Tiantao Zhang | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Tiantao Zhang | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Tiantao Zhang, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Dr. Tiantao Zhang is a prominent agricultural entomologist specializing in the management of maize pests and pest resistance. He earned his doctoral degree in Agricultural Entomology and Pest Control from Northwest A&F University, followed by a post at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. His research spans pest population dynamics, resistance to Bt and pesticides, and climate-induced pest behavior. A dedicated scientist with international exposure at the University of California, Davis, Dr. Zhang has led national research programs and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. His work combines field experimentation with molecular and ecological approaches, contributing to sustainable pest management in China and beyond. Dr. Zhang’s scientific leadership and commitment to solving agricultural challenges position him as a standout researcher in plant protection and pest ecology.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Proven Scientific Expertise:
    Dr. Zhang has over 15 years of focused research in agricultural entomology, particularly in maize pest management—an area critical to global food security.

  2. Leadership in National Projects:
    He is the Principal Investigator of two major National Key R&D Programs of China (2023–2026 and 2025–2028), demonstrating trust from national research institutions and strong project management capability.

  3. Research Innovation and Relevance:
    His work on pest population prediction, diapause regulation, and resistance mechanisms to Bt toxins and pesticides addresses urgent agricultural challenges in the face of climate change and biotechnology deployment.

  4. Global Collaboration:
    His tenure as a visiting scholar at the University of California, Davis (2018–2019) highlights international research engagement and cross-cultural collaboration.

  5. Strong Publication Record:
    Dr. Zhang has published in respected international journals including Scientific Data, Biology, Toxins, and Entomologia Generalis. He covers molecular biology, ecology, and toxicology, reflecting interdisciplinary research breadth.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Increased Global Visibility:
    While his research is of high quality, expanding participation in international symposia and authoring high-impact reviews could increase visibility and citation impact.

  2. Data Sharing and Open Science:
    Strengthening the availability of raw data and modeling tools (e.g., pest prediction models) through open-access repositories would amplify his research utility and recognition.

  3. Mentorship and Outreach:
    Highlighting his role in mentoring young scientists, if applicable, would further support his candidacy as a well-rounded researcher contributing to capacity building.

🎓 Educational Background:

Dr. Zhang’s educational foundation is deeply rooted in plant protection and entomology. He earned his Bachelor of Agriculture degree in Plant Protection from Shihezi University in 2005. Driven by a passion for integrated pest management, he pursued graduate studies at Northwest A&F University, completing a Master of Agriculture (2008) and a Doctor of Agriculture (2011), both in Agricultural Entomology and Pest Control. His academic journey honed his expertise in pest population dynamics, ecological interactions, and biochemical resistance mechanisms. Dr. Zhang’s education laid the groundwork for his future contributions to pest forecasting, Bt resistance research, and sustainable agriculture, bridging traditional agricultural sciences with modern molecular approaches.

💼 Working Experience:

Since December 2011, Dr. Zhang has been a core member of the Corn Insect Pest Laboratory at the Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing. In this role, he has been instrumental in national research projects on maize pest control and climate-responsive pest behavior. Between 2018 and 2019, he broadened his academic perspective as a visiting scholar at the University of California, Davis, where he engaged in collaborative research on pest resistance. His long-standing involvement with the national plant protection institute has enabled him to lead high-profile studies, publish widely, and mentor emerging researchers. Dr. Zhang’s professional trajectory reflects deep commitment, research leadership, and a forward-looking approach to pest ecology and resistance management.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Zhang’s research revolves around sustainable pest management in maize, targeting major pests like Ostrinia furnacalis, Conogethes punctiferalis, and Spodoptera frugiperda. His work delves into pest population dynamics, occurrence modeling, diapause regulation, and early warning systems. A central theme is the genetic and ecological basis of resistance to Bt toxins and chemical pesticides. He investigates resistance selection mechanisms, gene expression changes, and molecular adaptation pathways. Recently, his research expanded into pest responses to climate change, particularly voltinism and diapause shifts. Dr. Zhang integrates entomology, genomics, toxicology, and data modeling to enhance pest forecasting and resistance management. His efforts support China’s food security and contribute globally to environmentally responsible crop protection.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

  1. 🧬 The function of ABCD3 transporter in the insecticidal process of Bt toxins – Entomologia Generalis, 2023

  2. 🌡️ Intra-population alteration on voltinism of Asian corn borer in response to climate warming – Biology, 2023

  3. 🧬 Chromosome-level genome of a multivoltine biotype Ostrinia furnacalis strain – Scientific Data, 2025

  4. ❄️ Evolutionary shift of insect diapause strategy in a warming climate – Biology, 2023

  5. 🍑 Artificial diet development for mass rearing of yellow peach moth – Entomological Research, 2021

  6. 🧪 Phenotypic responses of lepidopterans to graphene oxide exposure – Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2021

  7. 🛡️ Down-regulation of aminopeptidase N and ABC transporter in Bt-resistant Asian corn borer – Int. J. Biological Sciences, 2017

  8. 🧲 Binding affinity of five PBPs to Ostrinia sex pheromones – BMC Molecular Biology, 2017

  9. 🧫 Structure-function analysis of MhieJHAMT enzyme in juvenile hormone biosynthesis – Int. J. Biological Macromolecules, 2025

  10. 🦠 Differential characterization of midgut microbiota in Bt-resistant vs. susceptible Ostrinia furnacalis – Insects, 2025

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Tiantao Zhang is a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His leadership in national research programs, his impactful contributions to pest resistance and ecological forecasting, and his consistent scholarly output place him among the top researchers in agricultural sciences. With strategic focus on enhancing his international visibility and interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Zhang is not only contributing to China’s agricultural sustainability but also to global crop protection research.

Xi Yao | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Xi Yao | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xi Yao , Yunnan University , China

Xi Yao is a prominent researcher in the field of vertebrate evolutionary biology, specializing in dinosaur studies. Currently based at Yunnan University, Kunming, China, he is affiliated with the Center for Vertebrate Evolutionary Biology. With a background in Geology (Bachelor’s from Northwest University, China), Yao further honed his expertise in Vertebrate Paleontology through his Master’s and Ph.D. from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He has actively participated in several fossil excavation projects across China, particularly in Xinjiang, Neimongol, and Yunnan, focusing on Jurassic and Cretaceous dinosaur species. His research contributions have garnered recognition in the scientific community with numerous publications in prestigious journals and an active collaboration with international experts.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Xi Yao is a highly accomplished paleontologist with a strong background in dinosaur research, specifically focusing on vertebrate evolution and systematics. His educational journey, from a Geology degree to a Master’s and Ph.D. in Vertebrate Paleontology, reflects his deep-rooted expertise in the field. His active role at Yunnan University has allowed him to contribute significantly to understanding the evolution of dinosaur species, particularly in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Notably, his groundbreaking studies on early Jurassic ornithischian dinosaurs and tyrannosauroid locomotion, coupled with his extensive fieldwork across China, position him as a leading expert in dinosaur paleontology. His collaborations with international researchers, such as Prof. John Hutchinson from the Royal Veterinary College and Prof. Corwin Sullivan from the University of Alberta, strengthen his global presence in the scientific community. His publications in well-regarded journals like iScience, Cretaceous Research, and Elife highlight his impactful contributions.

Areas for Improvement:

While Xi Yao has made substantial contributions to dinosaur paleontology, an area for improvement would be expanding his outreach and professional memberships. Engaging more actively with larger paleontological communities and taking editorial roles in academic journals could further boost his visibility and influence. In addition, he has not published books or patents, which are often essential for showcasing a comprehensive body of work in paleontology.

Education:

Xi Yao completed his Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Northwest University, China, laying a foundation in earth sciences. He furthered his academic career at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, earning both his Master’s and Ph.D. in Vertebrate Paleontology. During his graduate studies, Yao focused on dinosaur evolution and systematics, particularly the study of fossil evidence and ancient ecosystems. His educational journey reflects a blend of geological and paleontological expertise, which supports his comprehensive research on prehistoric life, including the evolutionary trends in dinosaur species. His work at Yunnan University allows him to continue applying his interdisciplinary knowledge to the study of dinosaur fossils, emphasizing both anatomical and ecological perspectives. His academic achievements also include collaborating with other renowned researchers globally, broadening his scientific impact.

Experience:

Xi Yao has accumulated extensive experience in the field of paleontology through both research and fieldwork. After completing his higher education, he became an integral member of the research community at Yunnan University, where he specializes in vertebrate evolutionary biology, particularly dinosaurs. His fieldwork has taken him to several notable excavation sites across China, including Xinjiang, Neimongol, and Yunnan Province, where he has contributed significantly to discovering and analyzing dinosaur fossils. His ongoing research on tyrannosauroid locomotion and dinosaur evolution is supported by grants from prestigious agencies such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China. He has also forged collaborations with leading paleontologists, such as Prof. John Hutchinson from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK, and Prof. Corwin Sullivan from the University of Alberta, Canada. Xi Yao’s extensive hands-on experience in excavations, along with his academic contributions, make him a valuable figure in his field.

Research Focus:

Xi Yao’s primary research interest lies in dinosaur evolution, with a focus on both Jurassic and Cretaceous species. His work has contributed to the understanding of dinosaur phylogeny, anatomy, and locomotion, particularly through his studies on theropods and ornithischians. One of his significant projects involves studying the locomotion of tyrannosauroids through digital modeling, which explores how these iconic predators moved and interacted with their environment. Additionally, he has reported groundbreaking findings on rare early Jurassic ornithischians in Southern China, making important contributions to the understanding of dinosaur diversity during this period. His studies also extend to the description of new dinosaur species, including oviraptorosaurians, therizinosaurians, and ornithomimosaurians, primarily in the Cretaceous of northern China. This focus on dinosaur systematics not only enriches the scientific community’s understanding of dinosaur lineage but also sheds light on broader evolutionary patterns of life on Earth.

Publications Top Notes:

  • “New evidence for the earliest ornithischian dinosaurs from Asia” 📜 (iScience, 2024)
  • “A new ankylosaurid dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous of Jiangxi Province, southern China” 🦕 (Historical Biology, 2024)
  • “New ornithomimosaurian pelvis from the Upper Cretaceous Erlian Formation of Nei Mongol, North China” 🦖 (Cretaceous Research, 2022)
  • “A new early branching armored dinosaur from the Lower Jurassic of southwestern China” 🛡️ (Elife, 2022)
  • “A new transitional therizinosaurian theropod from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota of China” 🦖 (Scientific Reports, 2019)
  • “Caenagnathasia sp. from the Iren Dabasu Formation of Erenhot, Nei Mongol, China” 🦕 (Vertebrata PalAsiatica, 2015)

Conclusion:

Xi Yao is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to the field of dinosaur evolution and systematics. His research has not only expanded our understanding of dinosaur diversity but has also provided new insights into locomotion and dinosaur phylogeny. His dedication to fieldwork and collaboration with international researchers adds value to his research endeavors. Despite some areas for improvement, such as increased professional memberships and diversification of publications, his overall achievements place him among the top researchers in the field. Therefore, Xi Yao deserves strong consideration for this prestigious award.