Prof. Ching-Fa Yao | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Distinguished Professor, at National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan.

Ching-Fa Yao, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). With over three decades of experience, he has significantly contributed to the field of organic chemistry, specializing in synthetic methodologies, green chemistry, and medicinal chemistry. As an influential academic, Dr. Yao has not only advanced research in synthesizing bio-active compounds but also shaped the education of future scientists through his leadership at NTNU. He currently serves as the Coordinator for the Natural Science Division of the Ministry of Education Advisory Team in Taiwan. His work has had a lasting impact on various research areas, including the development of novel organic compounds for medical applications. Dr. Yao’s academic excellence is demonstrated through his numerous publications and prestigious awards, cementing his role as a leading figure in his field. 🌱

Professional Profile

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Education 🎓

Dr. Ching-Fa Yao completed his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Iowa State University, USA, in May 1991. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) in 1982. His solid academic foundation laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking contributions to synthetic chemistry. Throughout his career, he has honed his skills and expertise through postdoctoral positions at prestigious institutions, including the Georgia Institute of Technology and Iowa State University. These formative experiences further strengthened his ability to conduct pioneering research, particularly in synthetic methodologies and bio-active compound synthesis. At NTNU, he has continually expanded his knowledge and impact by mentoring graduate students and influencing scientific direction in Taiwan’s academic community. Dr. Yao’s comprehensive academic journey showcases his dedication to chemistry, from student to distinguished professor, with a focus on green chemistry and medicinal chemistry. 📚

Experience  💼

Dr. Ching-Fa Yao has held multiple influential roles throughout his academic career. Since 1999, he has been a professor at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), where he also served as the Chair of the Department of Chemistry from 2010 to 2012. His leadership extended beyond academia, as he became the Coordinator of the Natural Science Division for the Ministry of Education Advisory Team in Taiwan in 2012, where he provided guidance on science policy and education. Dr. Yao has also been a pivotal figure in advancing the research output of his department and enhancing collaboration between institutions. His leadership in the field of synthetic chemistry, coupled with his hands-on experience in academia, has earned him a reputation as a dedicated mentor, providing valuable insight into both theoretical and applied aspects of organic chemistry. Through his various roles, Dr. Yao has consistently contributed to shaping the future of science education and research in Taiwan. 🏆

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Ching-Fa Yao’s research interests lie at the intersection of synthetic chemistry, green chemistry, and medicinal chemistry. He focuses on developing novel synthetic methodologies, particularly those that enhance sustainability in chemical processes. His work in green chemistry aims to create more environmentally friendly approaches to chemical synthesis, reducing waste and energy consumption. Additionally, Dr. Yao is deeply involved in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and bio-active molecules, with a particular interest in their potential applications in medicinal chemistry. His research often focuses on creating compounds with therapeutic potential, contributing to advancements in drug discovery. His expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, coupled with his passion for improving human health, has made him a key figure in the development of new chemical entities for medical applications. Dr. Yao’s ability to synthesize complex organic compounds while ensuring minimal environmental impact reflects his commitment to both science and sustainability. 🌍

Award  🏅

Dr. Ching-Fa Yao has received numerous awards in recognition of his outstanding contributions to chemistry and academia. His extensive research in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry has earned him a reputation as a leader in his field. Among his many honors, he was recognized for his innovative work in green chemistry and synthetic methodologies, earning prestigious accolades from both national and international scientific communities. His leadership in advancing Taiwan’s academic and research landscape, particularly in chemistry, has led to his appointment in prominent roles such as the Coordinator of the Natural Science Division of Taiwan’s Ministry of Education Advisory Team. Dr. Yao’s ability to combine excellence in research with significant contributions to scientific policy has earned him recognition not only as an educator but also as a mentor and thought leader in the field of chemistry. His continued success reflects his enduring influence on both the academic and scientific communities. 🌟

Top Noted Publications  📚

Dr. Ching-Fa Yao has authored and co-authored numerous publications in top-tier journals, showcasing his expertise in organic chemistry, synthetic methodologies, and medicinal chemistry. Some of his most notable publications include “Cascade Reactions of Enone-Tethered Ketones and Aldehydes with Indoles” in Eur. J. Org. Chem. (2025), and “Indole and Coumarin Derivatives Targeting EEF2K in Aβ Folding Reporter Cells” in Journal of Neurochemistry (2025). His research has had a significant impact on the fields of drug discovery and chemical synthesis. He has also collaborated extensively with other scientists to explore new catalytic reactions and therapeutic compounds. Many of his publications have been widely cited, cementing his position as a leading researcher. For a detailed list of his publications, visit Dr. Yao’s Scholar Page. 📖

1. Indole and Coumarin Derivatives Targeting EEF2K in Aβ Folding Reporter Cells

   • Published in Journal of Neurochemistry (2025). This study focuses on the role of indole and coumarin derivatives in targeting EEF2K (elongation factor 2 kinase) in Aβ (Amyloid Beta) folding reporter cells, likely with implications for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

2. Small Molecules Inducing Autophagic Degradation of Expanded Polyglutamine Protein through Interaction with Both Mutant ATXN3 and LC3

   • Published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024). This article investigates how small molecules can induce autophagic degradation of polyglutamine proteins, potentially beneficial for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s disease.

3. Iodine-Catalyzed Cascade Reaction of 2-Styrylbenzaldehydes with Indoles in the Synthesis of 1H-Indenes via 4π-Electrocyclization

   • Published in Advanced Synthesis and Catalysis (2024). It describes a method for synthesizing 1H-Indenes using iodine as a catalyst in the reaction of 2-styrylbenzaldehydes with indoles.

4. Pd(ii)-catalyzed Hydroarylations/Hydroalkenylations of Terminal Alkynes: Regioselective Synthesis of Allylic, Homoallylic, and 1,3-Diene Systems

   • Published in Chemical Communications (2024). This paper explores the palladium-catalyzed hydroarylation and hydroalkenylation of terminal alkynes, offering a way to synthesize complex organic molecules.

5. Iodine-Catalyzed Regioselective Synthesis of Diphenyl-Substituted Carbazoles via [4 + 2] Annulation of β-Formyl Ketones with Indoles

   • Published in Journal of Organic Chemistry (2023). It presents a strategy for synthesizing diphenyl-substituted carbazoles through an iodine-catalyzed reaction.

6. Pd-Catalyzed Regioselective (Markovnikov) Addition of Aryl Boronic Acids to Terminal Alkynes of 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds and Cyclization/Debenzoylation of Olefinic Dicarbonyl: Access to Arylated Pyran and (E)-4-Methylene-1,6-diphenylhex-5-en-1-one

   • Published in Organic Letters (2023). This research looks into the regioselective addition of aryl boronic acids to alkynes and its applications in the synthesis of aromatic and heterocyclic compounds.

7. Synthesis of Isoindolo [1,2-b]quinazolin-12(10H)-one by Double Ullman Reaction of 2-Iodobenzamides with Copper Cyanide under Microwave Irradiation

   • Published in ChemistrySelect (2023). This paper reports a microwave-assisted synthesis of isoindoloquinazolinone derivatives using a double Ullman reaction.

8. One-Pot Knoevenagel/Imination/6π-Azaelectrocyclization Sequence for the Synthesis of Disubstituted Nicotinonitriles

   • Published in Journal of Organic Chemistry (2023). It discusses a one-pot synthetic route to nicotinonitrile derivatives, involving multiple reaction steps.

9. Iodine-Catalyzed Annulation Reaction of Ortho-Formylarylketones with Indoles: A General Strategy for the Synthesis of Indolylbenzo[b]carbazoles

   • Published in Journal of Organic Chemistry (2023). This research explores a new approach to synthesizing indolylbenzo[b]carbazoles through an iodine-catalyzed annulation reaction.

10. Investigating Therapeutic Effects of Indole Derivatives Targeting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Neurotoxin-Induced Cell and Mouse Models of Parkinson’s Disease

• Published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023). This article investigates the potential therapeutic benefits of indole derivatives in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in Parkinson’s disease models.

Conclusion

Dr. Ching-Fa Yao’s comprehensive expertise, innovative methodologies, and substantial contributions to chemistry and medicinal research make him an excellent candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also has tangible benefits for society, particularly in drug discovery and therapeutic development. His leadership in academic settings and his ongoing contributions to the field of synthetic chemistry underline his eligibility for such an esteemed award.