Sang Soo Shin | Materials Science and Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Sang Soo Shin | Materials Science and Engineering | Research Excellence Award

OHSUNG TECH R&D Center | South Korea

Dr. Sang Soo Shin is a materials scientist and engineer specializing in advanced casting, molding, and joining technologies. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Pusan National University in 2016, following an M.S. in Advanced Materials Engineering from Korea University in 2008, and a B.E. in Materials Science and Engineering from Pukyoung National University in 2004. With extensive experience in both academia and applied research, Dr. Shin has contributed to over 20 research and development projects, including initiatives supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. His research focuses on high-strength lightweight alloys, mechanically workable composites, and innovative joining techniques for industrial applications. He has authored 17 SCI papers and 10 domestic publications, amassing 304 citations from 236 documents and achieving an h-index of 7, reflecting significant impact in his field. Dr. Shin holds eight patents and has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the Korea Engineer Award (2021), commendations from the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation (2023), and the Korean Society of Welding and Joining Engineers Award for Excellence in Presentation (2021). His expertise in materials processing and engineering has contributed to both fundamental research and technological advancements in metallurgy and manufacturing. Dr. Shin continues to drive innovation in materials engineering, bridging academic research with industrial application.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publication

High-strength Al–Zn–Cu casting alloy with Zn supersaturation: A lightweight alternative to Al-Si and cast iron components , 2025

Jiabao Li | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Jiabao Li | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Yangzhou University | China

Mr. Jiabao Li is a materials scientist and electrochemical energy researcher specializing in sodium-ion batteries and capacitive deionization, with particular focus on electrode and electrolyte design for extreme temperature environments. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in applied chemistry from Anhui Agricultural University, followed by a Ph.D. in materials and optoelectronics from East China Normal University, including a joint research period at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Since completing his doctoral work, he has served as a lecturer and researcher, leading multiple competitive research projects in materials innovation and energy-storage systems. His work integrates experimental synthesis with computational tools such as DFT modeling and molecular dynamics simulations to advance high-performance sodium-ion storage materials. He has published 98 scientific documents, accumulating 5,410 citations across 4,235 referencing documents, with an h-index of 40, reflecting significant global impact in the fields of battery chemistry and electrochemical engineering. His awards include national and institutional scholarships that recognize excellence in scientific research and academic achievement. Overall, his career demonstrates sustained contributions to next-generation energy-storage technologies and the advancement of robust sodium-ion systems for low-temperature and high-efficiency applications.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Unveiling the neglected role of oxygen doping in nitrogen-doped carbon for enhanced capacitive deionization performance. Nature Communications, 2025.

Rapidly evaluating electrochemical performance of transition metal disulfides for lithium-ion batteries using machine learning classifier. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2025.

Ionic conductor-armored Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃: a robust electrode for lithium capture via capacitive desalination. Chemical Communications, 2025.

Anion screening in ether-based electrolytes for boosted sodium storage at low temperature. Energy Storage Materials, 2025.

Coordination-tuned Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathodes for low-temperature sodium-ion batteries. Chemical Communications, 2025.

 

Noriaki Hirota | Material | Excellence in Research

Dr. Noriaki Hirota | Material | Excellence in Research

Japan Atomic Energy Agency | Japan

Dr. Noriaki Hirota is an accomplished materials scientist and Associate Deputy Director at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, where he contributes extensively to research in structural and functional materials within the nuclear energy sector. He earned both his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Materials Science from the Institute of Science Tokyo, with his doctoral research completed in 2025. With over 19 years of professional experience, Dr. Hirota has worked at the intersection of metallurgy, corrosion science, and mechanical engineering. During his tenure at Japan Steel Works, he developed high-performance turbine rotor materials for thermal power generation and advanced stainless steel forging processes. His subsequent work at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency has focused on developing corrosion-resistant materials for sulfuric acid decomposers in the Sulfur-Iodine hydrogen production process and improving stainless steels to mitigate stress corrosion cracking under extreme nuclear conditions. A member of The Atomic Energy Society of Japan (AESJ), he has authored several impactful publications in nuclear materials research. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of material durability and performance in harsh environments, earning him recognition for his technical innovation and leadership. Dr. Hirota remains committed to promoting sustainable energy solutions through advanced materials development.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Hirota, N., Takeda, R., Ide, H., Tsuchiya, K., & Kobayashi, Y. (2025, December). Effect of grain refinement on cracks occurring in SUS304L stainless steel under nuclear reactor operating conditions. Nuclear Materials and Energy.

Hirota, N., Shibata, H., Takeuchi, T., Otsuka, N., & Tsuchiya, K. (2020, December 1). Voltage drop analysis and leakage suppression design for mineral-insulated cables. Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology,

Jana Petrović | Materials in catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jana Petrović | Materials in catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Innovation Centre of the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy | Serbia

Jana Petrović is a dedicated researcher specializing in semiconductor materials and photocatalysis, with a strong focus on developing innovative materials for the photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium under visible light irradiation. Her career reflects a continuous commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and practical applications in environmental protection and advanced material science. She has contributed to research and development in the field of chemical engineering and material science, actively participating in cutting-edge projects and presenting promising outcomes for sustainable technological solutions.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Jana pursued her academic journey at the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, where she successfully completed undergraduate and master’s studies in chemical engineering and is currently enrolled in doctoral academic studies. Her formal education provided her with an exceptional foundation in chemical engineering principles, materials science, and environmental technologies. Through rigorous academic training, she has developed extensive expertise in advanced research methodologies and analytical techniques that contribute to her innovative work in photocatalysis and semiconductor materials.

Experience

Her professional career began as a Young Research Intern, where she contributed to research projects focusing on material science and environmental applications. Currently, she holds the position of Research Assistant at the Innovation Center of the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, where she continues to expand her expertise in materials characterization and innovative photocatalytic technologies. Her role involves conducting experiments, analyzing materials through advanced characterization techniques such as FESEM microscopy, BET surface analysis, XRD and FTIR analysis, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, as well as contributing to collaborative research initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability.

Research Interest

Jana’s primary research interests lie in the field of semiconductor materials and photocatalysis, with a particular focus on materials designed for the photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium under visible light irradiation. Her work addresses key environmental challenges by exploring sustainable and efficient ways to remove toxic pollutants from industrial wastewater. She is passionate about the development of new materials that harness visible light for effective photocatalytic reactions, contributing to cleaner technologies and innovative solutions in the field of environmental remediation.

Awards

Throughout her academic and research career, Jana has been recognized with multiple scholarships and awards for her outstanding achievements and contributions to science. She has received prestigious scholarships from national foundations supporting young researchers and talented students, as well as institutional recognition for her excellence in academic and research performance. These accolades reflect her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and her potential to make a significant impact in the fields of chemical engineering and materials science.

Publications

Petrović, J., Radovanović, Ž., Obradović, B., Janaćković, Đ., Petrovic, R., et al. (2025). “Modification of surface properties and photocatalytic performance of pure and oxygen-doped graphitic carbon nitride via DBD plasma treatment” in Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society.

Petrović, J., Radovanović, Ž., Lazarević, S., Barać, N., Janaćković, Đ., Petrovic, R., et al. (2024). “Synthesis of photocatalysts for the reduction of hexavalent chromium by modification of TiO₂ with nanoparticles of Cu and/or CdS” in Tehnika.

Conclusion

Jana Petrović stands as a promising researcher whose work bridges the gap between innovative material science and environmental sustainability. Her dedication to research, coupled with her hands-on expertise in advanced materials characterization techniques, positions her as a valuable contributor to the scientific community. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering, a growing portfolio of research accomplishments, and a clear focus on solving critical environmental challenges, she continues to advance the field of photocatalysis and semiconductor materials, paving the way for sustainable technological advancements.