Ms. Zsuzsanna Szalai | Organophosphorus chemistry | Best Researcher Award |

Budapest University of Technology and Economics,Hungary

Professional Profiles:

👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Ms. Zsuzsanna Szalai, born on October 22, 1997, in Budapest, Hungary, is a dedicated researcher specializing in pharmaceutical and synthetic chemistry. Her passion for innovation in green synthesis and bioactive compound development has marked her as a rising star in chemical and pharmaceutical engineering. Based in Budapest, she is committed to advancing sustainable solutions in modern chemistry.

🎓 Educational Background:

Zsuzsanna holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering (2016–2020) and an MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineering (2020–2022) from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, where she specialized in pharmaceutical sciences. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical, Bio-, and Environmental Engineering at the same institution’s renowned George Oláh PhD School, emphasizing cutting-edge research in chemical synthesis and environmental sustainability.

🔍 Research Focus:

Her research centers on the development of greener synthetic methodologies, particularly in hydroxybisphosphonate and phosphonate derivatives. She also investigates their bioactivities, including cytotoxic and cytostatic effects, contributing to advancements in sustainable pharmaceutical development.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Zsuzsanna has earned multiple prestigious accolades, including the Chinoin Best Thesis Award (2022) and the Excellent Student of the Faculty Award (2021). Her academic journey is further distinguished by competitive scholarships such as the Gedeon Richter Excellence PhD Scholarship and the Doctoral Excellence Fellowship, which recognize her exceptional contributions to the field.

💼 Professional Experience:

With a strong foundation in the pharmaceutical industry, she has completed professional practices at Gedeon Richter Plc. and Egis Pharmaceuticals Plc., gaining hands-on experience in stability testing and injection manufacturing. Additionally, her role as a demonstrator at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics allowed her to teach and mentor students in organic chemistry laboratory practices.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Title: Tetraalkyl Hydroxymethylene-bisphosphonate and Dialkyl 1-Diphenylphosphinoyl-1-hydroxy-ethylphosphonate Derivatives by the Pudovik Reaction and Their Rearranged Products
Authors: Z. Szalai, G. Keglevich
Journal: Molecules
Volume: 26 (24), Article 7575
Citations: 5
Year of Publication: 2021

Title: Greener Synthesis of Zoledronic Acid from Imidazol-1-yl-acetic Acid and P-reagents Using Diethyl Carbonate as the Solvent Component
Authors: A. Grün, Z. Szalai, G. Keglevich
Journal: Latvian Org Chem
Volume: 18 (1), Pages 8–12
Citations: 3
Year of Publication: 2021

Title: A Study of the Bisphosphonic Derivatives from the Pudovik Reaction of Dialkyl α-Oxophosphonates and >P(O)H Reagents: X-ray Structure and Bioactivity
Authors: Z. Szalai, B. Tóth, R. O. Szabó, S. Bősze, K. Karaghiosoff, M. Czugler, et al.
Journal: Molecules
Volume: 28 (16), Article 6037
Citations: 1
Year of Publication: 2023

Title: Organocatalytic Reactions in Water
Authors: B. Banerjee, A. Priya, Z. Szalai, A. Sharma, M. Kaur, A. Singh, G. Keglevich
Book Chapter: Organic Transformations in Water: Principles and Applications
Pages: 269–290
Citations: Not available
Year of Publication: 2025

Title: Unexpected Reaction of Dialkyl α-Hydroxy-benzylphosphonates with Dialkyl Phosphites and a Few Related Reactions
Authors: Z. Szalai, P. Ábrányi-Balogh, G. Keglevich
Journal: The Journal of Organic Chemistry
Citations: Not available
Year of Publication: 2024

Conclusion:

Zsuzsanna Szalai is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her prolific publication record, industry-relevant research, and academic accolades make her stand out among peers at her career stage. Addressing the outlined areas for improvement, such as enhancing international collaboration and leadership experience, would further solidify her candidacy for such awards in the future. Her contributions, particularly to green synthesis and bioactive compound development, align well with contemporary research priorities.