Assist. Prof. Dr. Lilan Zhang | Molecular Physics | Best Researcher Award 

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Lilan Zhang | Molecular Physics | Best Researcher Award 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Lilan Zhang | Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sanya Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences | China

Dr. Zhang Lilan is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences. Her research primarily focuses on animal genetics, breeding, and the molecular mechanisms regulating adipose tissue development, fat deposition, and thermogenesis in pigs. She has made notable contributions to understanding the function of beige adipocytes and the genetic regulation of lipid metabolism. Dr. Zhang utilizes molecular biology, bioinformatics, and gene-editing approaches to uncover key regulators of adipogenesis and energy metabolism. Her work explores the adipose-liver-gut axis and its role in fat deposition and metabolic regulation. She has published extensively in high-impact journals including Cells, Protein & Cell, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and Animal Feed Science and Technology. Dr. Zhang has also co-invented several patents related to regulating lipid metabolism, cold resistance, and ferroptosis in livestock. Her research has advanced insights into gene–environment interactions in animal physiology. She has been recognized with national awards for outstanding research presentations and contributions to animal genetics. Dr. Zhang has successfully led competitive research projects funded by the NSFC and other national programs. Her studies provide a strong foundation for improving meat quality and animal welfare. She is committed to translating molecular discoveries into practical applications in livestock breeding. Her interdisciplinary approach combines genetics, nutrition, and biotechnology. Dr. Zhang’s work strengthens the understanding of molecular regulators of fat deposition in pigs. She continues to contribute to innovations in animal biotechnology. Her research impact is recognized nationally and internationally in the field of animal science.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Zhang, L., Hu, S., Cao, C., Chen, C., Liu, J., Wang, Y., Liu, J., Zhao, J., Tao, C., & Wang, Y. (2022). Functional and genetic characterization of porcine beige adipocytes. Cells, 11(751), 1–15.

Liu, J., Jiang, Y., Chen, C., Zhang, L., Wang, J., Yang, C., Wu, T., Yang, S., Tao, C., & Wang, Y. (2024). Bone morphogenetic protein 2 enhances porcine beige adipogenesis via AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(7), 3915.

Pan, J., Chui, L., Liu, T., Zheng, Q., Liu, X., Liu, L., Zhao, Y., Zhang, L., Song, M., Han, J., Huang, J., Tang, C., Tao, C., Zhao, J., & Wang, Y. (2023). Fecal microbiota was reshaped in ucp1 knock-in pigs via the adipose-liver-gut axis and contributed to less fat deposition. Microbiology Spectrum, 11(1), e03540-22.

Zhong, R., Gao, L., Zhang, L., Huang, Q., Chen, L., & Zhang, H. (2021). Effects of optimal carbohydrases cocktails screened using an in vitro method on nutrient and energy digestibility of different fiber source diets fed to growing pigs. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 271, 114728.

Liang, X., Tao, C., Pan, J., Zhang, L., Liu, L., Zhao, Y., Fan, Y., Cao, C., Liu, J., Zhang, J., Lam, S. M., Shui, G., Jin, W., Li, W., Zhao, J., Li, L., & Wang, Y. (2020). Rnf20 deficiency in adipocyte impairs adipose tissue development and thermogenesis. Protein & Cell, 12(6), 475–492.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jonas Duarte | Carbon Allotropes | Outstanding Contribution Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jonas Duarte | Carbon Allotropes | Outstanding Contribution Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jonas Duarte | Federal University of Western Pará | Brazil

Professor Jonas Marinho Duarte is a leading researcher in nanotechnology, with a primary focus on the detection of Majorana fermions and electronic transport phenomena in nanodevices based on the Kitaev chain. His work extensively employs Green’s function methods to model and analyze quantum transport in low-dimensional systems. He also utilizes ab initio calculations to simulate the electronic properties of graphene-like 2D materials, providing insights into charge transport behavior in molecular nanoelectronics. His research spans both one-dimensional and two-dimensional carbon allotropes, exploring their computationally predicted electronic transport properties. He has contributed to the development of nanodevices for potential applications in telecommunications and molecular electronics. Professor Duarte’s publications appear in reputable journals such as Computational Condensed Matter, PHYSICA E, and Optical and Quantum Electronics. His studies combine theoretical modeling with computational simulations to advance understanding of quantum transport mechanisms. He actively collaborates with institutions such as the Federal University of Pará, fostering interdisciplinary research. His contributions have potential implications for future quantum computing and nanoelectronic devices. By integrating concepts from physics, electrical engineering, and materials science, his work bridges fundamental theory and practical applications. Professor Duarte is also engaged in exploring 1D and 2D carbon-based nanomaterials for enhanced electronic functionality. His research provides valuable insights into the design and optimization of nanoscale electronic systems. Through his studies, he continues to push the boundaries of molecular and low-dimensional electronics. His work not only deepens theoretical understanding but also informs experimental approaches in nanodevice fabrication. He is recognized for his innovative applications of computational methods to complex quantum systems, establishing him as a prominent figure in the field of nanotechnology.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Cardoso, D. H., Miranda, I. R. S., Mota, E. A. V., Duarte, J. M., dos Santos da Silva, S. J., da Silva, C. A. B., & Del Nero, J. (2025). Numerical implementation of phagraphene as patch resonator for a microstrip antenna. Optical and Quantum Electronics.

Quaresma, L. C., Ferreira, D. F. S., Duarte, J. M., Moreira, M. M., da Silva, C. A. B., Jr., & Del Nero, J. (2025, December). Eigenchannel visualization and transition-voltage spectroscopy in two-dimensional C-57 allotrope. Computational Condensed Matter.

Quaresma, L. C., Duarte, J. M., Ferreira, D. F. S., da Silva, C. A. B., Jr., & Del Nero, J. (2025, October). Electronic transport modulation in C-57: A path toward carbon-based logic and switching devices. Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures.

Duarte, J. M., Santos, J. C. S., Ferreira, D. F. S., Paula, M. V. S., Mota, E. A. V., Silva, C. A. B., & Del Nero, J. (2025, March). Systematic investigation of a metallic quadrilateral nanoribbon graphene allotrope for application in nanoelectronics. Computational Condensed Matter.

Duarte, J. M. (2024, November 1). Metodologias ativas e educação ambiental: uma revisão integrativa sobre abordagens inovadoras para o ensino de energia solar. Ensino e Tecnologia em Revista.

Dr. Chris Jeynes | Irreversible Thermodynamics | Best Researcher Award 

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Dr. Chris Jeynes | Irreversible Thermodynamics | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Chris Jeynes | Independent scholar, Tredegar, Wales | United Kingdom

Professor Christopher Jeynes is an internationally respected physicist known for his pioneering work in ion beam analysis (IBA), thin film characterisation, and precision materials metrology. Based for most of his career at the University of Surrey’s Ion Beam Centre, he played a leading role in developing IBA into a world-class analytical technique for quantitative materials characterisation. He co-developed the IBA DataFurnace, a globally recognised analytical code, and was the first to demonstrate one-percent absolute accuracy in Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, establishing it as a primary reference method for determining material composition. His work led to the first ISO 17025 accreditation of an IBA laboratory as a calibration facility. Professor Jeynes has contributed extensively to international scientific standards and data quality through collaborations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM). He has published more than 300 papers and several influential book chapters shaping the field of ion beam techniques. His research emphasises self-consistent data fitting to minimise systematic uncertainty and improve analytical reliability. Beyond IBA, he has been instrumental in developing the emerging discipline of Quantitative Geometrical Thermodynamics with Dr. Mike Parker, linking geometry and thermodynamics to new theoretical insights. His contributions have had lasting impact on materials science, analytical accuracy, and interdisciplinary physical theory.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Jeynes, C., & Parker, M. C. (2023, February 23). Relating a system’s Hamiltonian to its entropy production using a complex-time approach [Preprint]. Preprints.

Jeynes, C. (2023). How “Berry phase” analysis of non-adiabatic non-Hermitian systems reflects their geometry. Entropy, 25(2), 390.

Jeynes, C. (2023). Thermodynamics: The new theory of everything? Open Access Government.

Jeynes, C., Parker, M. C., & Barker, M. (2023). The poetics of physics. Philosophies, 8(1), 3.

Evaristo, M., Fernandes, F., Jeynes, C., & Cavaleiro, A. (2023). The influence of H content on the properties of a-C(W):H coatings. Coatings, 13(1), 92.

Velazquez, L., Parker, M. C., & Jeynes, C. (2022, July 6). The geometry of thermodynamics III [Preprint]. Preprints.

Parker, M. C., & Jeynes, C. (2021). A relativistic entropic Hamiltonian–Lagrangian approach to the entropy production of spiral galaxies in hyperbolic spacetime. Universe, 7(9), 325.

Parker, M. C., & Jeynes, C. (2021, April 2). The entropy production of galaxies [Preprint]. Preprints.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blagoy Blagoev | Solid-State Physics | Best Innovation Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blagoy Blagoev | Solid-State Physics | Best Innovation Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blagoy Blagoev | Solid-State Physics | Best Innovation Award

Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Blagoy Spasov Blagoev’s academic journey reflects a deep-rooted dedication to physics and materials science. He began his studies at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, where he obtained his Master’s degree in Physics in 2000. His early academic interests were strongly inclined toward solid-state physics, thin films, and superconductivity. Motivated by a desire to advance the understanding of nanostructured materials, he pursued a Ph.D. in Physics at the Institute of Electronics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IE–BAS).

His doctoral thesis, titled “Magnetron Sputtering and Characterization of Nanolayers and Heterostructures from HTS YBCO and Sr/Ca-Doped Lanthanum Manganites” (2009), laid the groundwork for his lifelong research on superconductors, magnetic materials, and thin-film technologies. This period marked the development of his expertise in advanced thin-film fabrication methods such as magnetron sputtering and atomic layer deposition (ALD)—techniques that continue to define his scientific contributions today.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP), Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), Dr. Blagoev is part of the Department of Functional Materials and Nanostructures, specifically in the Laboratory of Physics of Materials and Low Temperatures. Over the past years, he has established himself as a key figure in the field of nanotechnology and thin-film materials.

His professional work centers on experimental physics, involving thermal and plasma ALD, magnetron sputtering, and electrospinning. He is recognized for his detailed studies on nanolayers, nanotubes, nanoparticles, and nanostructures, particularly their electrical, magnetic, and sensory properties. Beyond his primary research area, Dr. Blagoev actively explores micro- and nanoelectronic devices, spintronics, and superconductivity, combining theoretical insight with experimental innovation.

He has also been deeply involved in international collaborations with renowned institutions such as the Institute of Electrical Engineering (Slovakia), Polish Academy of Sciences (Warsaw and Wroclaw), and the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (China). These collaborations have strengthened his multidisciplinary research profile and facilitated knowledge exchange in advanced materials science.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Blagoev’s research portfolio demonstrates a commitment to innovation in nanomaterials and thin-film technologies. His work encompasses the fabrication, characterization, and functionalization of nanostructured materials for applications in sensors, electronics, and spintronic devices.

He has authored over 75 scientific publications, with 71 in impact factor journals and more than 370 citations, highlighting the global relevance of his contributions. His most recent research investigates transition-metal-doped ZnO thin films, exploring their magneto-optical, dielectric, and multifunctional properties. His landmark publication “A Novel Approach to Obtaining Metal Oxide HAR Nanostructures by Electrospinning and ALD” (Materials, 2023) showcases an innovative route to produce high-aspect-ratio nanostructures—earning him first place for the Most Significant Scientific and Applied Achievement (2023) at ISSP-BAS.

Dr. Blagoev has played a central role in several national and international projects funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund (BNSF), focusing on multifunctional oxide materials, dielectric structures for non-volatile memories, and the crystallization of graphene and carbon nanotubes. His ongoing project (2024–present), “Preparation of 3D Porous Nanostructures by Electrospinning and ALD and Investigation of Their Gas-Sensing Properties”, reflects his commitment to advancing sensor technologies and sustainable material solutions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Blagoev’s excellence in scientific research has been widely recognized. He received the “Academic Emil Djakov” Award (2008) from IE–BAS for his pioneering work on thin-layer heterostructures combining ferromagnetic manganites and high-temperature superconductors, a study that deepened understanding of microwave processes and domain structures in advanced materials.

In 2023, he achieved 1st place for the most significant scientific and applied achievement at the Institute of Solid State Physics for his innovative approach to obtaining metal oxide HAR nanostructures. His active memberships in scientific societies and collaborations across Europe and Asia further underscore his standing as a leading materials physicist in Bulgaria and beyond.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his interdisciplinary research, Dr. Blagoev has significantly advanced the frontiers of nanomaterials science. His work on ALD and electrospinning techniques has provided new pathways for developing high-performance thin films with tunable electrical and magnetic properties. These findings have broad implications for energy devices, sensors, and nanoelectronics, directly influencing ongoing developments in functional materials and applied nanotechnology.

Moreover, his mentorship and collaborative projects have inspired a new generation of physicists, fostering innovation and experimental rigor in the Bulgarian scientific community. His consistent publication record and leadership in funded research projects highlight his enduring influence in European materials science research networks.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blagoy Blagoev’s scientific legacy lies in his pioneering research on functional nanomaterials and his role in integrating advanced deposition techniques into practical applications. Moving forward, his research continues to focus on developing nanoscale systems for next-generation sensors and multifunctional devices, aiming to bridge the gap between fundamental physics and technological application.

His ongoing efforts in 3D nanostructure fabrication and multiferroic materials are expected to yield breakthroughs in smart materials and sustainable nanotechnologies. With a strong foundation in experimental physics and a visionary approach to materials research, Dr. Blagoev stands as a prominent figure contributing to the evolution of modern nanoscience and applied physics.

✍️ Notable Publication

1. A. Paskaleva, D. Spassov, B. Blagoev, P. Terziyska
“Peculiarities of Electric and Dielectric Behavior of Ni- or Fe-Doped ZnO Thin Films Deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition”
Materials, 17(14), 3546, 2024.

2. B. Blagoev, B. Georgieva, K. Starbova, N. Starbov, I. Avramova, K. Buchkov, P. Tzvetkov, R. Stoykov, P. Terziyska, D. Delibaltov, V. Mehandzhiev, A. Paskaleva
“A Novel Approach to Obtaining Metal Oxide HAR Nanostructures by Electrospinning and ALD”
Materials, 16(23), 7489, 2023.

3. A. Galluzzi, K. Buchkov, B. Blagoev, A. Paskaleva, I. Avramova, V. Mehandzhiev, P. Tzvetkov, P. Terziyska, D. Kovacheva, M. Polichetti
“Strong Magneto-Optical Kerr Effects in Ni-Doped ZnO Nanolaminate Structures Obtained by Atomic Layer Deposition”
Materials, 16(19), 6547, 2023.

4. A. Paskaleva, K. Buchkov, A. Galluzzi, D. Spassov, B. Blagoev, Tz. Ivanov, V. Mehandzhiev, I. Avramova, P. Terziyska, D. Kovacheva, M. Polichetti
“Magneto-Optical and Multiferroic Properties of Transition-Metal (Fe, Co, or Ni)-Doped ZnO Layers Deposited by ALD”
ACS Omega, 7(47), 43306–43315, 2022.

5. A. Paskaleva, B. S. Blagoev, P. T. Terziyska, V. Mehandzhiev, P. Tzvetkov, D. Kovacheva, I. Avramova, D. Spassov, T. Ivanova, K. Gesheva
“Structural, Morphological and Optical Properties of Atomic Layer Deposited Transition Metal (Co, Ni or Fe)-Doped ZnO Layers”
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 32, 7162–7175, 2021.