Xian Yang | Vegetable | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Xian Yang | Vegetable | Best Researcher Award

Professor, South China Agricultural University, China

Professor Xian Yang is a leading scholar in the field of vegetable physiology and molecular biology at the College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China. With over four decades of academic and research experience, he has made profound contributions to understanding stress regulation, postharvest biology, and biochar applications in vegetable science. His pioneering research integrates physiological responses and molecular mechanisms to enhance crop resilience and quality. Professor Yang’s work not only advances academic knowledge but also holds vital implications for sustainable agriculture and food security. 📚🌿

🔹Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

🏆 Strengths for the Award

  • Extensive Academic Background:

    Prof. Yang holds a PhD, MS, and BS—all from South China Agricultural University—demonstrating long-term academic commitment and depth in vegetable science, genetics, and physiology.

  • Focused and Impactful Research Scope:

    His work spans critical aspects of vegetable physiology and molecular biology, including:

    • Biotic and abiotic stress mechanisms

    • Postharvest biology and quality control

    • Carbon dots and their regulatory role in vegetables (a modern and promising nanotechnology application)

  • Innovation in Research:

    The use of carbon dots in agriculture reflects cutting-edge, interdisciplinary innovation combining nanotechnology and plant sciences—a standout in contemporary agricultural research.

  • Consistency and Depth:

    His career trajectory reflects over 30 years of dedicated research in the same academic institution, which suggests sustained excellence and institutional loyalty.

  • Breadth of Topics with Applied Relevance:

    His studies cover production (cultivation), physiology, genetics, postharvest quality, and stress resistance, addressing real-world agricultural challenges—especially vital in the context of food security and climate resilience.

🎓 Education

Professor Yang’s academic journey began at South China Agricultural University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Vegetable Science (1981–1985). Driven by his passion for plant physiology, he pursued a Master’s degree in Vegetable Cultivation and Physiology (1987–1991) at the same institution, delving deep into crop performance under diverse growing conditions. He later completed his Ph.D. in Crop Genetics and Breeding (2001–2006), focusing on the intersection of molecular biology and practical breeding methods. This robust educational foundation equipped him with interdisciplinary expertise, bridging genetics, physiology, and biotechnology in horticultural science. 🧑‍🎓🔬

💼 Experience

Professor Yang has been a cornerstone of the College of Horticulture at South China Agricultural University since his early academic career. Over the years, he has taken on key roles in teaching, curriculum development, and laboratory research supervision. His research group is widely recognized for its in-depth investigations into vegetable stress physiology, and he has mentored numerous postgraduate students who now contribute to agricultural sciences globally. Through collaboration with national and international researchers, Professor Yang has expanded his work’s relevance across ecological and climatic zones. 🌏👨‍🏫

🔍 Research Focus On Vegetable

Professor Yang’s research in vegetable science spans multiple innovative and interrelated areas. A major focus is the molecular regulation of stress responses, where he investigates how vegetables respond to both biotic stresses like pests and diseases, and abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes—delving deep into the genetic and protein-level mechanisms involved. In the area of quality formation and control, he explores the biochemical pathways that influence nutritional and commercial traits in vegetables, aiming to enhance their overall quality through targeted regulation techniques. Another key domain of his work is postharvest biology and technology, where he seeks effective strategies to extend shelf life, reduce spoilage, and preserve the postharvest quality of vegetables using molecular, physical, and biological approaches. Furthermore, Professor Yang leads pioneering research on the application of carbon nanomaterials (carbon dots) in agriculture, studying their role in improving vegetable growth, stress tolerance, and physiological performance—an emerging field with significant promise for sustainable farming. His work masterfully integrates theoretical insight with practical application, addressing challenges from crop production to postharvest handling, and bridging the gap between science and agricultural practice. 🥦🧫🌱🌡️

📚 Publications Top Note

Mikania micrantha Kunth and its derived biochar impacts on heavy metal bioavailability and siderophore-related genes during chicken manure composting

Author: Professor Xian Yang
Summary: This study explores how biochar derived from the invasive plant Mikania micrantha Kunth influences the bioavailability of heavy metals and the activity of siderophore-related genes during the composting of chicken manure. The research demonstrates that the biochar significantly reduces the availability of harmful metals like cadmium, lead, and copper, thus improving the safety and quality of organic compost. Additionally, the biochar was found to enhance microbial gene expression related to metal chelation, thereby boosting natural detoxification processes. These findings highlight the potential of converting invasive biomass into eco-friendly, value-added soil amendments, promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental remediation. 🌿🧪♻️

🔚 Conclusion

Professor Xian Yang stands as a paragon of scientific dedication, innovation, and leadership in horticultural science. His work reflects a lifetime commitment to solving real-world agricultural problems through cutting-edge science. From educating future plant scientists to developing eco-friendly and high-efficiency crop systems, his impact reaches both academic and farming communities. With a vision rooted in sustainability, health, and innovation, Professor Yang’s contributions are instrumental in shaping the future of vegetable research and production. His nomination for this award is a well-deserved recognition of an inspiring career. 🌱🏅🔬

Razieh Sadraei | Agricultural Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Razieh Sadraei | Agricultural Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Razieh Sadraei, Coventry University, United Kingdom

Dr. Razieh Sadraei, PhD, SFHEA, is an accomplished academic and international researcher specializing in international entrepreneurship, strategic capabilities, and SME internationalization. Currently serving as a Lecturer (Research) at Coventry University’s Centre for Business in Society (CBiS), she brings over a decade of dynamic teaching, research, and academic service experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Dr. Sadraei’s multifaceted career is defined by her commitment to enhancing entrepreneurial ecosystems, especially in underrepresented and disadvantaged contexts, and contributing actively to knowledge sharing through global collaborations, leadership roles, and impactful publications.

Profile 🌍

Scopus 

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Sadraei’s academic journey reflects deep international and interdisciplinary grounding. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Turin, Italy (2019) under a fully funded scholarship, where her research laid the foundation for her ongoing interest in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Prior to this, she completed her M.Sc. at Azad University in Iran (2015) and her B.Sc. at Hamedan University of Technology (2013). Her strong academic credentials across multiple countries have provided a broad and diverse perspective on business education and research.

Experience 🧠

Spanning over ten years, Dr. Sadraei’s academic appointments reflect her growth through progressive roles in education and research. At Coventry University, she transitioned from Assistant Lecturer to Research Lecturer and has held multiple leadership roles including Course Co-Director and Research Ethics Committee Associate Director. She has taught at Aston University, Kingston University, University of Wolverhampton, and University of Turin, and has contributed as an adjunct professor and dissertation supervisor globally. Her visiting researcher roles in Kenya and Canada underscore her global academic footprint and interdisciplinary collaborations. Additionally, she is a frequent mentor and examiner, reflecting her dedication to supporting emerging scholars.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr. Sadraei’s research explores the intersections of international entrepreneurship, SME internationalization, innovation networks, digital transformation, and gender in business. Her work often focuses on marginalized and underrepresented contexts—like women-led start-ups and deprived areas—using qualitative and mixed methods. Her recent studies examine how cognitive, cultural, and digital factors influence business internationalization and how entrepreneurial ecosystems evolve in response to disruptive trends such as the metaverse and sustainability transitions. Her contributions provide novel insights into inclusive and technology-driven growth for small businesses.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Sadraei’s academic excellence has been recognized internationally. In 2025, she was honored with the Best Paper Award at the Academy of Management (AOM) Annual Meeting in Copenhagen. A year earlier, she received the Literati Award for Outstanding Reviewer from the Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, a testament to her scholarly rigor and contribution to academic peer review. Her academic service, leadership, and innovative research continue to earn her accolades and peer recognition.

Publications Top Note 📚

Family Dynamics and Relationships in Female Entrepreneurship: An Exploratory Study

Authors: S. Dewitt, V. Jafari-Sadeghi, A. Sukumar, R. Aruvanahalli Nagaraju, R. Sadraei
Journal: Journal of Family Business Management, Vol. 13(3), pp. 626–644, 2023
Citations: 77
Summary:
This study explores how family relationships shape and influence female entrepreneurship, focusing on both enablers and constraints. The findings emphasize the pivotal role of family support, intergenerational values, and role modeling, while also discussing challenges such as gender roles and familial expectations. It offers valuable insights into the dynamics of family-influenced entrepreneurial decision-making.

How to Increase Sustainable Production in the Food Sector? Mapping Industrial and Business Strategies and Providing Future Research Agenda

Authors: R. Sadraei, P. Biancone, F. Lanzalonga, V. Jafari‐Sadeghi, F. Chmet
Journal: Business Strategy and the Environment, Vol. 32(4), pp. 2209–2228, 2023
Citations: 60
Summary:
This paper investigates strategies to boost sustainable production in the food industry. Using a systematic literature review and industry mapping approach, it identifies best practices, barriers, and enablers. The authors propose a research agenda that emphasizes innovation, circular economy, and regulatory compliance as core elements for sustainability advancement.

Metaverse Meets Digital Entrepreneurship: A Practitioner-Based Qualitative Synthesis

Authors: D. Calandra, M. Oppioli, R. Sadraei, V. Jafari-Sadeghi, P.P. Biancone
Journal: International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 30(2/3), pp. 666–686, 2023
Citations: 55
Summary:
The article synthesizes practitioner perspectives on the metaverse’s impact on digital entrepreneurship. It identifies key themes such as immersive marketing, virtual marketplaces, and new business models enabled by XR technologies. The research highlights challenges like digital literacy and data security while framing a strategic outlook on the metaverse economy.

Dynamic Performance Development of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in the Agricultural Sector

Authors: M. Hosseinzadeh, M. Samadi Foroushani, R. Sadraei
Journal: British Food Journal, Vol. 124(7), pp. 2361–2395, 2022
Citations: 53
Summary:
This article evaluates how entrepreneurial ecosystems evolve within the agricultural sector. Using dynamic modeling, the study identifies key performance indicators including innovation, support infrastructure, and financial mechanisms. It concludes with policy implications to enhance sustainability and innovation in agri-entrepreneurship.

What Are the Fundamental Knowledge-Sharing Drivers of Small Family Business in the Restaurant and Fast-Food Industry?

Authors: M. Rezaei, G. Giovando, R. Sadraei
Journal: British Food Journal, 2022
Citations: 50
Summary:
This research identifies the core drivers that facilitate knowledge sharing in small, family-run restaurants. It emphasizes trust, family cohesion, and informal communication structures as critical enablers, and proposes a conceptual model to guide managerial practices in the foodservice industry.

Biotechnology Revolution from Academic Entrepreneurship to Industrial: Chemo-Entrepreneurship

Authors: R. Sadraei, V. Jafari Sadeghi, M. Sadraei
Journal: Biometrics & Biostatistics International Journal, Vol. 7(6), pp. 546–550, 2018
Citations: 48
Summary:
The article discusses the transition of biotech innovations from academia to industry, focusing on chemo-entrepreneurship. It outlines the challenges of commercialization and proposes a roadmap involving university-industry collaboration, IP management, and entrepreneurial education in biotech fields.

Conclusion 🔚

Dr. Razieh Sadraei is a trailblazing academic committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable international entrepreneurship. Her rich blend of research, teaching, and leadership experience, paired with a strong global orientation, positions her as a significant thought leader in her field. Through her work, she not only contributes to scholarly knowledge but also fosters meaningful change in the entrepreneurial landscapes of emerging and underrepresented regions. Her ongoing projects and publications continue to shape conversations around innovation, digitalization, and global business growth.