Dr. Nan Li | Engineering | Best Researcher Award
Associate researcher at erospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Dr. Nan Li is an accomplished Associate Researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences. With a strong interdisciplinary foundation in biomedical engineering and automation, she specializes in developing microfluidic-based nucleic acid and immunoassay detection systems. Dr. Li has contributed significantly to the advancement of rapid, portable, and sensitive diagnostic technologies, many of which are aimed at point-of-care and field diagnostics for infectious diseases. Her work is deeply rooted in translational research, seamlessly integrating microengineering, biotechnology, and clinical diagnostics.
Profile
🎓 Education
Dr. Nan Li received her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the prestigious Tsinghua University in 2022, after completing her undergraduate degree in Automation from the Beijing Institute of Technology in 2016. During her doctoral studies, she focused on the development of centrifugal microfluidic platforms and integrated biosensing systems, gaining critical experience in both academic research and real-world biomedical applications. Her academic journey laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to creating impactful diagnostic tools for global healthcare needs.
💼 Experience
Dr. Li currently serves as an Associate Researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where she leads projects under the State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology. She has also been actively involved in collaborative efforts with academic and industrial partners to translate laboratory innovations into commercial and clinical applications. In addition to her research responsibilities, Dr. Li contributes to scholarly activities as a journal reviewer for Microsystems & Nanoengineering and Current Analytical Chemistry. She has also delivered oral presentations at prominent international conferences such as Transducers 2025 and IEEE Sensors 2024, further reflecting her stature in the field.
🔬 Research Interests
Dr. Li’s core research interest lies in microfluidic technology for nucleic acid amplification, multiplex detection, and point-of-care diagnostics. She is particularly focused on developing integrated fluidic systems that are capable of rapid, accurate, and simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens or biomarkers. Her work often involves combining engineering principles such as centrifugal force and Euler force with advanced biochemical assays like LAMP and CRISPR. This interdisciplinary approach enables her to create portable diagnostic tools with immense potential in epidemic control, food safety, and personalized medicine.
🏆 Awards
Dr. Nan Li’s exceptional work has earned her several prestigious honors, including the Outstanding Reviewer Award from Microsystems & Nanoengineering in 2024. She was recognized as one of the Outstanding Graduates in Beijing in both 2016 and 2022. She also received the First Prize of Tsinghua University Comprehensive Scholarship in 2020 and the Gold Star Distinguished Research Award from the Biochip (Beijing) National Engineering Research Center in 2018 and 2020. Earlier in her academic journey, she was a recipient of the Tsinghua Future Scholar Scholarship, an award conferred upon top-performing doctoral candidates.
📚 Publications
Among Dr. Li’s numerous scientific publications, the following seven represent high-impact research in her field:
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Tianping Zhou, Nan Li* (2025). Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical. “Shockproof magnetofluidic multiplex nucleic acid system” – DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2025.138139.
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Nan Li# et al. (2025). Biosensors & Bioelectronics, “Chip-based universal strategy for multiplex PCR”, Vol. 269, 116921.
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Bin Xiao# et al., Nan Li* (2024). Food Chemistry, “Toothpick DNA extraction with LAMP platform”, Vol. 460, 140659.
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Jiajia Liu# et al., Nan Li# (2024). Small Methods, “One-pot multiplex virus detection”, Vol. 8, 2400030. (Cover Article).
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Nan Li# et al. (2022). Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, “Euler force-assisted sequential liquid release”, Vol. 359, 131642.
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Nan Li et al. (2022). Lab on a Chip, “Fully integrated SNP genotyping for hearing loss”, Vol. 22(4): 697–708. (Cover Article).
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Nan Li# et al. (2021). Microsystems & Nanoengineering, “Raw-sample-in multiplexed detection system”, Vol. 7(1): 94.
These works are widely cited and demonstrate her contributions to practical innovations in diagnostic technologies.
✅ Conclusion
Dr. Nan Li’s trajectory exemplifies a dedicated and forward-thinking researcher whose work merges engineering innovation with biomedical applications. Through her trailblazing research in microfluidic systems and portable diagnostics, she has not only addressed pressing needs in healthcare but also helped shape the future of rapid disease detection. Her consistent output of high-impact publications, international recognition, and impressive list of awards collectively make her a deserving candidate for a Best Paper Award. Dr. Li’s blend of creativity, precision, and practical implementation reflects the qualities that such an award seeks to honor.