Sicong Ma | Theoretical and Computational Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sicong Ma | Theoretical and Computational Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Sicong Ma, born in March 1992, began his academic journey with a strong foundation in applied chemistry at the China University of Petroleum (Beijing), where he completed his Bachelor of Science in 2013. He continued at the same institution for a Master's degree in Chemistry, working under the guidance of Professor Zhen Zhao until 2016. His academic path led him to Fudan University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 2019 under Professor Zhi-Pan Liu. Here, he developed his expertise in theoretical and computational chemistry, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to catalysis and machine learning.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

After completing his Ph.D., He joined Fudan University as a postdoctoral researcher, continuing his work with Professor Zhi-Pan Liu until 2021. In August 2021, he joined the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry as an Assistant Researcher. Recently promoted to Associate Professor, He has led several projects funded by prestigious institutions, including the National Natural Science Excellent Youth Fund, Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission, and the China Postdoctoral Fund.

🔍 Contributions and Research Focus

His research interests span a unique blend of machine learning and catalysis. His expertise extends across both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, with a particular focus on: Machine Learning and Heterogeneous Catalysis: He has conducted research on syngas-to-olefins conversions on OX-ZEO catalysts, propane hydrogenation, and similar transformations, Machine Learning and Homogeneous Catalysis: His work includes studies on the carbonylation of olefins and the development of a metal-phosphine ligand catalyst database, Zeolite Chemistry: He is also active in studying the mechanisms of zeolite formation and their applications in catalysis, contributing significantly to zeolite-related database construction.

📈 Impact and Influence

He has made substantial contributions to the field, publishing more than 20 papers in renowned journals such as Nature Catalysis, Nature Communications, and ACS Catalysis. Notably, he has served as first or corresponding author on 15 of these publications, solidifying his role as a leader in his field. His work has garnered attention and citations, reflecting his influence within theoretical and computational chemistry.

📚 Academic Achievements and Honors

Recognized for his academic excellence, He has received numerous awards and honors. He was honored with the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award from Fudan University in 2019, recognized as an Academic Star of Fudan University the same year, and awarded a Shanghai Super Postdoctoral Fellowship. Recently, he was inducted as a member of the Youth Innovation Promotion Association by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2023.

🛠️ Technical Skills

His technical expertise includes advanced machine learning algorithms for catalysis, computational modeling in chemistry, and extensive knowledge of catalysis mechanisms in both homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. His computational skills and programming knowledge enable him to create and manage large databases, crucial for his projects on zeolite and catalyst-related data.

📖 Teaching and Mentoring Experience

While focused primarily on research, He has also contributed to the academic community by mentoring postdocs and junior researchers in his lab. His guidance fosters a collaborative environment, ensuring that emerging researchers develop the skills necessary to advance in computational chemistry and catalysis.

🌐 Legacy and Future Contributions

His ongoing work promises to deepen the integration of machine learning in catalysis, with potential implications for sustainable energy solutions and efficient industrial chemical processes. As a young innovator and leader in his field, he is set to make lasting contributions, furthering both academic knowledge and practical applications in computational chemistry.

📖Notable Publications

 

Esmaeil Sheibani | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Esmaeil Sheibani | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Isfahan, Iran

👨‍🎓Profiles

👨‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Esmaeil Sheibani began his academic journey at Tabriz University, where he earned his B.S. in Chemistry in 2002. He continued his studies at Tarbiat Modares University, completing his M.S. in Organic Chemistry in 2004. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the University of Tehran, which he completed in 2009. During this period, he broadened his academic horizons through a PhD exchange fellowship at Lund University in Sweden, setting the foundation for his future research collaborations.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Following his doctoral studies, He engaged in postdoctoral research at Lund University, where he worked under Prof. Kenneth Wärnmark and received a Wallenberg Research Fellowship from 2009 to 2011. He then served as a research associate with Prof. Licheng Sun at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, supported by a Swedish Energy Agency Research Fellowship from 2012 to 2014. In addition to his role as an Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Isfahan, he has undertaken guest professorships at prestigious institutions, including Nanjing University of Science and Technology and Lund University.

🌟 Contributions and Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on organic semiconductor materials for solar cell applications. His collaboration with several international research groups has led to numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal, Advanced Materials, and ACS Energy Letters. He has authored five books and contributed to multiple book chapters, demonstrating his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.

📊 Impact and Influence

With a citation index of 1226 and 28 published papers, Dr. Sheibani has made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry and renewable energy. His research has not only enhanced the understanding of organic semiconductors but has also influenced the development of large-scale solar cell technologies, highlighting his role in bridging academic research and practical applications.

📈 Academic Cites

He has achieved a citation index of 1226, reflecting the broad impact of his work within the scientific community. His publications in high-impact journals underscore his reputation as a leading researcher in organic materials and their applications in renewable energy technologies.

🛠️ Technical Skills

He possesses a diverse range of technical skills, including multi-step synthesis, polymer and material chemistry, and spectroscopy. These competencies enable him to conduct innovative research and contribute to the development of new materials for solar energy applications.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

In addition to his research, He is dedicated to education, teaching various undergraduate and graduate courses. His curriculum includes Organic Chemistry (I-III), Supramolecular Chemistry, Advanced Organic Chemistry, and courses focused on Renewable Energy and Materials. His approach emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

His ongoing collaborations with prestigious universities in Sweden, China, and Switzerland position him to continue influencing the field of organic chemistry and renewable energy. His commitment to large-scale device fabrication and societal benefit underscores his vision for a sustainable future through innovative research and education.

🌍 International Teamwork

He has successfully collaborated with various high-quality research groups in China and Sweden, fostering an environment of international teamwork. This extensive network enhances his research capabilities and broadens the impact of his work, establishing him as a key contributor to global advancements in organic chemistry and renewable energy.

📖Notable Publications