Yingying Wu | Genetic Research | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Natural Scientist Awards

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.

 

Ruilian Lai | Genetic Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Natural Scientist Awards

Dr. Ruilian Lai | Genetic Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ruilian Lai at Fruit Research Institute, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Dr. Ruilian Lai is a dedicated plant pathologist and geneticist at the Fruit Research Institute, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, specializing in Chinese olive (Canarium album) germplasm resources and genetic breeding. She holds a Ph.D. in agricultural sciences and has made notable contributions to identifying emerging plant pathogens and stress response mechanisms. Her recent research includes the first reports of Phyllosticta capitalensis and Diaporthe arecae as causal agents of major diseases in Chinese olive, as well as integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic studies on sunburn stress. Dr. Lai’s work supports sustainable agriculture and enhances disease management strategies in subtropical fruit crops.

📚Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓Academic Background

Dr. Ruilian Lai earned her Ph.D. in agricultural sciences and is currently affiliated with the Fruit Research Institute at the Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Her research focuses on Chinese olive (Canarium album), particularly in germplasm resources and genetic breeding. She has made significant contributions to plant pathology through the first identification of Phyllosticta capitalensis and Diaporthe arecae as pathogens affecting Chinese olive. Additionally, her integrative studies using transcriptomics and metabolomics have revealed key responses to sunburn stress. Dr. Lai’s work plays a vital role in improving disease resistance and supporting sustainable fruit production systems.

💼Professional Experience

Dr. Ruilian Lai is a researcher at the Fruit Research Institute, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, with a Ph.D. in agricultural sciences. She has extensive experience in the field of plant genetics and pathology, particularly focused on Chinese olive (Canarium album). Her professional work includes groundbreaking studies that identified Phyllosticta capitalensis and Diaporthe arecae as new pathogens causing major diseases in Chinese olive. She also conducted advanced transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to understand plant responses to sunburn stress. Dr. Lai’s research significantly contributes to crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, and the development of effective disease management strategies.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Ruilian Lai’s research centers on the genetic improvement and disease resistance of Chinese olive (Canarium album), with a particular emphasis on germplasm resource development and molecular breeding. Her work integrates plant pathology, genomics, and metabolomics to address key challenges in subtropical fruit production. She has identified and reported new pathogens, including Phyllosticta capitalensis and Diaporthe arecae, which pose significant threats to Chinese olive health. Additionally, Dr. Lai has applied transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to uncover the roles of polyphenols and flavonoids in response to sunburn stress, contributing to a deeper understanding of plant stress physiology. Her research plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the resilience and productivity of fruit crops.

📋Publication Top Notes

First Report of Phyllosticta capitalensis Causing Leaf Blotch on Chinese Olive (Canarium album) in Guangdong Province of China
Year: 2024

Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Potential Roles of Polyphenols and Flavonoids in Response to Sunburn Stress in Chinese Olive (Canarium album)
Year: 2024 | Cited by: 1

Diaporthe arecae is a New Pathogen Causing Chinese Olive (Canarium album) Dieback in China
Year: 2024 | Cited by: 2

🏷️Conclusion

Dr. Ruilian Lai is a highly qualified and impactful researcher with a Ph.D. in agricultural sciences, currently serving at the Fruit Research Institute, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Her work focuses on Chinese olive (Canarium album), particularly in germplasm resources, genetic breeding, and plant disease management. She has made pioneering contributions by identifying new pathogens such as Phyllosticta capitalensis and Diaporthe arecae, and has applied advanced transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to study plant responses to sunburn stress. Her interdisciplinary research supports biodiversity, enhances crop resilience, and aligns with global goals in sustainable agriculture, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.