Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianwei Wang | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianwei Wang | Best Researcher Award

School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

Authour Profile

Orchid 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Jianwei Wang’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in physics and materials science, guided by a passion for unraveling the fundamental mechanisms of matter. Early on, he demonstrated a profound interest in condensed matter physics, which eventually shaped his career. His academic training was marked by rigorous coursework and hands-on research that laid the groundwork for his later specialization in computational material science and materials informatics. As a student, he displayed a unique ability to merge theoretical understanding with practical problem-solving, setting him apart from his peers. His early research contributions were already aimed at addressing complex material behaviors through computational simulations—an approach he continues to refine and expand today.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Researcher at the School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Jianwei Wang leads cutting-edge research in interdisciplinary domains. His work integrates computational simulations with real-world material applications, focusing particularly on the electronic properties of semiconductor defects, topological and multiferroic characteristics of 2D materials, and the doping modulation mechanisms in perovskites.

Wang has also contributed significantly to uncovering microscopic mechanisms behind electrochemical catalytic reactions, and he has modeled the mechanical and thermal behaviors of amorphous materials. Through these efforts, he actively advances the design and optimization of next-generation materials for use in electronics and energy devices. His expertise extends to both academic and industrial domains, reflecting a versatile career with wide-reaching applications.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Jianwei Wang’s research portfolio is both extensive and impactful. Notably, he uncovered the coexistence of piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity in MA₂Z₄-based 2D heterojunctions, particularly highlighting MoGe₂N₄/MoSi₂N₄ with a record-breaking out-of-plane piezoelectric coefficient of 73.28 pm/V. He further demonstrated that staggered stacking in bilayer or multilayer MgAl₂S₄ can induce spontaneous ferroelectric behavior.

Additionally, his theoretical prediction that Janus SrInGaTe₄ could act as a topological insulator under spin-orbit coupling conditions represents a pioneering direction in material science. Wang has also developed an automated high-throughput DFT-based computational workflow to design hybrid halide perovskite monolayers. This initiative is key in enabling material databases for machine learning-driven materials discovery—a cornerstone of materials informatics.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Jianwei Wang’s academic output has been recognized by publication in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals such as npj Computational Materials, Science Advances, Nano Energy, and Chemical Communications. These publications reflect not only his research quality but also the high impact and relevance of his work in the global scientific community.

In acknowledgment of his expertise, he has been appointed as a Junior Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Materials Informatics for the 2025–2026 term. This prestigious role underscores his standing in the community as both a researcher and thought leader. His work has been supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, validating the national importance of his research themes.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Jianwei Wang’s research influences multiple domains—from academic to industrial sectors. His contributions to 2D materials and perovskite research open new pathways for the development of more efficient solar cells, transistors, sensors, and piezoelectric devices. His insights into catalytic and thermal mechanisms in amorphous materials also have implications for energy storage, environmental remediation, and wearable technologies.

Through computational innovations, he has not only contributed to theory but has also accelerated material discovery, saving both time and resources. By bridging theory, simulation, and application, his work creates a direct pipeline from hypothesis to market-ready materials.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Jianwei Wang is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of material science. He envisions expanding the reach of materials informatics through AI-powered frameworks and aims to establish comprehensive, open-access databases for next-gen materials. His ambition includes mentoring young researchers and building international collaborations to further accelerate scientific progress.

Through a blend of scientific rigor and visionary thinking, Jianwei Wang is shaping the future of materials research. His legacy will lie not only in the data and discoveries he leaves behind but also in the community of researchers he inspires and the sustainable technologies his work makes possible.

📖Notable Publications

 Enhanced phase prediction of high-entropy alloys through machine learning and data augmentation

Authors: Song Wu, Zihao Song, Jianwei Wang, Xiaobin Niu, Haiyuan Chen
Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Year: 2025

 Theoretical investigations of transition metal atom-doped MoSi₂N₄ monolayers as catalysts for electrochemical CO₂ reduction reactions

Authors: Guoqiang Ding, Yiwen Gao, Hetong Zhang, Na Yang, Xiaobin Niu, Jianwei Wang
Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Year: 2025

 Theoretical predicted topological properties of Janus SrInGaTe₄

Authors: Yiwen Gao, Xiaojing Gao, Xiaobin Niu, Jianwei Wang
Journal: Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures
Year: 2025

 Large out-of-plane piezoelectric response and ultra-low polarization transition barriers in two-dimensional MoGe₂N₄/MoSi₂N₄ heterostructures

Authors: Peiyao Wu, Xiaobin Niu, Jianwei Wang
Journal: Applied Surface Science
Year: 2025

 A weakened Fermi level pinning induced adsorption energy non-charge-transfer mechanism during O₂ adsorption in silicene/graphene

heterojunctions
Authors: Xuhong Zhao, Haiyuan Chen, Jianwei Wang, Xiaobin Niu
Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Year: 2024

Mr.Rana Shahid Mahmood | Innovative Research Award

Mr.Rana Shahid Mahmood | Innovative Research Award

Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China

Authour Profile

Orchid 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Rana Shahid Mahmood’s academic journey is rooted in a strong foundation in physics and material sciences. Beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Double Mathematics and Physics from Islamia University Bahawalpur, he pursued higher education with unwavering dedication. He earned his Master’s in Physics from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, where he completed a research thesis on magnesium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized via ball milling—an early indication of his passion for material synthesis and nanotechnology. Currently, as a PhD researcher at the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), China, he is delving into the forefront of renewable energy technology through his specialization in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), focusing on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and stability.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Professionally, Rana Shahid has steadily progressed from academic support roles to high-level research. His teaching experience as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Okara enriched his pedagogical abilities and deepened his engagement with the academic community. Additionally, his tenure as a Research Assistant on a project funded by the Punjab Higher Education Commission provided him with valuable hands-on experience in experimental physics. His current work as a PhD researcher involves not only the fabrication and testing of solar cells but also strategic material design through additive engineering—a critical element in addressing global energy sustainability challenges.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Rana’s contributions to solar cell research are particularly notable in the context of additive engineering. In 2025, he co-authored a significant publication in Elsevier detailing the use of bifunctional lithium difluoro (oxalato) borate (Li-DFOB) in perovskite films. This innovative additive helped achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.07% while maintaining 98.7% of its original performance under humidity—crucial for real-world deployment of PSCs. His research focuses on improving device stability and performance through cutting-edge characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, UV-Vis, PL, and J-V measurements. He has consistently demonstrated expertise in thin-film deposition, especially spin coating, and the thermal evaporation of electrodes, all integral to advancing perovskite photovoltaic technology.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While formal awards may yet be forthcoming, Rana’s scholarly engagement is reflected in his active participation in over a dozen conferences and workshops related to physics, material science, and nanotechnology. Notable events include the International Conference on Material Science & Nanotechnology (MSNANO20) and the 3rd National Symposium on Laser-Matter Interaction. His recognition as a thought leader is evident in his collaborations with professors, contributions to scientific workshops, and leadership roles, such as his current position as Vice President of the Guitar Club at NUAA—highlighting his capacity to lead both in research and community activities.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Rana Shahid’s research directly contributes to one of the most pressing global challenges: transitioning to clean and sustainable energy. His focus on PSCs is particularly impactful given the global urgency to commercialize efficient, low-cost solar technologies. The application of his work in real-world conditions—such as enhancing humidity resistance—is especially relevant to countries with diverse climates, including his home country, Pakistan. Moreover, his academic outreach and mentoring roles are helping inspire the next generation of physicists and materials scientists.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Rana has the potential to emerge as a thought leader in solar energy materials. His deep technical skillset, combined with a collaborative and cross-disciplinary approach, positions him to lead large-scale renewable energy projects or academic-industrial partnerships. He is also likely to contribute to policy or commercialization efforts as PSC technologies begin to reach mass production. With more international publications, patents, and perhaps a postdoctoral tenure in a cutting-edge lab, his legacy will be marked by both scholarly excellence and practical impact.

🏆 Conclusion: A Worthy Contender for the Best Researcher Award

In summary, Rana Shahid Mahmood is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic rigor, innovative contributions to perovskite solar cell development, and continuous involvement in interdisciplinary collaboration reflect the qualities of a high-impact researcher. While he may benefit from deeper international collaboration and industry-aligned research, his current trajectory is steeped in excellence. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also addresses real-world sustainability goals—making him an asset to both academia and the global clean energy movement. 🌟

📖Notable Publications

 Crystallization regulation and ion migration suppression enabled by bifunctional lithium difluoro (oxalato) borate additive for stable perovskite solar cells

Authors: Rana Shahid Mahmood, Weicun Chu, Riming Nie
Journal: Organic Electronics
Year: 2025