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.

 

Wedajo Gebre | Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

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Mr. Wedajo Gebre | Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Wedajo Gebre | Jinka University | Ethiopia

Wedajo Gebre is an emerging researcher recognized for his growing contributions to agricultural science, with a focus on crop improvement and genetic diversity. His work explores natural variability in traditional crops to support sustainable agriculture and strengthen food security. He emphasizes the value of indigenous genetic resources and applies modern breeding approaches to identify promising traits for crop development. His research reflects a strong commitment to improving plant performance, understanding grain-quality characteristics, and enhancing local crop varieties suited to diverse environments. Through collaborative studies and analytical research, he contributes to bridging traditional agricultural knowledge with scientific innovation, supporting community-focused agricultural progress and long-term sustainability.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications 

Gebre, W., Mekbib, F., Tirfessa, A., & Bekele, A. (2024). Genetic variability among lowland sorghum accessions collected from southern Ethiopia for grain quality traits. Heliyon, 10(4), e25323.

 

 

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