Natasa Knezevic | Environmental and Green Processes | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Natasa Knezevic | Environmental and Green Processes | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Natasa Knezevic | “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia | Serbia

Dr. Natasa Knezevic is a Serbian researcher and emerging scientist in the field of environmental and chemical engineering, currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade. She is affiliated with the “VINCA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, where she serves as a Research Assistant. Her academic and research expertise encompasses instrumental analysis, organic synthesis and material characterization, adsorption processes on bio-based materials, composites, and the development of green methods for sustainable waste management. Dr. Knežević holds dual master’s degrees in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, and in Environmental Engineering from the University of Belgrade. She has also gained international experience as a visiting researcher at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and participated in multiple applied science and environmental innovation projects. Her scientific output includes over 12 peer-reviewed publications, around 150 citations, and an h-index of 6, reflecting her growing influence in the field of environmental materials and green technologies. She has received numerous honors, including the Panta S. Tutundžić Award for academic excellence, the Best Technological Innovation Award (2021) from the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Serbia, and recognition for the Best Start-Up Ideas initiative by Coca-Cola Youth Support. Alongside her scientific career, she is an active volunteer, team leader, and ambassador at the University of Belgrade’s Center for Career Development. Fluent in Serbian, English, and Russian, Dr. Knežević combines technical proficiency in tools like SuperPro Designer, OriginPro, ChemDraw, and Python with strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills, making her a dynamic and versatile young researcher in environmental innovation and sustainable engineering.

Profiles: Scopus Orcid 

Featured Publications

Abduarahman, M. A., Vuksanovic, M. M., Knezevic, N., Banjanac, K., Milosevic, M., Velickovic, Z., & Marinkovic, A. (2024). MgAl-layered double hydroxide-coated bio-silica as an adsorbent for anionic pollutants removal: A case study of the implementation of sustainable technologies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(21), 11837.

Brzić, S., Knezevic, N., Kovacevic, T., Vuksanovic, M., Marinkovic, A., & Grzetic, J. (2024). Furoic acid-based (non)energetic plasticizers for solid composite propellants production. Scientific Technical Review, 74(1), 50–57.

Cujic, M., Knezevic, N., Zivković, F., & Jankovic Mandic, L. (2025). Radiation technology in polymer waste recycling and upcycling: Mechanisms, applications, and prospects. Metallurgical and Materials Data.

Cujic, M., Knezevic, N., Zivković, F., & Jankovic Mandic, L. (2025). Radiation technology in the light of polymer waste recycling. Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Congress of South-East Europe.

Embirsh, H. S. A., Vuksanovic, M. M., Mladenovic, I. O., Knezevic, N., Milosevic, M., Mijatov, S., Jancic Heinemann, R., & Marinković, A. (2024). Unsaturated polyester resin-based composites: A case study of lignin valorisation. Chemosphere, 352, 142144.

Knezevic, N., Vuksanovic, M., & Marinkovic, A. (2025). Enhanced mechanical strength and controlled biodegradability of bio-membranes synthesized from waste hemp fibers. Metallurgical and Materials Data.

Knezevic, N., Vuksanovic, M., & Marinkovic, A. (2025). Mechanical and biodegradability properties of synthesized bio-membranes from waste hemp fibers. Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Congress of South-East Europe.

Knezevic, N., Vuksanovic,, M. M., Banjanac, K., Pantic, K., Velickovic, Z., Cvijetic, I., Marinkovic, A., & Miloševic, M. (2024). Cationic waste hemp fibers-based membrane: Case study of anionic pollutants removal through environmentally friendly processes. Journal of Environmental Management, 361, 123174.

Savic, A., Vuksanovic, M. M., Savic, M., Knezevic, N., SaponjiC, A., IliC, S., & Egelja, A. (2025). Modified silica particles coated with Cu–Al layered double hydroxide for phosphate and arsenate removal in water treatment. Molecules, 30(10), 2138.

Jingjing Jiang | Environmental Science | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Jingjing Jiang | Environmental Science | Innovative Research Award 

Dr. Jingjing Jiang | Jilin University | China

Prof. Jingjing Jiang is a distinguished scholar and researcher serving as a Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, and Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Engineering at Jilin University, China. She obtained both her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Jilin University, where she has built a notable academic and research career dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability through cutting-edge wastewater treatment technologies. As a Tang Aoqing Young Scholar and recognized Young Growth Science and Technology Talent of Jilin Province, Prof. Jiang represents a new generation of scientific leadership committed to integrating innovation with environmental protection. Her primary research focus centers on transmembrane ion transport for wastewater treatment, addressing complex challenges related to pollution control, resource recovery, and sustainable water management. Over the years, she has successfully completed or is currently leading 15 major research projects, including prestigious grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation. These projects highlight her expertise in advanced membrane materials, electrochemical processes, and nanotechnology applications for efficient and sustainable environmental remediation. Prof. Jiang’s academic output reflects both productivity and impact. She has authored or co-authored 49 peer-reviewed journal publications in high-impact outlets indexed in SCI and Scopus, covering interdisciplinary themes across materials science, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering. Her research has been cited over 2,000 times, indicating the global recognition and influence of her work, and she maintains an impressive h-index of 25, showcasing her consistent scholarly excellence and contribution to the field. In addition to her journal articles, Prof. Jiang has published one academic book (ISBN-registered) and holds nine patents, many of which address innovative technologies for water purification and pollutant degradation. Her professional influence extends beyond research and teaching. Prof. Jiang serves on the Young Editorial Boards of several reputable international journals, including Nano-Micro Letters, Research, Water Purification Technology, and Carbon Neutralization, among others. These editorial appointments signify her leadership role in shaping emerging research directions in environmental engineering and sustainable technologies. She is also an active young member of the Jilin Provincial Society of Environmental Science and Engineering, contributing to regional academic development and professional collaboration. Prof. Jiang has established strong collaborative partnerships, notably with the National Natural Science Foundation of China Joint Fund, fostering interdisciplinary and cross-institutional innovation. Her outstanding achievements have earned her several honors, including the Jilin Provincial Natural Science Award and the prestigious Ogano Award.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Jiang, J., Zhang, Y., Liu, Y., … Dong, S. (2025, March). Selective activation of peroxymonosulfate through gating heteronuclear diatomic distance for flexible generation of high-valent cobalt-oxo species or sulfate radicals.

Sun, T., Liu, Y., Li, J., … Dong, S. (2025, March). Radical and nonradical cocatalysis induced by asymmetric medium-spin cobalt single atom for water decontamination.

Jiang, J., Liu, S., Zhao, B., … Dong, S. (2025, February). Angstrom confinement-triggered adaptive spin state transition of CoMn dual single atoms for efficient singlet oxygen generation.

Zhao, Z., Jiang, J., Zhou, D., & Dong, S. (2025, January). Microalgal-based urea wastewater treatment with p-hydroxybenzoic acid enhances resource recovery and mitigates biological risks from Bisphenol A.

Liu, Y., Jiang, J., Li, T., … Dong, S. (2024, December). Tuning charge distribution for synergistic enhancement of internal electric field in BiOCl via phosphorus–vanadium dual-doping.

Fu, S., Dong, S., Cao, T., … Zhou, D. (2024, October). The transition metal composition could promote α-Fe₂O₃ catalytic ozonation at mild condition by improving electron transfer.

Jiang, J., Yue, C., Niu, S., … Dong, S. (2024, May). Gradient graphitic carbon rings induce successive built-in electric field for photo-Fenton-like reaction.

Dr. Yafang Sun | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yafang Sun | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China.

Dr. Ya-Fang Sun is an Associate Professor at the China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China. She specializes in Energy Economics and Climate Change, contributing extensively to sustainable development research. Dr. Sun holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and is dedicated to understanding and improving global environmental policies and energy management.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Sun holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and is dedicated to understanding and improving global environmental policies and energy management.Her academic focus was on Energy Economics and Climate Change, where she explored the intersection of environmental sustainability and economic policy. This advanced training equipped her with the expertise to tackle pressing global challenges related to energy efficiency, carbon emissions, and sustainable development.

Experience 💼

As an Associate Professor at the China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China, Dr. Ya-Fang Sun has been at the forefront of research and education in energy efficiency, carbon emissions, and sustainable development. She has successfully led multiple research projects, contributing to advancements in these critical fields, while also mentoring students and fostering the next generation of scholars and professionals.

Research Interests 🔬

Energy Economics: Exploring Global Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

In this research area, Dr. Ya-Fang Sun focuses on understanding the dynamics of global energy efficiency and promoting sustainable energy practices. Her work examines the economic factors that influence energy consumption and the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy sources. The goal is to develop policies that support sustainable energy systems, reduce environmental impact, and foster economic growth.

Climate Change: Analyzing Its Economic Impacts and Mitigation Strategies
Dr. Sun's research on climate change explores the economic consequences of global warming and the potential mitigation strategies. She investigates how energy consumption patterns, carbon emissions, and government policies interact with climate outcomes. By analyzing these elements, she provides insights into how countries and industries can reduce their carbon footprints while maintaining economic stability.

Sustainable Transport: Investigating Innovative Approaches for Reducing Emissions
In this area, Dr. Sun examines sustainable transport solutions aimed at cutting emissions in the global transport sector. Her research investigates the effectiveness of various technological and policy innovations, such as the adoption of electric vehicles, improvements in public transportation, and sustainable infrastructure. The goal is to provide practical strategies for reducing emissions and improving the environmental impact of transportation systems.

Policy Analysis: Evaluating the Impact of Subsidies and Global Trade on Emissions
Dr. Sun’s policy analysis research focuses on the role of government subsidies and global trade in shaping emissions outcomes. She analyzes the influence of financial incentives for green technologies and the trade-offs associated with economic growth and environmental sustainability. Through her work, she offers valuable policy recommendations for governments and international organizations seeking to balance economic and environmental priorities.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Determinants of aggregated embodied carbon intensity in global bilateral exports by firm heterogeneity (2024). Ecological Economics, (Cited by: 3). Link

How to improve the energy-saving performance of China's transport sector? (2024). Journal of Environmental Management, (Cited by: 6). Link

How do imports change the energy consumption of China? (2023). Energy, (Cited by: 15). Link

Impact of government subsidy on optimal R&D and advertising investment in the cooperative supply chain of new energy vehicles (2022). Energy Policy, (Cited by: 44). Link

How does the global transport sector improve emissions reduction performance? (2022). Applied Energy, (Cited by: 30). Link