Yang Li | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yang Li | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Distinguished Professor at Chongqing University, China

Prof. Yang Li is a distinguished professor in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chongqing University, China. With over two decades of experience in advanced organic chemistry, he has emerged as a global authority in aryne chemistry and biomimetic modeling of metalloenzymes. Prof. Li began his scientific journey in China and the United States, combining Western rigor with Eastern innovation. His research achievements, leadership in synthetic chemistry, and commitment to scientific excellence have garnered international recognition, making him a sought-after collaborator and speaker. He continues to push the boundaries of organic synthesis with creativity, depth, and academic integrity.

Profile

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Education

Prof. Li’s academic path reflects a deep commitment to chemistry. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Jilin University in 2000, studying under prominent chemists Prof. Ruren Xu and Prof. Jihong Yu. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Georgia (2000–2006), mentored by Prof. George Majetich, where he developed a strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry. These formative years laid the groundwork for his later innovation in aryne-based methodologies and biomimetic modeling. His academic training has shaped his research focus and equipped him with the tools to pioneer new concepts in molecular synthesis.

Experience

After completing his Ph.D., Prof. Li expanded his expertise through prestigious postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Toronto (2006–2009) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2009–2012), collaborating with world-renowned scientists like Prof. Stephen J. Lippard, Prof. Vy M. Dong, and Prof. Datong Song. In 2012, he returned to China as an assistant professor at Chongqing University, rising to full professorship by 2017. Throughout his career, Prof. Li has demonstrated consistent excellence in academic leadership, mentoring young researchers, managing high-impact research projects, and building interdisciplinary collaborations that contribute to national and global advances in chemical sciences.

Research Interest

Prof. Li’s research spans two major domains: synthetic organic chemistry—particularly aryne chemistry—and biomimetic modeling of metalloenzymes with multinuclear metal centers. He has pioneered novel aryne functionalization strategies, enabling selective trifunctionalization and multi-bond-forming cascade processes that challenge conventional reaction paradigms. His group also explores the chemical modeling of enzyme systems to understand complex biological transformations through small-molecule analogues. These areas converge in their focus on mechanistic insights and innovation, with implications for materials science, catalysis, and drug discovery. His work continues to redefine the possibilities of reactive intermediates and offers practical applications in industrial and medicinal chemistry.

Award

Prof. Li’s scientific excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. In 2023, he received the First Prize of the Chongqing Natural Science Award for his pioneering contributions to aryne chemistry. He was named one of Chongqing’s Academic and Technical Leaders in 2019. Internationally, he received the Lectureship Awards from the Asian Core Program in both Singapore and Thailand in 2018. In addition, the Thieme Chemistry Journals Award in 2016 honored his research originality. These accolades reflect the breadth and impact of his contributions to synthetic methodology, mentorship, and cross-border academic exchange in the chemical sciences.

Publications Top Notes

Prof. Li has authored several high-impact papers in premier journals. Select publications include:

  1. “Synthesis of Highly Strained para-Cyclophanes” – highly cited for ring-expansion sigmatropic rearrangements.

  2. “Switchable Chemoselective Aryne Reactions” – noted for advancing pericyclic selectivity.

  3. “1,2-Benzdiyne Precursors” – recognized for ortho-elimination strategies.

  4. “Benzyne Insertion into Se=O Bond” – impactful in cascade chemistry.

  5.  “Aryne 1,4-Disubstitution” – widely cited for rearrangement processes.

  6.  “Photo-Nazarov Cyclization” – cited for tandem benzyne functionalization.

  7. Org. Lett. 2022 – “Triaryl selenonium Synthesis” – appreciated for novel Se-based insertions.

Conclusion

Prof. Yang Li is a visionary organic chemist whose career embodies innovation, scholarship, and international leadership. From fundamental mechanistic studies to inventive applications of aryne chemistry, his work has shaped the direction of modern synthetic methodology. His award-winning contributions, prolific publication record, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of chemists affirm his standing as a thought leader in the field. Prof. Li’s achievements make him an outstanding nominee for any prestigious scientific award recognizing excellence in research and academic leadership. He continues to impact the global chemistry community through knowledge creation, collaboration, and discovery.

Wei Wang | Heterogeneous Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wei Wang | Heterogeneous Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Nanyang Normal University, China

Dr. Wei Wang is a distinguished scholar in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, with a strong research portfolio focused on bimetallic catalyst design, inductive and photothermal heating systems, and sustainable chemical transformations, especially in CO₂ conversion. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Nanyang Normal University, Dr. Wang is recognized for his innovative contributions to the development of next-generation catalytic systems for clean energy and environmental applications. His research emphasizes green chemistry and process intensification techniques, including the integration of contactless heating methods into catalytic reaction design.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Wang’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from the Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, where he studied from 2009 to 2013 under the supervision of Prof. Bin Ding. He then earned a Master of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering at Sichuan University in 2016, working under Prof. Chengfa Jiang, where he focused on catalyst synthesis, functional materials, CO₂ methanation, and methane combustion. Driven by a growing interest in advanced catalysis and nanomaterials, he pursued a Ph.D. in Heterogeneous Catalysis at the University of Strasbourg, France, under the mentorship of Dr. Cuong Pham-Huu. His doctoral work from 2016 to 2020 concentrated on materials design and characterization, carbon-based supercapacitors, nickel-based catalysts, and the application of inductive heating in catalysis. Following this, Dr. Wang undertook a prestigious postdoctoral position at the KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, under the guidance of Prof. Jorge Gascon from 2021 to 2022. During this tenure, he worked on innovative catalyst systems for CO₂ hydrogenation to liquid fuels, further refining his expertise in process engineering and catalysis design.

Experience

In terms of research experience, Dr. Wang has played a leading role in a series of high-impact projects. His recent work includes the development of inductive and photothermal catalytic systems for CO₂ conversion, supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Nanyang Normal University. At KAUST, he co-led a project on CO₂ selective hydrogenation to C5+ hydrocarbons and alcohols, supported by Aramco, showcasing his ability to bridge academic research with industrial applications. His Ph.D. research contributed to the development of a low-temperature catalytic system powered by induction heating for power-to-gas (PtG) applications, offering enhanced heat management and superior catalytic performance under dynamic conditions. Additionally, his earlier research at the University of Strasbourg and Sichuan University involved the synthesis of functional carbon materials from biomass and the investigation of unconventional catalyst preparation methods using plasma and sonication technologies.

Research Interest

Dr. Wang’s research interests lie at the intersection of sustainable catalysis and advanced reactor engineering. His expertise spans heterogeneous catalysis, bimetallic catalyst development, CO₂ utilization, and energy-efficient heating techniques such as inductive and photothermal methods. He is particularly interested in dynamic and contactless catalytic systems, which provide precise temperature control and improved reaction kinetics for CO₂ hydrogenation, hydrocarbon conversion, and environmental remediation. His focus on process intensification and sustainable design underscores a commitment to addressing global energy and climate challenges through innovative scientific solutions.

Award

Recognized for his scientific excellence, Dr. Wang has received several prestigious research grants and fellowships. These include funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China for young scientists, research support from Nanyang Normal University, and multiple scholarships from the China Scholarship Council (CSC) during his doctoral and early postdoctoral studies. His contributions to catalysis research have positioned him as a rising leader in the field, with multiple international collaborations and ongoing interdisciplinary partnerships.

Publication

Dr. Wang’s scholarly work has been published in top-tier journals and has garnered increasing citation attention. Selected publications include:

  • W. Wang et al., “A review of CO₂ methanation process: Recent advances and future prospects,” ACS Catal., 2025, 15: 10868–10896.

  • X. Kang et al., W. Wang, “Pore-Structure Engineering of Hierarchical Ni/Y Catalysts…,” ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng., 2025, DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c03533.

  • E. Wang et al., W. Wang, “Engineering the pore structure…,” Fuel, 2025, 388: 134507.

  • Y. Zou et al., W. Wang, “Influence of grain size…,” Carbon Resources Conversion, 2025, 8: 100299.

  • W. Wang et al., “Activated carbon supported nickel catalyst…,” Catal. Today, 2023, 418: 114073.

  • W. Wang, J. Gascon et al., “Bimetallic Fe–Co catalysts…,” Catal. Sci. Technol., 2023, 13: 1527–1540.

  • W. Wang et al., “Highly Nickel‐Loaded γ‐Alumina Composites…,” ChemSusChem, 2020, 13(20): 5468–5479.
    These articles have been widely cited by researchers working on catalytic CO₂ conversion, reactor design, and sustainable fuels.

Conclusion

Dr. Wei Wang’s career reflects a remarkable trajectory of academic and scientific advancement in the fields of catalysis and sustainable chemical engineering. His interdisciplinary expertise, innovative contributions, and impactful publications underscore his growing influence and commitment to addressing energy and environmental challenges through advanced catalytic systems. As an award nominee, he stands out as a dedicated and visionary researcher making meaningful contributions to global scientific progress.