Limin Gu | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Research Article Award

Published on 23/10/202523/10/2025 by Chemical Scientist

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 “three sources into one” intumescent flame retardant and its modification on cellulose. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 150(12), 9105-9119.

Sabyasachi Sarkar | Bioinorganic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on 22/10/202522/10/2025 by Chemical Scientist

Prof. Dr. Sabyasachi Sarkar | Bioinorganic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Honorary Distinguished Professor | Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira | India

Prof. Dr. Sabyasachi Sarkar is a distinguished chemist whose pioneering work bridges fundamental and applied research, combining enzymatic and nanocarbon innovations to create transformative solutions for science and society. He has led and contributed to advanced research in bioinorganic chemistry, catalysis, and nanomaterial systems, with a focus on enzyme-inspired catalysis, sustainable chemical processes, and nanocarbon-based energy conversion. His interdisciplinary research integrates biochemical principles with material science, resulting in significant advancements in metalloenzyme modeling, biomimetic catalyst development, and functional nanomaterials. Prof. Sarkar’s contributions are further exemplified by multiple groundbreaking patents in drug delivery, ambient energy conversion, and catalytic ammonia synthesis, demonstrating both innovation and real-world applicability. His academic influence extends through the training and mentoring of scientists, fostering collaborations across chemistry, biology, and materials science. Prof. Sarkar has received numerous honors and recognitions for his excellence in research and education, reflecting his role as a global leader in advancing sustainable chemistry. His scholarly impact is evident in his 6,444 citations, 229 documents, and an h-index of 39, underscoring the enduring significance and reach of his work in chemical sciences.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Müller, A., Sarkar, S., Shah, S. Q. N., Bögge, H., Schmidtmann, M., & Sarkar, S., et al. (1999). Archimedean synthesis and magic numbers: “Sizing” giant molybdenum‐oxide‐based molecular spheres of the keplerate type. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 38(21), 3238–3241. Cited by: 503.

Tripathi, S., Sonkar, S. K., & Sarkar, S. (2011). Growth stimulation of gram (Cicer arietinum) plant by water soluble carbon nanotubes. Nanoscale, 3(3), 1176–1181. Cited by: 358.

Goswami, S., Das, S., Aich, K., Pakhira, B., Panja, S., Mukherjee, S. K., & Sarkar, S. (2013). A chemodosimeter for the ratiometric detection of hydrazine based on return of ESIPT and its application in live-cell imaging. Organic Letters, 15(21), 5412–5415. Cited by: 263.

Das, S. K., Chaudhury, P. K., Biswas, D., & Sarkar, S. (1994). Modeling for the active site of sulfite oxidase: Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of [MoVIO₂(mnt)₂]²⁻ (mnt²⁻ = 1,2-dicyanoethylenedithiolate). Journal of the American Chemical Society, 116(20), 9061–9070. Cited by: 217.

Tripathi, S., & Sarkar, S. (2015). Influence of water soluble carbon dots on the growth of wheat plant. Applied Nanoscience, 5(5), 609–616. Cited by: 200.

Maria TIRITAN | Organic Chemistry | Best Paper Award

Published on 17/04/202517/04/2025 by Chemical Scientist

Prof. Maria TIRITAN | Organic Chemistry | Best Paper Award

Professor at Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto in Portugal.

Maria Elizabeth Tiritan 🎓🔬 is a distinguished researcher at CIIMAR and an Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Porto 🇵🇹. With a PhD in Organic Chemistry, she has led groundbreaking studies in chiral pharmaceuticals, environmental toxicology 🌱💊, and green drug development. A pioneer in enantioselective biodegradation, she has authored over 130 publications, holds two patents 📚🧪, and has an h-index of 39. Passionate about sustainable science, she coordinates multiple international projects 🌍 and mentors emerging scientists, fostering innovation in medicinal and environmental chemistry 🌿👩‍🔬.

Professional Profile

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

ORCID

SCOPUS

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

This paper showcases Maria Elizabeth Tiritan’s deep expertise in organic and medicinal chemistry, highlighting the importance of chirality in flavonoids—a class of compounds with significant pharmacological activity 💊🌿. The work offers a comprehensive overview of stereoselective synthesis methods, combining fundamental chemistry with applied biomedical relevance. It underscores how stereochemistry affects biological function, paving the way for safer and more effective drug candidates 🔍🔄.

🎓 Education

🧪 PhD in Organic Chemistry – University of Porto, Portugal (1996)
Thesis: Enantiomeric Resolution of Chiral Sulfoxides by HPLC
📚 Postdoctoral Research – Organic Chemistry (1997–2001)
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto
🌍 Visiting Researcher – University of Warwick, UK (1992–1995)
Under WHO and CNPq (Brazil) programs
🎓 Degree in Chemistry – Brazil (before 1992)

💼 Experience

👩‍🏫 Assistant Professor – Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (2020–Present)
🧫 Researcher – CIIMAR, University of Porto (2015–2018, 2022–Present)
🧬 Team Leader – Drug Research Line at IINFACTS (2018–2021)
🌱 Coordinator – Environmental Research Unit, IINFACTS (2013–2017)
🧪 Group Leader – Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences at CESPU (2007–2012)
🧑‍🔬 Postdoctoral Fellow – Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (1997–2001)
🌐 Research Collaborator – Multiple international and national projects focused on chiral drugs, environmental pollutants, and green chemistry

Professional Development 🚀📖

Maria Elizabeth Tiritan has demonstrated remarkable professional development through a dynamic career in research and academia 📚🔬. From her early work as a visiting researcher at the University of Warwick 🌍 to her postdoctoral studies in organic chemistry at the University of Porto 🧪, she has steadily advanced as a leading scientist in medicinal and environmental chemistry 🌿💊. She became a group leader, team coordinator, and principal investigator on several innovative projects, particularly in green pharmaceuticals and enantioselective analysis 🔄🌱. As an Assistant Professor and project leader, she continues mentoring students and shaping sustainable scientific research 🌎👩‍🏫

Research Focus 🔍🤖

Maria Elizabeth Tiritan’s research focuses on Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences 🧪💊🌱. Her work is centered on chirality, enantioselective analysis, and the development of eco-friendly pharmaceuticals 🌍🔄. She investigates how chiral drugs behave in biological and environmental systems, aiming to design safer, biodegradable compounds ♻️🧬. A key part of her research also includes separating enantiomers using liquid chromatography and membranes 🔬💡. Her studies contribute to both public health and environmental protection, linking chemistry with sustainable development goals 🌿🌐. Through innovation and green chemistry, she leads efforts to reduce pharmaceutical pollution in ecosystems 🌊⚗️.

Awards and Honors 🏆🎖️

🧠 Principal Investigator of 8 funded projects at CESPU – Recognized leadership in innovative pharmaceutical and environmental research 🎯💊
📘 Editor & Author of major scientific books and chapters – Including Chiral Separations and Stereochemical Elucidation published by Wiley 📚✍️
🔬 Reviewer & Committee Member – Evaluator for international research fellowships and grant applications, including ERC Starting Grant 🧪🌍
💼 Coordinator of Sustainable Development Goals Working Group at FFUP since 2021 – For advancing eco-conscious research goals 🌿🧭
📈 131 publications with 4019 citations and an h-index of 39 – Recognition for impactful scientific contributions 📊🏅

Publications & Citations 📚

Organic Chemistry – LG Wade 📘 Pearson Education India, 2008 – 1718 citations
Performance of aerobic granular sludge… – CL Amorim et al. 💊 Water Research, 2014 – 257 citations
Biodegradation of ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin… – CL Amorim et al. 🧪 Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2014 – 221 citations
Monitoring of the 17 EU Watch List contaminants… – JCG Sousa et al. 🌍 Science of the Total Environment, 2019 – 214 citations
Spatiotemporal distribution of pharmaceuticals… – TV Madureira et al. 🌊 Science of the Total Environment, 2010 – 201 citations
Chiral stationary phases for liquid chromatography… – J Teixeira et al. 🔬 Molecules, 2019 – 172 citations
Seasonal and spatial distribution of endocrine-disrupting compounds… – C Ribeiro et al. 🌱 Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2009 – 139 citations
Enrichment of bacterial strains for the biodegradation… – VS Bessa et al. 🧫 International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 2017 – 134 citations
Degradation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics… – AS Maia et al. 💉 Journal of Chromatography A, 2014 – 133 citations
Enantioseparation of chiral pharmaceuticals… – AR Ribeiro et al. ⚖️ Journal of Chromatography B, 2014 – 130 citations
Enantioselectivity in drug pharmacokinetics and toxicity… – MM Coelho et al. 💊 Molecules, 2021 – 125 citations
New trends in sample preparation techniques… – C Ribeiro et al. 🧴 Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry, 2014 – 121 citations
Chiral pharmaceuticals in the environment – AR Ribeiro et al. 🌐 Environmental Chemistry Letters, 2012 – 104 citations

🔍 Conclusion:

The paper stands out for its clarity, relevance, and impact in the fields of green medicinal chemistry and drug development. Given its scientific merit, innovation, and interdisciplinary value, it is a strong contender for the Best Paper Award 🥇📖.

James Cook | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Scholar Award

Published on 12/03/202512/03/2025 by Chemical Scientist

Prof. James Cook | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Scholar Award

University Distinguished Professor and Adjunct Professor at UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE, United States.

James M. Cook 🧪 is an esteemed scientist and innovator specializing in medicinal chemistry. Based in Milwaukee, WI, he has contributed significantly to drug discovery, particularly in the development of small-molecule treatments for airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in asthma. As a key inventor, Cook has collaborated with the UWM Research Foundation to advance intellectual property in pharmaceutical sciences. His research, supported by prestigious grants, has led to groundbreaking advancements in GABA(A) receptor modulators. His dedication to science and innovation continues to shape the future of therapeutic development. 🌍🔬

Professional Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Suitability for the Best Scholar Award

James M. Cook is a distinguished medicinal chemist 🧪 with a strong track record of innovative drug discovery and academic excellence. As a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) 🏛️, he has significantly contributed to pharmaceutical research, particularly in GABA(A) receptor modulators 💊 for treating neurological and respiratory disorders. His pioneering work has led to multiple patents, high-impact publications, and successful collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry ⚕️.

Education 🎓

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry – Specialized in drug discovery and organic synthesis 🔬📚
Master’s Degree in Chemistry – Focused on molecular design and pharmaceutical sciences 🧪
Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry – Strong foundation in chemical analysis and research 🏛️

Experience 🏆

Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) – Leading research in medicinal chemistry 🏛️👨‍🏫
Principal Investigator in Drug Discovery Projects – Developed novel GABA(A) receptor modulators for treating asthma and neurological disorders 💊🔍
Inventor & Patent Holder – Contributed to multiple patents in pharmaceutical innovation 📜💡
Recipient of Research Grants – Secured funding from NIH, UWM Research Foundation, and private institutions to advance medical research 💰🧠
Collaborator with Pharmaceutical Industry – Worked with biotech firms to translate research into real-world treatments ⚕️🏭

Professional Development 🚀📖

James M. Cook has continually advanced his expertise in medicinal chemistry 🔬 through groundbreaking research and innovation. As a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) 🏛️, he has mentored young scientists and led pioneering studies on GABA(A) receptor modulators 💊. His work has earned prestigious research grants 💰, enabling significant contributions to drug discovery. Cook has collaborated with pharmaceutical companies ⚕️ to translate research into practical treatments. With multiple patents and publications 📜, he remains committed to scientific excellence. His dedication to innovation, education, and industry partnerships continues to shape modern therapeutics. 🚀

Research Focus 🔍🤖

James M. Cook specializes in medicinal chemistry 🧪, focusing on the development of GABA(A) receptor modulators for treating neurological and respiratory disorders 🧠💨. His research explores small-molecule drug design to combat asthma, anxiety, and epilepsy ⚕️. With expertise in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical innovation 💡, he has contributed to groundbreaking treatments targeting airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation 🌬️. His work integrates biochemical analysis, molecular modeling, and clinical applications 🏥. Through academic and industry collaborations 🤝, Cook aims to develop safer and more effective therapeutic agents, enhancing global healthcare solutions. 🌍🔍

Awards & Honors 🏆

Prestigious Research Grants 💰 – Funded by NIH, UWM Research Foundation, and private institutions for groundbreaking drug discovery.
Patent Holder & Innovator 📜💡 – Recognized for multiple patents in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences.
Distinguished Professor at UWM 🏛️👨‍🏫 – Honored for excellence in teaching and research contributions.
Scientific Contribution Award 🧪🏅 – Acknowledged for advancements in GABA(A) receptor modulators.
Industry & Academic Collaboration Recognition 🤝⚕️ – Celebrated for translating research into real-world therapeutic applications.

Publication Top Notes:

📄 Procognitive and neurotrophic benefits of α5-GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulation in a β-amyloid deposition mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease pathology – Neurobiology of Aging, 2025 – 📑 Cited by: 0

💊 Intravenous Nanoemulsions Loaded with Phospholipid Complex of a Novel Pyrazoloquinolinone Ligand for Enhanced Brain Delivery – Pharmaceutics, 2025 – 📑 Cited by: 0

⚕️ Antinociceptive Effects of a2/a3-Subtype-Selective GABAA Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulators KRM-II-81 and NS16085 in Male Rats: Behavioral Specificity – Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2024 – 📑 Cited by: 1

🐵 Evaluation of the sedative-motor effects of novel GABAkine imidazodiazepines using quantitative observation techniques in rhesus monkeys – Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2024 – 📑 Cited by: 0

🧬 GABA(A) Receptor Activation Drives GABARAP–Nix Mediated Autophagy to Radiation-Sensitize Primary and Brain-Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma Tumors – Cancers, 2024 – 📑 Cited by: 1

🦠 Development of non-sedating benzodiazepines with in vivo antischistosomal activity – Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2024 – 📑 Cited by: 0

🧠 An alpha 5-GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator attenuates social and cognitive deficits without changing dopamine system hyperactivity in rats exposed to valproic acid in utero – Autism Research, 2024 – 📑 Cited by: 0

🔬 Extrasynaptic Localization Is Essential for α5GABAA Receptor Modulation of Dopamine System Function – eNeuro, 2024 – 📑 Cited by: 1

💡 New Imidazodiazepine Analogue, 5-(8-Bromo-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-benzo[f]imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepin-3-yl)oxazole, Provides a Simplified Synthetic Scheme, High Oral Plasma and Brain Exposures, and Produces Antiseizure Efficacy in Mice, and Antiepileptogenic Activity in Neural Networks in Brain Slices from a Patient with Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy – ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 2024 – 📑 Cited by: 2

⚡ KRM–II–81 suppresses epileptiform activity across the neural network of cortical tissue from a patient with pharmacoresistant epilepsy – Heliyon, 2024 – 📑 Cited by: 2

📌 Conclusion:

James M. Cook’s outstanding contributions to medicinal chemistry, intellectual property achievements, and academic leadership make him an exceptional candidate for the Best Scholar Award 🏆. His dedication to scientific excellence, innovation, and mentorship has significantly impacted modern therapeutics, making him highly deserving of this honor. 🚀