Mr. Frédéric Pignon | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Frédéric Pignon | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Frédéric Pignon , Chemical Engineering ,Senior Scientist at CNRS/Laboratoire Rhéologie et Procédés, France

Frédéric Pignon is a Senior Scientist (Directeur de Recherche, DR1) at CNRS, affiliated with the Laboratoire Rhéologie et Procédés (LRP), UMR 5520, Grenoble, France.🇫🇷, he specializes in fluid mechanics and soft matter rheology. With over 25 years of expertise, Pignon has significantly contributed to the understanding of the multiscale structural behavior of anisotropic dispersions under various flow conditions. His pioneering development of in situ experimental setups has enabled novel insights into flow-structure relationships using SAXS, SANS, SALS, and ultrasound techniques. He holds an h-index of 32 📊, with 76 international publications, 2 patents, and numerous invited talks globally . Apart from research, he actively contributes to scientific evaluation committees and review panels including ANR, HCERES, and ESRF. His collaborations span leading institutions in Europe, North America, and Asia, positioning him as a key figure in advanced rheological material research.

Professional Profile : 

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Pignon holds a Ph.D. in Fluid Mechanics and Transfer (1997, Grenoble-INP), with prior DEA in the same field. His formal training is strongly aligned with his long-term research focus in rheology and multiscale fluid dynamics. He has published 76 peer-reviewed international journal papers, presented in 97 international conferences (including 8 invited talks), and holds 2 patents. His h-index of 32 demonstrates sustained impact in his field. His research uniquely combines rheometric properties with nanoscale-to-microscale structural characterization using advanced techniques such as SAXS, SALS, and optical methods. These contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of flow-induced behavior in complex fluids and materials. Dr. Frédéric Pignon’s pioneering research, prolific publication record, significant mentoring, leadership in scientific boards, and innovative patent contributions make him exceptionally well-qualified for the “Best Researcher Award”. His work bridges theoretical insight with experimental innovation in fluid mechanics and nanostructured systems, making a deep impact on science and industry alike. He is a model of scientific excellence and leadership.

🎓Education:

Frédéric Pignon pursued higher education in engineering and fluid mechanics in France. In 1993, he earned his D.E.A. (Diplôme d’Études Approfondies) in Fluid Mechanics and Transfer from Grenoble-INP, one of France’s premier engineering institutions 🎓. He deepened his specialization by completing a Ph.D. in Fluid Mechanics and Transfer at the same institution in January 1997, underlining his early interest in the microstructural behavior of complex fluids. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his later pioneering work in multiscale flow characterization. Pignon’s strong academic formation in physics, transport phenomena, and complex systems gave him a robust foundation to innovate in rheometry and structural analysis of soft matter systems. His academic path reflects a consistent focus on multidisciplinary approaches to fluid behavior, bridging physics, materials science, and applied engineering.

🏢Work Experience:

Frédéric Pignon has held leading research positions within the CNRS system for over two decades 🧪. Since October 2013, he serves as Senior Scientist (DR1) at CNRS-LRP, following a 14-year tenure (1999–2013) as Research Scientist (CR1). Earlier, he conducted postdoctoral research at ESRF’s ID28 Beamline (1999) and Laboratoire Rhéologie et Procédés (LRP) (1997–1998) 🔬. His research career is defined by designing cutting-edge experimental cells that integrate rheology with structural probes (SAXS/SANS/optical methods). He supervises Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers, participates actively in international collaborations, and leads major research projects across France and Europe. Pignon’s extensive academic and industrial network has facilitated groundbreaking studies on anisotropic particles, biopolymers, and colloids under dynamic conditions. He also contributes to scientific governance through involvement in evaluation panels (ESRF, ANR, HCERES), steering strategic research and innovation.

🏅Awards: 

Frédéric Pignon’s research excellence has been recognized through leadership roles, panel appointments, and competitive research funding . He is a long-standing member of the ESRF Review Committee (Panel C08) (2014–present) and served on France’s ANR CES 09 panel (2018). He also contributed to institutional evaluation through HCERES Committee vague C (2016–2017). As Co-PI of Labex Tec 21 (2013–2021) and scientific coordinator for Carnot PolyNat Institute projects, he has driven interdisciplinary research strategies. Pignon holds two patents, including one on thixotropic hydrogels and another on an ultrasound-enhanced filtration device 🔬. He has secured significant funding from national and regional sources (ANR, SATT, Région Bretagne), supervising several Ph.D. and postdoctoral projects. His work is frequently cited and referenced in the scientific community, and he is a regular reviewer for top-tier journals and national research proposals, having completed 83 international journal reviews and 7 ANR project reviews.

🔬Research Focus:

Frédéric Pignon’s research bridges rheology, soft matter physics, and multiscale characterization. His expertise lies in understanding how anisotropic particles—like cellulose nanocrystals and clay platelets—organize under flow, pressure, or acoustic fields. By developing custom in situ setups integrating rheometers with SAXS, SANS, birefringence, and SALS, he studies how microstructure impacts mechanical properties during dynamic processing. His group investigates orientation, aggregation, concentration polarization, and gelation in suspensions, particularly during cross-flow filtration and ultrasound exposure. He also explores bio-based nanomaterials and the physical behavior of hydrogels, enabling applications in biotechnology and green materials. Collaborating with synchrotron and neutron facilities, he probes structures from nanometer to micrometer scales. Projects like ANR ANISOFILM and Memus (SATT Linksium) showcase his role in advancing filtration, structural control, and nanocomposite design. His research is highly interdisciplinary, combining physics, chemistry, and process engineering.

Publication Top Notes:

1. ​Multi-scale investigation of the effect of photocurable polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) on the self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)​

2. ​A self-cleaning biocatalytic membrane with adjusted polyphenol deposition for edible oil-water separation

3. ​A scalable and eco-friendly carbohydrate-based oleogelator for vitamin E controlled delivery​

4. ​Orthotropic organization of a cellulose nanocrystal suspension realized via the combined action of frontal ultrafiltration and ultrasound as revealed by in situ SAXS​

5. ​Viologen-based supramolecular crystal gels: gelation kinetics and sensitivity to temperature

6. ​Molecular mechanism of casein-chitosan fouling during microfiltration​

7. ​Multiscale investigation of viscoelastic properties of aqueous solutions of sodium alginate and evaluation of their biocompatibility

8. ​Self-supported MOF/cellulose-nanocrystals materials designed from ultrafiltration

9. ​Orientation of Cellulose Nanocrystals Controlled in Perpendicular Directions by Combined Shear Flow and Ultrasound Waves Studied by Small-Angle X-ray Scattering

10. ​Effect of Polymer Length on the Adsorption onto Aluminogermanate Imogolite Nanotubes

Citations: 3​

11. ​Breakdown and buildup mechanisms of cellulose nanocrystal suspensions under shear and upon relaxation probed by SAXS and SALS

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jian-Fei Sun | Pharmaceuticals Award | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr.Jian-Fei Sun | Pharmaceuticals Award | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jian-Fei Sun , Qingdao University of Technology, China

Associate Professor Jian-Fei Sun is a distinguished researcher at Qingdao University of Technology in the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering. With a solid academic background and expertise in chemical engineering, he focuses on innovative solutions for gas adsorption and green solvent applications. Dr. Sun has made significant contributions to the fields of nanomaterials synthesis, biomass conversion, and thermodynamics of supercritical fluids. His work is recognized for advancing the understanding of sustainable technologies. He is also an advisor to master’s students, fostering the next generation of engineers. In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Sun has actively collaborated on various research projects funded by prestigious organizations, showcasing his commitment to impactful research. He has authored numerous publications and patents, establishing himself as a key figure in his field.

Professional Profile:

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Associate Professor Jian-Fei Sun is an exemplary candidate for the “Best Researcher Awards,” given his extensive academic background, significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering, and a robust publication record. His research interests in green solvents, gas adsorption, and biomass conversion demonstrate a commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges through innovative solutions. With over 12 SCI publications as the first author and a combined impact factor close to 100, his work has garnered substantial recognition in prestigious journals. Moreover, he has successfully secured multiple research grants, indicating strong support and validation from academic and industry sectors. His involvement in developing advanced chemical engineering equipment further underscores his practical contributions to the field. Overall, Dr. Sun’s impactful research, along with his leadership in mentoring master’s students, exemplifies the qualities sought in award recipients.

🎓Education:

Jian-Fei Sun’s educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree from Shandong Normal University (2012-2016). He furthered his studies at Inner Mongolia University of Technology, where he earned a Master’s degree in 2019. Dr. Sun then pursued a Ph.D. at Dalian University of Technology from 2019 to 2023, focusing on advanced topics in chemical engineering. His academic excellence continued with a post-doctoral fellowship and visiting scholar position in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Qingdao University of Science and Technology, starting in 2024. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor at Qingdao University of Technology, where he is actively involved in mentoring master’s students and engaging in cutting-edge research. His strong educational foundation and ongoing commitment to learning and research underpin his contributions to the field of mechanical and automotive engineering, particularly in the development of sustainable chemical processes.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Jian-Fei Sun has accumulated extensive experience in both academia and research. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering at Qingdao University of Technology, where he has been instrumental in advising master’s students since January 2024. His previous roles include a post-doctoral and visiting scholar position in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Qingdao University of Science and Technology, contributing to his expertise in chemical engineering processes and green technologies. Dr. Sun’s research has garnered financial support from prominent institutions, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province. His dedication to innovation is evident through his involvement in various research projects focusing on sustainable solutions in chemical engineering, including the development of equipment for green solvent technologies. This combination of teaching and research roles showcases his commitment to advancing knowledge and practices in his field.

🏅Awards:

Dr. Jian-Fei Sun has received several awards and honors throughout his academic and research career, reflecting his contributions to the field of chemical engineering. Notably, he has secured multiple grants from the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, emphasizing his role in advancing scientific research. His research projects have been recognized for their significance in the field of green solvents and sustainable technologies. Additionally, his work has led to the publication of 12 SCI papers as the first author, showcasing his prolific output and impact in the scientific community. His innovative research on supercritical CO2 technology and the development of green chemical processes has been acknowledged by his peers, contributing to his growing reputation in the field. These accolades highlight Dr. Sun’s commitment to excellence in research and education, positioning him as a leading figure in the promotion of sustainable engineering practices.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Jian-Fei Sun’s research focuses on the intersection of chemical engineering and sustainable technologies. His primary interests include the gas adsorption laws of coal and the thermodynamic foundations and applications of green solvents, such as supercritical fluids, CO2-expanded liquids, and ionic liquids. He explores innovative processes and equipment related to green solvents and technologies, specifically in the synthesis of nanomaterials, catalytic conversion, and pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. Dr. Sun is particularly invested in the thermodynamics of supercritical micro-emulsions and the purification of low-concentration compounds. His work also involves the design and development of chemical engineering equipment, including submerged combustion vaporizers and supercritical cleaning systems. By integrating these elements, Dr. Sun aims to advance the understanding and application of green technologies in the chemical engineering sector, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly and efficient industrial processes.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Effect of Preparation Methods on Tosufloxacin Tosylate/Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex
  2. Numerical Simulation of Film Forming Characteristics and Mass Transfer Enhancement in Horizontal Polycondensation Kettle

 

 

 

Jian Gao | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jian Gao | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Tianjin University of Science and Technology, China

Jian Gao is a dedicated PhD candidate at Tianjin University of Science and Technology, specializing in electrochemical lithium extraction. With a strong background in materials and chemical engineering, Jian has demonstrated leadership through various roles in academic and student organizations. His research focuses on innovative methods for lithium recovery, contributing significantly to the field of sustainable energy materials.

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Jian’s research contributions have led to three published patents and several impactful publications in high-impact journals, highlighting his innovative work in lithium extraction technologies. Although his publications in indexed journals are currently in progress, his work is recognized in databases such as ScienceDirect.

Jian Gao is a researcher at Tianjin University of Science and Technology, focusing on electrochemical lithium extraction. His work has gained recognition, as evidenced by 12 citations across his published documents, contributing to an h-index of 2.

Education

Jian began his academic journey at Tangshan Normal University, where he earned a degree in Energy Chemical Engineering. He then pursued a Master of Engineering at Tianjin University of Science and Technology, where he honed his skills in materials science and chemical engineering. Currently, he is completing his PhD, focusing on electrochemical processes.

Research Focus

Jian’s research centers on electrochemical lithium extraction, particularly the development of advanced materials and techniques to improve the efficiency and sustainability of lithium recovery from brines. His work addresses critical challenges in energy materials and supports the growing demand for lithium in renewable energy technologies.

Professional Journey

Jian’s professional journey includes significant leadership roles, such as serving as the Head of the Laboratory of Materials and Chemical Engineering and contributing to the Graduate Student Union. His experiences have equipped him with a robust understanding of both academic and administrative aspects of research.

Honors & Awards

Throughout his academic career, Jian has been recognized for his contributions to research and leadership. He has received accolades for his innovative work in electrochemical processes and has been nominated for the Best Researcher Award, reflecting his commitment to excellence in research.

Publications Noted & Contributions

Jian has authored key research papers in prominent journals, including:

1. Structural Stabilization of Cr-doped Spinel LiMn2O4 for Long-Term Cyclability Towards Electrochemical Lithium Recovery in Original Brine

  • Authors: Tian, G., Gao, J., Wang, M., Zhang, J., Tang, N.
  • Journal: Electrochimica Acta
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 475
  • Article Number: 143361
  • Citations: 6

2. Sintering Analysis of Garnet-type Ceramic as Oxide Solid Electrolytes for Rapid Li+ Migration

  • Authors: Zhao, X., Gao, J., Khalid, B., Huang, Y., Tian, G.
  • Journal: Journal of the European Ceramic Society
  • Year: 2022
  • Volume: 42(15)
  • Pages: 7063–7071
  • Citations: 5

Research Timeline

Jian’s research timeline includes pivotal milestones such as completing his Master’s thesis in 2021, leading research projects on lithium extraction, and achieving notable results published in high-impact journals. His ongoing PhD research aims to further innovate in the field, with a focus on material optimization.

Conclusion

Jian Gao exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in the field of chemical engineering, particularly through his innovative work in electrochemical lithium extraction. His strong academic background, leadership experience, and commitment to sustainability make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, by addressing areas such as publication volume and collaborative initiatives, Jian can further enhance his impact and contributions to the scientific community. With a focus on these improvements, he is well-positioned to continue making significant advancements in sustainable energy materials.