Prof. Zhiqing Li | Engineering Geology | Best Researcher Award |

Soil and Rock Mixture, at Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences ,China

Prof. Zhiqing Li is a distinguished researcher in the field of Geological Engineering, currently serving as a Professor at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). With over 15 years of experience in high-impact geoscientific research, Prof. Li has demonstrated consistent academic excellence and leadership within one of China’s premier scientific institutions. His work is characterized by a deep commitment to understanding earth processes and contributing to the advancement of geotechnical knowledge that supports sustainable development and natural hazard mitigation.

Education 🎓

Prof. Li holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Science and Technology Beijing (1999–2003). He pursued his doctoral studies at the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, earning his Ph.D. in Geological Engineering in 2008. This solid educational foundation blends structural engineering principles with geoscientific investigation, enabling him to take on interdisciplinary research challenges.

Experience 👩‍

Prof. Zhiqing Li began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, CAS in July 2008. In January 2012, he was promoted to Associate Professor and later to Full Professor in January 2022. Over this span, he has played a pivotal role in leading research projects, mentoring young scientists, and collaborating across disciplinary and institutional boundaries. His long-standing affiliation with the Chinese Academy of Sciences highlights his integral role in China’s national scientific research strategy.

Research Interests 🔬

His core research areas include geological hazard assessment, subsurface geotechnical modeling, and rock mechanics. Prof. Li is particularly focused on understanding the dynamics of Earth’s crust and developing predictive models for seismic and landslide risks. His work often bridges theory with practical applications, influencing infrastructure planning, environmental safety, and resource management.

Awards 🏆

While specific awards were not listed, Prof. Li’s promotion through the academic ranks—from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, and eventually Full Professor—at a prestigious institution like CAS is itself a recognition of his research contributions and academic influence. His ongoing presence in China’s foremost geoscientific research body suggests a respected reputation in his field.

Top Noted Publications 📚

1. Title: Study on cumulative plastic deformation and resistivity-based damage evolution of frozen soil-rock mixtures under cyclic loading
Authors: K. Sun, Z. Li (Zhiqing), W. Pan
Citations: 0
Index: Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
Year of Publication: 2025

2. Title: Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Ice-Rock Mixture and Frozen Soil-Rock Mixture under Splitting Test
Authors: F. Hu, Y. Zhu, Q. Lü, Z. Li (Zhiqing), S. Wang
Citations: 0
Index: Chinese Journal of Underground Space and Engineering
Year of Publication: 2024

3. Title: Study on the extension mechanism of fissures in expansive soil based on fracture mechanics test method
Authors: Y. Kong, Z. Li (Zhiqing), K. Sun, Z. Qi, R. Hu
Citations: 1
Index: Engineering Geology
Year of Publication: 2024

4. Title: Study on strength damage model considering resistivity and failure characteristics of the frozen soil–rock mixture under different loading rates
Authors: S. Wang, Z. Li (Zhiqing), Z. Gao, R. Hu, Y. Zhou
Citations: 4
Index: Canadian Geotechnical Journal
Year of Publication: 2024

5. Title: A support vector machine model of landslide susceptibility mapping based on hyperparameter optimization using the Bayesian algorithm: a case study of the highways in the southern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: K. Sun, Z. Li (Zhiqing), S. Wang, R. Hu
Citations: 5
Index: Natural Hazards
Year of Publication: 2024

Conclusion

Prof. Zhiqing Li exemplifies scholarly dedication and research excellence in Geological Engineering. With a strong academic background, long-term service at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a likely rich research output, he stands out as a leading figure in his field. His work not only enhances the scientific understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems but also contributes to the practical mitigation of geological hazards. Prof. Li is a compelling candidate for prestigious research awards and global academic recognition.

Dr. KEVIN IGOR AZEUDA NDONFACK | Economic Geology | Best Researcher Award|

Geologist , at JCHX Mining Management company, LTD, China.

Dr. Kevin Igor Azeuda Ndonfack is an accomplished early-career geologist with a deep passion for economic geology and mineral exploration. He has a dynamic professional background that bridges academia and industry, currently serving as a Postdoctoral Geologist Engineer at JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd. and as a Researcher at the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences. Fluent in English, French, and Chinese, Dr. Azeuda is a multilingual scientific communicator who has made significant contributions to the discovery and understanding of copper and gold deposits across the Central African Copperbelt. His strong problem-solving skills, field expertise, and analytical mindset make him a rising star in the global geoscience community.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Azeuda earned his Doctorate in Engineering (Mining Engineering – Economic Geology) from the University of Science and Technology Beijing, China (2017–2022), with a thesis focused on primary gold deposits in the Pan-African Orogeny of Eastern Cameroon. Prior to that, he obtained a Master’s degree in Petrology-Tectonics and Natural Resources and a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon. He also pursued Chinese language training at USTB to better integrate into his academic and professional environment in China.

Experience 👩‍

Dr. Azeuda is currently leading geological research and field operations at JCHX Mining and the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, focusing on mineral exploration in the Central African region. He is actively involved in core sampling, field mapping, data management, and multilingual document translation for cross-border collaboration. He has contributed significantly to the discovery of the Lonshi-East copper deposit (26Mt @ 3.99% Cu) and has established a geotectonic model for sediment-hosted copper deposits that is referenced in ongoing exploration projects.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Azeuda’s research is centered around the exploration geology and geochemistry of ore deposits, with a special emphasis on sediment-hosted and orogenic gold and copper deposits. He has investigated key mineralized systems such as the Lonshi and Dikulushi copper deposits, along with others in the Central African Copperbelt including Kamoa, Kipushi, and Chambeshi. His work combines field exploration, drill core logging, mineralogy, geochemical analysis, isotopic dating, and the application of AI in ore deposit modeling, aiming to unravel the geological processes that control mineralization.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Azeuda has received multiple prestigious awards recognizing his academic and research excellence. In 2023, he was awarded 400,000 RMB in postdoctoral research funding by the Beijing Municipal Government. He also received the First Prize for Cameroonian Excellence PhD from the Cameroon Embassy in China (2022), and the Outstanding Graduate Student Award from USTB. His international recognition includes the SEG Grant (Chile), the GeoHost Award at the 36th IGC in India, and awards from JCHX and his host university in Beijing for his research publications and conference achievements.

Top Noted Publications 📚

1. Geology, geochemistry, and exploration of the Central African Copperbelt: a review
Authors: Kevin Igor Azeuda Ndonfack, Zhiming Yang, Jinlin Zhang, Scott A. Whattam, Yuling Xie
Journal: International Geology Review
Year: 2024
DOI: 10.1080/00206814.2024.2426200
Index: SCI (Web of Science)

2. Source of metals related to gold occurrences in Cameroon, Central African Belt
Authors: Kevin Igor Azeuda Ndonfack, Jinlin Zhang, Yuling Xie, N. Samiratou Yaya, Emmanuel Archelaus Afanga Basua
Journal: Acta Geochimica
Year: 2024
DOI: 10.1007/s11631-023-00669-9
Index: SCI (Web of Science)

3. Gold occurrences of the Woumbou–Colomine–Kette district, eastern Cameroon: ore-forming constraints from petrography, SEM–CL imagery, fluid inclusions, and C–O–H–S isotopes
Authors: Kevin Igor Azeuda Ndonfack, Yuling Xie, Richard Goldfarb
Journal: Mineralium Deposita
Year: 2022
DOI: 10.1007/s00126-021-01050-7
Index: SCI (Web of Science)

4. Soil Deformation around a Cylindrical Cavity under Drained Conditions: Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Pieride Mabe Fogang, Yang Liu, Jiale Zhao, Kevin Igor Azeuda Ndonfack, Paolo S. Valvo
Journal: Advances in Civil Engineering
Year: 2022
DOI: 10.1155/2022/4127660
Index: SCI (Web of Science)

5. Tectonic evolution of Neoproterozoic rocks, eastern Cameroon: Implication for gold mineralization in the Bétaré Oya and Woumbou–Colomine–Kette districts
Author: Kevin Igor Azeuda Ndonfack
Journal: Precambrian Research
Year: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/j.precamres.2021.106475
Index: SCI (Web of Science)

Conclusion

Kevin Igor Azeudandonfack’s achievements in high-impact research, international recognition, and real-world mining contributions clearly position him as a top candidate for a Best Researcher Award, especially in the early-career category. His interdisciplinary expertise, publication record, and multilingual fluency further enhance his profile.

To strengthen future nominations, he might:

Lead or co-lead more international research networks

Engage in academic peer reviewing or journal editing

Showcase any innovation or AI-based tools developed

Highlight mentorship, teaching, or outreach work