Dr. Cheng Junxia | Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Cheng Junxia | Xi’an Technological University | China

Cheng Junxia is a distinguished researcher and graduate supervisor whose work focuses on the interaction between lasers and matter and the control of quantum states. She has made significant contributions to the theoretical and computational study of molecular and atomic systems, particularly in photoassociation, photoionization, and photodissociation processes. Her research explores the selective control of molecular interactions, advancing understanding of how laser fields can manipulate quantum states. She has investigated the spectral behavior of diatomic and polyatomic molecules, including ro-vibrational and electronic transitions relevant to atmospheric, interstellar, and high-temperature environments. Cheng Junxia’s work combines quantum chemistry with molecular spectroscopy to provide fundamental insights into laser-driven molecular dynamics. She has modeled transition spectra for molecules such as TiO, CO, NO, CaO, and BaCl⁺, contributing to both theoretical and practical knowledge. Her studies on quantum control techniques have implications for precision spectroscopy and optical manipulation. She has published extensively in high-impact journals, demonstrating her influence in computational and theoretical chemistry. Her research bridges the gap between fundamental theory and experimental applications in quantum optics. Cheng Junxia’s contributions support advances in molecular physics, laser technologies, and quantum state engineering. She has also developed models for understanding energy transfer and photophysical processes at the molecular level. Her work aids the design of experiments for controlling chemical reactions with lasers. She continues to explore new methods for manipulating atomic and molecular systems with precision. Through her innovative research, she has become a leading voice in laser-matter interaction and quantum control. Her studies have a lasting impact on molecular spectroscopy, quantum chemistry, and applied photonics.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Cheng, J., Tian, B., Li, S., Wang, J., & Wu, S. (2022). Investigating the selective control of photoassociation of Yb₂. International Journal of Optics, 6859330, 1–9.

Cheng, J., Wang, J., Tan, Z., & Wu, S. (2021). Theoretical study of photoassociation of alkali-metal dimers. Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 95, 396–405.

Cheng, J., Zhang, H., Cheng, X., Wang, J., & Wu, S. (2020). Theoretical study of the selective control of photoionization and photodissociation. Journal of Molecular Structure, 1219, 128603.

Cheng, J., Zhang, H., Cheng, X., Wang, J., & Wu, S. (2020). Theoretical study of transition spectra of TiO molecule. Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy, 371, 111325.

Cheng, J., Zhang, H., Cheng, X., & Wu, S. (2019). Selective control of photoassociation of alkaline earth dimers: A theoretical study. International Journal of Quantum Chemistry, 119(e26027), 1–14.

Cheng, J., Zhang, H., & Cheng, X. (2018). Spectral study of A¹Π–X¹Σ⁺ transitions of CO relevant to interstellar clouds. Astrophysical Journal, 859, 1–9.

Prof. Shou-Fei Zhu | Molecular Physics | Best Researcher Award

Nankai University, China

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Shou-Fei Zhu (朱守非) embarked on his academic journey in chemistry at Nankai University, where he completed his B.Sc. in 2000. Demonstrating early promise, he continued his doctoral studies at the same institution under the mentorship of Prof. Qi-Lin Zhou, a renowned figure in the field of organic chemistry. His Ph.D., earned in 2005, laid a solid foundation in catalytic organic synthesis—an area that would define his scientific career. In pursuit of international exposure and excellence, he undertook a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Tokyo (2012–2013), where he worked with Prof. Eiichi Nakamura, further enriching his expertise in synthetic and organometallic chemistry.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Zhu’s professional trajectory at Nankai University reflects a steady ascent through academic ranks, marked by scholarly distinction and scientific innovation. Starting as a Lecturer in 2005, he became an Associate Professor in 2008, and achieved the rank of Full Professor by 2013. He is affiliated with the Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, and serves at the College of Chemistry, Nankai University.

In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, he holds several influential administrative and academic roles, including membership on the Academic Committee of Nankai University and Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Chemical Society (CCS).

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Zhu has made seminal contributions to the field of catalytic organic synthetic chemistry, with an emphasis on asymmetric catalysis, organoboron chemistry, and spin-responsive catalysis:

💡 He proposed the concept of “chiral proton shuttle catalyst”, revolutionizing metal-catalyzed asymmetric proton transfer reactions.
🧱 He discovered novel B–H bond insertion reactions, providing a powerful method for the synthesis of organoboron compounds—important intermediates in pharmaceuticals and materials science.
🧲 He pioneered “spin-responsive catalysis”, exploring open-shell iron catalysts and revealing unique reactivity patterns.

Prof. Zhu has published over 160 peer-reviewed articles, accumulating over 10,000 citations and achieving an H-index of 64. His publications appear in prestigious journals such as Nature Catalysis, JACS, Angewandte Chemie, Nature Communications, and Science. Furthermore, he has authored five academic book chapters, holds 17 Chinese patents, and has applied for four international patents, all successfully commercialized.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Zhu’s excellence has been acknowledged with numerous prestigious awards, including:

🥇 2022 XPLORER PRIZE – One of China’s most significant recognitions for young scientists.
🧬 2019 National Natural Science Award (First-Rank, R3) – For his outstanding contributions to organic synthesis.
🧑‍🏫 2023 National Teaching Achievement Award (Second Rank) – Recognizing his commitment to academic excellence and mentorship.
🌍 2019 Asian Rising Stars Lectureship Award – From the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies.
🧪 2016 National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars – A testament to his leadership in chemical research.
🏅 Multiple “131 Creative Talent” titles from Tianjin, as well as several national and regional awards for youth innovation and leadership.

In 2025, he was named a Fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society (FCCS), the society’s highest professional honor.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Prof. Zhu is not just a prolific scientist but also a leader in the global chemistry community. He serves as:

Associate Editor of ACS Catalysis and Chemical Research in Chinese Universities.
Editorial Board Member of Acta Chimica Sinica.
Advisory Board Member of ACS Catalysis.

His over 70 invited lectures across international conferences have inspired audiences worldwide, and his research group homepage serves as a hub for knowledge dissemination and collaboration.

Beyond academia, Prof. Zhu’s innovations have practical impact through commercialized patents in pharmaceuticals and materials industries.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a stellar track record of scientific creativity, mentorship, and leadership, Prof. Zhu stands as a torchbearer for the next generation of chemists. His group continues to push the boundaries of green, sustainable catalysis, especially with iron- and cobalt-based systems, offering cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional precious metal catalysts.

Looking forward, Prof. Zhu’s work is expected to shape the future of enantioselective synthesis, organoboron chemistry, and radical catalysis. As a mentor, he continues to guide young scientists, empowering them to pursue cutting-edge research with real-world relevance.

Notable Publications

📘 Iron-Catalyzed Transfer Hydroalumination of Alkynes

Author: W., Li, Wentao, M., Guan, Muhan, P., He, Peng, M., Huang, Mingyao, S., Zhu, Shoufei

Journal: American chemical Society

Year: 2025

Citation: 1

📘 Spin Crossover and Its Application in Organometallic Catalysis: Concepts and Recent Progress

Author: P., He, Peng, S., Zhu, Shoufei

Journal: Chemistry A European Journal

Year: 2024

Citations: 2

📘Enantioselective α-Boryl Carbene Transformations

Author: M., Huang, Mingyao, S., Zhu, Shoufei

Journal: Syynlet,