Chris Impey | Physics and Astronomy | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Chris Impey | Physics and Astronomy | Excellence in Research Award

University of Arizona | United States

Prof. Dr. Chris Impey is a distinguished astronomer whose research has profoundly shaped modern astrophysics and astronomy education. With over 34,300 citations, an h-index of 88, and an i10-index of 192, his scholarly influence spans across extragalactic astronomy, quasars, and cosmology. He has authored more than 400 refereed publications and conference papers, including pioneering studies on polarization, blazars, and low surface brightness galaxies. His extensive research funding includes numerous NASA and NSF grants, advancing the understanding of active galactic nuclei, quasars, and cosmic evolution. Beyond technical contributions, Prof. Impey is a prolific author and editor of over 18 books, including The Living Cosmos, How It Began, and Worlds Without End, which bridge scientific insight with philosophical reflection on humanity’s place in the universe. His interdisciplinary approach integrates astronomy, astrobiology, and education, emphasizing public engagement and science communication. Through decades of innovative research, teaching, and authorship, Prof. Impey has become a leading voice in exploring the origins, structure, and future of the cosmos, inspiring generations of scientists and students worldwide.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Grayson, S., Simon, M. N., Buxner, S., Wenger, M., & Impey, C. (2025). Motivation, demographics, and engagement during COVID-19 in an astrobiology massive open online course. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 21(1), 010109.

Impey, C., Wenger, M., Garuda, N., Golchin, S., & Stamer, S. (2025). Using large language models for automated grading of student writing about science. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education.

Impey, C. (2024, July). Developing technology tools to combat fake science. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings.

Impey, C., & Danehy, A. (2024, July). Exploring the frontiers of space in 3D. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings.

Impey, C. (2024, July). Graduate certificate in science communication. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings.

Impey, C. (2024, July). Massive open online courses: Astronomy for astronomical numbers. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings.

Impey, C. (2024, July). Using machine learning for automated grading of student science writing. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings.

Impey, C. (2024, July). Videos for astronomy education and outreach. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings.

Impey, C., Pereira, V., Danehy, A., & Wenger, M. (2023, July 12). Video as a vehicle for astronomy education and outreach. Astronomy Education Journal, 3(1), 052resana.

He, Y. (Kay), Impey, C., & Burleson, W. (2023, June 1). StellarScape: An immersive multimedia performance inspired by the life of a star. Leonardo, 56(3), 1–7.

Impey, C., Wenger, M., & Riabokin, X. (2023, April 1). The design and delivery of an astrobiology massive open online class. Astrobiology, 23(4), 1–10.

Impey, C. (2022, August). Life beyond Earth: How will it first be detected? Acta Astronautica, 199, 19–25.

Impey, C. (2022, April 19). Astrobiology for education and outreach: Three immersive projects. Preprint, ESSOAr.

Impey, C., & Formanek, M. (2021). MOOCs and 100 days of COVID: Enrollment surges in massive open online astronomy classes during the coronavirus pandemic. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 3(1), 100177.

Impey, C. D. (2021). Science and faith off-Earth. In Astrobiology, discovery, and societal impact (pp. 345–358). Springer.

Szocik, K., Shelhamer, M., Braddock, M., Cucinotta, F. A., Impey, C., Worden, P., Peters, T., Ćirković, M. M., Smith, K. C., & Tachibana, K. (2021, October). Future space missions and human enhancement: Medical and ethical challenges. Futures, 131, 102819.

Szocik, K., Abood, S., Impey, C., Shelhamer, M., Haqq-Misra, J., Persson, E., Oviedo, L., Capova, K. A., Braddock, M., & Rappaport, M. B. (2020, March). Visions of a Martian future. Futures, 117, 102514.

Impey, C. (2019, December). Online resources for astronomy education and outreach. Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, 15(S367), 39–45.

Anthony Thomas AC | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Anthony Thomas AC | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

The University of Adelaide | Australia

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Anthony Thomas embarked on his academic journey with a Ph.D. from Flinders University of South Australia in 1974, followed by a prestigious Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of British Columbia from 1973 to 1975. His early dedication to theoretical physics laid the foundation for a remarkable career in nuclear and particle physics. Recognized for his academic excellence, he was awarded the University Medal from Flinders University in 1971.

🏫 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Thomas has held numerous esteemed positions, demonstrating his leadership in the scientific community. Since 1989, he has served as the Elder Professor of Physics at the University of Adelaide, following his tenure as a Professor of Physics from 1984 to 1989. His global impact includes serving as a staff member in the Theory Division at CERN (1982–1984) and the Theory Group at TRIUMF in Vancouver (1976–1984). He also played an instrumental role as Chief Scientist at Jefferson Lab (2004–2009) and as Associate Director for Theoretical and Computational Physics, where he spearheaded scientific initiatives at one of the most significant nuclear physics facilities in the United States.

🌍 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Thomas has made groundbreaking contributions to nuclear and particle physics, particularly in the areas of the subatomic structure of matter, dark matter physics, and quantum chromodynamics. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of nuclear forces and hadron structure. As Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics (2021–2027) and a key figure in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Particle Physics at the Tera-scale, he has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research initiatives. His leadership in theoretical physics is also evident from his directorship of the ARC Special Research Centre for the Subatomic Structure of Matter.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Thomas' exemplary contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Companion of the Order of Australia (2020), the highest civilian honor in the country. He was named South Australian Scientist of the Year in 2014 for his extraordinary scientific leadership. His accolades also include the Harrie Massey Medal (2000), the Thomas Ranken Lyle Medal (1997), and the Walter Boas Medal (1987). He has been a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science since 1990, a Fellow of the American Physical Society since 1987, and a Fellow of the Institute of Physics (UK) since 1996.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Prof. Thomas' influence extends far beyond his research. He has played a pivotal role in shaping international collaborations in nuclear physics. As Chair of the IUPAP Working Group on International Cooperation in Nuclear Physics, he facilitated the formation of new regional associations like the Asian Nuclear Physics Association (ANPhA) and ALAFNA. His leadership ensured that major funding agencies engaged in discussions on global nuclear physics projects, reinforcing Australia's role in the international scientific community.

📚 Legacy and Future Contributions

With over 38,000 citations and an h-index of 98, Prof. Thomas' scholarly impact is undeniable. His role in securing a US$300 million upgrade for Jefferson Lab and organizing international conferences such as the 2016 International Conference on Nuclear Physics exemplifies his enduring contributions. Through his leadership at the University of Adelaide and various global scientific committees, he continues to inspire the next generation of physicists and shape the future of nuclear science. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of theoretical physics. Prof. Dr. Anthony Thomas AC remains a towering figure in the field, whose work will resonate in scientific discoveries for years to come.

 

Publications

  • 📄 Reflections on Chiral Symmetry Within QCD

    • Author: Anthony Thomas

    • Journal: Symmetry

    • Year: 2025

  • 📄 Challenges in the extraction of physics beyond the Standard Model from electron scattering

    • Authors: Xuangong Wang, Anthony W. Thomas

    • Journal: Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics

    • Year: 2025

  • 📄 Constraints on the U (1)B-L model from global QCD analysis

    • Authors: Xuangong Wang, Nicholas T. Hunt-Smith, Wally Melnitchouk, Nobuo Sato, Anthony W. Thomas

    • Journal: Physical Review D

    • Year: 2025

  • 📄 Maximum likelihood estimation for left-truncated log-logistic distributions with a given truncation point

    • Authors: Markus Kreer, Ayşe Kızılersü, Jake Guscott, Lukas Christopher Schmitz, Anthony W. Thomas

    • Journal: Statistical Papers

    • Year: 2024

  • 📄 When is the discrete Weibull distribution infinitely divisible?

    • Authors: Markus Kreer, Ayşe Kızılersü, Anthony W. Thomas

    • Journal: Statistics and Probability Letters

    • Year: 2024

 

Orchidea Maria Lecian | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Orchidea Maria Lecian | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Sapienza University of Rome | Italy

Author Profile

Orcid

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orchidea Maria Lecian began her academic journey at Sapienza University of Rome, where she pursued a Ph.D. in Physics from 2005 to 2009. She specialized in the International Relativistic Astrophysics Program (IRAP), under the Physics Department and the prestigious ICRA (International Center for Relativistic Astrophysics). This foundation laid the groundwork for her later research, emphasizing advanced physics and astrophysics, particularly in relativistic contexts.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Lecian is affiliated with renowned institutions such as Sapienza University of Rome, both in the Physics Department and the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine. She also contributes significantly at the Comenius University in Bratislava within the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics, and Informatics. Her professional journey highlights her diverse roles in theoretical physics, astrophysics, and applied sciences, as well as her involvement with the DIAEE Department for Astronautics Engineering, Electrical, and Energetics at Sapienza.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Lecian's research spans a wide range of topics:

  • Fundamental studies in General Relativity, Quantum Gravity, and Quantum Cosmology.
  • Exploration of Dark Matter, Black-hole Physics, and Modified Theories of Gravity.
  • Innovations in Applied Instrumentation and Satellite Experimentation for astrophysical studies.
  • Interdisciplinary applications in Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, and Applied Chemistry.
    Her work bridges theoretical physics with practical applications, showcasing expertise in differential geometry, operator algebras, and quantum systems while integrating them into experimental and computational frameworks.

🌟 Accolades and Recognition

Her accomplishments in both academia and applied sciences have cemented her as a key contributor in astrophysics and quantum research. Her association with prestigious institutions and participation in high-level collaborations underscore her esteemed reputation in the global scientific community.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Lecian's research not only contributes to our understanding of the cosmos but also advances tools and methods essential for practical astrophysical and engineering applications. Her studies on quantum devices, relativistic astrophysics, and early cosmology inspire both theoretical exploration and technological innovation.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

With her extensive expertise and groundbreaking research, Dr. Lecian is poised to leave a lasting legacy in physics and astrophysics. She continues to inspire the next generation of scientists while contributing to the development of innovative solutions for cosmic and quantum mysteries. Her work promises to shape the future of scientific inquiry, merging theoretical elegance with technological progress.

 

Publications

📝Generalized Schwarzschild Spacetimes with a Linear Term and a Cosmological Constant

  • Journal: Universe
  • Year: 2024
  • Contributor: Orchidea Maria Lecian

📝The Generalised Reissner–Nordström Spacetimes, the Cosmological Constant and the Linear Term

  • Journal: Computation
  • Year: 2023
  • Contributor: Orchidea Maria Lecian

 

Quandong Huang | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Quandong Huang | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Guangdong University of Technology | China

Author Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Quandong Huang embarked on his academic journey at Shenzhen University, earning a bachelor's degree in Light Information Sci.&Tech. His passion for optics led him to pursue a master's degree in Optics and later a Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from the City University of Hong Kong. Notably, his doctoral research under the guidance of Prof. K. S. Chiang focused on pioneering 3D optical lightwave circuits for mode division multiplexing applications.

Professional Endeavors

Following his Ph.D., Quandong contributed significantly as a Senior Research Assistant at CityU Research Centre on Optical Fibre Sensing and Communications. During this time, he enhanced the transfer of 2D materials, leading to a publication in the esteemed journal Optica. His subsequent roles included Associate Professor at Guangdong University of Technology, showcasing his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.

Contributions and Research Focus

Quandong's research interests span diverse areas, including 2D material optical devices, integrated optical waveguide devices, and micro-nano electro-optics devices. His expertise encompasses optical design, simulation, micro-fabrication processes in cleanrooms, and optical measurement. Key contributions include the development of integrated equipment condition models and pioneering work on 2D material in photonic lightwave circuits.

Accolades and Recognition

Quandong Huang's contributions have garnered recognition, with over 30 publications in prestigious journals such as Optica, Journal of Lightwave Technology, and Optics Letters. As a testament to his impact, he serves as a reviewer for international journals, further solidifying his standing in the academic community.

Impact and Influence

His impact extends beyond academia, demonstrated through projects like NFSC, UGC HK funding, and membership in OSA. Quandong's teaching roles underscore his commitment to knowledge dissemination, covering courses in Information Science, Electronic Engineering, and Automatic Detection Technology.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Quandong Huang's legacy lies in pioneering advancements in optical technology. His work not only contributes to the current understanding of 2D material-based devices and integrated photonic circuits but also lays the groundwork for future breakthroughs. As he continues his research at Guangdong University of Technology, his future contributions are poised to shape the landscape of optical engineering and technology.

Notable Publications

Mode-insensitive 3-dB power splitter based on multimode-interference coupler 2023 (2)

Reconfigurable ultra-broadband mode converter based on a two-mode fiber with pressure-loaded phase-shifted long-period alloyed waveguide grating 2023 (3)

Ultra-broadband LP11 mode converter with high purity based on long-period fiber grating and an integrated Y-junction 2022 (5)

Low-power all-optical switch based on a graphene-buried polymer waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer 2022 (6)

Ambient refractive index-independent bending vector sensor based on seven-core photonic crystal fiber using lateral offset splicing 2013 (95)