Fritz Pragst | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Paper Award

Published on by Chemical Scientist

Prof. Dr. Fritz Pragst | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Paper Award

Guest Scientist | Humboldt University of Berlin | Germany

Prof. Dr. Fritz Pragst is a distinguished scholar in forensic and analytical toxicology whose work has significantly shaped modern toxicological science, evidence interpretation, and laboratory methodology. With an academic career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a leading authority in systematic toxicological analysis, forensic chemistry, and biomarker research, contributing to both foundational understanding and applied forensic practice. His scientific influence is demonstrated through 147 published documents, more than 6,170 citations, and an h-index of 43, reflecting consistent scholarly impact, high research relevance, and continued citation in contemporary toxicology literature. His pioneering contributions to hair analysis methodology, including alcohol biomarkers such as ethyl glucuronide and drug exposure evaluation in cases involving familial substance misuse, have provided globally referenced frameworks for long-term toxicological monitoring, legal case assessments, and public health applications. His work addresses complex analytical challenges, including differentiation between substance exposure routes, interpretation of low-level toxicological data, validation of forensic laboratory workflows, and development of ethical and scientifically defensible interpretation models. Beyond research, he has actively contributed to scientific societies, served in editorial and advisory roles, and engaged in extensive collaboration across multidisciplinary research networks, thereby supporting international knowledge exchange and capacity building within toxicology and forensic science communities. His scholarly output also demonstrates a commitment to solving real-world challenges, including improving diagnostic accuracy, enhancing substance abuse monitoring, and supporting fair use of toxicological evidence in legal and clinical environments. Through his influential publications, leadership roles, and contributions to methodological rigor and scientific education, Prof. Dr. Fritz Pragst has made a lasting impact on global forensic toxicology, ensuring that analytical science continues to advance with accuracy, ethical integrity, and societal relevance.

Profiles : Scopus | ResearchGate

Pragst, F. (2025). Systematic toxicological analysis in forensic and clinical laboratories: a challenging task of analytical chemistry. ChemTexts, 11(2).

Pragst, F., & Balíková, M. A. (2006). State of the art in hair analysis for detection of drug and alcohol abuse. Clinica Chimica Acta, 370(1–2), 17–49.

Pragst, F. (2022). Is there a relationship between abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs seen in hair results? Drug Testing and Analysis. (2025 listing for 2025 issues)

Prof. Dr. Fritz Pragst has significantly advanced forensic and clinical toxicology through pioneering work in systematic toxicological analysis and hair‐based drug detection methods, shaping global standards and improving public health, justice systems, and medico-legal investigations. His research continues to inspire innovation, strengthen scientific reliability, and support safer societies worldwide.

Dr. Chang-jiang-sheng Lai | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Chemical Scientist

Dr. Chang-jiang-sheng Lai | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chang-jiang-sheng Lai, Tianjin University of Commerce, China

Dr. Changjiang-Sheng Lai is a distinguished pharmacognosist specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) quality evaluation. As the Dean of the Institute of Collaborative Innovation in Health Sciences at Tianjin University of Commerce, he has led groundbreaking research in TCM standardization, toxicity prediction, and quality assessment. Recognized as a National “Ten Thousand Talents Plan” Young Top Talent, he has published 70+ high-impact research papers, authored two books, and secured three national patents. With a passion for innovation, Dr. Lai actively contributes to major scientific committees and editorial boards, shaping the future of TCM research. 🌱📖

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Orcid

Summary of Suitability for the Best Researcher Award

Dr. Changjiang-Sheng Lai is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his pioneering work in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) quality evaluation, toxicity prediction, and pharmacokinetics. His research has significantly contributed to the standardization and modernization of TCM, bridging traditional herbal medicine with advanced analytical and AI-driven techniques. As the Dean of the Institute of Collaborative Innovation in Health Sciences at Tianjin University of Commerce, he continues to drive impactful research, mentoring young scientists and shaping regulatory policies.

Education & Experience 📚👨‍🏫

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy – China Pharmaceutical University (2010–2015)
  • 🏛️ Dean – Tianjin University of Commerce, Institute of Collaborative Innovation in Health Sciences (2024–Present)
  • 🔬 Head of Research Lab/Research Fellow – China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (2022–2023)
  • 🧪 Associate Research Fellow/Master’s Supervisor – China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (2021–2022)
  • 🏥 Assistant Research Fellow – China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (2015–2017)
  • 🎓 Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering – Tianjin University of Commerce (2006–2010)

Professional Development 🏅🔍

Dr. Lai is a leading expert in TCM quality evaluation, serving on multiple national committees. As a reviewer for 20+ international journals, he contributes significantly to pharmaceutical and biomedical research. He has secured 18 research grants, including national key R&D projects, and actively mentors young researchers. 🧑‍🏫 His affiliations include the Chinese Association of TCM Analysis, China Ethnic Medicine Association, and Chinese Society of TCM. Passionate about bridging traditional knowledge with modern science, he collaborates internationally to advance herbal medicine research. 🌍📑

Research Focus 🔬🌿

Dr. Lai’s research revolves around TCM quality control, toxicity assessment, and pharmacokinetics. He develops real-time monitoring techniques for toxic compounds in herbal medicines, improving TCM safety and efficacy. 🏥 His work includes metabolomic profiling, AI-based drug analysis, and herbal standardization. 🌱 With a focus on rare and endangered medicinal plants, he pioneers sustainable utilization strategies. His research has led to new quality evaluation models, influencing regulatory policies and setting higher industry standards. 📊 He aims to integrate TCM wisdom with cutting-edge analytical technology for a global impact. 🌏

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

  • 🏅 First Prize – Provincial Science & Technology Progress Award (2019)
  • 🏆 National “Ten Thousand Talents Plan” Young Top Talent (2022)
  • ⭐ Outstanding Young Scientist – China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (2022)
  • 🎖 Outstanding Communist Party Member (2022)
  • 🏆 Beijing Science & Technology Rising Star (2022)
  • 🏅 Outstanding Oral Presentation Award – 8th East China Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry Conference (2018)
  • 🎓 China Association for Science & Technology Young Talents Support Program (2018)

Publication Top Notes:

🌿 Recent development of natural polysaccharide-modified biochar on adsorption of pollutants from wastewater: Preparation, characterization, mechanisms and applications– 📖 7 citations

🔗 Hydrogen-bonded organic framework: Construction and gas separation application  – 📖 12 citations

⚗️ Sensitive quantitation of ultra-trace toxic aconitines in complex matrices by perfusion nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry combined with gas-liquid microextraction  – 📖 2 citations

🧠 Multitarget Protective Effects of JUB on Aβ-Induced Neurotoxicity and the Mechanism Predication Using Network Pharmacology Analysis – 📖 1 citation

🧬 Structure-function analysis of CYP719As involved in methylenedioxy bridge-formation in the biosynthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids and its de novo production  – 📖 8 citations

🌱 Functional diversity of diterpene synthases in Aconitum plants – 📖 5 citations