Yingying Wu | Genetic Research | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yingying Wu | Genetic Research | Research Excellence Award

Research Director‌ | Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yingying Wu is a dedicated researcher whose work focuses on the genetic breeding of industrialized edible mushrooms and the synthetic biology of active natural products from macrofungi, contributing significantly to biotechnology, functional food development, and mushroom-based pharmaceutical innovation. Her research explores the improvement of mushroom strains to enhance production efficiency, nutritional composition, and bioactive properties valuable for human health. She has contributed to metabolic profiling studies of Cordyceps militaris, identifying optimal consumption periods to maximize functional health effects and sensory qu`ality, providing scientific foundations for promoting mushroom products as high-value nutraceuticals. Her work on the cloning, characterization, and functional analysis of novel fungal immunomodulatory protein genes, such as those found in Ganoderma leucocontextum, demonstrates the therapeutic potential of macrofungi-derived biomolecules in immune regulation and cancer-related cellular functions. Additionally, she has advanced understanding of reproductive biology and nuclear behavior in edible mushroom strains through studies on protoplast monokaryotization and asexual spore isolation in Flammulina filiformis, supporting efficient breeding technologies for industrial cultivation. By integrating molecular biology, metabolic analysis, and applied breeding strategies, she contributes to creating sustainable and innovative mushroom-derived products, strengthening the link between food technology and biomedical research. Her scientific outputs reflect meaningful contributions to both fundamental mycological research and practical industrial applications, positioning her as a promising leader in the field of macrofungi biotechnology, functional active compound discovery, and future health-focused bioindustries.

Profile:  Scopus  |  ORCID

Featured Publications

Wang, Y., Zhang, R., Li, Y., Wu, Y., Gong, M., Shao, Y., Wang, L., Li, W., & Zou, G. (2026). Metabolic profiles reveal the preferable consumption time of Cordyceps militaris dried products with the optimal health effects and flavors. Journal of Future Foods, 6(4), 642–655.

Yang, J., Jin, M., Zhang, L., Wu, Y., & Zhou, X. (2025). Characterization and functional analysis of a novel fungal immunomodulatory protein gene from Ganoderma leucocontextum in B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(11), 5063.

Wu, Y., et al. (2025). Nuclear partial segregation occurred in protoplast monokaryotization and asexual spore monosporous isolation of wild strains of Flammulina filiformis. Mycosystema.

 

Gessesse Kebede Bekele | Bioremediation | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele | Bioremediation | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer and Researcher | Addis Ababa Science and Technology University | Ethiopia

Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Biotechnology at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Ethiopia. He holds a Master of Science in Microbial Cellular and Molecular Biology from Addis Ababa University and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Industrial Biotechnology at AASTU. His research focuses on industrial, environmental, and food biotechnology, with emphasis on microbial diversity, biodegradation, and biotechnological applications in extreme environments. He has authored numerous scientific publications and led several funded projects, contributing to advancements in microbial ecology, fermentation, environmental bioremediation, and applied biotechnology in Ethiopia.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Academic Background

Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Biotechnology at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University in Ethiopia. He earned a Master of Science in Microbial Cellular and Molecular Biology with specialization in Applied Microbiology from Addis Ababa University and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Industrial Biotechnology at AASTU. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in biotechnology and microbiology, which has guided his research interests in microbial diversity, biodegradation, fermentation, and applied biotechnology. His educational background provides a solid base for his contributions to industrial, environmental, and food biotechnology.

Professional Experience

Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele serves as a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Biotechnology at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University in Ethiopia. His professional work is centered on industrial, environmental, and food biotechnology, with a strong focus on microbial diversity, hydrocarbon biodegradation, and functional microbial applications in extreme environments. He has contributed to numerous scientific publications and successfully led funded research projects at both national and institutional levels. Through his professional experience, he has advanced microbial ecology, fermentation, secondary metabolites, and environmental bioremediation, making valuable contributions to the scientific and technological development of biotechnology in Ethiopia.

Awards and Honors

Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele has earned recognition for his dedicated contributions to the field of biotechnology and applied microbiology. His research excellence has been acknowledged through institutional support and competitive national research grants, which highlight the trust placed in his expertise and leadership. His publications in reputable journals and his role in advancing microbial applications have positioned him as a respected figure in the scientific community. Through his commitment to innovation and problem-solving in industrial, environmental, and food biotechnology, he continues to gain honors that reflect his impact on both academic and applied scientific advancement.

Research Focus

Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele concentrates his research on industrial, environmental, and food biotechnology with a special emphasis on microbial applications. His work explores microbial diversity in extreme environments, biodegradation of hydrocarbons, and the functional characterization of microbial communities in ecosystems such as soda lakes. He also investigates fermentation processes, secondary metabolites, and bioethanol production using microbial resources. His studies aim to address environmental challenges through bioremediation and promote sustainable industrial practices. By integrating applied microbiology with biotechnology, his research contributes to innovative solutions for ecological preservation, resource utilization, and advancements in microbial science and technology.

Publication Top Notes

Factors influencing the bacterial bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminants in the soil: mechanisms and impacts
Year: 2021 | Cited by: 217

Isolation and characterization of urease‐producing soil bacteria
Year: 2021 | Cited by: 67

Isolation and Characterization of Diesel‐Degrading Bacteria From Hydrocarbon‐Contaminated Sites, Flower Farms, and Soda Lakes
Year: 2022 | Cited by: 55

Optimization of bioethanol production from sugarcane molasses by the response surface methodology using Meyerozyma caribbica isolate MJTm3
Year: 2023 | Cited by: 32

Isolation and characterization of bioethanol producing wild yeasts from bio-wastes and co-products of sugar factories
Year: 2022 | Cited by: 23

Conclusion

Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Biotechnology at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University in Ethiopia. His academic journey includes a master’s degree in microbial cellular and molecular biology and ongoing doctoral studies in industrial biotechnology. His research focuses on microbial diversity, hydrocarbon biodegradation, and food biotechnology. With impactful publications, funded projects, and recognition for advancing microbial applications, he has established himself as a promising scientist contributing to environmental and industrial sustainability.

 

Sergio Santaeufemia Sánchez | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sergio Santaeufemia Sánchez | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher at Technical University of Munich Human Spaceflight Technology, Germany

Sergio Santaeufemia Sánchez is a postdoctoral researcher at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in the Professorship of Human Spaceflight Technology 🚀. With a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of A Coruña 🧪, his work bridges life sciences and aerospace engineering. Sergio investigates microalgae-based life support systems for future space habitats 🌿🌕, contributing to oxygen production, water purification, and edible biomass cultivation. His interdisciplinary expertise spans microbiology, biotechnology, and space systems engineering 🌌. He also supervises students and teaches courses on human spaceflight technology and life support systems at TUM 🎓.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background

Sergio earned his PhD in Biotechnology from the University of A Coruña (UDC), Spain , specializing in microalgae-based bioremediation 🌊. His doctoral research focused on pollutant removal using extremophilic microalgae under challenging environmental conditions. During his academic journey, he gained advanced knowledge in molecular biology, photosynthesis, and microbial stress responses 🧫. This foundation paved the way for his interdisciplinary shift to aerospace research at the Technical University of Munich . He has also been trained in space systems, photobioreactor design, and life support engineering to support long-term human missions in space 🛰️.

Professional Experience

Sergio has held research positions in Spain,Poland , and Germany, contributing to biotechnology and aerospace engineering. He began at the Centre for New Technologies (CeNT), researching microalgae under extreme conditions 🔬. At the Technical University of Munich, he applies his biotechnology background to develop photobioreactors for astronaut life support 🚀. His international collaborations include partners from Italy and the USA. Sergio has managed and contributed to multiple European-funded projects (HORIZON-EIC, BIODIVERSA+, NCN) 💡. He also supervises students, leads experiments, and organizes outreach events like Space Day Ottobrunn 🌍.

Awards and Honors

Sergio has been part of numerous prestigious European research projects, including HORIZON-EIC and BIODIVERSA+ . He received NCN MINIATURA and OPUS research grants in Poland for his pioneering work on extremophilic microalgae 🧪. His studies have appeared in high-impact journals and gained international recognition 🌐. Sergio co-organized key space events like the Space Station Design Workshop (SSDW) and Space Day Ottobrunn 🛰️. His work has led to over 330 citations, an h-index of 8, and 10 peer-reviewed publications 📚. His contributions highlight his excellence in combining space research and biotechnology 🚀🌱.

Research Focus

Sergio focuses on extremophilic microalgae to support life in space through oxygen production, water purification, and food generation 🌿💧🍽️. He explores their stress adaptation mechanisms to enhance bioremediation techniques on Earth and in extraterrestrial environments 🌍🌕. His research integrates transcriptomics, photobioreactor design, and microbial ecology, targeting space applications such as lunar or Mars habitats 🪐. He is currently involved in designing space-compatible life support systems and experiments for parabolic flights and lunar simulations 🚀. Sergio’s interdisciplinary approach bridges biotechnology, life sciences, and aerospace engineering to push the boundaries of human spaceflight 🌌.

Publication Top Notes

📄 Bioremediation of oxytetracycline in seawater by living and dead biomass of the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum

📅 Year: 2016 | 📚 Journal of Hazardous Materials | 🔁 Cited by: 109 | 🧪🌊

📄 Biosorption of ibuprofen from aqueous solution using living and dead biomass of the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum

📅 Year: 2018 | 📚 Journal of Applied Phycology | 🔁 Cited by: 62 | 💊🌱

📄 Bioaugmentation as a strategy to enhance nutrient removal: Symbiosis between Chlorella protothecoidesand Brevundimonas diminuta

📅 Year: 2018 | 📚 Bioresource Technology Reports | 🔁 Cited by: 36 | 🧫💧

📄 Light intensity affects the mixotrophic carbon exploitation in Chlorella protothecoides: consequences on microalgae-bacteria based wastewater treatment

📅Year: 2018 | 📚Water Science and Technology | 🔁Cited by: 20 | 🌞💡

Conclusion

Dr. Sergio Santaeufemia Sánchez is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, distinguished by his innovative and interdisciplinary work at the intersection of biotechnology, environmental science, and space technology. With a strong portfolio of high-impact international research projects (e.g., HORIZON-EIC, BIODIVERSA+), he has advanced novel applications of extremophile microalgae for bioremediation and life support systems in space missions. Despite being at an early stage in his career, he has achieved a notable h-index of 8 with 10 SCI-indexed publications, often as first or leading author, reflecting both academic impact and leadership. His collaborations span leading global institutions across diverse fields such as biology, physics, and aerospace engineering, demonstrating his capacity for cross-disciplinary integration. Dr. Santaeufemia’s work directly addresses global environmental challenges and contributes to the future of human spaceflight, while his supervision of students and science outreach efforts highlight his commitment to education and public engagement.