Guanghai Shi | Natural Materials | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Research Chemistry Awards

Prof. Dr. Guanghai Shi | Natural Materials | Research Excellence Award

China University of Geosciences, China

Prof. Dr. Guanghai Shi is a distinguished geoscientist recognized for his extensive contributions to mineralogy, petrology, and economic geology. With a Ph.D. in Mineralogy, Petrology and Economic Geology from Peking University, complemented by an M.S. in Mineralogy from the Chinese University of Geosciences in Wuhan and a B.S. in Geology from Chang’An University, he has built a strong academic foundation in Earth sciences. His career spans roles as Professor and Associate Professor at the China University of Geosciences in Beijing, as well as earlier positions as Assistant Research Fellow and Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He has also worked internationally as a Guest Scientist at Ruhr-University Bochum and as a visiting scholar at the American Museum of Natural History. His research focuses on natural high-value materials such as jadeitite, nephrite, diamonds, and a wide range of accessory minerals, integrating field studies, petrography, mineral chemistry, and geochronology. He has also engaged in industry-related work, including gemstone trading and mineral exploration. Recognized for his scientific impact and interdisciplinary expertise, he continues to advance understanding of mineral formation processes, geochemical cycling, and the cultural relevance of geological materials.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhang, Y., Shi, G., & Wen, J. (2025). Mineralogical, gemological characteristics and petrogenesis of high-quality Maw-sit-sit jade from the Myanmar Jade Belt. Crystals, 15(11).

Li, Y., Shi, G., & Zhang, J. (2025). Origin of light-colored nephrite relative to green nephrite in Ospa, Russia. Crystals, 15(11).

Liu, W., Shi, G., Li, X., Quan, X., Li, Y., & Yuan, Y. (2025). Well-preserved structure of silicified wood: A case study from Qitai Silicified Forest, NW China and its silicification mechanisms. Plants, 14(22).

Zhang, Y., & Shi, G. (2025). Big data and AI-enabled construction of a novel gemstone database: Challenges, methodologies, and future perspectives. Minerals, 15(11).

Dai, S., Zhang, Y., Shi, G., & Long, T. (2025). Color mechanism of blue Myanmar jadeite jade: The role of trace elements and mineralogical characteristics. Crystals, 15(10).

Zhang, Y., Shi, G., & Wen, J. (2025). Manganese-rich chromite in Myanmar jadeite jade: A critical source of chromium and manganese and its role in coloration. Crystals, 15(8).

Guo, Q., Li, P., Wang, M., Zhao, S., Yang, S., & Shi, G. (2025). Color mechanism analysis and origin comparison of pink-purple sapphires from Vietnam and Madagascar. Crystals, 15(3).

Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Research Chemistry Awards

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.