Prof. Hongwei Zhou | Organic Synthesis | Chemical Scientist Award
Vice President, Jiaxing University,China.
Hongwei Zhou, is a distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Vice President of Jiaxing University. He earned his Master’s degree in Applied Chemistry from Hunan University and completed his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Zhejiang University . Following a postdoctoral fellowship at McMaster University in Canada, he was appointed Associate Professor at Zhejiang University , later recognized as a “Qiushi Young Scholar” and selected as a Doctoral Supervisor . He joined Jiaxing University as Academic Leader of Pharmaceutical Engineering, subsequently serving as Vice Dean and Dean of the School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He became Director of the Science and Technology Department and Dean of the Science and Technology Research Institute. A prolific scholar, Professor Zhou has led over ten major research projects, published more than 100 SCI papers, and holds 16 patents in organic and pharmaceutical synthesis.
Professional Profile
Professor Hongwei Zhou’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemistry. He obtained his Master’s degree in Applied Chemistry from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University. His master’s research provided him with a deep understanding of applied chemical principles, fostering his interest in advanced organic synthesis. He then pursued a Doctorate in Organic Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University. His doctoral work equipped him with expertise in organic synthesis methodologies, pharmaceutical chemistry, and advanced laboratory techniques. Following his Ph.D., he expanded his academic horizons internationally by conducting postdoctoral research at McMaster University in Canada . This international experience enriched his research perspective, exposing him to cutting-edge techniques and collaborative projects. This robust educational background laid the groundwork for his subsequent academic leadership, research accomplishments, and contributions to organic chemistry and pharmaceutical engineering.
Experience
Professor Zhou’s professional career is marked by progressive academic and administrative roles. After completing his postdoctoral research, he was appointed Associate Professor at Zhejiang University, where he also served as a Doctoral Supervisor. His outstanding contributions earned him the title of “Qiushi Young Scholar”. He joined Jiaxing University, where he became the Academic Leader of Pharmaceutical Engineering and a member of the Academic Committee. His leadership expanded as he took on the role of Vice Dean and later Dean of the School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He was appointed Director of the Science and Technology Department and Dean of the Science and Technology Research Institute. His strategic vision and academic leadership culminated in his appointment as Vice President of Jiaxing University . Throughout his career, he has balanced high-level administration with impactful research and teaching.
Professional Development
Professor Zhou’s professional development reflects continuous advancement in research, leadership, and academic governance. His early career growth was marked by his transition from postdoctoral research at McMaster University to an Associate Professorship at Zhejiang University, where he deepened his research in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical chemistry. His recognition as a “Qiushi Young Scholar” and selection as a Doctoral Supervisor demonstrated his academic excellence and mentorship capabilities. Upon joining Jiaxing University , he broadened his scope, leading pharmaceutical engineering programs and contributing to academic committee governance. His leadership trajectory continued as Vice Dean and later Director of the Science and Technology Department and Dean of the Science and Technology Research Institute . His appointment as Vice President further cemented his role as a key figure in institutional development. His career embodies a commitment to integrating research innovation with educational leadership.
Skills & Expertise
Professor Zhou possesses extensive expertise in organic synthesis methodology, pharmaceutical synthesis, and applied chemistry. His technical proficiency spans synthetic route design, reaction mechanism studies, and the development of novel pharmaceutical compounds. He is highly skilled in leading interdisciplinary research teams, managing large-scale scientific projects, and fostering academic collaborations both domestically and internationally. His leadership skills extend to strategic planning, higher education administration, and research policy formulation. With over 100 SCI-indexed publications, he demonstrates exceptional scholarly writing and scientific communication abilities. Additionally, he holds 16 authorized patents, reflecting his innovation in translating research into practical applications. His expertise also encompasses grant acquisition, having successfully led projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Ministry of Education, and provincial science foundations. Combining deep technical knowledge with proven administrative capabilities, Professor Zhou stands out as both a scientific innovator and an academic leader.
Resarch Focus
Professor Zhou’s research primarily centers on organic synthesis methodology and pharmaceutical synthesis. He investigates the development of efficient, sustainable synthetic routes for bioactive compounds, aiming to improve pharmaceutical production processes and drug design. His work integrates fundamental organic chemistry with applied pharmaceutical engineering, bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and industrial application. He explores reaction mechanisms to enhance selectivity, yield, and scalability, contributing to both academic understanding and practical utility. Beyond synthetic chemistry, his projects often address challenges in medicinal chemistry, such as the creation of novel molecular scaffolds for therapeutic agents. Many of his research endeavors are collaborative, involving cross-disciplinary partnerships and international cooperation. With over 100 SCI publications and numerous funded projects from national and provincial agencies, his research has significantly impacted the fields of chemical methodology and drug development, positioning him as a leading figure in pharmaceutical-oriented organic synthesis.
Awards & Recognitions
Throughout his career, Professor Zhou has received multiple honors that recognize his scientific achievements and leadership. He was awarded the prestigious title of “Qiushi Young Scholar,” acknowledging his exceptional contributions to research at an early stage in his career. His academic stature was further affirmed when he was appointed as a Doctoral Supervisor at Zhejiang University. His expertise and impact have been reinforced through consistent success in securing competitive research grants, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Ministry of Education, the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation, and the Zhejiang Provincial Outstanding Youth Fund. Additionally, his record of over 100 SCI-indexed publications and 16 authorized patents has earned him recognition within both academic and industrial sectors. His appointments to key leadership positions, including Vice President of Jiaxing University, further attest to his reputation as a respected scholar, innovator, and administrator.
Publication Top Notes
Title: O-Acylation Triggered γ-Umpolung Functionalization of Electron-Poor Alkenyl Sulfoxides for the Synthesis of 3-Allyl Indoles
Journal: Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry
Year: 2025
DOI: 10.1039/D5OB00112A
Authors: Wenjie Wei; Qiangrong Xie; Xiaoyu Li; Yuanyuan Xie; Hongwei Zhou
Title: Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel Polyazaheterocyclic Derivatives of Quinine
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2025
DOI: 10.3390/molecules30153301
Authors: Gulim K. Mukusheva; Nurizat N. Toigambekova; Roza B. Seidakhmetova; Roza I. Jalmakhanbetova; Mukhlissa N. Babakhanova; Oralgazy A. Nurkenov; Ekaterina A. Akishina; Evgenij A. Dikusar; Irina A. Kolesnik; Hongwei Zhou; et al.
Title: Atroposelective N-Allylic Alkylation Enables Construction of Axially Chiral Arylimidazoles
Journal: Organic Letters
Year: 2025
DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5c01977
Authors: Yangyang Wang; Kexin Chen; Hongwei Zhou; Xingkuan Chen; Jianfeng Xu
Title: A Three-Dimensional Fractional Calculus-Based Creep Model for Granite Considering Thermal Effects
Journal: International Journal of Applied Mechanics
Year: 2025
DOI: 10.1142/S175882512550036X
Authors: Teng Su; Zelin Liu; Hongwei Zhou; Hairuo Wang; Xiaotian Hu; Feng Zhang
Title: Mechanochemical Enantiospecific Syntheses of Sulfonimidate Esters and Sulfonimidamides by Various S(VI) Exchange Reactions
Journal: ChemistryEurope
Year: 2025
DOI: 10.1002/ceur.202500006
Authors: Shashank Tripathi; Sidharam P. Pujari; Manoah Romkes; Fedor M. Miloserdov; Hongwei Zhou; Han Zuilhof
Title: Reductive Deuteration of Aldehydes/Ketones for the Synthesis of Monodeuterated Phosphinates and Derivatives Using D₂O as the Nucleophilic Deuterium Source
Journal: The Journal of Organic Chemistry
Year: 2025
DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.5c00235
Authors: Xiaochen Niu; Yuanyuan Xie; Hongwei Zhou
Professor Hongwei Zhou’s record demonstrates excellence in research, innovation, and academic leadership, making him an exemplary candidate for the Research for Chemical Scientist Award. His achievements in organic synthesis methodology, pharmaceutical synthesis, and catalytic chemistry, coupled with strong leadership and technology transfer, align perfectly with the award’s objectives. With further emphasis on expanding international collaborations and interdisciplinary projects, he could strengthen his already impressive global profile. Overall, he is a highly deserving nominee whose work significantly advances the chemical sciences both in theory and application.