and practice, ranging from teaching design communication to leading innovative research labs at prestigious universities such as Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham.
  3. Significant Research Contributions:
    • Authored several high-impact publications in fields like sustainable architecture, VR-mediated co-design, and urban resilience. His studies offer practical and theoretical advancements, making significant contributions to urban design and digital creativity.
  4. Recognized Excellence:
    • Recipient of multiple academic and professional awards, including the University of Loughborough Teaching Best Practice Award (2024) and endorsement by the Royal Academy of Engineering for the Global Talent Visa. These accolades underline his ability to innovate and excel in his field.

Education 🎓

  • PhD in Architecture Design-Social Science (2019–2023)
    Awarded by the University of Nottingham, Dr. Abdelsalam’s doctoral research, “Resilient Design for London’s Elevated Social Spaces”, explored VR co-design techniques to boost public engagement in sustainable urban development.
  • Master of Architecture in Design (2016–2017)
    At the University of Nottingham, he earned a distinction while mastering advanced architectural design and research methods.
  • BSc in Architectural Engineering (2009–2014)
    Graduating with first-class honors from Loughborough University, his projects included a Free Zone Marina in Egypt and a dissertation on community participation, published through the PLEA Conference 2015.

Experience 💼

  • Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Loughborough University (2023–Present)
    Leading the Digital Creativity Lab and spearheading VR-based education initiatives.
  • Researcher, Derby Urban Sustainable Transition (2022–2024)
    Engaged with stakeholders to integrate VR into urban sustainability projects in Derby.
  • Hourly Paid Lecturer, Nottingham Trent University (2021–2022)
    Delivered design communication modules using advanced tools like Revit and Enscape.
  • Assistant Lecturer, British University in Egypt (2014–2019)
    Guided students through architectural design and organized field trips to historic sites.

Research Interests On Environmental Science 🔬

Dr. Abdelsalam’s research focuses on:

  • Virtual Reality in Urban Design: Developing immersive environments to enhance public engagement.
  • Sustainable Urban Spaces: Merging technology with resilient design.
  • Digital Twins and AI: Exploring how emerging technologies can revolutionize co-design processes.

Awards and Honors 🏆

  • Teaching Best Practice Award 2024, Loughborough University.
  • Global Talent Visa – Exceptional Promise, endorsed by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
  • Faculty of Engineering Research Excellence Scholarship, University of Nottingham.
  • Winner of Human Factors Research Group Showcase Poster Competition 2021.

Publications 📚

  • Enhancing public engagement in architectural design: A comparative analysis of advanced virtual reality approaches in building information modeling and gamification techniques
    • Authors: A Ehab, G Burnett, T Heath
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 27
  • Generative AI for immersive experiences: Integrating text-to-image models in VR-mediated co-design workflows
    • Authors: C Bussell, A Ehab, D Hartle-Ryan, T Kapsalis
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 13
  • Sustainable vertical urbanism as a design approach to change the future of hyper-density cities
    • Authors: AE Abdelsalam
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 13
  • Exploring immersive co-design: Comparing human interaction in real and virtual elevated urban spaces in London
    • Authors: A Ehab, T Heath
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 12
  • Virtual Reality and the Interactive Design of Elevated Public Spaces: Cognitive Experience vs VR Experience
    • Authors: A Ehab, T Heath, G Burnett
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 4
  • Rethinking the Design of Vertical Green Spaces in the Post-pandemic Era: Visitor Behaviour and Real-Life Cognitive Experience at Crossrail Place, London
    • Authors: A Ehab, T Heath
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 2
  • Community participation as a gate to new Egyptian society
    • Authors: I Kenawy, A Ehab
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 2
  • Elevating the public realm: A framework for designing resilient urban green spaces in hyperdense cities
    • Authors: A Ehab, G Burnett, T Heath
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: N/A (new publication)
  • An Exploration of Immersive Virtual Reality as an Empathic Modelling Tool
    • Authors: S Cook, G Burnett, KJ Sung, AE Abdelsalam
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: N/A (new publication)
  • Resilient design for London’s elevated social spaces: Exploring challenges, opportunities, and harnessing interactive virtual reality co-design approaches for community engagement
    • Authors: AE Abdelsalam
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: N/A

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Ahmed Ehab Abdelsalam exemplifies the fusion of academic excellence, innovative research, and impactful teaching. Through his groundbreaking work in digital architecture and urban design, he continues to shape the future of sustainable and interactive environments, inspiring the next generation of architects and designers.