Dafa CHEN

Dafa CHEN is a Research Professor at the Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), with a focus on organometallic chemistry and organic synthesis. He previously served as an Associate Professor at the same institute (2020-2023) and as a Professor/Researcher at Harbin Institute of Technology (2011-2020).

• Education:
  • PhD, Nankai University (2003-2008), Advisor: Shansheng Xu
  • Bachelor, Nankai University (1999-2003)

CHEN’s research centers on organometallic chemistry, particularly the synthesis and reactivity of strained fused-metallaaromatics, metallacyclobutadienes, and irida-carbolong complexes. His work explores catalytic mechanisms such as transfer hydrogenation, dehydrogenative condensation, and [10+1] cycloaddition reactions.

His recent publications in high-impact journals like Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie, and Chemical Reviews highlight advancements in metallaaromatic chemistry and carbolong synthesis. These studies often involve transition metals (Mn, Ir, Ru) and pendant N-heterocycles.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Shenzhen Peacock Plan B-Level Talent

CHEN actively supervises PhD students and participates in national-level research projects, including ongoing National Natural Science Foundation grants. His team collaborates with Xia Haiping’s group, contributing to over 60 peer-reviewed publications in SCI journals.