Maofu Pang | Plastics Upcycling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maofu Pang | Plastics Upcycling | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer at Ludong University, China.

Dr. Maofu Pang is a dedicated chemist whose research bridges organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and sustainable material science. His pioneering work in cobalt- and iron-catalyzed transformations, coupled with recent advances in plastic recycling and upcycling, has significantly contributed to the advancement of green chemistry and the circular economy. Through high-impact publications and innovative projects, he has emerged as a promising researcher committed to environmental sustainability and the development of efficient catalytic systems.

Proffesional Profile

Scopus 

Education

Dr. Pang’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in chemistry and chemical engineering. He began with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology, where he developed an interest in catalysis and reaction mechanisms. He further advanced his expertise with a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, focusing on cobalt-catalyzed hydroboration of imines and alkenes, emphasizing metal-ligand cooperation for B–H bond cleavage. His doctoral studies in Organometallic Chemistry deepened his research into cobalt-catalyzed partial transfer hydrogenation of N-heterocycles and the synthesis of heteronuclear complexes. Mentored by distinguished professors, he developed advanced skills in designing catalytic systems for selective organic transformations, laying the groundwork for his subsequent career in sustainable chemistry.

Experience

Currently serving as a faculty member at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ludong University, Dr. Pang’s research spans catalysis, plastic upcycling, and sustainable chemistry. His expertise lies in the design and mechanistic understanding of transition-metal complexes, particularly cobalt, iron, and manganese catalysts, applied to hydrogenation, hydroboration, and polymer degradation processes. His recent work has expanded into catalytic upcycling of polyesters and polycarbonates, transforming plastic waste into value-added chemicals through environmentally friendly methodologies. This innovative approach integrates catalysis with sustainability, directly addressing global environmental challenges.

Research Focus

Dr. Maofu Pang’s research centers on the design, development, and mechanistic study of transition-metal catalysts for sustainable chemical transformations. His work spans cobalt-, iron-, and manganese-based systems with applications in hydrogenation, hydroboration, and polymer degradation. By combining fundamental organometallic chemistry with applied catalysis, he has advanced methods for the selective transformation of N-heterocycles and olefins, while more recently pioneering catalytic strategies for the upcycling of polyesters and polycarbonates into value-added chemicals. This integrated approach addresses both academic challenges in catalytic mechanism design and practical global issues of plastic waste valorization, positioning his research at the intersection of catalysis, green chemistry, and the circular economy.

Publication Top Note

Title: Efficient Catalytic Upcycling of Polyester and Polycarbonate Plastics Using an NNN-Based Iron Catalyst
Authors: Xiaoxiao Chu, Guoren Zhou, Chongyan Ren, Xiaoshi Zhang, Maofu Pang*, Nuoyan Zhao, Hongwu Zhang
Summary: This work presents an NNN-based iron catalyst that efficiently converts polyester and polycarbonate plastics into valuable chemicals under mild, sustainable conditions. The study highlights iron as a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative for scalable plastic upcycling in the circular economy.

Conclusion

Dr. Maofu Pang exemplifies the integration of fundamental catalysis with sustainable applications. His academic background, innovative research in transition-metal catalysis, and impactful contributions to plastic recycling position him as a leading researcher in green chemistry. With his dedication to advancing circular economy principles and addressing environmental challenges, he stands as a highly deserving candidate for recognition through an award nomination.

Saleh Mahmoudi | Biodiversity and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Saleh Mahmoudi | Biodiversity and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Kurdistan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO. Iran

Saleh Mahmoudi was born on March 8, 1986, in Iraq. He currently resides in Kamyaran, Kurdistan Province, Iran, with his family. As a dedicated environmental scientist, he specializes in biodiversity, habitat modeling, and conservation ecology. He is affiliated with the Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Department at the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (AREEO) in Sanandaj, Iran. His work primarily focuses on the ecological and environmental challenges affecting riverine ecosystems and wildlife conservation. With a strong background in research and fieldwork, he has made significant contributions to environmental science, particularly in habitat modeling and conservation strategies for aquatic and terrestrial species. In addition to his academic and professional endeavors, he is actively involved in environmental NGOs and volunteer initiatives, striving to enhance public awareness of conservation issues. Mahmoudi is recognized for his commitment to sustainability and his leadership in environmental protection efforts.

Professional Profiles📖

Google Scholar 

Education 🎓

Saleh Mahmoudi earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Science (Biodiversity) from Shahid Beheshti University (2017-2023), where he focused on modeling the habitat requirements of riverine fish species. Under the supervision of Dr. Asghar Abdoli, his research contributed to a better understanding of aquatic ecosystems and conservation strategies for freshwater fish. He previously completed his M.Sc. in Environmental Science at Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (2010-2012). His thesis, supervised by Dr. Hossein Varasteh Moradi, explored the application of genetic rescue in wildlife conservation, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity in preserving endangered species,For his B.Sc. in Environmental Science at Hakim Sabzevari University & University of Environment (2006-2010), Mahmoudi worked on a project titled “Certificate of Natural Appearance of Kermanshah Province” under the guidance of Dr. Abbas Pahlavani. This early research laid the foundation for his future work in environmental conservation and ecological studies.

Work Experience💼

Saleh Mahmoudi has extensive research experience in environmental science and biodiversity conservation. He served as a Research Assistant at Shahid Beheshti University (2021-2023), contributing to advanced ecological studies. In 2019, he investigated the water requirements of the Jajroud River in Tehran, providing valuable insights for sustainable water resource management. His work in wildlife conservation includes identifying suitable patches for Iranian squirrel conservation in Kermanshah (2015), aiding in habitat protection efforts. In 2012, he conducted a comprehensive analysis of Felidae distribution in Kermanshah Province, contributing to the understanding of wild cat populations and their ecological needs. Additionally, Mahmoudi’s early research focused on bird distribution in Sa’dabad Forest, Gorgan (2011), where he examined avian abundance patterns and habitat preferences. His collective research experience reflects a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, species conservation, and ecological modeling.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Saleh Mahmoudi has been widely recognized for his contributions to environmental science and conservation. He was honored with the Iran National Elites Foundation Award, a prestigious recognition for his outstanding research and impact in the field. In 2010, he was acknowledged at the first NGOs and Student Associations Success Festival for his leadership and dedication to environmental advocacy. As a founder and scientific member of the Salas Community of Environment Protectors (NGO), Mahmoudi has played a crucial role in raising awareness and implementing conservation initiatives. Since 2017, he has served as a juror for the Environmental Sciences Journal, evaluating scientific research and contributing to academic excellence. Beyond his research and academic contributions, Mahmoudi is deeply involved in environmental conservation projects, working on habitat protection, biodiversity preservation, and ecological sustainability, reinforcing his commitment to protecting nature and wildlife.

Skills💡

Saleh Mahmoudi possesses a diverse set of technical skills in environmental science, research, and data analysis. He is proficient in statistical and ecological analysis tools such as R, SPSS, Canoco, Distance, and Ecological Methodology, allowing him to conduct complex biodiversity and ecological modeling studies. His expertise in GIS and remote sensing includes ArcGIS, MaxEnt, and ImageJ, which he utilizes for habitat mapping and environmental assessments. Additionally, he is skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation and reporting. Mahmoudi is a multilingual researcher, with Kurdish as his native language, fluency in Farsi, upper-intermediate proficiency in English, and basic knowledge of Arabic. He is known for his strong leadership and teamwork abilities, excelling in collaborative and research-driven environments. His high motivation, problem-solving mindset, and independent work ethic make him a dedicated scientist committed to environmental conservation and sustainability.

Research Focus 🔬

Saleh Mahmoudi’s research emphasizes biodiversity conservation, ecological modeling, and environmental management. His Ph.D. work involved habitat modeling for riverine fish species, with a focus on spatial and environmental factors affecting aquatic ecosystems. He has also contributed significantly to forest ecology, species distribution modeling, and human-wildlife interactions. His projects range from identifying critical habitats for endangered species to assessing ecological threats in protected areas. Additionally, he works on conservation strategies by integrating GIS, remote sensing, and ecological modeling for effective environmental decision-making. His work has practical implications for policy-making, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptation strategies.

Conclusion✅

Saleh Mahmoudi is a highly accomplished researcher with a strong academic and practical background in environmental science and conservation. His dedication to biodiversity, habitat modeling, and community involvement makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While he already demonstrates significant contributions, further international collaborations, funding leadership, and policy involvement would further enhance his research impact.

Publications Top Notes📚

Effect of human-induced forest edges on the understory bird community in Hyrcanian forests in Iran: Implication for conservation and management

📖 Forest Ecology and Management, Vol. 382, pp. 120-128

👥 Authors: S. Mahmoudi, S.S. Ilanloo, A.K. Shahrestanaki, N. Valizadegan, M. Yousefi

📅 Year: 2016

🔢 Citations: 26

2️⃣ Suitable forest habitats for protection of Iranian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus Pallescens) in west Kermanshah province

📖 Journal of Animal Environment, Vol. 8(2), pp. 33-40

👥 Authors: S. Moradi, S. Mahmoudi, I.S. Sheykhi

📅 Year: 2016

🔢 Citations: 6

3️⃣ Economic-recreational valuation of Koohestan forest park of Kermanshah using Zonal Travel Cost Method (ZTCM)

📖 Human & Environment, Vol. 20(160002267), pp. 257-271

👥 Authors: S. Moradi, S. Mahmoudi

📅 Year: 2022

🔢 Citations: 1

4️⃣ Modelling habitat requirements of Alburnus atropatena in the Jajroud protected River

📖 Environmental Sciences, Vol. 21(2), pp. 81-94

👥 Authors: S. Mahmoudi, A. Abdoli

📅 Year: 2023

5️⃣ Longitudinal zonation of the river based on the presence of fish species (Case study: Jajroud River)

📖 Journal of Aquatic Ecology, Vol. 13(1), pp. 73-82

👥 Authors: S. Mahmoudi, A. Abdoli

📅 Year: 2023

6️⃣ Effect of human-induced forest edges on the bird community in Hyrcanian forests in Iran: Implication for conservation and management

📖 New Methods and Research Results on Landscapes in Europe and Central Asia

👥 Authors: S. Mahmoudi, S.S. Ilanloo, A.K. Shahrestanaki, N. Valizadegan, M. Yousefi

📅 Year: 2018

7️⃣ Conservation of bird communities in elevational gradients in Hyrcanian forest

📖 Zist Sepehr Student Magazine, Vol. 12(1), pp. 27-38

👥 Authors: S. Mahmoudi, A. Keyvanloo Shahrestanaki

📅 Year: 2017

8️⃣ DNA barcoding methods for determination of vertebrate diet, challenges, and constraints

📖 Zist Sepehr Student Magazine, Vol. 11(1), pp. 36-42

👥 Authors: S. Sheykhi Ilanloo, H. Rezaie, S. Mahmoudi

📅 Year: 2016

➡️ “A comparative analysis of univariate and multivariate spatial requirements modelling for habitat selection in freshwater fish: A case study of Oxynoemachilus bergianus in the Jajroud River, Iran, and implications for conservation and management”
➡️ Journal: Ecological Modelling
➡️ Publication Date: May 2025