Dr. Wenkui Liu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Exellence Award

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Dr. Wenkui Liu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Exellence Award

Shanxi Agriculture University | China

Dr. Wenkui Liu is a dedicated researcher in Agricultural and Biological Sciences, with specialized expertise in plant pathology, mycology, and molecular biology. He is currently a Research Associate at Shanxi Agricultural University, where his work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying plant–pathogen interactions, particularly fungal diseases affecting economically important crops. Dr. Liu has developed a strong academic foundation through advanced training in plant pathology and plant protection, enabling him to apply molecular genetics, functional genomics, and pathogenicity analysis to complex biological systems. His research is centered on the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum fructicola, where he has identified and characterized key transcription factors and signaling pathways that regulate infection, penetration, colonization, and disease development in host plants such as apple. Through systematic gene function analysis and regulatory network exploration, his work has significantly advanced knowledge of fungal pathogenic mechanisms and host–pathogen interactions. Dr. Liu has actively contributed to multiple competitive research projects supported by provincial and institutional funding programs, demonstrating strong research independence and project coordination skills. His findings have been disseminated through publications in leading international journals in plant pathology, microbiology, and food and agricultural sciences, reflecting both scientific rigor and practical relevance. In addition to fundamental plant disease research, he has also contributed to interdisciplinary studies linking pesticide residues, food safety, and biological health risks, broadening the impact of his work beyond traditional plant pathology. Dr. Liu is an active member of the Chinese Society for Plant Pathology and remains committed to advancing sustainable agriculture through disease management research. His consistent scientific contributions, methodological strength, and focus on agricultural problem-solving make him a highly deserving recipient of the Research Excellence Award.

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Featured Publications

Ms. Wenjie Wu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Research

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Ms. Wenjie Wu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Research

North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power | China

Ms. Wenjie Wu is a scholar in Agricultural Water–Soil Engineering whose work focuses on ecohydrology, vegetation water-use strategies, afforestation impacts, and soil–plant interactions in semi-arid landscapes, particularly the Loess Plateau of China. She serves as a Lecturer at the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, following her earlier academic position at the Central South University of Forestry and Technology, and has also undertaken international doctoral research training at Aarhus University in Denmark. Her academic foundation includes advanced research training at Northwest A&F University and undergraduate studies at the Hebei University of Engineering, through which she built strong expertise in hydrological processes, soil restoration, and sustainable agricultural systems. As a principal investigator, she leads competitive research projects funded by provincial science foundations, where she examines water consumption patterns, tree-species adaptability, deep-soil hydrological dynamics, and the ecological benefits of vegetation restoration. Her research output includes collaborative publications in high-impact journals such as Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, Catena, the European Journal of Forest Research, Forests, Journal of Hydrology, Agricultural Water Management, and Land Degradation & Development, covering themes like transpiration partitioning, root water-uptake responses, phenological controls on water use, and soil-property enhancement under restoration. Across her publication record, she has authored 14 documents, achieving an h-index of 10 with 395 citations cited by 364 documents, reflecting the visibility and influence of her contributions within the fields of hydrology, forestry, environmental science, and sustainable land management. Her collaborative work with national and international researchers highlights her commitment to advancing scientific understanding of water–soil–vegetation interactions, improving ecological restoration strategies, and supporting climate-resilient agricultural development in water-limited regions.

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Featured Publications

Wu, W. J., Li, H. J., Feng, H., Si, B. C., Chen, G. J., Meng, T. F., Li, Y., & Siddique, K. H. M. (2021). Precipitation dominates the transpiration of both the economic forest (Malus pumila) and ecological forest (Robinia pseudoacacia) on the Loess Plateau after about 15 years of water depletion in deep soil. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 297, 108244.

Wu, W. J., Tao, Z., Chen, G. J., Meng, T. F., Li, Y., Feng, H., Si, B. C., Manevski, K., Andersen, M. N., & Siddique, K. H. M. (2022). Phenology determines water use strategies of three economic tree species in the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 312, 108716.

Wang, D. L., Li, Y. B., Zhang, B. B., Jiang, T. C., Wu, S. Y., Wu, W. J., Li, Y., He, J. Q., Liu, D. L., Dong, Q. G., & Feng, H. (2025). Explore the evolution of winter wheat production and its response to climate change under varying precipitation years in the Loess Plateau of China. Agricultural Water Management, 309(2), 109335.

Muhammad Fahad | Crop Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Muhammad Fahad | Crop Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Muhammad Fahad is a PhD candidate in Crop Genetics and Breeding at Zhejiang University, China, focusing on abiotic stress tolerance, epigenetic regulation, and non-coding RNAs in crops. He holds an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Pakistan. His research involves molecular techniques such as gene cloning, CRISPR-Cas9, and transcriptomics, with ongoing projects in Brassica napus and rice. Fahad has published on plant stress responses, reviewed for leading journals, and received multiple academic awards, including a Best Poster Award as a CSC scholar.

Mr. Muhammad Fahad | Zhejiang University | China

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🎓Education

  • Muhammad Fahad is currently a PhD candidate in Crop Genetics and Breeding at the College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, China, under the supervision of Prof. Wu Liang. He began his doctoral studies in September 2021. Prior to this, he completed his M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture with a specialization in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. His graduate studies spanned from August 2014 to February 2021.

👨‍🏫 Experience

  • Muhammad Fahad is currently a PhD candidate in Crop Genetics and Breeding at the College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, China, under the supervision of Prof. Wu Liang. He began his doctoral studies in September 2021. Prior to this, he completed his M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture with a specialization in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. His graduate studies spanned from August 2014 to February 2021.

🏆Awards and Recognitions

  • In 2024, he received the Best Poster Award as a CSC scholar at Zhejiang University. His achievements also include an appreciation certificate and an exchange student fellowship from the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences in 2020, and a Best Performance award from the Strengthening Participatory Organization in 2019.

💡Skills and Certifications

  • Muhammad Fahad possesses a diverse and advanced skill set in the fields of crop sciences, molecular biology, and agricultural biotechnology. He is highly proficient in gene cloning, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, protein-protein interaction studies, and tissue culture techniques. His expertise extends to cutting-edge areas such as DNA methylation, epigenetic regulation, and non-coding RNA analysis in plants. Fahad is also skilled in bioinformatics and statistical analysis, with hands-on experience using R, Python, SPSS, and Linux for transcriptomic and epigenomic data interpretation. In addition to his technical abilities, he is an accomplished scientific writer and peer reviewer, with a proven track record of publishing in high-impact journals. His collaborative nature, cross-cultural research experience, and commitment to innovation make him a valuable contributor to both academic and applied agricultural research.

🔬 Research Focus

  • His primary research interests include abiotic stress tolerance, plant breeding, epigenetic regulation in crops, and the role of non-coding RNAs in stress responses and genetic regulation.

🌎Conclusion

  • With a consistent record of scientific productivity, innovative research direction, technical proficiency, and international collaboration, Muhammad Fahad is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions not only enhance academic understanding but also pave the way for practical solutions to pressing agricultural challenges. Recognizing him with this award would honor a researcher who is truly shaping the future of crop sciences.

📖Publications

  •  MicroRNA gatekeepers: Orchestrating rhizospheric dynamics
    Authors: Muhammad Fahad, Leeza Tariq, Wanchang Li, Liang Wu
    Journal: Journal of Integrative Plant Biology

  •  MicroRNA regulation and environmental sensing in grasses
    Authors: Sajid Muhammad, Muhammad Fahad, Weijun Zhou, Liang Wu
    Journal: Grass Research

  • Comparative Analysis of Phytohormone Biosynthesis Genes Responses to Long-Term High Light in Tolerant and Sensitive Wheat Cultivars
    Authors: Zhi-Ang Li, Muhammad Fahad, Wan-Chang Li, Leeza Tariq, Miao-Miao Liu, Ya-Nan Liu, Tai-Xia Wang
    Journal: Plants

  • Underground communication: Long non-coding RNA signaling in the plant rhizosphere
    Authors: Muhammad Fahad, Leeza Tariq, Sajid Muhammad, Liang Wu
    Journal: Plant Communications

  • Comparative and functional analysis unveils the contribution of photoperiod to DNA methylation, sRNA accumulation, and gene expression variations in short‐day and long‐day grasses
    Authors: Xia Wu, Siyi Chen, Feng Lin, Fahad Muhammad, Haiming Xu, Liang Wu
    Journal: The Plant Journal

Prof. Dong Chu | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dong Chu | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dong Chu is a Professor at Qingdao Agricultural University, specializing in agricultural insect and pest management. He earned his Ph.D. from Shenyang Agricultural University in 2004 and has held key academic positions, including a tenure at the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and a visiting scholarship at The University of Arizona. His research focuses on biological invasions, horticultural pest control, and invasive insect species. He is an active member of several national plant protection committees and serves as an editor for multiple scientific journals.

Prof. Dong Chu | Qingdao Agricultural University | China

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🎓 Education

  • Dong Chu earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Insect and Pest Management from Shenyang Agricultural University in 2004. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Protection at Laiyang Agricultural Academy in 1999.

💼 Experience

  • With extensive experience in agricultural research and pest management, Dong Chu has been a Professor at Qingdao Agricultural University since 2012. Before this, he served as a Professor at the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences from 2011 to 2012. His international exposure includes a tenure as a Visiting Scholar at The University of Arizona, USA, from 2010 to 2011. He also held the position of Associate Professor at the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences from 2004 to 2011, where he contributed significantly to the field of entomology and pest control.

🔥 Awards and Achievements

  • Dong Chu has earned recognition for his contributions to agricultural sciences, particularly in the areas of pest management and biological invasion. His expertise has led to key positions in various committees and editorial boards, reflecting his influence in the scientific community.

🛠️ Skills and Certifications

  • He possesses specialized skills in agricultural insect and pest management, biological invasions, and horticultural pest control. His work focuses on the study of alien invasive insects and the development of effective pest control strategies. Additionally, his editorial experience in multiple scientific journals highlights his proficiency in research dissemination and academic writing.

🔬 Research Focus

  • Dong Chu’s research primarily revolves around agricultural pest management, biological invasions, and the control of invasive insect species. His contributions extend to the study of horticultural pests, where he plays an active role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. His involvement in national scientific committees further emphasizes his commitment to improving plant protection strategies in China.

Conclusion

  • Dr. Dong Chu is a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His groundbreaking research in pest management, climate change adaptation in agriculture, and biological control of invasive species has significantly impacted global food security and agricultural sustainability. His leadership roles, international collaborations, and editorial contributions further strengthen his candidacy, making him a standout researcher in the field of agricultural science.

📄Publications

  • Effects of Marquandomyces marquandii SGSF043 on the Germination Activity of Chinese Cabbage Seeds: Evidence from Phenotypic Indicators, Stress Resistance Indicators, Hormones and Functional Genes
    Authors: X. Zheng, Y. Huang, X. Lin, D. Chu, F. Yang
    Journal: Plants, 2025

  • Machine learning ensemble model prediction of northward shift in potato cyst nematodes (Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida) distribution under climate change conditions
    Authors: Y. He, G. Wang, Y. Ren, D. Chu, S.J. McKirdy
    Journal: Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2024

  • Development of an on-site diagnostic LAMP assay for rapid differentiation of the invasive pest Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) using insect tissues
    Authors: L.F. Yang, Y. Liu, Y. Tao, G. Zhang, D. Chu
    Journal: Pest Management Science, 2024

  • Maxent modelling combined with fuzzy logic provides new insights into predicting the distribution of potato cyst nematodes with limited data
    Authors: Y. He, G. Wang, Y. Ren, S.J. McKirdy, D. Chu
    Journal: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2024

  • Dual mutations in the whitefly nicotinic Acetylcholine receptor β1 subunit confer target-site resistance to multiple neonicotinoid insecticides
    Authors: C. Yin, A.O. O’Reilly, S. Liu, X. Yang, Z. Zhang
    Journal: PLoS Genetics, 2024

Jinhua Li | Olericulture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof . Zhaoxia Tong | Olericulture | Best Researcher Award

Research & Teaching:
  • Their current role as a Professor of Olericulture (vegetable science) at Southwest University highlights a focus on plant molecular biology, genetic engineering, and horticultural advancements. These fields are particularly relevant today due to their application in food security, sustainable agriculture, and crop resilience under climate change.
 Prof . Jinhua Li, Southwest University, China

Profile

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🎓Early Academic Pursuits

  • Beginning with a B.A. in Horticulture from Huazhong Agricultural University (2002-2006), this academic journey continued with an M.A. in Horticulture & Forestry Sciences (2006-2009), followed by a Ph.D. in the same field (2009-2013). These formative years laid the foundation for a deep expertise in plant sciences, especially Olericulture. A significant milestone was the visiting scholar position at the University of California, San Diego (2017-2018), where work in Cell and Developmental Biology at Julian I. Schroeder’s lab expanded international research experience.

💼Professional Endeavors

  • After earning the Ph.D., the individual began teaching at Southwest University, progressing from Associate Professor of Olericulture (2013-2018) to Professor (2018-present). Courses taught include Plant Genetic Engineering for graduates, alongside Plant Molecular Biology and Vegetable Science for undergraduates, emphasizing a commitment to educating future leaders in plant sciences.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

  • The primary focus of research has been in Olericulture and Plant Genetic Engineering, particularly on improving vegetable crops through molecular advancements. Alongside teaching, the individual has made significant research contributions, exploring new methods for crop enhancement and sustainability.

🌍Impact and Influence

  • The individual’s research has had a strong impact on the horticultural field, both in terms of advancing Plant Molecular Biology and shaping students’ careers. The international collaboration with UC San Diego exemplifies the global influence of this work, driving forward innovative research in plant sciences.

🏅ACADEMIC CITES 

  • Numerous research papers have been cited in prestigious scientific journals, highlighting the contribution to the academic community and furthering knowledge in horticultural science.

 📚LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

  • With a legacy of dedicated teaching and cutting-edge research, the focus on Plant Genetic Engineering is set to continue, promising future contributions that will push the boundaries of sustainable agriculture and improve crop productivity. The individual’s work not only contributes to academic growth but also holds the potential to shape the future of global agricultural practices.

📰PUBLICATIONS

  • HyPRP1, A Tomato Multipotent Regulator, Negatively Regulates Tomato Resistance to Sulfur Dioxide Toxicity and Can Also Reduce Abiotic Stress Tolerance of Escherichia coli and Tobacco
    Authors: Chen, X.; Wang, L.; Liang, Y.; Ding, Y.; Li, J.
    Journal: Horticulturae, 2022, 8(12), 1118
  •  Heterologous Expression of Human Metallothionein Gene HsMT1L Can Enhance the Tolerance of Tobacco (Nicotiana nudicaulis Watson) to Zinc and Cadmium
    Authors: Zheng, Y.; Cui, M.; Ni, L.; Pan, Y.; Zhang, X.
    Journal: Genes, 2022, 13(12), 2413
  • Effects of Phytochelatin-like Gene on the Resistance and Enrichment of Cd2+ in Tobacco
    Authors: Zheng, Y.; Li, M.; Liu, B.; Pan, Y.; Zhang, X.
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022, 23(24), 16167
  • Pterostilbene Production of Tomato Transformed with Resveratrol Synthase and Resveratrol O-methyltransferase Genes
    Authors: Zhang, Y.; Ni, L.; Chen, S.; Pan, Y.; Zhang, X.
    Journal: Plant Science, 2022, 322, 111343
  • Genome-Wide Analysis of the Protein Phosphatase 2C Genes in Tomato
    Authors: Qiu, J.; Ni, L.; Xia, X.; Li, J.; Zhang, X.
    Journal: Genes, 2022, 13(4), 604