Patrycja Żak | Environmental Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

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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.

Prof. Jinhui Zhao| Environmental Chemistry| Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Jinhui Zhao| Environmental Chemistry| Best Researcher Award

Director of the Research Institute at Nanjing Tech University, China.

🔬 Short Biography 🌿💊📚

Dr. Jinhui Zhao is an Associate Professor at Nanjing Tech University specializing in environmental chemistry and water treatment technologies. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, he has published over 50 research articles, including 15 SCI-indexed papers, and holds 10 patents related to pollutant removal and sustainable water systems. His work focuses on the migration and transformation of contaminants in aquatic environments and the development of eco-friendly treatment methods. Dr. Zhao has led multiple national and industrial research projects and actively contributes to innovative solutions for global environmental challenges.

PROFILE 

ORCID 

SCOPUS 

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Dr. Zhao Jinhui stands out as an applied environmental scientist with impactful research on water treatment technologies and pollutant migration. His work bridges environmental chemistry, public health, and sustainable engineering. His integration of theory with practical applications and industry relevance marks him as a leader in his field. With publications, patents, awards, and high-profile collaborations, he demonstrates a robust and balanced academic profile.

📘 Education

Professor Zhao Jinhui holds a solid academic foundation in environmental and chemical engineering sciences, which has guided his path into research and higher education. He has pursued advanced training in water environmental chemistry and related technologies, which laid the groundwork for his specialization in pollutant behavior and water resource management. His educational background also supports his active role in publishing professional books and developing technical standards in environmental science. This comprehensive academic journey has been instrumental in shaping his expertise in water treatment and sustainability.

Professional Experience

With over a decade of professional and academic experience, Professor Zhao serves as an Associate Professor at Nanjing Tech University. He has led five research projects and completed more than 60 consultancy and industry collaborations, particularly focusing on water treatment, reclaimed water utilization, and pollutant migration. Zhao’s practical expertise extends beyond academia, demonstrated through his leadership in large-scale projects such as those under China’s 863 Program. His innovations have translated into real-world applications, especially in the implementation of constructed wetland technologies for wastewater treatment and power generation, solidifying his role as a leader in applied environmental research.

Skills and Competencies

Zhao Jinhui’s key skills include water quality analysis, advanced water treatment technologies, pollutant migration modeling, and constructed wetlands optimization. His ability to bridge chemical engineering principles with biological systems sets him apart in environmental sustainability research. He also exhibits strong project management and consultancy skills, having led high-impact industry collaborations.

Research Focus 🔍🤖

Professor Zhao Jinhui’s research centers on water environmental chemistry, with a strong emphasis on sustainable water treatment technologies and pollutant behavior in aquatic systems. He investigates the recycling and reuse of reclaimed water and rainwater, aiming to improve water security and environmental protection. A major aspect of his work involves studying the migration and transformation of organic and inorganic pollutants during various treatment processes, including advanced oxidation and constructed wetlands. His interdisciplinary approach combines chemical, biological, and engineering techniques to enhance pollutant removal efficiency while promoting eco-friendly practices. Zhao’s research contributes significantly to water sustainability and green innovation.

Awards and Honors 🏆🎖️

Zhao received the Third Prize in Science and Technology from the China General Chamber of Commerce for his contributions to constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment and energy generation. His applied research has significantly influenced environmental engineering practices in China.

Publications & Citations 📚

  1. Title: Comparison of Field Infiltration Test Methods for Permeable Pavement: Toward a Further Easy and Accurate Method
    Journal: Clean – Soil, Air, Water
    DOI: 10.1002/clen.201900174
    Authors: Zhao, Jinhui
    Year: 2019

  2. Title: Water and energy saving potential by adopting pressure-reducing measures in high-rise building: A case analysis
    Journal: Building Services Engineering Research and Technology
    DOI: 10.1177/0143624417751056
    Authors: Zhao, Jinhui
    Year: 2018

  3. Title: A fancy eco-compatible wastewater treatment system: Green Bio-sorption Reactor
    Journal: Bioresource Technology
    DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.03.037
    Authors: Zhao, Y.; Liu, R.; Zhao, J.; Xu, L.; Sibille, C.
    Year: 2017

  4. Title: Advanced treatment of actual textile dye wastewater by Fenton-flocculation process
    Journal: Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering
    DOI: 10.1002/cjce.22752
    Authors: Xiao, X.; Sun, Y.; Sun, W.; Shen, H.; Zheng, H.; Xu, Y.; Zhao, J.; Wu, H.; Liu, C.
    Year: 2017

  5. Title: Constructed wetland integrated microbial fuel cell system: Looking back, moving forward
    Journal: Water Science and Technology
    DOI: 10.2166/wst.2017.190
    Authors: Wang, Y.; Zhao, Y.; Xu, L.; Wang, W.; Doherty, L.; Tang, C.; Ren, B.; Zhao, J.
    Year: 2017

  6. Title: Embedding constructed wetland in sequencing batch reactor for enhancing nutrients removal: A comparative evaluation
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.01.080
    Authors: Liu, R.; Zhao, Y.; Zhao, J.; Xu, L.; Sibille, C.
    Year: 2017

  7. Title: Agricultural runoff pollution control by a grassed swales coupled with wetland detention ponds system: A case study in Taihu Basin, China
    Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
    DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6150-2
    Authors: Zhao, J.; Zhao, Y.; Zhao, X.; Jiang, C.
    Year: 2016

  8. Title: Highway runoff treatment by hybrid adsorptive media-baffled subsurface flow constructed wetland
    Journal: Ecological Engineering
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2016.02.020
    Authors: Zhao, J.; Zhao, Y.; Xu, Z.; Doherty, L.; Liu, R.
    Year: 2016

  9. Title: UV/TiO₂ photocatalytic disinfection of carbon-bacteria complexes in activated carbon-filtered water: Laboratory and pilot-scale investigation
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A: Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering
    DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2015.1055155
    Authors: Zhao, J.H.; Chen, W.; Zhao, Y.; Liu, C.; Liu, R.
    Year: 2015

🔍 Conclusion:

Highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Dr. Zhao’s contributions in environmental chemistry and sustainable water systems have tangible societal benefits and scientific depth. Strategic international engagement and editorial roles would further amplify his already strong research trajectory.