Xiaoliang Li | Micro Plastic | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiaoliang Li | Micro Plastic | Best Researcher Award

Associate Chief Physician at The Third People’s of Zhuhai, China

Dr. Xiaoliang Li is an accomplished physician-scientist whose career bridges clinical excellence, research innovation, and academic leadership. Serving as Associate Chief Physician at Zhuhai Third People’s Hospital and Deputy Director of the Clinical Translation Center, he has developed a reputation for advancing preventive medicine and occupational health through rigorous clinical practice, impactful research, and knowledge dissemination. His professional affiliations, leadership roles in national and provincial health committees, and contributions as an editorial reviewer for leading international journals highlight his recognition as a trusted expert. With a strong foundation in preventive medicine and ongoing doctoral research in public health and preventive medicine, Dr. Li continues to integrate clinical expertise with cutting-edge scientific inquiry to address pressing health challenges.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Li’s educational journey demonstrates his consistent commitment to excellence and innovation in medicine and public health. He began his academic career with a Bachelor of Science in Preventive Medicine from Hebei University, where he developed a solid foundation in disease prevention, epidemiology, and occupational health. Building on this, he pursued a Master of Science in Occupational and Environmental Health at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, which allowed him to deepen his expertise in environmental risk factors, workplace hazards, and their long-term health implications. His academic trajectory advanced further with his admission as a Ph.D. candidate in Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where he is investigating novel approaches to environmental and occupational health risks with an emphasis on translational medicine. This combination of progressive academic training has equipped him with the knowledge and research capacity to make sustained contributions to both theoretical and applied aspects of preventive medicine.

Experience

Dr. Li’s professional career is distinguished by a dual focus on clinical practice and research translation. At Zhuhai Third People’s Hospital, he holds the position of Associate Chief Physician, where he integrates evidence-based medicine with patient care in complex occupational and environmental health cases. His leadership extends to serving as Deputy Director of the Clinical Translation Center, a role that emphasizes his capacity to bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical applications. His expertise has been further recognized through appointments to multiple influential committees, including the Medical Ergonomics Committee of the Chinese Ergonomics Society, the Occupational Health and Engineering Evaluation Committee of the Guangdong Occupational Health Association, and the Guangdong Biomedical Engineering Society. In addition, he contributes to policy and practice as an expert in the Guangdong Prisoner Medical Evaluation Expert Database and as a health science popularization expert for the Zhuhai Municipal Health Bureau. Through these roles, he has helped shape policies, standards, and practices that promote both occupational safety and public health.

Research Focus

Dr. Li’s research contributions are at the intersection of occupational health, environmental exposures, and translational medicine. He has been actively engaged in national and regional research grants, serving as both principal investigator and co-investigator. His work under the National Natural Science Foundation of China explores the role of circular RNAs, particularly circCATE, in regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway during bronchial epithelial carcinogenesis in COPD induced by B(a)P exposure. This research provides critical insights into the molecular mechanisms linking environmental pollutants to chronic respiratory diseases. As principal investigator, he has led innovative projects funded by the Zhuhai Science and Technology Bureau, focusing on the role of marine, gut, and skin microbiomes in dermatophytosis among coastal populations. Additionally, his funded projects include occupational hazard characterization in new energy vehicle battery production and studies on pyrethroid exposure related to oxidative stress and male reproductive health. Collectively, these projects reflect his broad yet integrated research focus on the health impacts of environmental and occupational exposures, advancing knowledge that informs prevention, diagnosis, and clinical intervention.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Microplastics in the Lung Tissues Associated with Blood Test Index
Authors: Shuguang Wang, Wenfeng Lu, Qingdong Cao, Changli Tu, Chenghui Zhong, Lan Qiu, Saifeng Li, Han Zhang, Meiqi Lan, Liqiu Qiu, Xiaoliang Li, et al.
Journal: Toxics
Summary: Study reveals microplastics present in human lung tissues, correlating with blood test indicators, highlighting significant health implications from environmental exposure.

Title: Association of Shift-Work, Daytime Napping, and Nighttime Sleep with Cancer Incidence and Cancer-Caused Mortality in Dongfeng-Tongji Cohort Study
Authors: Xiaoliang Li et al.
Journal: Annals of Medicine
Summary: Large cohort study demonstrates associations between shift-work, sleep patterns, and elevated cancer incidence and mortality, emphasizing occupational and lifestyle health risks.

Title: Association of Body Mass Index with Chromosome Damage Levels and Lung Cancer Risk among Males
Authors: Xiaoliang Li et al.
Journal: Scientific Reports
Summary: Research links higher body mass index with increased chromosome damage and lung cancer risk, underscoring biological mechanisms of obesity-related carcinogenesis.

Title: The Interaction of APEX1 Variant with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Increasing Chromosome Damage and Lung Cancer Risk among Male Chinese
Authors: Xiaoliang Li et al.
Journal: Molecular Carcinogenesis
Summary: Study identifies synergistic effects of APEX1 genetic variant and environmental hydrocarbon exposure, heightening chromosome damage and lung cancer susceptibility in males.

Conclusion

Dr. Xiaoliang Li exemplifies the integration of clinical expertise, research innovation, and academic leadership. His career is marked by substantial contributions to preventive medicine, occupational health, and environmental health, with a strong record of high-impact publications, funded projects, and intellectual property. As an educator, mentor, and reviewer for prestigious journals, he continues to influence scientific discourse and policy development. His leadership in national committees and public health initiatives underscores his dedication to improving population health and workplace safety. With his unique combination of clinical practice, translational research, and academic engagement, Dr. Li stands as a highly deserving candidate for this award, reflecting a career dedicated to advancing medical science and public well-being.

Hao Jiang | Cryogenic Recycling Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hao Jiang | Cryogenic Recycling Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Senior Manager at Construction Industry Council, Hong Kong

Hao Jiang is a highly accomplished engineering leader and innovator in the construction industry, serving as President-elect of the ASCE Greater China Section. With an extensive portfolio of leadership roles, professional affiliations, and research achievements, he is recognized for advancing modular integrated construction, high-performance materials, and robotics applications in construction. As Senior Manager of Industry Development at the Construction Industry Council, a statutory body established by the Hong Kong government, he oversees the Construction Productivity Department, managing the R&D Fund, manpower forecasting, and technology implementation. His exceptional contributions have earned multiple prestigious awards for innovation, sustainability, and professional excellence.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Hao Jiang holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Southeast University, a Master of Science from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and dual Master of Business Administration degrees from Tsinghua University and Cornell University. This combination of technical expertise and advanced business acumen has enabled him to approach construction engineering challenges with both innovation and strategic insight. His academic foundation bridges engineering principles, applied research, and managerial leadership, equipping him to design and implement industry-wide solutions. His education also reflects a global outlook, combining leading institutions in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and the United States, which has broadened his perspective on international engineering practices.

Experience

In his current role as Senior Manager of Industry Development at the Construction Industry Council, Ir JIANG leads initiatives that directly impact the future of Hong Kong’s construction sector. He manages the council’s Construction Productivity Department, oversees research funding allocation, drives manpower forecasting, and champions the adoption of advanced technologies such as robotics to enhance productivity and safety. Before joining the CIC, he served as a Research Fellow at the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he advanced research on steel construction technologies. His professional journey also includes extensive involvement in key infrastructure and construction projects, demonstrating his ability to apply academic knowledge to real-world engineering challenges.

Research Focus

JIANG’s research interests center on modular integrated construction, high-performance materials, and cutting-edge construction technologies. He has contributed significantly to the integration of robotics into construction workflows, addressing industry needs for automation, efficiency, and safety enhancement. His work on modular construction has advanced prefabrication methodologies, improving project delivery speed and reducing environmental impact. In the area of high-performance materials, he has been involved in developing solutions that improve structural durability and sustainability. His efforts reflect a strong commitment to applying research outcomes to practical applications, bridging the gap between academic innovation and industry adoption.

Publication Top Note

Title: A meta-analysis of environmental impacts of building reuse and recycling
Authors: Bowen Zheng, Yang Yang, Albert Ping-chuen Chan, Hao Jiang, Zhikang Bao
Summary: This study synthesizes life cycle assessment (LCA) data to compare the environmental impacts of building reuse, recycling, and landfilling. Results show that reuse has substantially lower impacts than recycling, and recycling outperforms landfilling. Mass timber reuse and design-for-disassembly modular buildings perform especially well, with only 20–50% of the impacts of recycling. The authors recommend prioritizing reuse, then recycling, as sustainable waste management strategies in construction.

Conclusion

Hao Jiang is a distinguished engineering leader whose career blends technical expertise, research innovation, and strategic leadership. His work in modular integrated construction, high-performance materials, and robotics has positioned him at the forefront of modern construction technology advancement. Through his leadership roles, academic achievements, and industry contributions, he has significantly impacted both the Hong Kong construction sector and the global engineering community. His dedication to bridging research and industry, fostering sustainable practices, and embracing emerging technologies exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding award nominee. As ASCE Greater China Section President-elect, he continues to inspire innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence in the field of civil and structural engineering.

Qi Shi | Photocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Qi Shi | Photocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Doctor, Jiamusi University, China

Dr. Qi Shi is a distinguished researcher and academic affiliated with Jiamusi University, holding a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering. Specializing in nanophotocatalytic materials for environmental remediation, Dr. Shi has developed multiple visible-light-responsive semiconductor catalysts for efficient degradation of organic pollutants in water. With a strong foundation in synthesis, morphology control, and surface modification, Dr. Shi has published eight SCI-indexed papers and led a key research project funded by the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Education. Dr. Shi is passionate about sustainable innovation, theoretical mechanisms of photocatalysis, and practical environmental applications. 🌱🔬

🔷Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

🏆Strengths for the Award

Dr. Qi Shi is a skilled materials scientist focused on nanophotocatalytic materials for environmental remediation. Her research emphasizes the synthesis, engineering, and optimization of semiconductor nanomaterials to improve visible-light-driven degradation of water pollutants, contributing significantly to sustainable environmental technologies.

She holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, with expertise in photocatalytic mechanisms, defect engineering, and nanocomposite development. At Jiamusi University, she continues to advance research on high-efficiency catalysts for organic pollutant removal.

Dr. Shi has authored eight SCI-indexed papers in esteemed journals such as Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, Nanomaterials, and ChemistrySelect, covering areas like carbon nitride composites, Eu-based catalysts, and dual-mode sensors. Her current work includes modeling dye-sensitized solar cells and developing innovative environmental nanotechnologies.

She has led a provincially funded research project and contributed to diverse themes such as nanoenzyme-based sensing and dye degradation. Her research bridges materials science and environmental engineering, with real-world applications and academic relevance.

🎓 Education

Dr. Qi Shi earned a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, focusing on semiconductor nanomaterials and their photocatalytic mechanisms. During doctoral training, Dr. Shi cultivated expertise in defect engineering, heterostructure design, and charge carrier dynamics, laying a strong theoretical and technical foundation for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of nanotechnology and environmental science. 🧪📘

💼 Experience

Currently serving as a faculty member at Jiamusi University, Dr. Shi is involved in both teaching and advanced research supervision. In this role, Dr. Shi has mentored graduate students, facilitated inter-departmental collaborations, and secured competitive funding. As the Principal Investigator of a provincial education department-funded project, Dr. Shi led efforts in developing innovative photocatalytic systems with real-world water treatment potential. 🧑‍🏫💡

🔍 Research Focus

This study focuses on developing a high-performance photocatalyst by combining tetracyanoethylene-modified graphite-phase carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) with SnS₂ to form a heterojunction structure. The aim is to enhance visible-light-driven degradation of oxytetracycline, a persistent antibiotic pollutant. By improving charge separation and reducing electron–hole recombination, the composite achieves superior photocatalytic activity. The work offers an effective, low-cost strategy for antibiotic removal from wastewater, contributing to advancements in environmental nanotechnology.

📚 Publications Top Note

Synthesis of Tetracyanoethylene Co-Graphite Phase Carbon Nitride PTCN/SnS₂ and Degradation Analysis of Oxytetracycline

Author: Dr. Qi Shi, Ph.D., Jiamusi University

Summary: This study reports the synthesis of a novel photocatalyst, PTCN/SnS₂, created by modifying graphite-phase carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and coupling it with SnS₂. Designed to enhance the visible-light degradation of oxytetracycline (OTC) in water, the composite shows improved light absorption, charge separation, and photocatalytic efficiency. Characterization confirmed its enhanced performance over individual components, highlighting its promise for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.

📘 Conclusion

With a strong portfolio of interdisciplinary research, international publications, and impactful innovation, Dr. Qi Shi exemplifies excellence in environmental nanotechnology. Dr. Shi’s pioneering work on photocatalytic materials not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also fosters practical solutions for global water pollution challenges. As a nominee for the Best Researcher Award, Dr. Shi stands as a role model in advancing sustainable science through technical rigor and visionary application. 🏅🌐

Jan Kruzelak | Polymer | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jan Kruzelak | Polymer | Best Researcher Award

Researcher, Slovak University of Technology, Slovakia

Assoc. Prof. Ján Kruželák, PhD, is an accomplished academic and researcher at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, specializing in polymer science, particularly rubber and elastomer technology. Since 2017, he has held the position of Associate Professor at the Institute of Natural and Synthetic Polymers, Department of Plastics, Rubber and Fibres. With deep knowledge in vulcanization systems and filler-rubber interface chemistry, his research stands at the intersection of material performance and sustainability. He has authored or co-authored over 75 peer-reviewed articles, and his work has received over 970 citations on Scopus and about 850 on Web of Science, both with an h-index of 14. His expertise and commitment to innovation and education mark him as a significant contributor to his field.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

ORCID

🎓 Education

Prof. Kruželák has pursued his entire academic career at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. He began with a Bachelor’s degree, then completed his Master’s in 2007. He obtained his PhD and further advanced his research experience through a postdoctoral fellowship. This comprehensive education equipped him with a strong foundation in polymer materials, especially in their chemical processing and application.

💼 Experience

Beginning his academic career as an Assistant Professor in 2012, Prof. Kruželák was promoted to Associate Professor in 2017. Over the years, he has led numerous projects focusing on rubber composites, vulcanization technologies, and biopolymer additives. He has also delivered lectures and supervised over 35 Bachelor’s and Master’s theses, in addition to mentoring PhD candidates. His active role in international conferences and collaborative networks reflects his leadership in research and teaching.

🔬 Research Interests

His research focuses on the formulation, cross-linking, and performance optimization of rubber materials. He studies sulfur and peroxide vulcanization mechanisms, including their interaction with co-agents and bio-based fillers such as kraft lignin and calcium lignosulfonate. Moreover, he explores sustainable solutions for rubber waste reuse and eco-friendly additives, bridging polymer technology and environmental science. His work provides innovative solutions to the rubber industry and academia alike.

📚 Publications Top Notes

Influence of Plasticizers on Cross-Linking Process, Morphology, and Properties of Lignosulfonate-Filled Rubber Compounds

Authors: Ján Kruželák, Michaela Džuganová, Andrea Kvasničáková, Ján Hronkovič, Ivan Hudeč
Journal: Polymers, 2025
This study investigates the role of plasticizers in modifying the cross-link density, dispersion, and morphological characteristics of rubber compounds filled with calcium lignosulfonate. It reveals that plasticizers significantly enhance compatibility between the rubber matrix and the filler, leading to improved elasticity and processing behavior.

Strategy for Reducing Rubber Wear Emissions: The Prospect of Using Calcium Lignosulfonate

Authors: Michaela Džuganová, Radek Stoček, Marek Pöschl, Ján Hronkovič, Jozef Preťo
Journal: Express Polymer Letters, 2024
This paper presents an eco-innovation by proposing calcium lignosulfonate as a sustainable filler to reduce particulate emissions from rubber wear. The study confirms that this biopolymer can decrease tire wear and enhance environmental safety without compromising mechanical strength.

Sulfur and Peroxide Curing of NBR-Based Rubber Compounds Filled with Kraft Lignin and Calcium Lignosulfonate

Authors: Ján Kruželák, Michaela Džuganová, Klaudia Hložeková, Henrich Krump, Ivan Hudeč
Journal: Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2024
This comparative research analyzes sulfur and peroxide curing systems applied to nitrile rubber (NBR) composites with bio-based fillers. It identifies that peroxide systems offer better heat resistance and cross-linking control, while sulfur curing provides higher tensile strength under certain conditions.

The Impact of Surface Roughness on Conformal Cooling Channels for Injection Molding

Authors: Jan Hanzlik, Jiri Vaněk, Vladimír Pata, Ján Kruželák, Martin Bednarik
Journal: Materials, 2024
Though primarily mechanical, this interdisciplinary study examines how varying surface roughness levels affect cooling rates in injection molds. Prof. Kruželák contributed through his polymer insights, especially concerning mold-material interactions and thermal conductivity improvements.

The Electrical Conductivity, EMI Absorption Shielding Performance, Curing Process, and Mechanical Properties of Rubber Composites

Authors: Ján Kruželák, Andrea Kvasničáková, Michaela Džuganová, Ivan Hudeč, Henrich Krump
Journal: Polymers, 2024
This paper explores multifunctional rubber composites engineered for both mechanical durability and electromagnetic shielding. It demonstrates that proper filler selection and optimized curing enhance conductivity and shielding performance, positioning these materials for advanced applications in electronics and automotive sectors.

🔚 Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Ján Kruželák, PhD, exemplifies scientific excellence through his deep expertise in polymer chemistry, dedication to sustainable material innovation, and academic mentorship. His significant research contributions, reflected in high-impact publications and international collaborations, underline his eligibility for recognition and awards. His work continues to influence the global polymer science community, contributing to both industrial advancements and ecological sustainability.