Jianqiang Yu | Evolutionary Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xin Ye | Evolutionary Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr at  Yangzhou University, China

🌱 Dr. Jian-Qiang Yu is a dedicated Lecturer at the College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, specializing in plant science and pomology. 🌟 Born on August 28, 1992, his passion lies in understanding environmental and hormonal regulation on fruit crop development and quality. 🥝 With a Ph.D. in Horticulture, Dr. Yu has authored 30+ high-impact papers, including several in top-tier journals. 📚 He focuses on practical solutions for improving fruit quality under environmental stress, offering new perspectives on horticultural crop cultivation.

 

Professional Profiles:

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Education🎓

Bachelor of Horticulture, Shandong Agricultural University (2011-2015) Master of Fruit Science, Shandong Agricultural University (2016-2019) Doctor of Horticulture, Shandong Agricultural University (2019-2022) Winner of the 2023 Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award of Shandong Province.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Lecturer, Yangzhou University (2022–present) Published 12+ first-author papers with a cumulative impact factor exceeding 200. Recognized for innovative research on environmental signals and horticultural crop quality.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Best Researcher Award applicant for outstanding contributions in horticulture  2023 Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award recipient  Patented innovations in plant sciences (3 patents filed).

Research Focus 🌍

Investigates abiotic stress effects on fruit quality, enhancing sugar and anthocyanin production. Explores environmental and hormonal regulation in fruit crops for quality improvement. Collaborative publications in top-tier journals like Nature and Molecular Plant.

✍️Publications Top Note :

1. Regulation of Salt Stress in Apples

Title: The function of an apple ATP-dependent Phosphofructokinase gene MdPFK5 in regulating salt stress
Authors: Zhang, L.-L.; Zhu, H.; Chen, C.-Y.; Sheng, L.-X.; Yu, J.-Q.
Journal: Physiologia Plantarum, 2024.

This study explores the role of the MdPFK5 gene in apple plants’ salt stress response, offering insights into genetic mechanisms that enhance stress tolerance.
Citations: 0

2. Exogenous Boron Application and Strawberry Quality

Title: A genome-wide investigation of the mechanism underlying the effect of exogenous boron application on sugar content and overall quality of “Benihoppe” strawberries
Authors: Yu, J.-Q.; Ji, F.-Y.; Yang, X.-K.; Gao, H.-S.; Sheng, L.-X.
Journal: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2024.

The paper investigates how boron application affects sugar metabolism and improves strawberry quality at the molecular level.
Citations: 0

3. Drought Resistance in Apples

Title: The BTB-BACK-TAZ domain protein MdBT2 reduces drought resistance by weakening the positive regulatory effect of MdHDZ27 on apple drought tolerance via ubiquitination
Authors: Zhang, Q.-Y.; Ma, C.-N.; Gu, K.-D.; Hu, D.-G.; Sun, Q.
Journal: Plant Journal, 2024.

Focuses on the interaction between MdBT2 and MdHDZ27 proteins in drought stress responses, revealing a complex regulatory pathway.
Citations: 0

4. Strawberry Flavor Non-Volatile Compounds

Title: Integrate analysis of metabolome and transcriptome of three Fragaria × ananassa cultivars to establish the non-volatile compounds of strawberry flavor
Authors: Wang, J.; Cheng, Y.; Ma, C.; Gao, H.; Sheng, L.
Journal: LWT, 2024.

Utilizes integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to identify flavor-related non-volatile compounds in strawberries.
Citations: 2

5. Ethylene and Sucrose Metabolism in Strawberries

Title: Analysis of Ethylene Signal Regulating Sucrose Metabolism in Strawberry Fruits Based on RNA-seq
Authors: Yu, J.-Q.; Li, Z.-T.; Chen, S.; Gao, H.-S.; Sheng, L.-X.
Journal: Plants, 2024.

Examines the role of ethylene signaling in strawberry sucrose metabolism using RNA sequencing techniques.
Citations: 0

6. Ethylene-Mediated Malate Accumulation in Apples

Title: Ethylene inhibits malate accumulation in apple by transcriptional repression of aluminum-activated malate transporter 9 via the WRKY31-ERF72 network
Authors: Wang, J.-H.; Gu, K.-D.; Zhang, Q.-Y.; Cheng, L.; Hu, D.-G.
Journal: New Phytologist, 2023.

Describes how ethylene affects apple fruit acidity through malate accumulation, highlighting regulatory networks.
Citations: 22

7. Postharvest Storage in Apples

Title: Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor MdbHLH3 negatively affects the storage performance of postharvest apple fruit
Authors: Wang, W.; Yu, J.; Du, M.; Wang, J.; Hu, D.
Journal: Horticultural Plant Journal, 2022.

Identifies the impact of the MdbHLH3 transcription factor on apple fruit quality during postharvest storage.
Citations: 15

8. Auxin and Salt Stress in Apples

Title: Auxin response factor gene MdARF2 is involved in ABA signaling and salt stress response in apple
Authors: Wang, C.-K.; Zhao, Y.-W.; Han, P.-L.; You, C.-X.; Hu, D.-G.
Journal: Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2022.

Explores the role of MdARF2 in the auxin and abscisic acid pathways, shedding light on salt stress tolerance.
Citations: 8

9. Stigma Receptors in Brassicaceae

Title: Stigma receptors control intraspecies and interspecies barriers in Brassicaceae
Authors: Huang, J.; Yang, L.; Cheung, A.Y.; Duan, Q.
Journal: Nature, 2023.

Unveils molecular mechanisms of stigma receptor-mediated barriers in Brassicaceae, with implications for breeding.
Citations: 60

Conclusion

Dr. Jian-Qiang Yu is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic achievements, impactful research, and innovative contributions to plant science and horticulture underscore his suitability for this recognition. Addressing the highlighted areas for improvement will further solidify his stature as a global leader in horticultural research.

 

Nicolette Houreld | Photobiomodulation in wound healing | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Nicolette Houreld |  Photobiomodulation in wound healing | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Nicolette Houreld is a distinguished professor of Biomedical Technology at the University of Johannesburg, with extensive expertise in photobiomodulation and cellular regeneration. 📚 She completed her secondary education at Bracken High School (1995) and pursued higher education at Technikon Witwatersrand, where she earned her National Diploma, B.Tech, and M.Tech degrees, followed by a D.Tech from the University of Johannesburg. 🎓 Her groundbreaking research on low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has significantly advanced diabetic wound healing and cancer treatment. 🔬 As Deputy Chairholder of the SARChI Chair in Laser Applications in Health, she has led numerous research initiatives and supervised various postgraduate projects. ✍️ In addition to her academic roles, she serves as an Adjunct Professor at Manipal Academy of Higher Education. 🌍 Passionate about science and leadership, Nicolette is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of researchers and advancing biomedical science. 🌟

Publication Profile

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Education 🎓

Bracken High School, completed in 1995 with top grades in Biology and Mathematics. 📘 Earned a National Diploma (1998), B.Tech (1999), and M.Tech (2002) in Biomedical Technology from Technikon Witwatersrand. 📖 Her M.Tech research focused on DNA damage in South African mineworkers. 🏆 In 2006, she completed her D.Tech at the University of Johannesburg, specializing in the effect of low-level laser therapy on diabetic wound healing. 🌟 She continued with a Postdoctoral Fellowship (2007-2009), researching cellular redox potential and collagen production under laser irradiation. 🔬 Recently, she completed the UJ Women’s Leadership Development Programme in 2023, addressing student retention. 🌟

Experience👩‍🏫

Started lecturing in 2001 at Technikon Witwatersrand/University of Johannesburg, covering subjects like Chemical Pathology and Haematology. 🧪 Progressed to Lecturer (2009-2011), Senior Lecturer (2011-2016), Associate Professor (2016-2020), and Professor (2020-present). 🌍 Currently, Deputy Chairholder of the SARChI Chair in Laser Applications in Health. 💼 Serving as Adjunct Professor at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (2023-2025), specializing in podiatric and diabetic foot care. 🦶 Supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, focusing on photobiomodulation, cancer, and diabetic wound healing. 🌟

Awards and Honors 🏆

UJ Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Award for Research Excellence (2018) 🌟 Recipient of NRF C2 Rating for research impact 🎖 Nominated for UJ Women’s Leadership Development Programme (2023) 🎓 Multiple postgraduate supervision awards, including cum laude graduates 🏅 Recognition for contributions to photobiomodulation research and diabetic wound healing. 📚

Research Focus 🔬 

Nicolette’s research focuses on photobiomodulation (PBM), particularly the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on wound healing and cancer treatment. 🧬 Her work investigates cellular redox potential, collagen production, and DNA repair mechanisms in diabetic wounds. 🌱 She explores the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in diabetic cells, nitric oxide production, and cancer cell proliferation under PBM. 🌍 Recently, she has expanded into laser-induced changes in skin fibroblasts and podiatric interventions for chronic ulcers. 📊 Her contributions are integral to developing non-invasive therapies in healthcare. 🌟

Publication  Top Notes

 

Nanoparticles and Wound Healing:

“A review on nanoparticle-based treatment for wound healing” (2018) explores how nanoparticles can be used for enhancing wound healing, with an emphasis on silver nanoparticles and biopolymers.

“Recent advances on silver nanoparticle and biopolymer-based biomaterials for wound healing applications” (2018) delves into the use of silver nanoparticles combined with biopolymers as promising materials for wound healing.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT):

“Low level laser therapy (LLLT) as an effective therapeutic modality for delayed wound healing” (2005) reviews LLLT as a method for improving wound healing, especially in cases of delayed healing.

“Collagen production in diabetic wounded fibroblasts in response to low-intensity laser irradiation at 660 nm” (2012) investigates how LLLT influences collagen production in diabetic wound healing.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) and Cellular Mechanisms:

“The role of photobiomodulation on gene expression of cell adhesion molecules in diabetic wounded fibroblasts” (2016) discusses how PBM affects gene expression related to wound healing in diabetic cells.

“The role of matrix metalloproteinases in diabetic wound healing in relation to photobiomodulation” (2016) examines the involvement of metalloproteinases in wound healing and how photobiomodulation affects their activity.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammation:

“Oxidative stress in ageing and chronic degenerative pathologies: molecular mechanisms involved in counteracting oxidative stress and chronic inflammation” (2022) explores how oxidative stress contributes to aging and chronic diseases, offering insights into therapeutic strategies.

Mechanisms of Action in Wound Healing:

“Role of the PI3K/AKT (mTOR and GSK3β) signalling pathway and photobiomodulation in diabetic wound healing” (2019) looks at how photobiomodulation interacts with key cellular signaling pathways involved in wound healing.

Other Phototherapy Insights:

“Shedding light on a new treatment for diabetic wound healing: a review on phototherapy” (2014) discusses various phototherapy approaches, including the use of lasers and light to accelerate wound healing.

“Irradiation at 830 nm stimulates nitric oxide production and inhibits pro‐inflammatory cytokines in diabetic wounded fibroblast cells” (2010) reports on how specific wavelengths of light influence cellular processes to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Additional Research on Nanoparticles:

“Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Rubus fairholmianus Root Extract and Their Activity against Pathogenic Bacteria” (2021) highlights the antibacterial properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles, synthesized using plant extracts, for therapeutic use.

Conclusion

The researcher is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to their strong academic foundation, impactful research, leadership roles, and global collaborations. Their work on photobiomodulation in wound healing is innovative, and their commitment to advancing the field through mentorship and international engagements adds considerable value. By expanding their reach into clinical applications and securing greater cross-disciplinary partnerships, they could further elevate their research’s impact.

Mehdi Rahimi | Plant breeding | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehdi Rahimi |  Plant breeding | Best Researcher Award

Associate prof. of Plant Breeding at Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Iran

Mehdi Rahimi, born in 1978 in Shiraz, Iran, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at the Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran. 🌱📊 His expertise spans plant breeding, genomics, gene expression, and stress tolerance. 🌾🔬 He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from Tarbiat Modares University (2013), M.Sc. from Guilan University (2007), and B.Sc. from Shiraz University (2001). 🎓📖 Dr. Rahimi has contributed significantly to crop improvement through classical and molecular breeding and has published widely in these areas. 📑🌐 His dedication to agricultural research has earned him numerous accolades, positioning him as a leading figure in plant biotechnology. 🏅🌟

Publication Profile

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Education  🎓📜

B.Sc. in Agronomy & Plant Breeding (1997-2001) 🌱🌾, Shiraz University, Iran.M.Sc. in Plant Breeding (2004-2007) 🌾📈, Guilan University, Iran.Thesis: Diallel Cross for Evaluating Heterosis & Combining Ability in Rice Cultivars. 🍚🔬Ph.D. in Plant Breeding (2008-2013) 🌾🧬, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran.Thesis: Identification of QTLs for Yield Traits in Different Irrigation Conditions. 💧🌾Visiting Scientist (2012-2013) 🇮🇹🧬, CREA – Genomics Research Centre, Italy.

Experience 👨‍🏫🔬

Associate Professor 🌾📚, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran.Visiting Scientist 🇮🇹🧬, CREA – Genomics Research Centre, Italy (2012-2013).Researcher & Educator 🌍📊, specializing in plant breeding, molecular genetics, and QTL mapping.

Awards & Honors  🏆🌟

Top M.Sc. Student 🎓🥇, Guilan University, GPA: 18.71/20.Best Researcher (Agriculture) 🌾🏅, Kerman Province, 2019.Top Educational Professor 👨‍🏫🌟, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, 2020.Best Agricultural Researcher 🌱🏆, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, 2021.Top Researcher 🏅🌍, Institute of Environmental Sciences, 2022.

Research Focus  🔬🌾

Crop & Horticulture Improvement 🌱🧬 using classical & molecular genetics.Plant Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering 🧬🔬.Molecular Markers & Genetic Diversity 🌿🧪.QTL Mapping & Association Studies 📊🧬.Biometry & Statistical Genetic Analysis 📈📉.Plant Stress Resistance 🌦️🦠 (Abiotic & Biotic).

Publication  Top Notes

 

“Combining ability and heterosis in rice cultivars” (JAST, 2010) 🌾

“Salinity stress and antioxidant responses in Moringa oleifera” (Scientific Reports, 2023) 🌿

“Molecular markers in plants” (Genet. 3rd Millenn, 2015) 🧬

“Genetic diversity in wild hops” (Euphytica, 2020) 🍃

“QTL mapping for drought tolerance in rice” (IJACS, 2013) 💧

Conclusion

Mehdi Rahimi is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to plant breeding and biotechnology, a diverse research portfolio, and a proven track record of excellence. Enhancing his international collaboration and outreach efforts could further solidify his candidacy and position him as a global leader in agricultural research. Overall, his innovative work and dedication to advancing plant science make him well-suited for this prestigious recognition.