Jianxiu Hao | Plant Pathology | Women Researcher Award

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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.

Sang Yeol Lee | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Botany Scientist

Prof. Dr. Sang Yeol Lee | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Gyeongsang National University, South Korea

Prof. Dr. Sang Yeol Lee is a renowned scientist in molecular biology, plant sciences, and biochemistry, with over 290 SCI-indexed international publications. He has made groundbreaking contributions to plant stress responses, enzymology, and cellular mechanisms. He earned his B.S. and M.S. from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from KAIST, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the NIH, USA. Since 1985, he has been a professor at Gyeongsang National University, currently serving as a Distinguished Professor. His career includes research positions at Kyoto University and NIH, along with leadership roles such as President of the Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology (KSMCB) and Director of the National Core Research Center (NCRC). Recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including Best Scientist honors from KAIST, KSMCB, and NAS, Prof. Lee continues to shape global scientific advancements through his research and academic leadership.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓

Prof. Dr. Sang Yeol Lee has an extensive academic background in biochemical and life sciences. He earned his B.S. in Food Science & Engineering from Seoul National University in 1980, where he developed a strong foundation in scientific research. He then pursued an M.S. in Enzymology from the same institution, completing it in 1982, focusing on biochemical processes and enzymatic functions. To further advance his expertise, he obtained a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from KAIST in 1985, specializing in molecular and cellular biology. Seeking international exposure, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, from 1987 to 1989, where he worked on advanced biochemical research. His educational journey across prestigious institutions equipped him with the knowledge and skills that have contributed to his outstanding research career, leading to significant advancements in molecular biology, enzymology, and plant sciences.

Professional Experience 💼

Prof. Dr. Sang Yeol Lee has had a distinguished career spanning several decades in academia and research. Since 1985, he has been a professor at Gyeongsang National University (GNU), where he currently serves as a Distinguished Professor. His international research experience includes positions as a Research Professor at Kyoto University, Japan (1990-1991), and at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA (1991-1992). He has held significant leadership roles, including serving as the Director of the National Core Research Center (NCRC) and as President of the Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology (KSMCB) in 2015. Additionally, he has been an advisor and appraiser for major research organizations such as KOSEF and the Next Generation BioGreen 21 Project. His extensive contributions in research, academic leadership, and policy development have played a crucial role in advancing molecular biology, plant sciences, and biochemical research in Korea and internationally.

Research Interest 🔬

Prof. Dr. Sang Yeol Lee’s research interests lie in molecular biology, plant sciences, enzymology, and biochemical stress responses. His work focuses on understanding plant stress tolerance mechanisms, particularly in relation to oxidative stress, redox signaling, and protein function in plants. He has made significant contributions to identifying key molecular pathways that regulate plant immunity, stress adaptation, and circadian rhythms. His studies on thioredoxin proteins, peroxiredoxins, and protein chaperones have provided critical insights into how plants respond to environmental challenges such as heat, salt, and oxidative stress. Additionally, his research extends to signal transduction, kinase regulation, and epigenetic modifications in plant development and defense. With over 290 SCI-indexed publications, his work has significantly influenced plant molecular biology and agricultural biotechnology, contributing to the development of stress-resistant crops. His research continues to shape advancements in plant stress physiology and biochemical adaptation strategies in response to climate change.

Award and Honor🏆

Prof. Dr. Sang Yeol Lee has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to molecular biology, plant sciences, and biochemistry. His achievements include the Distinguished Research Award from Gyeongsang National University (2004) and multiple Best Scientist Awards from organizations such as the Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology (KSMCB), the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MOEST). He was also recognized as one of Korea’s Best Scientists by the Association of Korean Journalists (2004) and received The Best 100-Scientific Achievements of Korea Award (2022). His scientific leadership earned him the Distinguished Alumni Award from KAIST (2013). With a career marked by national and international accolades, Prof. Lee’s research has significantly influenced plant molecular biology, enzymology, and biotechnology, reinforcing his status as one of Korea’s most distinguished scientists in life sciences.

Research Skill🔎

Prof. Dr. Sang Yeol Lee possesses exceptional research skills in molecular biology, biochemistry, plant sciences, and enzymology. His expertise includes protein biochemistry, redox signaling, gene expression analysis, and stress physiology in plants. He has extensive experience in molecular cloning, protein purification, structural biology, and functional genomics, which he has applied to understanding plant stress responses and cellular adaptation mechanisms. His work on thioredoxin proteins, peroxiredoxins, and kinase signaling pathways has provided groundbreaking insights into oxidative stress regulation, plant immunity, and environmental stress tolerance. Additionally, he is skilled in epigenetic analysis, transcriptomics, and advanced biochemical assays, which have contributed to his over 290 SCI-indexed publications. His ability to integrate cutting-edge biochemical techniques with plant molecular biology has enabled him to make significant contributions to agricultural biotechnology, particularly in developing stress-resistant crops and understanding plant adaptation to climate change. His diverse research skill set continues to advance scientific knowledge in plant sciences.

Conclusion📝

Prof. Sang Yeol Lee is a highly accomplished researcher with exceptional contributions to molecular biology and plant sciences. His impressive publication record, leadership in scientific societies, and multiple prestigious awards strongly support his candidacy for the Best Researcher Award. While he already holds a distinguished position, enhancing international collaborations and industrial applications could further solidify his legacy. Based on his credentials, he is an excellent choice for the award.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • NTRC mediates the coupling of chloroplast redox rhythm with nuclear circadian clock in plant cells – Sang-yeol Lee et al., Molecular Plant, 2025

  • FAD and NADPH binding sites of YUCCA6 are essential for chaperone activity and oxidative stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana – Sang-yeol Lee et al., Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2025

  • S-nitrosylation switches the Arabidopsis redox sensor protein, QSOX1, from an oxidoreductase to a molecular chaperone under heat stress – Sang-yeol Lee et al., Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2024 (3 citations)

  • Functional changes of OsTrxm from reductase to molecular chaperone under heat shock stress – Sang-yeol Lee et al., Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2023