Dr. Jinfa Liao is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to his remarkable contributions to the fields of metallurgical engineering, rare earth materials, and high-temperature phase equilibrium research. With over 25 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals π, including Metals, CALPHAD, and Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, his work demonstrates consistent innovation, academic rigor, and global relevance. His dual strength in both theoretical thermodynamics and applied smelting technology bridges critical gaps between research and industrial innovation π¬βοΈ. As an associate professor, he also guides future talents while managing major national and industry-funded projects worth over 2.5 million RMB πΌ.
π Education
Dr. Jinfa Liaoβs educational journey began at Jiangxi University of Science and Technology π, where he completed his BSc in Metallic Material Engineering (2013β2017), followed by an MSc in Materials Engineering (2017β2020) π§ͺ, and earned his PhD in Metallurgical Engineering in 2023 π§¬. His consistent academic progression at the same institution reflects his deep-rooted commitment to metallurgical sciences. Since 2023, Dr. Liao has served as an associate professor at the School of Metallurgical Engineering π§βπ«, where he combines teaching with cutting-edge research in slag chemistry, alloy development, and rare earth metallurgy βοΈ. His research leadership is evidenced by his involvement in several national and provincial R&D projects πΌ. Dr. Liao’s robust experience includes industry collaborations on copper-based materials and phase equilibrium studies, making him a valuable asset to both academia and industry π§. His blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise is central to advancing metallurgical innovation π¬.
Professional Experience
Dr. Liao has demonstrated exceptional professional development through interdisciplinary research leadership, patent innovations, and active academic service π. As principal investigator of multiple high-profile projects, including NSFC Youth Fund and provincial key R&D programs π‘, he leads research on complex slag systems, intermediate alloys, and rare earth processing π¬. He has been instrumental in developing innovative copper smelting techniques, receiving funding from industry giants like BaoWu and Shougang π. Dr. Liao’s publication record is impressive π, with articles in Metals, CALPHAD, and Ceramics International, and he has actively participated in international conferences such as CALPHAD and TMS π. His patent portfolio includes novel processes and devices for high-temperature metallurgy and material recovery β»οΈ. Furthermore, he contributes as a technical reviewer for prestigious journals π, supporting the scientific community. Through sustained growth and academic excellence, Dr. Liao continues to shape the future of materials science and metallurgy π.
Dr. Jinfa Liaoβs research focuses on metallurgical thermodynamics, particularly phase equilibrium studies in high-temperature slag systems π₯, rare earth metallurgy π§ͺ, and innovative copper and iron smelting processes βοΈ. He specializes in analyzing multi-component oxide systems such as CaOβMgOβAl2O3βSiO2βTiO2 to improve blast furnace efficiency and material recovery β»οΈ. His work integrates experimental design and computational thermodynamics, often applying CALPHAD techniques to optimize smelting operations π». He also investigates the recovery and utilization of valuable elements from low-grade ores and industrial waste π―β‘οΈπ. In addition, Dr. Liao contributes to the development of advanced intermediate alloys for titanium-based systems and antibacterial copper-based materials π§«. His focus lies at the intersection of fundamental research and real-world industrial application, providing environmentally sustainable and economically viable solutions ππ‘. These themes make his research essential in addressing current challenges in metallurgical engineering, energy efficiency, and materials sustainability π§ π§.
Awards and Honors πποΈ
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π NSFC Youth Fund Recipient β Supported for foundational slag system research in vanadium-titanium magnetite smelting
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ποΈ High-Level Talent Start-up Fund Awardee β For phase equilibrium studies in rare earth molten salt systems
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πΌ Principal Investigator of Major Industry Collaborations β With Dongying Fangyuan and Shougang Technical Institute
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π Recognized Journal Reviewer β For Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, Ceramics International, and others
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π Frequent International Conference Presenter β CALPHAD, TMS, and Lead & Zinc Conferences
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π Multiple Patent Holder β Innovations in alloy production, smelting technologies, and rare earth material applications
Publications & Citations π
π Exothermic and Slag Formation Behavior of Aluminothermic Reduction of Mo and V Oxides β Metals π
2025 β π Cited by: [X]
π Phase equilibria in the low-TiO2 part of CaOβMgOβSiO2βAl2O3βTiO2 system β Ceramics International π
2024 β π Cited by: [X]
π Distribution Behavior of Impurities during Hydrogen Reduction Ironmaking Process β Metals π
2024 β π Cited by: [X]
π Phase Equilibrium Study of Rare Earth OxideβFluoride Salt System: A Review β Metals π
2024 β π Cited by: [X]
π Phase Equilibrium Studies of CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 for Iron BF Slag: A Review β Metals π
2023 β π Cited by: [X]
π Enhanced Productivity of Bottom-Blowing Copper-Smelting Using Plume Eye β Metals π
2023 β π Cited by: [X]
π Phase Equilibria in CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 with Al2O3/SiO2 = 0.4 β Metals π
2023 β π Cited by: [X]
π Phase Equilibrium in CaOβSiO2βAl2O3βMgO (MgO/CaO = 0.2) β MMT-B π
2023 β π Cited by: [X]
π Desulfurization & Alkali Behavior in BF Slag System β Metals π
2023 β π Cited by: [X]
π Phase Equilibrium of βFeOβ-SiO2-MgO-Al2O3-βCr2O3β at Iron Saturation β MMT-B π
2021 β π Cited by: [X]
π Effects of Al2O3 and βCr2O3β on FeO-MgO-SiO2 Phase Equilibria β CALPHAD π
2021 β π Cited by: [X]
π Conclusion:
Dr. Jinfa Liao exemplifies the qualities of a best researcher: innovative, productive, collaborative, and impact-driven. His work not only advances academic understanding of phase equilibria and metallurgical reactions but also delivers practical solutions to real-world industrial challenges π. With a strong publication record, leadership in major R&D projects, and a commitment to scientific excellence, he stands as a top-tier candidate for the Best Researcher Award. π