Mr. Bei He | Material Science and Engineering | Young Scientist Award 

Lecturer, at School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, China.

Dr. Bei He is a dedicated researcher and lecturer at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University. His expertise lies in paper-based cultural heritage conservation, cellulose modification, and the aging mechanisms of historical documents. He earned his Ph.D. from South China University of Technology, specializing in Biomass Science and Engineering. His research focuses on developing advanced deacidification and reinforcement techniques for aged paper, aiming to preserve valuable cultural artifacts. Dr. He has collaborated internationally, conducting research at the University of Göttingen, Germany. His innovative work has led to multiple patents and publications in high-impact journals. As a member of the Chinese Chemical Society, he actively contributes to the scientific community. His research findings provide crucial insights into the long-term preservation of historical manuscripts and artworks, making a significant impact in the field of heritage conservation.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education 🎓

Dr. Bei He pursued his Ph.D. at the School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, specializing in Biomass Science and Engineering. Under the guidance of Prof. Junli Ren, his doctoral research focused on the conservation and aging mechanisms of paper-based cultural heritage. In his academic journey, he has gained in-depth knowledge of cellulose chemistry, material aging, and restoration techniques. Furthering his expertise, he joined the University of Göttingen (Germany) from 2021 to 2023 as a joint research scholar under Prof. Kai Zhang. There, he explored cellulose modification and physicochemical property regulation to improve paper preservation methods. His multidisciplinary educational background, combining chemistry, material science, and heritage studies, has positioned him as a leading researcher in developing sustainable conservation techniques for historical documents and artworks. His studies contribute significantly to preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Experience 💼

Dr. Bei He has extensive research and teaching experience in the field of paper conservation and cellulose-based materials. Since 2023, he has been a lecturer at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, where he leads research on traditional painting and calligraphy restoration techniques. Prior to this, he worked at the University of Göttingen as a joint research scholar, focusing on cellulose modification. He has also been involved in key national research projects, including studies on the aging mechanisms of paper documents and the inhibition of fiber degradation using nanocellulose. Dr. He actively collaborates with leading experts in the field, including Prof. Junli Ren (China) and Prof. Kai Zhang (Germany). His experience extends to developing novel deacidification methods, non-destructive reinforcement materials, and anti-aging treatments for historical paper artifacts, significantly advancing conservation science.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Bei He’s research interests revolve around paper-based cultural heritage conservation, cellulose modification, and paper aging mechanisms. His work primarily focuses on:

• Developing advanced deacidification and reinforcement materials to preserve aged paper.
• Investigating the chemical interactions between conservation treatments and paper fibers to enhance longevity.
• Studying the aging resistance of paper reinforced with nanocellulose and polymer coatings.
• Exploring sustainable, non-toxic alternatives to traditional conservation materials such as gelatin and alum.
  His research aims to bridge the gap between material science and cultural heritage conservation by providing innovative solutions for protecting valuable historical documents and artworks. Through interdisciplinary approaches, he seeks to improve current restoration technologies while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of cultural artifacts.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Bei He has received multiple awards and recognitions for his groundbreaking research in cultural heritage conservation. He has been nominated for the Young Scientist Award in recognition of his contributions to developing innovative paper preservation techniques. Additionally, his research achievements have been acknowledged through:

• Best Paper Award at an international materials science conference.
• Outstanding Researcher Recognition from Shaanxi Normal University.
• Innovation in Cultural Heritage Conservation Award for pioneering deacidification and strengthening treatments for aged paper.
  His patents and high-impact publications have further solidified his reputation as a leading scientist in paper-based heritage conservation.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Dr. Bei He has published extensively in high-impact journals on paper conservation and cellulose-based materials. His notable publications include:

• Cellulose-Based Microgels for Strong Adhesion

  • Paper: Scale-Spanning Strong Adhesion Using Cellulose-Based Microgels (2023, Small)
  • Impact: Explores the adhesion properties of cellulose microgels, potentially useful for coatings and material bonding.

• Conservation and Strengthening of Aging Paper

  • Paper: A New and Highly Efficient Conservation Treatment for Deacidification and Strengthening of Aging Paper by In-situ Quaternization (2019, Carbohydrate Polymers)
  • Impact: Provides a chemical treatment method to preserve aged paper by enhancing its structural integrity.

• Nano Magnesium Oxide and Cationic Cellulose in Paper Protection

  • Paper 1: Alkyl Ketene Dimer Grafted Cationic Cellulose Stabilizing Nano Magnesium Oxide for Efficient Protection of Acidic Paper (2022, Cellulose)
  • Paper 2: Highly Stable Nano Magnesium Oxide Organic Coatings for Nondestructive Protection of Acidic Paper Documents (2022, Progress in Organic Coatings)
  • Impact: Introduces nano-based stabilizers to protect acidic paper, ensuring longevity and stability of historical documents.

• Capillary Action for Paper Deacidification

  • Paper: Enhancing Capillary Action of Acidified Paper to Achieve Uniform Deacidification and Long-lasting Aging Resistance (2024, Journal of Cultural Heritage)
  • Impact: Improves deacidification techniques by enhancing capillary effects, making treatments more effective.

• Hydrophilic Microgels for Ancient Paintings

  • Paper: Long-lasting Pigment Fixation of Ancient Paintings Using Hydrophilic Microgels (2025, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules)
  • Impact: Develops new materials to stabilize pigments in historical artwork, preventing degradation.

• Water-Resistant Cellulose-Based Materials for Biomedical Applications

  • Paper: A Review of Water-Resistant Cellulose-Based Materials in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications (2021, Current Medicinal Chemistry)
  • Impact: Summarizes advances in cellulose materials used in pharmaceuticals and medicine.

• Nanocellulose for Paper Reinforcement

  • Paper: Aging Resistance Evaluation of Aged Paper Reinforced with Different Nanocelluloses (2023, Paper and Biomaterials)
  • Impact: Evaluates the effectiveness of various nanocellulose reinforcements in preserving historical paper.

Conclusion

Dr. Bei He is a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award due to his specialized research, high-quality publications, patents, and international collaborations. His work has significant implications for the preservation of paper-based cultural heritage, a crucial aspect of scientific and historical conservation. Strengthening industry ties, expanding his leadership in research projects, and engaging in editorial roles could further enhance his profile. Given his contributions and impact, he has a high chance of being a competitive nominee for the award.