Associate Professor from Southern University of Science and Technology, China
Gen-Qiang Chen is a distinguished researcher and Professor at the Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Southern University of Science and Technology. Renowned for his expertise in asymmetric catalysis, ligand design, and total synthesis of complex molecules, he has made substantial contributions to both fundamental research and industrial applications. His work has been published extensively in prestigious journals, including Nature Chemistry, Nature Communications, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie, and Science Advances. Chen’s research achievements have directly contributed to significant industrial advancements, such as the asymmetric synthesis of Sacubitril, a drug for heart failure treatment, which has led to the production of over 20 tons of intermediates and generated approximately 40 million yuan in industrial output. Recognized nationally, he has received competitive grants, awards, and honors, including the Guangdong Outstanding Youth Fund and the Shenzhen Natural Science First Prize. His work has been highlighted by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and featured by international research platforms like Synfacts. Chen’s balanced approach, integrating rigorous academic inquiry with practical, scalable applications, positions him as a leader in modern organic chemistry. He is actively engaged in reviewing for top journals, contributing to the scientific community’s advancement and maintaining high research standards.
Professional Profile
Education
Gen-Qiang Chen’s academic journey reflects a continuous pursuit of excellence in organic chemistry. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Lanzhou University, one of China’s most respected institutions, where he developed a strong foundation in chemical sciences. Driven by a passion for advanced research, he pursued a PhD at the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, completing his doctorate in 2012. His doctoral work focused on the development of new catalytic systems and the synthesis of bioactive molecules, setting the stage for his future research trajectory. Following his PhD, Chen undertook postdoctoral research at the prestigious California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in the United States. There, he worked under the mentorship of renowned chemists, expanding his expertise in asymmetric catalysis and gaining exposure to cutting-edge research methodologies and international collaboration. This blend of top-tier Chinese and international education provided Chen with a robust theoretical and experimental foundation, allowing him to bridge Eastern and Western research traditions. His educational path has not only equipped him with deep technical knowledge but also shaped his scientific perspective, enabling him to tackle complex research problems with innovative solutions and to mentor the next generation of scientists.
Professional Experience
Gen-Qiang Chen currently holds a professorship at the Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Southern University of Science and Technology, where he leads a dynamic research group focused on asymmetric catalysis, ligand design, and total synthesis. Prior to this role, Chen gained valuable international experience during his postdoctoral work at Caltech, where he honed his skills in advanced catalytic methodologies and expanded his professional network. Upon returning to China, Chen took on faculty positions that allowed him to establish his independent research program, attracting competitive funding and assembling a talented team of researchers and students. Over the years, Chen has built strong collaborations with both academic and industrial partners, integrating fundamental research with real-world applications. His group has successfully designed novel chiral ligands, such as O-SDP, which have been adopted in industrial settings for the synthesis of important pharmaceuticals. Chen is also deeply involved in academic service, acting as a reviewer for leading journals and contributing to the organization of scientific conferences and workshops. His professional experience reflects a well-rounded combination of academic leadership, international collaboration, industrial engagement, and community service, marking him as an influential figure in the field of organic chemistry.
Research Interests
Gen-Qiang Chen’s research interests center on the design and development of new catalytic systems, particularly in asymmetric catalysis, which enables the selective production of chiral molecules. His work focuses on creating novel chiral ligands and catalysts that can surpass existing commercial systems in terms of efficiency, selectivity, and scalability. A major area of interest is the application of these catalysts in complex molecule synthesis, including the total synthesis of natural products and pharmaceuticals such as prostaglandins and Sacubitril. Chen is also keenly interested in understanding catalytic mechanisms at a fundamental level, using both experimental and computational tools to uncover the principles driving selectivity and reactivity. His research bridges the gap between fundamental chemistry and industrial application, ensuring that discoveries in the lab can be translated into real-world solutions. Additionally, Chen explores the development of highly selective catalysts for challenging transformations, such as asymmetric hydroformylation, which has broad implications for fine chemical production and material science. His work contributes to the advancement of green chemistry by aiming for more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective processes, aligning with global efforts to reduce waste and improve chemical manufacturing practices.
Research Skills
Gen-Qiang Chen possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that span synthetic organic chemistry, asymmetric catalysis, ligand design, and mechanistic studies. He is highly skilled in designing and synthesizing chiral ligands and catalysts, demonstrating expertise in optimizing reaction conditions to achieve high selectivity and efficiency. Chen is adept at conducting total synthesis projects, including multi-step syntheses of complex natural products and pharmaceuticals, requiring advanced planning, problem-solving, and analytical techniques. He is proficient in using modern spectroscopic and chromatographic methods, such as NMR, HPLC, and mass spectrometry, to characterize reaction intermediates and products with precision. Additionally, Chen integrates computational chemistry approaches to investigate catalytic mechanisms, allowing his team to understand the molecular-level details that drive reactivity and selectivity. He has strong project management skills, overseeing multiple research projects simultaneously and guiding a team of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Chen’s ability to translate laboratory discoveries into industrial applications demonstrates his practical know-how and innovation. His experience in drafting patents and publishing high-impact research further reflects his skill in communicating scientific advances to both academic and industrial audiences, making him a versatile and impactful researcher.
Awards and Honors
Gen-Qiang Chen has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to organic chemistry and catalysis research. Notably, he has been awarded the Guangdong Outstanding Youth Fund, a highly competitive grant that supports exceptional young scientists in advancing innovative research projects. He has also received the Shenzhen Natural Science First Prize, which acknowledges his groundbreaking work in developing chiral ligands and asymmetric catalytic methods with significant industrial applications. Chen’s research achievements have been repeatedly highlighted by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, underscoring his national prominence. Internationally, his work has been featured multiple times by Synfacts and Organic Chemistry Highlights, reflecting the global relevance and impact of his research. Additionally, Chen holds several patents for novel catalytic systems, further demonstrating the practical significance of his innovations. His role as a frequent reviewer for leading international journals and his participation in high-profile conferences and workshops attest to his strong standing in the scientific community. These recognitions not only celebrate his past achievements but also signal his potential to continue driving innovation and excellence in the field of asymmetric catalysis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gen-Qiang Chen exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in modern organic chemistry, combining deep scientific insight with practical innovation. His prolific publication record, cutting-edge catalytic systems, and impactful industrial collaborations highlight his ability to translate fundamental discoveries into real-world applications. Chen’s commitment to excellence is evident not only in his research output but also in his mentorship of young scientists, his service to the academic community, and his contribution to advancing chemical manufacturing processes. Recognized nationally and internationally, his achievements have positioned him as a rising star in the field, with the potential to influence the direction of asymmetric catalysis and ligand design for years to come. Chen’s balanced focus on both fundamental science and industrial relevance aligns with global priorities for sustainable and efficient chemical production. As he continues to expand his research portfolio and build international collaborations, his work will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the future of organic synthesis. Gen-Qiang Chen’s exceptional track record and ongoing innovation make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, reflecting his significant contributions to science and society.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Nano‐Scale Anti‐Cancer Drug Delivery by a Zn‐Based Metal Organic Framework Carrier
Authors: P. Das, G. Chakraborty, J. Kaur, S.K. Mandal
Journal: Small, 2408810
Year: 2025
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Title: Decoding Dual‐Functionality in N‐doped Defective Carbon: Unveiling Active Sites for Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: S. Bhardwaj, A. Pathak, S.K. Das, P. Das, R. Thapa, R.S. Dey
Journal: Small, 2411035
Year: 2025
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Title: Synthesis of Doped g‐C₃N₄ Photonic Crystals for Enhanced Light‐Driven Hydrogen Production from Catalytic Water‐Splitting
Authors: S.Y. Djoko T., S. Kwon, P. Das, V. Weigelt, W. Tahir, B. Radhakrishnan, …
Journal: Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research 5 (12), 2400181
Year: 2024
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Title: Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks: Structural Insights across Different Length Scales and Their Impact on Photocatalytic Efficiency
Authors: I.E. Khalil, P. Das, A. Thomas
Journal: Accounts of Chemical Research 57 (21), 3138–3150
Year: 2024
Citations: 9
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Title: Hierarchical Porous Covalent Organic Frameworks: The Influence of Additional Macropores on Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Authors: I.E. Khalil, P. Das, H. Küçükkeçeci, V. Dippold, J. Rabeah, W. Tahir, …
Journal: Chemistry of Materials 36 (17), 8330–8337
Year: 2024
Citations: 8
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Title: The Effect of Pore Functionality in Multicomponent Covalent Organic Frameworks on Stable Long‐Term Photocatalytic H₂ Production
Authors: P. Das, G. Chakraborty, J. Yang, J. Roeser, H. Küçükkeçeci, A.D. Nguyen, …
Journal: Advanced Energy Materials, 2501193
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
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Title: Heteropolyaromatic Covalent Organic Frameworks via One-Pot Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: P. Das, G. Chakraborty, N. Friese, J. Roeser, C. Prinz, F. Emmerling, …
Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society 146 (25), 17131–17139
Year: 2024
Citations: 9
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Title: Reversible Solvent Interactions with UiO-67 Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: E.B. Isabella Goodenough, M.C. Boyanich, R.P. McDonnell, L. McDonnell, …
Journal: The Journal of Chemical Physics 160 (4)
Year: 2024
Citations: 3
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Title: Zeolitic MOFs Get a Facelift
Authors: N.L. Rosi, P. Das
Journal: Nature Synthesis 3 (1), 5–6
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
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Title: Polyoxometalate (POM) Boosting the Light-Harvesting Ability of Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: E. Njoyim, A.D. Nguyen, J. Yang, H. Küçükkeçeci, E.M. Kutorglo, …
Journal: Catalysis Science & Technology 14 (8), 2114–2129
Year: 2024
Citations: 3