Xiaolan Jiang | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award | 13550

Published on by Research Awards

Assoc Prof Dr. Xiaolan Jiang | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Xiaolan Jiang, Anhui Agricultural University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaolan Jiang is a distinguished researcher at Anhui Agricultural University, China, specializing in the secondary metabolism and physiological ecology of tea plants. As an associate professor and master’s supervisor, she has authored over twenty high-impact papers in leading journals such as Plant Cell & Environment, Horticulture Research, and Tree Physiology. Dr. Jiang has led numerous national and provincial research projects, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Anhui Provincial Science Foundations. Her work has resulted in two authorized invention patents and has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Award and the Sixth Youth Science and Technology Award from the Chinese Tea Society.

Authors Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Xiaolan Jiang’s academic journey began with a strong interest in plant sciences, particularly the intricate biological mechanisms that govern growth, development, and metabolic processes in crops. Her formative years in academia were marked by rigorous training in agricultural sciences, laying the foundation for her later specialization in tea plant physiology and metabolism. Driven by curiosity and commitment to scientific excellence, she pursued advanced degrees that equipped her with in-depth knowledge of plant molecular biology, biochemistry, and ecology—disciplines essential for unraveling the complexities of secondary metabolism in tea plants.

Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at Anhui Agricultural University, China, Dr. Jiang has established herself as a dedicated educator and accomplished researcher. Her academic role involves both teaching and guiding graduate students in advanced scientific investigations. Over the years, she has successfully led and collaborated on several significant national and provincial-level research initiatives.

She has notably been the principal investigator of competitive research projects, such as:

  • Youth and General Projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC),

  • The Youth Science and Technology Talent Support Program under the Anhui Association for Science and Technology,

  • Sub-projects within the National Key Research and Development Program,

  • Multiple grants from both the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation and Anhui Provincial University Natural Science Foundation.

Her leadership in these multidisciplinary projects reflects her ability to integrate ecological, biochemical, and physiological perspectives into actionable research on tea plants.

Research Focus

Dr. Jiang’s research is primarily centered on the secondary metabolism and physiological ecology of tea plants, a vital field that investigates how environmental factors influence the biosynthesis of important compounds such as flavonoids, catechins, and alkaloids. These compounds not only contribute to the flavor and health benefits of tea but also play key roles in plant defense and adaptability.

Her contributions include:

  • Revealing the mechanisms of stress-induced metabolic pathways in tea plants,

  • Exploring how climatic and ecological factors influence tea quality and yield,

  • Publishing over twenty research articles as first or corresponding author in respected journals such as Plant Cell & Environment, Horticulture Research, and Tree Physiology.

Moreover, Dr. Jiang has demonstrated innovation through her patented inventions, two of which have been officially approved and authorized—showcasing her ability to bridge basic science with applied agricultural solutions.

Award and Recognition

Dr. Jiang’s scientific excellence has not gone unnoticed. Her work has earned her several prestigious honors, including:

  • The Anhui Provincial Natural Science Award,

  • The Sixth Youth Science and Technology Award conferred by the Chinese Tea Society.

These accolades speak to her leadership, creativity, and sustained contributions to agricultural science and tea research in China. They also reflect the high regard in which she is held by the national and regional scientific communities.

Publications

📘 Root-specific CsATs enhances acylated flavonol-glycoside accumulation to promote aluminum tolerance in tea roots – Plant Science (2025)
📘 Metabolic Characterization of the Anthocyanidin Reductase Pathway Involved in the Biosynthesis of Flavan-3-ols in Elite Shuchazao Tea (<em>Camellia sinensis</em>) Cultivar in the Field – Molecules (2017)

Wei-Wei DENG | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Awards

Prof Dr. Wei-Wei DENG | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Wei-Wei DENG, Anhui Agricultural University, China

Prof. Dr. Wei-Wei Deng is a leading expert in plant molecular biology and tea science at Anhui Agricultural University, China. With a Ph.D. from Ochanomizu University, Japan, her research focuses on the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in tea plants, including caffeine, catechins, and theanine. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and received several prestigious awards, such as the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Award. As Vice Dean and doctoral supervisor, Prof. Deng has significantly advanced molecular understanding and industrial applications in tea science, making her a prominent figure in the global plant biology community.

Author Profile

Scopus

👩‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits: A Strong Foundation in Tea Science

Prof. Dr. Wei-Wei Deng’s academic journey reflects her unwavering passion for plant sciences, particularly in the specialized domain of tea plant biology. She began her academic career at Anhui Agricultural University, earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Tea Science, where she cultivated a strong interest in the biochemistry and molecular mechanisms behind tea plant traits.

Her academic trajectory took an international turn when she pursued a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the renowned Ochanomizu University in Japan. There, her doctoral research focused on the “Biosynthesis of Secondary Metabolites in Tea Plants,” laying a molecular foundation for what would become her lifelong research theme. This cross-cultural academic training equipped her with advanced tools in molecular biology, omics technologies, and a deeper insight into the functional genomics of plants.

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors: Educator, Innovator, and Academic Leader

Currently serving as Vice Dean at the College of Tea Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Prof. Deng is also affiliated with the National Key Laboratory for Tea Plant Germplasm Innovation and Resource Utilization. Her leadership extends beyond administration to mentoring doctoral students and guiding interdisciplinary research teams.

As an academic leader, she contributes to shaping national agendas in tea science and represents a new generation of researchers actively involved in transforming traditional agricultural research into modern, molecular-driven innovations.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus: Unlocking the Molecular Secrets of Ta 🍃

Prof. Deng’s research spans across several cutting-edge areas of plant molecular biology, with a keen focus on tea plant metabolism. Her primary contributions include:

  • Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis: Prof. Deng has deciphered the biosynthetic pathways of key tea compounds like caffeine, catechins, and theanine. This has improved the understanding of aroma and flavor formation, enabling targeted breeding and quality control.

  • Functional Genomics of Albino Tea: She has led molecular investigations into albino tea leaf mutants, analyzing gene expressions and metabolite profiles to understand leaf discoloration, temperature responses, and biochemical advantages.

  • Integration of Omics Technologies: By combining metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, her team has mapped complex metabolic responses under varying environmental and genetic conditions.

  • Microbial Interactions and Endophytes: Her work has expanded into how endophytic bacteria influence tea plant growth and metabolite production, adding a new layer of biological complexity and practical application.

Her numerous papers in international journals such as Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Food Chemistry, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and Food Research International have garnered recognition for their depth and scientific rigor.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition: Celebrating Excellence

Prof. Deng’s excellence has been consistently acknowledged through prestigious honors and awards, including:

  • 🥇 First Prize, Anhui Provincial Natural Science Award

  • 🌟 Distinguished Young Scholar, Anhui Science Foundation

  • 🌱 Rising Star in Education and University Teaching Celebrity, Anhui Province

  • 🧪 Young Talent Award from the China Tea Science Society

  • 🧬 Multiple competitive research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China

These accolades highlight both her academic merit and societal relevance, acknowledging her as a key contributor to scientific innovation in tea biotechnology.

🌍 Impact and Influence: From Lab to Leaf to Society

Prof. Deng’s influence extends beyond academia into the agricultural industry and regional policy development. She has been a major force behind:

  • Developing standardized tea processing technologies

  • Supporting local economic development through scientific advisory roles

  • Strengthening industry-academia collaborations that transform scientific discoveries into practical innovations for farmers and tea enterprises

As a respected doctoral supervisor, she has mentored the next generation of plant scientists, emphasizing innovation, integrity, and sustainable development.

🧬 Legacy and Future Contributions: Paving the Way for Molecular Tea Science

Prof. Deng is building a legacy rooted in translational plant biology—transforming complex molecular findings into field applications that benefit farmers, processors, and consumers. Looking forward, her research is expected to delve deeper into:

  • Epigenetics and environmental responses in tea plants

  • Expanding the understanding of plant-microbe interactions

  • Innovations in precision agriculture and tea quality monitoring

Her work will continue to shape how tea is cultivated, processed, and consumed—enhancing both nutritional value and economic sustainability.

✍️Publication Top Notes

📘 Metabolomics and sensory evaluation reveal the influence of four albino tea cultivars on the quality of processed green tea

Author: Yifan Li, Zhen Han, Miao Wang, Yaxing Yan, Ruihong Ma, Hongping Wang, Wei-Wei Deng

Journal: Food Research International

Year: 2025

📘Investigation of the effect of over-fired drying on the taste and aroma of Lu’an Guapian tea using metabolomics and sensory histology techniques

Author: Jixin Zhang , Wanzhen Feng , Zhichao Xiong , Shuai Dong , Caiyan Sheng , Yida Wu , Guojian Deng , Wei-Wei Deng , Jingming Ning

Journal: Food Chemistry

Year: 2024

 

Hanbing Zhang | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award | 13452

Published on by Research Awards

Assist Prof Dr. Hanbing Zhang | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Assist Prof Dr. Hanbing Zhang, Dalian Ocean University, China

Dr. Hanbing Zhang, Associate Professor at Dalian Ocean University and Deputy Director of the Experimental Center, is a leading innovator in fisheries equipment and eco-efficient aquatic technologies. With over 20 SCI-indexed publications, 20 patents, and leadership in 14 national/provincial projects—including the Blue Granary sub-program—his research has significantly advanced mechanization and sustainability in Chinese aquaculture.

👩‍⚕️ Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

From his formative academic years, Dr. Hanbing Zhang demonstrated a keen aptitude for applied sciences, particularly in the field of agricultural and fishery engineering. With a Ph.D. in an engineering-related discipline, he set the foundation for a research-intensive career by focusing on real-world applications for sustainable aquaculture. His early studies laid the groundwork for developing advanced fisheries equipment, which would later earn national and provincial acclaim.

🧪 Professional Endeavors and Research Leadership

Now serving as Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Experimental Center at Dalian Ocean University, Dr. Zhang is a pioneering force in fishery technology and environmental innovation. His role encompasses academic teaching, laboratory development, and project leadership.

He has led or participated in 14 completed or ongoing research projects, many of which were funded by prestigious national grants, including contributions to China’s Blue Granary initiative, which supports sustainable seafood harvesting and production across the nation. These projects are not only significant in academic terms but also directly influence China’s aquatic food security strategy.

⚙️ Contributions and Research Focus

A standout element of Dr. Zhang’s work is his invention and optimization of mechanized fisheries systems, notably the:

  • BMJ-2 Mechanized Sower

  • BCJ-2 Ecological Harvester

These systems have been formally recognized by China’s Ministry of Agriculture and are currently in use across eight provinces, achieving a 45% reduction in operational costs — a remarkable feat in energy efficiency and operational scalability.

Dr. Zhang’s research spans:

  • Fishery equipment innovation

  • Marine and aquatic product processing

  • Energy-saving technologies in aquaculture

  • Emission-reduction systems in sustainable farming

These developments not only boost yield efficiency but also contribute to climate-conscious agriculture.

📚 Scientific Contributions and Publications

Dr. Zhang has published over 20 scientific papers, with 13 indexed in SCI and Scopus, contributing valuable data to the global research community on marine and aquatic systems. His work combines rigorous engineering models with ecological stewardship.

In addition, he holds an impressive 20 patents, including a wakame separation system that boasts 92% separation efficiency—a testament to his technical ingenuity.

His scholarly impact continues to rise, as evidenced by ongoing consultations in 14 industry-sponsored projects, where academia meets industrial implementation.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Zhang has received multiple provincial awards for both his scientific research and teaching excellence. These accolades underscore the dual strength of his profile—as both a cutting-edge researcher and a devoted academic mentor.

He is an active member of several professional societies:

  • China Agricultural Engineering Society

  • China Agricultural Machinery Society

  • China Fisheries Society

These memberships reflect his continued engagement with the broader scientific and agricultural technology communities.

🌏 Impact and Influence

What sets Dr. Zhang apart is his deep community and ecological impact. By integrating smart technologies into traditional aquaculture systems, he’s creating scalable models for environmentally sustainable fisheries.

His inventions are currently benefiting farmers across China, making their work more efficient, profitable, and ecologically safe. Through innovation, he empowers local economies and promotes low-carbon agriculture — a national and global priority.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a trailblazer in eco-innovative fishery equipment, Dr. Hanbing Zhang is shaping the future of sustainable marine resource management. His ability to translate research into real-world solutions has not only improved productivity but also positioned him as a leader in marine technology.

Looking forward, Dr. Zhang aims to expand his research on:

  • Artificial intelligence integration in fishery automation

  • Carbon-neutral aquaculture technologies

  • Collaborative marine equipment networks across Asia-Pacific

These future endeavors will further his goal of making China a global leader in smart and sustainable fisheries.

📄Publication Top Notes

📄Biofouling Community Dynamics on Nylon and Polyethylene Aquaculture Nets in the North Yellow Sea: Colonization Patterns and Mytilus edulis Mechanical Properties

Author: S., He, Sai, Q., Xue, Qingsong, Z., Fu, Zhixuan, … H., Zhang, Hanbing, T., Qiu, Tianlong

Journal: Water,

Year: 2025