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

Leifeng Xu | Plant Breeding | Innovative Research Award | 13540

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Dr. Leifeng Xu | Plant Breeding | Innovative Research Award 

Dr. Leifeng Xu, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Country, China

Dr. Leifeng Xu is an Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAS), China. As Head of the Lily Breeding Team, his research centers on lily genetics, breeding, and the molecular mechanisms of flower color formation. He has led two National Natural Science Foundation of China projects and contributed to over ten major national research initiatives. Dr. Xu has developed 12 lily cultivars, holds six invention patents, and helped establish an agricultural industry standard. He has published more than 30 academic papers, including over 20 SCI-indexed articles in leading journals.

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Leifeng Xu’s journey into the world of plant sciences began with a deep-rooted curiosity about the natural mechanisms behind plant diversity, particularly flowers. Born in China, he pursued undergraduate studies in plant sciences, where his fascination with ornamental plants flourished. Driven by an innate passion for genetics and plant development, Dr. Xu advanced to postgraduate studies, eventually earning his Ph.D. in Horticulture from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). His doctoral research emphasized plant molecular biology, with a particular focus on flower development, color expression, and breeding techniques—laying the groundwork for a specialized career in lily genetics and ornamental plant improvement.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers (IVF) under CAAS, Dr. Xu leads the Lily Breeding Team—a role that combines strategic leadership, scientific inquiry, and technological application. Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of lily breeding, genetics, and molecular biology, balancing practical breeding programs with in-depth lab research.

Dr. Xu has presided over two prestigious projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and has played a pivotal role in more than 10 major national research initiatives, including the National Key R&D Program, National Science and Technology Support Program, and the National Agricultural Industry Technology Project. His work directly contributes to national priorities in agricultural sustainability, floriculture commercialization, and food system resilience.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Xu’s primary research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms governing lily flower color formation, a complex trait involving multiple genes and metabolic pathways. His studies have explored flavonoid biosynthesis, pigment gene expression, and gene-editing approaches to control or enhance floral coloration.

Under his guidance, the team has developed 12 novel lily cultivars, each marked by improved aesthetics, disease resistance, and adaptability. These cultivars are now part of China’s commercial floriculture offerings and have enhanced the country’s competitiveness in the global flower market.

In addition, Dr. Xu holds 6 national invention patents related to plant breeding technologies and flower color regulation. He also contributed to drafting an agricultural industry standard issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, solidifying his role in shaping national policy and practice in ornamental horticulture.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Xu has received multiple institutional and national recognitions for his scientific innovations and practical contributions . His reputation in academic circles is reinforced by his 30+ academic publications, with more than 20 SCI-indexed papers published in high-impact journals such as Plant Physiology, Horticulture Research, Plant Science, and Plant Cell Reports.

He is also a reviewer for leading international journals, including Plant Physiology, Plant Science, and the Horticultural Plant Journal, contributing to the scientific community’s growth by evaluating and enhancing the quality of research publications.

Publications

 📘Cloning and Expression Analysis of Three LdBBXs in Lilium davidii var. willmottiae – Biotechnology Bulletin(2025)
📘Corrigendum to “Lily (Lilium spp.) LhERF061 suppresses anthocyanin biosynthesis by inhibiting LhMYBSPLATTER and LhDFR expression and interacting with LhMYBSPLATTER”- Plant Physiology and Biochemistry(2025)
📘Identification of cis-acting elements recognized by transcription factor LlWOX11 in Lilium lancifolium – Physiologia Plantarum(2025)