Peter Hristov | Biochemistry | Editorial Board Member

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Prof Dr. Peter Hristov | Biochemistry | Editorial Board Member

Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IBER-BAS) | Bulgaria

Prof. Dr. Peter Ivanov Hristov is a distinguished Bulgarian molecular biologist and biochemist whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of animal genetic diversity, molecular phylogeny, and population structure in domestic and wild species. Currently serving as a Professor at the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research (IBER) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, he has built a rigorous academic career grounded in molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity conservation. Prof. Hristov earned his Master’s degree from Trakia University in 1999, followed by a Ph.D. in 2005 from the Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction at BAS. Over the past decade, he has progressed through academic ranks, serving as Chief Assistant (2010–2015), Associate Professor (2015–2021), and Professor (2021–present), reflecting his longstanding contributions to the field. His primary research areas include biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular phylogeny, population structure studies, and taxonomic research, complemented by strong expertise in bioinformatics and the statistical processing of molecular data. His involvement in international scientific collaborations includes participation in the EU’s Sixth Framework Programme—DeLiver Project (2007–2011)—demonstrating his engagement in large-scale, interdisciplinary research initiatives. Prof. Hristov’s scientific output is extensive and influential. He has authored 83 scientific publications, 59 of which appear in impact-factor or indexed journals, accumulating over 665 citations, with an h-index of 13 (Scopus). Remarkably, in the last five years alone, he has produced 40 publications, all in indexed journals, underscoring his active and consistent research productivity. His work spans genetic differentiation in livestock breeds, molecular detection of bee pathogens, mitochondrial DNA analyses, and phylogenetic exploration across various species. Key recent studies include genetic structure analysis of Bulgarian goat and horse breeds (Diversity, 2024), molecular pathogen detection in honey bees (Veterinary Sciences, 2023), and mitochondrial sequencing contributions revealing domestication centers in horse lineages (Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2022). His research also provides crucial insights into livestock conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and the application of molecular tools in animal breeding and health management. Prof. Hristov is widely recognized in the scientific community, publishing internationally under the name Peter Hristov and maintaining active research profiles on Scopus, ResearchGate, and ORCID. His work continues to bridge molecular science and biodiversity conservation, reinforcing his role as a leading figure in genetic research within Bulgaria and beyond.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Radoslavov, G., Kalaydzhiev, G., Yordanov, G., Palova, N., Salkova, D., & Hristov, P. (2025). Genetic diversity of native Bulgarian sheep breeds based on the mitochondrial D-loop sequence analysis. Small Ruminant Research, 108, 107527.

Yordanov, G., Yordanov, T., Mehandjyiski, I., Radoslavov, G., Salkova, D., & Hristov, P. (2025). Population structure and genetic diversity among Shagya Arabian horse genealogical lineages in Bulgaria based on microsatellite genotyping. Veterinary Sciences, 12(8), 776.

Stoeva, D., Gencheva, D., Radoslavov, G., Hristov, P., Yordanova, R., & Beev, G. (2025). Novel DNA barcoding and multiplex PCR strategy for the molecular identification and mycotoxin gene detection of Fusarium spp. in maize from Bulgaria. Methods and Protocols, 8(4), 78.

Salkova, D., Balkanska, R., Shumkova, R., Lazarova, S., Radoslavov, G., & Hristov, P. (2024). Molecular detection and phylogenetic relationships of honey bee-associated viruses in bee products. Veterinary Sciences, 11(8), 369.

Yordanov, G., Kalaydzhiev, G., Palova, N., Salkova, D., Lozanova, L., Dundarova, H., Odjakova, T., Todorov, P., Radoslavov, G., & Hristov, P. (2024). Genetic differentiation and population structure of two Bulgarian local goat breeds using microsatellite markers. Diversity, 16(7), 388.

Hristov, P., Radoslavov, G., Mehandjyiski, I., Salkova, D., & Yordanov, G. (2024). Genetic diversity and population structure among Arabian horse genealogical lineages in Bulgaria. Diversity, 16(5), 281.

Kalaydzhiev, G., Palova, N., Dundarova, H., Lozanova, L., Mehandjyiski, I., Radoslavov, G., & Hristov, P. (2023). Mitochondrial diversity and phylogenetic relationship of eight native Bulgarian sheep breeds. Animals, 13(23), 3655.

 

Peste-Ras (Marcu) Iuliana | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Peste-Ras (Marcu) Iuliana| Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Doctoral School of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest | Romania

Peste-Ras (Marcu) Iuliana is an accomplished Chemistry and Physics educator and an emerging researcher dedicated to advancing sustainable practices and innovative methodologies in chemical and environmental sciences. She currently serves as a Chemistry Teacher at High School Toma Socolescu, within the Department of Chemistry in Ploiesti, Romania, where she has been contributing to the academic and personal development of students since 2001. Her teaching career reflects a deep commitment to scientific literacy, hands-on learning, and the promotion of green chemistry principles among young learners. Between 2013 and 2015, she also served as a University Lecturer at the University of Oil and Gas, Ploiesti, Romania, where she taught chemistry-related subjects and guided undergraduate students in research projects. Dr. (PhD candidate) Iuliana Peste-Ras’s academic journey demonstrates a solid foundation in both the natural and applied sciences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Physics from the University of Petroleum and Gas, Faculty of Letters and Science, Ploiesti in 2001. Pursuing her passion for environmental sustainability, she completed a Master’s degree in Life Sciences and Ecology from the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica, Bucharest in 2019. She is currently a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica, Bucharest, where her research focuses on the valorization of natural products, food chemistry, and eco-friendly analytical methods for assessing the quality and antioxidant potential of horticultural produce. Her scientific contributions include notable research on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits, focusing on their physical and chemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and preservation techniques. Her publications highlight her growing influence in the field of food chemistry and sustainable processing. In 2022, she co-authored “The Effect of Peel and Seed Removal on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Tomato Fruits” published in U.P.B. Scientific Bulletin, Series B (84(3), 78–88). Her 2024 study, “The Effect of Freezing on the Physico-Chemical Properties of Tomato Fruits” (U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 86(1), 166–172), examined the influence of storage conditions on nutritional quality. Her 2025 publication in Horticulturae (Q1, IF: 3) titled “Analysis of the Antioxidant Capacity of Whole-Fruit Tomato Powder Using the FRAP Assay — An Eco-Friendly Approach for the Valorization of Horticultural Products” underscores her commitment to sustainable science and innovation in agricultural product research. Through her teaching excellence, research dedication, and academic leadership, Iuliana Peste-Ras continues to make a meaningful contribution to science education, food chemistry, and ecological sustainability in Romania and beyond.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Pește-Ras (Marcu), I., Radu, G. L., & Dăncilă, A. M. (2025). Analysis of the antioxidant capacity of whole-fruit tomato powder using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay—An eco-friendly approach for the valorization of horticultural products. Horticulturae, 11(9), 1145. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091145

Xiaolan Jiang | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award | 13550

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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)

Li Zhou | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award | 13329

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Li Zhou | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Li Zhou, Jiangnan University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Li Zhou is a researcher at Jiangnan University, specializing in microbial metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Holding a Ph.D. in Fermentation Engineering, Dr. Zhou has made significant contributions to the biosynthesis of value-added compounds such as L-alanine, D-lactate, and terpenoids with industrial applications. With 66 journal publications and collaborations with Zhejiang University, University of Stellenbosch, and Durban University of Technology, Dr. Zhou has advanced dynamic metabolic engineering frameworks for sustainable biomanufacturing. His research is widely recognized, with 1,649 citations, three patents, and impactful contributions to metabolic engineering and biotechnology.

Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Li Zhou’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in biotechnology, leading him to pursue a Ph.D. in Fermentation Engineering from Jiangnan University. His doctoral research focused on optimizing microbial pathways to enhance fermentation efficiency, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to microbial metabolic engineering. Through rigorous training and an in-depth understanding of synthetic biology, Dr. Zhou developed expertise in engineering microbial systems for industrial applications, particularly in biosynthesis and bio-based production.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

Since joining the School of Biotechnology at Jiangnan University as an Associate Professor in 2012, Dr. Zhou has dedicated himself to advancing microbial metabolic engineering. Over the past decade, he has worked on multiple research projects, applying innovative synthetic biology approaches to microbial cell factories. His collaborations with Zhejiang University, the University of Stellenbosch, and Durban University of Technology have led to groundbreaking studies published in high-impact journals such as Bioresource Technology and Metabolic Engineering.

Dr. Zhou has also contributed to industrial advancements, bridging the gap between academia and real-world applications. His consultancy work has facilitated the implementation of bio-based solutions in commercial settings, further reinforcing the relevance of his research to sustainable manufacturing.

Contributions and Research Focus 👩‍�

Dr. Zhou specializes in microbial metabolic engineering, with a particular emphasis on optimizing Escherichia coli for efficient biosynthesis of high-value compounds. His research has led to the industrial-scale production of:

  • L-Alanine: Used as a food additive for enhanced nutritional value.
  • D-Lactate: A crucial component in the production of biodegradable plastics.
  • Terpenoids: Essential for pharmaceutical intermediates, supporting drug development and medical research.

One of Dr. Zhou’s most notable achievements is the establishment of dynamic metabolic engineering frameworks that enable precise regulation of microbial cell factories. His methodologies have significantly improved biomanufacturing efficiency, reducing resource consumption while maximizing yield. His work aligns with global sustainability efforts, promoting environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical synthesis.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Zhou’s research contributions have earned him recognition within the scientific community. With an impressive citation index of 1,649, his work has been widely referenced, influencing subsequent studies in microbial engineering. He has published 66 peer-reviewed journal articles in prestigious scientific databases such as SCI and Scopus, contributing to the global body of knowledge in biomanufacturing.

Additionally, he holds three patents, underscoring his commitment to translating academic research into tangible technological advancements. His innovative approaches have been acknowledged by leading institutions, further solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the field of metabolic engineering.

Publication Top Notes

Dynamically metabolic engineering overflow metabolism for efficient production of l-alanine in Escherichia coli

Contributors: Jinyang Li; Jiawen Shen; Wuyue Ye; Xinyan Tang; Zhiyu Wang; Muyun Geng; Yunye Liu; Xianzhong Chen; Li Zhou

Journal: Bioresource Technology
Year: 2025
Corrigendum to “Metabolic engineering of glycolysis in Escherichia coli for efficient production of patchoulol and τ-cadinol”
Contributors: Zhou, L.; Wang, Q.; Shen, J.; Li, Y.; Zhang, H.; Zhang, X.; Yang, S.; Jiang, Z.; Wang, M.; Li, J. et al.

Journal: Bioresource Technology
Contributors: Zhou, L.; Wang, Q.; Shen, J.; Li, Y.; Zhang, H.; Zhang, X.; Yang, S.; Jiang, Z.; Wang, M.; Li, J. et al.
Journal: Bioresource Technology
Year: 2024