Dr. Liyan Ni | Quantum Reaction Dynamics | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Liyan Ni | Quantum Reaction Dynamics | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Liyan Ni | Shandong Technology and Business University | China

Liyan Ni is a theoretical and computational chemist specializing in quantum dynamics, molecular simulations, and symplectic geometry algorithms. His research focuses on the quantum dynamics of chemical reactions, including isotope effects in OH/OD + CH3 systems and nucleophilic substitution reactions such as F– + CH3I → FCH3 + I–. He has made significant contributions to discrete symplectic dynamics, exploring non-unique Hamiltonians, velocity-position algorithm relations, and enhanced sampling methods for free energy calculations.

Ni is experienced in developing and implementing high-performance parallel algorithms for molecular dynamics and quantum/classical hybrid simulations. He has expertise in quantum chemistry software (Gaussian, ORCA) and molecular dynamics packages (GROMACS, AMBER), applying these tools to study charged interfacial systems, aqueous solutions, and reaction mechanisms.

His work integrates analytical theory with computational methods, aiming to improve the accuracy and efficiency of molecular simulations. He has contributed to several national-level projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, focusing on time-dependent hybrid quantum/classical dynamics and statistical mechanics of interfacial water systems.

Ni’s research outputs include multiple publications in Molecular Physics and Journal of Chemical Physics, addressing topics such as symplectic integrators, conserved quantities in nonlinear systems, and reduced-dimensional quantum dynamics. He has presented his work internationally at conferences like ISTCP and ACS.

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Featured Publications

Ni, L., Qiao, X., & Wang, D. (2025). Reduced-dimensional quantum dynamic study of the F⁻ + CH₃I → FCH₃ + I⁻ system. Molecular Physics.

Ni, L., & Hu, Z. (2024). On the relation between the velocity- and position-Verlet integrators. The Journal of Chemical Physics.

Ni, L., Zhao, Y., & Hu, Z. (2024). Non-unique Hamiltonians for discrete symplectic dynamics. The Journal of Chemical Physics.

Ni, L., Xin, X., Wang, Y., & Wang, D. (2020). Quantum dynamics study of isotope effects of the OD/OH + CH₃ reactions. Molecular Physics, 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blagoy Blagoev | Solid-State Physics | Best Innovation Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blagoy Blagoev | Solid-State Physics | Best Innovation Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blagoy Blagoev | Solid-State Physics | Best Innovation Award

Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria.

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Blagoy Spasov Blagoev’s academic journey reflects a deep-rooted dedication to physics and materials science. He began his studies at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, where he obtained his Master’s degree in Physics in 2000. His early academic interests were strongly inclined toward solid-state physics, thin films, and superconductivity. Motivated by a desire to advance the understanding of nanostructured materials, he pursued a Ph.D. in Physics at the Institute of Electronics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IE–BAS).

His doctoral thesis, titled “Magnetron Sputtering and Characterization of Nanolayers and Heterostructures from HTS YBCO and Sr/Ca-Doped Lanthanum Manganites” (2009), laid the groundwork for his lifelong research on superconductors, magnetic materials, and thin-film technologies. This period marked the development of his expertise in advanced thin-film fabrication methods such as magnetron sputtering and atomic layer deposition (ALD)—techniques that continue to define his scientific contributions today.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP), Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), Dr. Blagoev is part of the Department of Functional Materials and Nanostructures, specifically in the Laboratory of Physics of Materials and Low Temperatures. Over the past years, he has established himself as a key figure in the field of nanotechnology and thin-film materials.

His professional work centers on experimental physics, involving thermal and plasma ALD, magnetron sputtering, and electrospinning. He is recognized for his detailed studies on nanolayers, nanotubes, nanoparticles, and nanostructures, particularly their electrical, magnetic, and sensory properties. Beyond his primary research area, Dr. Blagoev actively explores micro- and nanoelectronic devices, spintronics, and superconductivity, combining theoretical insight with experimental innovation.

He has also been deeply involved in international collaborations with renowned institutions such as the Institute of Electrical Engineering (Slovakia), Polish Academy of Sciences (Warsaw and Wroclaw), and the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (China). These collaborations have strengthened his multidisciplinary research profile and facilitated knowledge exchange in advanced materials science.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Blagoev’s research portfolio demonstrates a commitment to innovation in nanomaterials and thin-film technologies. His work encompasses the fabrication, characterization, and functionalization of nanostructured materials for applications in sensors, electronics, and spintronic devices.

He has authored over 75 scientific publications, with 71 in impact factor journals and more than 370 citations, highlighting the global relevance of his contributions. His most recent research investigates transition-metal-doped ZnO thin films, exploring their magneto-optical, dielectric, and multifunctional properties. His landmark publication “A Novel Approach to Obtaining Metal Oxide HAR Nanostructures by Electrospinning and ALD” (Materials, 2023) showcases an innovative route to produce high-aspect-ratio nanostructures—earning him first place for the Most Significant Scientific and Applied Achievement (2023) at ISSP-BAS.

Dr. Blagoev has played a central role in several national and international projects funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund (BNSF), focusing on multifunctional oxide materials, dielectric structures for non-volatile memories, and the crystallization of graphene and carbon nanotubes. His ongoing project (2024–present), “Preparation of 3D Porous Nanostructures by Electrospinning and ALD and Investigation of Their Gas-Sensing Properties”, reflects his commitment to advancing sensor technologies and sustainable material solutions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Blagoev’s excellence in scientific research has been widely recognized. He received the “Academic Emil Djakov” Award (2008) from IE–BAS for his pioneering work on thin-layer heterostructures combining ferromagnetic manganites and high-temperature superconductors, a study that deepened understanding of microwave processes and domain structures in advanced materials.

In 2023, he achieved 1st place for the most significant scientific and applied achievement at the Institute of Solid State Physics for his innovative approach to obtaining metal oxide HAR nanostructures. His active memberships in scientific societies and collaborations across Europe and Asia further underscore his standing as a leading materials physicist in Bulgaria and beyond.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his interdisciplinary research, Dr. Blagoev has significantly advanced the frontiers of nanomaterials science. His work on ALD and electrospinning techniques has provided new pathways for developing high-performance thin films with tunable electrical and magnetic properties. These findings have broad implications for energy devices, sensors, and nanoelectronics, directly influencing ongoing developments in functional materials and applied nanotechnology.

Moreover, his mentorship and collaborative projects have inspired a new generation of physicists, fostering innovation and experimental rigor in the Bulgarian scientific community. His consistent publication record and leadership in funded research projects highlight his enduring influence in European materials science research networks.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blagoy Blagoev’s scientific legacy lies in his pioneering research on functional nanomaterials and his role in integrating advanced deposition techniques into practical applications. Moving forward, his research continues to focus on developing nanoscale systems for next-generation sensors and multifunctional devices, aiming to bridge the gap between fundamental physics and technological application.

His ongoing efforts in 3D nanostructure fabrication and multiferroic materials are expected to yield breakthroughs in smart materials and sustainable nanotechnologies. With a strong foundation in experimental physics and a visionary approach to materials research, Dr. Blagoev stands as a prominent figure contributing to the evolution of modern nanoscience and applied physics.

✍️ Notable Publication

1. A. Paskaleva, D. Spassov, B. Blagoev, P. Terziyska
“Peculiarities of Electric and Dielectric Behavior of Ni- or Fe-Doped ZnO Thin Films Deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition”
Materials, 17(14), 3546, 2024.


2. B. Blagoev, B. Georgieva, K. Starbova, N. Starbov, I. Avramova, K. Buchkov, P. Tzvetkov, R. Stoykov, P. Terziyska, D. Delibaltov, V. Mehandzhiev, A. Paskaleva
“A Novel Approach to Obtaining Metal Oxide HAR Nanostructures by Electrospinning and ALD”
Materials, 16(23), 7489, 2023.


3. A. Galluzzi, K. Buchkov, B. Blagoev, A. Paskaleva, I. Avramova, V. Mehandzhiev, P. Tzvetkov, P. Terziyska, D. Kovacheva, M. Polichetti
“Strong Magneto-Optical Kerr Effects in Ni-Doped ZnO Nanolaminate Structures Obtained by Atomic Layer Deposition”
Materials, 16(19), 6547, 2023.


4. A. Paskaleva, K. Buchkov, A. Galluzzi, D. Spassov, B. Blagoev, Tz. Ivanov, V. Mehandzhiev, I. Avramova, P. Terziyska, D. Kovacheva, M. Polichetti
“Magneto-Optical and Multiferroic Properties of Transition-Metal (Fe, Co, or Ni)-Doped ZnO Layers Deposited by ALD”
ACS Omega, 7(47), 43306–43315, 2022.


5. A. Paskaleva, B. S. Blagoev, P. T. Terziyska, V. Mehandzhiev, P. Tzvetkov, D. Kovacheva, I. Avramova, D. Spassov, T. Ivanova, K. Gesheva
“Structural, Morphological and Optical Properties of Atomic Layer Deposited Transition Metal (Co, Ni or Fe)-Doped ZnO Layers”
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 32, 7162–7175, 2021.