Jian Pan | Direct reduction | Best Researcher Award

Published on 26/05/202526/05/2025 by MTE Awards

Prof. Jian Pan | Direct reduction | Best Researcher Award

Deputy director at Central South University, China.

Pan Jian is a distinguished professor and doctoral supervisor at Central South University (CSU), where he serves as the deputy director of the Low Carbon and Hydrogen Metallurgy Research Center. He also holds editorial positions at prominent journals, including the Journal of Iron and Steel Research, China Metallurgy, and Sintering and Pelletizing. As a member of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Pan Jian is an internationally recognized expert in his field. His work focuses on innovative approaches to metallurgy, earning him prestigious accolades such as the National Science and Technology Progress Second Prize and the Baosteel Excellent Teacher Award. With over 120 published papers and 58 invention patents, Pan Jian is a leading voice in advancing low-carbon and hydrogen metallurgy.

Professional Profiles

Scopus

Education

Pan Jian’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in minerals processing from Central South University, where he laid the foundation for his future research in sustainable metallurgical techniques. He continued his studies at the same institution, earning a master’s degree in 2003 and culminating in a Doctor of Engineering degree in 2007. Throughout his education, Pan Jian demonstrated a commitment to innovation, focusing on the development of efficient, low-carbon technologies that would later define his career. His academic excellence has been integral to his contributions to the field of metallurgy.

Professional Experience

Pan Jian’s professional journey spans both academia and industry, showcasing a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Currently, he serves as a professor at Central South University, a position he has held since 2015. Before this, he worked as an associate professor from 2009 to 2015 and as a lecturer from 2003 to 2009 at the same institution. His international experience includes serving as a visiting scientist at CSIRO Minerals Group in Australia from 2014 to 2015. Earlier in his career, he gained industry experience as an associate engineer at the Lianyuan Steel Company, part of the Valin Group. These roles have allowed Pan Jian to develop a comprehensive understanding of both academic research and its industrial applications.

Research Focus 🔍

Pan Jian’s research focuses on developing innovative and sustainable metallurgical processes. He specializes in the theory and application of iron ore sintering and pelletizing, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. His work in low-carbon and hydrogen metallurgy is pioneering new methods for cleaner production, aligning with global sustainability goals. Additionally, Pan Jian is dedicated to the efficient utilization of solid waste resources, transforming industrial by-products into valuable materials. His research bridges the gap between industrial needs and environmental stewardship, positioning him as a leader in sustainable metallurgy.

Conclusion

Professor Pan Jian exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional researcher, blending academic excellence with practical innovation. His contributions to low-carbon metallurgy and resource efficiency align with global sustainability goals, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Addressing areas for improvement, particularly in interdisciplinary and international collaboration, could further enhance his impact and visibility.

Publications to Noted

Hydrogen-based direct reduction behavior of iron ore pellets with iron grades ranging from 59% to 68%

Authors: C. Yang, Congcong; L. Wei, Liu; D. Zhu, Deqing; G. Xia, Guanghui; S. Qu, Shijuan

Year: 2025

Effect of pellet size on pellet sintering process of manganese ore fines at natural basicity

Authors: W. Liu, Wei; J. Pan, Jian; D. Zhu, Deqing; X. He, Xiang; W. Zhang, Wuju

Year: 2025

Efficient Removal of Impurities from Refractory Oolitic Magnetite Concentrate via High-Pressure Alkaline Leaching and Ultrasonic Acid Leaching Process

Authors: M. Hu, Mengjie; D. Zhu, Deqing; J. Pan, Jian; S. Li, Siwei; W. Cao, Wen

Year: 2025

Machine Learning-Assisted Multi-Property Prediction and Sintering Mechanism Exploration of Mullite–Corundum Ceramics

Authors: Q. Chen, Qingyue; W. Zhang, Weijin; X. Liang, Xiaocheng; J. Pan, Jian; B. Cheng, Benjun

Year: 2025

New Process for Efficient Separation and Comprehensive Recovery of Valuable Metals from Jarosite Residues

Authors: Q. Zhou, Qi; J. Pan, Jian; D. Zhu, Deqing; S. Li, Siwei; X. Xu, Xianqing

Year: 2025

Stepwise recovery of Zn, In, Ga, and Fe from jarosite residue through oxidizing roasting−direct reduction−smelting−electrorefining process

Authors: D. Zhu, Deqing; T. Dong, Tao; J. Pan, Jian; C. Yang, Congcong; Y.X. Xue, Yu Xiao

Year: 2025

Optimization of four-component furnace burdens with hydrogen-reduced metallized pellets based on blast furnace performance

Authors: Q. Chen, Qingyue; J. Pan, Jian; Z. Guo, Zhengqi; D. Zhu, Deqing

Year: 2025

Impact of SiO2 Content on the Hydrogen-Based Direct Reduction of Acidic High-Grade Fired Hematite Pellets

Authors: B. Li, Bohua; D. Zhu, Deqing; Z. Guo, Zhengqi; J. Pan, Jian; S. Li, Siwei

Year: 2025

Utilization of High-Silicon Iron Ore Tailings for 4N8 High-Purity Quartz Powder Production via Two-Stage Acid Leaching

Authors: H. Long, Hailin; X. Xu, Xianqing; S. Li, Siwei; J. Pan, Jian; Z. Guo, Zhengqi

Citations: 1

Year: 2025

Self-reforming of coke oven gas in gas-based shaft furnace: thermodynamic analysis and reforming mechanism

Authors: C. Tang, Chenmei; S. Shi, Shubing; J. Pan, Jian; C. Yang, Congcong; S. Li, Siwei

Year: 2025

Maria Myrto Dardavila | Manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Published on 02/04/202502/04/2025 by MTE Awards

Dr. Maria Myrto Dardavila | Manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Research Associate at National Technical University of Athens, Greece

Dr. Maria Myrto Dardavila is a highly accomplished Chemical Engineer with expertise in Materials Science and Technology. She holds a Ph.D. from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and has a strong background in research, project management, and scientific assessment. With a career spanning over a decade, she has worked extensively in academia and industry, contributing to European-funded research initiatives and technological advancements. Dr. Dardavila is known for her problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and adaptability. Her robust laboratory experience and multidisciplinary knowledge make her a valuable asset in research and development. She is an effective communicator, team leader, and mentor, actively engaged in supervising and guiding young researchers. Passionate about innovation, she continuously seeks new challenges and opportunities for advancing scientific knowledge and applications. Her work has led to numerous high-impact publications and presentations at international conferences, establishing her as a leading expert in her field.

Professional Profiles

SCOPUS

ORCID

Education

Dr. Dardavila earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from NTUA in 2019, focusing on the application of pulse current for co-electrodeposition of ZrO2 particles in a Ni matrix under strong agitation. Her research explored the microstructural properties of advanced coatings. Prior to that, she completed an MSc in Materials Science and Technology at NTUA, where she investigated the pozzolanic activity of bottom ash, contributing to sustainable material development. Her academic journey began with a Master’s in Chemical Engineering from NTUA, where she conducted experimental measurements and thermodynamic modeling of catechin’s solubility in organic solvents. Throughout her education, she gained extensive experience in laboratory techniques, analytical methods, and experimental research. Her academic achievements have provided her with a solid foundation in material science, electrochemistry, and sustainable engineering solutions, positioning her as a leading researcher in her field.

Work Experience

Dr. Dardavila has an extensive career in research and project management. Since April 2023, she has been a consultant for the European Science Foundation (ESF), evaluating grant applications and scientific programs. Since 2019, she has served as a Project Manager and Research Associate at NTUA, leading EU-funded projects, mentoring researchers, and authoring scientific publications. From 2018 to 2019, she worked at Creative Nano as a Project Manager, overseeing Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, mentoring fellows, and disseminating research findings. Earlier in her career (2009-2019), she was a researcher at NTUA, focusing on scientific research, supervising students, and managing laboratory resources. Her diverse experience in academia and industry has made her a skilled leader in managing large-scale research projects, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the successful execution of innovative scientific initiatives.

Research Focus

Dr. Dardavila’s research primarily focuses on materials science, electrochemistry, and sustainable engineering solutions. Her work includes the electrodeposition of metal and metal matrix composite coatings, high-performance materials, and nanotechnology applications. She has explored bioactive compound extraction from natural sources and developed innovative methods for microalgae biomass harvesting using magnetic separation techniques. Her expertise extends to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and thermal analysis techniques. She is passionate about advancing green engineering solutions and improving material properties through innovative research methodologies. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates chemistry, materials science, and engineering, contributing to technological advancements and environmental sustainability.

Skills

Dr. Dardavila possesses a diverse skill set that encompasses project management, laboratory research, and analytical techniques. She is proficient in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), UV-VIS spectroscopy, zeta potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) particle size distribution analysis, and various electrochemical and thermal analysis methods. Her expertise in electrodeposition, pulsed electrodeposition, and microstructure characterization makes her a leader in material science research. She has strong managerial and leadership skills, excelling in coordinating large-scale research projects, mentoring junior researchers, and supervising students. Her proficiency in Microsoft Office, OriginLab, and data science tools further enhances her research capabilities. Additionally, her multilingual abilities in Greek, English (C2 level), and Spanish (A2 level) enable her to collaborate effectively in international research environments.

Award and Honors

Dr. Dardavila has received multiple accolades for her outstanding contributions to research and innovation. She has been recognized for her excellence in project management and scientific research through European Union grants and funding awards. Her leadership in Horizon-funded projects has positioned her as a key figure in advanced materials research. She has also received commendations for her mentorship and contributions to developing sustainable and innovative technologies. Dr. Dardavila’s extensive work in electrodeposition, bioactive compound extraction, and nanotechnology has earned her invitations to speak at prestigious conferences and symposiums. Her dedication to scientific excellence and her impact on engineering and materials science have solidified her reputation as an influential researcher and academic professional.

Conclusion

Dr. Maria Myrto Dardavila is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a strong record of academic excellence, innovative research, and leadership in scientific projects. Her ability to manage research initiatives, mentor upcoming scientists, and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries places her among the top researchers in her field. Addressing minor areas of improvement could further elevate her profile, but overall, her contributions to science and technology make her an outstanding contender for this prestigious recognition.

Publications to Noted

A comprehensive investigation of the effect of pulse plating parameters on the electrodeposition of Ni/ZrO2 composite coatings

Authors: M.M. Dardavila, M. Veronica Sofianos, B.J. Rodriguez, R. Bekarevich, A. Tzanis, P. Gyftou, C. Kollia

Year: 2025

Friction and Wear Behavior of 3D-Printed Inconel 718 Alloy under Dry Sliding Conditions

Authors: Ioannis Karagiannidis, Athanasios Tzanis, Dirk Drees, Lais Lopes, Georgios Chondrakis, Maria Myrto Dardavila, Emmanuel Georgiou, Angelos Koutsomichalis

Year: 2024

Measurement and thermodynamic modelling of the solubilities of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid in three choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents

Authors: Nikolaos Prinos, Maria Myrto Dardavila, Epaminondas Voutsas

Year: 2024

Investigating the activity of Ca2Fe2O5 additives on the thermochemical energy storage performance of limestone waste

Authors: Rehan Anwar, Rajani K. Vijayaraghavan, Patrick McNally, Maria Myrto Dardavila, Epaminondas Voutsas, M. Veronica Sofianos

Year: 2023

Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from C. vulgaris Biomass Using Deep Eutectic Solvents

Authors: Maria Myrto Dardavila, Sofia Pappou, Maria G. Savvidou, Vasiliki Louli, Petros Katapodis, Haralambos Stamatis, Kostis Magoulas, Epaminondas Voutsas

Year: 2023

Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Ulva lactuca

Authors: Sofia Pappou, Maria Myrto Dardavila, Maria G. Savvidou, Vasiliki Louli, Kostis Magoulas, Epaminondas Voutsas

Year: 2022

Optimization of Microalga Chlorella vulgaris Magnetic Harvesting

Authors: Maria G. Savvidou, Maria Myrto Dardavila, Ioulia Georgiopoulou, Vasiliki Louli, Haralambos Stamatis, Dimitris Kekos, Epaminondas Voutsas

Year: 2021

Ni/ZrO2 composite electrodeposition in the presence of coumarin: textural modifications and properties

Authors: M.M. Dardavila, S. Hamilakis, Z. Loizos, C. Kollia

Year: 2015

Study of the relation existing between photoresistivity and substituents characteristics of some coumarin derivatives

Authors: M.M. Dardavila et al.

Year: 2014

Pulse Electrolysis for the Production of Hard Ni/ZrO2 Composite Coatings

Authors: M.M. Dardavila, C. Kollia

Year: 2011