Kyung-Shin Lee | Social Epidemiology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Kyung-Shin Lee | Social Epidemiology | Research Excellence Award 

National Medical Center | South Korea

Dr. Kyung-Shin Lee, MPH, PhD, is a public health researcher specializing in infectious disease epidemiology, environmental epidemiology, and child health, with a strong interdisciplinary foundation spanning preventive medicine, public health, microbial physiology, and biology. With a scholarly record that includes 40 peer-reviewed documents, 712 citations, and an h-index of 15, Dr. Lee has established a notable presence in the fields of environmental exposures, epidemiologic methods, and population health. Currently serving as a Junior Researcher at the National Medical Center’s Infectious Disease Project Support Team, Dr. Lee leads national-level research initiatives focusing on surveillance studies, infectious disease response systems, and the health impacts of environmental factors. Her earlier roles at Seoul National University’s Environmental Health Center and Department of Preventive Medicine, as well as at Asan Medical Center and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reflect extensive experience managing large-scale clinical cohorts, environmental health databases, and epidemiologic investigations. Dr. Lee’s research portfolio spans a wide range of topics, including COVID-19–related neurodevelopment, emergency care utilization, greenness exposure and health outcomes, and the epidemiology of chronic and infectious diseases. She has contributed as a first or corresponding author to impactful publications in medical, public health, and environmental science journals. Her technical expertise includes advanced statistical modeling using SAS, R, STATA, and SQL, along with proficiency in multilevel analysis, time-series methods, interrupted time-series designs, cohort analysis, and environmental exposure assessment. Additionally, she possesses strong capabilities in GIS and spatial analysis using QGIS and ArcGIS, complemented by professional proficiency in English and native fluency in Korean.

Featured Publications 

Lee, K.-S., … (2025). Spatial accessibility to emergency departments and surgical treatment for patients with acute appendicitis in South Korea. Yonsei Medical Journal.

Lee, K-S., … (2025). Differential effects of green space typologies on congenital anomalies: Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (2008–2013). Healthcare (Switzerland).

Lee, K-S., … (2025). Changes in the emergency department visits among older adults with dementia before and after nationwide social distancing measures: An interrupted time series analysis. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

Lee, K-S., … (2025). Association of maternal exposure to fine particulate matter during pregnancy with anterior segment dysgenesis risk: A matched case-control study. Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Xuerong Li | Covert Attack | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xuerong Li | Covert Attack | Research Excellence Award 

Northeast Petroleum University | China

Dr. Xuerong Li is an accomplished Associate Professor at the Sanya Offshore Oil & Gas Research Institute, Northeast Petroleum University, recognized for her significant contributions to networked control systems, cyber-physical system security, and advanced state-estimation methodologies. Her research spans piecewise linear and uncertain systems, set-membership filtering, censored measurements, communication-protocol-based estimation, and covert attack detection mechanisms, positioning her as a rising expert in secure intelligent control. She has authored 12 indexed documents, which collectively reflect strong global academic influence, as demonstrated by 376 citations and an h-index of 8, highlighting the consistent impact and quality of her scholarly output. Dr. Li has published in leading international journals, including IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II: Express Briefs, Information Sciences, and the Journal of the Franklin Institute, and has contributed actively to major international conferences. Her work has advanced understanding of robust covert attack strategies, distributed filtering under network constraints, and secure estimation for nonlinear and time-varying systems. She has led and participated in multiple national and provincial research grants focused on covert attack design, detection mechanisms, and distributed filtering technologies. Her excellence has been recognized through several academic awards, including top scholarships and distinctions in national mathematical modeling competitions. As an active member of IEEE and the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, Dr. Li continues to engage with the international research community, driving innovation in secure and reliable control technologies across cyber-physical and industrial automation systems.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications 

Li, X., Zhang, P., & Dong, H. (in press). Model reference observer based stealthy covert attack on cyber-physical systems. Journal of the Franklin Institute.

Li, X., Zhang, P., & Dong, H. (2024). A robust covert attack strategy for a class of uncertain cyber-physical systems. IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, 69(3), 1983–1990.

Yang, F., Dong, H., Shen, Y., Li, X., & Dai, D. (2024). Protocol-based non-fragile state estimation for delayed recurrent neural networks subject to replay attacks. IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, 11(1), 249–251.

Li, X., Song, J., Hou, N., Dai, D., & Yang, F. (2023). Finite horizon distributed set-membership filtering with dynamical bias and DoS attacks under binary encoding schemes. Information Sciences, 641, Article 119084.

Eui Chan Jeon | Climate change | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Eui Chan Jeon | Climate change | Research Excellence Award 

Sejong University | South Korea

Eui-chan Jeon is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Climate and Environment at Sejong University and Director of the Korea Institute of Climate Change and Environment, widely recognized for his extensive contributions to greenhouse gas emission research, air pollution management, and national climate policy. With a strong academic foundation from Seoul National University, his expertise spans the development of emission factors and inventories, strategies for short-lived climate forcers, VOC and malodor control, and environmental education. Over his career, he has authored an impressive body of work comprising 110 scholarly documents and accumulated 2,082 citations, supported by an h-index of 22, demonstrating his sustained scientific influence. He has served in numerous high-level national and international leadership roles, including Lead Author for the IPCC Methodology Report on Short-lived Climate Forcers, Chairman of the TFI under the Council for Response to the IPCC, Chairman of the Carbon Neutral Committee of Korea Environment Corporation, and Chairman of the Board of the APEC Climate Center. His recent research includes major national projects on particulate matter, non-CO₂ greenhouse gas destruction and removal efficiency, ammonia emissions, and agricultural and livestock activity data enhancement. He has also authored influential studies advancing emission factor development for waste, industrial, agricultural, and energy sectors. His work has been complemented by multiple national honors, academic awards, and the publication of several authoritative books on carbon neutrality, climate change adaptation, environmental science, and energy policy. Professor Jeon’s scholarship and leadership continue to shape climate science, environmental policy, and sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications 

Min, D. K., Woo, J., Kim, J., Lee, B.-J., Jeon, E.-C., & Lee, J. (2025). The impact of plasma intensity on the unused rate in semiconductor manufacturing: Comparative analysis across intensity ranges from 30 to 3000. Applied Sciences, 15, 1441.

Woo, J., Min, D. K., Kang, S., Lee, J., Lee, B.-J., & Jeon, E.-C. (2024). A study on the development of destruction or removal efficiency (DRE) considering the characteristics of greenhouse gas abatement technology used in the semiconductor and display industries in South Korea. Atmosphere, 15, 1446.

Kang, S., Woo, J., Kim, G., Min, D., Lee, J., & Jeon, E.-C. (2024). Study on the destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) of perfluorinated compound gases used in semiconductor and display processes in Korea: DRE and uncertainty by scrubber type. Processes, 12, 2321.

Lee, S., Kwon, T. H., Lee, J., & Jeon, E.-C. (2024). High-resolution environmentally extended input–output analysis model for consumption-based greenhouse gas accounting. Journal of Climate Change Research, 15, 5–1.

Yihao Shen | Shaped Charge | Excellence in Research Award

Mr. Yihao Shen | Shaped Charge | Excellence in Research Award 

State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University | China

Yihao Shen is a Master’s student at the State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, specializing in shaped charges and energetic materials. His academic work integrates experimental analysis, material design, and numerical modeling to address long-standing challenges in explosive mechanics and cumulative jet performance. With a strong foundation in the structural and material innovations of shaped charge liners, he has authored an SCI review that systematically deciphers advancements in single-cone, composite, and multi-layer configurations, as well as metal, alloy, and composite energetic materials that significantly enhance jet coherence, energy directionality, and penetration capability. His research contributes a theoretical framework for energy directional control and supports the technological transformation of deep mineral extraction and advanced blasting applications. Yihao is actively engaged in confidential research projects and collaborative work with the State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting, Jianghan University, including screening schemes for reactive lining materials, energetic material characterization using XRD, SEM, and XPS, and numerical simulation efforts with the university’s Intelligent Computing Center. He has one SCI-indexed publication, ten patents under process, and ongoing research activities that further strengthen his expertise in explosive mechanics modeling and lethality assessment. His academic metrics currently include a total of 2 documents reflecting an early yet rapidly developing research trajectory. Yihao’s contributions demonstrate over 30% improvement in penetration performance compared to traditional methods, positioning his work as a foundation for next-generation high-damage sleeve technologies with significant potential for future industrial and scientific applications.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications 

Shen, Y., Zhao, Z., Ming, Z., Yin, G., Liu, Y., Li, J., & Liu, X. (2025). Advances in novel structures and materials for shaped charge liners. Shock and Vibration

Lan Lan | Thoracic Surgery | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Lan Lan | Thoracic Surgery | Research Excellence Award 

The first affiliated hospital of Guangzhou Medical University | China

Dr. Lan Lan, Chief Physician at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, is a leading clinician-scientist specializing in thoracic anesthesia and lung transplantation. Her primary clinical and research focus centers on anesthesia management for cardiothoracic surgery, with significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms, progression, and protective strategies for lung injury during one-lung ventilation. She has also advanced the development and clinical application of the Tubeless technique in thoracic surgery, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing postoperative mechanical ventilation in patients with moderate to severe pulmonary dysfunction and accelerating recovery in super-elderly individuals without increasing complication risks. Dr. Lan has completed approximately ten research projects related to Tubeless thoracic surgery and continues to lead additional ongoing investigations that explore perioperative care, lung protection, and enhanced recovery pathways. Her scholarly output includes publications across eight SCI-indexed journals, accumulating 247 citations, 37 documents, and an h-index of 8, reflecting her growing influence within the fields of thoracic anesthesia and lung transplantation. Her innovative research has also shown that non-opioid Tubeless anesthesia can safely and effectively support thoracic procedures with outcomes comparable to traditional opioid-based methods, offering a significant advancement in opioid-sparing surgical care. In addition to her clinical and research achievements, Dr. Lan serves on the editorial board of the Chinese edition of Anesthesia & Analgesia and maintains active collaborations with renowned experts including Jianxing He, Shuben Li, and Daqing Ma. With one patent and strong contributions to perioperative innovation, Dr. Lan continues to shape modern thoracic anesthesia practices and promote safer, minimally invasive surgical strategies globally.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications 

Lan, L., et al. (2026). A novel hydrogel-coated chest drain based on ropivacaine–glycerol–alginate hydrogel with construction and application to postoperative thoracic rehabilitation. Journal of Biomaterials Applications.

Lan, L., et al. (2025). Physiological pattern differences in non-intubated vs. intubated thoracic anesthesia based on time series analysis. Journal of Thoracic Disease.

Lan, L., et al. (2025). A comparative study of the effects of spontaneous ventilation versus one-lung mechanical ventilation on ipsilateral lung injury during thoracic surgery: An empirical analysis based on a rat model. Journal of Thoracic Disease.

Wei Wang | Cardiac Arrest | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wei Wang | Cardiac Arrest | Best Researcher Award 

Department of Anesthesiology, Nanfang Hospital | China

Dr. Wei Wang is an accomplished anesthesiologist affiliated with the Department of Anesthesiology at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China, with a strong clinical background supported by advanced medical training in anesthesiology at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His professional career spans extensive clinical service in major hospitals in Guangdong and Hunan provinces, complemented by valuable international research exposure as a visiting scholar at Duke University. Dr. Wang has developed a diverse and influential research portfolio covering areas such as cardiac arrest physiology, neuroinflammation, cerebral microcirculation, multimodal brain monitoring, analgesic mechanisms, anesthetic impacts on tumor behavior, ischemia–reperfusion injury, and perioperative outcomes. He has contributed to high-quality peer-reviewed publications in leading medical and scientific journals, reflecting both depth and breadth across translational and clinical anesthesiology. His scholarly output is well recognized, with approximately 16 documents, an estimated 359 citations, and an h-index of 10, demonstrating a strong and consistent academic impact within the global research community. Dr. Wang’s work includes collaborations with multidisciplinary teams involving neuroscience, critical care, imaging technology, cardiovascular science, and perioperative medicine, highlighting his ability to integrate clinical challenges with experimental innovation. His publication record features contributions to studies on cardiac arrest–induced immune dysfunction, novel animal models, stroke mechanisms, inflammatory pain modulation, and anesthetic–tumor interactions, showcasing a sustained commitment to advancing evidence-based anesthetic practice. Through his combined clinical expertise, research productivity, and international engagement, Dr. Wang has established himself as a dedicated clinician-scientist whose work continues to influence modern anesthesiology and perioperative research.

Featured Publications 

Liang, W., Lin, C., Yuan, L., Chen, L., Guo, P., Li, P., Wang, W., & Zhang, X. (2019). Preactivation of Notch1 in remote ischemic preconditioning reduces cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury through crosstalk with the NF-κB pathway. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 16(1), 181.

Zhao, Q., Shen, Y., Li, R., Wu, J., Lyu, J., Jiang, M., Lu, L., Zhu, M., Wang, W., … (2021). Cardiac arrest and resuscitation activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and results in severe immunosuppression. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, 41(5), 1091–1102.

Jiang, M., Li, R., Lyu, J., Li, X., Wang, W., Wang, Z., Sheng, H., Zhang, W., … (2020). MCC950, a selective NLPR3 inflammasome inhibitor, improves neurologic function and survival after cardiac arrest and resuscitation. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 17(1), 256.

Shen, Y., Yan, B., Zhao, Q., Wang, Z., Wu, J., Ren, J., Wang, W., Yu, S., Sheng, H., Crowley, S. D., Ding, F., Paschen, W., & Yang, W. (2018). Aging is associated with impaired activation of protein homeostasis-related pathways after cardiac arrest in mice. Journal of the American Heart Association, 7(17), e009634.

Dariusz Nowak | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dariusz Nowak | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award 

Medical College in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun | Poland

Dr. Dariusz Nowak, is a distinguished academic with extensive expertise in Food Technology, Human Nutrition, Health Sciences, and Dietetics. As a Professor at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, he has built a strong academic profile grounded in both scientific excellence and practical experience. His professional background includes previous work at the Dairy Institute in Warsaw, the Agricultural Market Agency, and the University of Warmia and Mazury, where he developed deep insights into food science and nutrition research. Dr. Nowak’s scholarly output demonstrates significant academic impact, with 18 documents indexed in major scientific databases, 559 citations across 503 citing sources, and an h-index of 13, reflecting the consistent relevance and reach of his research. His work focuses primarily on the antioxidant properties of food and their influence on human health, contributing to advancements in health sciences and food technology. He has authored and reviewed numerous scientific papers and supervised a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s theses, shaping future professionals in the field. His academic achievements are complemented by active collaboration with research institutions and industry partners through grants, implementation projects, and patent-related activities. Beyond science, his interests include the history of the 20th century, enriching his multidisciplinary perspective. Through dedicated teaching, impactful research, and strong professional engagement, Dr. Nowak continues to make meaningful contributions to nutrition science and public health, reinforcing his reputation as a respected scholar and educator.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications 

Dariusz Nowak, … (2025). Antioxidant properties of Aronia melanocarpa and Morinda citrifolia juices and their impact on bladder cancer cell lines. Medical Science Monitor: International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research.

Sangkeun Oh | Environmental | Scholarly Achievement Award

Prof. Dr. Sangkeun Oh | Environmental | Scholarly Achievement Award 

Seoul National University and Science | South Korea

Professor Sang Keun Oh is a distinguished Korean construction engineering expert whose career spans academic leadership, international standardization, government advisory roles, and industry collaboration. As a Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University of Science and Technology and Research Professor at its Waterproofing Technology Research Center, he has made pioneering contributions to building construction and materials engineering, performance and quality engineering, waterproofing technology, safety, and construction standards. His expertise extends to facility waterproofing, defect dispute analysis, leakage safety, and the development of national and international standards. He previously served as Director of the Construction Technology Research Institute, Dean of the Graduate School of Housing, and held multiple leadership positions in construction-related organizations. Internationally, he has led major ISO initiatives as Convener and Project Leader and has advanced global waterproofing research through Korea-China-Japan academic collaborations. Professor Oh has authored 46 documents, accumulated 388 citations, and maintains an h-index of 10, reflecting his sustained scholarly impact. He has overseen large-scale national and industry research projects in waterproofing performance, earthquake-resistant materials, leakage safety diagnostics, and nuclear facility roofing systems. As a founding member and chairman of several key professional societies in Korea, he has shaped policy and practice in construction safety, environment, and waterproofing technology. His extensive public service includes committee roles in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Seoul Metropolitan Government, and national standardization bodies. Widely recognized for his lifelong contributions, he has received multiple prestigious government awards, presidential commendations, and national honors, underscoring his significant influence on construction engineering and international standardization.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications 

Oh, S. K., et al. (n.d.). Breakout test for dimension stone cladding with epoxy bond. Journal of Building Engineering. (0 citations)

Oh, S. K., et al. (n.d.). Mechanical treated natural kapok fiber with Ep through oil-milling process for bio-based modified asphalt: Analysis of ageing resistance and Ep releasing. Case Studies in Construction Materials. (1 citation)

Oh, S. K., et al. (n.d.). Achieving lower temperature modification and its mechanism of SBS modified asphalt based on pre-swelling/extraction process and compositing with C9 petroleum resin. Materials and Structures. (2 citations)

Oh, S. K., et al. (n.d.). Achieving superior anti-aging properties of SBS modified asphalt through incorporating 3-methylacryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane surface functionalized MXene. Construction and Building Materials. (5 citations)

Shujing Qin | Ecohydrology | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shujing Qin | Ecohydrology | Research Excellence Award 

Wuhan University | China

Shu-Jing Qin is an accomplished Associate Research Fellow at the State Key Laboratory of Water Resources Engineering and Management, Wuhan University, with extensive expertise in agricultural hydrometeorology, hydro-climatology, land surface modelling, climate change, and water–carbon coupling. She holds a Ph.D. from China Agricultural University and completed a joint doctoral program at CSIRO Land and Water in Australia, strengthening her international research profile. Her scientific contributions are reflected in an impressive research record, with an h-index of 24, a scopus of 52 scholarly documents, and 1,606 citations accumulated from 1,306 referencing publications. Dr. Qin has published more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, including several ESI Highly Cited Papers, and has secured over 20 patents and software copyrights that demonstrate strong innovation capacity. She has managed  research funding as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator across national foundations, key research and development programs, postdoctoral foundations, and commissioned projects. Her professional service includes active membership in the American Geophysical Union, the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering, the Chinese Hydraulic Engineering Society, and the Changjing Technology and Economic Society. Dr. Qin has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Agricultural Water-Saving Science and Technology Award (First Prize), the Yangtze River Science and Technology Award for Scientific and Technological Advancement (First Prize), and the Scientific and Technological Progress Award of Hubei Province (Third Prize). Through impactful publications, technological innovations, and leadership in multidisciplinary research programs, she has made significant contributions to advancing hydrology, water resources management, and sustainable agricultural systems.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications 

Qin, S.-J. et al. (n.d.). The effects of changing environments, abiotic stresses, and management practices on cropland evapotranspiration: A review. (18 citations)

Qin, S.-J(2025). Influences of canopy resistance on forest evapotranspiration estimates at different development stages. Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao (Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering). (0 citations)

Qin, S.-J.,(2024). Improving ecosystem respiration estimates for CO₂ flux partitioning by discriminating water and temperature controls on above- and below-ground sources. Ecological Indicators. (1 citation)

Qin, S.-J., (2024). Modelling of sap flux density of oak in a humid region in China. Ecohydrology. (2 citations)

Qin, S.-J.,(2024). Analysis of pan evaporation characteristics over land and water surfaces in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. Shuikexue Jinzhan (Advances in Water Science). (1 citation)

Paloma Lopez | Biological Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Paloma Lopez | Biological Sciences | Excellence in Research Award 

Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas Margarita Salas | Spain

Paloma López García has established herself as a leading figure in molecular microbiology and lactic acid bacteria research. Her work spans bacterial genetics, functional foods, probiotic and prebiotic development, and the characterization of microbial exopolysaccharides and vitamins. She has authored 147 scientific documents and accumulated 5,015 citations, reflecting the depth, continuity, and broad impact of her research. Her h-index of 39 underscores her sustained influence in the scientific community. Throughout her trajectory, she has advanced key discoveries in Streptococcus pneumoniae genetics, folate biosynthesis, DNA polymerase activity, metabolic regulation, and plasmid biology. She later founded and directed a research group dedicated to Gram-positive bacteria, pioneering studies on citrate metabolism in lactic acid bacteria, bacteriocin regulation, biogenic amine production, proteomic profiling, and microbial stress responses. Her contributions to functional food development include identifying probiotic strains, characterizing immunomodulatory β-glucans and dextrans, and enhancing riboflavin-producing bacteria for nutritional applications. Additionally, she has developed and commercialized plasmid vectors using fluorescent proteins, enabling innovative approaches to track bacterial functionality in eukaryotic models. Her leadership includes directing multiple national and international projects, mentoring doctoral researchers, registering patents, and actively engaging in scientific societies and evaluation panels. Collectively, her extensive body of work demonstrates a career dedicated to advancing microbial biotechnology and improving the scientific understanding of beneficial bacteria and their applications in health and food systems.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications 

López, P., et al. (2026). Oat-based beverage biofortification with the novel riboflavin-overproducing and dextran-producing Leuconostoc mesenteroides B12-B2 strain. International Journal of Food Microbiology.

López, P., et al. (2025). Characterization of riboflavin-overproducing Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis strains selected by roseoflavin treatment. Food Microbiology.

López, P., et al. (2025). Probiotic characteristics of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 9435 and its survival and competitive properties under simulated conditions of the child gut microbiota. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins.

López, P., et al. (2025). Functional characterization of the riboflavin-overproducing and dextran-producing Weissella cibaria BAL3C-5 C120T strain for the development of biofortified plant-based beverages.

López, P., et al. (2025). Exopolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria: Structure, biosynthesis, and health benefits.