Prof. Hansong Dong, Shandong Agricultural University, China
Dr. Hansong Dong is a distinguished Professor of Plant Pathology and Doctoral Supervisor at Shandong Agricultural University, China. With a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, his work spans over four decades, focusing on plant immunity, signal transduction, and the balance between crop growth and defense. A renowned researcher and published poet, Prof. Dong has made seminal contributions to our understanding of aquaporins, hormone signaling, and the molecular interface between host plants and pathogens. His international academic exposure, including time as a Visiting Scholar at Cornell University, has further enriched his scientific insights. In addition to his impactful research, Prof. Dong has mentored numerous graduate students and contributed to agricultural innovation. With numerous high-impact publications in journals like Molecular Plant and New Phytologist, his work is widely recognized. Beyond academia, his literary works reflect a philosophical appreciation of nature and resilience, exemplifying a rare integration of science and art.
Publication Profile:
Scopus
Education:
Prof. Hansong Dong pursued his undergraduate studies in Plant Protection at Shandong Agricultural University (1978–1982). He continued with his Master’s and Ph.D. in Plant Pathology at Nanjing Agricultural University, completing them in 1985 and 1988, respectively. His academic training provided a solid foundation in plant-microbe interactions, molecular biology, and host defense mechanisms. During his studies, he honed his focus on understanding plant immune responses, laying the groundwork for his future breakthroughs in signaling and aquaporin-mediated defense. His Ph.D. thesis contributed to early models of pathogen-host dynamics in crops, marking the start of a lifelong research trajectory in agricultural biotechnology. His formal education not only established his credibility in plant pathology but also shaped his vision for interdisciplinary research. Prof. Dong’s academic excellence has continued to drive forward key discoveries in the field, making him a leading authority in crop protection and molecular plant immunity in China and internationally.
Experience:
Prof. Dong began his career as a Lecturer in the Department of Plant Pathology at Shandong Agricultural University (1988–1993). He quickly rose through academic ranks—Associate Professor in 1993, and full Professor by 1994. His leadership and research capabilities were recognized early on, leading to a Visiting Scholar position at Cornell University (1997–2000), where he engaged in collaborative projects on plant immune signaling and pathogen effectors. Over his decades of teaching and research, Prof. Dong has supervised numerous doctoral students, published extensively, and shaped academic policy and curriculum in plant pathology. His tenure at Shandong Agricultural University is marked by scientific rigor, mentorship, and impactful agricultural innovations. His ability to bridge laboratory research with field application has contributed significantly to crop disease management strategies in China. Prof. Dong remains actively involved in national and international research initiatives, playing a vital role in advancing molecular plant pathology and crop resilience.
Awards & Honors:
Prof. Hansong Dong has received several prestigious accolades recognizing his early and sustained contributions to science and education. In 1992, he was honored as an Outstanding Young Intellectual and received the Shandong Youth Science and Technology Award, acknowledging his early promise in agricultural research. The same year, he was also named an Excellent Young Teacher, a testament to his pedagogical contributions. In 1993, he was recognized as a New Long March Commando, symbolizing excellence in youth-led scientific advancement in China. These early recognitions paved the way for a prolific academic career that has garnered respect across disciplines. His awards highlight his leadership in scientific innovation, commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers, and the societal relevance of his work in safeguarding global food security. As both a scientist and educator, Prof. Dong’s accolades reflect his well-rounded excellence and continued influence in plant pathology and agronomic science.
Research Focus:
Prof. Dong’s research focuses on signal transduction in plant disease resistance and the regulation of growth-defense trade-offs in crops. His work investigates the molecular dialogue between plants and pathogens, particularly through the lens of aquaporins, importins, and membrane proteins. He has significantly advanced our understanding of how pathogenic effectors manipulate host splicing and hormone pathways, notably through TAL effectors and NPR1/NPR3 systems in rice. His team applies multi-omics and CRISPR-based editing to engineer resistant crops while minimizing yield penalties, a critical goal in sustainable agriculture. By elucidating the roles of H2O2 transport, type-III secretion systems, and transcriptional regulation, his research offers translational solutions to fungal and bacterial diseases in cereals like rice and wheat. Prof. Dong’s innovative blend of molecular biology, bioinformatics, and field experimentation drives progress toward disease-resilient, high-yield crops. His collaborative, systems-level approach continues to shape modern plant pathology and crop biotechnology.
Publications Top Notes:
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Alternative splicing of OsNPR3… enhances disease susceptibility in rice – Molecular Plant, 2025
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Plant PI4P is required for bacteria to translocate type-3 effectors – New Phytologist, 2025
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MYB44 regulates PTI via EIN2 and MPK3/6 in Arabidopsis – Plant Communications, 2023
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Importin β1 mediates nuclear entry of EIN2C against aphids – IJMS, 2023
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Phosphorylation of wheat aquaporin enhances growth and defense – Molecular Plant, 2022
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Aquaporin OsPIP2;2 links H2O2 signaling to plant defense – Plant Physiology, 2022
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Editing rice importin IMPα1b sequesters TAL effectors – Phytopathology Research, 2022
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Aquaporin modulation intensifies photosynthesis and disease resistance – Plant Journal, 2021
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OsPIP2;2 facilitates drought tolerance in rice – Plant Direct, 2021
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Aquaporin TaPIP2;10 confers dual fungal resistance in wheat – Phytopathology, 2021
Conclusion:
Prof. Hansong Dong is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award.” His scholarly depth, sustained academic leadership, groundbreaking findings in plant pathology, and dedication to mentoring make him a standout candidate. His career exemplifies a blend of scientific rigor, poetic vision, and global relevance. Recognizing Prof. Dong would not only honor an exceptional researcher but also inspire younger generations in the intersection of science and humanity.