Lihong Zhao | Animal husbandry science | Best Researcher Award

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Lihong Zhao | Animal husbandry science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof at China Agricultural University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lihong Zhao is a distinguished researcher in animal nutrition, microbial detoxification, and food safety. With a strong academic background and a prolific research career, she has dedicated her work to the development of innovative biotechnological solutions for mycotoxin degradation in food and feed. She earned her Ph.D. from China Agricultural University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Poultry Science at North Carolina State University. As a peer reviewer for high-impact journals and guest editor for specialized issues, Dr. Zhao contributes to global scientific discourse. Her studies on enzymatic detoxification mechanisms and gut microbiota modulation are groundbreaking, aiming to enhance food safety and animal health. Her innovative research has earned significant funding and broad recognition. Through consistent publication in high-ranking journals and leadership in international research collaborations, Dr. Zhao exemplifies excellence in scientific inquiry and translational research in agricultural and food sciences.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Lihong Zhao holds a rich academic foundation in biology and animal science. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology from Shenyang Agricultural University (2000–2004), where she laid the groundwork in biological systems and agricultural sciences. She continued her graduate studies at China Agricultural University, earning both her Master’s (2005–2008) and Ph.D. (2008–2011) in Animal Nutrition and Feed Science. Her doctoral work focused on biochemical and microbiological strategies for enhancing feed safety. She then pursued a prestigious postdoctoral research position in Poultry Science at North Carolina State University, USA (2016–2017), further refining her expertise in mycotoxin detoxification and gut microbiome studies. Her rigorous academic training across top-tier institutions has equipped her with cutting-edge skills in microbiology, enzymology, and nutrition science, all of which form the backbone of her outstanding research career in food safety and toxicology.

Experience

Dr. Zhao has developed a versatile research career blending academia, applied science, and international collaboration. She is an active reviewer for prominent journals including Journal of Hazardous Materials, Food Chemistry, and Food and Chemical Toxicology. As guest editor for Toxins, she led a special issue titled “Novel Strategies for Biodegradation and Detoxification of Mycotoxins,” curating impactful contributions in the field. Her hands-on laboratory experience includes pioneering enzymatic degradation systems using bacterial and fungal agents, optimizing thermostability of degrading enzymes, and evaluating the safety of detoxified food and feed products. She has secured numerous national and provincial grants and has worked on multidisciplinary projects involving gut health, poultry feed improvement, and biosafety applications. Her translational research has significantly influenced animal nutrition practices and food toxicology mitigation strategies. With extensive international exposure and a strong publication record, Dr. Zhao plays a pivotal role in advancing safe and sustainable food systems.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhao’s research has been continuously supported and acknowledged by esteemed institutions. She is a multiple grantee of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, supporting her work on zearalenone degradation, enzyme evolution, and aflatoxin detoxification. She has received grants from the Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation, the Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China, and international cooperation programs including China’s 948 Project. Her work under the National Key Technology R&D Program and China Agriculture Research System has led to practical advancements in feed detoxification and animal health. Dr. Zhao’s studies are widely cited and featured in high-impact journals, reflecting her influence in microbiological detoxification. She is also recognized for her contributions to academia through editorial roles and peer review. These accolades reflect her leadership in solving critical challenges in agricultural biotechnology, making her a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Research Focus

Dr. Zhao’s research centers on microbial and enzymatic detoxification of mycotoxins, especially zearalenone and aflatoxins in food and animal feed. She focuses on isolating and engineering microbial strains (e.g., Bacillus subtilis, Pelagibacterium, Acinetobacter) and identifying novel degrading enzymes like laccases, hydrolases, and reductases. Her work explores the molecular mechanisms of detoxification and their physiological impact on animals. She also investigates gut microbiota modulation using bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and flavonoids to combat toxin-induced liver and reproductive damage. Her contributions are deeply interdisciplinary, bridging microbiology, animal nutrition, toxicology, and food safety. With a strong emphasis on sustainable agriculture, her innovations enhance animal health, food security, and environmental protection. Dr. Zhao’s forward-looking research provides both mechanistic insights and real-world applications, leading to the development of enzyme-based detoxifiers and dietary interventions to protect consumers and livestock from harmful toxins.

Publication Top Notes

  • 2025 📖 Liu et al. Int J Biol Macromol, 309:142942 — Thermostability of DON-degrading enzyme 🧬

  • 2025 📖 Liu et al. Food Microbiol, 130:104770 — Alternariol degradation by B. pacificus 🦠

  • 2025 📖 Wang et al. Food & Function — Ferulic acid mitigates AFB1 damage 🌾

  • 2024 📖 Wang et al. Food Chem Toxicol, 191:114887 — Rutin prevents ZEN-induced inflammation 🍋

  • 2024 📖 Guo et al. Int J Biol Macromol, 282:137403 — OTA degradation by A. baumannii 🧫

  • 2024 📖 Ma et al. J Anim Sci Biotechnol, 15:138 — CotA laccase enhances duck health 🦆

  • 2024 📖 Guo et al. Int J Biol Macromol, 260:129664 — Soybean hull peroxidase as biocatalyst 🌱

  • 2024 📖 Fu et al. Int J Biol Macromol, 271:132371 — AFB1 inflammation alleviation in ducks 🦢

  • 2024 📖 Liu et al. Foods, 13:1064 — Detoxifying 3-keto-DON in P. halotolerans 🔬

  • 2024 📖 Sayed et al. Toxins, 16:121 — Rutin’s effect on ZEN-induced reproductive toxicity 🧬

  • 2024 📖 Liu et al. Int J Mol Sci, 25:6455 — Enhanced CotA-laccase for AFB1 degradation 🧪

  • 2024 📖 Liu et al. Int J Mol Sci — Zearalenone lactone hydrolase discovery 🔍

  • 2024 📖 Guo et al. Foods, 13:3702 — Enzymatic Aflatoxin M1 removal from milk 🥛

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lihong Zhao’s remarkable contributions to food safety, animal nutrition, and bioremediation place her at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology research. Her interdisciplinary work, from microbial enzyme discovery to animal health studies, addresses urgent global challenges in food toxicology. With high-impact publications, influential research funding, and leadership roles in scientific publishing, she exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher. Dr. Zhao is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award in recognition of her scientific excellence, societal impact, and commitment to sustainable innovation.

 

Rudo Musango | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Rudo Musango | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Rudo Musango, Haramaya Univesity, Zimbabwe

Rudo Musango is a PhD candidate at Haramaya University’s Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation 🌍, funded by the World Bank. Her research explores the “Host-parasite relationship of Yellow witchweed and its integrated management in Bambara groundnut” 🌱. She previously worked as a Senior Research Officer at Zimbabwe’s Genetic Resources and Biotechnology Institute, focusing on plant genetic diversity and community-based conservation 🌾. Rudo holds an MSc in Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology 🧬 and a BSc in Horticulture 🌸. She has 7 publications 📚, is skilled in data analysis using R 📊, and a member of OWSD.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Qualifications 

Mrs. Rudo Musango is a dedicated professional with a Master’s in Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology 🌱, focusing on GMO risk assessment in various cultivation conditions 🌾, supported by a fellowship from the Italian Environment Minister and UNIDO 🌍. She holds a BSc Agriculture Honours in Horticulture 🌸, developing skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and communication through projects and presentations 📊. Her Higher National Diploma in Horticulture 🎓 included studies in post-harvest technology, crop protection, and agri-business 🚜. Additionally, she earned an Executive Certificate in Program and Project Monitoring and Evaluation 📑, gaining expertise in data analysis, research evaluation, and reporting ✍️.

Experiences  

Mrs. Rudo Musango is a PhD candidate at the Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation (CSABC), Haramaya University, Ethiopia, funded by the World Bank 🌍📚. Her coursework includes climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity management, ecosystem services, crop resiliency, and advanced biostatistics 🌱📊. With seven publications, her research focuses on the host-parasite relationship of Yellow witchweed and its management in Bambara groundnut in Zimbabwe 🌾🔬. Previously, she was a Senior Research Officer at the Genetic Resource and Biotechnology Institute, leading germplasm studies, eco-geographic surveys, and genetic diversity research while collaborating with communities, NGOs, and government bodies 🤝📑.

Global Engagement

Mrs. Rudo Musango is a dedicated researcher with a passion for advancing sustainable development. 🌱✨ Her membership in the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) underscores her commitment to empowering women in science globally. 🌍👩‍🔬 She has completed specialized international courses on climate adaptation and digital agriculture, equipping her with advanced knowledge to address pressing global challenges. 🌦️🌾 Through her efforts, she strives to foster innovative solutions and impactful research that contribute to climate resilience and sustainable agricultural practices. 🌎📊 Mrs. Musango’s dedication exemplifies her role as a changemaker in science and sustainability. 💡🌟

Research Focus

Rudo Musango’s research focuses on sustainable agriculture, specifically improving Bambara groundnut production through innovative methods. Her studies investigate the interactions between Bambara groundnut genotypes, phosphorus fertilizer rates, and the parasitic weed Alectra vogelii. By examining phenology, yield components, and grain yield, her work aims to enhance crop resilience and productivity in nutrient-deficient soils. This research contributes to food security and sustainable farming practices, particularly in semi-arid regions. Her collaborative efforts emphasize ecological solutions for managing agricultural challenges. 🌱📊🌾✨🔬

Publication Top Notes

Influence of Alectra vogelii inoculation and phosphorus fertilizer application on phenology, yield components and grain yield of bambara groundnut genotypes

Interactions of Bambara groundnut ( Vigna subterranean (L) Verdc) genotypes and phosphorus fertilizer rates in controlling Alectra vogelii

Tianyuan Yang | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Tianyuan Yang | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Tianyuan Yang,Anhui Agricultural University,China

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tianyuan Yang 🌱, born in July 1987 in Zongyang, Anhui, is an associate professor and deputy director at the School of Tea Science, Anhui Agricultural University 🍵. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Nutrition from Nanjing Agricultural University (2016) and completed postdoctoral research in 2018. His focus is on nutrient utilization and quality regulation in tea plants 🌿. Dr. Yang has led over ten major projects, published 50+ papers 📚, and holds multiple patents. He is a council member of Anhui Tea Science Society and has received numerous awards, including the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award 🏆.

Publication  Profile

scopus

Academic Background 

Dr. Tianyuan Yang 🌱, born in July 1987, earned his Ph.D. in Plant Nutrition from Nanjing Agricultural University in 2016 🎓. He serves as an associate professor, master supervisor, and deputy director of the Tea Department at Anhui Agricultural University 🍵. Dr. Yang plays a pivotal role as a council member of the Anhui Tea Science Society and is recognized as a high-level talent in Hefei City 🌟. His leadership, dedication, and contributions to tea science and academia make him a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏆, exemplifying excellence in research and education.

Research Excellence and Achievements

Dr. Yang’s research 🌱 focuses on enhancing nutrient utilization in tea plants and improving tea quality 🍵. He completed his postdoctoral studies at the prestigious State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization 🧪. His dedication to academic excellence is reflected in numerous awards 🏆, including the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Awards and the President’s Scholarship 🎓. Dr. Yang’s innovative research and significant citation count 📊 position him as a leading expert in the field, contributing valuable insights to tea plant science and quality enhancement. His work continues to shape advancements in agricultural and botanical research.

Research Projects and Grants

Dr. Yang has successfully led over ten prestigious provincial and ministerial-level projects 🎓, including the Youth Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China 🏅 and major science and technology initiatives in Anhui Province 🧪. His strong track record in securing high-level funding highlights his innovative mindset 💡 and dedication to advancing scientific research 🚀. Dr. Yang’s contributions have significantly impacted technological progress, underscoring his role as a pioneering researcher 🔬. His achievements reflect exceptional leadership and make him highly deserving of recognition as an outstanding figure in the scientific community 🏆.

Patents and Innovation

Dr. Yang’s innovative work in tea science is marked by seven national and three international patent applications, with six national and one international patent granted. 🌱✨ His groundbreaking contributions reflect a forward-thinking approach to agricultural technology and a dedication to advancing the field. 📈🌍 Dr. Yang’s impressive patent portfolio highlights his exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills, setting him apart as a leader in innovation. 🔬🏅 His commitment to pushing the boundaries of tea science demonstrates why he is a deserving candidate for the award, showcasing his impact on both national and global levels. 🍵🚀

Editorial and Reviewer Contributions

Dr. Yang plays a vital role in advancing plant science 🌱 as an editorial board member for BMC Plant Biology and guest editor for Frontiers in Plant Science. His contributions help shape scientific discourse and ensure high-quality research reaches the community 📚. As a reviewer for prestigious journals, Dr. Yang’s expertise and dedication bolster his reputation and influence in the academic world 🏅. This unwavering commitment to academic service and excellence enhances his qualifications for the Best Researcher Award 🏆, reflecting his leadership and impact in the field of plant biology.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Yang is a distinguished academic celebrated for his excellence in teaching and research 🏆📚. He has received prestigious awards for his contributions to both education and scientific innovation 🎓🔬. His dedication and groundbreaking work have earned recognition at provincial and national levels, solidifying his reputation as a leader in his field 🌟. These achievements highlight his multifaceted expertise, reflecting his passion for advancing knowledge and inspiring future generations 🚀. Dr. Yang’s remarkable track record makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🥇, showcasing his commitment to excellence in academia and innovation.

Research Focus

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tianyuan Yang’s research focuses on the molecular biology and biochemistry of tea plants (Camellia sinensis) 🍃. His work explores metabolic mechanisms, genetic responses, and the regulation of compounds like theanine and glutathione S-transferases. Key areas include improving tea yield and quality 🌱, enhancing stress tolerance 🧬, and developing detoxification pathways 🚜. His studies also address cold resistance ❄️, secondary metabolism, and somatic embryogenesis, contributing to sustainable tea production and innovation. Dr. Yang’s research bridges molecular insights with agricultural applications, advancing tea plant science and crop resilience.

Publication Top Notes

Metabolic mechanism, responses, and functions of genes HDH1, HDH3, and GST1 of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) to the insecticide thiamethoxam

Exogenous theanine application improves the fresh leaf yield and quality of an albino green tea Huangjinya

Root-specific theanine metabolism and regulation at the single-cell level in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)

LUX ARRHYTHMO links CBF pathway and jasmonic acid metabolism to regulate cold tolerance of tea plants

Molecular responses reveal that two glutathione S-transferase CsGSTU8s contribute to detoxification of glyphosate in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)

Establishment of a direct somatic embryogenesis regeneration system using immature cotyledon explants in Camellia sinensis cv. Shuchazao

Dynamic DNA Methylation Regulates Season-Dependent Secondary Metabolism in the New Shoots of Tea Plants

Marco Ugolini | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Marco Ugolini | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Mr Marco Ugolini, CA.RE. FOR. Engineering, Italy

Based on the extensive qualifications and contributions of Mr. Marco Ugolini, I believe he is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Here’s a breakdown of his suitability:

Publication profile

Orcid

Background and Experience

Mr. Marco Ugolini is a distinguished Forest Engineer and Ecologist with over 30 years of experience. He co-founded CA.RE. FOR. Engineering in 2010, focusing on environmental certification and bioenergy sustainability. His expertise encompasses the assessment and optimization of renewable feedstock supply chains, especially for advanced biofuels.

Expertise in Environmental Sustainability

Mr. Ugolini has over 30 years of experience as a Forest Engineer and Ecologist, demonstrating a profound understanding of environmental certification and sustainability, particularly in the bioenergy sector. His specialized knowledge in assessing bioenergy supply chains and optimizing renewable feedstock for advanced biofuels highlights his commitment to sustainable practices.

Leadership in Research and Projects

As the Founder and Managing Director of CA.RE. FOR. Engineering, Mr. Ugolini has led numerous international EU-funded projects under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. His role as a WP leader showcases his ability to manage and drive significant research initiatives, which is crucial for advancing knowledge in renewable energy and environmental management.

Published Research Contributions

His scholarly output includes impactful journal articles and conference papers, such as: Supply Chain Optimization and GHG Emissions in Biofuel Production from Forestry Residues in Sweden (2022): This article addresses critical aspects of biofuel sustainability, showcasing Mr. Ugolini’s analytical capabilities. Hydrothermal Conversion of Wet Organic Residues to Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers (2021): This research reflects his innovative approaches to biomass conversion technology. European Regions Suitability for Advanced Biofuel Production (2020): This work emphasizes his contribution to understanding biomass supply chains on a broader scale.

Historical Contributions to Ecology

His earlier work on ecological restoration, particularly concerning Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and the dynamics of forest ecosystems, demonstrates a long-standing commitment to ecological research and restoration practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mr. Marco Ugolini’s extensive experience, leadership in significant research projects, and contributions to sustainable practices in bioenergy position him as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also has practical implications for environmental sustainability and renewable energy initiatives.

Publication top notes

Supply chain optimization and GHG emissions in biofuel production from forestry residues in Sweden

Growth Pattern and Architecture in Quercus Ilex L. and Fraxinus Ornus L. Vegetative Regeneration After Coppicing in Maremma Nature Park (Central Italy)