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.

 

Farzad Rasouli | Abiotic Stress | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farzad Rasouli | Abiotic Stress | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | University of Maragheh | Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farzad Rasouli is a highly accomplished researcher with over a decade of experience in plant physiology, breeding, and sustainable agriculture. His research primarily focuses on understanding the effects of arbuscular mycorrhiza on plant growth under both normal and stress conditions, with the broader goal of enhancing sustainable food production. Dr. Rasouli has authored nearly 60 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals, earning 926 citations across 51 indexed documents and achieving an h-index of 18, which reflects the strong influence and consistency of his scholarly contributions. His expertise spans a wide range of experimental and analytical techniques, including vegetable production, grafting, in vitro culture, and the assessment of biochemical parameters such as photosynthetic pigments, proteins, carbohydrates, MDA, proline, and H₂O₂. He is also highly proficient in data analysis and modeling using R, SAS, SPSS, Minitab, and MSTATC, and has strong familiarity with bioinformatics platforms like Geneious Prime, MEGA11, Cytoscape, and CLC Genomic Workbench. Dr. Rasouli’s innovative research has explored plant responses to environmental stresses, nanomaterial interactions, and the development of biostimulants and nanocomposites for improved crop tolerance and productivity. Notable studies include work on salinity stress in tomato and grape, growth responses in lettuce under mycorrhiza inoculation, and the dual role of carbon nanotubes in plant physiology. Having also reviewed around 100 scientific papers, he actively contributes to advancing scientific rigor and dissemination in the field. His dedication, innovation, and impactful research position him as a leading figure in agricultural and plant science research.

Profile:  Scopus  |  ORCID  |  Google Scholar  |  ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Gohari, G., Safai, F., Panahirad, S., Akbari, A., Rasouli, F., Dadpour, M. R., & Fotopoulos, V. (2020). Modified multiwall carbon nanotubes display either phytotoxic or growth promoting and stress protecting activity in Ocimum basilicum L. in a concentration-dependent manner. Chemosphere, 249, 126171.

Ostadi, A., Javanmard, A., Machiani, M. A., Morshedloo, M. R., Nouraein, M., Rasouli, F., & Maggi, F. (2020). Effect of different fertilizer sources and harvesting time on the growth characteristics, nutrient uptakes, essential oil productivity and composition of Mentha × piperita L. Industrial Crops and Products, 148, 112290.

Aazami, M. A., Rasouli, F., & Ebrahimzadeh, A. (2021). Oxidative damage, antioxidant mechanism and gene expression in tomato responding to salinity stress under in vitro conditions and application of iron and zinc. BMC Plant Biology, 21(1), 597.

Aazami, M. A., Maleki, M., Rasouli, F., & Gohari, G. (2023). Protective effects of chitosan-based salicylic acid nanocomposite (CS-SA NCs) in grape (Vitis vinifera cv. ‘Sultana’) under salinity stress. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 883.

Rasouli, F., Amini, T., Asadi, M., Hassanpouraghdam, M. B., & Aazami, M. A. (2022). Growth and antioxidant responses of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to arbuscular mycorrhiza inoculation and seaweed extract foliar application. Agronomy, 12(2), 401.

Patrice Nduwayo | Pest Management | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Patrice Nduwayo | Pest Management | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Patrice Nduwayo | Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Science | Hungary

Mr. Patrice Nduwayo is a PhD student in Integrated Pest Management at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, conducting research at the CABI laboratory as part of the EU-funded Adopt IPM project. His work focuses on sustainable pest management, particularly the biological control of Ambrosia artemisiifolia using Ophraella communa, supported by comprehensive risk assessments to ensure environmental safety. Alongside his doctoral studies, he serves as a researcher and lecturer at the University of Burundi, contributing to teaching, mentoring, and advancing agricultural sustainability through innovative research and international collaboration.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background

Mr. Patrice Nduwayo is pursuing his doctoral studies in Integrated Pest Management at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, where he is engaged in advanced research at the CABI laboratory under the Adopt IPM project. His studies emphasize sustainable approaches to pest management, focusing on the biological control of invasive species such as Ambrosia artemisiifolia through the use of Ophraella communa, alongside thorough risk assessments to safeguard ecosystems. In addition to his academic research, he contributes as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Burundi, where he promotes knowledge sharing, student mentorship, and agricultural sustainability.

Professional Experience

Mr. Patrice Nduwayo has developed a strong foundation in research and teaching through his dual roles as a PhD student and lecturer. At the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, he conducts research at the CABI laboratory within the Adopt IPM project, where his work focuses on sustainable pest management and biological control strategies for invasive species. His contributions extend to the University of Burundi, where he serves as a lecturer and researcher, mentoring students and fostering academic growth. Through his professional engagements, he actively advances sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and international scientific collaboration in pest management.

Research Focus

Mr. Patrice Nduwayo’s research is centered on integrated pest management with a strong emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. His primary focus is the biological control of Ambrosia artemisiifolia using Ophraella communa, supported by rigorous risk assessments to ensure environmental safety and long-term agricultural benefits. Working within the Adopt IPM project at the CABI laboratory, his research contributes to reducing reliance on chemical pesticides while promoting biodiversity conservation. Beyond laboratory studies, his work integrates applied practices that support farmers and communities, aiming to enhance food security, sustainable agriculture, and ecological balance in both local and international contexts.

Publication Top Notes

Risk Assessment Approaches for Ophraella communa as a Biological Control Agent for Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Agricultural Landscapes of Southeastern Central Europe
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Mr. Patrice Nduwayo is a dedicated researcher and PhD student in Integrated Pest Management at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, conducting innovative work on the biological control of Ambrosia artemisiifolia using Ophraella communa. His contributions through the Adopt IPM project at the CABI laboratory highlight his commitment to sustainable agriculture and ecological safety. Alongside his doctoral research, he lectures at the University of Burundi, where he mentors students and advances knowledge in pest management and biodiversity conservation.

Hao Gong | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hao Gong | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hao Gong at South China Agricultural University, China

Dr. Hao Gong is a full-time teacher at South China Agricultural University specializing in agricultural mechanization engineering. With a PhD in the field, Dr. Gong has contributed significantly to intelligent agricultural machinery and seed-soil interaction research. He has published 15 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals such as Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, Soil and Tillage Research, and Agronomy. His interdisciplinary work bridges agricultural engineering and computational modeling, advancing both academic knowledge and practical applications. Dr. Gong’s innovative spirit is reflected in multiple granted patents, and he actively leads and collaborates on key national research projects in China.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Background

Dr. Hao Gong holds a PhD in Agricultural Mechanization Engineering from a recognized institution in China. His academic training equipped him with a robust understanding of agricultural systems, mechanical design, and computational methods. During his doctoral studies, he specialized in the interaction between agricultural machinery and biological systems, which laid the foundation for his later innovations in intelligent farming technologies. His education emphasized both theoretical depth and practical experimentation, enabling him to model complex processes like seed germination and develop new tools for agricultural measurement and automation.

Professional background

Dr. Gong serves as a full-time faculty member at South China Agricultural University, where he is actively engaged in teaching, mentoring, and conducting research. He is currently the Principal Investigator for a sub-project under China’s National Key R&D Program and a participant in multiple NSFC-funded projects. He has hands-on experience in project management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engineering-based innovation. With research roles extending over six years, he brings applied insight into smart agricultural equipment, modeling techniques, and patent development. His work also includes contribution to advanced simulation models and sensor-based agricultural solutions.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Hao Gong has received recognition for his scientific contributions, particularly through his involvement in nationally significant R&D projects. His patents reflect his commitment to applied research and agricultural innovation. Though no specific awards are listed, his patent grants from the China National Intellectual Property Administration, publications in top-tier journals, and active roles in competitive government-funded programs serve as indirect evidence of professional honor. His work is gaining increasing citation traction and peer acknowledgment in the academic and applied engineering communities.

Research Focus

Dr. Gong’s research is centered on intelligent agricultural machinery and the dynamic interaction between agricultural equipment, soil, and crops. Using advanced modeling tools like the Discrete Element Method (DEM), he explores seed germination and emergence under varying soil conditions. He has developed specialized devices to measure seedling emergence and germination forces and proposed DEM-based models to simulate seed growth. His research addresses critical bottlenecks in precision agriculture and soil-machine interaction, aiming to enhance automation, efficiency, and productivity in modern farming systems.

Publication Top Notes

Simulation analysis of fertilizer discharge process using the Discrete Element Method (DEM)
📅 Year: 2020 | 📊 Cited by: 34 | 🧪 DEM, fertilizer flow, agri-engineering

Benefits of mechanical weeding for weed control, rice growth characteristics and yield in paddy fields
📅 Year: 2023 | 📊 Cited by: 31 | 🌱 Weed control, rice yield, field study

Modelling of paddy soil using the CFD-DEM coupling method
📅 Year: 2023 | 📊 Cited by: 26 | 🧬 CFD-DEM, soil modeling, mechanization

Simulation of canola seedling emergence dynamics under different soil compaction levels using the discrete element method (DEM)
📅 Year: 2022 | 📊 Cited by: 18 | 🧑‍🌾 Seed emergence, soil compaction, DEM

Conclusion

Dr. Hao Gong is a highly qualified and competitive nominee for the Best Researcher Award, with a PhD in Agricultural Mechanization Engineering and a strong focus on intelligent agricultural machinery and soil-crop interaction modeling using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). He has published 15 SCI/Scopus-indexed papers in reputable journals such as Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, Soil and Tillage Research, and Agronomy, and has contributed to several national-level research initiatives, including as Principal Investigator in a National Key R&D Program sub-task. His innovative work is further demonstrated by four granted/published patents related to agricultural measurement and modeling systems. With 143 citations, his research influence is steadily growing, and his interdisciplinary contributions to precision agriculture position him as a strong candidate for this prestigious recognition.