Assist. Prof. Dr. Yujia Liu | Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Gunma University, Japan

Dr. Yujia Liu is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, Japan. With a strong foundation in organic chemistry, Dr. Liu specializes in the discovery and development of innovative materials with applications in catalysis, energy storage, and functional materials. He has contributed significantly to the field of silsesquioxane chemistry, focusing on synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of advanced molecular structures.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Liu earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier (ENSCM), France, under the supervision of Dr. Marc Taillefer. His doctoral research explored transition metal-catalyzed bond formations, leading to advancements in C-C, C-S, C-N, and C-P coupling reactions. Prior to his Ph.D., he obtained an Engineer’s degree from ENSCM, majoring in Fine Organic Chemistry, and completed a Master’s in Chemistry of Biomolecules for Health from the University of Montpellier and ENSCM. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from ENSCM.

Experience

Dr. Liu’s professional experience spans various prestigious institutions. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Gunma University, focusing on innovative materials for catalysis and energy applications. Before that, he was an Assistant Professor at the Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), collaborating with the Institute Charles Gerhardt of Montpellier. His career includes a research project in Shanghai at Solvay’s R&D department, where he worked on homogeneous catalyst systems for alcohol amination. Additionally, he gained international experience through research internships at Texas Christian University (USA) and AM2N in France, specializing in fluorescent dye functionalization and phosphorus biomolecule synthesis.

Research Interests

Dr. Liu’s research focuses on the synthesis and application of functional materials, particularly in silsesquioxane chemistry. His work includes the development of novel ladder-type structures, Janus ring siloxanes, and double-decker siloxanes with potential applications in catalysis, energy storage, and nanotechnology. He is also involved in the development of recyclable palladium catalysts and fluorescence-based sensors for detecting chemical species. His interdisciplinary approach integrates organic, inorganic, and materials chemistry to create next-generation functional materials.

Awards

Dr. Liu has been recognized for his contributions to the field of chemistry through several awards and research grants. His research projects have received funding from national and international institutions, reflecting the impact of his work. Additionally, he has been invited as a speaker at various international conferences, highlighting his expertise in silicon-based materials and catalysis.

Selected Publications

1. Y. Liu et al. (2017), “Copper-Catalyzed Sonogashira Reaction in Water,” ChemistrySelect, 2, 11599-11602. [Cited by multiple articles in catalysis research]
2. Y. Liu et al. (2019), “Manganese-Catalyzed Homocoupling of Aryllithium Compounds,” J. Org. Chem., 84, 4413-4420. [Recognized for its application in green chemistry]
3. Y. Liu et al. (2019), “Synthesis and Functionalization of Tetrafunctional Double-Decker Siloxanes,” Inorg. Chem., 58, 4093-4098. [Cited for advancements in siloxane materials]
4. Y. Liu et al. (2020), “Synthesis of Tetrachloro and Tetraiodo Double-Decker Siloxanes,” Inorg. Chem., 59, 15478-15486. [Influential in materials chemistry]
5. Y. Liu et al. (2021), “Conjugated Copolymers That Shouldn’t Be,” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 60, 11115-11119. [Recognized for its impact on polymer chemistry]
6. Y. Liu et al. (2022), “Divinyl-Substituted Laddersiloxanes,” Silicon, 14, 2723-2730. [Cited for its novel applications in hybrid materials]
7. Y. Liu et al. (2023), “New Janus Tricyclic Laddersiloxanes: Synthesis and Characterization,” Molecules, 28, 5699. [Significant in the study of structured siloxanes]

Conclusion

Dr. Yujia Liu embodies the qualities sought for the Research for Women Researcher Award—exceptional scientific expertise, leadership, international recognition, and contributions to academic and research communities. Her extensive research, mentorship, and global impact make her a highly deserving candidate for this prestigious award.