Yasai Li | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Yasai Li | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Ms. Yasai Li is a dedicated researcher in the field of Agronomy, currently contributing to advanced studies at the Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China. She earned her Ph.D. in Agronomy with a focus on crop productivity, stress physiology, and molecular breeding, equipping her with a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied plant sciences. Throughout her professional career, she has engaged in nationally funded research projects and international collaborations, working on improving crop yield, resistance, and sustainability. Her research interests include molecular breeding strategies, crop stress tolerance, and sustainable agricultural innovation, areas highly relevant to global food security. She has developed strong research skills in molecular genetics, bioinformatics, experimental design, and advanced agronomic techniques, complemented by her ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. Ms. Li has published in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, presented at recognized scientific conferences, and received recognition for her impactful contributions, positioning her as an emerging leader in agricultural sciences. With her commitment to innovation, scientific excellence, and mentorship, Ms. Yasai Li is poised to continue making meaningful contributions that advance agronomy research and support sustainable global agriculture.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publications

Zhang, R., Wu, H., Li, Y., Huang, Z., Yin, Z., Yang, C.-X., & Du, Z.-Q. (2023). GWLD: An R package for genome-wide linkage disequilibrium analysis. G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, 13(9), jkad154.

Li, Y., Chen, X., Chen, D., Wu, J., Chen, T., Qiao, M., Peng, X., Mei, S., & Feng, Y. (2023). MCEE promotes intramuscular fat deposition in pigs through regulating mitochondrial function.

Tang, J., Liu, C., Wang, Z., Zhu, T., Zhong, M., Li, Y., & Chen, M. (2025). Neuropeptide Y as a prognostic biomarker in electrical storm: Editorial comment on the reappraisal of neuropeptide Y as biomarker and therapeutic target in arrhythmic disorders. JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology, 11(4).

Margaretta Christita | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Margaretta Christita | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Young Researcher at National Research and Innovation Agency | Indonesia

Dr. Margaretta Christita is a plant pathologist and researcher at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), specializing in plant–microbe interactions, microbial biotechnology, and sustainable forest microbiology. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological and Environmental Sciences from the University of Helsinki, Finland, where her doctoral work focused on the histology and pathogenic mechanisms of Taphrina betulina in birch, following her bachelor’s in forestry and master’s in plant biotechnology from Universitas Gadjah Mada. Since beginning her research career in 2014 at the Ministry of Forestry, she has accumulated extensive professional experience, leading projects on biocontrol of plant pathogens, plant-assisted bioremediation, fungal and bacterial diversity, and industrial collaborations with PT. Royal Lestari Utama and PT. Java Agro Spices. Her research interests encompass plant disease resistance, microbial biofertilizers, endophytic microbes for stress tolerance, and biopharmaceutical potential of natural compounds. Skilled in molecular microbiology, metagenomics, microbial isolation, and bioassay techniques, she has published 21 documents indexed in Scopus, cited by 30 documents, with 35 total citations and an h-index of 4. She has also authored books, book chapters with Academic Press, and secured patents for microbial biocontrol agents and biofertilizers. Recognized for her applied innovations and academic outputs, she is a promising leader in advancing plant pathology and sustainability.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Irawan, A., Anggraeni, I., & Christita, M. (2015). Identifikasi penyebab penyakit bercak daun pada bibit cempaka (Magnolia elegans (Blume.) H. Keng) dan teknik pengendaliannya. Jurnal Wasian, 2(2), 87–94.

Arini, D. I. D., Christita, M., & Kinho, J. (2019). The macrofungi diversity and their potential utilization in Tangale Nature Reserve Gorontalo Province. Berita Biologi, 18(1), 109–115.

Christita, M., Arini, D. I. D., Kinho, J., Halawane, J. E., Kafiar, J., & Diwi, M. S. (2017). Keragaman dan potensi makrofungi di Obyek Ekowisata Kaki Dian, Gunung Klabat–Minahasa Utara. Jurnal Mikologi Indonesia, 1(2), 82–90.

Suryawan, A., Christita, M., & Yuliantoro, I. (2015). Potensi dan strategi pengembangan taman hutan raya Gunung Tumpa Manado, Sulawesi Utara dalam upaya konservasi keanekaragaman hayati subkawasan Wallacea. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Masyarakat Biodiversitas Indonesia, 1(4), 714–720.

Arini, D. I. D., Kinho, J., Diwi, M. S., Christita, M., Halawane, J. E., Fahmi, M. S., & Kafiar, Y. (2018). Keanekaragaman satwa liar untuk ekowisata Taman Hutan Aqua Lestari, Minahasa Utara. Jurnal Wasian, 5(1), 1–14.

Jianxiu Hao | Plant Pathology | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao | Plant Pathology | Women Researcher Award

Senior Agronomist at College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao is a dedicated scholar in the field of plant pathology, with a focus on the biological control of plant diseases and the application of beneficial microorganisms in agriculture. Her professional journey reflects a strong blend of academic excellence, research leadership, and practical innovation aimed at sustainable plant protection. She has contributed to advancing knowledge through impactful publications, books, and patents while playing an important role in the development of green agricultural practices. Her research addresses critical challenges in managing soil-borne plant diseases, particularly in economically important crops such as potatoes and strawberries. By integrating multidisciplinary approaches, she has developed solutions that combine molecular biology, microbiology, and applied agricultural sciences. Recognized for her contributions through various scientific awards and honors, Dr. Hao continues to lead research initiatives that not only expand academic understanding but also offer tangible benefits to agricultural productivity and food security.

Professional Profile 

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao completed her doctoral studies in plant pathology, establishing a strong academic foundation in the study of plant diseases and their management. Her doctoral research focused on the mechanisms of biological control and the role of functional microorganisms in enhancing plant resistance. This advanced training allowed her to explore innovative techniques for combating soil-borne pathogens, providing both theoretical insights and practical methods for disease management. Throughout her education, she developed expertise in molecular techniques, microbial screening, and pathogen interaction analysis. Her academic training was complemented by active involvement in collaborative projects, academic writing, and contributions to textbooks and teaching materials, enhancing her profile as both a researcher and an educator. The educational journey of Dr. Hao has been distinguished by a consistent emphasis on excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge that directly contributes to solving real-world challenges in sustainable agriculture and plant health management.

Professional Experience

Over the course of her professional career, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao has established herself as a respected academic and researcher in plant pathology. As an associate professor and senior agronomist, she has successfully combined teaching, research, and project leadership roles. She has published widely in international journals and contributed as deputy editor-in-chief to academic monographs, reflecting her strong commitment to scholarly communication. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she has led multiple scientific research projects and participated in several others, contributing significantly to advancements in her field. Her professional experience also includes the application of research outcomes to industry, with patents that demonstrate innovation in agricultural biotechnology. She has been recognized with prestigious awards for her contributions to science and technology, highlighting her role as both a thought leader and practitioner. Her professional career reflects a balance of academic scholarship, applied research, and service to the scientific and farming communities.

Research Interests

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao primary research interests center on the biological control of plant diseases and the discovery and application of beneficial microorganisms and their metabolites. She is particularly interested in developing innovative strategies to manage soil-borne diseases that pose major threats to crops such as potatoes and strawberries. Her research integrates molecular biology, microbial ecology, and agricultural biotechnology to identify effective microbial strains and their active compounds. She also explores the structural and functional mechanisms of microbial metabolites, aiming to understand their role in inducing plant resistance and suppressing pathogens. Another area of her research involves the concept of “plant vaccines,” where beneficial microorganisms are utilized to stimulate plant immune responses. Her work is highly interdisciplinary, involving plant science, microbiology, and biochemistry, and it seeks to provide sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. This research not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also addresses global agricultural challenges related to food security and sustainability.

Research Skills

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao possesses extensive research skills that span both fundamental and applied plant sciences. She is adept at designing and conducting experiments on pathogen–host interactions, microbial screening, and metabolite analysis. Her expertise includes molecular biology techniques for identifying target genes, bioassays for evaluating plant resistance, and advanced analytical methods for studying the structural properties of microbial metabolites. She has strong skills in project management, demonstrated by her ability to lead large-scale research projects and coordinate multidisciplinary teams. Her capacity to translate scientific findings into practical applications is evident from her patents and technology transfers in biological control. Additionally, she has contributed to scientific writing, textbook preparation, and the supervision of research students, enhancing her role as an academic mentor. Dr. Hao’s research skills are complemented by her ability to apply innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, making her a versatile scientist capable of bridging the gap between laboratory research and field application.

Awards and Honors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao has received multiple awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to plant pathology and agricultural science. Her achievements have been acknowledged through scientific and technological awards at institutional and regional levels, including recognition for her innovative work in guiding student research and entrepreneurship. She has been honored for her contributions to advancing green and sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in developing biological control methods that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. These honors not only highlight her scientific excellence but also her impact on agricultural innovation and rural development. She is an active member of professional societies, which further acknowledges her influence and leadership within the scientific community. Her role as president of a science and technology service association underscores her commitment to applying research outcomes for the benefit of farmers and herdsmen. Collectively, these recognitions affirm her position as a leading researcher and educator in plant science.

Publications Top Noted

Title: Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Attenuated Strain Gibellulopsis nigrescens GnVn.1 Causing Mild Wilt in Sunflower
Year: 2024

Title: Protein elicitor PeVn1 induces resistance to Botrytis cinerea in strawberry and differential transcriptomic analysis
Year: 2025

Title: Mechanism of N-Acetyl-D-alloisoleucine in Controlling Strawberry Black Root Rot
Year: 2024

Title: A protein elicitor PeVn1 from Verticillium nonalfalfae HW recognized as a MAMP triggers plant immunity response
Year: 2024

Title: Potential Candidate Molecule of Photosystem II Inhibitor Herbicide—Brassicanate A Sulfoxide
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Overall, the nominee presents a strong case for the Women Researcher Award through her impactful contributions in plant disease management, innovative research on beneficial microorganisms, and active role in academic and professional societies. With her proven record of scientific achievements and leadership, she stands as a deserving candidate for recognition. By expanding her international collaborations and increasing visibility in global research forums, her future contributions have the potential to make an even greater impact on sustainable agriculture and plant sciences.