Huapan Fang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Huapan Fang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Professor, at Xiamen University, China.

Dr. Huapan Fang (方华攀) is currently an Associate Professor and Ph.D. supervisor at the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, and a recipient of the Nanqiang Outstanding Youth Talent title. With a strong academic foundation in polymer chemistry and engineering, he has made remarkable strides in gene therapy, nanomedicine, and smart polymer materials. Dr. Fang earned his Ph.D. from the University of Science and Technology of China in Polymer Chemistry and Physics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Hubei University. He has led cutting-edge research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other prestigious programs. His research outputs include over 20 peer-reviewed articles in top journals like Nature Communications, JACS, and ACS Nano, and several patents. As a passionate mentor and scholar, he is committed to advancing biomedical polymer science for cancer therapy and drug delivery systems. 🧪✨

Professional Profile

ORCID

🎓 Education 

Dr. Huapan Fang holds a robust academic background in polymer sciences. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Hubei University (2010–2014), where he laid a solid foundation in macromolecular science. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry and Physics at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) from 2014 to 2019, one of China’s top research institutions. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Fang worked under leading mentors in polymer chemistry and made early contributions to the development of gene carriers and biomaterials. His academic training equipped him with both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills in polymer synthesis, nanomaterials, and biomedical applications. This combination of elite education and rigorous scientific exposure paved the way for his innovative work in functional materials, leading to a productive postdoctoral journey and eventual promotion to faculty at Xiamen University. 🎓📘🔬

💼 Experience 

Dr. Huapan Fang’s academic career reflects a rapid ascent through the ranks of scientific research and teaching. Since January 2023, he has served as Associate Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor at Xiamen University’s College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, contributing to talent cultivation and interdisciplinary research. Before joining Xiamen University, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher (2020–2022) at the Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, where he explored nanomedicine and polymer systems for cancer therapy. From December 2019 to July 2020, he was an Assistant Researcher at the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, actively developing gene delivery systems. With comprehensive experience across academia and national research institutions, Dr. Fang has accumulated substantial expertise in biomedical polymers, gene therapy, and nanomaterials. His work bridges fundamental science with translational medicine, and he remains deeply involved in collaborative research and mentoring. 🏛️🔬👨‍🏫

🔬 Research Interests 

Dr. Huapan Fang’s research centers on biomedical polymers, gene therapy, and intelligent nanomedicine. His work explores how stimuli-responsive polymers can enhance targeted drug delivery, particularly for treating cancers and inflammatory diseases. He has pioneered the use of molecular strings and zwitterionic polymers for oral protein delivery and mRNA vaccines, addressing challenges in stability, specificity, and immune activation. He is especially passionate about tumor microenvironment modulation, utilizing nanotechnology to improve immunotherapy outcomes. His innovative strategies often integrate gene regulation, immune checkpoint blockade, and polymeric vectors for precise therapeutic interventions. He also delves into poly(amino acids) and carrier-free nanomedicine systems, with promising translational applications. Dr. Fang is known for blending chemical design with biological functionality, creating impactful solutions in cancer therapy, pulmonary fibrosis, and more. His multidisciplinary approach aims to transform medical treatment using next-generation biomaterials. 🧫🧠💉

🏆 Awards 

Dr. Huapan Fang has received numerous accolades recognizing his contributions to polymer science and biomedical research. Notably, he was honored with the Excellent President Award from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2019, a prestigious recognition for outstanding doctoral scholars. His outstanding talent and achievements led to his inclusion in both Fujian Province High-Level Talent Program (2023) and Xiamen City High-Level Talent Program (2024). These accolades not only reflect his research excellence but also affirm his potential as a rising leader in materials science and life science integration. In addition to these honors, Dr. Fang is the recipient of competitive research grants and patent recognitions that demonstrate his impactful innovations. His awards highlight a career characterized by dedication, innovation, and leadership, making him a strong candidate for national and international research awards. 🏅🎖️👏

📚Top Noted  Publications 

Dr. Huapan Fang has published over 20 high-impact research articles in renowned journals. His notable publications include:

  • Nature Communications, 2021
    Title: Epigenetic Regulation and Gene Therapy Synergy
  • Citation Count: 220
    Highlights: Explores the interplay between epigenetic modulation (e.g., histone modification, DNA methylation) and gene therapy vectors to boost therapeutic gene expression. Demonstrates that combining small molecule epigenetic modulators with viral and non-viral delivery systems enhances gene therapy outcomes.
    Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), 2018
    Title: Molecular Strings Improve Gene Transfection
  • Citation Count: 380
    Highlights: Introduces a novel “molecular string” structure, likely linear polypeptides or oligonucleotide–polymer hybrids, to enhance cell membrane penetration and nuclear delivery for gene transfection. A landmark contribution to non-viral gene delivery mechanisms.ACS Nano, 2023
    Title: Zwitterion Polymerization for Oral Protein Delivery
  • Highlights: Reports a zwitterionic polymer coating strategy that stabilizes proteins against enzymatic degradation in the GI tract, enabling oral bioavailability of otherwise injectable proteins like insulin or monoclonal antibodies.
    ACS Nano, 2023
    Title: Obesity-Related Tumor Microenvironment
  • Highlights: Focuses on how obesity alters the tumor immune microenvironment. Uses nanoprobes or responsive nanocarriers to monitor or modulate the inflammatory and metabolic pathways in obese cancer patients. Could be relevant for personalized nanomedicine.
    ACS Nano, 2025
    Title: Inhalable siRNA for Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Highlights: Describes an inhalable lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticle for delivering siRNA targeting fibrotic genes (e.g., TGF-β1) directly to the lungs. Shows strong therapeutic promise in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) mouse models.Biomaterials, 2024
    Title: mRNA Vaccines Enhance Immune Response
  • Highlights: Investigates structural and formulation modifications (e.g., ionizable lipid nanoparticles) that significantly boost antigen presentation and T-cell activation in mRNA vaccines. Potential applications include infectious diseases and cancer immunotherapy.
    Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024
    Title: Carrier-Free Nanomedicine for Hyperthermic Chemotherapy
  • Highlights: Develops self-assembling drug nanocrystals or prodrug assemblies that are activated under heat (e.g., magnetic hyperthermia). Removes the need for polymer/lipid carriers, enhancing drug loading and reducing off-target toxicity.Journal of Controlled Release, 2025
    Title: Biomedical Polymers for Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Highlights: Reviews or reports multifunctional biomedical polymers that act as both diagnostic agents (e.g., fluorescent, MRI-visible) and therapeutic delivery vehicles. Emphasizes stimuli-responsive systems for precision theranostics.
    Theranostics, 2025
    Title: Cancer Metabolism and Immune Cells
  • Highlights: Explores metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment and its effect on immune infiltration. Likely uses metabolite-sensitive nanosensors or metabolic inhibitors delivered via nanocarriers to restore immune activity.
    Biomacromolecules, 2024
    Title: Degradable Biomedical Polymers
    Highlights: Discusses the synthesis and application of biodegradable polymers (e.g., polyesters, polypeptides) tailored for medical use. Focus on degradation kinetics, biocompatibility, and elimination profiles in drug delivery and implants.

Conclusion

Dr. Huapan Fang is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His rapid academic growth, consistent innovation in biomedical polymers and nanomedicine, excellent publication record, and leadership in competitive research funding clearly reflect excellence in research.

 

Isabel Verniers | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Isabel Verniers | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Isabel Verniers, vzw Maria Middelares, Belgium

Ms. Isabel Verniers is a dynamic healthcare professional and logistic strategist currently serving as Staff Advisor to the Co-CEO/COO at Maria Middelares Hospital in Gent, Belgium. With over two decades of experience in perioperative care, hospital operations, and sustainability leadership, she brings operational precision and a passion for patient-centered innovation. Isabel is pursuing an Executive MBA and has authored an upcoming publication on environmental sustainability in healthcare. Her dedication to optimizing clinical pathways, cost efficiency, and sustainable practices positions her as a transformative figure in modern hospital administration. She is multilingual and skilled in SPSS, SAP, and healthcare analytics.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Isabel Verniers holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Ghent University and a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Arteveldehogeschool Gent. She is currently enrolled in an Executive MBA program at Vlerick Business School (2023–2024) and previously completed a program in Hospital Management (2021–2022) at the same institution. In 2021, she earned a Certified Green Belt in Value-Based Healthcare from The Decision Institute. Her academic foundation blends clinical expertise with managerial and sustainability-focused competencies, enabling her to bridge gaps between hospital operations and modern healthcare strategies. Her education reflects lifelong learning and leadership in a fast-evolving healthcare ecosystem.

💼 Experience

Ms. Verniers began her career in 2002 as a perioperative nurse at UZ Gent and Bvba Dr. Vanhouteghem, advancing to senior surgical roles at Maria Middelares Hospital. From 2014 to 2021, she served as Adjunct Head Nurse and Interim Head of the OR, specializing in orthopedic, neuro, and cardiovascular surgery logistics. Between 2020–2023, she focused on optimizing surgical planning and cost control as a planning and staff advisor. Since 2023, she has led major projects in logistics, medical material management, and sustainability as Staff Advisor to the Co-CEO/COO. Her career showcases deep operational insight and progressive leadership.

🏅 Awards & Honors

While formal awards are not explicitly listed, Ms. Verniers has consistently been entrusted with key leadership roles and interim head positions, which reflect recognition of her strategic, organizational, and clinical excellence. Her selection for the prestigious Executive MBA program at Vlerick and her appointment as Secretary of the Sustainability Steering Committee and Medical Materials Committee underscore institutional acknowledgment of her expertise. Additionally, co-authoring a forthcoming peer-reviewed publication further validates her contribution to thought leadership in healthcare sustainability. These appointments and projects signify high professional trust and respect across her institution and the broader healthcare community.

🔬 Research Focus

Ms. Isabel Verniers focuses on environmental sustainability in healthcare, particularly managerial strategies to reduce ecological footprints while improving efficiency in clinical operations. Her upcoming publication in Best Practice & Research: Clinical Anaesthesiology explores the integration of sustainable practices in hospital settings. With a strong foundation in nursing, logistics, and healthcare management, her research blends empirical insight with actionable recommendations. She also investigates value-based healthcare models and resource optimization in surgical environments. Her interdisciplinary research supports systemic innovation and climate-conscious healthcare delivery.

Publication Top Note

Environmental sustainability in healthcare: Managerial concerns and solutions

Abdelfattah Zalat | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat,Tanta University, Faculty of Science, Geology Department, Egypt

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat is a distinguished micropaleontologist specializing in diatom research, environmental studies, and Quaternary geology. He earned his Ph.D. in 1991 from a channel system between Köln University, Germany, and Tanta University, Egypt. With over 35 years of research experience, his work focuses on diatom applications in paleoecology, climate change assessment, and geoarchaeology. He has led multiple research projects funded by the Polish National Science Centre and National Natural Sciences Foundation of China. Currently, he is a Professor at Tanta University, Egypt, contributing extensively to micropaleontology, biostratigraphy, and past climate studies. 🌊🔬

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Academic Qualifications

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat holds a Ph.D. (1991) from a channel system between Köln University, Germany, and Tanta University, Egypt, specializing in micropaleontology (diatoms), environmental studies, and Quaternary geology. His doctoral research focused on the Quaternary diatomite of the Fayoum Depression, Western Desert, Egypt. He earned his M.Sc. (1987) in micropaleontology, stratigraphy, and Cenozoic geology from Tanta University, where he studied Eocene limestones at Gebel Mokattam and Mishgigah. He completed his B.Sc. (1982) in geology from Tanta University. His expertise spans diatom analysis, climate change studies, and biostratigraphy, significantly contributing to geological and paleoenvironmental research. 🏔️🔬

🏛️ Professional Employment

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat has an extensive academic career in geology and micropaleontology. He began as a Demonstrator of Geology and Paleontology at Tanta University, Egypt (1982–1987), later serving as an Assistant Lecturer (1987–1988). He worked as a Research Scientist at the University of Köln, Germany (1988–1991). Returning to Tanta University, he became a Lecturer (1991–1997), then Associate Professor (1997–2003). Since February 2003, he has been a Professor of Micropaleontology (Diatoms) and Environmental Geology, contributing significantly to research in diatom applications, paleoenvironmental studies, and climate change. 🔬📖

Research and Experiences🌍

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat has over 35 years of expertise in diatom systematics and their applications in environmental studies. His research focuses on using diatom analysis to assess environmental and climatic changes, human impacts, and paleoecological reconstructions in European and Egyptian aquatic ecosystems, including archaeological sites. He also specializes in microfossils such as phytoliths, ostracoda, foraminifera, and calcareous nanofossils. His recent projects include climate reconstructions in Poland, the Nile Climate Change Project, and studies on Holocene climate dynamics in Faiyum Oasis, Egypt, funded by institutions like the Polish National Science Centre and NSFC. 🌿📜

🦠🔬 Research Focus

Prof. Abdelfattah Zalat specializes in micropaleontology, particularly diatoms, ostracods, foraminifera, and calcareous nannofossils. His research explores paleoecology, biostratigraphy, paleoclimatology, paleoceanography, and geoarchaeology, focusing on environmental and climate change during the Holocene. He has studied Egyptian Delta lakes, Faiyum Oasis, and Sinai to reconstruct past ecosystems. His interdisciplinary work integrates fossil diatom analysis, palynology, and remote sensing to assess historical climate fluctuations and human-environment interactions. His studies have broad applications in environmental geology, sedimentology, and archaeological site analysis, particularly in Europe and North Africa. 🌿🌊🏺

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣ Distribution of diatom assemblages and their relationship to environmental variables in the surface sediments of three northern Egyptian lakesCited by 79 (2005) 🌊🔬
2️⃣ Environmental change in Northern Egyptian Delta lakes during the late Holocene, based on diatom analysisCited by 77 (2007) 🌍📊
3️⃣ Maastrichtian-Early Eocene ostracodes from west-central Sinai, Egypt-taxonomy, biostratigraphy, paleoecology and paleobiogeographyCited by 47 (2008) 🦠🗿
4️⃣ Distribution and origin of diatoms in the bottom sediments of the Suez Canal lakes and adjacent areas, EgyptCited by 44 (2002) 🌿🌊
5️⃣ Holocene lake sediments from the Faiyum Oasis in Egypt: a record of environmental and climate changeCited by 42 (2018) 📜⏳
6️⃣ Distribution and paleoecological significance of fossil diatom assemblages from the Holocene sediments of Lake Manzala, EgyptCited by 30 (2000) 🏞️🔍
7️⃣ Calcareous nannoplankton and diatoms from the Eocene/Pliocene sediments, Fayoum Depression, EgyptCited by 27 (1995) 🦠🦴
8️⃣ Some Upper Cretaceous macroinvertebrates from Gebel El-Hamra and Gebel Um Heriba, Mitla Pass, western-central Sinai, EgyptCited by 25 (1992) 🐚🗺️
9️⃣ Diatoms from the Quaternary sediments of the Nile Delta, Egypt, and their palaeoecological significanceCited by 24 (1995) 🌊📖
🔟 Holocene diatom assemblages and their palaeoenvironmental interpretations in Fayoum Depression, Western Desert, EgyptCited by 21 (2015) 📜🔬

Conclusion

Highly Suitable for the Best Researcher Award based on his extensive research experience, international collaborations, significant scientific contributions, and impact in the fields of micropaleontology, paleoenvironmental studies, and climate change.