Qi Sun | Membrane Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Qi Sun | Membrane Materials | Best Researcher Award

Zhejiang University | China

Prof. Qi Sun is a distinguished chemist and academic leader recognized for impactful contributions to chemical and biochemical engineering, particularly in materials chemistry and catalysis. He earned his PhD in Chemistry from Zhejiang University (2009–2014) under the mentorship of Feng-Shou Xiao, following a Bachelor’s degree in Material Chemistry from Harbin University of Science and Technology (2005–2009). After completing doctoral training, he gained extensive international research experience as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Zhejiang University, supervised by Jixue Li and Feng-Shou Xiao, and subsequently in the Department of Chemistry at the University of South Florida under Shengqian Ma. These roles strengthened his expertise in advanced functional materials, porous materials, catalysis, and structure–property relationships. He currently serves as Professor at the College of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, where he leads innovative research integrating chemistry, materials science, and engineering applications. His academic excellence has been recognized through multiple prestigious honors, including Outstanding Doctoral Thesis at Zhejiang University, National Scholarship and Outstanding Graduate Student awards, and Outstanding Undergraduate Graduation Thesis distinction. Through sustained research innovation, mentorship, and scholarly leadership, Prof. Qi Sun continues to advance chemical science and foster the next generation of researchers.


View ORCID ProfileView Google Scholar Profile

Featured Publications

Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Durban University of Technology | South Africa

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi is an emerging chemist whose work spans inorganic chemistry, bioprocessing, biomass valorization, and physical chemistry, supported by strong academic training and multidisciplinary research experience. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology, focusing on the application of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for converting glucose extracted from sugarcane bagasse into value-added biochemicals. Building on her Master’s research on Co(II) and Mn(II) dithiocarbamate complexes with bioactivity studies and her Honours and undergraduate training in chemistry and geology, she has cultivated a broad scientific foundation. Professionally, she has gained significant experience as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology, a Research Scientist Intern at the Technology Innovation Agency, a Sales Technology Chemist at Buckman Laboratories, and a Tutor and Laboratory Coordinator at both the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Fort Hare. Her expertise includes laboratory management, analytical chemistry, fermentation processes, biomass processing, and instrumental analysis such as HPLC and nutrient profiling. She has received several distinctions, including multiple certificates in quality systems, safety management, and digital literacy, as well as prestigious recognitions such as the National Research Foundation Scholarships and the James Moir Medal. Her growing body of work reflects a commitment to sustainable chemistry and impactful scientific innovation.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Tokoyi, V. (2024). Ferrocene-Based Bimetallic MOF Beads as Bifunctional Dye Scavenging and Degrading Materials. Chemical Engineering Transactions.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Potential Application of IL@ZIF-MOF Composites for Lignocellulosic Biomass Valorization: Recent Update. Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Should “Ionic Liquids” also be used for solid ionic compounds: Synthesis and characterization of p-anisidinium-based ionic compounds. Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Synthesis and antibacterial studies of p-anisidinium-based ionic liquids: Experimental, DFT calculations and molecular docking. Journal of Molecular Liquids.

Paola Cicatiello | Functional Amyloid Protein | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Paola Cicatiello | Functional Amyloid Protein | Best Researcher Award

Department of Chemistry University of Naples “Federico II” | Italy

Dr. Paola Cicatiello is a dedicated researcher in biotechnology and chemical sciences, recognized for her multidisciplinary expertise in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and biosensing innovation. She completed her academic training, including a PhD at the University of Naples “Federico II,” where she specialized in surface-active proteins and enhanced her proteomic and analytical skills during a research period at Sheffield Hallam University. Her professional experience spans enzyme characterization, enzyme and antibody immobilization, nanomaterial-integrated biosensor platforms, and the development of functional protein biosurfactants with applications in bioremediation, biomedical detection, and drug delivery. She has contributed significantly to projects such as PON_INNOVATION_2021, focusing on self-assembling proteins for advanced biosensing, and has worked with CeRICT srl optimizing polymer- and fiber-based sensing interfaces. Dr. Cicatiello is actively involved in academic service, including research dissemination initiatives and participation in national scientific societies. Her research interests include biotechnology, surface-active and functional amyloid proteins, biocatalysis, and nano-enabled biosensing systems. She has also supported academic growth by supervising students and teaching in biotechnology and chemical sciences programs. Through her scientific contributions, collaborative work, and commitment to innovative biosensing technologies, she continues to advance the frontiers of biochemical research and applied biotechnology.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Cicatiello, P., Della Ventura, B., Fichera, G., Velotta, R., Giardina, P., & Piscitelli, A. (2025). Gold Nanoparticles Coated With Hydrophobin-ProteinA Fusion Protein: Development of a Versatile Immunosensing Platform. Biotechnology and Bioengineering.

Pitocchi, R., Cicatiello, P., Illiano, A., Fontanarosa, C., Spina, F., Varese, G.C., Amoresano, A., Piscitelli, A., & Giardina, P. (2024). The essential role of aggregation for the emulsifying ability of a fungal CYS-rich protein. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.

Cusano, A.M., Quero, G., Vaiano, P., Cicatiello, P., Principe, M., Micco, A., Ruvo, M., Consales, M., & Cusano, A. (2023). Metasurface-assisted Lab-on-fiber optrode for highly sensitive detection of vitamin D. Biosensors and Bioelectronics.

Pitocchi, R., Stanzione, I., Illiano, A., Amoresano, A., Tarallo, O., Cicatiello, P., Piscitelli, A., & Giardina, P. (2023). Evidence of Small Fungal Cysteine-Rich Proteins Acting as Biosurfactants and Self-Assembling into Large Fibers. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Jean-Manuel Raimundo | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jean-Manuel Raimundo | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Aix Marseille Univ, CINaM | France

Prof. Dr. Jean-Manuel Raimundo is an accomplished scientist in organic chemistry and nanoscience, recognized for his contributions to molecular materials, functional chromophores, and advanced nanostructured systems. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, a Master’s degree in Chemistry, a PhD in Organic Chemistry, and a Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches, establishing a strong academic foundation for his multidisciplinary research. His professional journey includes roles as temporary lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, professor, and full professor at leading French universities, along with postdoctoral research at globally renowned institutions such as ETH Zurich and Total Elf Fina. He also completed international research assignments and served as an invited professor in Japan, contributing to collaborative advancements in molecular engineering and nanoscience. His research spans organic materials, photoactive systems, molecular electronics, supramolecular chemistry, and functional nanomaterials, with sustained involvement in major research laboratories including CINaM and UMR units. Prof. Raimundo has been honored with multiple distinctions, including innovation prizes, scientific excellence bonuses, and competitive fellowships supporting high-level research. His career reflects a dedication to advancing molecular materials and nanoscience through innovative research, international collaboration, and impactful scientific leadership.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Raimundo, J.-M., Blanchard, P., Gallego-Planas, N., Mercier, N., Ledoux-Rak, I., Hierle, R., & Roncali, J. (2002). “Design and synthesis of push−pull chromophores for second-order nonlinear optics derived from rigidified thiophene-based π-conjugating spacers.” The Journal of Organic Chemistry.

Raimundo, J.-M., Blanchard, P., Frere, P., Mercier, N., Ledoux-Rak, I., Hierle, R., & Roncali, J. (2001). “Push–pull chromophores based on 2,2′-bi(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (BEDOT) π-conjugating spacer.” Tetrahedron Letters.

Malytskyi, V., Simon, J.-J., Patrone, L., & Raimundo, J.-M. (2015). “Thiophene-based push–pull chromophores for small molecule organic solar cells (SMOSCs).” RSC Advances.

Liu, S.-G., Shu, L., Rivera, J., Liu, H., Raimundo, J.-M., Roncali, J., Gorgues, A., & Echegoyen, L. (1999). “A New Dyad Based on C60 and a Conjugated Dimethylaniline-Substituted Dithienylethylene Donor.” The Journal of Organic Chemistry.

Videlot, C., Ackermann, J., Blanchard, P., Raimundo, J.-M., Frère, P., Allain, M., de Bettignies, R., Levillain, E., & Roncali, J. (2003). “Field‐Effect Transistors Based on Oligothienylenevinylenes: From Solution π‐Dimers to High‐Mobility Organic Semiconductors.” Advanced Materials.

Raimundo, J.-M., Blanchard, P., Brisset, H., Akoudad, S., & Roncali, J. (2000). “Proquinoid acceptors as building blocks for the design of efficient π-conjugated fluorophores with high electron affinity.” Chemical Communications.

Edelmann, M. J., Raimundo, J.-M., Utesch, N. F., Diederich, F., Boudon, C., Gisselbrecht, J.-P., & Gross, M. (2002). “Dramatically enhanced fluorescence of heteroaromatic chromophores upon insertion as spacers into oligo(triacetylene)s.” Helvetica Chimica Acta.

Camilla Djenne Buarque Muller | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Camilla Djenne Buarque Muller | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

PUC-Rio | Brazil

Prof. Dr. Camilla Djenne Buarque Müller is a distinguished Brazilian chemist recognized for her impactful contributions to synthetic organic chemistry, natural products chemistry, and medicinal chemistry. She earned her Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Chemistry from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), where she conducted innovative research on pterocarpans, aza-pterocarpans, and palladium-catalyzed arylation strategies. Her academic career includes key faculty positions at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), where she progressed from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, and currently continues her scientific leadership at Fluminense Federal University (UFF). Prof. Müller has also held important roles within the Brazilian Chemical Society (SBQ), serving as Vice-Secretary and Secretary of SBQ-Rio. Her research interests span heterocyclic synthesis, triazole hybrids, CFTR modulator development, covalent organic frameworks, and structure-activity relationships applied to drug discovery. She has received numerous prestigious honors, including Research Productivity Fellowships (CNPq), Scientist of Our State (FAPERJ), Young Scientist of Our State, Best Poster Awards, and multiple recognitions for excellence in undergraduate and graduate supervision. Prof. Müller continues to advance chemistry through impactful publications, mentorship, and contributions that strengthen Brazil’s scientific community.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Zeitune, D. C., Azevedo, M. F. M. F., Rangel, M. S., Bastos, R. de S., Neto, J. de B. V., Pessoa, C. do Ó., & Buarque, C. D. (2025). Synthesis and antitumoral activity of novel biaryl hydroxy-triazole and fluorene-triazole hybrids. Exploration of Drug Science.

Carneiro, L. S. A., & Buarque, C. D. (2025). Arylation of C=C bonds via non-cross-coupling reactions: historical evolution of the Meerwein arylation mechanisms. ChemTexts.

Azevedo, M. F. M. F., Zeitune, D. C., de Farias, R. L., Junior, E. N. C., Bacalhau, M., Amaral, M. D., Lopes-Pacheco, M., & Buarque, C. D. (2025). Direct access of 4-acyl-1,2,3-triazoles from acetophenones: A synthetic shortcut for novel p.Phe508del-CFTR traffic correctors. Journal of Molecular Structure.

Bacalhau, M., Ferreira, F. C., Azevedo, M. F. M. F., Rosa, T. P., Buarque, C. D., & Lopes-Pacheco, M. (2025). Rescue of mutant CFTR channel activity by investigational co-potentiator therapy. Biomedicines.

Cifuentes, J. M. C., Henrique, F. J. F. S., Ligiéro, C. B. P., Esteves, P. M., & Buarque, C. D. (2024). Covalent organic frameworks as a versatile platform for iron-catalyzed sp³ C–H activation and cross-coupling via decarboxylative oxidation. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry.

Ferreira, F., Buarque, C., & Lopes-Pacheco, M. (2024). Organic synthesis and current understanding of the mechanisms of CFTR modulator drugs Ivacaftor, Tezacaftor, and Elexacaftor. Molecules.

da Silva, V. D., Zalewska, K., Petrovski, Z., Buarque, C. D., Branco, L. C., & Esteves, P. M. (2023). Covalent organic frameworks as promising materials for the removal of metal and organic pollutants from water. Materials Today Sustainability.