Dr. Huihui Yu | Metal Materials | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Huihui Yu | Metal Materials | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Huihui Yu | Institute of Applied Physics, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences | China

Dr. Huihui Yu is a materials scientist whose research centers on the microstructure and property regulation of non-ferrous metals, with a particular emphasis on magnesium and copper alloys. Her studies focus on elucidating the mechanisms that govern the Hall-Petch relationship and understanding the effects of rare earth texture and alloying on grain refinement and strengthening behavior. She has significantly contributed to the theoretical and experimental understanding of twinning, slip systems, and deformation mechanisms in lightweight alloys. Her highly cited works in journals such as Acta Materialia, Journal of Materials Science & Technology, and Journal of Alloys and Compounds have advanced insights into texture-dependent mechanical properties. Dr. Yu’s research extends to developing high-strength, high-conductivity copper-based materials through thermomechanical processing and compositional design. She has been actively involved in several national and provincial scientific projects focusing on rare earth textured magnesium alloys and copper-iron materials. In addition to academic excellence, she has contributed to industrial research on advanced alloy manufacturing and process optimization. Her innovative work has resulted in multiple national patents related to copper alloy production, smelting, purification, and mechanical enhancement devices. Dr. Yu’s research integrates fundamental materials science with applied engineering, promoting the development of next-generation lightweight structural and functional materials. Her contributions have bridged the gap between theoretical modeling and industrial application. Through sustained research and innovation, she continues to advance the understanding of non-ferrous metal strengthening mechanisms. Dr. Yu’s work exemplifies scientific rigor and technological relevance, positioning her as a key contributor to the field of materials science.

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Featured Publications

Yu, H., Li, C., Xin, Y., Chapuis, A., Huang, X., & Liu, Q. (2017). The mechanism for the high dependence of the Hall–Petch slope for twinning/slip on texture in Mg alloys. Acta Materialia, 128, 313–326.

Yu, H., Xin, Y., Wang, M., & Liu, Q. (2018). Hall–Petch relationship in Mg alloys: A review. Journal of Materials Science & Technology, 34(2), 248–256. (ESI Highly Cited)

Yu, H., Li, Y., Wang, J., Guan, B., & Xu, J. (2025). Dilute rare earth element mediated Hall–Petch relation of Mg alloys. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 39, 5499–5507.

Wu, D., Guan, B., Hu, Q., Xu, J., Wang, J., Wu, L., Yu, H., Chen, W., Liu, W., Zou, J., Li, Y., & Huang, G. (2025). Effect of Mg contents on the precipitates and properties of Cu–Ni–Si–Co alloys after thermomechanical treatment. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 1044, 184437. (Co-corresponding author: H. Yu)

Yu, H., Hu, Q., Huang, Y., Zeng, Y., Jia, J., Hong, R., & Zhang, Y. (2024). Enhanced mechanical properties via the incorporation of Ti in Cu alloys. Archives of Metallurgy and Materials, 69(4), 1345–1352.

 

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

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.

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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.