Lu Liu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lu Liu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lu Liu | East China Normal University | China

Dr. Lu Liu, is a distinguished chemist specializing in organic synthesis and catalysis. He completed his BS and PhD at East China Normal University (ECNU) under the supervision of Prof. Junliang Zhang. Following postdoctoral research with Prof. Hong Wang at Miami University, he returned to ECNU in 2013 as an associate professor and was promoted to full professor. His research focuses on selective metal-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization and asymmetric catalysis. A prolific scholar with numerous publications in high-impact journals, he continues to contribute significantly to advancing modern synthetic chemistry.

Profile

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Education

Lu Liu pursued his academic journey at East China Normal University (ECNU), where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. With strong interest in organic chemistry, he continued his doctoral studies at the same institution under the supervision of Professor Junliang Zhang, receiving his PhD. His doctoral research laid a strong foundation in transition-metal catalysis and synthetic methodologies. To expand his expertise, he undertook postdoctoral research with Professor Hong Wang at Miami University, USA. This combination of rigorous training in China and international experience has shaped his solid background in cutting-edge chemical sciences.

Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Lu Liu began his academic career after completing his postdoctoral research in the United States. He joined East China Normal University (ECNU) as an associate professor, where he actively developed his independent research program. Recognized for his innovative contributions, he was promoted to full professor in 2016. Over the years, he has supervised graduate students, published extensively in leading journals, and collaborated with renowned researchers worldwide. His expertise in metal-catalyzed reactions and asymmetric catalysis has positioned him as a leader in the field. He continues to combine research excellence with teaching and academic mentorship at ECNU.

Research Focus

Lu Liu’s research centers on the development of efficient and selective catalytic strategies for organic synthesis. His work emphasizes transition-metal-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization, a transformative area in modern chemistry that allows direct modification of inert bonds. Additionally, he focuses on asymmetric catalysis, designing catalysts that achieve high enantioselectivity in complex molecular transformations. His studies not only expand the scope of fundamental catalysis but also provide sustainable solutions for pharmaceutical and material synthesis. Through innovative reaction design and mechanistic insights, his research aims to push the boundaries of synthetic methodologies, making significant contributions to green and functional chemistry.

Awards and Honors

Lu Liu’s academic excellence and research contributions have been recognized with notable honors. In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious “Shanghai Pujiang Program,” which supports promising young scientists in advancing innovative research. His numerous publications in leading journals such as Nature Communications, Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Angewandte Chemie reflect his global impact. He has also contributed to special issues like the Emerging Investigators Issue 2020. As a supervisor and mentor, his recognition extends beyond research, influencing the next generation of chemists. These achievements underscore his standing as a respected scientist in organic synthesis and catalysis.

Publications Top Notes

Copper-catalyzed chemoselective C–H functionalization/dearomatization sequence: direct access to indole-based spirocyclic scaffolds | Chemical Communications | 2025 | Yuting Zhao; Xin Ji; Yuanjing Xiao; Xingxing Wu; Lu Liu.

Highly chemo- and site-selective C(sp²)–H bond functionalization of aniline and phenol derivatives with aryl/aryl diazo compounds | Organic Chemistry Frontiers | 2025 | Yuzhu Wang; Xiaoyan Wei; Yinuo Chen; Yueyue Liu; Lu Liu.

Rh(II)-Catalyzed Tandem Reaction of 2-Trimethylsiloxy-pyridine and α-Trifluoromethyl Diazomethane: An Approach to Tetrasubstituted gem-Difluoro Olefins | European Journal of Organic Chemistry | 2024 | Guang-Hui Li; Xin-Yu Huang; Jun-Xi Lv; Xue-Di Zhao; Shengchao Yang; Lu Liu.

Regioselective Intermolecular Hydroamidation of β-CF₃-1,3-Enynamides: An Approach to Tri-Substituted γ-CF₃-Allenamides | European Journal of Organic Chemistry | 2024 | Yuxuan Cao; Zongxiang Yu; Yizhen Chen; Lu Liu; Yuanjing Xiao.

Modular Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Vinyl Sulfides via One-Pot Sequential Carbene Transfer Reaction from Thiols with α-Diazo Carbonyl Compounds | The Journal of Organic Chemistry | 2024 | Juncai Ma; Xun-Shen Liu; Xinyu Huang; Zhi-Yao Si; Lu Liu.

Innenrücktitelbild: Stereoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Conjugated Dienes Enabled by Photo-Driven Sequential Sigmatropic Rearrangement (Angew. Chem. 24/2024) | Angewandte Chemie | 2024 | Xin Ji; Chaoren Shen; Yuhao Ni; Zhi-Yao Si; Yuzhu Wang; Xinrong Zhi; Yuting Zhao; Huiling Peng; Lu Liu.

Inside Back Cover: Stereoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Conjugated Dienes Enabled by Photo-Driven Sequential Sigmatropic Rearrangement (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 24/2024) | Angewandte Chemie International Edition | 2024 | Xin Ji; Chaoren Shen; Yuhao Ni; Zhi-Yao Si; Yuzhu Wang; Xinrong Zhi; Yuting Zhao; Huiling Peng; Lu Liu.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Conjugated Dienes Enabled by Photo-Driven Sequential Sigmatropic Rearrangement | Angewandte Chemie International Edition | 2024 | Xin Ji; Chaoren Shen; Yuhao Ni; Zhi-Yao Si; Yuzhu Wang; Xinrong Zhi; Yuting Zhao; Huiling Peng; Lu Liu.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Conjugated Dienes Enabled by Photo-Driven Sequential Sigmatropic Rearrangement | Angewandte Chemie | 2024 | Xin Ji; Chaoren Shen; Yuhao Ni; Zhi-Yao Si; Yuzhu Wang; Xinrong Zhi; Yuting Zhao; Huiling Peng; Lu Liu.

Frontispiece: Palladium-Catalyzed Fluorinative Bifunctionalization of Aziridines and Azetidines with gem-Difluorocyclopropanes | Angewandte Chemie International Edition | 2023 | Dongdong Li; Chaoren Shen; Zhi-Yao Si; Lu Liu.

Frontispiz: Palladium-Catalyzed Fluorinative Bifunctionalization of Aziridines and Azetidines with gem-Difluorocyclopropanes | Angewandte Chemie | 2023 | Dongdong Li; Chaoren Shen; Zhi-Yao Si; Lu Liu.

Palladium-Catalyzed Fluorinative Bifunctionalization of Aziridines and Azetidines with gem-Difluorocyclopropanes | Angewandte Chemie International Edition | 2023 | Dongdong Li; Chaoren Shen; Zhi-Yao Si; Lu Liu.

Palladium-Catalyzed Fluorinative Bifunctionalization of Aziridines and Azetidines with gem-Difluorocyclopropanes | Angewandte Chemie | 2023 | Dongdong Li; Chaoren Shen; Zhi-Yao Si; Lu Liu.

Theoretical Study on the Copper-Catalyzed ortho-Selective C–H Functionalization of Naphthols with α-Phenyl-α-Diazoesters | Molecules | 2023 | Xiaoli Zhu; Xun-Shen Liu; Fei Xia; Lu Liu.

A rhodium-catalyzed ylide formation/Smiles rearrangement reaction of chalcogenide ether and triazoles | Organic Chemistry Frontiers | 2023 | Jiafeng He; Xun-Shen Liu; Mingjia Li; Shaoting Peng; Zhi-Yao Si; Lu Liu.

Conclusion

Professor Lu Liu has established himself as a highly accomplished researcher in organic chemistry, with expertise spanning C–H functionalization and asymmetric catalysis. His career reflects a balance of rigorous education, international exposure, and impactful academic service at ECNU. Through groundbreaking publications and innovative research, he has significantly advanced catalytic methodology and its applications in sustainable synthesis. His recognition through awards and program funding further validates his contributions. With an active role in mentoring young scientists and expanding research frontiers, Lu Liu continues to be a leading figure, making him an excellent candidate for top research honors.

Ahmed Khodair | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ahmed Khodair | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ahmed Khodair, Kafrelsheikh University Egypt

Professor Ahmed I. Khodair is a distinguished academic in the field of organic chemistry, currently affiliated with the Department of Chemistry at Kafrelsheikh University in Egypt. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Tanta University (1984), a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from the same institution (1988), and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, awarded jointly by Tanta University and Odense University, Denmark (1993). With extensive international experience, Professor Khodair has spent time at renowned institutions, including Poitiers University, France, Konstanz University, Germany, and the Technical University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He has held prominent administrative roles, including Chairman of the Chemistry Department, Vice Dean for Education, and Dean of the Faculty of Science at Kafrelsheikh University. As a prominent researcher, he has published over 68 articles in prestigious journals and supervised more than ten master’s and doctoral theses. His research interests span natural products, heterocycles, drug design, and spectroscopy tools. Professor Khodair is a Fellow of the Humboldt Foundation and a member of various academic committees, contributing significantly to the advancement of organic chemistry globally.

Professional Profile:

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Professor Ahmed Khodair is an esteemed academic with over three decades of contributions to organic chemistry. He holds a Ph.D. from Tanta University in Egypt, with joint supervision from Odense University in Denmark. Throughout his career, he has held prominent positions, including Chairman of the Chemistry Department, Vice Dean for Education, and Dean of the Faculty of Science at Kafrelsheikh University. His professional experience spans across prestigious international institutions such as Poitiers University in France, Technical University of Copenhagen, and King Saud University in Saudi Arabia.

🎓 Education:

Ahmed Khodair holds a comprehensive academic background in chemistry, starting with a Bachelor’s degree in Science, majoring in Chemistry from Tanta University, Egypt, in 1984, where he graduated with honors. He then pursued a Master’s degree in organic chemistry, specializing in the field at Tanta University, Egypt, in 1988. His academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, awarded by Tanta University in 1993. His doctoral studies were supervised jointly by the Department of Chemistry at Tanta University and Odense University in Denmark. Khodair’s academic foundation is complemented by significant international exposure, which furthered his expertise in organic chemistry.

💼Work Experience:

Ahmed Khodair has held significant leadership roles within the academic community. He served as Chairman of the Chemistry Department at Kafrelsheikh University in Egypt for several terms, with a long-standing tenure from 2010 to 2022. Khodair also held the position of Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs and later, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Kafrelsheikh University from 2011 and 2015, respectively. His leadership roles have contributed to the academic and administrative advancement of the university. Additionally, his international experience includes stints at Odense University in Denmark, Poitiers University in France, and Konstanz University in Germany, which have expanded his research and academic perspectives.

🌍 Research Skills 

Professor Khodair specializes in organic chemistry, particularly in the areas of natural products, heterocycles, carbohydrates, nucleosides, stereoselective synthesis, drug design, and spectroscopy tools. His research contributions are notable in the synthesis of novel compounds and the development of chemical methodologies with applications in drug discovery and environmental studies. Khodair has published more than 68 articles in renowned scientific journals, and his work often involves cutting-edge research in antiviral agents and nucleoside analogs. His research has had a significant impact on the development of new chemical compounds with potential therapeutic uses, especially in HIV treatment.

🥇Award and Honors :

Professor Ahmed Khodair has received several prestigious awards and honors throughout his academic career. Notably, he was honored as a Fellow of the Humboldt Foundation in 2001, a testament to his significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry. His international collaborations and impactful research have earned him recognition within scientific communities globally. Additionally, he is a member of the Standing Committee for the Promotion of Professors and Associate Professors of Organic Chemistry, Egypt. His academic achievements and leadership have also been recognized through various academic and institutional roles, including his service as a referee for numerous international organizations and scientific journals.

Conclusion:

Ahmed Khodair’s extensive educational background, professional leadership, pioneering research in organic chemistry, and notable honors make him a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His contributions to chemistry and academia, combined with his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, position him as a leading figure in his field, with a legacy of excellence in education, research, and institutional service.

📖 Publication Top Notes

S-Glucosylated hydantoins as new antiviral agents

  • Authors: Ahmed A El-Barbary, Ahmed I Khodair, Erik B Pedersen, Claus Nielsen
  • Journal: Journal of medicinal chemistry
  • Year: 1994
  • Cited:196

5-substituted-2-thiohydantoin analogs as a novel class of antitumor agents

  • Authors: AM Al-Obaid, HI El-Subbagh, Al Khodair, MMA Elmazar
  • Journal:  Anti-Cancer Drugs
  • Year:  1996
  • Cited: 146

Removal of heavy metals by Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs): A review on its mechanism and adsorption properties

  • Authors:  Eman A Gendy, Jerosha Ifthikar, Jawad Ali, Daniel T Oyekunle, Zouhair Elkhlifia, Irshad Ibran Shahib, Ahmed I Khodair, Zhuqi Chen
  • Journal:  Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
  • Year:  2021
  • Cited: 145

A new approach to the synthesis of substituted 4-imidazolidinones as potential antiviral and antitumor agents

  • Authors: Ahmed I Khodair, Philippe Bertrand
  • Journal:  Tetrahedron
  • Year:  1998
  • Cited: 106

Synthesis of certain 5-substituted 2-thiohydantoin derivatives as potential cytotoxic and antiviral agents

  • Authors: AI Khodair, HI El-Subbagh, AA El-Emam
  • Journal:  Bollettino chimico farmaceutico
  • Year:  1997
  • Cited: 90