Karin Larsson | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Karin Larsson | Materials Science |Best Researcher Award

Professor at  Uppsala University, Sweden .

Professor Karin Larsson is a Professor Emerita at the Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University. With a distinguished career in inorganic and materials chemistry, she has made profound contributions to theoretical surface studies and materials design. Holding a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Uppsala University (1988), she has supervised numerous Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering academic excellence across generations. Her research, rooted in both theoretical and applied chemistry, has positioned her as a leader in materials innovation. Professor Larsson’s dedication to teaching, curriculum development, and international collaboration underscores her holistic approach to science, making her a respected figure in the global scientific community.

🌍 Professional Profile:

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Scopus

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award

Professor Karin Larsson is an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her decades-long contribution to inorganic and materials chemistry. Her pioneering work in theoretical surface chemistry has opened new avenues in materials design, corrosion studies, and surface science. Beyond her research, she has shaped the future of chemistry through curriculum development and mentorship of numerous Ph.D. scholars. Her interdisciplinary approach and impactful publications underscore her standing as a thought leader. With global academic recognition, including visiting professorships and active supervision roles, she continues to elevate the standards of scientific inquiry. Her combination of innovation, leadership, and educational impact makes her a model recipient for this prestigious award.

🎓 Education 

Professor Karin Larsson’s academic journey began at Uppsala University, where she earned her M.Sc. in Chemistry/Mathematics in 1981. She proceeded to earn her Ph.Lic. in Inorganic Chemistry in 1986, followed by a Ph.D. in 1988 from the same institution. In 1997, she was awarded the qualifications required for appointment as a docent (Associate Professor) in Inorganic Chemistry. Her educational background is marked by a deep integration of chemical theory and mathematical principles, providing a strong foundation for her future research in materials and surface chemistry. Her lifelong association with Uppsala University highlights her academic consistency and excellence.

🏢 Work Experience 

Professor Larsson has had a long and distinguished academic career. Starting as a Ph.D. student at Uppsala University in 1981, she progressed through roles as researcher, junior lecturer, and senior lecturer. She was appointed as a full professor of inorganic chemistry in 2004 and served as Director for Undergraduate Studies in Materials Chemistry (2007–2011). She has held a visiting professorship at the University of Science and Technology Liaoning, China (2012), and has supervised numerous doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. Her professional path reflects her depth in theoretical surface chemistry, passion for academic leadership, and sustained commitment to scientific development.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Although specific awards are not listed, Professor Karin Larsson’s distinguished roles and international engagements point to high recognition in her field. Her appointment as a Professor Emerita, visiting professorship in China, and long-standing leadership in curriculum development at Uppsala University all underscore her career excellence. Her legacy is further marked by the successful supervision of over a dozen Ph.D. students and several postdoctoral researchers. The impact of her educational contributions and international collaborations stands as evidence of the esteem with which she is regarded in the global scientific community.

🔬 Research Focus 

Professor Larsson’s research focuses on theoretical surface chemistry, materials design, and inorganic surface studies. She applies quantum chemical methods and modeling to understand surface interactions and develop advanced materials with tailored properties. Her work encompasses corrosion science, catalytic surface reactions, and the molecular-level design of new functional materials. This foundational research supports a wide range of applications including sustainable materials development, semiconductor processing, and corrosion protection. By bridging theoretical chemistry with material innovation, her work enables the design of smarter, more durable, and application-specific materials, making substantial contributions to both academic theory and industrial applications.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

  • Mattsson, A., Leideborg, M., Larsson, K., Westin, G., & Österlund, L. (2006). Adsorption and Solar Light Decomposition of Acetone on Anatase TiO₂ and Niobium Doped TiO₂ Thin Films. The Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 110(3), 1210–1220.

  • Hultman, L., Bareño, J., Flink, A., Söderberg, H., Larsson, K., Petrova, V., Odén, M., … (2007). Interface structure in superhard TiN-SiN nanolaminates and nanocomposites: Film growth experiments and ab initio calculations. Physical Review B, 75(15), 155437.

  • Steinmüller-Nethl, D., Kloss, F.R., Najam-Ul-Haq, M., Rainer, M., Larsson, K., … (2006). Strong binding of bioactive BMP-2 to nanocrystalline diamond by physisorption. Biomaterials, 27(26), 4547–4556.

  • Kloss, F.R., Gassner, R., Preiner, J., Ebner, A., Larsson, K., Hächl, O., Tuli, T., … (2008). The role of oxygen termination of nanocrystalline diamond on immobilisation of BMP-2 and subsequent bone formation. Biomaterials, 29(16), 2433–2442.

  • Schneider, J.M., Larsson, K., Lu, J., Olsson, E., Hjörvarsson, B. (2002). Role of hydrogen for the elastic properties of alumina thin films. Applied Physics Letters, 80(7), 1144–1146.

  • Yakimova, R., Virojanadara, C., Gogova, D., Syväjärvi, M., Siche, D., Larsson, K., … (2010). Analysis of the formation conditions for large area epitaxial graphene on SiC substrates. Materials Science Forum, 645, 565–568.

  • Petrini, D., Larsson, K. (2007). A theoretical study of the energetic stability and geometry of hydrogen-and oxygen-terminated diamond (100) surfaces. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 111(2), 795–801.

  • Mårlid, B., Ottosson, M., Pettersson, U., Larsson, K., Carlsson, J.O. (2002). Atomic layer deposition of BN thin films. Thin Solid Films, 402(1-2), 167–171.

  • Ziming, Z., Larsson, F., Larsson, K. (2014). Effect of CVD diamond growth by doping with nitrogen. Theoretical Chemistry Accounts, 133(2), 1432.

  • Steenackers, M., Sharp, I.D., Larsson, K., Hutter, N.A., Stutzmann, M., Jordan, R. (2010). Structured polymer brushes on silicon carbide. Chemistry of Materials, 22(1), 272–278.

Daniel Macharia |Materials Science |Outstanding Contribution Award

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Dr. Daniel Macharia| Materials Science| Outstanding Contribution Award

 

Postdoctoral research scientist at Donghua university, China .

Dr. Daniel K. Macharia is a pioneering postdoctoral researcher at Donghua University, recognized for groundbreaking innovations in reversible, color-switching smart materials. His research bridges material science and functional nanotechnology, enabling real-world applications such as adaptive wearables, smart coatings, and redox-sensitive inks. He has led multiple high-impact projects, invented novel fiber and film systems, and published widely in top-tier journals. His leadership, creativity, and technical excellence have resulted in transformative advancements in semiconductor catalysis and stimuli-responsive materials, making him a standout candidate for the Outstanding Contribution Award.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Orcid 

Scopus

🏆 Suitability for the Outstanding Contribution Award

Dr. Daniel K. Macharia is a pioneering postdoctoral researcher at Donghua University, recognized for groundbreaking innovations in reversible, color-switching smart materials. His research bridges material science and functional nanotechnology, enabling real-world applications such as adaptive wearables, smart coatings, and redox-sensitive inks. He has led multiple high-impact projects, invented novel fiber and film systems, and published widely in top-tier journals. His leadership, creativity, and technical excellence have resulted in transformative advancements in semiconductor catalysis and stimuli-responsive materials, making him a standout candidate for the Outstanding Contribution Award.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Macharia earned his Doctor of Engineering in Materials Science from Donghua University (2016–2022), with top grades in both coursework and thesis. His Ph.D. focused on designing semiconductor nanomaterials with photocatalytic and photothermal properties for photoreversible color-switching. He also holds a Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering from Donghua University (2012–2015), where he researched photothermal nanoagents for cancer therapy. His foundational education includes a Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial and Textile Engineering from Moi University, Kenya (2006–2011), graduating with Second Class Upper Division honors. His undergraduate thesis explored electronic waste management in Kenya. Across all academic levels, Dr. Macharia consistently demonstrated academic excellence and a strong commitment to innovative research.

🏢 Work Experience 

Since 2022, Dr. Macharia has served as a postdoctoral fellow at Donghua University, leading a sub-group on color-switching materials. He has overseen postgraduate student projects and spearheaded innovations in dual-light responsive nanomaterials, redox-sensitive inks, and smart fibers. His contributions include inventing wet-spun color-switching fibers, developing multi-responsive films, and designing adaptive, chameleon-like materials using Prussian blue analogues. His work has led to first-author publications, national and international research grants, and multiple patents. He has presented his research at international conferences and co-authored over ten papers. With hands-on leadership and a knack for material innovation, Dr. Macharia has significantly advanced the field of smart materials and wearable technologies.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Dr. Macharia’s contributions to material science have earned him significant accolades. He received a prestigious National Science Foundation of China grant (Grant No. 52350410455) worth over USD 55,000 for his work on semiconductor-based nanomaterials with dual-light responses. Additionally, he secured an international cooperation grant, bringing total research funding to USD 100,000. He has published first-author and corresponding-author papers in top journals like Advanced Optical Materials and Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. His patented inventions and leadership in cutting-edge smart color-switching materials have been recognized both nationally and internationally. These honors reflect his innovative spirit, deep expertise, and contributions that bridge academia and practical industry applications.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Macharia’s research centers on stimuli-responsive smart materials, particularly reversible color-switching systems using semiconductor nanomaterials. His work integrates photocatalysis, photothermal effects, and redox chemistry to create advanced fibers, inks, films, and coatings. His key innovations include wet-spun, dual-light responsive fibers, multi-color switching inks, and thermochromic and hydrochromic dyes for adaptive applications. He explores the mechanisms behind nanomaterial-driven color transitions and light-induced molecular assembly, aiming to develop intelligent materials for next-generation textiles, displays, and environmental sensing. His interdisciplinary approach spans materials science, nanotechnology, and engineering—positioning him at the forefront of functional material innovation for smart wearables and beyond.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

  • Wen, Z., Yang, X., Macharia, D. K., Feng, Q., Lv, H., Wen, M., Yu, N., & Chen, Z. (2024). Photo-sensitive Bi-doped TiO₂ nanocrystals with reversible single and multi-mode color transformations for rewritable printing. Advanced Optical Materials, 2024, 2402793.

  • Macharia, D. K., Liu, M., Wen, Z., Feng, Q., Yang, X.*, & Chen, Z. (2024). On-demand green/red light-responsive self-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles for single/multi-color transitioning fabrics. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2024, 678, 534–544.

  • Liu, M., Liu, Z., Wen, Z., Yu, N., Macharia, D. K., Zhu, M., & Chen, Z. (2024). N-Doped Carbon-Quantum-Dot-Integrated Colorimetric System for Visible Photoprinting and Oxygen Sensing. Advanced Optical Materials, 2024, 12, 2302787.

  • Macharia, D. K., Sarker, S., Liu, M., Wen, Z., Yu, N., Zhu, M., & Chen, Z.* (2023). Constructing on-demand single/multi-color transitioning fabrics with photocatalysis/photothermal-armed deficient semiconductors. Nano Research, 2023, 17, 3633.

  • Macharia, D. K., Ahmed, S., Sarker, S., Zhu, Y., Geng, P., Yu, N., & Chen, Z.* (2022). Ag decorated CeO₂₋ₓ nanojunctions with plasmon-enhanced catalytic performance for mono/multi-color switching. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2022, 431, 133996.

  • Macharia, D. K., Sarker, S., Zhu, B., Zhang, Y., Liu, Z., Yu, N., & Chen, Z. (2021). Constructing On-demand Photoreversible Mono/Multi-color Switching Fabrics with Plasmonic In-doped ZnO Catalyzed Systems. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2021, 425, 130638.

  • Macharia, D. K., Ahmed, S., Zhu, B., Liu, Z., Wang, Z., Mwasiagi, J. I., Chen, Z., & Zhu, M. (2019). UV/NIR-Light Triggered Rapid and Reversible Color Switching for Rewritable Smart Fabrics. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2019, 11, 13370–13379.

Le-Xi Zhang | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le-Xi Zhang | Materials Science
| Best Researcher Award

University teacher at Tianjin University of Technology, China

Dr. Le-Xi Zhang is an esteemed scientist specializing in gas and humidity sensing materials, heterogeneous catalysts, and oxide nanostructures. Born on March 18, 1982, in China, he is currently an Associate Professor at Tianjin University of Technology. With a Ph.D. in Material Science from the Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has made significant contributions to nanomaterials and functional complexes, including MOFs. Dr. Zhang has successfully led multiple national and provincial research projects and has served as a reviewer for over 45 SCI journals. His work has been widely recognized in high-impact journals, and he holds memberships in esteemed scientific societies, including the Chinese Chemical Society.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Orcid

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Le-Xi Zhang’s distinguished contributions to materials science, particularly in gas sensing and oxide nanostructures, make him a strong candidate for prestigious awards. His pioneering research in perovskites and MOFs has advanced sensing technology and heterogeneous catalysis, impacting industrial and environmental applications. As the principal investigator for several high-profile national and provincial research projects, his leadership in academia is commendable. Additionally, his extensive publication record, with numerous first/corresponding author papers in high-impact journals, reflects his influence in the scientific community. His role as a reviewer for 45+ SCI journals and editorial board memberships further solidify his academic excellence. These achievements highlight his suitability for recognition in Best Researcher Award.
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🎓 Education 

Dr. Le-Xi Zhang pursued his undergraduate studies at Qufu Normal University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry (2001-2005). His passion for materials science led him to the Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he completed his Ph.D. in Material Science (2005-2012). During his doctoral studies, he gained expertise in nanomaterials, catalysis, and gas-sensing technologies. His research focused on advanced oxide nanostructures, functional materials, and their applications in sensing and energy storage. This strong academic foundation has enabled him to contribute significantly to scientific advancements in his field. His interdisciplinary education has played a crucial role in shaping his expertise and leadership in materials science research.

🏢 Work Experience 

Dr. Le-Xi Zhang has been a dedicated educator and researcher at Tianjin University of Technology since 2012. He started as a Lecturer (2012-2018) before being promoted to Associate Professor (2018-present). Over the years, he has supervised research projects focused on gas sensors, perovskite materials, and MOFs. His contributions extend beyond research, as he actively mentors students and collaborates with global research institutions. Additionally, he is a reviewer for over 45 SCI journals and serves on the editorial boards of Rare Metals and Tungsten. His professional affiliations, including membership in the Chinese Chemical Society, further reflect his active engagement in the scientific community. His experience underscores his expertise in materials science and academia.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Dr. Le-Xi Zhang has received multiple honors for his outstanding contributions to materials science. He was recognized as one of the Leading Innovative Talents under the “Longcheng Talent Plan” in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, for his work on high-strength ZnO-PSF composite nanofiltration membranes. He also secured funding through the prestigious Tianjin 131 Innovative Talent Training Project (Third Level), which supported his research on oxide hierarchical structures. His research projects have been funded by esteemed institutions, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Tianjin Natural Science Council. With a strong track record of impactful research, his numerous accolades highlight his excellence in material chemistry and sensor technology innovation.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Le-Xi Zhang’s research centers on gas and humidity sensing materials, heterogeneous catalysts, and oxide nanostructures, including perovskites. He also explores functional complexes such as MOFs, with applications in energy storage, catalysis, and environmental monitoring. His work emphasizes designing novel nanostructured materials with enhanced sensing performance, focusing on defect engineering and hierarchical structures. He has led multiple research projects, investigating carbon dot-doped metal oxides and ZnO@MOF photocatalysis. His innovative approaches to gas-sensing materials have led to advancements in sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. By integrating nanotechnology with material science, his research continues to contribute to the development of next-generation sensing devices for industrial and healthcare applications.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

  • Guo, C.-C., Wang, C.-J., Zhang, L.-X., Qiu, Q.-D., Zhu, M.-Y., Yin, J., & Bie, L.-J. (2024). Halide-dependent humidity sensing of Cs₂SnX₆ (X = Cl, Br, I) perovskites for real-time human physiological moisture detection. Journal of Materials Chemistry C.

  • Zhu, S.-G., Cui, Y., Zhang, L.-X., Shao, H., Yin, J., & Bie, L.-J. (2024). Cation-oxygen dual-defective ACu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (A = Sr, Ba) perovskites enable high-performance humidity sensors for human-body-related moisture monitoring. Ceramics International.

  • Huo, Z.-L., Qiao, J.-Y., Zhang, L.-X., Yue, Y.-W., Qiu, Q.-D., Hou, Z.-J., Yin, J., & Bie, L.-J. (2024). High-performance flexible humidity sensors based on MCl (M = Li, Na, K) doped PVP/PVDF self-supporting films for boosted real-time noncontact moisture monitoring. ACS Applied Polymer Materials.

  • Yin, Y.-Y., Zhang, L.-X., An, X.-Y., Wang, C.-J., Zhang, Q.-Q., & Bie, L.-J. (2023). Lead-free defective halide perovskites Cs₂SnX₆ (X = Cl, Br, I) for highly robust formaldehyde sensing at room temperature. Scripta Materialia. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2023.115541

  • Liu, Y.-F., Li, C.-T., Zhang, L.-X., Chong, M.-X., & Bie, L.-J. (2023). An all-inorganic lead-free halide perovskite Cs₂InCl₅(H₂O) with heterogeneous oxygen for noncontact finger humidity detection. Scripta Materialia. /j.scriptamat.2023.115338

  • Dong, H., Zhang, L.-X., Xu, H., Yin, Y.-Y., Zhao, X.-B., & Bie, L.-J. (2023). H-bonding interactions enable a 3D pillared cobalt(II) coordination polymer for touchless finger moisture detection. Tungsten.