Essa M. Saied | Biochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Essa M. Saied | Biochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Associate Professor | Humboldt University of Berlin | Germany

Associate Prof. Dr. Essa M. Saied is a distinguished biochemist and bioorganic chemist whose work advances synthetic medicinal chemistry, lipid biochemistry, and small-molecule drug discovery. Holding research appointments at Humboldt University of Berlin and Suez Canal University, he has built an international reputation through 72 published documents, 2,232 citations from 1,538 citing sources, and an h-index of 31. His research integrates organic synthesis, lipid biochemistry, and computational design to identify small-molecule inhibitors of key sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes. He employs high-throughput screening, enzymatic assays, molecular modeling, and structure–activity analysis to explore biochemical pathways relevant to cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. His work also develops heterocyclic scaffolds, fluorescent probes, and biochemical tools that deepen understanding of lipid signaling and enzyme function. Through editorial service, peer review, and global collaboration, he continues to contribute significantly to chemical biology and therapeutic innovation.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Live-Cell Identification of CERT Inhibitors via NanoBRET. Angewandte Chemie, Impact Factor 16.1.

Small-Molecule Ceramidase Inhibitors: Mechanism of Action. Angewandte Chemie, Impact Factor 16.8.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Novel Sphingoid Bases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Impact Factor 6.21.

Subunit Composition of Serine-Palmitoyltransferase. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Impact Factor 11.2.

Resolving Sphingolipid Isomers Using Cryogenic IR Spectroscopy. Angewandte Chemie, Impact Factor 15.3.

Siming Chen | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siming Chen | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Associate research fellow, at China University of Mining and Technology, China.

Dr. Siming Chen, born on July 12, 1988, is a distinguished researcher in the field of chemical engineering, specializing in CO₂ capture and utilization. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Dezhou University (2008–2012), followed by a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering and Technology from Dalian University of Technology (2012–2018). Dr. Chen furthered his expertise through a joint cultivation program at the University of Melbourne in 2017–2018. Currently, he serves as a Research Associate at the Carbon Neutral Institute of China University of Mining and Technology, a position he has held since December 2022. Prior to this, he was a Lecturer at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at Qingdao University from June 2018 to December 2022. His research focuses on innovative solutions for carbon capture, aiming to mitigate climate change impacts. Dr. Chen’s work has significantly contributed to advancements in sustainable chemical engineering practices. He can be reached via email at chsiming@126.com.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Chen’s academic journey began at Dezhou University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry (2008–2012). He then pursued a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering and Technology at Dalian University of Technology (2012–2018), focusing on CO₂ capture technologies. In 2017–2018, he participated in a joint cultivation program at the University of Melbourne, enhancing his research capabilities and international perspective. This diverse educational background has equipped Dr. Chen with a robust foundation in chemical engineering, enabling him to address complex environmental challenges through innovative research.

Experience

Dr. Chen’s professional experience spans academia and research institutions. Since December 2022, he has been serving as a Research Associate at the Carbon Neutral Institute of China University of Mining and Technology, focusing on sustainable energy solutions. From June 2018 to December 2022, he worked as a Lecturer at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at Qingdao University, where he taught and mentored students in environmental engineering disciplines. His roles have allowed him to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications in the field of chemical engineering.

Research Interests

Dr. Chen’s research interests are centered on CO₂ capture and utilization, aiming to develop low-energy consumption absorbents and efficient processes for carbon dioxide mitigation. His work includes the development of phase-change solvents, non-aqueous solvents, and desorption catalysts to enhance CO₂ absorption efficiency. Additionally, he explores the coupling processes of CO₂ capture using hollow fiber membrane contactors and integrated technologies for microalgae-based CO₂ fixation and lipid extraction. Through these innovative approaches, Dr. Chen strives to contribute to sustainable solutions for global carbon management.

Awards

Dr. Chen’s contributions to the field have been recognized through several prestigious awards. In 2014, he was part of the team that received the Second Prize of the Scientific and Technological Progress Award from the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation for their work on high-efficiency CO₂ capture. In 2019, he contributed to the team awarded the First Prize of the Liaoning Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award for developing core technologies in CO₂ capture and purification. These accolades highlight his significant impact on advancing environmental engineering technologies.

Top Noted Publications

Dr. Chen has authored and co-authored numerous publications in reputable journals, contributing valuable insights into CO₂ capture technologies. Notable publications include:

1. Solid Waste of Fly Ash toward Energy-Efficient CO₂ Capture

  • Published in: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2023, 11(22), 8281–8293

  • DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c00657

  • Authors: Linlin Chen, Shijian Lu, Lei Zhang, Chunjin Zhang, Ling Liu, Guojun Kang, Hua Tang, Siming Chen

  • Summary: This study investigates the use of fly ash as a natural, low-cost catalyst for enhancing the MEA (monoethanolamine) CO₂ absorption–desorption process. The research demonstrates that fly ash contains Brønsted and Lewis acid–base sites, which facilitate proton and electron donation. Specifically, 1-FA (a type of fly ash) improved the CO₂ cyclic absorption capacity by 6.7–26.1%, increased the CO₂ desorption rate to 96.0%, and reduced sensible heat by 24–28% compared to pure MEA. The performance of 1-FA was comparable to that of HZSM-5, a conventional catalyst. ACS Publicationsfaculty.cumt.edu.cn+6Figshare+6X-MOL+6ACS Publications+2X-MOL+2Figshare+2

2. Low-Energy-Consuming CO₂ Capture by Liquid–Liquid Biphasic Absorbents of EMEA/DEEA/PX

  • Published in: Chemical Engineering Journal, 2022, 450, 138490

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2022.138490

  • Authors: Liju Bai, Shijian Lu, Qizheng Zhao, Linlin Chen, Yingjie Jiang, Chunxiao Jia, Siming Chen

  • Summary: This paper explores a liquid–liquid biphasic solvent system comprising EMEA (2-(ethylamino)ethanol), DEEA (diethylethanolamine), and PX (paraxylene) for CO₂ capture. The system offers low corrosivity and energy-efficient CO₂ absorption and desorption processes. The study highlights the potential of this biphasic system in reducing operational costs and enhancing the overall efficiency of CO₂ capture technologies. OUCI+3ACS Publications+3ACS Publications+3

3. Single-Step Integrated Technology for Enhanced CO₂ Biofixation and Efficient Lipid Extraction in Microalgal Systems Including a Water-Immiscible Solvent

  • Published in: Chemical Engineering Journal, 2022, 432, 134374

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.134374

  • Authors: Liju Bai, Shijian Lu, Shun Qiu, Jintong Li, Siming Chen

  • Summary: This research presents an integrated approach combining CO₂ biofixation by microalgae with efficient lipid extraction using a water-immiscible solvent. The system enhances CO₂ utilization and lipid production in a single-step process, offering a sustainable method for biofuel production. The study emphasizes the importance of solvent selection and process integration in optimizing the overall efficiency of the system. OUCI

Conclusion

Siming Chen is a strong and well-qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award in the environmental and chemical engineering field, particularly in carbon capture and utilization. His technical depth, innovative contributions, and record of publication and patents position him as a leading expert in his specialization. For even greater competitiveness, further growth in leadership visibility and cross-disciplinary impact would be beneficial.