Jorge Cadena Iniguez | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Jorge Cadena Iniguez | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Postgraduate College, San Luis Potosi Campus | Mexico

Prof. Dr. Jorge Cadena-Iniguez is a botanist and Phyto chemist widely recognized for his contributions to plant genetic resources, agricultural biodiversity, and the scientific advancement of Sechium edule (chayote). His research spans plant physiology, biochemical and phytochemical characterization, genetic improvement, postharvest biology, and the generation of value-added innovations derived from underutilized crops. He has built a solid scientific trajectory, reflected in 87 documents indexed in Scopus, 627 citations, and a Scopus h-index of 13, demonstrating his consistent impact on plant science, agronomy, and natural-product research. Dr. Jorge Cadena-Iñiguez integrates molecular tools, metabolite profiling, conservation biology, and biotechnology to support the sustainable use, improvement, and valorization of agricultural species, particularly those with ancestral, endemic, or underexploited importance. His leadership includes founding the global germplasm bank of Sechium edule, contributing to the development of biodiversity governance models aligned with the Nagoya Protocol, and participating in national and international initiatives focused on agricultural biodiversity conservation. His research has enabled the development of new varieties, technological innovations, and patented processes that strengthen rural value chains and promote the bioeconomic potential of native crops. Alongside these contributions, he has guided numerous graduate researchers and supported the scientific community through editorial service, peer review, and international collaborations. His body of work has been recognized for advancing agricultural innovation, enhancing the understanding of functional compounds in plants, and promoting sustainable strategies for genetic resource management.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications 

1. Iniguez Luna, M. I., Cadena-Zamudio, J. D., Ramírez-Mosqueda, M. A., Aguirre Noyola, J. L., Cadena, D. A. A., & Cadena-Iniguez, J. (2025). Molecular docking as a key driver of biocontrol for agri-food security. BioTech, 14(80), 1–25.

2. Barrera-Guzman, L. A., Cadena-Iniguez, J., Legaria-Solano, J. P., Cisneros-Solano, V. M., Watanabe, K. N., & Cadena, D. A. A. (2025). Biogeographical analysis of the Central American clade of Sechium (Cucurbitaceae). Revista de Biologia Tropical, 73(e20251987), 1–14.

3. Cadena-Iniguez, J., Arevalo-Galarza, M. de L., Aguirre-Medina, J. F., Avendano-Arrazate, C. H., Cadena, D. A. A., Cadena-Zamudio, J. D., Soto-Hernandez, M., Cisneros, V., Ruiz-Posadas, L. M., Soto-Mendoza, C., & Mejia Mendez, J. L. (2025). Chayote [Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw.] fruit quality influenced by plant pruning. Horticulturae, 11(8), 1–23.

4. Aguiniga-Sanchez, I., Morales-Altamirano, A. M., Santiago-Osorio, E., Rosado-Perez, J., Cadena-Iniguez, J., Mendoza-Nunez, V. M., Weiss-Steider, B., Gavia García, G., Arista-Ugalde, T. L., Arreola-Gomez, N. A., Amador-Gomez, A. I., & Montiel Garcia, L. D. (2025). Hypoglycemic and lipid metabolic control in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by hybrid extract. Food Bioscience, 68(20), Article 106499.

5. Santiago-Osorio, E., Ramirez-Padilla, M. G., Mendoza-Nunez, V. M., Cadena-Iniguez, J., Soto-Hernandez, M., Rosado-Perez, J., Romero-Lopez, E., Weiss-Steider, B., Gavia-Garcia, G., Arista-Ugalde, T. L., Cisneros-Solano, V. M., & Aguiñiga-Sanchez, I. (2025). Hepatoprotective effect of the Sechium HD-Victor hybrid extract in a model of liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 183, Article 117831.

Liqiang Jia | Biological Sciences | Innovative Research Award

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Dr. Liqiang Jia | Biological Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Liqiang Jia | Guizhou Education University | China

Dr. Liqiang Jia is a plant molecular biologist recognized for advancing crop genomics, stress physiology, and molecular mechanisms underlying plant development. His scientific impact is reflected in 108 citations across 88 documents, supported by a portfolio of 6 publications and an h-index of 5. His research spans functional gene characterization, chlorophyll regulation, iron homeostasis, root system architecture, mitochondrial protein function, and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme families in key crops such as rice, sorghum, and banana. Utilizing integrative genomics, molecular genetics, and transcriptomic analyses, he uncovers regulatory pathways driving plant growth, stress resilience, and nutrient efficiency. His discoveries in developmental regulation and stress-response networks contribute to innovation in plant biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. Through continued contributions in functional genomics, he enhances understanding of crop performance and biological adaptation.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications 

Li, Z., Mo, W., Jia, L., et al. (2019). Rice FLUORESCENT1 is involved in the regulation of chlorophyll. Plant Cell Physiology, 60(10), 2307–2318.

Jia, L., Zhao, Q., & Chen, S. (2019). Evolution and expression analysis of the sorghum ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme family. Functional Plant Biology, 46(3), 236–247.

Dong, C., Hu, H., Jue, D., Zhao, Q., Chen, H., Xie, J., & Jia, L. (2016). The banana E2 gene family: Genomic identification, characterization, expression profiling analysis. Plant Science, 245, 11–24.

Jia, L., Wu, Z., Hao, X., et al. (2011). Identification of SPR1 involved in root development and iron homeostasis in rice. New Phytologist, 189(3), 843–855.

Jia, L., Zhang, B., Mao, C., et al. (2008). OsCYT-INV1 for alkaline/neutral invertase is involved in root cell development and reproductivity in rice. Planta, 228(1), 51–59.

 

Maddalena de Virgilio | Biological Sciences | Innovative Research Award

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Dr. Maddalena de Virgilio | Biological Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Maddalena de Virgilio | National Research Council | Italy

Dr. Maria de Virgilio is a distinguished Italian molecular biologist recognized for her contributions to plant biochemistry, cellular signaling, and marine biodiversity genomics. she has advanced understanding of molecular processes in plants and marine ecosystems through interdisciplinary biotechnology. Her work connects agricultural biotechnology with environmental genomics, incorporating molecular biology, data analytics, and citizen science. Collaborating across Europe and the USA, she has published extensively on protein quality control, ER-associated degradation, and genetic monitoring of marine species. With 1,271 citations across 1,143 documents and 22 scientific publications, her research demonstrates strong international impact. Her career exemplifies scientific leadership and a deep commitment to advancing biotechnology for ecological preservation and sustainable development through collaborative, data-driven, and environmentally conscious approaches.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

De Virgilio, M., et al. (2025). DNA barcoding and nutritional analysis of anchovies. Genes. DOI:10.3390/genes16101219

De Paola, D., Chimienti, G., Degryse, B., & De Virgilio, M. (2024). Genetic structure of Posidonia oceanica meadows. Journal for Nature Conservation. DOI:10.1016/j.jnc.2024.126585

De Virgilio, M., et al. (2021). Citizen science in monitoring Ostreopsis ovata blooms. Marine Pollution Bulletin. DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112981

Foresti, O., De Marchis, F., & De Virgilio, M. (2008). Protein domains and quality control in plants. Molecular Plant. DOI:10.1093/mp/ssn066

Hassan Dianat-Moghadam | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Hassan Dianat-Moghadam | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Isfahan University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Hassan Dianat-Moghadam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology at the School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, with a joint appointment at the Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center. His expertise spans molecular biology, genetics, immunotherapy, and medical biotechnology, with particular emphasis on cancer biology and parasitic diseases. He began his academic journey with a diploma and undergraduate studies in Laboratory Sciences, followed by a Master’s and Ph.D. in Medical Biotechnology, where he focused on translational research in genetics and molecular medicine. His career integrates clinical, research, and teaching roles, beginning as a laboratory technician in microbiology and hematology and advancing to academia, where he has guided undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in genetics, biotechnology, and cancer research. His research focuses on cancer resistance mechanisms, immunotherapies targeting tumor vasculature, live attenuated vaccines, nanoparticle-based treatments, wound healing technologies, and gene therapy applications, aiming to connect laboratory discoveries with clinical outcomes. Recognized for his impactful research, funded projects, and contributions to international journals, he has earned global recognition with 1,132 citations by 976 documents, 49 published documents, and an h-index of 20. He has also been acknowledged for his mentorship and commitment to academic excellence. His achievements underscore his ability to bridge fundamental science with applied biotechnology, advancing solutions in regenerative medicine, infectious disease, and cancer therapy, while shaping the next generation of biomedical researchers.

Profile : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publication 

Dianat-Moghadam, H., et al. (n.d.). Immunotherapies targeting tumor vasculatures: Challenges and opportunities. Frontiers in Immunology.

Dianat-Moghadam, H., et al. (n.d.). Exosome-mediated drug resistance in cancer: Molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Molecular Cancer.

Dianat-Moghadam, H., et al. (n.d.). Therapeutic strategies against Leishmania major. Parasite Immunology.