Antonio Di Stefano | Mathematical Economics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Antonio Di Stefano | Mathematical Economics | Best Researcher Award

Full Prof. Pharmaceutical Thecnology and Pharmacoeconomics at University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy

Prof. Dr. Antonio Di Stefano 🎓, a Full Professor at the University of “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara 🇮🇹, is a pioneering force in pharmaceutical technology, socioeconomics, and legislation. With dual degrees in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology and Pharmacy, and a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry 🧪, he has led groundbreaking research on dopaminergic and serotoninergic ligands, prodrugs for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases 🧠, and advanced nanocarrier drug delivery systems 🚀. His work targets bacterial biofilms and antibiotic resistance through innovative nanoformulations. Author of over 140 high-impact publications, patents, and international presentations 📚🌍, he also serves as CEO of the spin-off “Algo Biotechnologies,” merging academic insight with industrial application 💼🔬. Prof. Di Stefano’s research is both transformative and translational, earning him global recognition and making him an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏆. His visionary contributions continue to reshape pharmaceutical frontiers and inspire future innovations.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. Antonio Di Stefano holds an exceptional academic foundation rooted in pharmaceutical sciences. He earned his degree in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology (CTF) in 1989 and later completed a Pharmacy degree in 1995 from the University of Camerino 🇮🇹. In 1994, he was awarded a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, equipping him with deep scientific expertise in drug synthesis and molecular design 🔬. His doctoral studies were pivotal, focusing on novel dopaminergic ligands, paving the way for his future contributions in neuromedicine. The rich blend of chemical, biological, and therapeutic knowledge he acquired during these formative years forms the backbone of his scientific precision and innovation 📘. His education is marked not only by credentials but by an immersive dedication to the evolving complexity of pharmaceutical innovation, making him a robust academic cornerstone and a lifelong scholar of molecular therapeutics.

💼 Professional Experience

Prof. Di Stefano’s illustrious career spans over three decades, marked by academic, research, and entrepreneurial accomplishments. He began as a supervisor in analytical labs for a food company before transitioning into academia through a C.N.R. research fellowship and a postdoctoral position focusing on dopaminergic ligand synthesis 🧪. In 1996, he was appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Chieti-Pescara, steadily rising to Associate Professor in 2003, and achieving Full Professorship in 2011 🎓. His role bridges teaching, research, and leadership within the Department of Pharmacy. He is also the CEO of Algo Biotechnologies, a university spin-off transforming research insights into commercial biotech solutions 🚀. His trajectory showcases a seamless integration of scientific exploration and innovation, industry engagement, and educational mentorship. This robust professional palette amplifies his influence across the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and academic ecosystems, creating a legacy of transformative learning and discovery.

🔬 Research Interest

Prof. Di Stefano’s research focuses on neurodegenerative disease therapies, particularly Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, with groundbreaking efforts in prodrug design and nanocarrier systems 🌐. He delves into advanced pharmaceutical formulations such as solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric delivery systems, and clay-based nanocomposites for targeted therapy and enhanced brain bioavailability 🧠. His interdisciplinary studies also address antimicrobial resistance, utilizing biofilm-disrupting agents and codrug strategies to combat pathogenic bacteria 🦠. By integrating synthetic chemistry with biotechnology, his innovations have led to novel serotonergic ligands and multifunctional drug conjugates. He’s also at the frontier of developing algorithm-driven pharmaceutical selection through his spin-off, pushing the boundaries of digital health and precision medicine 🤖📊. With over 140 publications, his dynamic and translational research portfolio stands at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and pharmacology, continuously propelling forward the future of therapeutic development and patient-centric drug design.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Prof. Di Stefano’s impactful scholarship and translational contributions have earned him widespread recognition 🌟. Although specific named awards are not listed, his status as a Full Professor and CEO of a biotech spin-off reflects a highly esteemed professional reputation in academia and industry alike. His invitation to contribute to major journals, books, and international conferences testifies to his global stature and thought leadership 📚🌍. He has been entrusted with directing cutting-edge pharmaceutical research, mentoring young scientists, and leading interdisciplinary collaborations—hallmarks of professional distinction and peer respect 🧑‍🏫. The sustained excellence in his publication record and his role in impactful biotechnological innovations signal an individual whose work is not only academically rigorous but socially and therapeutically consequential. These continuous accolades and responsibilities strongly position him as an influential figure worthy of high honors, including the Best Researcher Award 🏆.

 Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Antonio Di Stefano exemplifies the gold standard of academic brilliance, research innovation, and translational science 💡. His career bridges molecular chemistry, pharmaceutical technology, and entrepreneurial biotechnology—demonstrating a visionary approach to modern healthcare challenges 🔄. Through pioneering work in nanomedicine, prodrug synthesis, and neurodegenerative disorder therapeutics, he has contributed meaningfully to both foundational science and practical clinical applications. His commitment to student mentorship, peer collaboration, and industrial advancement underlines a holistic and human-centric academic philosophy 🧑‍🔬. Beyond scholarly excellence, his role as a biotech leader showcases his commitment to real-world impact and innovation scalability 🚀. Prof. Di Stefano is a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award, a title befitting his dedication, achievements, and profound influence on global pharmaceutical research. His continued contributions promise to shape the future of drug development and patient care in unprecedented ways.

Publications Top Notes

🧠 Synthesis and Characterization of Memantine-Loaded Niosomes for Enhanced Alzheimer’s Disease Targeting

Authors: H. Türkez, S. Oner, O. Caglar, A. Di Stefano, A. Mardinoğlu
Year: 2025
Source: Pharmaceutics 🧴🧬
🔗 Open access
📌 A precision-targeted approach in Alzheimer’s therapy via smart vesicle design.


🧪 Targeting Alzheimer’s Disease with Novel Dual-Function 3,5-Diaryl-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Pyrazole-1-Carbothioamide Derivatives

Authors: A. Katsogiannou, D. Karta, A. Di Stefano, S. Vassiliou, I. Cacciatore
Year: 2024
Source: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Reports 🧠💊
📌 A dual-acting molecular strategy to modulate neurodegeneration.


🩹 CAPE Derivatives: Multifaceted Agents for Chronic Wound Healing

Authors: M.F. Balaha, A. Cataldi, A. Ammazzalorso, A. Przekora-Kuśmierz, V. Di Giacomo
Year: 2024
Citations: 3
Source: Archiv der Pharmazie 🧫🌿
📌 Plant-inspired therapeutic scaffolds with regenerative properties.


💧 From Self-Assembly to Healing: Engineering Ultra-Small Peptides into Supramolecular Hydrogels for Controlled Drug Release

Authors: M.P. Dimmito, L. Marinelli, I. Cacciatore, A. Di Stefano, P. Caliceti
Year: 2024
Citations: 4
Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics 🌐🧵
📌 Supramolecular innovations for smart therapeutic delivery.


🔥 Advancements in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management: From Traditional Treatments to Monoclonal Antibodies and Future Drug Delivery Systems

Authors: A. Di Rienzo, L. Marinelli, M.P. Dimmito, A. Di Stefano, I. Cacciatore
Year: 2024
Source: Pharmaceutics (Review) 🧬🧃
📌 Exploring past, present, and futuristic gastrointestinal therapeutics.


🧵 Self-Assembling Peptides (SAPs) as Powerful Tools for the Preparation of Antimicrobial and Wound-Healing Nanostructures

Authors: M.P. Dimmito, L. Marinelli, I. Cacciatore, A. Rapino, A. Di Stefano
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
Source: Pharmaceutics (Review) 🧫🧵
📌 Modular nanostructures to combat infections and promote tissue repair.


🌿 Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Cinnamoyl Derivatives in Attenuating Inflammation in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Caco-2 Cells

Authors: M. Reale, E. Costantini, L. Aielli, A. Di Stefano, I. Cacciatore
Year: 2024
Source: Future Medicinal Chemistry 🌿🧪
📌 Cinnamoyl-based anti-inflammatory molecules spotlighted in intestinal models.


🧬 Aptamers-Based Strategies for the Treatment of Microbial Infections

Authors: A. Di Rienzo, L. Marinelli, A. Di Stefano, G. Vicaretti, I. Cacciatore
Year: 2024
Citations: 3
Source: Pharmaceutics (Review) 🧫🔬
📌 Nucleic acid therapeutics redefining pathogen combat strategies.


🧠 Anticancer Potential of Novel Cinnamoyl Derivatives against U87MG and SHSY-5Y Cell Lines

Authors: N. Gouleni, A. Di Rienzo, S. Oner, S. Vassiliou, I. Cacciatore
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
Source: Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 🧬💥
📌 Neuro-oncology meets natural product innovation.


🌶️ Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Efficient Delivery of Capsaicin-Rich Extract: Potential Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson’s Disease

Authors: L. Marinelli, M.P. Dimmito, I. Cacciatore, S. Fulle, A. Di Stefano
Year: 2024
Citations: 6
Source: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology 🌶️🧠
📌 Nanocarrier-mediated neuromodulation using spice-derived actives.

Prof. Shunming Zhang | Mathematical Finance | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Shunming Zhang | Mathematical Finance | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Renmin University of China, China

Professor Shunming Zhang is a distinguished scholar in economics and finance, currently serving at the School of Finance, Renmin University of China. With a Ph.D. in Mathematical Economics from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has held prestigious academic positions worldwide, including at Tsinghua University, Xiamen University, and the University of Western Ontario. His research spans financial decision-making, behavioral finance, and market participation, with over 40 high-impact journal publications in Economic Modelling, Journal of Financial Markets, and Economics Letters. He has secured numerous research grants, including major funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Recognized for his contributions, he has received esteemed awards such as the Cheung Kong Scholars Programme Distinguished Professor and the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars. His extensive contributions to theoretical and applied financial research have made a lasting impact on the field, positioning him as a leading authority in financial economics.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

Education

Professor Shunming Zhang holds a Ph.D. in Mathematical Economics from the Institute of Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, earned in 1996. He also completed his Master’s degree in Mathematical Economics at the same institute in 1993 and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Central China Normal University in 1988. His strong educational foundation in mathematics and economics has shaped his expertise in financial economics, enabling him to pursue interdisciplinary research at the intersection of mathematics, economics, and finance. This educational journey provided the tools for his groundbreaking research in financial decision-making and market behavior.

Professional Experience

Professor Zhang’s professional experience spans academic and research leadership roles at prestigious institutions. He is a Professor of Economics and Finance at Renmin University of China, where he also directs the Institute of Financial Engineering. His past positions include distinguished roles at Xiamen University, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Western Ontario. Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to both academia and industry, shaping the development of financial economics through teaching and mentoring.

Research Interest

Professor Zhang’s research interests are centered on financial decision-making, behavioral economics, and the dynamics of market participation. His work explores financial market imperfections, the impact of ambiguity and information asymmetry on decision-making, and the behavioral aspects of finance. His research has contributed to understanding risk assessment, asset pricing under uncertainty, and the role of behavioral biases in financial markets. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and has received major research grants for studies in financial risk management and behavioral finance, positioning him as a leading scholar in these fields.

Award and Honor

Professor Zhang has earned numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, recognizing his exceptional contributions to economics and finance. In 2016, he was honored as a Distinguished Professor under the Cheung Kong Scholars Programme. He also received the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars in 2008, a significant recognition of his early and impactful research in financial economics. His scholarly achievements, supported by multiple research grants, further reflect his prominent role in advancing financial research, both in China and internationally. His awards and honors underscore his leadership and influence in the academic community.

Conclusion

Professor Shunming Zhang is a leading figure in the field of financial economics, with a distinguished academic career that has shaped the understanding of financial decision-making and market dynamics. His education in mathematical economics laid the foundation for his broad research interests, which range from behavioral finance to market participation under uncertainty. Through his professional roles, awards, and honors, Professor Zhang has consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing the field, mentoring the next generation of economists, and conducting impactful research. His work has made significant contributions to the theoretical and applied aspects of finance, earning him a respected place in the global academic community.

Publications Top Noted

  • A numerical simulation analysis of (Hukou) labour mobility restrictions in China
    Authors: J Whalley, S Zhang
    Year: 2007
    Citation: 299

  • The higher educational transformation of China and its global implications
    Authors: YA Li, J Whalley, S Zhang, X Zhao
    Year: 2011
    Citation: 293

  • Counter-cyclical substitution between trade credit and bank credit
    Authors: H Huang, X Shi, S Zhang
    Year: 2011
    Citation: 168

  • Inequality change in China and (Hukou) labour mobility restrictions
    Authors: J Whalley, S Zhang
    Year: 2004
    Citation: 128

  • Digital finance and corporate bankruptcy risk: Evidence from China
    Authors: Y Ji, L Shi, S Zhang
    Year: 2022
    Citation: 99

  • An incentive-compatible solution for trade credit term incorporating default risk
    Authors: X Shi, S Zhang
    Year: 2010
    Citation: 41

  • Portfolio selection theory with different interest rates for borrowing and lending
    Authors: S Zhang, S Wang, X Deng
    Year: 2004
    Citation: 32

  • Limited participation under ambiguity of correlation
    Authors: HH Huang, S Zhang, W Zhu
    Year: 2017
    Citation: 31

  • Trade retaliation in a monetary-trade model
    Authors: J Whalley, J Yu, S Zhang
    Year: 2012
    Citation: 29

  • The threshold effect of high‐level human capital investment on China’s urban‐rural income gap
    Authors: Y Jiang, X Shi, S Zhang, J Ji
    Year: 2011
    Citation: 28

  • Dynamic Arbitrage‐Free Asset Pricing with Proportional Transaction Costs
    Authors: S Zhang, C Xu, X Deng
    Year: 2002
    Citation: 23

  • Does living alone increase the consumption of social resources?
    Authors: H Long, S Shi, Z Tang, S Zhang
    Year: 2022
    Citation: 14

  • Numerical simulation on property tax reform: evidence from China
    Authors: H Wang, Y Wang, S Zhang
    Year: 2019
    Citation: 14

  • Metrics capturing the degree to which individual economies are globalized
    Authors: RG Riezman, J Whalley, S Zhang
    Year: 2013
    Citation: 14

  • Eliciting experts’ perceived risk of software offshore outsourcing incorporating individual heterogeneity
    Authors: X Shi, H Tsuji, S Zhang
    Year: 2011
    Citation: 14

  • Export effect and influence mechanism of foreign ownership
    Authors: Z Ye, F Zhang, S Zhang
    Year: 2021
    Citation: 12

  • State-owned enterprise behaviour responses to trade reforms: some analytics and numerical simulation results using Chinese data
    Authors: J Whalley, S Zhang
    Year: 2006
    Citation: 12

  • VAT base broadening when the location of some consumption is mobile
    Authors: J Whalley, S Zhang
    Year: 2005
    Citation: 11

  • Metrics capturing the degree to which individual economies are globalized
    Authors: R Riezman, J Whalley, S Zhang
    Year: 2005
    Citation: 10

  • Trade credit: the interaction of financing, marketing, operations, and risk behavior
    Authors: X Shi, S Zhang
    Year: 2014
    Citation: 9