Xiangfei Li | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiangfei Li | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, China

Dr. Xiangfei Li is an accomplished researcher in food science and gut microbiota, specializing in the regulatory mechanisms of bioactive compounds and their impact on metabolic health. She holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Jiangnan University and currently serves as an Associate Professor at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics. Her research focuses on feruloyl oligosaccharides from rice bran and their effects on gut microbiota, as well as the hypoglycemic properties of lactic acid bacteria for managing Type 2 Diabetes. With a strong background in food chemistry, microbiology, and functional foods, Dr. Li has led multiple research projects, supervised graduate students, and contributed significantly to scientific literature. She has received recognition for her work through research grants and academic honors. Her contributions to nutritional sciences and disease prevention continue to make a significant impact in the field of functional food research and microbiome health.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Xiangfei Li has a strong academic background in food science and engineering, with a focus on functional foods, microbiome research, and metabolic health. She earned her Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Jiangnan University (2012-2016), where she conducted research on bioactive compounds and their role in gut microbiota regulation under the guidance of Professor Chen Wei. Prior to that, she completed her Master’s degree in Food Science at Jiangsu University (2009-2012), mentored by Professor Huang Daming, focusing on nutritional biochemistry and food processing technologies. Her education provided her with a comprehensive foundation in food chemistry, microbiology, and biomedical applications, allowing her to integrate biotechnology and nutrition in her research. Through her academic training, she developed expertise in functional food development, intestinal microbiota analysis, and metabolic health studies, laying the groundwork for her successful career as a researcher and educator in the field of food science.

Professional Experience

Dr. Xiangfei Li has built a distinguished career in food science and microbiome research, with extensive experience in academia and research. She began her professional journey as a Lecturer at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics in 2016, where she contributed to food science education, research, and student mentorship. In 2022, she was promoted to Associate Professor, reflecting her academic achievements and research excellence. Throughout her tenure, she has led numerous research projects focusing on functional food bioactives, gut microbiota regulation, and metabolic health. She has also been actively involved in curriculum development, interdisciplinary collaborations, and scientific outreach, helping to advance the field of food science and nutrition. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Li has supervised graduate students, published research articles, and contributed to food innovation studies. Her professional expertise continues to shape functional food development and disease prevention strategies in the scientific community.

Research interest

Dr. Xiangfei Li’s research interests lie at the intersection of food science, gut microbiota, and metabolic health, with a strong focus on functional food bioactives and their regulatory effects. She specializes in the extraction, purification, and characterization of feruloyl oligosaccharides from rice bran, investigating their role in modulating intestinal microbiota and enhancing gut health. Her work also explores the hypoglycemic effects of lactic acid bacteria, aiming to develop probiotic-based interventions for Type 2 Diabetes. Using animal models, in vitro assays, and microbiome analysis, she seeks to understand how bioactive food compounds influence metabolic processes and disease prevention. Additionally, she is interested in the development of gut microbiota databases and simulated gastrointestinal models to study the metabolism of functional ingredients. By integrating food chemistry, microbiology, and biotechnology, Dr. Li’s research contributes to advancing nutritional science and personalized dietary strategies for improved health outcomes.

Award & Honor

Dr. Xiangfei Li has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to food science, gut microbiota research, and functional food innovation. Her work on feruloyl oligosaccharides and lactic acid bacteria has earned her research grants, institutional awards, and accolades from scientific organizations. She has been acknowledged for her innovative approaches to gut health and metabolic disease prevention, particularly in developing functional foods with bioactive properties. Dr. Li has also been invited to present her findings at national and international conferences, where her research on intestinal microbiota and diabetes management has been widely recognized. In addition to her academic achievements, she has received grants and funding support for her research projects, further solidifying her reputation as a leading expert in food science and biotechnology. Her continuous efforts in scientific discovery and public health improvement have made her a highly respected researcher in her field.

Conclusion

Dr. Xiangfei Li is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a well-defined research niche in food science, gut microbiota, and health applications. Her theoretical and applied research contributions are significant, particularly in diabetes management and functional foods. However, adding details on publications, collaborations, and industry impact would further solidify her position as an outstanding researcher.

Publications Top Noted

  • Development of dual polymerase spiral reaction for detection of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus simultaneously

    • Authors: M. Zhang, H. Chen, J. Huang, J. Sun, Y. Lu
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0
  • Heterologous Expression and Transglycosylation of Acarviosyltransferase

    • Authors: Z. Xue, Y. Wang, C. Li, S. Zhu, X. Li
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0
  • Cinnamaldehyde for the Prevention and Control of Foodborne Pathogens and Their Biofilms: a Review of Research and Applications

    • Authors: X. Du, X. Hu, Z. Feng, X. Pang, Y. Lu
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0
  • Regulatory mechanisms of the probiotic-targeted gut–liver axis for the alleviation of alcohol-related liver disease: a review

    • Authors: F. Yang, X. Li, J. Sun, Q. Sun, Y. Lu
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0
  • Transcription factor NeyR enhances neomycin synthesis in Streptomyces fradiae

    • Authors: Y. Cheng, X. Li, R. Han, Y. Liu, Z. Xue
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Screening of bile salt hydrolase-producing lactic acid bacteria and evaluation of cholesterol-lowering activity in vitro

    • Authors: C. Lv, X. Pang, J. Sun, X. Li, Y. Lu
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Rapid and accurate AuNPs-sodium deoxycholate-propidium monoazide-qPCR technique for simultaneous detection of viable Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella

    • Authors: J. Huang, X. Pang, X. Li, J. Sun, Y. Lu
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 2

 

Lorenzo Fruscella | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lorenzo Fruscella | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Campaign Lead at Animal Law Italia,  Italy

Lorenzo Fruscella is a dedicated researcher in biotechnology and sustainable aquaculture with extensive international experience in academia, industry, and policy advocacy. His work focuses on advancing organic aquaponics, sustainable food production, and environmental conservation. With hands-on experience in marine biology, aquaculture, and ecosystem restoration, he has contributed to scientific advancements through peer-reviewed publications, stakeholder engagement, and policy development. His research spans multiple countries, including the UK, USA, Italy, Ireland, and Madagascar, demonstrating a global perspective on sustainability challenges. Lorenzo has actively participated in scientific conferences, workshops, and campaigns to promote ethical and sustainable agricultural practices. His ability to integrate research, policy, and practical applications makes him a key contributor to the field. Passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, he continues to push the boundaries of sustainable aquaponics and organic agriculture.

Professional Profile

Education

Lorenzo Fruscella is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biotechnology at the University of Greenwich, UK, focusing on organic accreditation of aquaponic produce. He holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Aquaculture from the University of Stirling, Scotland, where he also served as a Course and Faculty Representative. His research explored the effects of water flow speed on the energy demands of King salmon. Lorenzo completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), earning a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Aquatic Biology with a minor in Earth Science. His diverse academic background has provided him with strong expertise in sustainable food systems, marine biology, and environmental research. His education reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, combining biological sciences with ecological sustainability, making him a leading figure in aquaponics and sustainable agriculture research.

Professional Experience

Lorenzo has built a dynamic career across academia, industry, and policy. Currently, he serves as a Career Advisor at Animal Advocacy Careers, mentoring aspiring professionals in the field. He also leads campaigns at Animal Law Italia, working on enhancing legal protections for decapod crustaceans in the EU. His previous roles include research and technical positions at Bantry Marine Research Station, LandIng Aquaculture, and Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, where he specialized in fish husbandry, aquaculture system maintenance, and research on salmon energy expenditure. He has worked globally, including internships in Madagascar, the USA, Italy, and Ireland, gaining expertise in aquaponics, sustainable fisheries, and conservation. Additionally, he has teaching experience in biology and languages, reflecting his ability to communicate complex scientific ideas effectively. His diverse professional background highlights his expertise in sustainable aquaculture, environmental advocacy, and interdisciplinary research.

Research Interests

Lorenzo’s research interests lie at the intersection of aquaponics, sustainable agriculture, and environmental biotechnology. His work primarily focuses on the potential for organic certification of aquaponic systems, aiming to improve sustainability in food production. He investigates how fish effluents can be used as organic fertilizers, optimizing plant growth while reducing agricultural waste. His interdisciplinary approach also extends to policy and regulatory frameworks, addressing the challenges of integrating organic principles into modern aquaculture systems. Additionally, he has explored the physiological responses of fish to different environmental conditions, contributing to our understanding of aquaculture efficiency. His broader interests include ecosystem restoration, ethical food production, and climate-resilient agriculture. Through his research, he strives to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and practical sustainability, ensuring environmentally responsible practices in food production systems worldwide.

Awards and Honors

Lorenzo has received numerous accolades for his academic and research achievements. He was awarded the prestigious Vice-Chancellor PhD Scholarship at the University of Greenwich, worth £48,000, and the Postgraduate MSc Merit Scholarship at the University of Stirling. His research excellence has been recognized through various awards, including the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, where he won both the Faculty and University prizes. He was also a Science Slam participant at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture 2023 in Berlin. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to the semi-finals of the Mayor of London’s Entrepreneur Competition and the finals of the University of Greenwich Enterprise Challenge. Additionally, he has secured over £5,000 in funding to present his PhD research at international conferences. These achievements underscore his dedication to advancing sustainable agriculture and aquaponics through research, innovation, and public engagement.

Conclusion

Lorenzo Fruscella is a highly competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic excellence, extensive research experience, and contributions to sustainable aquaponics and policy make him a strong contender. Strengthening his leadership in major research projects and securing additional funding could further enhance his profile. Nonetheless, his current achievements are highly commendable and align well with the award’s criteria.

Publications Top Noted

  • Feeding Mars: A pilot study growing vegetables using aquaponic effluent fertiliser in simulant and analogue Martian regoliths
    • Authors: Benz Kotzen, Marcos Paradelo Perez, Lorenzo Fruscella
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Ecocycles, Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 1–17
    • DOI: 10.19040/ecocycles.v10i1.391
    • Citations: 0
  • Investigating the effects of fish effluents as organic fertilisers on onion (Allium cepa) yield, soil nutrients, and soil microbiome
    • Authors: Lorenzo Fruscella, Benz Kotzen, Marcos Paradelo, Sarah Milliken
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Scientia Horticulturae, Volume 321, Article 112297
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2023.112297
    • Citations: 8
  • Organic aquaponics in the European Union: towards sustainable farming practices in the framework of the new EU regulation
    • Authors: Lorenzo Fruscella, Benz Kotzen, Sarah Milliken
    • Year: 2021
    • Journal: Reviews in Aquaculture, Volume 13, Issue 3, Pages 1661–1682
    • DOI: 10.1111/raq.12532
    • Citations: 25