Maofu Pang | Plastics Upcycling | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Haijiang Yang | Ecosystem Services | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haijiang Yang | Ecosystem Services | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Lanzhou University, China

Dr. Haijiang Yang is an Associate Professor at the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, with a focus on ecosystem services assessment and modeling, human-environment interactions, and regional sustainable development. His academic contributions span interdisciplinary environmental studies, combining geography, ecology, and socio-economic evaluation to drive science-based policy-making and ecological restoration strategies.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Yang pursued his academic journey through a series of progressive and specialized degrees in geographical and environmental sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Geography from Lanzhou University, where he laid the foundation for his research in ecosystem services and socio-ecological systems. Prior to this, he completed his Master’s degree in Physical Geography at Ningxia University, focusing on land use, soil properties, and regional environmental changes. His undergraduate studies in Geographical Science at Weinan Normal University provided him with a strong grounding in environmental analysis and spatial modeling.

Experience

Dr. Yang’s academic career advanced swiftly through rigorous postdoctoral research and faculty appointments. He served as a Cuiying Postdoctoral Fellow at Lanzhou University, engaging in high-impact studies on ecosystem services in fragile mountainous regions. He was appointed as Associate Professor in the same institution, where he continues to contribute to both teaching and research. Over the past five years, he has led or participated in numerous national and provincial projects, including a National Natural Science Foundation grant investigating spatiotemporal evolution of water supply services and socio-ecological value mechanisms in the Qilian Mountains, and a prestigious China Postdoctoral Fellowship on the coupling effects of climate and land use change.

Research Focus

Dr. Yang’s research focuses on the assessment, valuation, and modeling of ecosystem services in ecologically sensitive areas, particularly in the Qilian Mountains and the broader Yellow River Basin. His work incorporates spatial analysis, socio-ecological modeling, and sustainability science to explore themes such as spillover effects of ecosystem services, cost-benefit sharing, horizontal ecological compensation, and human well-being. He has also investigated land use impacts, biodiversity-climate interactions, and resource efficiency in agricultural and pastoral systems. Through these research areas, he aims to offer scientific support for environmental planning, ecological restoration, and regional sustainable development strategies in China’s western regions.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Assessing Pollinator Abundance and Services in the Qilian Mountains: A Spatial and Temporal Analysis from 1990 to 2020 for Enhanced Agricultural Sustainability and Crop Yield Optimization
Authors: Yang, H.; Gou, X.; Niu, Y.; Shi, W.; Wang, X.; Wei, Y.; Maraseni, T.
Journal: SSRN
Summary: This study investigates changes in pollinator abundance and ecosystem services in the Qilian Mountains from 1990 to 2020. It highlights spatial and temporal patterns and links pollinator dynamics to agricultural sustainability and crop yield improvements. The findings offer policy insights for biodiversity conservation and agroecological planning in mountainous regions.

Title: Increasing Deep Soil Water Uptake During Drought Does Not Indicate Higher Drought Resistance
Authors: Yin, D.; Gou, X.; Liu, J.; Zhang, D.; Wang, K.; Yang, H.
Journal: Journal of Hydrology 
Summary: This research challenges the assumption that deep soil water uptake enhances drought resistance in plants. Using tree-ring and isotopic data, the study reveals that although trees may access deep water during drought, this does not guarantee improved growth or resilience, emphasizing the need to rethink forest management strategies under climate change.

Title: Response of Tree Growth to Drought Variability in Arid Areas: Local Hydroclimate and Large-Scale Precipitation
Authors: Zhang, Y.; Gou, X.; Wang, T.; Zhang, F.; Wang, K.; Yang, H.; Yang, K.
Journal: Environmental Research
Summary: This study examines how local and regional precipitation patterns influence tree growth in arid zones. The results show that local hydroclimatic variability plays a more significant role than large-scale climatic drivers, providing insight into ecosystem sensitivity in drylands.

Title: The Sino-US Trade Friction Would Exacerbate Global Inequalities in Achieving SDGs
Authors: Ma, W.; Li, C.; Kou, J.; Wang, X.; Yang, H.; Xue, B.; Gou, X.
Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
Summary: This article evaluates how Sino-US trade tensions could hinder progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It underscores how economic disputes may disproportionately affect developing regions, amplifying global disparities in environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

Title: Elevation-Dependent Tree Growth Response to Recent Warming and Drought on Eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yin, D.; Gou, X.; Yang, H.; Wang, K.; Liu, J.; Zhang, Y.; Gao, L.
Journal: Climatic Change 
Summary: The study analyzes tree growth patterns in response to warming and drought across elevation gradients in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. It finds that high-elevation forests exhibit stronger growth sensitivity to climatic shifts, highlighting their vulnerability and importance for regional climate adaptation strategies.

Conclusion

Dr. Haijiang Yang stands out as a dynamic and impactful researcher in the domains of ecosystem services, land use sustainability, and regional socio-ecological resilience. Through his deep understanding of geography and environmental systems, he has produced a body of work that informs both academic scholarship and public policy. His leadership in national research projects, high-quality publications in influential journals, and commitment to interdisciplinary integration make him a deserving candidate for recognition as a Best Researcher. His work not only advances scientific frontiers but also addresses some of the most pressing ecological challenges facing China’s mountainous and agricultural regions today.