Weiqing Zheng | Developmental Cell Biology | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Weiqing Zheng | Developmental Cell Biology | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Weiqing Zheng , Hainan Medical University , China

Dr. Weiqing Zheng is an Associate Professor at Hainan Medical University, China. He obtained his doctoral degree from Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. He has dedicated over 14 years to research at the Nanchang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, primarily focusing on the prevention and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Since February 2023, he has joined Hainan Medical University, where his work centers on tick-microbe interactions and their impact on tick growth and development. Zheng is widely known for his studies on Coxiella symbionts in ticks, contributing to understanding tick ecology and disease transmission. He has authored 11 journal papers and published two books. His research has been recognized with several citations, and his work continues to shape the understanding of tick biology and its implications for public health.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Weiqing Zheng’s research contributions are highly impactful in the field of tick biology and vector-borne diseases. His work on tick-microbe interactions, especially the role of the endosymbiont Coxiella in regulating tick growth and development, is groundbreaking and has the potential to influence both basic science and public health. His systematic exploration of tick distribution patterns in China, including the Poyang Lake region and Hainan province, adds substantial value to the field of epidemiology. Additionally, Dr. Zheng’s contribution to tick-borne disease research, as well as his ongoing projects and publications, demonstrate his commitment to advancing our understanding of tick biology and its implications for disease transmission.

His high citation index, with 2,866 Research Interest Score, 307 citations, and an h-index of 30, further attests to the impact and relevance of his research. Furthermore, his involvement in editorial appointments, collaborations, and industry consultancy indicates his leadership role in the research community.

Areas for Improvements:

While Dr. Zheng’s research and academic output are impressive, a stronger emphasis on collaborative projects with international research institutions could further expand the global impact of his work. Engaging in broader outreach, such as public health initiatives and awareness programs, could also help translate his findings into actionable measures for tick-borne disease prevention. Additionally, as two of his books are still in publication, the availability of finalized publications could strengthen his overall academic portfolio.

Experience:

Dr. Weiqing Zheng’s extensive career spans over 14 years in the field of tick biology and vector-borne diseases. Beginning his career at the Nanchang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Zheng focused on the epidemiology and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases, publishing his findings on tick distribution and pathogen prevalence. He has made significant contributions to understanding tick populations in Hainan Province and surrounding areas, addressing public health concerns in regions prone to tick-borne diseases. In February 2023, Zheng joined Hainan Medical University as an Associate Professor, where he shifted focus to studying tick-microbe interactions and their influence on tick growth and development. His expertise includes the regulation of tick growth by Coxiella symbionts, a topic he is currently investigating in-depth. He is a key figure in tick-borne disease research in China and has contributed to international research on tick ecology, with notable publications in well-regarded journals.

Research Focus:

Dr. Zheng’s research focuses on the complex interactions between ticks and microbes, specifically investigating how symbiotic microbes, like Coxiella, influence tick biology, growth, and development. His work explores how microbial endosymbionts regulate tick reproduction, survival, and fitness, with particular emphasis on their role in tick-borne disease transmission. Zheng’s studies also delve into tick ecology, including the distribution and prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens across various regions of China. His research aims to enhance the understanding of tick-microbe interactions, offering insights that could lead to more effective control and prevention strategies for tick-borne diseases. Zheng has contributed to the identification of novel microbial symbionts, and his ongoing research aims to uncover mechanisms by which these microbes affect tick physiology. His work has broad implications for public health, particularly in areas affected by tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus found in Northern Jiangxi Province, China 🦠

  2. Identification and Characterization of Rhipicephalus microplus ATAQ Homolog from Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks and Its Immunogenic Potential as an Anti-Tick Vaccine Candidate Molecule 🐜🔬

  3. Coxiella R1 symbiont regulates the Asian long-horned tick on its reproduction and development 🦗

Conclusion:

Dr. Zheng’s achievements and contributions to tick biology, especially his exploration of tick-microbe interactions and the regulation of tick growth, make him a strong candidate for the Research for Excellence in Research Award. His research has significant implications for tick-borne disease prevention and control, which aligns with both scientific advancement and public health priorities. Given his strong publication record, citation impact, and the innovative nature of his work, Dr. Zheng is undoubtedly a deserving nominee for this prestigious award.

 

 

 

Anming Meng | Developmental Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award |

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Prof. Anming Meng | Developmental Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Anming Meng  , School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University , China

Anming Meng (孟安明), born on July 22, 1963, in Dazhu County, Sichuan, China, is a renowned developmental biologist. With a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Southwest Agricultural University in 1983, he began his career in rice breeding before shifting focus to genetics. He earned his Ph.D. in 1991 from the University of Nottingham, UK. Meng’s groundbreaking research in zebrafish embryogenesis, initiated in 1996, led to significant advancements in developmental biology. A full professor at Tsinghua University since 1998, he has contributed immensely to understanding gene regulation, cell fate, and patterning in vertebrate embryos. Meng is a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and TWAS, serving on various editorial boards and scientific societies. His influence is widespread, with many of his former trainees holding prominent positions in research institutions worldwide.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Pioneering Research Contributions:

    • Anming Meng is a trailblazer in the field of developmental biology, particularly with his work on zebrafish embryogenesis. He has made groundbreaking discoveries, such as the identification of region-specific expression genes in zebrafish embryos and the functional roles of signaling pathways in early vertebrate development.
    • His discovery of the role of Huluwa in activating β-catenin signaling for embryonic organizer and body axis formation resolved a long-standing question in the field of developmental biology. This work has had a significant impact on our understanding of embryonic development in vertebrates.

  2. Innovative Use of Model Systems:

    • Dr. Meng’s lab was the first to establish a zebrafish lab in China, making significant contributions to the understanding of gene regulation, cell fate determination, and the mechanisms driving early embryonic development. His use of zebrafish as a model system to study these processes has been highly influential.

  3. Consistent Leadership in Research and Mentorship:

    • As a mentor, he has trained many successful researchers who now hold prominent academic and research positions worldwide. His commitment to fostering future scientific leaders is commendable, and his students have contributed significantly to developmental biology and related fields.

  4. High Impact Publications and Academic Service:

    • Dr. Meng has published numerous high-impact articles in prestigious journals, contributing to advancements in our understanding of developmental biology. Furthermore, he has played an active role in editorial boards and advisory positions, demonstrating leadership in the scientific community.
    • His role in academic societies, such as his presidency of the China Zoological Society and his contributions to the Genetics Society of China, further demonstrates his influence and commitment to advancing science in China and globally.

  5. Awards and Recognition:

    • Dr. Meng has received several prestigious awards, including the Outstanding Young Scholar Award from the Hong Kong Qiu Shi Science & Technologies Foundation and the Lifetime Accomplishment Award in Zebrafish Research. These accolades underscore the widespread recognition of his contributions to the field of developmental biology.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Collaborative Interdisciplinary Research:

    • While Anming Meng’s work is exceptional in the domain of developmental biology, there could be more collaborative efforts with researchers from other disciplines like bioinformatics, computational biology, and material science. This could accelerate the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and CRISPR/Cas9, into his research and broaden the scope of his investigations into complex biological systems.

  2. Expanding Global Research Impact:

    • While his lab has made significant strides in the field, increasing the global outreach of his work could further elevate his contributions. This could involve more international collaborations, especially in regions where zebrafish research is in the earlier stages, as well as increasing visibility at global conferences and through open-access publications.

  3. Public Engagement and Science Communication:

    • As a leader in the field, Anming Meng could expand his impact by focusing more on science communication to a broader audience. Engaging with the public through outreach programs, online platforms, or educational content could help translate complex research into more accessible knowledge for society at large.

Education:

Anming Meng completed his undergraduate studies in 1983 at Southwest Agricultural University (now part of Southwest University), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy. His initial research focused on rice breeding. In 1987, he pursued graduate studies at the University of Nottingham, UK, under Dr. David T. Parkin, concentrating on genetic variation in wild birds using DNA fingerprinting. He earned his Ph.D. in 1991. Following this, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Beijing Agricultural University (now China Agricultural University), specializing in DNA fingerprinting of farm animals. Meng continued his academic journey in the U.S. as a visiting scholar at the Medical College of Georgia in 1996, working on zebrafish embryonic development in Dr. Shuo Lin’s lab. In 1998, he joined Tsinghua University as a full professor and later became a prominent figure in Chinese developmental biology.

Experience:

Anming Meng has an extensive career in both research and academia. He began as a research assistant at the National Rice Research Institute of China, before pursuing graduate studies in the UK under Dr. David T. Parkin. After earning his Ph.D. in 1991, he joined Beijing Agricultural University as a postdoctoral researcher, where he worked on DNA fingerprinting of farm animals. Meng’s pivotal shift toward zebrafish embryogenesis began in 1996 when he joined Dr. Shuo Lin’s lab at the Medical College of Georgia, USA, as a visiting scholar. In 1998, he was recruited as a full professor at Tsinghua University, where he established the first zebrafish lab in China. Over the years, Meng has led research on vertebrate embryonic development, with notable work on gene regulation and signaling pathways. He has mentored numerous successful graduates who have taken leading positions in research institutions across the globe.

Awards and Honors:

Anming Meng has received numerous prestigious awards and honors for his contributions to developmental biology. In 2000, he was named an Outstanding Young Scholar by the Hong Kong Qiu Shi Science & Technologies Foundation and received the Teaching and Research Award for University Outstanding Young Teachers from the Ministry of Education of China. Meng also won the China National Funds for Distinguished Young Scholars in 2000. He was awarded the Cheung Kong Scholar title by the Ministry of Education of China and Li Ka Shing Foundation in 2001. In 2007, he received the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Prize for Science and Technology Advancement. Later awards include the Tan Jia Zhen Achievement Award in Life Sciences in 2012, the Outstanding Accomplishment Award from the Chinese Society of Cell Biology in 2020, and the Lifetime Accomplishment Award in Zebrafish Research in 2023, recognizing his remarkable impact on the field.

Research Focus:

Anming Meng’s research primarily focuses on developmental biology, with a special emphasis on zebrafish embryogenesis. His work has explored the molecular mechanisms regulating cell fate and early vertebrate patterning. Notably, he and his team have made groundbreaking discoveries in gene regulation, identifying essential signaling pathways involved in mesendoderm induction, dorsoventral patterning, and left-right asymmetry during zebrafish development. Meng’s lab pioneered the use of GFP reporters for live imaging of gene expression, contributing significantly to the study of genetic regulation in living organisms. His team also uncovered a key role for the maternal protein Huluwa in activating β-catenin signaling during embryonic axis formation, solving a longstanding question in the field. Recently, his lab’s focus has expanded to the nuclear pore complex’s clock-like function in zygotic genome activation and the role of the second polar body in mouse embryo development. Meng’s work continues to drive significant advancements in developmental and molecular biology.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. “Mapping the chromatin accessibility landscape of zebrafish embryogenesis at single-cell resolution by SPATAC-seq” 🧬🔬
  2. “Repression of MAPK/Erk signaling by Efnb2-Ephb4-Rasa1 is required for lymphatic valve formation” 💉🧪
  3. “A Golgi-derived vesicle potentiates PtdIns4P to PtdIns3P conversion for endosome fission” 📦🧫
  4. “TGFβ family signaling and development” 🧫🧬
  5. “Systematic genome editing of the genes on zebrafish Chromosome 1 by CRISPR/Cas9” 🧬🔧
  6. “Mini-III RNase-based dual-color system for in vivo mRNA tracking” 🧬💡
  7. “Sec14l3 potentiates VEGFR2 signaling to regulate zebrafish vasculogenesis” 🌱🧬
  8. “Migrasomes provide regional cues for organ morphogenesis during zebrafish gastrulation” 🧫🧠
  9. “RNA 5-Methylcytosine Facilitates the Maternal-to-Zygotic Transition by Preventing Maternal mRNA Decay” 🧬💉

Conclusion:

Anming Meng is undoubtedly a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his pioneering research in developmental biology, particularly in the use of zebrafish as a model organism. His contributions have advanced our understanding of gene regulation, embryonic development, and the molecular mechanisms governing cell fate determination. As a leader, mentor, and active member of the scientific community, Dr. Meng has not only advanced the field but also nurtured the next generation of researchers. While there are areas for improvement, especially in terms of expanding collaborative efforts and public engagement, his exceptional body of work, recognition from prestigious institutions, and commitment to advancing science make him an ideal candidate for this prestigious award.

Huicong Wang | Developmental Cell Biology | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Prof. Huicong Wang | Developmental Cell Biology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Huicong Wang , South China Agricultural University , China

Huicong Wang is a Professor of Pomology and the Director of the Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center at South China Agricultural University. With expertise in fruit physiology, Wang has significantly contributed to the research and development of litchi fruit cultivation, focusing on the quality formation and maturation processes. Wang is internationally recognized for advancing the understanding of fruit growth, pigmentation, and metabolic regulation, with particular attention to litchi, a key agricultural product of China. Through a combination of teaching, research, and field-oriented approaches, Wang has improved fruit quality and plant productivity, offering valuable insights into orchard management practices. His works have influenced both academic circles and agricultural practices globally.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Professor Huicong Wang is a highly accomplished scientist in the field of pomology, with a specific focus on fruit crop physiology, particularly litchi. His extensive body of research covers key areas such as fruit maturation, biochemical processes, pericarp pigmentation, and sugar metabolism in litchi. His work has significantly enhanced the understanding of fruit quality formation and the physiological mechanisms governing fruit development. Wang’s contributions extend to the impact of environmental conditions on fruit quality, stress physiology, and the application of field management practices. With over a decade of teaching experience and a substantial publication record, he has demonstrated leadership in both academic and research communities. His ability to translate scientific findings into practical applications for improving fruit yield and quality highlights his potential for making meaningful contributions to the agricultural industry.

Areas for Improvement:

While Professor Wang’s research is comprehensive and influential, further international collaboration with researchers in other horticultural fields could enhance the global applicability of his findings. Additionally, expanding his focus on the climate change impacts on fruit crops could be beneficial, as this remains a critical area of concern for global agriculture.

Education:

Huicong Wang received his Bachelor’s degree in Pomology from South China Agricultural University in 1995, followed by a Master’s degree in Pomology in 1998. He obtained his Ph.D. in Pomology in 2001 from the same institution, where he also completed postdoctoral research. In 2007, Wang was a visiting fellow at Cornell University for one year, expanding his academic and research horizons. His doctoral research focused on litchi fruit maturation, pigmentation, and hormonal regulation under the supervision of Professor Huibai Huang. Wang’s academic foundation has provided him with the knowledge and skills needed to investigate various aspects of fruit physiology, particularly in evergreen fruit trees.

Experience:

Professor Huicong Wang has extensive teaching experience at South China Agricultural University, where he lectures on “Physiology of Fruit Trees” and “Fruit Tree Research Methods” to graduate students. He also teaches undergraduate courses such as “Aromatic Plants” and “Fruit Nutrition and Healthcare.” Wang’s research experience is centered around fruit crop physiology, particularly focusing on evergreen fruit trees like litchi. His expertise lies in studying fruit maturation, pigmentation, and biochemical composition changes during ripening. Additionally, he investigates the impact of environmental stress, orchard management practices, and genetic regulation on fruit quality and yield. Wang’s work has contributed to improvements in fruit production and quality through scientific advancements and practical applications.

Research Focus:

Huicong Wang’s primary research focuses on fruit physiology, particularly in the growth, maturation, and quality formation of fruit crops such as litchi. His work investigates the biochemical and hormonal processes involved in the pigmentation of pericarps, sugar accumulation in arils, and changes in the fruit’s physical and chemical properties during ripening. He explores key factors like source-sink relationships, fruit abscission, and the influence of environmental conditions on fruit quality and productivity. Wang also conducts research on stress physiology, flower induction, and the impacts of field management practices on fruit trees. His work aims to optimize production and enhance the quality of fruit crops, ensuring sustainability and increasing agricultural output.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Zou SC, Zhou MG, Abbas F, Zeng RF, Hu GB, Wang HC*, Huang XM*. 2024. ROS- and CBF- mediated pathways in ripening litchi fruits. Postharvest Biology and Technology 🥭🍃
  2. Yang MC, Wu ZC, Chen RY, Abbas F, Hu GB, Huang XM, Guang WS, Xu YS, Wang HC*. 2023. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing in litchi floral transition. Journal of Experimental Botany 🌱📚
  3. Zou SC, Zhou MG, Abbas F, Hu GB, Wang HC*, Huang XM*. 2023. LcNAC002 transcription factor in litchi anthocyanin biosynthesis. Plant Physiology 🌸🧬
  4. Yang MC, Wu ZC, Huang LL, Abbas F, Wang HC*. 2022. Isolation of high purity nuclei from plants. Cells 🧫🔬
  5. Yi JW, Ge HT, Abbas F, Zhao JT, Huang XM, Hu GB, Wang HC*. 2022. LcHXK1 in regulating fruit abscission in litchi. Tree Physiology 🍊🌿
  6. Abbas F, O’Neill Rothenberg D, Zhou Y, Ke Y*, Wang HC*. 2022. Volatile organic compounds in plant communication. Physiologia Plantarum 🌸🌿
  7. Yi JW, Wang Y, Ma XS, Zhang JQ, Zhao ML, Huang XM, Li JG, Hu GB, Wang HC*. 2021. LcERF2 in regulating litchi fruit abscission. The Plant Journal 🍇📚
  8. Lai B, Du LN, Wang D, Huang XM, Zhao JT, Wang HC*, Hu GB*. 2019. Litchi MYB transcription factor and anthocyanin biosynthesis. MBC Plant Biology 🌺🎨
  9. Xie DR, Ma XS, Rahman MZ, Yang MC, Huang XM, Li JG, Wang HC*. 2019. Thermo-sensitive sterility in litchi. Scientia Horticulturae 🍃🌞
  10. Zhang JQ, Wu ZC, Hu FC, Liu L, Huang XM, Zhao JT, Wang HC*. 2018. Seed development in Litchi chinensis. Horticulture Research 🌱🍇

Conclusion:

Professor Huicong Wang’s robust research, substantial teaching experience, and contributions to the pomology field make him an excellent candidate for the Outstanding Scientist Award. His work in improving fruit productivity and quality, particularly for litchi, aligns with current agricultural needs, positioning him as a leading scientist in his field. By continuing to broaden the scope of his research and fostering international partnerships, he has the potential to further elevate his impact on both the scientific community and the agricultural sector.