Patrycja Żak | Environmental Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Chemical Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patrycja Żak | Environmental Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Associate Professor, UAM Poznań, Poland.

Dr. Patrycja Żak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Organometallic Chemistry at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. She holds a distinguished academic and research career focused on green chemistry, organometallic synthesis, and functional nanomaterials. With over 47 peer-reviewed publications and 16 patents, her contributions span catalysis, silsesquioxane chemistry, and environmentally friendly synthetic methodologies. A highly respected scientist, she has led multiple national and European research projects and mentored doctoral candidates. Her scientific work emphasizes sustainable practices through the use of organocatalysis and mechanochemistry. Dr. Żak is a collaborative researcher, partnering with international and national institutions to expand the frontiers of materials and inorganic chemistry. Her dedication has earned her a place in prestigious scientific networks and journals as a reviewer and contributing author. Through her innovative and impactful work, Dr. Żak exemplifies excellence in chemical research and its practical application.

Professional Profile 

Dr. Patrycja Żak completed her entire academic education at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland, where she laid the foundation for her scientific journey. She earned her Master of Science degree in Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Marciniec. Continuing under the same mentor, she pursued and successfully defended her Ph.D. in Chemistry , focusing on advanced organometallic systems. Demonstrating a consistent trajectory of academic growth, she achieved her habilitation at the same institution, a significant milestone in European academia reflecting her independent research capabilities and teaching qualifications. Her educational path reflects a deep commitment to chemical sciences, and her studies were grounded in synthetic and structural chemistry, particularly relating to silicon-based compounds and catalysts. This solid academic base has underpinned her research excellence, enabling her to contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary fields, particularly in developing green and sustainable chemical methods.

Experience 

Dr. Żak has accumulated over 15 years of academic and research experience at Adam Mickiewicz University. She began her professional career as an adjunct faculty member and was promoted to Associate Professor. Her work has been briefly paused due to maternity leaves and a short health-related hiatus, but she returned to academia with renewed vigor. During her tenure, she has taken on roles beyond teaching and research, including supervising doctoral projects and serving on selection commissions for post-doc and master’s program candidates. She has actively contributed to collaborative research with international scientists and led industry-related projects, such as the development of efficient synthesis methods at AdvaChemLab. Her extensive project portfolio includes national grants like OPUS, SONATA, and MAESTRO, where she served as both investigator and principal investigator. These experiences have shaped her as a leader in her field, merging academic excellence with research innovation and mentorship.

Professional Development

Throughout her career, Dr. Żak has consistently engaged in professional development activities to enhance her academic and research contributions. She is a member of the Polish Chemical Society and has served as a reviewer for prestigious journals such as ChemSusChem, Inorganic Chemistry, and ChemCatChem. She also acted as a tutor in Environmental and Material Chemistry and served on several selection commissions for post-doc and master’s program candidates. Dr. Żak participated as an organizing committee member for the 8th European Silicon Days Conference. Internationally, she broadened her expertise through a six-month research exchange under the Socrates-Erasmus Program in Belgium. She continually refines her skills through leading-edge research projects and supervising doctoral candidates. These roles reflect her commitment to staying at the forefront of chemical science, emphasizing collaborative growth, academic integrity, and leadership in research dissemination, all of which have significantly contributed to her development as an esteemed scientist in organometallic and green chemistry.

Skills & Expertise

Dr. Patrycja Żak possesses an extensive skill set that bridges experimental chemistry, project leadership, and academic mentorship. She is highly proficient in organometallic synthesis, catalysis (particularly organocatalysis), and mechanochemical methods, enabling the development of green and efficient chemical transformations. Her expertise includes the design and functionalization of silicon-based nanomaterials such as silsesquioxanes. She has demonstrated strong abilities in analytical characterization techniques, photophysical studies, and collaborative interdisciplinary research. She effectively manages national and European research grants, showcasing organizational and leadership capabilities. In academia, she is skilled in curriculum development, supervising postgraduate students, and contributing to peer review and academic publishing. Furthermore, her role in organizing international conferences and reviewing for high-impact journals highlights her communication and evaluative skills. Her ability to innovate while adhering to sustainability principles marks her as a skilled and future-ready researcher in both academic and applied chemical sciences.

Resarch Focus

Dr. Patrycja Żak’s primary research focus lies at the intersection of Green Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, and Material Chemistry. Her work emphasizes the design of environmentally friendly and sustainable synthetic methods using organocatalysis and mechanochemistry. She is particularly focused on eliminating hazardous solvents and toxic metal-based catalysts by developing N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed transformations. Her research also targets the synthesis and functionalization of silsesquioxanes and nanomaterials with well-defined thermal and photochemical properties. Additionally, she explores thioester and heterocycle synthesis from unsaturated aldehydes and other functionalized compounds, contributing to the growing demand for sustainable, efficient chemical pathways. The research she leads aligns with cutting-edge themes in chemical sustainability, structure-property relationships in hybrid materials, and catalyst design for selective transformations. Her projects consistently follow the principles of atom economy and eco-compatibility, placing her work firmly within the green and sustainable chemistry category, with wide applications in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and nanotechnology.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Żak’s scientific excellence is reflected in her numerous achievements and recognitions. She has published 47 papers in Scopus-indexed journals, with an additional paper accepted and one under minor revision, showcasing consistent high-quality output. Her work has received over 662 citations in Scopus and 527 in Web of Science, with an h-index of 14, signifying both productivity and scholarly impact. She has authored chapters in scientific books and contributed to academic handbooks, such as the “Laboratory Experiments in Basic Inorganic Chemistry.” Moreover, her innovation has led to 16 patents across multiple jurisdictions including the US, EU, China, and Poland. She has also served as project manager and principal investigator for prestigious national projects including SONATA, POMOST, and OPUS. In addition, she plays a pivotal role in guiding doctoral candidates under Poland’s “Initiative of Excellence” programs. These distinctions underline her commitment to impactful, innovative, and globally relevant chemical research.

Publication Top Notes 

Conclusion:

Overall, Dr. Patrycja Żak is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her impressive academic productivity, innovation in sustainable chemistry, mentorship record, and project leadership clearly match the criteria for recognizing excellence among women in science. Minor enhancements, such as expanding industrial collaborations and increasing policy outreach, could further amplify her profile in the future. Nonetheless, she fully deserves acknowledgment as a role model inspiring future generations of women scientists working toward a greener and more sustainable world.

Zhihua Sun | Environmental Chemistry| Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Zhihua Sun | Environmental Chemistry| Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University , China .

🔬 Short Biography 🌿💊📚

Dr. Zhihua Sun is an Associate Professor and Department Head at the College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University. He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2020 and has since led eight research projects, published 61 peer‑reviewed articles, and filed eight patents (five granted) in veterinary drug formulations and diagnostics. As a council member of the Chinese Association of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine and editorial board member for SCI‑indexed journals, Dr. Sun bridges academia and industry. His pioneering colloidal‑gold rapid diagnostic kit for brucellosis—commercialized for 3 million CNY—exemplifies his commitment to translational research and rural health development

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Dr. Zhihua Sun exemplifies the qualities of a leading young researcher: a strong publication record, patents that translate into high‑impact diagnostics, and active roles in professional societies and editorial boards. His work on Brucella–host molecular interactions and rapid diagnostic technologies addresses urgent needs in animal and public health, particularly in rural settings.

PROFILE 

ORCID 

📘 Education

Dr. Zhihua Sun earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2020, demonstrating advanced expertise in molecular-level investigations of animal health. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (details available upon request) with strong academic performance and research components. His rigorous training has equipped him with deep theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills essential for pioneering work in veterinary pharmacology, toxicology, and diagnostic innovation.

Professional Experience

Since 2020, Dr. Sun has served as Associate Professor and Department Head at the College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, overseeing curriculum development and faculty mentorship. He is a Council Member of the Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology Branch of the Chinese Association of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine and contributes as a Youth Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Shihezi University and as Guest Editor for the SCI-indexed journal Microorganisms. He has led eight research projects, guided two industry consultancy initiatives, and authored three technical standards adopted by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

Skills & Expertise 🛠️

Dr. Sun excels in biochemistry, molecular biology, and veterinary drug formulation. He has filed eight patents (five granted) for novel veterinary therapeutics and rapid-diagnostic devices. His proficiencies include network analysis of host–pathogen interactions, colloidal gold immunoassay development, and large-scale technology transfer. He is adept at project management, grant writing, and collaborative leadership—evident in his coordination of multidisciplinary teams across academia and industry to accelerate rural health solutions.

Research Focus 🔍🤖

Dr. Sun’s research centers on traditional Chinese veterinary medicine and sustainable resource utilization of animal manure. His landmark work elucidates the molecular mechanisms of Brucella–host interactions via LncRNA–mRNA regulatory networks, revealing key inflammatory signaling pathways. He has also developed rapid, sensitive, and cost‑effective colloidal gold diagnostic kits and new vaccine candidates for brucellosis, ensuring grassroots‑level applicability across serum, whole blood, plasma, and milk samples. His innovations directly address zoonotic disease control and livestock health.

Awards and Honors 🏆

  • Second Prize in Natural Science, Military‑Civilian Integration Commission, for his Brucella–host interaction study

  • Eight Patents Filed (five granted) for veterinary drug formulations and diagnostics

  • Four Technical Standards adopted by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps

  • Technology Transfer Success: 3 million CNY for colloidal gold brucellosis diagnostic kit

  • Editorial Appointments: Youth Editorial Board Member and Guest Editor roles recognize his scientific leadership and peer‑review expertise

Publications & Citations 📚

  1. Title: Study on the Optimization of Concrete Screeds in Zootechnical Farms
    Authors: Moldoveanu, Marta Ioana; Manea, Daniela Lucia; Jumate, Elena; Fechete, Radu; Tintisan, Maria Loredana; Siomin, Adrian Cristian
    Year: 2022

  2. Title: Archaeological Works in the Land of Lapus
    Authors: Moldoveanu, Marta Ioana; Popa, Paut; Manea, Daniela Lucia
    Year: 2019

🔍 Conclusion:

Dr. Sun is a compelling candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His blend of innovative science, tangible technology transfer, and leadership within both academic and industry spheres meets—and exceeds—the award’s criteria for excellence, impact, and service. With targeted efforts to elevate his international presence and mentorship portfolio, he is poised to become a global leader in veterinary biomedical research