Prof. Zhilong Cao | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zhilong Cao , Green Chemistry , Deputy Director at Beijing University of Technology, China

Dr. Zhilong Cao is a Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor at Beijing University of Technology, specializing in advanced materials and technologies for sustainable asphalt pavements. With a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Wuhan University of Technology, he focuses on the development of low-carbon, green, and smart functional materials aimed at extending pavement life and promoting high-quality recycling. Since joining Beijing University of Technology in 2022, he has led several national and industrial research projects, particularly in asphalt modification and regeneration. His contributions have earned him prestigious recognitions, including the Outstanding Talent Award. Dr. Cao is driven by innovation and sustainability, exploring smart infrastructure solutions that align with global environmental goals. His research has practical implications in urban infrastructure development, especially in road and airport pavement systems. Dedicated to fostering future talent, he also mentors Master’s and Ph.D. students while actively collaborating with industry stakeholders to bridge academic research with real-world applications.

Professional Profile :

Orcid

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Prof. Zhilong Cao is a highly suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award”, given his impactful contributions in the field of sustainable pavement engineering. With a strong academic background in Materials Science and Engineering, and holding a Ph.D. from Wuhan University of Technology, he has shown exemplary leadership in the development of low-carbon, smart, and green construction materials. As a Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor at Beijing University of Technology, he has spearheaded nationally funded research projects, including grants from the NSFC and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, focusing on advanced asphalt regeneration and modification technologies. His research not only addresses academic challenges but also meets urgent industrial and environmental needs. His honors, such as the Outstanding Talent Award and Best Ph.D. Thesis Award, further reflect his merit and potential. He actively mentors future researchers and collaborates with industry, making his work both impactful and translational.

🎓Education:

Dr. Zhilong Cao completed both his Ph.D. (2018–2021) and M.S. (2015–2018) in Materials Science and Engineering from Wuhan University of Technology, one of China’s premier institutions for engineering and material innovation. During his graduate years, he conducted cutting-edge research on asphalt materials, focusing on functional modifications and sustainability. His doctoral work received wide acclaim, earning him the Outstanding Ph.D. Graduate and Thesis Award. His academic training emphasized a strong integration of theoretical knowledge and experimental practices in materials science, particularly with applications in transportation engineering. He developed specialized expertise in pavement materials, polymer modification, and asphalt regeneration technologies. His strong academic foundation and passion for materials innovation led him to a faculty position at Beijing University of Technology, where he now mentors graduate students and leads significant research initiatives. Dr. Cao’s educational path reflects both academic excellence and a clear vision toward sustainable infrastructure development.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Zhilong Cao began his academic career as a graduate student at Wuhan University of Technology, where he earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering. Following the completion of his doctorate in 2021, he joined Beijing University of Technology in January 2022 as a Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor in the Department of Road and Rail Engineering. In this role, he leads research projects on green pavement materials and mentors Master’s and Doctoral students. His academic responsibilities include developing new course materials, overseeing lab-based research, and fostering collaborations with industry to apply advanced materials in real-world contexts. He has secured multiple prestigious research grants, including from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation. Dr. Cao’s professional experience demonstrates a strong trajectory from promising researcher to established academic leader, with a focus on sustainable infrastructure technologies and innovative material development.

🏅Awards:

Dr. Zhilong Cao has received several prestigious awards in recognition of his outstanding contributions to research and academic excellence. In 2023, he was honored with the Outstanding Talent Award by Beijing University of Technology for his innovative work in the field of sustainable pavement engineering. During his Ph.D. at Wuhan University of Technology, he earned the Outstanding Ph.D. Graduate Award and the Thesis Award in 2021, reflecting the significance and impact of his doctoral research. These accolades underscore Dr. Cao’s commitment to excellence in both academic research and practical innovation. His ability to bridge theoretical insights with applied engineering solutions has made him a recognized name in his field. These honors not only mark his personal achievements but also highlight his leadership potential in driving forward environmentally friendly and high-performance pavement technologies. Dr. Cao continues to strive for innovation and sustainability in the infrastructure materials sector.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Zhilong Cao’s research is centered on sustainable and intelligent solutions for modern pavement infrastructure. His work explores low-carbon construction and maintenance materials, particularly for asphalt pavements, aiming to reduce environmental impact while improving performance. A key area of interest is the regeneration and recycling of SBS-modified asphalt, especially for aging road surfaces and airport runways. He also investigates green and smart functional materials that respond to environmental stimuli, enhancing pavement durability and functionality. Dr. Cao’s research extends to polyurethane-modified asphalts and innovative crosslinking networks for performance recovery in aged pavements. His interdisciplinary approach bridges materials science with transportation engineering, aligning his work with global sustainability goals. Through national projects and industry collaborations, he contributes to next-generation infrastructure technologies that emphasize longevity, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. His research has both academic and practical implications, improving the resilience and sustainability of urban transportation systems.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Investigation on Active Rejuvenation Mechanism of Aged SBS Modified Bitumen: Insights from Experiments and Molecular Dynamics

2. Laboratory Evaluation of Ultraviolet Aging Performance of Regenerated SBS Modified Bitumen Based on Active Flexible Rejuvenators with Different Molecular Structures

3. Creep Recovery Behavior of Fresh, Aged, and Rejuvenated SBS-Modified Asphalt under High Shear Stresses

4. Effect of Organic Coal Gangue Powder with Terminal Active Isocyanate Groups on the Performance of Asphalt and Its Mixture

5. VOCs Inhibited Asphalt Mixtures for Green Pavement: Emission Reduction Behavior, Environmental Health Impact and Road Performance

6. Environmentally Friendly End-Capped Polyurethane for Enhancing Asphalt-Granite Adhesion

Dr. Seyed Mohammad Amini | Iran University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Seyed Mohammad Amini, Ph.D., is a dedicated scientist and Assistant Professor at the Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, specializing in medical nanotechnology. Born on February 1, 1986, he has over a decade of experience in research and development, particularly in biopharmaceuticals, nanotechnology for drug delivery, and imaging. His work has led to innovations in nanoparticle-based formulations for cancer diagnostics and therapy, including pioneering techniques in hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy. Dr. Amini’s contributions extend to clinical radiology with hands-on expertise in CT and MRI systems. He is fluent in Persian, Kurdish, and English and actively contributes to interdisciplinary projects involving teams of scientists worldwide.

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Seyed Mohammad Amini stands as a highly qualified candidate for the “Best Researcher Award” due to his extensive expertise and contributions across several interdisciplinary fields within nanomedicine and biomedical applications. With a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Medical Nanotechnology from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, he has amassed over 12 years of research and development experience in biopharmaceutical drug development, drug delivery systems, and radiological technology. Dr. Amini’s unique cross-functional research has demonstrated excellence in both theoretical and applied sciences, especially in his innovative work on metal and metal oxide nanostructures, which are pivotal in radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, and hyperthermia for cancer treatment.

🎓Education:

Dr. Amini completed his Ph.D. in Medical Nanotechnology from Tehran University of Medical Sciences (2012-2017), where he specialized in nanoliposomal formulations for controlled cancer drug delivery, supervised by distinguished professors such as Dr. Sharmin Kharrazi and Prof. Jaafari. His Master’s degree (2010-2012) in Medical Nanotechnology from the same university included developing gold nanoparticles for enhanced photodynamic cancer treatment. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Radiology (2008-2010) at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where he gained foundational knowledge in imaging systems and radiology practice. His academic achievements include ranking among the top candidates in national entrance exams for each degree level in Iran.

🏢Work Experience:

With 12 years of extensive R&D experience, Dr. Amini has developed expertise in biopharmaceutical nanotechnology and medical imaging, holding a position as Assistant Professor at the Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, since 2017. His research spans across drug delivery systems, synthesis of biogenic nanoparticles, and biosensors for targeted drug delivery, along with four years of practical experience as a radiology technologist. Notable projects include developing gold nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy and metal oxide nanoparticles for antimicrobial and theranostic applications. He has contributed significantly to the field of medical nanotechnology with over 50 peer-reviewed publications, patents, and collaborative research grants, proving his capability to lead interdisciplinary teams and communicate effectively across scientific fields.

🏅Awards:

Dr. Amini’s academic excellence is demonstrated by his achievements, such as ranking first in the 2014 Comprehensive Exam for Ph.D. students in Medical Nanotechnology and being awarded the honor of excellence for his M.Sc. thesis by the Iranian Nanotechnology Initiative Council. He ranked second nationally in Iran’s Ph.D. entrance exam in 2012 and has consistently placed highly in national competitions, including the National Nano Competition (7th place, 2012). Dr. Amini’s contributions to medical nanotechnology, specifically in nanoformulations for cancer treatment, have earned him multiple awards and patents for innovative theranostic systems, showcasing his impact in nanomedicine.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Amini’s research expertise spans five main areas: nanotechnology for radiotherapy, hyperthermia treatments, photodynamic therapy, green synthesis of nanoparticles, and theranostic applications. He leads pioneering work in developing multifunctional nanoparticles for cancer therapy, including nanostructures for precise thermal and photodynamic treatment. His contributions to biogenic metal nanoparticles for radiosensitization and antimicrobial purposes have furthered the capabilities of non-toxic, plant-based nanomaterial synthesis. Additionally, Dr. Amini has contributed to biosensor innovation by bioconjugating nanostructures with biomolecules for targeted diagnostics and treatments. His research aims to bridge diagnostic and therapeutic applications with nanoparticle-enabled platforms to achieve safer, more effective cancer therapies.

Publication Top Notes:

“Preparation of antimicrobial metallic nanoparticles with bioactive compounds”
- Citations: 146
“Metal nanoparticles synthesis through natural phenolic acids”
- Citations: 107
“Evaluation of size, morphology, concentration, and surface effect of gold nanoparticles on X-ray attenuation in computed tomography”
- Citations: 74
“Safety of nanotechnology in food industries”
- Citations: 73
“Expression analysis of circulating plasma long noncoding RNAs in colorectal cancer: The relevance of lncRNAs ATB and CCAT1 as potential clinical hallmarks”