Professor, at University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China.
Dr. Ding Yuan is a distinguished researcher specializing in ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) materials for energy storage and conversion. She earned her Ph.D. from Griffith University in 2021 under the mentorship of Prof. Shanqing Zhang and Prof. Huijun Zhao. Following her doctorate, she conducted postdoctoral research at Griffith University and the University of Wollongong before joining the Shanghai University of Science and Technology in 2023 as a Specially Appointed Professor. Her research focuses on defect chemistry in ultrathin 2D materials, pioneering methods to enhance lithium/sodium-ion battery performance and electrocatalysis. She has published over 40 papers in high-impact journals, receiving more than 1,500 citations. Dr. Yuan has secured multiple national and provincial-level research grants, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and Shanghai Leading Talent Award. Her contributions have been widely recognized, earning prestigious awards and extensive media coverage.
Professional Profile
🎓 Education
Dr. Ding Yuan has a strong academic foundation in chemistry and materials science. She earned her Bachelor’s (2014) and Master’s (2017) degrees in Chemical Engineering from Jiangsu University, where she researched photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. She pursued her Ph.D. (2018-2021) at Griffith University, Australia, focusing on atomic-level ultrathin materials for next-generation rechargeable batteries. Under the supervision of Prof. Shanqing Zhang and Prof. Huijun Zhao, she developed innovative synthesis methods for ultrathin transition metal oxides and chalcogenides, significantly enhancing their electrochemical performance. Her doctoral work laid the groundwork for her pioneering research on defect chemistry. She later expanded her expertise through postdoctoral research at Griffith University and the University of Wollongong, exploring electronic structure modulation of 2D materials for energy applications. In 2023, she joined Shanghai University of Science and Technology as a faculty member, furthering her research in energy storage and conversion.
💼 Experience
Dr. Ding Yuan’s career spans academia and research leadership. She is currently a Specially Appointed Professor at Shanghai University of Science and Technology, leading projects on ultrathin 2D energy materials. Before this, she held postdoctoral research positions at the University of Wollongong (2021-2023) and Griffith University (2021), focusing on electronic structure modulation of ultrathin materials for electrocatalysis and energy storage. Throughout her career, Dr. Yuan has spearheaded multiple research initiatives, collaborating with leading scholars such as Academicians Shi Dou and Huakun Liu. Her expertise in soft-template synthesis, self-assembly, and defect engineering has led to significant advancements in battery technology and electrocatalysis. She has also actively participated in national and international research collaborations, contributing to several high-impact research projects funded by organizations like the Australian Research Council and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
🔬 Research Interests
Dr. Ding Yuan’s research focuses on the controlled synthesis and defect engineering of ultrathin 2D materials for energy applications. She explores atomic-level strategies, such as vacancy engineering, heterostructure construction, and element doping, to enhance the performance of materials in lithium/sodium-ion batteries, electrocatalysis, and hydrogen production. Her work aims to improve the energy density and power output of rechargeable batteries while optimizing catalytic activity and stability. She employs advanced techniques like self-assembly, soft-template methods, and topological transformations to fabricate high-performance materials. Dr. Yuan’s interdisciplinary approach integrates materials science, electrochemistry, and nanotechnology, driving innovations in renewable energy storage and conversion. Her research has gained significant recognition, contributing to the development of next-generation energy technologies with real-world applications in sustainable energy systems.
🏆 Awards
Dr. Ding Yuan has received numerous prestigious awards for her contributions to energy materials research. Notably, she was selected for the Young Talent Support Program by the China Association for Science and Technology (2023-2026), a highly competitive national-level recognition. She has also been awarded the National Natural Science Foundation Youth Grant (2025-2027) and the Shanghai Leading Talent (Overseas) Award (2023-2026), highlighting her impact in the field of materials science. Additionally, she received the Hujiang Leading Talent Award (2023-2026) from Shanghai University of Science and Technology. Her academic excellence has been recognized through university-level honors, including the Outstanding Union Activist Award (2024) and the Excellence in Teaching Assistant Award (2023). These accolades underscore her leadership in advancing nanomaterials for energy applications.
📖 Top Noted Publications
Dr. Ding Yuan has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals, with more than 1,500 citations. Some of her most notable publications include:
- Yuan, D., et al. (2023). “Defect Engineering in Ultrathin 2D Materials for Energy Storage.” Chemical Reviews. DOI | Cited by: 200+ articles.
- Yuan, D., et al. (2022). “Heterostructure Engineering of Transition Metal Chalcogenides for High-Performance Batteries.” Advanced Materials. DOI | Cited by: 180+ articles.
- Yuan, D., et al. (2021). “Atomically Thin 2D Transition Metal Oxides for Water Splitting.” Angewandte Chemie International Edition. DOI | Cited by: 160+ articles.
- Yuan, D., et al. (2021). “Boosting Pseudocapacitive Behavior in Sodium-Ion Batteries with Vacancy-Engineered 2D Materials.” Cell Reports Physical Science. DOI | Cited by: 140+ articles.
- Yuan, D., et al. (2020). “Soft-Template Synthesis of Ultrathin Layered Double Hydroxides for High-Performance Supercapacitors.” Chemical Engineering Journal. DOI | Cited by: 120+ articles.
Conclusion
Dr. Yuan Ding is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award.” Her strong research impact, prestigious funding, international collaborations, and leadership in 2D materials for energy applications make her a strong candidate. With continued industry collaboration and further leadership in global scientific communities, she has the potential to become a top-tier scientist in the energy materials field.