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.

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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

Shahrokh Khanizadeh | Biological Sciences | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Dr. Shahrokh Khanizadeh | Biological Sciences | Distinguished Scientist Award

Editor in Chief and Vice President | ELM Consulting | Canada

Dr. Shahrokh Khanizadeh is an internationally recognized plant scientist and geneticist whose research has profoundly shaped the fields of horticulture, plant breeding, and sustainable agriculture. His scientific work focuses on plant physiology, genetics, and biotechnology, emphasizing the improvement of fruit quality, stress tolerance, and disease resistance through integrated approaches combining molecular biology, bioinformatics, and classical breeding. He has led extensive breeding programs resulting in the development of numerous commercial cultivars of strawberries, apples, raspberries, and rootstocks, many of which have become benchmarks in global fruit production. Dr. Khanizadeh’s innovative use of molecular tools and bioinformatics platforms, including the development of UniBase software for managing breeding data, has contributed to more efficient and data-driven cultivar selection. His prolific research output includes over 240 peer-reviewed publications, 199 indexed works, and 2,993 citations from 2,554 documents across major scientific databases. His publications span topics such as plant physiology, cultivar evaluation, phytochemical composition, genetic diversity, and sustainable crop management, reflecting a lifelong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and practical applications in plant science.

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Featured Publications

Khanizadeh, S., et al. Evaluation of new strawberry genotypes for flavor and nutritional quality. Scientia Horticulturae, 238, 56–63 — Cited by 65

Khanizadeh, S., et al. Genetic diversity of apple cultivars using SSR markers. Journal of Plant Physiology, 177, 29–37 — Cited by 92

Khanizadeh, S., et al. Antioxidant properties of berry fruits: Comparative analysis. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 23(6), 541–547 — Cited by 240

Khanizadeh, S., et al. Breeding and selection of disease-resistant strawberry cultivars. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 85(2), 401–410 — Cited by 130

Xiaozhou Mou | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xiaozhou Mou | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital | China

Prof. Xiao-Zhou Mou, Ph.D., is a distinguished scientist and academic leader specializing in translational medicine, cancer immunotherapy, and nanomedicine. He currently serves as Professor, Associate Director, and Team Leader at the Clinical Research Institute of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, affiliated with Hangzhou Medical College, where he leads multidisciplinary research programs advancing innovative therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases. He also holds academic affiliations with the School of Pharmacy at Hangzhou Medical College and the College of Life Science at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Prof. Mou earned his Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Biotechnology at Zhejiang Gongshang University, pursued his Ph.D. in Medicine at Zhejiang University under esteemed mentors, and completed postdoctoral training in surgical oncology at Zhejiang University’s First Affiliated Hospital. His professional journey includes academic leadership, clinical translational research, and pioneering work in nanomedicine, where he developed nanovesicle- and virus-based therapeutic systems. His research interests span nanomedicine, cancer immunotherapy, gene therapy, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine, with projects ranging from glioblastoma therapy to plant-derived nanovesicle treatments for inflammatory diseases. He has published 187 documents with 6,177 citations by 5,819 documents, achieving an h-index of 39, reflecting the significant impact of his research. Widely recognized for his groundbreaking contributions, he has secured national and provincial grants and established strong international collaborations. His excellence has been acknowledged through prestigious honors such as Outstanding Young Scholar of Zhejiang Province, Innovative Talent in the Medical Field, and multiple youth talent training awards, underscoring his reputation as a rising leader in biomedical research. With a commitment to mentoring young scientists and bridging basic science with clinical applications, Prof. Mou continues to drive forward next-generation therapeutic strategies that improve patient outcomes and shape the future of cancer and regenerative medicine.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications 

Mou, X.-Z., Li, Y., Zhang, H., & Chen, J. Honeysuckle-derived nanovesicles for the treatment of inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Nano Research, 16(4), 1123–1138.

Mou, X.-Z., Wang, L., Zhou, Y., & Xu, Q. Bio-barrier-adaptable biomimetic nanomedicines for enhanced cancer therapy. Advanced Science, 9(15), 2201347.

Mou, X.-Z., Chen, R., Huang, P., & Zhao, T. Multifunctional nanoparticles for tumor immunotherapy. ACS Nano, 15(12), 19234–19245.

Mou, X.-Z., & Zhang, Y. Engineered exosome-like vesicles as next-generation nanomedicines. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 5(1), 123.

Mou, X.-Z., Yang, D., & Liu, F. Oncolytic virus-based nanomedicine for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunology Research, 7(8), 1345–1356.