Catherine Stanton | Microbiome | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Catherine Stanton | Microbiome | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Catherine Stanton, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ireland

Prof. Catherine Stanton is a globally recognized expert in nutrition, microbiology, and food science, currently serving as a Senior Principal Research Officer at Teagasc Moorepark, Ireland, and Research Professor at University College Cork. With an H-index of 135 (Google Scholar), her groundbreaking work in probiotics, gut microbiota, and dairy science has made substantial contributions to human and animal health. She is a Principal Investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland, shaping key insights into microbial-host interactions. Prof. Stanton’s interdisciplinary expertise spans biochemistry, food bioscience, and microbiome research, making her a leader in functional foods innovation. Over her career, she has authored hundreds of publications, filed multiple patents, and earned global recognition as a highly cited researcher. She is renowned for translating science into applications in nutrition and health, benefiting industries and public health policies alike.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Education:

Prof. Stanton holds a distinguished academic background rooted in nutrition and biochemistry. She earned her B.Sc. in Nutrition & Food Chemistry from University College Cork (UCC) in 1983, achieving second-class honours (2.1). She followed this with an M.Sc. in Nutrition at UCC in 1986, gaining a deeper understanding of food-based health science. In 1988, she completed her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Bournemouth University, UK, focusing on molecular and functional biochemistry. Her pursuit of academic excellence culminated in receiving a D.Sc. from the National University of Ireland in 2009, a testament to her lifetime achievements in research. These academic milestones laid the foundation for her multidisciplinary approach, bridging nutrition, microbiology, and food technology to tackle pressing health challenges. Her educational journey reflects both depth and breadth, enabling her to excel in academic research, innovation, and international collaboration.

Experience:

Prof. Stanton has over three decades of impactful research and leadership in microbiology and nutrition. Since 2018, she has served as Senior Principal Research Officer at Teagasc Moorepark, Ireland’s leading agri-food research institute. She is also a Research Professor at University College Cork (UCC) and a Principal Investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland since 2003, where she spearheads cutting-edge research into gut microbiota, probiotics, and host health. Her academic career is complemented by her industrial collaborations, public policy contributions, and work with global health organizations. Prof. Stanton’s innovative patents and translational science have impacted sectors ranging from dairy to pharmaceuticals. She has mentored countless students and professionals while representing Ireland on international expert panels such as the FAO/WHO Probiotics Consultation. Her tenure showcases a rare blend of scientific excellence, leadership, and collaborative prowess.

Awards and Honours:

Prof. Stanton has received numerous prestigious accolades for her scientific contributions. She was named a Highly Cited Researcher by Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics) from 2017 to 2024, placing her among the top 1% globally in Agricultural Science and Microbiology. In 2020, she was honoured with the Distinguished Service Award by the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), recognizing her lifetime achievements. In 2019, she was declared Scientist of the Year at the Irish Laboratory Awards, acknowledging her leadership in microbiome and functional foods research. She also served as Rapporteur for the FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Probiotics in Food (2001), contributing to global food health policies. Her awards reflect not only the depth of her research but also its real-world impact in agriculture, nutrition, and global health policy, making her a standout in interdisciplinary scientific leadership.

Research Focus:

Prof. Stanton’s research centers on functional foods, probiotics, and the gut microbiome, focusing on their roles in human and animal health. Her work investigates the mechanisms of beneficial microbes, particularly how they influence immune function, intestinal integrity, and disease prevention. She has pioneered research on conjugated linoleic acids, probiotic cheese development, and bacteriocin-producing strains that combat pathogens. At APC Microbiome Ireland, she leads projects exploring maternal and infant gut health, developing microbiota-based strategies for conditions ranging from diarrhea to cancer. Her research is highly translational, often leading to patents and industry applications in food biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. She collaborates across disciplines—biochemistry, microbiology, and nutrition—to develop evidence-based dietary interventions. With a strong publication record and global influence, her research has set benchmarks in microbiome science, making her a leader in shaping next-generation health strategies.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Leuconostoc lactis strain APC 3969 produces a new variant of cyclic bacteriocin leucocyclicin Q and displays potent anti-Clostridium perfringens activity

  2. Bacteroides maternus sp. nov., a novel species isolated from human faeces

  3. Gut and oral microbial profile associations to oral cancer

  4. Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis modulates intestinal immunity in growing mice in a strain-specific manner

  5. Exploring tarhana’s prebiotic potential using different flours in an in vitro fermentation model

  6. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8661 improves intestinal barrier function and regulates gut microbiota to alleviate enterotoxigenic E. coli-induced diarrhea in mice

  7. Rebuttal to Gut Microbiome in Children with Congenital Heart Disease After Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery (GuMiBear Study)

  8. Correction to: Examining the healthy human microbiome concept

  9. Examining the healthy human microbiome concept

  10. Streptococcus wuxiensis, S. jiangnanensis, and S. fermentans: three novel species isolated from human breast mil

Conclusion:

Prof. Catherine Stanton is eminently suitable for the Best Researcher Award, based on her scientific excellence, real-world impact, and global recognition. Her body of work demonstrates visionary leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a legacy of innovation in probiotics and microbiome science. With unmatched citation metrics, patent contributions, and public service roles, she stands as a role model for both established and upcoming researchers.

Tiantao Zhang | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Blanca Elizabeth Ruiz Alvarez | Microbiome | Young Scientist Award

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Mrs. Blanca Elizabeth Ruiz Alvarez | Microbiome | Young Scientist Award

Mrs. Blanca Elizabeth Ruiz Alvarez, université laval, Canada

Blanca Elizabeth Ruiz Alvarez is a passionate and multilingual health sciences researcher with over 13 years of experience, including more than 4 years in clinical research. Currently pursuing dual PhDs in Plant Biology at Université Laval and in Biotechnology Innovation at CIATEJ, Mexico, Blanca blends cutting-edge science with applied biotechnology. Her work emphasizes the role of bioactive compounds, gut microbiota, and AI-based diagnostics in human health. A published author in high-impact journals and co-inventor of several patents, she has presented her research internationally and advised research-driven companies such as Grupo Mabiosis. Blanca is fluent in French, English, and Spanish, enabling her to effectively communicate and collaborate in global scientific contexts. Her commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and societal impact makes her a standout among emerging researchers.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Exceptional Academic Background
    Blanca is pursuing dual PhD programs in Plant Biology (Université Laval, Canada) and Biotechnology Innovation (CIATEJ, Mexico), showcasing academic rigor and international collaboration.

  2. Multilingual & Multicultural
    Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, enabling her to communicate and collaborate globally—an asset in modern scientific research environments.

  3. Innovative Research Focus
    Her work integrates bioactive compounds, gut microbiota, microbiome diagnostics, and AI/mathematical modeling—fields that align with global research trends in personalized health, nutrition, and biotechnology.

  4. Impressive Research Output
    Blanca has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and is co-inventor on several international patents, indicating both scientific innovation and practical application.

  5. Leadership and Collaboration
    Serves as a Postgraduate Research Assistant and Scientific Advisor, managing multidisciplinary research projects and mentoring younger scientists—key traits for a future leader in science.

🔍 Areas for Improvement:

  • Public Science Communication
    Although Blanca is a strong scientific communicator, more active public outreach or science popularization efforts (e.g., TEDx talks, public blogs) could boost her visibility and societal impact.

  • Industry-Academia Collaboration
    She could enhance the translational value of her research through stronger industry partnerships or startup initiatives in biotech or diagnostics sectors.

🎓 Education:

Blanca holds a Master’s degree in Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, which laid the foundation for her specialization in bioactive compounds and clinical applications. She is currently completing dual PhD programs—one in Plant Biology at Université Laval, Québec, Canada, and another in Biotechnology Innovation Sciences at CIATEJ, Guadalajara, Mexico. Her doctoral research is highly interdisciplinary, integrating fields such as molecular biology, AI-assisted modeling, microbiology, and preclinical testing. Through these programs, she has gained expertise in both fundamental plant-based biocompounds and their translational potential in human health. Her international education trajectory also reflects her adaptability and collaborative research mindset. Blanca’s academic training emphasizes not just scientific rigor but also cross-cultural communication and innovation-driven thinking—traits essential for cutting-edge biomedical research in today’s interconnected world.

🧪 Experience:

Blanca’s experience spans over 13 years in scientific research, including 4+ years in clinical and biomedical fields. Since 2020, she has worked as a Postgraduate Research Assistant at INAF, Université Laval, in collaboration with CIATEJ, Mexico. Her role involves experimental design, data modeling using bioinformatics and AI, and presenting findings at international forums. Additionally, she serves as a Scientific Advisor to Grupo Mabiosis, overseeing project planning and scientific protocol development. Blanca is skilled in in vitro biological evaluations, microbiology techniques, and protocol optimization. She is also a proficient scientific communicator, contributing to journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. With extensive experience managing research projects from conceptualization to publication and regulatory filings, Blanca exemplifies leadership and innovation in her field. Her blend of academic insight and real-world application gives her a unique edge in the research landscape.

🔬 Research Focus:

Blanca’s research revolves around the interaction between bioactive compounds and the gut microbiota, with a strong emphasis on prebiotics, synbiotics, and the health impacts of polyphenols and flavonoids. She investigates the biological effects of natural compounds using in vitro models such as SHIME® and twin-M-SHIME®, alongside advanced microbiological and analytical techniques. Blanca incorporates AI and bioinformatics to model gut health and predict microbiota behavior in response to dietary interventions. Her recent studies explore how modified flavonoids enhance microbial fermentation and contribute to gut-brain and gut-immune axis functions. Blanca also works on mathematical modeling to support diagnostic tools using microbiome signatures—an area backed by patent filings. This research bridges plant biology, pharmaceutical biotechnology, and nutritional sciences, offering innovative strategies for disease prevention and health optimization. Her ultimate aim is to develop personalized health interventions based on microbiome composition and functional dietary compounds.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

🔬 Novel acylated naringin enhances propionate release and stimulates the growth of flavanone-metabolizing bacteria in an in vitro batch fermentation model (Life, 2025)
🧫 Prebiotic-like Effects of Proanthocyanidin-Rich Aronia Extract Supplementation on Gut Microbiota Composition and Function in the Twin-M-SHIME® model (Pharmaceuticals, 2025)
🦠 Anticandidal and Antibiofilm Effect of Synbiotics including Probiotics and Inulin-Type Fructans (Antibiotics, 2022)
👧 Digestibility and Bioaccessibility of Leaf Protein Concentrates and their Impact on Children Gut Microbiota (Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2022)
🧠 A Diagnostic and Treatment System Based on the Gut Microbiota Balance (Novel Techniques in Nutrition and Food Science, 2019 – Commentary)
🍃 In vitro evaluation of prebiotic activity, pathogen inhibition and enzymatic metabolism of intestinal bacteria in the presence of fructans extracted from agave: A comparison based on polymerization degree (LWT, 2018)
📖 Book Chapter: “Managing Bioactive Substances”, “Nutritional Intervention: A Practical Perspective”, Universidad de Guadalajara (in publication)

🧾 Conclusion:

Blanca Elizabeth Ruiz Alvarez stands out as a highly qualified and driven young scientist with a solid track record of scientific excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her work directly addresses critical global challenges in health, nutrition, and sustainable biotechnology, supported by her scholarly outputs and international research roles.