Yuqing Han | Plant Cold Stress | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Yuqing Han | Plant Cold Stress | Best Academic Researcher Award

Postdoctoral | Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Dr. Yuqing Han is a distinguished postdoctoral researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, specializing in plant molecular biology and abiotic stress physiology with a particular focus on cold tolerance in melon (Cucumis melo). Her research has significantly advanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing plant adaptation to low-temperature stress, identifying four key genes that enhance melon’s resistance and revealing a transcriptional regulatory module crucial for cold response. With expertise in molecular interaction analysis, gene function verification, and transcriptomic profiling, she has contributed to two major research projects and two industry collaborations aimed at developing stress-resilient horticultural crops. Dr. Han has published eight papers in high-impact international journals such as Plant Physiology, The Plant Journal, and Environmental and Experimental Botany, which collectively highlight her scientific rigor and innovative approach to crop improvement. Her work not only expands the theoretical framework of plant stress biology but also provides practical genetic resources for melon breeding, offering solutions for sustainable agriculture amid global climate challenges. Demonstrating growing international recognition, her research record includes 136 citations, 8 documents, and an h-index of 5, reflecting her academic excellence and impactful contributions to the global scientific community.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publication

1. Xu, D., Han, Y., Zhang, Y., Khan, A., Dong, L., Shao, L., Liang, A., Liu, T., & Qi, H. (2025). CmTGA8–CmAPX1/CmGSTU25 regulatory model involved in trehalose-induced cold tolerance in oriental melon seedlings. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 220, 109432.

Dr. Yuqing Han’s research advances global agricultural resilience by uncovering molecular mechanisms that enhance crop tolerance to cold stress, supporting sustainable food production under climate change. Her discoveries in stress-responsive gene regulation provide vital insights for developing hardier horticultural varieties, driving innovation in plant biotechnology and sustainable farming practices worldwide.

Muhammad Usman Khalid | Food Science | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Muhammad Usman Khalid | Food Science | Best Paper Award

Assistant Professor | Bahauddin Zakariya University | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Usman Khalid is a distinguished researcher in Food Science and Technology, recognized for his contributions to functional foods, nutraceuticals, and food safety. His work focuses on the exploration of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants such as Withania somnifera, Fagonia arabica, and Tribulus terrestris, emphasizing their therapeutic, antioxidant, and nutraceutical potentials. Through advanced analytical and molecular approaches, he has investigated the nutritional, rheological, and pharmacological properties of natural products, contributing to the development of sustainable food innovations and health-promoting formulations. Dr. Khalid has authored and co-authored several publications in prestigious international journals, including the Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, Natural Product Research, Applied Food Research, Food Science & Nutrition, Toxicology Research, and LWT – Food Science and Technology. His research collaborations extend globally with multidisciplinary teams focusing on food biochemistry, safety, and quality improvement. Beyond research, he has been actively involved in academic teaching, scientific writing, and organizing national and international workshops to promote professional development in food science and nutrition. His scholarly achievements have been recognized through numerous certificates of appreciation, conference participations, and awards highlighting his commitment to advancing food security and public health. Dr. Khalid’s research reflects a profound dedication to bridging traditional ethnomedicine with modern food technologies, aiming to enhance global nutritional resilience. His publications collectively demonstrate expertise in food chemistry, product development, and molecular docking analysis of phytoconstituents with potential therapeutic significance. His membership in professional societies and active engagement in scientific networks underscore his collaborative spirit and leadership within the field. His research continues to inspire innovation at the intersection of food science, health, and sustainability, contributing meaningfully to academia and industry alike. With an established research record comprising 10 indexed publications, 25 citations, and an h-index of 3, Dr. Khalid continues to contribute meaningfully to the global scientific community through impactful, interdisciplinary research.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Arif, A., Sultan, M. T., Nazir, F., Ahmad, K., Kashif, M., Ahmad, M. M., Shehzad, F. K., Mushtaq, S., Khalid, M. U., Noman, A. M., Raza, H., Israr, M., Sohail, H., & Rocha, J. M. (2024). Exploring the therapeutic potential of Caralluma fimbriata for antioxidant and diabetes management: A 28-day rat model study. Toxicology Research, 13(4), tfae094.

2. Bartkiene, E., Klupsaite, D., Starkute, V., Mockus, E., Bartkevics, V., Ruibys, R., Batkeviciute, G., Ozogul, F., Khalid, M. U., & Rocha, J. M. (2024). Characteristics of lacto-fermented whey, milk, hemp and lupine proteins. LWT, 201, 116259.

3. Perveen, S., Sultan, M. T., Amir, M., & Khalid, M. U. (2023). Moringa (Moringa oleifera): Multi-functional role in management of malnutrition and health promotion. In Neglected Plant Foods of South Asia: Exploring and valorizing nature to feed hunger (pp. 301–317). Springer.

4. Younis, M., Afzal, K., Sultan, M. T., Rabail, R., Akhtar, S., Ismail, T., Khalid, M. U., Shabbir, M. A., & Aadil, R. M. (2023). Quality characteristics of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) leaf and stem powder-supplemented cupcakes. Journal of Food Quality, 2023(1), 1329249.

Dr. Muhammad Usman Khalid’s research bridges traditional ethnomedicine and modern food science, advancing the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals that promote public health and disease prevention. His innovative work contributes to global food security, sustainability, and the nutraceutical industry by translating bioactive plant compounds into scientifically validated, health-promoting products.