Professor Shogo KUMAGAI, 

Tohoku University, JAPAN

Title: "The potential of pyrolytic synergistic interaction control through co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastics"

Dr. Kumagai is an Associate professor at the Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University. He is working on the Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis (Elsevier), which is a leading journal of pyrolysis, as an editor. His academic background covers the development of plastic recycling technologies and applied and analytical pyrolysis of polymeric materials such as plastic, lignocellulosic biomass, and petroleum. He received his Ph.D. from Tohoku University in 2015 and started his current career immediately. He received the JSPS IKUSHI Prize (the best Ph.D. Award in Japan) in 2015, established by an endowment from His Majesty Emperor Emeritus Akihito in the 20th year of his reign. Also, he was selected as one of 100 finalists in the Falling Walls Lab competition 2017 from 3,000+ candidates in 50+ countries. Dr. Kumagai has published 140+ research papers in SCI journals and 30+ reviews and book chapters.

Professor Yu-Chuan Lin

Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, TAIWAN

Title:  Selective reduction of bio-derivatives and CO2 through exsoluted solid solution catalyst

Yu-Chuan Lin received his BS (2000) and MS (2002) degrees from National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) and then conducted his Ph.D. study of catalytic partial oxidation at Kansas State University. After obtaining his Ph.D. degree (2006), Yu-Chuan did his postdoctoral stays at Academia Sinica (2006-07) and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst (2007-2008), both focusing on biomass conversion. In 2009, he served as an Assistant Professor at Yuan Ze University (Taiwan). He returned to NCKU (2014) where he was promoted to Associate Professor (2018) and to Professor (2022). Yu-Chuan’s research focuses on designing heterogeneous catalysts in pursuit of two thrusts: energy applications and waste utilization. Currently, Yu-Chuan has published 70+ research papers in SCI journals and receiving more than 5000 citations with an H-index of 28.

Dr. Pongtanawat Khemthong, 

National Nanotechnology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, THAILAND

Title: Advances in catalytic production of value-added biochemicals and biofuels via furfural platform derived lignocellulosic biomass 

Dr. Pongtanawat Khemthong, holding the distinguished position of Principal Researcher at the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) in Thailand, has played a pivotal role in advancing the frontiers of nanomaterial synthesis and characterizations. He completed his PhD in the School of Chemistry, Suranaree University of in 2008. His expertise spans innovative applications in catalysis, environmental science, and medical advancements.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Khemthong has demonstrated unwavering commitment to global research collaboration, evident in his roles as a visiting scientist at esteemed institutions. His influence extends far beyond his home institution, reflecting a dedication to exploring diverse research opportunities.

As a highly prolific researcher, Dr. Khemthong's impact resonates in the scientific community through a substantial publication record, comprising over 100 articles. Over the past decade, his work has significantly shaped various scientific domains, including energy storage, catalysis, biofuel production, materials science, and environmental protection. His diverse research portfolio underscores a commitment to addressing critical challenges and advancing multidisciplinary knowledge.

In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions, Dr. Khemthong has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Excellence Invention award from the Research Institute of Creative Education in Vietnam, Bronze, and Silver medals from iENA (Germany) and GENEVA (Switzerland) respectively, highlighting his pioneering work on the CARBANO-Ag air filter.

Consistently recognized for his outstanding achievements, Dr. Khemthong has received the Outstanding Achievement Award from NANOTEC in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Further accolades include the Excellent Team Research award in 2016 and the Individual Research award in 2022 from the National Research Council of Thailand. These honors underscore Dr. Pongtanawat Khemthong's enduring excellence and leadership in the field, marking a remarkable commitment to the advancement of research and innovation.