Assist. Prof. Dr. Mustaqeem Khan | Artificial intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mustaqeem Khan | Artificial intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mustaqeem Khan | Assistant Professor | United Arab Emirates University | United Arab Emirates

Academic Background

Dr. Mustaqeem Khan is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Signal Processing. He earned his Doctorate in Software Convergence from Sejong University, South Korea, where his research focused on emotion recognition using deep learning. He also holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Islamia College Peshawar, Pakistan, where he was awarded a Gold Medal for academic excellence, and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Agriculture, Peshawar. Dr. Khan’s scholarly impact is reflected in his remarkable research record, with Scopus indexing 47 documents and over 2,412 citations, resulting in an h-index of 20. On Google Scholar, his work has gained over 2,934 citations, maintaining an h-index of 21 and an i10-index of 31, positioning him among the top two percentage scientists globally.

Research Focus

His research primarily explores Speech and Audio Signal Processing, Emotion Recognition, and Deep Learning. Dr. Khan’s studies integrate multi-modal data analysis through advanced architectures, such as CNNs and Transformers, for applications in speech emotion recognition, computer vision, and energy analytics.

Work Experience

Dr. Khan serves as an Assistant Professor at the United Arab Emirates University, contributing to teaching, research supervision, and curriculum development. Previously, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Lab Coordinator at the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, where he collaborated with the Technical Innovation Institute on drone detection systems and managed multidisciplinary AI research teams. Before that, he gained substantial academic and research experience as a Research Assistant at Sejong University and as a Lecturer at Islamia College Peshawar, mentoring students in core computer science and artificial intelligence subjects.

Key Contributions

Dr. Khan has developed several advanced deep learning models, including hybrid attention transformers, multimodal cross-attention networks, and ensemble architectures for audio-visual recognition tasks. His work has contributed to advancements in emotion recognition, drone-based surveillance, and smart city analytics. He has also participated in major funded projects supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea and the Technology Innovation Institute, UAE.

Awards & Recognition

He has been honored with multiple distinctions, including Best Paper Awards, an Outstanding Research Award during his Ph.D., and recognition as a Gold Medalist for academic performance. His inclusion among the Top 2% Scientists (2023–2024) underscores his exceptional research influence and scholarly excellence.

Professional Roles & Memberships

Dr. Khan is an editorial board member and associate editor for several international journals, including the Annals of Applied Sciences and the European Journal of Mathematical Analysis. He serves as a reviewer for over 35 prestigious journals such as IEEE Access, Applied Soft Computing, and Knowledge-Based Systems, actively contributing to academic quality and peer review.

Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Khan, M., Ahmad, J., El Saddik, A., & Gueaieb, W. (2025). Joint Multi-Scale Multimodal Transformer for Emotion Using Consumer Devices. IEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics.

Khan, M., Tran, P. N., Pham, N. T., & Othmani, A. (2025). MemoCMT: Multimodal Emotion Recognition Using Cross-Modal Transformer-Based Feature Fusion. Nature Scientific Reports.

Khan, M., Ahmad, J., El Saddik, A., & Gueaieb, W. (2024). Drone-HAT: Hybrid Attention Transformer for Complex Action Recognition in Drone Surveillance Videos. Proceedings of IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition.

Khan, M., Kwon, S. (2021). Optimal Feature Selection Based Speech Emotion Recognition Using Two-Stream Deep Convolutional Neural Network. International Journal of Intelligent Systems.

Khan, M., Kwon, S. (2021). Att-Net: Enhanced Emotion Recognition System Using Lightweight Self-Attention Module. Applied Soft Computing.

Impact Statement / Vision

Dr. Mustaqeem Khan envisions advancing AI systems capable of understanding human emotions and behaviors with precision and empathy. His goal is to integrate deep learning and multimodal intelligence into real-world applications that enhance human–machine interaction, healthcare, and smart technologies. His ongoing commitment to innovation continues to shape the future of intelligent computing and global research collaboration.

Prof. Elias Aifantis | Mechanics| Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Elias Aifantis | Mechanics | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Elias Aifantis | Emeritus Professor | Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece

Academic Background

Prof. Elias C. Aifantis is a distinguished scholar with an extensive academic journey spanning multiple continents and institutions. He holds long-standing associations with Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece, Michigan Technological University in the United States, and the Hellenic Mediterranean University in Rethymnon. His exceptional academic influence is evidenced by more than 15,618 citations on Scopus and over 25963 citations on Google Scholar. His h-index is 61 on Scopus and 75 on Google Scholar, highlighting the lasting significance of his scientific contributions across engineering, materials science, and applied mechanics. Over 371 publications are indexed in Scopus, demonstrating his remarkable consistency and leadership in advancing theoretical and applied research in continuum mechanics, nanomechanics, and gradient theories.

Research Focus

His research primarily centers on gradient elasticity, plasticity, and dislocation mechanics. He has pioneered the development of gradient theories to explain complex deformation processes in materials across nano, micro, and macro scales, bridging the gap between classical mechanics and emerging nanoscience.

Work Experience

Throughout his career, Prof. Aifantis has served in various teaching and research capacities across premier institutions in Greece, the United States, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. His experience encompasses decades of professorship and research leadership, fostering groundbreaking collaborations with global scientists in material deformation, dislocation dynamics, and gradient elasticity. His roles as an Emeritus Professor and Visiting Scholar in multiple universities reflect his enduring impact on scientific education and interdisciplinary innovation.

Key Contributions

Prof. Aifantis introduced the theory of gradient plasticity, which has become a foundational framework in the field of materials mechanics. His collaborations with prominent scientists, including Nobel Laureate Ilya Prigogine and Regents Professor James Serrin, led to the development of the Walgraef–Aifantis model for dislocation patterning and gradient interfaces. These contributions have profoundly influenced research in mechanical instabilities, nanocrystalline materials, and stochastic mechanics. His theoretical models have been integrated into contemporary studies addressing deformation, fracture, and size-dependent phenomena in materials.

Awards & Recognition

He has been internationally recognized for his pioneering research through numerous academic distinctions, invitations, and honorary positions. His contributions to the mechanics of materials have earned him global acclaim as one of the most cited and influential scientists in his field.

Professional Roles & Memberships

Prof. Aifantis is a member of several international scientific and engineering organizations. He has served on editorial boards of leading international journals and has edited or co-edited twelve books, special issues, and conference proceedings. His professional engagements underscore his dedication to advancing scientific discourse and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Aifantis, E. C. (1984). On the microstructural origin of certain inelastic models. International Journal of Engineering Science, 22, 961–1224.

Aifantis, E. C. (1992). On the role of gradients in the localization of deformation and fracture. International Journal of Engineering Science, 30(10), 1279–1299.

Aifantis, E. C. (1987). The physics of plastic deformation. International Journal of Plasticity, 3(3), 211–247.

Askes, H., & Aifantis, E. C. (2011). Gradient elasticity in statics and dynamics: An overview of formulations, length scale identification procedures, finite element implementations and new results. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 48(13), 1962–1990.

Triantafyllidis, N., & Aifantis, E. C. (1986). A gradient approach to localization of deformation. I. Hyperelastic materials. Journal of Elasticity, 16(3), 225–237.

Impact Statement / Vision

Prof. Elias Aifantis envisions a scientific future where continuum mechanics, materials science, and quantum-scale modeling converge to redefine engineering innovation. His lifelong pursuit of advancing gradient theories continues to inspire new generations of scientists to explore the interplay between structure, scale, and mechanical behavior for sustainable and transformative technological progress.

Prof. Hanna Michalak | Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hanna Michalak | Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hanna Michalak | Professor | Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology | Poland

Academic Background

Prof. Hanna Michalak is a professor at the Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology, where she serves as Chair of Structural Design, Civil Engineering, and Technical Infrastructure. Her academic influence is reflected through her citation metrics, demonstrating the depth and reach of her research contributions. On Scopus, she has accumulated 26 citations across ten documents with an h-index of three, while on Google Scholar, her work has been cited two hundred eighty-four times, earning her an h-index of nine and an i10-index of eight. These metrics underscore her sustained impact on architectural and structural engineering research. Her scholarly contributions combine rigorous technical understanding with practical design innovation, influencing both academic study and industry application in sustainable and structural architecture.

Research Focus

Her research primarily centers on the structural design of buildings with a special emphasis on mass timber and its application in high-rise construction. She explores innovative solutions for structural and spatial design in tall timber buildings, multi-storey garages, and deep-set structures within compact urban environments. Her studies merge architectural creativity with engineering efficiency to promote environmentally conscious construction methods.

Work Experience

Prof. Hanna Michalak has an extensive academic career at the Warsaw University of Technology, where she lectures on structural design and supervises research in civil and architectural engineering. Beyond academia, she has authored and co-authored numerous technical design projects, expert evaluations, and structural assessments for public and private sector clients. Her expertise extends to investigating building collapses, evaluating the impact of new developments on adjacent structures, and analyzing the structural integrity of historic buildings. Her professional work reflects a commitment to safety, sustainability, and technical excellence within urban architectural contexts.

Key Contributions

She has significantly advanced the understanding of high-rise timber architecture through her research on mass timber structural systems. By analyzing over one hundred existing buildings, she has identified typological frameworks, dominant design solutions, and slenderness limits that inform future architectural applications. Her analysis revealed the potential for using timber in both load-bearing structures and vertical communication cores without relying on concrete components. Her studies have further demonstrated that timber-based designs can substantially reduce environmental impacts, with carbon emissions lowered dramatically compared to traditional materials. Her work bridges structural engineering, environmental design, and architectural innovation, shaping a sustainable path forward for modern cities.

Awards & Recognition

Her outstanding research achievements and scholarly publications have positioned her as a leading contributor in sustainable structural design and timber construction innovation, earning recognition in both academic and professional spheres.

Professional Roles & Memberships

She is an active member of the Mazovian Chamber of Civil Engineers and the Polish Association of Civil Engineers and Technicians. Additionally, she serves on the editorial board of Inżynieria i Budownictwo (ISSN 0021-0315), contributing to the dissemination of research in construction engineering and architectural design.

Profile

Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Michalak, H. (2024). Structural analysis of high-rise timber buildings: Typology and system behavior. Applied Sciences, 15(18), 10296.

Michalak, H. (2023). Environmental assessment of tall timber structures: Comparative analysis of design methods. Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Construction Engineering, 12(4), 241–256.

Michalak, H. (2022). Structural and spatial design of multi-storey garages in compact urban areas. Architectural Engineering Review, 9(2), 115–128.

Michalak, H. (2021). Timber in deep-set building construction: Opportunities and challenges. Civil Engineering Research Letters, 8(3), 177–192.

Michalak, H. (2020). Design considerations for cable-supported building systems. Structural Design Perspectives, 6(1), 59–73.

Impact Statement / Vision

Prof. Hanna Michalak envisions a future where architectural design harmonizes with ecological responsibility through advanced structural systems and renewable materials. Her mission is to develop sustainable frameworks for urban environments that minimize environmental impact while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic value. Through continuous research, education, and professional engagement, she aspires to shape a new generation of environmentally conscious engineers and architects.

Ms. Karolina Michalak | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Karolina Michalak | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Karolina Michalak | Warsaw University of Technology | Poland

Academic Background

Ms. Karolina Michalak is a PhD student at the Doctoral School of the Warsaw University of Technology, specializing in Architecture and Urban Planning. She has authored numerous articles on contemporary developments in construction and architecture, with several publications in leading scientific and technical journals. Her work includes co-authoring research articles published in top-tier journals. Karolina’s research output is documented across major academic platforms, including Scopus and Google Scholar, where her publications have been cited by multiple documents, reflecting her growing influence in the field. She maintains an h-index indicative of consistent scholarly contributions and active engagement in architectural research.

Research Focus

Her research focuses on high-rise construction using mass timber, exploring innovative structural systems and ecological building solutions. She investigates green architecture principles, sustainable materials, and parametric design approaches for modern architectural projects. Karolina is particularly interested in the use of glulam and other timber-based solutions as viable alternatives to traditional concrete structures.

Work Experience

Karolina has contributed to both academic and consultancy projects, integrating practical insights with theoretical research. Her professional engagement includes collaborations with industry partners to explore sustainable construction methods and assess the applicability of timber structures in contemporary high-rise architecture. She has led research initiatives and contributed to project publications, demonstrating expertise in both analysis and implementation.

Key Contributions

Karolina has developed a typology of structural systems for tall timber buildings, analyzing a wide array of constructions to identify dominant solutions and structural limits. Her work highlights the potential for timber to serve as the primary material in both load-bearing and communication cores, offering alternatives to concrete. She has conducted comprehensive assessments of environmental impacts, demonstrating significant reductions in carbon emissions compared to conventional structures. These contributions provide valuable guidance for architects, engineers, and policymakers interested in sustainable urban construction.

Awards & Recognition

Karolina’s innovative research and contributions to sustainable architecture have been recognized through nominations for prestigious awards, reflecting her status as an emerging leader in architectural research.

Professional Roles & Memberships

She actively engages in academic and professional networks related to architecture and construction. Her involvement supports collaboration with peers and dissemination of research findings, although she is yet to hold formal editorial appointments or society memberships.

Profile

Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Michalak, K., & Michalak, H. Sustainable Mass Timber Structures—Selected Issues in the Structural Shaping of Tall Buildings. Applied Sciences,

Michalak, K., & Michalak, H. Selected Aspects of Sustainable Construction—Contemporary Opportunities for the Use of Timber in High and High-Rise Buildings. Energies.

Michalak, K., et al. Ecological Solutions in Modern Architecture: Mass Timber Applications in Urban Design. Journal of Architectural Research.

Michalak, K., et al. Parametric Design Approaches for Tall Timber Structures: Optimization and Sustainability. Structural Design Review.

Michalak, K., & Co-authors. Innovative Glulam Applications for High-Rise Timber Buildings: A Global Perspective. Journal of Green Architecture.

Impact Statement / Vision

Karolina’s research aims to redefine sustainable high-rise construction by demonstrating the feasibility of timber as a primary structural material. Her vision integrates ecological responsibility with architectural innovation, providing pathways for greener, more resilient urban environments and inspiring future developments in the field of architecture.

Mr. Maruf Farhan | Blockchain | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Maruf Farhan | Blockchain | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Maruf Farhan | Lecturer | University of Sussex International Study Centre | United Kingdom

Academic Background

Mr. Maruf Farhan holds a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Northumbria University, where he achieved distinction and conducted research on utilizing blockchain technology to detect counterfeit products. He also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from North South University, with a focus on Marketing and Management Information Systems. His academic foundation is further strengthened by multiple professional certifications, including CompTIA A+, Security+, CCNA, and specialized training in ethical hacking, cybersecurity, and blockchain applications. His research productivity is documented across Scopus with a number of documents cited multiple times, contributing to his growing h-index and recognition on Google Scholar. These metrics reflect his active engagement in research, demonstrating both quality and impact in the field.

Research Focus

Mr. Maruf Farhan’s research focuses on the intersection of cybersecurity, blockchain technology, and digital innovation. His work explores secure systems for supply chain management, healthcare, and IoT environments, with an emphasis on practical applications of blockchain for fraud detection, secure authorization, and smart contract implementations. He is also investigating AI-driven techniques to enhance security and efficiency in digital infrastructures.

Work Experience

Mr. Maruf has extensive teaching and professional experience across academic and industry settings. He currently serves as a tutor at the University of Sussex International Study Centre, delivering modules in computer science and cybersecurity, and as a visiting lecturer at Coventry University London, focusing on cybersecurity topics. He has also contributed as a cybersecurity educator at the Kingsley Institute of Management and as a guest lecturer at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. His earlier industry roles include IT instructor, IT support officer, and senior security support specialist, where he managed complex malware analysis, endpoint protection, and cybersecurity operations for high-profile clients.

Key Contributions

Mr. Maruf has significantly contributed to curriculum development, assessment design, and hands-on training in cybersecurity. He has led research initiatives, including the creation of a journal on cybersecurity in IoT and blockchain, and has developed impactful projects such as blockchain-based e-voting systems and counterfeit product detection frameworks. His innovative work bridges academic research with industry applications, ensuring relevance and real-world impact.

Awards & Recognition

Mr. Maruf has received multiple corporate awards for exceptional performance, including recognition as an unsung hero, top agent, and employee of the quarter in cybersecurity projects. He has also secured research grants for participation in international conferences, reflecting both academic and professional excellence.

Professional Roles & Memberships

He is an active professional member of ACM and IEEE, participating in international networks that advance research, standards, and education in cybersecurity and information technology.

Profile

Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Farhan, M., Sulaiman, R., & Nur, A. Blockchain technology to detect fake products. Digital Transformation for Improved Industry and Supply Chain Performance.

Farhan, M., Salih, A., & Butt, U. Enhancing Secure Access and Authorization in Healthcare IoT through an Innovative Framework: Integrating OAuth, DIDs, and VCs. Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Science.

Das, S. R., Salih, A., Sulaiman, R. B., & Farhan, M. Enhancing Lung Cancer Classification with MobileNetV3 and EfficientNetB7: A Transfer Learning Approach. International Conference on Computer and Applications.

Farhan, M., Sulaiman, R. B., & Nur, A. Blockchain: A secure solution for identifying counterfeits and improving supply chain reliability. International Conference on Advances in Computing, Communication.

Farhan, M., Nur, A. H., & Sulaiman, R. B. Blockchain-Based Railway Ticketing: Enhancing Security and Efficiency with QR Codes and Smart Contract. International Conference on Computing and Information Technology.

Impact Statement / Vision

Mr. Maruf Farhan aims to advance cybersecurity through innovative integration of blockchain and AI technologies, addressing critical challenges in digital security and supply chain integrity. His vision is to create secure, efficient, and reliable digital systems that empower industries, governments, and academic institutions while fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and practical innovation.

Dr. Jiachen Shen | Nanomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jiachen Shen | Nanomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jiachen Shen | Harbin Medical University | China

Academic Background

Dr. Jiachen Shen is a doctoral student at Harbin Medical University, specializing in nanomedicine. Their research portfolio includes multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, with significant contributions to the field of drug delivery systems. Dr. Shen’s work has been cited extensively, with 37 citations recorded across documents, demonstrating recognition and influence within the scientific community. Their research output is indexed in major databases including Scopus and Google Scholar, reflecting a growing h-index that underscores their consistent contribution to advancing biomedical nanotechnology.

Research Focus

Dr. Shen’s research primarily focuses on nanomedicine, specifically the development and optimization of mesoporous silica nanoparticles as carriers for therapeutic agents. Their work aims to enhance targeted drug delivery and improve efficacy in treating diseases associated with abnormal vascular growth. Through surface modification and pore size regulation of nanoparticles, Dr. Shen explores innovative strategies to overcome current limitations in anti-vascular therapies.

Work Experience

As a doctoral student, Dr. Shen has actively led laboratory experiments and coordinated research projects from conceptualization to publication. They have collaborated with the Faculty of Life Science and Medicine at Harbin Institute of Technology, fostering cross-institutional research efforts. This hands-on experience has strengthened their expertise in nanomaterials, experimental design, and scientific communication.

Key Contributions

Dr. Shen has been instrumental in designing and executing complex research experiments, particularly in the project focusing on mesoporous silica nanoparticles as functional carriers for anti-vascular migration therapies. They have organized research strategies, aligned experimental designs with study objectives, and created detailed visual representations of nanoparticle structures and mechanisms. These contributions have enabled clear communication of research findings and facilitated the successful publication of their work in respected journals.

Awards & Recognition

Dr. Shen’s work has earned them nomination for the Best Researcher Award, reflecting recognition of their innovative contributions and scientific impact within the field of nanomedicine.

Professional Roles & Memberships

Although Dr. Shen is at an early stage in their career, they have actively engaged in collaborative research efforts, contributing to team projects and supporting knowledge exchange across institutions. Their growing professional network highlights a commitment to scientific collaboration and knowledge dissemination.

Profile

Scopus

Featured Publications

Guo, R., Zhang, X., Song, Y., Shen, J., Li, K., Zheng, Y. Surface Modification and Pore Size Regulation of MSN as Functional Aflibercept Carrier for Anti-Vascular Migration. Materials.

Impact Statement / Vision

Dr. Shen envisions advancing nanomedicine by developing highly efficient drug delivery systems that improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with vascular-related diseases. Their work bridges fundamental research and clinical applications, aiming to create innovative solutions that address critical challenges in modern medicine and contribute to global healthcare advancement.

Swathi Merugu | Immunoinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Swathi Merugu | Immunoinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Swathi Merugu | Senior Research Scientist | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre | United States

Academic Background

Dr. Swathi Merugu holds a Ph.D. in Cancer Research from Newcastle University, U.K., focusing on clinical medicine and pediatric oncology. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Translational Cancer Research with a specialization in Precision Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her foundational training includes a Master’s in Pharmacy in Pharmacology and a Bachelor of Pharmacy, both from Kakatiya University, India. Throughout her academic journey, she has authored multiple scientific documents and accumulated significant citations reflecting her impactful research contributions. Her Scopus profile shows 88 citations across 56 documents with an h-index of 4, while Google Scholar lists 382 citations from 259 documents, highlighting an h-index of 10 and an i10-index of 10, underscoring her scholarly influence in the field.

Research Focus

Dr. Merugu’s research is centered on precision oncology and immunotherapy, with particular expertise in pediatric cancers and hematologic malignancies. Her work emphasizes the development of non-invasive biomarker assays and immune-monitoring strategies to enhance patient-centered clinical trials and optimize therapeutic interventions.

Work Experience

Dr. Merugu currently serves as a Senior Research Scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, leading projects in immune-monitoring assays and biomarker discovery, fostering collaboration between clinical researchers and laboratory scientists. Her postdoctoral work at the same institution advanced the understanding of epichaperome inhibition in acute myeloid leukemia, translating preclinical findings into clinical applications. She has also held a position as Assistant Professor at Kakatiya University, mentoring graduate students in oncology and pharmacology, and guiding early-stage research projects.

Key Contributions

Dr. Merugu has pioneered the development of flow cytometry-based assays to detect targetable cancer populations, significantly contributing to personalized medicine. She led groundbreaking studies utilizing circulating tumor cells as predictive biomarkers in neuroblastoma, influencing early-phase clinical trial protocols internationally. Her research in acute myeloid leukemia demonstrated the immunomodulatory effects of epichaperome inhibition, opening new avenues for targeted precision therapies.

Awards & Recognition

She has received recognition for her outstanding presentations and research achievements, including a prestigious oral presentation award at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a scholarship for her doctoral studies at Newcastle University.

Professional Roles & Memberships

Dr. Merugu is an accomplished research leader and mentor, known for her ability to manage cross-functional clinical research teams and coordinate complex trials. She collaborates with clinicians, regulatory bodies, and laboratory scientists to ensure high-quality translational research while fostering scientific mentorship and professional development for junior researchers.

Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar | Research Gate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Merugu, S., Chen, L., Gavens, E., Gabra, H., Brougham, M., Makin, G., Ng, A. Detection of circulating and disseminated neuroblastoma cells using the ImageStream flow cytometer for use as predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Clinical Cancer Research, 26, 122-134.

Merugu, S., Sharma, S., Kaner, J., Digwal, C., Sugita, M., Joshi, S., Taldone, T. Chemical probes and methods for single-cell detection and quantification of epichaperomes in hematologic malignancies. Methods in Enzymology, 639, 289-311.

Rodina, A., Xu, C., Digwal, C., Joshi, S., Seela, A., Bay, S., Merugu, S. Systems-level analyses of protein-protein interaction network dysfunctions via epichaperomics identify cancer-specific mechanisms of stress adaptation. Nature Communications, 14, 3742.

Sugita, M., Wilkes, D.C., Bareja, R., Eng, K.W., Nataraj, S., Jimenez-Flores, R.A., Merugu, S. Targeting the epichaperome as an effective precision medicine approach in a novel PML-SYK fusion acute myeloid leukemia. NPJ Precision Oncology, 5, 44.

Joshi, S., Gomes, E.D.G., Wang, T., Corben, A., Taldone, T., Gandu, S., Merugu, S. Pharmacologically controlling protein-protein interactions through epichaperomes for therapeutic vulnerability in cancer. Communications Biology, 4, 1333.

Impact Statement / Vision

Dr. Merugu envisions advancing precision oncology by integrating biomarker discovery and immune-monitoring innovations into clinical practice. She is committed to translating cutting-edge research into therapies that improve patient outcomes while mentoring the next generation of clinical scientists.

Liyun Ding | Condensed Matter Physics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Liyun Ding | Condensed Matter Physics | Best Researcher Award

Lanzhou University | China

Prof. Liyun Ding is a distinguished scholar in condensed matter physics and optical sensing technology, currently serving as a Professor and doctoral supervisor at the School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University. She received the Outstanding Young Scientist Fund of Hubei Province in 2021 and has made significant contributions to interdisciplinary research spanning materials science, microelectronics, and medicine. From 2015 to 2022, she worked as a researcher at Wuhan University of Technology before joining Lanzhou University in 2022, where she continues to lead pioneering studies in optical sensitive nanocomposite materials, optical fiber chemistry, and advanced biosensors. Her research focuses on high-performance optical sensing technology, biological and chemical recognition mechanisms, and the development of cost-effective and precise optical and biochemical sensors, with notable applications in cancer diagnosis and ion detection. She has successfully led multiple national and provincial research projects, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Science and Technology Program of Gansu Province. Prof. Ding has published more than 100 academic papers in prestigious journals such as Med, Biosensors & Bioelectronics, and Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, alongside securing ten authorized patents and three more under process. According to Web of Science, her publications have been cited over 1,928 times across 1,726 documents, and she holds an h-index of 24 with 133 indexed documents, reflecting her academic impact. She maintains strong collaborations with Lanzhou University’s affiliated hospitals to advance biomedical applications of optical biosensors and is a member of the Optical Testing Committee of the Chinese Optical Society.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Xiao, B., Gao, Z., Zhang, H., Zhang, J., Wang, S., Long, G., Wei, S., Huang, J., Yao, R., Jiang, X., Ma, F., … (2025). Synthesis, properties, and typical applications of MXene‐based heterostructure materials. Advanced Materials Interfaces. Wiley Online Library.

Gao, L., Xiao, B., Lin, Y., Fang, X., He, S., Bai, M., Zhang, L., Ma, Y., Mi, N., Fu, W., Huang, C., Tian, L., … (2025). Real-time diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma by combining digestive endoscopy and optic fiber biosensors based on bile clusterin. Med. Cell.com.

Ding, L., Gao, Z., Zhang, B., Xiao, B., Yang, L., Zhang, D., Chen, S., Gou, L., Che, T., Zheng, X. (2025). A new optical fiber sensor based on the CDs@ UiO66 complex fluorescence probe for nitric oxide detection. Nanoscale. RSC Publishing.

Wang, S., Cheng, K., Chen, S., Wei, S., Ding, L., Yang, L., Che, T., Wang, N. (2025). Early detection and screening of bladder cancer based on a novel optical fiber surface plasmon resonance sensor. IEEE Sensors Journal. IEEE.

Xu, C., Deng, Y., Man, J., Ding, L., Yang, L. (2025). dd-cfDNA interpretation: Same sample, different story? Transplantation. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Ning Li | Bio-Inspired Interface | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ning Li | Bio-Inspired Interface | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ning Li is an accomplished Associate Researcher at the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, with a strong background in bio-inspired materials and interfacial science. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Pharmacy from China Pharmaceutical University under the guidance of Professor Yu Wang, focusing on the pharmacological study of Tangshenfang for diabetes treatment. In 2018, she obtained her Ph.D. in Science from the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, supervised by Academician Lei Jiang, where her research centered on the design of bio-inspired wetting materials, bioanalysis, and electrostatic regulation of charged fluids. She then joined Beihang University as part of the “Excellence Hundred Talents” Postdoctoral Program, leading multiple projects funded by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation. From 2020 to 2023, she returned to the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, serving as Principal Investigator of a National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Youth Project and contributing to national-level key research projects, including the Ministry of Science and Technology’s “Transformational Technologies” initiative. Since 2023, Dr. Li has continued her innovative research at the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, focusing on bio-inspired intelligent interfacial materials, contact electrification at polymer liquid–solid interfaces, dynamic wetting of charged fluids, and electrostatic regulation. She has published over 20 SCI papers in leading journals such as Advanced Materials, ACS Nano, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and Small Methods, and holds one granted invention patent with two additional applications. Recognized for her contributions, she received the Third Prize at the 2019 International Bionic Innovation Competition and currently serves as a Guest Editor for Applied Sciences. Her pioneering research continues to bridge materials science and bio-inspired engineering, advancing fundamental understanding and practical applications in intelligent interfacial systems.

Profile : ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publication

  • Li, N., Yang, P., Bai, Z., Shen, T., Liu, Z., Qin, S., Hu, J., Yu, C., Dong, Z., & Chen, X. (2025). Bioinspired electrostatic capture-and-release system for precise microdroplet manipulation. Advanced Materials, 37(9), 2418711.

  • Bai, Z., Li, N., Fan, Y., Wang, Y., Bai, L., Jiang, L., & Dong, Z. (2025). Driving pesticide application efficiency through nanoscale interfacial control. ACS Nano, 19(29), 26261.

  • Zifei, Li, N., & Chen, X. (2025). Exploring triboelectric polymers: Strategies for performance optimization and long-term stability. Small Methods.

  • Shen, T., Li, N., Liu, S., Yu, C., Zhang, C., Yang, K., Li, X., Fang, R., Jiang, L., & Dong, Z. (2024). Fast prototype and rapid construction of three-dimensional and multi-scaled pitcher for controlled drainage by systematic biomimicry. International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, 6(3), 035502.

  • Li, N., Xu, Z., Zheng, S., Dai, H., Wang, L., Tian, Y., Dong, Z., & Jiang, L. (2021). Superamphiphilic TiO2 composite surface for protein antifouling. Advanced Materials, 33(25), 2003559.