Yingying Wu | Genetic Research | Research Excellence Award

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.

 

Purna Chetri | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Purna Chetri | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Project Scientist at Assam Agricultural University, India

Purna Bahadur Chetri is a dedicated biochemist with a Ph.D. from North Eastern Hill University, India 🧪. His research spans molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and parasitology, with numerous publications in high-impact journals 📚. He has gained experience from prestigious institutions such as IIT Bombay and international exposure through the Newton-Bhabha Fellowship 🌍. Currently, he is a Project Scientist at DBT-NECAB, Assam Agricultural University 🌾. With a track record of academic excellence and research innovation, Chetri remains committed to contributing to scientific advancement and public health through biochemical and biotechnological research 💡.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

Academic Background

Purna B. Chetri earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry (2016–2021) from North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India, where he also completed his M.Sc. (2013–2015) with First Division and topped his class 🥇. He began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry (2010–2013) from St. Edmund’s College under NEHU, also graduating with First Division 🎓. His education was supported by prestigious fellowships including DST-INSPIRE, and enriched by international exposure through the Newton-Bhabha PhD Placement Program in the UK 🇬🇧. Throughout his academic journey, Chetri consistently demonstrated excellence and a strong commitment to biochemical sciences 🔍.

Professional Experience

Dr. Chetri is currently working as a Project Scientist at DBT-NECAB, Assam Agricultural University (since August 2023) 🔬. He previously served as Research Associate III at ICMR-RMRC, Dibrugarh (April–July 2023), and as a Researcher at IIT Bombay (2022–2023) 🧬. With expertise in molecular biology, protein purification, and biophysical assays, he has contributed significantly to multiple national and international research projects 🧑‍🔬. His interdisciplinary experience spans biochemistry, parasitology, and bioengineering, equipping him with a versatile research profile and practical skills in both laboratory and computational biology 🧫🧑‍💻.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Chetri has received numerous accolades, including the DST-INSPIRE JRF & SRF fellowships (2016–2021) 🧠, and the Newton-Bhabha PhD fellowship for research in the UK 🌍. He was the recipient of the Shankar Dayal Sharma Presidential Gold Medal, Rector Gold Medal, and U Kiang Nangbah Award for topping his M.Sc. program 🥇. He earned 1st prize for oral presentation at an international conference at Assam Agricultural University 🗣️. Additionally, he received a travel grant for ICOPA 2018 in South Korea ✈️, and has presented his work at various national and international conferences 📢.

Research Focus

Dr. Chetri’s research focuses on protein biochemistry, structural biology, and parasitology 🧪. He has studied key enzymes from Fasciola gigantica, contributing to understanding their biochemical mechanisms and potential as drug targets 🐛. His work also includes CRISPR/Cas gene editing, protein folding/unfolding, and acid tolerance mechanisms in microbes 🧬. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on experimental and computational techniques related to protein characterization 📘. With a growing interest in agricultural waste management and zoonotic diseases, Chetri’s multidisciplinary approach bridges fundamental science with translational research and public health impact 🌱💊.

Publication Top Notes

📚 Identification of novel natural inhibitors of Opisthorchis felineus cytochrome P450 using structure-based screening and molecular dynamic simulation
📅 Year: 2018 | 📊 Cited by: 41 | 🧪 Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics

📚 Draft Genome of the Liver Fluke Fasciola gigantica
📅 Year: 2020 | 📊 Cited by: 35 | 🔬 ACS Omega

📚 Experimental methods to study intrinsically disordered proteins
📅 Year: 2022 | 📊 Cited by: 12 | 🧬 Advances in Protein Molecular and Structural Biology Methods

📚 Identification and characterization of cytosolic malate dehydrogenase from the liver fluke Fasciola gigantica
📅 Year: 2020 | 📊 Cited by: 12 | 🧫 Scientific Reports

Conclusion

Dr. Purna Bahadur Chetri is an accomplished early-to-mid-career biochemist whose strong academic foundation (Ph.D. in Biochemistry), top-ranking educational achievements, and prestigious fellowships (DST-INSPIRE, Newton-Bhabha) mark him as an exceptional talent. With over 12 publications in reputed journals like ACS Infectious Diseases, Scientific Reports, and Frontiers in Microbiology, he showcases a commendable blend of innovative research and technical depth. His international collaborations, technical proficiency in molecular biology and structural bioinformatics, and hands-on experience with modern tools like CRISPR and FPLC position him at the forefront of biomedical science. Recognized with multiple awards and currently serving as a Project Scientist, Dr. Chetri exemplifies excellence, making him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.