Shunan Zhang | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shunan Zhang | Agricultural | Research Excellence AwardΒ 

Nanjing Agricultural University | China

Associate Professor Shunan Zhang of Nanjing Agricultural University is an accomplished plant scientist whose work centers on nitrogen use and its biological functions in major crops. With a strong academic background spanning a Bachelor’s degree, PhD, postdoctoral training, and international research experience as a Visiting Researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, he has built a robust foundation in crop physiology and molecular biology. His research primarily investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms by which nitrogen regulates crop growth periods, flowering time, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), while also exploring how plant–microbe interactions in the rhizosphere contribute to nitrogen uptake and utilization. He has authored 11 documents, accumulated 397 citations, and holds an h-index of 9, reflecting the growing impact and recognition of his scientific contributions. His publications in leading journals including Advanced Science, Plant Physiology, Plant Biotechnology Journal, Plant and Soil, Journal of Experimental Botany, Crop Journal, and Current Biology have advanced understanding of transcriptional networks, nitrogen signaling pathways, and nutrient–developmental crosstalk in rice. Through his discoveries on key transcription factors, nitrogen-responsive genes, and mechanisms linking carbon–nitrogen balance, Dr. Zhang aims to provide a strong theoretical framework for breeding high-yield, resource-efficient crop varieties. His work not only deepens the fundamental knowledge of plant nutrient regulation but also supports global agricultural sustainability by targeting improved nitrogen use, reduced fertilizer dependency, and enhanced crop performance under varying environmental conditions.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured PublicationsΒ 

Jin, Y., Deng, L., Wang, T., Wang, Z., Jing, Y., Du, M., Li, X., Qu, H., Ding, W., Liu, Y., Gu, M., Zhang, S., & Xu, G. (2025). The Nhd1–MYB110–MADS15 transcription factor module regulates flowering time in rice. Plant Physiology.

Dariusz Nowak | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dariusz Nowak | Agricultural | Best Researcher AwardΒ 

Medical College in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun | Poland

Dr. Dariusz Nowak, is a distinguished academic with extensive expertise in Food Technology, Human Nutrition, Health Sciences, and Dietetics. As a Professor at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in ToruΕ„, he has built a strong academic profile grounded in both scientific excellence and practical experience. His professional background includes previous work at the Dairy Institute in Warsaw, the Agricultural Market Agency, and the University of Warmia and Mazury, where he developed deep insights into food science and nutrition research. Dr. Nowak’s scholarly output demonstrates significant academic impact, with 18 documents indexed in major scientific databases, 559 citations across 503 citing sources, and an h-index of 13, reflecting the consistent relevance and reach of his research. His work focuses primarily on the antioxidant properties of food and their influence on human health, contributing to advancements in health sciences and food technology. He has authored and reviewed numerous scientific papers and supervised a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s theses, shaping future professionals in the field. His academic achievements are complemented by active collaboration with research institutions and industry partners through grants, implementation projects, and patent-related activities. Beyond science, his interests include the history of the 20th century, enriching his multidisciplinary perspective. Through dedicated teaching, impactful research, and strong professional engagement, Dr. Nowak continues to make meaningful contributions to nutrition science and public health, reinforcing his reputation as a respected scholar and educator.

Profile: ScopusΒ 

Featured PublicationsΒ 

Dariusz Nowak, … (2025). Antioxidant properties of Aronia melanocarpa and Morinda citrifolia juices and their impact on bladder cancer cell lines. Medical Science Monitor: International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research.

Melike Bakir | Legume Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Melike Bakir | Legume Genetics | Best Researcher AwardΒ 

Erciyes University | Turkey

Dr. Melike BakΔ±r, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology at Erciyes University, Turkey, is a distinguished researcher specializing in plant biotechnology, molecular genetics, and crop improvement. She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology from the University of Ankara and has since advanced research in lentil and chickpea genomics, focusing on cold tolerance, hybrid incompatibility, and molecular marker development. Dr. BakΔ±r has successfully led and co-led multiple national and international funded projects, including TUBITAK and Erciyes University initiatives. Her scholarly achievements are reflected in 38 scientific documents, 576 citations, and an impressive h-index of 15, highlighting her research impact and global recognition. She has also contributed as a visiting scholar at the University of Vermont, USA, and as a visiting researcher at the Public University of Navarre, Spain, collaborating with global experts to enhance crop resilience through genomic innovation. Dr. BakΔ±r’s work bridges molecular biology and applied agricultural science, contributing significantly to sustainable crop improvement strategies and advancing genetic resources in legume species, positioning her as one of Turkey’s leading scientists in agricultural biotechnology research.

Profile: ScopusΒ 

Featured PublicationsΒ 

Koboyi, B. W., Keklik, M., Doğanay, Γ–., & BakΔ±r, M. (2025). Transferability of genomic SSR markers in Lens species for genus characterization and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) breeding. Turkish Journal of Field Crops, 30(1), 223–234.

von Wettberg, E., Banks, C. R., Chakraborty, D., Getahun, T., BakΔ±r, M., Sassi, G., Hart, J. A., Kretzler, B., Layegh-Nikravesh, N., Kantar, B. M., Chen, Y. H., Tobin, D., Kraft, J., Khoury, C. K., & King, G. J. (2025). But does it taste good? A plea to consider the importance of flavor in managing plant genetic resources. Plants, People, Planet.

Butnor, J. R., Wilson, C. P., BakΔ±r, M., D’Amato, A. W., Flower, C. E., Hansen, C. F., & Murakami, P. F. (2024). Cold tolerance assay reveals evidence of climate adaptation among American elm (Ulmus americana L.) genotypes. Forests, 15(11), 1843

Hua Xie | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Hua Xie | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Hua Xie, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, China.

🌱 Dr. Hua Xie is a Professor at the Institute of Biotechnology, BAAFS, China, specializing in plant genomics, genetics, and pathology. With a Ph.D. in Crop Genetics and Breeding, she has published in top-tier journals like Nature Communications πŸ“š. Her research enhances crop improvement and disease resistance, contributing to global food security 🌾. Dr. Xie has also conducted collaborative research in Canada and the USA, showcasing her international impact and scientific excellence. 🌍✨

Profile

SCOPUS IDΒ 

πŸŽ“ Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hua Xie embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy/Crop Sciences from Northeast Agricultural University in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province (1991–1995). She deepened her expertise by earning a Master’s in Crop Planting and Cultivation (1996–1999) from the same institution. Demonstrating a strong commitment to plant science, she pursued a Ph.D. in Crop Genetics and Breeding at the prestigious Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (1999–2002), where she cultivated a foundation for her future groundbreaking research.

πŸ’Ό Professional Endeavors

Dr. Xie’s professional trajectory reflects steady progress in plant sciences. She began her career as a Research Assistant at BAAFS in 2002, moving through ranks as Associate Professor, and now serves as a full Professor at the Institute of Biotechnology, BAAFS. Her global experience includes postdoctoral and visiting scholar positions in Canada (Agricultural & Agri-Food Canada, 2008–2009) and the USA (Purdue University, 2009–2010), enriching her international perspective and collaborative capabilities.

πŸ”¬ Contributions and Research Focus On AgriculturalΒ 

Dr. Xie specializes in Genomic Bio-breeding Technology, Plant Genetics and Breeding, Plant Genomics, and Plant Pathology. Her studies have led to significant advancements in crop genetic improvement, soft rot pathogen identification, and resistance gene mapping. Her work integrates fundamental biology with practical breeding techniques, addressing critical challenges in agricultural productivity and plant health.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through her pioneering work on peach genome variation, rice bean landraces, and the molecular epidemiology of Pectobacterium, Dr. Xie has influenced both the academic and applied agricultural domains. Her findings on genome re-sequencing and plant-pathogen interactions have been instrumental in guiding breeders and plant pathologists toward sustainable solutions.

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Xie possesses a robust skill set in functional genomics, molecular plant pathology, bioinformatics, and marker-assisted breeding. She is adept at both laboratory and field experimentation, skilled in advanced DNA sequencing technologies, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and pathogen diagnostics. These skills allow her to translate genetic knowledge into crop improvement strategies.

πŸ… Awards and Honors

While specific awards were not listed, Dr. Xie’s elevation to full professorship and her international fellowships and visiting roles at globally respected institutions underscore her recognition within the scientific community. Her repeated role as a senior and corresponding author highlights her leadership and expertise in collaborative research.

πŸ›οΈ Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Hua Xie stands as a beacon of excellence in plant science. Her legacy includes mentoring the next generation of scientists and driving innovation in sustainable agriculture. Looking forward, she is poised to further influence global food security through advanced breeding technologies, molecular diagnostics, and integrated disease management solutions tailored for climate-resilient crops.

Publications Top Notes

πŸ“Š The PeachSNP170K array facilitates insights into a large-scale population relatedness and genetic impacts on citrate content and flowering time
πŸ“š Journal: Communications Biology
πŸ“… Year: 2025
🧬 Focus: Genomics, fruit development

🦠 The combined application of Bacillus velezensis BCP6 and Jinggangmycin to control soft rot on Amorphophallus konjac
πŸ“š Journal: Plant Protection Science
πŸ“… Year: 2024
🌿 Focus: Biological plant disease control

πŸ§ͺ A genome-wide association study reveals that epistasis underlies the pathogenicity of Pectobacterium
πŸ“š Journal: Microbiology Spectrum
πŸ“… Year: 2023
🧫 Focus: Pathogen virulence mechanisms

🧬 Occurrence and qPCR-based identification of Pectobacterium versatile causing soft rot in Chinese cabbage
πŸ“š Journal: Plant Disease
πŸ“… Year: 2023
πŸ₯¬ Focus: Disease diagnostics

🧲 Role of Zinc uptake regulator (Zur) in the virulence of Pectobacterium odoriferum
πŸ“š Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
πŸ“… Year: 2023
πŸ§ͺ Focus: Molecular plant pathology

🌾 Genomic analyses of rice bean landraces for adaptation and yield-related loci
πŸ“š Journal: Nature Communications
πŸ“… Year: 2022
🌱 Focus: Crop breeding & adaptation

πŸ‘ Peach genome analyses reveal selection patterns and fruit flavor biochemistry
πŸ“š Journal: Nature Communications
πŸ“… Year: 2021
πŸ‘ Focus: Fruit quality & genomics

πŸ” Genome structure variation and causal inversion for fruit shape in peach
πŸ“š Journal: Genome Biology
πŸ“… Year: 2021
🧬 Focus: Structural genomics

🧫 Detection of Pectobacterium polaris causing soft rot in Chinese cabbage
πŸ“š Journal: Plant Disease
πŸ“… Year: 2021
πŸ§ͺ Focus: Pathogen detection

🌿 Jasmonic acid and ethylene signaling in defense response to Pectobacterium
πŸ“š Journal: Journal of Integrative Agriculture
πŸ“… Year: 2021
🧬 Focus: Plant immune response

πŸ§ͺ Rapid diagnosis of Pectobacterium carotovorum in vegetable soft rot
πŸ“š Journal: Plant Disease
πŸ“… Year: 2020
πŸ₯¦ Focus: Pathogen diagnostics

🧬 Comparative genomics of 84 Pectobacterium genomes
πŸ“š Journal: BMC Genomics
πŸ“… Year: 2018
🧫 Focus: Pathogen evolution

πŸ‘ Genome resequencing reveals evolutionary history of peach fruit edibility
πŸ“š Journal: Nature Communications
πŸ“… Year: 2018
πŸ“ˆ Focus: Genomics and evolution

🌱 First report of Pseudomonas marginalis in celery stem rot
πŸ“š Journal: Journal of Plant Pathology
πŸ“… Year: 2018
πŸ₯¬ Focus: Disease report

πŸ₯¬ First report of Pectobacterium aroidearum in Chinese cabbage
πŸ“š Journal: Plant Disease
πŸ“… Year: 2018
πŸ”¬ Focus: Plant pathology

🌳 Molecular characterization of PpMADS1 gene from peach
πŸ“š Journal: Tree Genetics and Genomes
πŸ“… Year: 2012
🧬 Focus: Gene function in peach

🧫 Rapid identification and phylogenetic analysis of Pectobacterium carotovorum
πŸ“š Journal: Journal of Plant Pathology
πŸ“… Year: 2010
πŸ§ͺ Focus: Plant bacteriology

Hanting Li | Crop Science | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Hanting Li | Crop Science | Women Researcher Award

Gansu Agricultural University, China.

AUTHOR PROFILEΒ 

Scpous

πŸ† SUITABILITY FOR THE WOMEN RESEARCHER AWARD

Dr. Hanting Li’s significant contributions to Crop Science make her an exceptional candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her research addresses critical issues like food security and sustainable farming, aligning with global priorities. Moreover, her leadership and dedication serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women scientists, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.

🌱 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Hanting Li began his academic journey with a deep passion for Crop Science, focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity in China. His foundational education was shaped by a robust understanding of agronomy, plant biology, and sustainable farming practices. Excelling in his undergraduate and postgraduate studies, Dr. Li demonstrated exceptional dedication to addressing food security challenges. His early research laid a strong foundation for his groundbreaking work in crop development and agricultural innovation.

🌾 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Li joined Gansu Agricultural University, where he quickly established himself as a leading academic in the field of Crop Science. Through his extensive teaching and mentorship, he has nurtured future agricultural scientists while advancing research in crop yield optimization, pest resistance, and soil health. His professional endeavors are marked by collaboration with national and international research institutes to tackle critical agricultural issues.

πŸ”¬ CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Li’s research is primarily focused on crop genetics, plant breeding, and sustainable agriculture. He has conducted extensive studies to develop high-yield, climate-resilient crops that can thrive in varying environmental conditions. His contributions include innovative techniques for improving soil fertility, mitigating pest infestations, and enhancing crop resilience against extreme weather events. These efforts directly support global initiatives for food security and climate-smart agriculture.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Li’s research has had a significant impact on agricultural practices, particularly in China and beyond. His work has helped improve farming efficiency, increase food production, and uplift rural communities. He has also influenced agricultural policies by providing scientific insights to government bodies, ensuring sustainable farming strategies are adopted to meet the growing demands of the population.

πŸ“Š ACADEMIC CITES AND RECOGNITION

Dr. Li’s scholarly contributions are widely recognized, with numerous publications in high-impact international journals. His research papers have received hundreds of citations, reflecting their importance and relevance to the field of crop science. His work serves as a valuable resource for fellow researchers and agricultural scientists, advancing knowledge and innovation in agronomy and crop development.

πŸ† LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As a visionary leader in crop science, Dr. Li’s legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to agricultural advancement. Moving forward, he aims to expand his research on climate-resilient crops, focusing on addressing the challenges of global climate change and ensuring food security for future generations. Through continued mentorship, innovative research, and international collaboration, Dr. Li’s future contributions will leave an indelible mark on agriculture and crop science worldwide.

🌟 CONCLUSION

Dr. Hanting Li’s remarkable career in crop science has made a profound impact on agricultural sustainability and productivity. His work continues to inspire researchers, shape agricultural policies, and improve the lives of farmers and communities globally. Dr. Li’s dedication, influence, and vision solidify his position as a pioneering force in agricultural research. 🌾

πŸ“ŠπŸ”¬NOTABLE PUBLICATION:

🌍 Green Manure and Maize Intercropping with Reduced Chemical N Enhances Productivity and Carbon Mitigation of Farmland in Arid Areas – Li, H., Fan, Z., Wang, Q., Chai, Q., Hu, F. | European Journal of Agronomy, 2023, 145, 126788 | 14 Citations

🌾 Intercropping Green Manure with Maize Reduces Nitrogen Fertilizer Input and Stabilizes Grain Yield – Li, H.-T., Chai, Q., Hu, F.-L., Yin, W., Fan, H. | Journal of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, 2022, 28(7), 1329–1340 | 7 Citations

πŸ’§ Water Use Characteristics of Increased Plant Density and Reduced Nitrogen Application Maize in Oasis Irrigated Area – Jiao, Z., Chen, G., Fan, H., Hu, F., Chai, Q. | Scientia Agricultura Sinica, 2023, 56(16), 3088–3099 | 2 Citations

🌱 Soil Microorganisms in Agricultural Fields and Agronomic Regulation Pathways – Wang, Q., Chai, Q., Dou, X., Li, H., Wei, J. | Agronomy, 2024, 14(4), 669 | 1 Citation