Marianna Vályi Nagy | Sustainability in Cryogenic Technologies | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Marianna Vályi Nagy | Sustainability in Cryogenic Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Research assistant at Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences | Hungary

Marianna Vályi Nagy is a research assistant at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Institute of Agronomy, whose academic journey and professional career have been devoted to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. With a strong foundation in horticultural engineering, plant protection, and agronomy, she has established herself as a dedicated researcher focusing on mixed cropping systems, crop interactions, and climate-resilient agricultural methods. Her work bridges fundamental agricultural sciences with applied research, producing impactful results that contribute both to academic knowledge and to real-world agricultural innovations.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Marianna began her academic journey at Corvinus University in Budapest, where she graduated as a Horticultural Engineer. Her interest in crop science and plant interactions motivated her to pursue further qualifications, and she later obtained a specialized degree in Plant Protection Engineering from the University of Szeged. Her commitment to higher learning led her to doctoral studies at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, supported by the Young Researcher Training Program. Throughout her academic development, Marianna demonstrated a keen ability to integrate multiple disciplines within plant sciences, aligning her expertise with the pressing challenges of climate change, food security, and sustainable farming systems.

Experience

Marianna’s professional experience is rooted in her contributions to both research and applied agricultural innovation. She began her research career at the National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre, where she gained valuable experience in experimental design and crop management practices. Later, she joined the Applied Agronomy Research Station, which became part of MATE, and contributed to experiments that combined scientific rigor with industry-driven needs. Over the years, she has participated in numerous commissioned research projects, collaborating with agricultural companies to test crop varieties, seeding strategies, and sustainable cultivation methods. This blend of academic and industry engagement has allowed her to create a research portfolio that is both scientifically robust and practically relevant.

Research Focus

Marianna’s primary research interests revolve around mixed cropping systems, with a particular emphasis on winter wheat–winter pea interactions. She explores the development process of companion crops, analyzing both their quantitative and qualitative characteristics. Her studies extend beyond traditional yield-focused research by considering plant development, interaction dynamics, seeding rates, and variety selection, providing a comprehensive understanding of crop coexistence. These investigations address one of the greatest challenges in modern agriculture: identifying cultivation methods that are environmentally sustainable, resilient to climate change, and adaptable to market fluctuations. Through her research, Marianna contributes to shaping agricultural practices that balance productivity with ecological responsibility.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Yield and Quality Parameters of Winter Wheat in a Wheat–Pea Mixed Cropping System
Authors: Marianna Vályi-Nagy, István Kristó, Melinda Tar, Attila Rácz, Lajos Szentpéteri, Katalin Irmes, Csaba Gyuricza, Márta Ladányi
Summary: This study evaluated wheat–pea intercropping, showing improved grain yield, protein content, and crop resilience, highlighting ecological and economic advantages compared to monoculture wheat cultivation.

Title: Competition Indices and Economic Benefits of Winter Wheat and Winter Peas in Mixed Cropping
Authors: Marianna Vályi-Nagy, István Kristó, Melinda Tar, Attila Rácz, Lajos Szentpéteri, Katalin Irmes, Gergő Péter Kovács, Márta Ladányi
Summary: Research analyzed competition indices and profitability of wheat–pea mixtures, concluding intercropping enhances land-use efficiency and offers greater economic sustainability than sole cropping systems.

Title: The Effect of Foliar Zinc Application on the Leaf Chlorophyll Concentrations and Grain Yields of the Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Field Experiments of Two Seasons
Authors: Katalin Irmes, István Kristó, Lajos Szentpéteri, Attila Rácz, Marianna Vályi-Nagy, Mária Katalin Kassai, Klára Veresné Valentinyi, Melinda Tar
Summary: Two-season field trials revealed foliar zinc application increased chlorophyll levels and grain yields in winter wheat, emphasizing zinc’s critical role in improving crop productivity.

Title: Effects of Winter Cereals (Triticum aestivum L., Hordeum vulgare L., Triticosecale Wittmack) and Winter Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Intercropping on Weed Cover in South-Eastern and Central Hungary
Authors: Attila Rácz, Marianna Vályi-Nagy, Melinda Tar, Katalin Irmes, Lajos Szentpéteri, Apolka Ujj, Klára Veresné Valentinyi, Márta Ladányi, István Kristó
Summary: Field experiments demonstrated cereal–pea intercropping significantly reduced weed cover, promoting ecological weed management and enhancing sustainability in Hungarian winter cropping systems.

Conclusion

Marianna Vályi Nagy stands out as a promising researcher whose dedication to sustainable agriculture is evident in her academic achievements, applied research, and innovative contributions. Her expertise in mixed cropping systems addresses one of the most urgent agricultural challenges of our time—developing cultivation methods that align with ecological principles while ensuring productivity and resilience. With a growing body of publications, patents, and industry collaborations, she exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher who bridges science and practice. Her membership in professional associations and recognition through national research programs further reinforce her position as an emerging leader in agricultural sciences. Marianna’s work holds significant potential to guide future research directions and agricultural policies, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Yao Lu | Thermoelectrics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Yao Lu | Thermoelectrics | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Southern University of Science and Technology, China

Dr. Yao Lu is an accomplished scientist and Associate Professor at the School of Microelectronics, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), China. With a strong academic background and a research portfolio that spans advanced thermoelectric materials, GaN-based LED technology, and micro-thermoelectrics for on-chip thermal management, Dr. Lu has become a leading voice in the field of sustainable electronics and energy materials. His work blends academic rigor with technological innovation, resulting in impactful contributions to scientific knowledge, patented inventions, and real-world applications.

💠Professional Profile

ORCID

🏆 Strengths for the Award

Strong Academic and Research Background
Dr. Lu possesses a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Tongji University and has steadily built his expertise through progressive academic and industry roles, including R&D, postdoctoral research, and tenure-track professorship.

Pioneering Research Contributions
His research in flexible thermoelectrics and micro-thermoelectric materials has led to multiple high-impact innovations. Notable is his 2023 publication in Nature Nanotechnology, one of the highest-ranking journals in the field, reflecting groundbreaking work on Bi₂Te₃ films. His work is widely cited, with individual papers garnering citations exceeding 165, signifying significant academic impact.

Independent Funding Success
Dr. Lu has secured multiple prestigious grants, including from:

China National Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talents

National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)

GuangDong Basic Research Foundation
These showcase his capability as a principal investigator and his recognition within national scientific funding systems.

Publication Quality and Volume
Dr. Lu has authored over 17 SCI-indexed publications, with many in top-tier journals like Nature Nanotechnology, Energy & Environmental Science, Materials Today Physics, and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Several of these are ESI Highly Cited and “Hot Papers,” highlighting both relevance and timeliness.

🎓 Education

Dr. Lu began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Optical Science and Technology from the University of Jinan in 2010. He continued at the same institution to obtain his Master of Science in Optics in 2012, where he deepened his understanding of photonic and optoelectronic systems. Eager to explore more advanced materials, he pursued a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Tongji University, which he completed in December 2019. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his pioneering work in flexible thermoelectric materials, integrating the principles of optics, semiconductors, and nanotechnology.

💼 Experience

Dr. Lu’s professional journey began in industry, where he served as an R&D Engineer and later Supervisor at Inspur Group Co., Ltd. from 2012 to 2016. This early experience in a technology-driven industrial setting enriched his technical competencies and shaped his practical approach to research. Transitioning to academia, he joined Southern University of Science and Technology as a Postdoctoral Researcher in 2020. During this period, he contributed significantly to national research initiatives and rapidly distinguished himself as an emerging leader. In recognition of his potential, he was appointed Guest Professor at Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory in 2022. In 2024, Dr. Lu commenced his tenure-track position as Assistant Professor at SUSTech, where he continues to mentor students and lead cutting-edge research.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Lu’s research is centered on the development of advanced functional materials with a focus on flexible thermoelectrics, GaN-based light-emitting diodes, and micro-thermoelectrics for on-chip thermal management. His innovative work addresses the growing need for energy-efficient, miniaturized, and flexible electronics. By engineering high-performance thermoelectric films and composite structures, he is enabling new possibilities in wearable devices and next-generation electronics. His interdisciplinary research spans materials synthesis, device fabrication, and performance optimization, reflecting a deep understanding of both fundamental science and applied technology. His findings have laid the groundwork for more effective energy harvesting and thermal regulation systems, making his work critical to future advancements in microelectronics and sustainable technologies.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Lu has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to science and innovation. In 2023, he was honored with the Dongguan Characteristic Talents Class II designation, recognizing his leadership in the field. He was named an Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow by Southern University of Science and Technology in 2020. Earlier, he won the Excellent Report Award at the Chinese Materials Conference in 2019 and received First Prize in the 6th Shanghai College Students New Material Innovation and Creativity Competition the same year. His early promise was evident when he was named Outstanding Student of Shandong Province in 2012. These accolades are a testament to his sustained academic excellence, innovation, and dedication.

📚 Publications Top Notes

Modulating Carrier Transport by Cross-Dimensional Compositing of Ag₂Se/MXene for High-Performance Flexible Thermoelectrics

Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A (2024)
DOI: 10.1039/D4TA02249A
Contributors: Jie Qin, Yao Lu, Wenjing Liu, Zhangli Du, Xiang Li, Tianpeng Ding, Jianghe Feng, Yong Du, Qinfei Ke, Xin Wang

Summary:
This study presents a novel cross-dimensional compositing strategy integrating one-dimensional Ag₂Se nanowires with two-dimensional MXene nanosheets to form highly efficient flexible thermoelectric films. The synergistic interaction between the Ag₂Se and MXene phases significantly enhances electrical conductivity and optimizes carrier scattering, leading to improved thermoelectric performance. This work demonstrates a promising route for designing next-generation wearable energy devices with superior flexibility and thermal-to-electrical conversion capabilities. 💎

Probing Temperature‐Dependence of Hydrogen Bonding in Condensed Polymeric Materials with Aggregation‐Induced Emission

Journal: ChemistrySelect (Scheduled: August 12, 2024)
DOI: 10.1002/slct.202402045
Contributors: Yao Lu, Xinyue Fan, Shijie Ge

Summary:
In this innovative research, the team utilized aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescence probes to investigate hydrogen bonding behavior in polymeric materials under varying temperatures. By linking AIE-active molecules to specific functional groups within polymers, the authors successfully visualized changes in hydrogen bonding dynamics with high sensitivity. This technique provides valuable insights into the fundamental interactions within soft materials and opens new avenues for designing smart responsive polymers in sensors and actuators. 🧪

Staggered-Layer-Boosted Flexible Bi₂Te₃ Films with High Thermoelectric Performance

Journal: Nature Nanotechnology (2023)
DOI: 10.1038/S41565-023-01457-5
Contributors: Yao Lu, Yi Zhou, Wu Wang, Mingyuan Hu, Xiege Huang, Dasha Mao, Shan Huang, Lin Xie, Peijian Lin, Binbin Jiang, Bo Zhu, Jianghe Feng, Jinxin Shi, Qing Lou, Yating Huang, Jianmin Yang, Junhua Li, Guodong Li, Jingqi He

Summary:
This groundbreaking work introduces staggered-layer engineering to enhance the thermoelectric performance of flexible Bi₂Te₃ films. By manipulating the nanoscale layering, the researchers achieved simultaneous improvement in electrical conductivity and reduced thermal conductivity, resulting in a record-breaking ZT value for flexible films. This achievement marks a significant leap toward the commercialization of high-efficiency, flexible thermoelectric materials for energy harvesting and wearable electronics. The publication in Nature Nanotechnology highlights its transformative impact on the field.

Exceptional Power Factor of Flexible Ag/Ag₂Se Thermoelectric Composite Films

Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal (2022)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2022.134739
Contributors: Xiang Li, Yao Lu, Kefeng Cai, Mingyuan Gao, Yating Li, Zixing Wang, Miaomiao Wu, Ping Wei, Wenyu Zhao, Yong Du, Shuang Shen

Summary:
This article reports on the development of Ag/Ag₂Se flexible thermoelectric composite films that exhibit a remarkable power factor, surpassing previously reported values in similar materials. The incorporation of nanoscale silver provided conductive pathways while maintaining mechanical flexibility, making these composites ideal for wearable thermoelectric applications. The study offers vital insights into the optimization of metal–semiconductor interfaces and demonstrates practical application potential in low-power electronic devices. 💎

Exceptionally High Power Factor Ag₂Se/Se/Polypyrrole Composite Films for Flexible Thermoelectric Generators

Journal: Advanced Functional Materials (2022)
DOI: 10.1002/ADFM.202106902
Contributors: Yating Li, Qing Lou, Jianmin Yang, Kefeng Cai, Ying Liu, Yiming Lu, Yang Qiu, Yao Lu, Zixing Wang, Miaomiao Wu, Yong Du, etc.

Summary:
This high-impact research article presents a unique ternary composite system combining Ag₂Se, elemental Se, and polypyrrole to achieve an ultra-high power factor for flexible thermoelectric films. The hierarchical structure allows for optimized carrier mobility, phonon scattering, and mechanical integrity, significantly improving energy conversion efficiency. This work has implications for the development of lightweight, flexible thermoelectric generators suitable for wearable and autonomous electronic devices. Published in Advanced Functional Materials, the research reflects the cutting-edge innovation of Dr. Lu and collaborators.

🏁 Conclusion

Dr. Yao Lu stands at the forefront of innovation in energy materials and microelectronics. His distinguished academic training, multidisciplinary research, impactful publications, patented inventions, and active scientific engagement make him a highly deserving candidate for a prestigious research award. His work not only advances the scientific community but also contributes directly to the development of sustainable and intelligent technologies for the future. Through dedication, creativity, and leadership, Dr. Lu continues to inspire the next generation of researchers and drive progress in the global scientific landscape.