Limin Gu | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Research Article Award

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Prof. Dr. Limin Gu | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Research Article Award

Associate Professor | Hebei University of Science and Technology | China

Prof. Dr. Limin Gu is a distinguished Associate Professor and a leading researcher in the field of flame retardant materials and materials science and engineering. She has made significant contributions to advancing sustainable flame-retardant technologies through her work at the College of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science & Technology, and as an active member of the Research Center for Chemical Safety & Security and Verification Technology. Her research focuses on intrinsically flame-retardant polymer synthesis, bio-based halogen-free flame retardants, graphene functionalization, and computer vision-assisted chemical analysis. With strong expertise in analytical techniques such as GC, GC-MS, HPLC, TGA, and TG-IR, she effectively integrates experimental and applied approaches in her studies. Prof. Gu has authored more than 20 scientific publications in prestigious journals including European Polymer Journal, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, and Journal of Applied Polymer Science, and has also published a scholarly monograph on flame-retardant waterborne polyurethane materials. Her innovative research has led to over ten awarded Chinese patents related to bio-based flame retardants, phosphonium compounds, and multifunctional polymeric materials, highlighting her dedication to developing eco-friendly and high-performance flame-retardant systems. Recognized for her scientific excellence and contributions to sustainable materials development, Prof. Gu continues to influence the advancement of green chemistry and polymer innovation. Her growing academic impact is demonstrated by 227 citations, 17 documents, and an h-index of 8, reflecting her emerging leadership and meaningful contributions to the global materials science community.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Gu, L., Shi, Y., Liu, W., Zhang, L., & Ge, Y. (2025). Synthesis and characterization of the hemicellulose-based β€œthree sources into one” intumescent flame retardant and its modification on cellulose. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 150(12), 9105-9119.

Waldo Ullah | Biochemical Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Waldo Ullah | Biochemical Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor at Pontifical Catholic University of ValparaΓ­so, Chile.

πŸ”¬ Short BiographyΒ πŸŒΏπŸ’ŠπŸ“š

Dr. Waldo Acevedo Castillo πŸ§‘β€πŸ”¬ is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad CatΓ³lica de ValparaΓ­so πŸ‡¨πŸ‡±. With a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Engineering Sciences from Pontificia Universidad CatΓ³lica de Chile πŸŽ“, Dr. Acevedo has established himself as a pioneer in food chemistry and structural bioinformatics πŸ§ͺ. His research focuses on the molecular characterization of organoleptic food additives 🍬 and rational drug design πŸ’Š. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and contributed to multiple interdisciplinary projects in biochemistry and pharmacology. Passionate about teaching and mentoring πŸ‘¨β€πŸ«, he guides undergraduate and graduate students in bioinformatics and biochemical research. Dr. Acevedo also plays an active role in academic peer review, editorial boards, and science outreach 🌍. His career blends deep scientific inquiry with educational innovation and societal engagement, making him a dynamic force in the global chemistry community 🌐.

PROFILEΒ 

SCOPUSΒ 

ORCIDΒ 

πŸ” Summary of Suitability:

Dr. Waldo Acevedo Castillo exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher, with a strong foundation in computational bioinformatics, food chemistry, and biochemical pharmacology. As an Associate Professor at Pontificia Universidad CatΓ³lica de ValparaΓ­so, he has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, interdisciplinary innovation, and impactful research. His academic background, scientific publications, mentorship, and leadership roles underscore a career devoted to advancing molecular science and contributing to global health and nutrition challenges.

πŸ“˜ Education & Experience

  • πŸŽ“ Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences, Pontificia Universidad CatΓ³lica de Chile (2017)

  • πŸŽ“ M.Sc. in Engineering, Pontificia Universidad CatΓ³lica de Chile (2016)

  • πŸ“š Diploma in University Teaching, PUCV (2019)

  • πŸ“š Diploma in Virtual University Training, PUCV (2020)

  • πŸ’» Graduate in Bioinformatics, Universidad de Talca (2009)

  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ« Associate Professor, Institute of Chemistry, PUCV

  • 🧬 Bioinformatics Engineer, Universidad de Talca (2009)

  • πŸ“– Scientific Reviewer, multiple journals including Food Chemistry and Scientific Reports

  • πŸ”¬ Editorial Board Member, Pharmaceutics and Drug Innovation, Journal of Drug Design and Research

Professional Development πŸš€πŸ“–

Dr. Waldo Acevedo continuously enhances his professional skills through diverse academic and research activities πŸ“ˆ. He has completed numerous training programs in virtual education, AI in teaching, curriculum development, and project formulation at PUCV πŸŽ“. His involvement in interdisciplinary projects spans vertical farming 🌿, enzymatic hydrolysis, and drug formulation for dermatological conditions 🧴. As a mentor, he has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate theses πŸ§‘β€πŸŽ“. Dr. Acevedo actively contributes to international research communities as a reviewer and editorial board member πŸ“°. He is also a dedicated science communicator, promoting STEM outreach through the Explora Academies of Research and School Innovation 🧠. His collaborative spirit has led to roles in national research grants and innovation-driven projects πŸ’‘. His work bridges cutting-edge science, education, and public engagement, positioning him as a multifaceted professional in molecular chemistry, bioinformatics, and pharmacological sciences 🌍.

Research Focus πŸ”πŸ€–

Dr. Waldo Acevedo’s research centers around Food Chemistry, Biochemical Pharmacology, and Structural Bioinformatics πŸ”. He investigates the molecular interactions of food additives, especially sweeteners, with human taste receptors 🍭. His research applies computational tools like molecular docking and dynamics to understand taste perception and improve food quality. Additionally, Dr. Acevedo explores the rational design of anticancer and antimicrobial agents 🧬, targeting enzymes and proteins like SIRT2, EGFR, COX-2, and bitter taste receptors. He has participated in drug discovery efforts and virtual screening campaigns that integrate in silico and in vitro approaches πŸ’Š. His interdisciplinary projects have included work on skin microbiome modulation, environmental toxicology, and salmon immunology 🐟. With a strong computational background, he brings innovation to molecular modeling, offering insights into bioactive compound mechanisms and receptor-ligand interactions πŸ”¬. His research contributes significantly to both health and food sciences 🌿.

Awards and Honors πŸ†πŸŽ–οΈ

  • πŸ§‘β€βš–οΈ Peer Evaluator, CNA-Chile Postgraduate Area (2024–Present)

  • 🧠 Advisory Committee Member, Explora Academies of Research and School Innovation (2024–Present)

  • 🧬 Review Editor, Frontiers in Genome Editing (2024–Present)

  • πŸ“ Editorial Board Member, Pharmaceutics and Drug Innovation & Journal of Drug Design and Research (2023–Present)

  • 🌐 Chief of Outreach, Institute of Chemistry, PUCV (2023–Present)

  • πŸ§ͺ Member, Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Chile (SBBMCh) (2022–Present)

  • πŸ“š Board Collaborator, Doctorate Program in Chemistry, PUCV (2018–Present)

  • πŸ† Best Graduate Award, Universidad de Talca (2009)

  • 🌟 Stimulus to Effort Award, Gabriel & Mary Mustakis Foundation (1999)

  • πŸ—£οΈ CONICYT Doctoral Scholarship, Chile (2013–2016)

  • πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ CORFO English Scholarship, for Global Services Industry (2010)

Publications & Citations πŸ“š

  • GolcienΔ—, B., Kavaliauskas, P., Acevedo, W., et al. (2025).
    Identification of 3-[(4-Acetylphenyl)(4-Phenylthiazol-2-Yl)Amino]Propanoic Acid Derivatives as Promising Anticancer Candidates Targeting SIRT2 and EGFR.
    Pharmaceuticals, 18(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050733

  • Kavaliauskas, P., Acevedo, W., et al. (2025).
    3,3β€²-((3-Hydroxyphenyl)azanediyl)dipropionic Acid Derivatives Against Drug-Resistant Pathogens and Cancer.
    Pathogens, 14(5), 484. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14050484

  • Maldonado, J., Oliva, A., GuzmΓ‘n, L., Molinari, A., Acevedo, W. (2024).
    Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Hydroquinone-Chalcone-Pyrazoline Hybrids.
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25, 7281. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137281

  • Kavaliauskas, P., Acevedo, W., et al. (2024).
    Bis(thiazol-5-yl)phenylmethane Derivatives Against MDR Staphylococcus aureus.
    PLOS ONE, 19(3), e0300380. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300380

  • Maldonado, J., Oliva, A., Molinari, A., Acevedo, W. (2023).
    Naphthohydroquinone-Derived Chalcones as Anticancer Agents.
    Molecules, 28, 7172. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207172

  • Acevedo, W., MorΓ‘n-Figueroa, R., Vargas-Chacoff, L., Morera, F. J., Pontigo, J. P. (2023).
    NLRP3 Inflammasome in Salmo salar: Structural and Transcriptomic Insights.
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24, 14556. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914556

  • Maldonado, J., Acevedo, W., et al. (2022).
    Naphthoisoxazolequinone Carboxamides as Antitumor Agents.
    Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds, 42(4), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/10406638.2022.2095410

  • Kavaliauskas, P., Acevedo, W., et al. (2022).
    Naphthoquinone Derivatives Targeting COX-2.
    Pharmaceuticals, 15, 541. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15050541

  • Balada, C., Castro, M., Fassio, C., Zamora, A., Marchant, M. J., Acevedo, W., GuzmΓ‘n, L. (2021).
    Genetic Diversity of Curcuma longa from Rapa Nui.
    Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 28, 707–716. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.10.062

  • Acevedo, W., CaΓ±Γ³n, P., GΓ³mez, F., Huerta, J., Aguayo, D., Agosin, E. (2020).
    L-Malate Protonation and Malolactic Enzyme Activity in Oenococcus oeni.
    Molecules, 25(15), 3431–3447. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25153431

πŸ” Conclusion:

Dr. Waldo Acevedo Castillo stands out as a multidisciplinary researcher whose work bridges computational biology, food sciences, and pharmacology. His contributions have real-world relevanceβ€”from drug development to food safetyβ€”and his dedication to mentoring and collaborative science magnifies his impact. These attributes align perfectly with the ethos of the Best Researcher Award, making him a strong and deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

 

 

Joana Ferreira | Bioactive Properties | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Joana Ferreira | Bioactive Properties | Best Researcher Award

Teacher at SantarΓ©m Higher School of Agriculture in Portugal.

🌍 Joana PatrΓ­cia AraΓΊjo Ferreira is a dedicated researcher and lecturer specializing in food chemistry, biorefinery, and sustainable food innovation. πŸŽ“ She holds a PhD in Chemistry (2014) from the University of Aveiro and is an integrated member of LEAF – Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture, and Food. With over 30 peer-reviewed publications πŸ“„, her research focuses on food product characterization, microalgae-based ingredients, and circular economy approaches. πŸπŸ”¬ As a lecturer at the Polytechnic Institute of SantarΓ©m, she teaches bioproducts development and food biotechnology. Passionate about sustainability and innovation, she actively contributes to advancing food science and environmental research. 🌱✨

 

Professional Profile

Suitability for the BestΒ  Researcher Award πŸ†

Joana PatrΓ­cia AraΓΊjo Ferreira is an outstanding researcher with a strong background in food chemistry, biorefinery, and sustainability. With a PhD in Chemistry and a proven track record of over 30 peer-reviewed publications, she has significantly contributed to food innovation, analytical chemistry, and circular economy approaches. Her expertise in microalgae-based food products, valorization of food industry by-products, and bioactive compounds makes her a leading scientist in her field.

Education πŸŽ“

  • PhD in Chemistry (2014) – University of Aveiro πŸ§ͺπŸ“š
    • Thesis: β€œSΓ­ntese e Transformaçáes de compostos do tipo pirazol e 1,2,3-triazol”
  • Master in Organic Chemistry and Natural Products (2008) – University of Aveiro πŸŒΏπŸ”¬
    • Thesis: β€œEstudos de halogenação de 5-estiril-3-(2-hidroxifenil)-1H-pirazΓ³is”
  • Degree in Chemistry (2006) – University of Lisbon πŸ›οΈβš›οΈ
    • Thesis: β€œEstudo dos Constituintes e da Bioatividade de Extractos Anti-hiperglicemiantes de Genista tenera”
  • Specialization Courses & Workshops:
    • Biomedical Inorganic Chemistry – Applications in Diagnosis & Therapy πŸ₯βš—οΈ
    • Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry for heavy metal detection 🌊🧴
    • Marine Lipidomics & Algae Bioactives for Health 🌊🧬

Professional Experience πŸ₯

  • Lecturer (2023-Present) – Polytechnic Institute of SantarΓ©m πŸŽ“πŸ“–
    • Teaching Bioproducts Development, Food Biotechnology, Instrumental Analysis, Human Nutrition, and Biochemistry
  • Junior Researcher (2021-Present) – LEAF Research Center πŸŒ±πŸ”
    • Research on food sustainability, microalgae-based products, and circular economy
  • Lecturer (2021-Present) – Instituto Superior de Agronomia πŸ«πŸ§‘β€πŸ«
  • Research Fellow (2014-2021) – Forest Research Center, Instituto Superior de Agronomia πŸŒ³πŸ”¬
    • Focus on biorefinery, sustainable food products, and bioactive compounds
  • Researcher (2007-2014) – University of Aveiro & University of Lisbon πŸ›οΈπŸ”¬
    • Conducted studies in natural products synthesis and analytical chemistry
  • Health & Safety Trainer (2013-2014) – GΓ©nios Livres πŸ₯βš–οΈ
  • Scientific Project Coordinator & Team Member in multiple international and national research projects πŸŒπŸ”¬

Professional Development πŸš€πŸ“–

Joana PatrΓ­cia AraΓΊjo Ferreira is a dedicated researcher and educator committed to advancing food chemistry and sustainability. πŸ§ͺ🌱 She continuously enhances her expertise through specialized courses in marine lipidomics, biorefinery, and green chemistry. πŸ“šπŸ’‘ As a lecturer and researcher, she actively mentors students and contributes to cutting-edge projects on microalgae-based food innovations, bioactive compounds, and circular economy. πŸŒπŸ”¬ She has attended numerous international workshops, conferences, and research collaborations, strengthening her proficiency in analytical techniques, spectroscopy, and bioprocessing technologies. πŸŽ€πŸ“Š Passionate about innovation, she integrates sustainability and health-driven solutions into food science. πŸπŸ”

 

Research Focus πŸ”πŸ€–

Joana PatrΓ­cia AraΓΊjo Ferreira’s research spans multiple scientific disciplines, focusing on food chemistry, biorefinery, and sustainable innovations. 🌱🍽️ She specializes in nutritional and chemical characterization of food products, microalgae-based food innovations, and valorization of food industry by-products. πŸ”πŸŒŠ Her work in circular economy emphasizes waste reduction and resource optimization. She is also involved in analytical and organic chemistry, including natural product synthesis, structural elucidation, and green chemistry methodologies. βš›οΈπŸ§ͺ Additionally, she explores glyphosate’s impact on human health and the development of functional food products with enhanced sensory and technological properties. πŸ₯🌿

 

Awards & Honors πŸ†
  • Short Term Scientific Mission (STSM) Grant (2015) – COST Action FP1203 πŸŒπŸ”¬
    • Recognized for contributions to Non-Wood Forest Products Research at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
  • PhD Research Grant (2009) – Fundação para a CiΓͺncia e Tecnologia (FCT) πŸŽ“βš›οΈ
    • Awarded a prestigious doctoral research fellowship for studies in organic and analytical chemistry.
  • Treaty of Windsor Anglo-Portuguese Joint Research Programme (2006) – British Council πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§πŸ‡΅πŸ‡Ή
    • Selected for an international research collaboration between University of Lisbon and University of York.
  • Bronze Award (2024) – AlgaEurope Conference πŸ₯‰πŸŒŠ
    • Awarded for poster presentation on the sensory profile of microalgae.

 

Publication Top Notes:

1️⃣ Ingestion of microplastics by commercial fish off the Portuguese coast – D Neves, P Sobral, JL Ferreira, T Pereira | Marine Pollution Bulletin 101 (1), 119-126 | πŸ“… 2015 | πŸ”— Cited by: 1093

2️⃣ Amberstripe scad Decapterus muroadsi (Carangidae) fish ingest blue microplastics resembling their copepod prey along the coast of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in the South Pacific – NC Ory, P Sobral, JL Ferreira, M Thiel | Science of the Total Environment 586, 430-437 | πŸ“… 2017 | πŸ”— Cited by: 686

3️⃣ Low prevalence of microplastic contamination in planktivorous fish species from the southeast Pacific Ocean – N Ory, C Chagnon, F Felix, C FernΓ‘ndez, JL Ferreira, C Gallardo, … | Marine Pollution Bulletin 127, 211-216 | πŸ“… 2018 | πŸ”— Cited by: 281

4️⃣ Microplastics in sediments from the littoral zone of the north Tunisian coast (Mediterranean Sea) – S Abidli, JC Antunes, JL Ferreira, Y Lahbib, P Sobral, NT El Menif | Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 205, 1-9 | πŸ“… 2018 | πŸ”— Cited by: 266

5️⃣ Plastic and other microfibers in sediments, macroinvertebrates and shorebirds from three intertidal wetlands of southern Europe and west Africa – PM LourenΓ§o, C Serra-GonΓ§alves, JL Ferreira, T Catry, JP Granadeiro | Environmental Pollution 231, 123-133 | πŸ“… 2017 | πŸ”— Cited by: 246

6️⃣ Plastic ingestion and trophic transfer between Easter Island flying fish (Cheilopogon rapanouiensis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) – C Chagnon, M Thiel, J Antunes, JL Ferreira, P Sobral, NC Ory | Environmental Pollution 243, 127-133 | πŸ“… 2018 | πŸ”— Cited by: 154

7️⃣ Ungulates and their management in Portugal – J Vingada, C Fonseca, J Cancela, J Ferreira, C Eira | European Ungulates and their Management in the 21st Century 392 | πŸ“… 2010 | πŸ”— Cited by: 62

8️⃣ Poly (vinyl acetate) paints in works of art: A photochemical approach. Part 1 – JL Ferreira, MJ Melo, AM Ramos | Polymer Degradation and Stability 95 (4), 453-461 | πŸ“… 2010 | πŸ”— Cited by: 55

9️⃣ Shedding new light on polyurethane degradation: Assessing foams condition in design objects – SF de SΓ‘, JL Ferreira, IP Cardoso, R Macedo, AM Ramos | Polymer Degradation and Stability 144, 354-365 | πŸ“… 2017 | πŸ”— Cited by: 40

πŸ”Ÿ Characterization and long-term stability of historical PMMA: impact of additives and acrylic sheet industrial production processes – S Babo, JL Ferreira, AM Ramos, A Micheluz, M Pamplona, MH Casimiro, … | Polymers 12 (10), 2198 | πŸ“… [Year Not Specified] | πŸ”— Cited by: 32

🎯 Conclusion:

Joana Ferreira is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her exceptional contributions to scientific research, innovation in sustainable food chemistry, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers. Her work has a profound impact on food science, sustainability, and human health, making her an ideal choice for this prestigious recognition. πŸŒπŸ”¬πŸ‘