Mengting liu | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mengting liu | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mengting liu, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China

Dr. Mengting Liu is an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the School of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University. A promising scholar in advanced battery materials, she has made significant contributions to lithium-sulfur, sodium-ion, and zinc-based battery technologies. Dr. Liu holds a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics from Lanzhou University and completed joint doctoral training at the Georgia Institute of Technology, under the mentorship of Prof. Gleb Yushin. As the principal investigator of several high-profile national projects, her work centers around electrolyte design, interfacial chemistry, and cathode material innovation. Dr. Liu has authored over 50 SCI papers in top-tier journals and holds more than 30 patents, reflecting her innovative contributions to electrochemical energy storage. With an H-index of 24 and successful technological transformations, she stands out as a leading young researcher shaping the future of sustainable energy materials in China and globally.

Publication Profile: 

scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. High-Impact Publications

    • Over 50 SCI-indexed papers in world-renowned journals such as J. Am. Chem. Soc., Advanced Materials, Energy & Environmental Science, and Nano Energy.

    • Numerous first-author and corresponding-author contributions, showcasing leadership in research.

  2. Innovation in Battery Technology

    • Pioneer in sodium-ion, lithium-sulfur, and zinc-ion battery materials, particularly focusing on interfacial engineering and electrolyte design.

    • Leads cutting-edge research in cold-environment batteries and high-voltage cathodes.

  3. Recognition and Funding

    • Principal Investigator of multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects.

    • Successfully translated 3 technologies into industrial application – indicating practical impact.

  4. Patent and Intellectual Property

    • 30+ patents applied/granted, reflecting a commitment to innovation and intellectual property creation.

  5. Academic Metrics

    • H-index: 24, indicating solid citation impact and relevance in the field.

  6. International Exposure

    • Conducted joint Ph.D. research at Georgia Institute of Technology, under the mentorship of global battery expert Prof. Gleb Yushin.

  7. Mentorship and Leadership

    • Serves as Master’s Supervisor, contributing to the training of the next generation of researchers.

🔧 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Public and Global Recognition

    • While the academic output is outstanding, broader international visibility (e.g., keynote speeches, global consortia participation) could strengthen recognition.

  2. Cross-disciplinary Expansion

    • Exploring AI-driven materials discovery or solid-state battery systems could further diversify her portfolio and enhance future relevance.

  3. Team Expansion and Postdoctoral Supervision

    • Expanding mentorship to include postdoctoral researchers and international collaborators could amplify research output and impact.

📚 Education:

Dr. Mengting Liu earned her Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics from Lanzhou University (2015–2021), focusing on electrochemical materials and battery interface design. During her doctoral studies, she was awarded a prestigious national scholarship for joint training at the Georgia Institute of Technology (2018–2020), where she conducted cutting-edge research in the School of Materials Science and Engineering under Prof. Gleb Yushin. Her work there focused on advanced cathode materials for sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries, combining material design, characterization, and performance optimization. Her academic foundation is grounded in interdisciplinary training, bridging physics, chemistry, and materials science. Her research was pivotal in understanding phase transitions, solid–electrolyte interfaces, and novel electrolyte systems, which has set the stage for her postdoctoral and faculty research directions in energy storage. Her academic path reflects a strong alignment with innovation in clean energy technologies and fundamental materials science.

🧪 Experience:

Since November 2021, Dr. Mengting Liu has served as an Assistant Professor (Qingxiao Program A) at Xi’an Jiaotong University’s School of Electrical Engineering. She is actively involved in supervising graduate students and leading independent research in electrochemical energy storage. Prior to this role, she spent over two years at the Georgia Institute of Technology during her doctoral studies, collaborating with international experts and engaging in high-impact research. She has led several major research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, focusing on electrolyte structure regulation and cathode performance optimization. Her industrial collaborations have led to three technological transformations and over 30 patents. Dr. Liu’s interdisciplinary background and international exposure have enabled her to contribute extensively to frontier research in lithium-ion, lithium-sulfur, and sodium-ion battery technologies. Her teaching and mentoring roles complement her research, contributing to talent development in the energy storage field.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Mengting Liu’s research is centered on electrochemical energy storage, with a particular focus on sodium-ion, lithium-sulfur, and lithium-ion batteries. Her work involves the design of high-performance cathode materials, such as layered oxides and composite structures, and the development of nonflammable, stable electrolytes that enable long-life and high-temperature battery operation. She is especially recognized for her studies on interfacial engineering, including cathode-electrolyte interphases (CEI) and solid electrolyte interphases (SEI), which are critical to battery safety and longevity. Her recent research expands into entropy-regulated materials and polymer electrolytes to tackle extreme environmental conditions like ultra-low temperatures. With a holistic approach combining material synthesis, mechanism analysis, and performance validation, Dr. Liu aims to develop next-generation batteries with high energy density, long cycle life, and environmental adaptability. Her research is not only academically impactful but also industrially relevant, bridging fundamental science with practical innovation.

📄 Publication Top Notes: 

  1. 🧯 Cation−Anion Regulation in Flame-Retardant Electrolytes for Safe Na-Ion Batteries – J. Am. Chem. Soc. (2025)

  2. 🔥 Nonflammable Sulfone-Based Electrolytes for High-Temp LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 – ACS Energy Lett. (2024)

  3. ❄️ Inorganic-Rich Interphases via Nonflammable Electrolytes for Low-Temp LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 – Adv. Funct. Mater. (2024)

  4. ⚡ Tailoring Cathode–Electrolyte Interface for High-Power Lithium–Sulfur Batteries – Nano-Micro Lett. (2025)

  5. 🔋 Wadsley–Roth Structure Engineering for High-Power Li-Ion Batteries – Energy Environ. Sci. (2024)

  6. 🔄 Biphaseto-Monophase Transition in Na0.766+xLixNi0.33-xMn0.5Fe0.1Ti0.07O2 – Carbon Energy (2024)

  7. 🛡️ Zn-Ion Channels with Double-Network Layer for Stable Zinc Anodes – Energy Storage Mater. (2024)

  8. 🔗 In-Situ Polymerized Ether Gel Electrolyte for High-Voltage Li-Metal Batteries – Adv. Funct. Mater. (2024)

  9. 🔧 Reinforced Bimetal Oxide-Based PEO Electrolytes for Stable Interfaces – Adv. Funct. Mater. (2025)

  10. ♻️ Phase-Stable and Air-Stable O3-Type Entropy-Reinforced Na Cathodes – Nano Energy (2025)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Mengting Liu is exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. Her track record reflects a rare blend of deep theoretical knowledge, experimental expertise, and real-world application in the fast-evolving field of energy storage.

With a robust publication portfolio, a leadership role in nationally-funded projects, multiple technological transformations, and strong international training, she has already demonstrated leadership and innovation that align perfectly with the purpose of the award.

Andrey Popatanasov | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Andrey Popatanasov | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Andrey Popatanasov |Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Bulgaria

Andrey Popatanasov is a dedicated and interdisciplinary Research Assistant at the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. With a unique academic foundation spanning Psychology, Physics, and Biology, Andrey brings a rare blend of scientific perspectives to his work. He has earned Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology, Medical Physics, and Molecular Biology, and is currently finalizing his PhD in Human and Animal Physiology. His research focuses on the molecular basis of behavior, neurophysiology, and the effects of electromagnetic radiation on living systems. With over 10 publications, 2 books, and active involvement in 7 research projects, he has made notable contributions to our understanding of ligand-biomolecule interactions, genome regulation, and neurodevelopment in children. A member of three scientific societies, he remains committed to the pursuit of science that benefits both individuals and society. His integrative approach makes him a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus 

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Multidisciplinary Education & Expertise

    • Holds BSc degrees in Psychology, Physics, and Biology, along with MSc degrees in Clinical Psychology, Medical Physics, and Molecular Biology – showcasing exceptional academic breadth.

    • Expected PhD in Human and Animal Physiology adds specialized depth to an already broad foundation.

  2. Research Productivity

    • 10 publications in recognized journals and 7 completed/ongoing research projects reflect active involvement in scientific work.

    • Books published with ISBN (two volumes) show his commitment to academic dissemination.

  3. Diverse Research Contributions

    • Strong focus on affective and prosocial behavior, genomic complexity, neurodevelopment, and electromagnetic radiation effects.

    • Combines in silico, in vitro, and behavioral methods – demonstrating scientific versatility.

  4. Institutional Engagement

    • Currently affiliated with the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, a reputable research body in Eastern Europe.

    • Active collaborations and membership in three professional societies validate professional integration.

  5. Ethical and Social Orientation

    • Expressed motivation to use science “for the benefit of our fellow human beings” aligns with the broader mission of responsible research.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Citation Impact

    • Citation index (3.5) is modest. While quality of research may be high, broader visibility and impact in the scientific community could be improved.

  2. Lack of Industry/Consultancy Involvement

    • No consultancy or industry-linked projects limits real-world application and knowledge transfer.

  3. Editorial/Leadership Roles

    • Absence of editorial appointments or scientific leadership roles (e.g., principal investigator, grant manager) suggests early-career status or limited exposure in scientific governance.

  4. Patent Activity

    • No patents filed or under process. Given his interdisciplinary research, potential for translational innovations is underutilized.

🎓 Education:

Andrey Popatanasov’s educational journey is both comprehensive and cross-disciplinary. He holds three Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Physics, and Biology, demonstrating early on his commitment to exploring the full spectrum of life and behavioral sciences. Building on this diverse base, he pursued three Master’s degrees in fields closely aligned with each undergraduate focus: Clinical Psychology, Medical Physics, and Molecular Biology. These degrees reflect his drive to merge theory with application, especially in fields involving human health, neuroscience, and molecular research. In 2025, he is expected to complete his PhD in Human and Animal Physiology, further enhancing his academic credentials. His educational background empowers him to approach research questions with a multidisciplinary lens, enabling innovative perspectives across cognitive sciences, neurobiology, and quantum biology. Andrey’s education sets a strong foundation for his integrative research and positions him as a well-rounded scholar capable of contributing meaningfully across scientific domains.

🧪 Experience:

Andrey Popatanasov’s professional experience has developed in tandem with his academic studies. While pursuing his degrees, he concurrently worked in several scientific institutes under the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, contributing to both laboratory-based research and computational modeling. Currently, he serves as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Neurobiology, where he applies his multi-domain expertise to complex problems in neuroscience, molecular biology, and behavioral science. He has been actively involved in 7 research projects, authored 10 scientific articles, and published 2 academic books. His work includes studying neurobehavioral disorders, gene expression regulation, and the bioeffects of electromagnetic radiation. Despite not yet engaging in consultancy or industry collaborations, Andrey’s contributions in academic research have demonstrated both depth and societal relevance. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing PhD work, he continues to build a meaningful career rooted in both scientific rigor and human-focused inquiry.

🔬 Research Focus:

Andrey Popatanasov’s research spans several intersecting domains: neuroscience, molecular biology, biophysics, and psychology. His key focus areas include:

  • Affective and prosocial behavior, particularly in pathological states

  • Ligand interactions with biomolecules, explored through in silico and in vitro methods

  • Genomic complexity and expression control, with implications for cell physiology

  • Neurodevelopment in children, especially regarding language and cognitive processing

  • The impact of electromagnetic radiation, especially from quantum sources, on biological and soft matter systems

📚 Publication Top Notes:

  1. 📡 Electromagnetic Radiation Effects on Biomolecular Stability and Structure

  2. 🧬 Computational Modeling of Ligand-Receptor Dynamics in Neurological Systems

  3. 🧠 Behavioral and Molecular Correlates of Stress in Rodent Models

  4. 🧫 The Role of Genome Architecture in Gene Expression and Cell Function

  5. 👶 Language Complexity and Brain Function in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  6. 🤝 Multimodal Investigation of Prosocial Behavior and its Neural Basis

  7. 💥 Interaction of High-Energy Electromagnetic Fields with Soft Matter

  8. ⚛️ Quantum Radiation Exposure and its Biophysical Implications in Organic Systems

  9. 🧪 Receptor Binding Analysis through Molecular Dynamics Simulations

  10. 🔍 Bioinformatics-Based Comparative Study of Behavior-Linked Gene Expressions

📝 Conclusion:

Andrey Popatanasov is a highly promising researcher whose cross-disciplinary education, innovative scientific work, and integrative approach to research make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While citation impact and industry engagement could be further developed, his commitment to foundational and applied research across neuroscience, psychology, and molecular biology stands out. His intellectual curiosity, publication record, and societal outlook reflect both scholarly excellence and a growth trajectory suitable for long-term scientific contribution.

Jianli GAO | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Jianli GAO | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jianli GAO , School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University , China

Professor Jian-Li Gao is a distinguished researcher in Immunology and Tumor Pharmacology at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU), China. With a solid academic background in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, she has carved a unique path by integrating traditional practices with modern biomedical research. After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Macau and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, she returned to ZCMU, where she now serves as a Professor and Director of the CTMP editorial office. She also holds the title of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Application of Chinese Medicine. Known for her impactful studies on thymic immunity, mitochondrial transfer, and age-related immune degeneration, Prof. Gao has authored numerous high-impact papers and led several nationally funded projects. Her dedication, scientific acumen, and leadership make her an ideal candidate for recognition as a top-tier researcher.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. 📚 Extensive Publication Record

    • Published high-impact research in top-tier journals like Phytomedicine, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Molecules, and Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

    • Topics span immunosenescence, mitochondrial transfer, alopecia regeneration, and TCM pharmacology—an excellent multidisciplinary focus.

  2. 🔬 Innovative Research Focus

    • Focuses on cutting-edge topics like tunneling nanotube-mediated mitochondrial transfer and immune rejuvenation—a unique and relevant field in aging and cancer research.

    • Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern immunology and pharmacology shows her ability to bridge ancient knowledge with new technologies.

  3. 🌍 International Exposure

    • Completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, demonstrating global collaboration and adaptability in high-caliber environments.

  4. 🎓 Academic and Editorial Leadership

    • Editor-in-Chief of a peer-reviewed journal and Editorial Board Member of Scientific Reports.

    • Director of CTMP editorial office and a key figure in shaping academic publishing within her university.

  5. 💡 Research Funding Success

    • Principal Investigator of multiple NSFC-funded projects (highly competitive in China), totaling over ¥1,000,000 in research grants.

  6. 🧑‍🏫 Academic Career Progression

    • Rapid professional growth from Assistant Professor to Full Professor in under 10 years—shows high competence, leadership, and recognition by peers.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. 🏅 Documentation of Individual Honors/Awards

    • While her academic and publishing roles speak volumes, a clearer list of individual recognitions, national awards, or innovation prizes would strengthen the case further.

  2. 🌐 Global Research Collaborations

    • Though she has worked internationally, further multi-country clinical collaborations or EU/NIH projects would expand her global footprint.

  3. 🗣 Public Engagement & Outreach

    • Amplifying her presence through conferences, workshops, and keynote speeches, particularly internationally, could further solidify her status as a global thought leader.

🎓 Educational Background:

Prof. Jian-Li Gao pursued her academic training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge medical research. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (2003) from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU). She continued her studies at the University of Macau, earning a Master’s degree in Chinese Medicinal Science (2005) and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (2009) from the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences. Her doctoral work focused on cellular mechanisms and immune pharmacology, laying the foundation for her future research career. Her education uniquely positioned her to investigate immune regulation through both modern biomedical techniques and the traditional principles of Chinese medicine. The fusion of these approaches underpins her scientific contributions and helps advance integrative medical research both in China and internationally.

💼 Professional Experience: 

Prof. Gao has over 14 years of experience in academic research and teaching at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Starting as an Assistant Professor (2011–2013), she was promoted to Associate Professor (2013–2018) and has held the title of Professor since 2019. Her international exposure includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, where she deepened her expertise in tumor pharmacology and immunology. Prof. Gao currently directs the CTMP English Editorial Office at ZCMU and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of a leading Chinese medicine journal. She also contributes as a Board Member of Scientific Reports and a young editorial board member for Chinese Medicine. Throughout her tenure, she has led numerous national research projects, mentored students, and facilitated cross-disciplinary collaborations. Her trajectory reflects a consistent pattern of academic growth, leadership, and contribution to the global scientific community.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Though specific awards are not explicitly listed in the provided information, Prof. Jian-Li Gao’s numerous appointments and leadership roles are strong indicators of her recognition in the academic field. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Application of Chinese Medicine, a prestigious role typically reserved for top researchers in the discipline. Her role as Director of the CTMP editorial office and her inclusion as a Board Member of Scientific Reports and Young Editorial Board Member for Chinese Medicine signal national and international acknowledgment of her scientific contributions. She has also successfully led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects, a competitive funding body in China, which highlights her research’s credibility and impact. These honors collectively reflect her excellence in scientific innovation, editorial leadership, and her commitment to advancing Chinese and integrative medicine.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Jian-Li Gao’s research centers on thymic immune senescence, mitochondrial transfer, and the pharmacological effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on immune system regulation. She explores how compounds such as Epimedin C, Thymosin β15, and Ligustilide can delay thymus degeneration, enhance mitochondrial functionality, and promote immune resilience—especially in contexts such as menopause, aging, and cancer. Her work bridges the gap between TCM and modern molecular biology, applying cell biology techniques to understand how herbal extracts affect immune cell signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, and tissue repair. A unique aspect of her work is the use of mitochondrial transfer via tunneling nanotubes, a cutting-edge concept in immunopharmacology. With a holistic approach, she aims to uncover therapeutic strategies rooted in TCM that are evidence-based and translational. Her research has major implications in autoimmune diseases, aging, regenerative medicine, and oncology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📖 Epimedin C promotes mitochondrial transfer and delays thymus atrophy in 4-VCD induced mimetic-menopausal mice – Phytomedicine, 2025

  2. 📖 Dermal T cell immunity and key regulatory signaling pathways: Implications in immune-mediated alopecia and hair regeneration – Genes & Diseases, 2025

  3. 📖 Linderae Radix extract attenuates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway – Phytomedicine, 2024

  4. 📖 Ligustilide prevents thymic immune senescence by regulating Thymosin β15-dependent spatial distribution of thymic epithelial cells – Phytomedicine, 2024

  5. 📖 Thymosin β4 regulates the differentiation of thymocytes by controlling the cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial transfer – IJMS, 2024

  6. 📖 Th22 is the effector cell of Thymosin β15-induced hair regeneration in mice – Inflammation and Regeneration, 2024

  7. 📖 Ruyong Formula improves thymus function of CUMS-stimulated breast cancer mice – Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024

  8. 📖 Age-related hearing loss and its potential drug candidates: a systematic review – Chinese Medicine, 2023

  9. 📖 Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder with nose-to-brain drug delivery of natural drugs – J. Exp. & Clin. App. of Chinese Medicine, 2023

  10. 📖 Thymosin α1 and its role in viral infectious diseases: Mechanism and clinical application – Molecules, 2023

📝 Conclusion:

Professor Jian-Li Gao is highly deserving and exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. Her research is innovative, translational, and impactful, particularly in the intersection of Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern immunology. She has demonstrated consistent academic excellence, leadership in editorial work, and obtained national-level competitive funding.