Xiang Li | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Fudan University, China

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li is a leading expert in environmental science and engineering at Fudan University, renowned for his groundbreaking research on the use of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in non-invasive disease diagnostics, particularly for cancer. His work integrates advanced analytical chemistry, multi-omics, and artificial intelligence to develop individualized breath “fingerprints” for early disease detection. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications and leadership in more than 20 funded research projects totaling over 15 million CNY, Prof. Li has significantly contributed to the understanding of air pollution exposure, environmental carbon cycling, and emerging pollutants. He has developed novel breath analysis systems and VOC detection platforms that hold strong potential for large-scale clinical application. His collaborations with international institutions and interdisciplinary approach exemplify a strong commitment to advancing both scientific knowledge and public health outcomes.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education of Prof. Dr. Xiang Li

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li received his foundational training and advanced education in environmental science and analytical chemistry, culminating in a Ph.D. that laid the groundwork for his pioneering research in atmospheric pollutants and breathomics. While the exact institutions for his undergraduate and doctoral studies are not explicitly mentioned, his academic journey includes postdoctoral training at the University of Waterloo in Canada, under the mentorship of renowned scientist Prof. Janusz Pawliszyn, a global leader in microextraction technologies. This international academic exposure enriched his expertise in cutting-edge analytical techniques and positioned him for a distinguished career blending environmental monitoring, analytical chemistry, and public health diagnostics.

💼 Professional Experience of Prof. Dr. Xiang Li

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li has built a distinguished academic and research career at Fudan University, where he currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering. His professional journey began in 2006 as an Assistant Professor, followed by promotions to Associate Professor in 2011 and Full Professor in 2016, reflecting his sustained contributions to environmental research and academic leadership. He further enhanced his global research perspective through a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Waterloo, Canada, and a visiting scholar position at TROPOS in Germany, collaborating with leading atmospheric chemist Prof. Hartmut Herrmann. Over the years, Prof. Li has led numerous high-impact national and international research projects, contributing significantly to the fields of environmental monitoring, air pollution, and disease diagnostics through breath analysis.

🔬 Research Interests of Prof. Dr. Xiang Li

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental science, analytical chemistry, and biomedical diagnostics. His primary focus is on the analysis of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to develop non-invasive diagnostic tools for major diseases, especially cancers such as colorectal, gastric, and brain cancer. By combining high-fidelity breath sampling systems with advanced VOC detection platforms and artificial intelligence, he aims to decode individual metabolic signatures and establish breath-based disease classification models. Beyond breathomics, his interests also encompass environmental carbon cycling, extreme climate events, air organic pollution exposure, emerging pollutants, and environmental analytical chemistry. Prof. Li’s interdisciplinary approach bridges environmental monitoring with human health, contributing significantly to both scientific innovation and public health solutions.

🏅 Awards and Honors of Prof. Dr. Xiang Li

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li has earned widespread recognition for his impactful contributions to environmental science and public health, though specific named awards or honors are not explicitly listed in the available profile. His academic distinction is reflected in his steady progression to Full Professorship at Fudan University and his role as principal investigator in numerous prestigious, competitively funded research projects, including several grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and international collaborations such as the Sino-German joint research initiatives. Additionally, his postdoctoral fellowship under Prof. Janusz Pawliszyn and visiting scholar position at TROPOS with Prof. Hartmut Herrmann underscore his international standing and recognition in the scientific community. His innovations in breathomics and environmental diagnostics have positioned him as a leading researcher in his field. Further details on formal awards may enhance the documentation of his professional accolades.

🧾 Conclusion 

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research exemplifies innovation, societal relevance, and technical depth. He is a pioneer in integrating breathomics, environmental exposure analysis, and artificial intelligence to address critical challenges in public health and diagnostics. His prolific publication record, leadership in major national and international projects, and clear trajectory of scientific advancement make him highly suitable for recognition at this level.

📝 Publications

  1. Title: Integrated smart mass spectrometry platform enables volatilomics based breath biopsy
    Authors: Shangzhewen Li, Zhiheng Yu, Zhengnan Cen, Xiang Li
    Year: 2025
    DOI: 10.1016/j.greeac.2025.100284
    Citations: N/A

       2. Title: Advancing Breathomics through Accurate Discrimination of Endogenous from Exogenous Volatiles in Breath
           Authors: Zhengnan Cen, Yuerun Huang, Shangzhewen Li, Shanshan Dong, Wenshan Wang, Xiang Li
           Year: 2024
           DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c04575
           Citations: N/A

       3. Title: Nitrate pollution deterioration in winter driven by surface ozone increase
           Authors: Zekun Zhang, Bingqing Lu, Chao Liu, Xue Meng, Jiakui Jiang, Hartmut Herrmann, Jianmin Chen, Xiang Li
           Year: 2024
           DOI: 10.1038/s41612-024-00667-5
           Citations: N/A

       4.Title: Exhaled volatolomics profiling facilitates personalized screening for gastric cancer
          Authors: Jian Chen, Yongyan Ji, Yongqian Liu, Zhengnan Cen, Yuanwen Chen, Yixuan Zhang, Xiaowen Li, Xiang Li
          Year: 2024
          DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216881
          Citations: N/A