Guangfan Zheng | Innovation and Technology Strategy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Guangfan Zheng –  Innovation and Technology Strategy – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

His groundbreaking research, academic excellence, and international recognition position Dr. Guangfan Zheng as an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award or the Excellence in Innovation category. His work not only demonstrates scientific creativity and rigor but also promotes environmentally friendly approaches aligned with future trends in chemical research.

Northeast Normal University | China

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🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Guangfan Zheng’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemistry, which he cultivated at some of China’s most prestigious institutions. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 2010 from Jilin University, a leading research university known for its emphasis on scientific disciplines. Driven by a growing interest in organic chemistry, Zheng pursued graduate studies at Northeast Normal University, China, where he completed his M.S. in Organic Chemistry in 2014 under the guidance of Prof. Qian Zhang. His early exposure to research during this time laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in catalysis and radical transformations.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

After obtaining his Ph.D., Guangfan Zheng embarked on an impressive professional journey across prominent research institutions in China. From 2017 to 2018, he served as an Assistant Research Fellow at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, one of the country’s leading scientific bodies. Following that, between 2018 and 2020, he worked as an Associate Research Fellow at Shaanxi Normal University, where he continued to refine his expertise in catalysis and organic synthesis. In 2020, Zheng returned to his academic roots, joining Northeast Normal University as an Associate Professor in the College of Chemistry. He currently holds this position, contributing to both teaching and cutting-edge research in the field of organic chemistry.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Innovation and Technology Strategy

At the heart of Guangfan Zheng’s scientific contributions lies his deep interest in the development of N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)-catalyzed and visible-light-mediated radical cascade transformations and asymmetric catalytic reactions. His work seeks to address challenges in organic synthesis by focusing on aldehyde and carboxylic acid derivatives—such as esters, acyl fluorides, and amides—and converting them into value-added organic molecules using novel catalytic strategies. Zheng’s research stands out for its interdisciplinary scope, merging organocatalysis, photoredox chemistry, and transition-metal catalysis. His lab’s focus on radical and asymmetric transformations positions them at the forefront of modern organic synthesis, contributing to the development of more sustainable, efficient, and selective chemical reactions. His representative publications in high-impact journals highlight the innovation and applicability of his work. Noteworthy among them is his 2024 Nature Communications article on 1,3-aminoacylation of cyclopropane and multiple entries in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, showcasing significant advancements in chiral aldehyde synthesis, C-H activation, and metal-catalyzed coupling reactions.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Guangfan Zheng’s achievements have earned him significant national and international recognition. He was featured in the Organic Chemistry Frontiers Emerging Investigator Series (2022–2023) and was recognized by Chemistry – A European Journal in their Young Chemists edition in 2022. His early research excellence was acknowledged with the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award in Jilin Province in 2017. Zheng also received the Special Support Award from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (pre-station) in 2019, a testament to the impact and promise of his postdoctoral work. Moreover, his tenure at Shaanxi Normal University was distinguished by the Outstanding Achievement Award (Special Class) in Science and Technology Research in 2022.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

As an Associate Professor at Northeast Normal University, Guangfan Zheng plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of chemists. Through both his teaching and mentorship, he has fostered a rigorous academic environment that encourages innovation and excellence. His publications serve as valuable resources for fellow researchers, influencing the direction of contemporary research in radical chemistry and asymmetric catalysis. Zheng’s research not only pushes scientific boundaries but also holds practical implications for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials science, as it facilitates the development of structurally complex and functional molecules through sustainable methods.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Guangfan Zheng’s career trajectory and research output suggest a scientist deeply committed to advancing the field of organic chemistry. With a growing body of impactful publications and a rapidly expanding research group, his legacy is already taking shape. His efforts in catalyst design, photoinduced transformations, and green synthetic methodologies are likely to lead to new paradigms in chemical synthesis. Looking ahead, Zheng is poised to lead collaborative efforts across disciplines and borders, potentially impacting industrial applications and environmental sustainability through chemistry. His dedication to fundamental discovery, combined with a focus on real-world applications, ensures that his contributions will remain influential in years to come.

 

Conclusion

In summary, Guangfan Zheng is a rising star in the field of organic chemistry whose early academic rigor, strategic professional experience, and innovative research have earned him national and international accolades. As an Associate Professor at the College of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, China, his work bridges the gap between fundamental science and practical applications. His focus on NHC catalysis, visible-light-mediated transformations, and asymmetric catalysis is both timely and transformative. With a clear vision for sustainable and efficient chemical synthesis, Zheng continues to inspire through his scientific contributions, mentorship, and leadership.

📚Publications

Visible light-mediated 1,3-acylative chlorination of cyclopropanes employing benzoyl chloride as bifunctional reagents in NHC catalysis

Authors: M., Li, Mingrui, X., Song, Xiao, X., Lu, Xueyun, … G., Zheng, Guangfan, Q., Zhang, Qian

Journals: Science China Chemistry

Visible light-mediated organocatalyzed 1,3-aminoacylation of cyclopropane employing N-benzoyl saccharin as bifunctional reagent

Authors: M., Li, Mingrui, Y., Wu, Yingtao, X., Song, Xiao, … G., Zheng, Guangfan, Q., Zhang, Qian

Journals: Nature Communications

Synthesis of axially chiral thiourea by NHC-catalyzed desymmetrizative amidation

Authors: Y., Wu, Yingtao, X., Guan, Xin, K., Jiao, Kehan, … G., Zheng, Guangfan, Q., Zhang, Qian

Journals: Green Chemistry

Jihong Liu | technology innovation | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jihong Liu  –  technology innovation – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Liu’s research aligns seamlessly with the Best Researcher Award or Excellence in Innovation category. Her interdisciplinary innovations in electronic and biological signal processing, combined with practical applications in wearable device systems, position her as a transformative figure in applied science and engineering. Her balance of research leadership and educational excellence sets a high benchmark in her field.

 Northeastern University | China

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🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Dr. Jihong Liu began her academic journey with a strong foundation in the fields of electronic technology and information systems. Her early studies laid the groundwork for a multidisciplinary career that merges electronics, biology, and intelligent systems. Demonstrating academic excellence and a passion for engineering innovation, she swiftly rose through the academic ranks, later earning her current role as an Associate Professor at Northeastern University, China. From the very beginning, her intellectual curiosity centered around real-world applications of engineering knowledge—particularly in how technology can be harnessed to gather and analyze biological information. These early academic choices became the bedrock of her career in both teaching and research.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Northeastern University, Dr. Jihong Liu is also recognized as one of the famous teachers of Liaoning Province, a testament to her excellence in pedagogy and mentoring. She is responsible for delivering several core courses that form the foundation of electronic engineering education, including: Basics of Analog Electronic Technology, Basics of Digital Electronic Technology, Application of Electronic Components, Intelligent Electronics and Information Technology, Digital Signal Processing

📚Contributions and Research Focus on technology innovation

Dr. Liu’s research sits at the exciting intersection of electronic technology, biological information collection and analysis, and intelligent information processing. She is particularly focused on developing Flexible Sensors for Wearable Devices. These cutting-edge technologies are designed to collect and process biological data in real-time, making them highly relevant for healthcare, fitness, and lifestyle applications. Her work significantly contributes to enhancing the efficiency and functionality of wearable technologies, which are rapidly becoming integral to modern life. These sensors not only monitor biological signals but also enable smart decision-making systems—a hallmark of next-generation intelligent devices. By advancing this research, she plays a pivotal role in driving innovation in smart electronics and personalized healthcare systems.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Jihong Liu has earned multiple distinctions throughout her career. Her designation as a famous teacher of Liaoning Province underscores her excellence and influence as an educator. This honor is reserved for top-tier faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional teaching effectiveness, innovative instructional methods, and a strong impact on student outcomes. Her scholarly contributions have also earned her academic visibility and citations in highly respected publications. Her Google Scholar profile records 752 citations, reflecting the growing recognition and influence of her research in the global academic community. These figures are a clear indicator of the relevance and scientific value of her work in the domains of sensor technology and bio-information systems.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

The impact of Dr. Liu’s research transcends academic circles. By focusing on flexible sensors for wearable devices, she addresses some of the most critical challenges in healthcare monitoring and real-time data analytics. These innovations contribute to the advancement of smart medical systems, enabling early detection of health anomalies, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and improving patient outcomes. Her dual role as a teacher and researcher allows her to shape both minds and technologies. Students trained under her guidance not only gain foundational knowledge but are also exposed to the frontiers of innovation—making them well-equipped to tackle real-world challenges. Moreover, her research publications, widely read and cited, continue to inform and inspire other researchers in similar domains.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Jihong Liu’s contributions to Northeastern University and the broader academic and technological communities are profound. Her interdisciplinary research is expected to lead to further breakthroughs in wearable health monitoring, smart electronics, and biological signal processing. With the wearable device market projected to grow substantially in the coming years, her work will likely remain central to its evolution. Looking ahead, Dr. Liu aims to expand the applications of her flexible sensor systems, integrating them with artificial intelligence and cloud computing to develop even more responsive and intelligent information processing systems. She is also expected to mentor the next generation of engineers and researchers who will carry forward her legacy of innovation, education, and technological advancement.

 

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Jihong Liu, Associate Professor at Northeastern University, stands as a remarkable figure in the fields of electronic technology, biological information collection and analysis, and intelligent information processing. Her contact details—liujihong@ise.neu.edu.cn—reflect her openness to academic and collaborative inquiries. With a strong academic background, a portfolio of impactful research, and a teaching record that inspires, she continues to be a driving force in her discipline. Through her ongoing work on flexible sensors for wearable devices, Dr. Liu is helping to shape a smarter, healthier, and more connected world.

📚Publications

Research on Flexible Sensors for Wearable Devices: A Review

Authors:  Jihong Liu; Hongming Liu

Journals: Nanomaterials

A Saturation Artifacts Inpainting Method Based on Two-Stage GAN for Fluorescence Microscope Images

Authors: Jihong Liu; Fei Gao; Lvheng Zhang; Haixu Yang

Journals: Micromachines

Applications of Graphene-Based Materials in Sensors: A Review

Authors: Jihong Liu; Siyu Bao; Xinzhe Wang

Journals: Micromachines

Research Progress of ECG Monitoring Equipment and Algorithms Based on Polymer Materials

Authors: Lvheng Zhang; Jihong Liu

Journals: Micromachines

Recent Progress in Flexible Wearable Sensors for Vital Sign Monitoring

Authors: Jihong Liu; Meilin Liu; Yu Bai; Jiahao Zhang; Hongwei Liu; Wenbin Zhu

Journals: Sensors

Zulfiqar Ali Jumani | Technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Jumani  –  Technology  –  Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Jumani’s research contributions, industry experience, and academic influence align well with the Best Researcher Award. His ability to combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications makes him a strong candidate for recognition in research excellence.

Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy | Thailand

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🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Jumani, Ph.D., MBA (Mkt), BS (I.T), has a distinguished academic background that has laid a strong foundation for his research and professional endeavors. His educational journey demonstrates a commitment to knowledge, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning. With an undergraduate degree in Information Technology, followed by an MBA in Marketing, he developed a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen. This diverse educational foundation prepared him for his Ph.D., where he explored the intricacies of consumer behavior, specifically in the context of Islamic brands. His dissertation, “Development of a Model: Identifying Buying Behavioral Intentions of the Islamic Brands and Islamic Brands Attitude among Muslims of Thailand and Malaysia,” reflects his keen interest in the intersection of marketing, consumer behavior, and religious identity.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Jumani, Ph.D., MBA (Mkt), BS (I.T), has a distinguished academic background that has laid a strong foundation for his research and professional endeavors. His educational journey demonstrates a commitment to knowledge, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning. With an undergraduate degree in Information Technology, followed by an MBA in Marketing, he developed a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen. This diverse educational foundation prepared him for his Ph.D., where he explored the intricacies of consumer behavior, specifically in the context of Islamic brands. His dissertation, “Development of a Model: Identifying Buying Behavioral Intentions of the Islamic Brands and Islamic Brands Attitude among Muslims of Thailand and Malaysia,” reflects his keen interest in the intersection of marketing, consumer behavior, and religious identity.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Technology

Dr. Jumani’s research primarily revolves around Islamic branding, halal consumer behavior, and marketing strategies within diverse religious contexts. His extensive publication record includes high-impact articles in the Journal of Islamic Marketing, where he has explored topics such as the influence of Islamic brand attitudes on consumer behavior, the importance of halal certification, and cross-cultural studies on halal-friendly attributes.

He has co-authored numerous research papers that examine halal marketing dynamics, including:

  • “Identifying the Important Attitude of Islamic Brands and Its Effect on Buying Behavioral Intentions among Malaysian Muslims” (2021)
  • “Behavioral Intentions of Different Religions: Purchasing Halal Logo Products at Convenience Stores in Hatyai” (2020)
  • “Islamic Brands Attitudes and Its Consumption Behavior among Non-Muslim Residents of Thailand” (2021)

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Jumani has been recognized for his scholarly contributions through various roles as a keynote speaker and conference chair. He delivered keynote speeches at the UUM-PSU International Doctoral Symposium (2022) and the USM Indonesia International Conference (2023), focusing on Islamic finance and halal industry trends. His participation in international conferences, such as the Asian Academic Society International Conference and the International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research, further showcases his academic influence.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Dr. Jumani’s research has significant implications for the halal industry and Islamic branding. His findings contribute to understanding consumer behavior in diverse cultural settings, influencing marketing strategies for halal products worldwide. His work also extends to tourism, particularly in exploring halal-friendly attributes and Muslim consumer preferences in non-Islamic destinations.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

With ongoing research projects and collaborations, Dr. Jumani continues to expand his impact in the academic and corporate spheres. His current projects include: “Halal-Friendly Attributes: A Comparative Study of Different Genders’ Intentions to Embark on Non-Islamic Destinations.” “University Entrepreneurial Support and Green Entrepreneurial Behavior: A Quantitative Serial-Mediation Study.” “Development of a Gastronomy City: A Case Study of Thailand.” His commitment to research and academia is evident in his role as a visiting scholar at Phuket Rajabhat University and his involvement in research grants and book chapters. His contributions to the field of Islamic marketing and consumer behavior are expected to influence future research and industry practices.

 

Conclusion

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Jumani’s journey from academia to industry and back to research exemplifies his dedication to advancing knowledge in Islamic marketing and halal consumer behavior. His interdisciplinary expertise, prolific research output, and influential teaching make him a vital contributor to the field. As he continues to explore new dimensions of halal branding and consumer psychology, his work will remain crucial in shaping the future of Islamic marketing and related disciplines.

📚Publications

Halal-friendly attributes: a comparative study of different Muslim genders’ intentions to visit non-Islamic destinations

Authors:  Jumani, Zulfiqar Ali

Journals: Journal of Islamic Marketing

Improving Natural and Artificial Lighting in Coastal Architecture Classrooms: Insights and Applications

Authors: Tachaya Sangkakool; Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Faculty of Architecture; Zulfiqar Ali Jumani; Muang District, Songkhla, Thailand; Faculty of Business Administration and Accounting, Khon Kaen Business School, Khon Kaen University, Thailand

Journals: Journal of Daylighting

Perceptions of Halal-friendly attributes: a quantitative study of tourists’ intention to travel non-Islamic destination

Authors: Soonsan, Nimit; Jumani, Zulfiqar Ali

Journals: Journal of Islamic Marketing

Linking digital capability to small business performance: the mediating role of digital business transformation

Authors: Yudha Prakasa; Zulfiqar Ali Jumani

Journals: Cogent Business & Management