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

 

Christopher Milton Mathew | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Christopher Milton Mathew | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Emeritus Professor at Franco Flinders University, Australia

Emeritus Professor Christopher Milton Mathew Franco is an esteemed researcher in the field of biotechnology, with significant contributions in both academia and industry. He is currently an Emeritus Professor at Flinders University in Australia, within the College of Medicine and Public Health. Prof. Franco’s research journey began with postdoctoral studies in the UK and Germany, before he ventured into the biopharmaceutical industry, where he led a drug discovery team and filed 11 patent families for therapeutic compounds. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to translational research, focusing on innovations that bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world applications. Prof. Franco’s work encompasses sustainable agricultural biotechnology, marine bioproducts, and bioprocesses that aim to address pressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability and healthcare improvements.

Professional Profile

Education

Professor Franco’s educational background is rooted in strong academic training, beginning with his undergraduate studies in the biological sciences. He pursued further advanced education, undertaking postdoctoral research at prestigious institutions such as the University of Manchester in the UK and the University of Tübingen in Germany. These experiences laid the foundation for his scientific career, equipping him with a deep understanding of biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals. His diverse academic training allowed him to thrive in both industrial and academic research settings, where he has continued to expand his knowledge base and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries in biotechnology, particularly in drug development, plant-based products, and marine bioproducts.

Professional Experience

Prof. Franco’s professional journey blends academia and industry, with roles that have cemented his reputation as a leader in biotechnology. He served as a professor of biotechnology at Flinders University, where he also led the Medical Biotechnology Department. His significant contributions in industry include leading a drug discovery and development team at a global biopharmaceutical company. In this role, he was the chief inventor of 11 patent families for therapeutic compounds, illustrating his capacity to drive innovation in biotechnology. Prof. Franco has also been deeply involved in collaborative projects with commercial partners, advancing biotechnological solutions in agriculture and sustainability. He is a pioneer in developing bacterial inoculants for crops and establishing the Flinders Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development, enhancing Australia’s presence in the growing blue bioeconomy sector.

Research Interests

Prof. Franco’s research interests lie at the intersection of biotechnology, sustainability, and innovation. His work focuses on bioproducts and bioprocesses, particularly those derived from plant and marine sources. He is deeply invested in the development of agricultural biotechnology, with an emphasis on bacterial inoculants that improve crop yields sustainably. One of his major achievements is the creation of bacterial inoculants for rice, soybean, and chickpea crops, which are being commercialized with industry partners to enhance agricultural productivity. Additionally, Prof. Franco is dedicated to marine bioproducts, specifically the production of therapeutic compounds from marine natural products, which present significant challenges due to their limited supply. His research aims to optimize the production of these compounds using innovative bioprocesses, contributing to the growing blue bioeconomy and addressing global health and environmental concerns.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his distinguished career, Prof. Franco has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to biotechnology. His extensive research and innovative solutions have earned him international acclaim, including industry recognition for his role in advancing agricultural biotechnology and sustainable practices. As an Emeritus Professor at Flinders University, he continues to be a respected figure in academic and scientific circles. Prof. Franco’s pioneering work has been acknowledged through various professional appointments and leadership roles, such as his tenure as Associate Head of Faculty for International Relations at Flinders University. His work in developing patented biotechnological processes and his continued impact on the biopharmaceutical and agricultural sectors underscores his standing as a leader in his field, with a lasting legacy in biotechnology research and commercialization.

Conclusion

Emeritus Professor Christopher Milton Mathew Franco is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive contributions to biotechnology, demonstrated by high-impact publications, patents, successful industry collaborations, and innovative research that addresses global challenges. His ongoing efforts in both sustainable agriculture and marine bioproducts have the potential to significantly improve health and environmental sustainability. To further enhance his influence, expanding public engagement and interdisciplinary research collaboration would be beneficial.

Publications Top Noted

  • Streptomyces mahasarakhamensis sp. nov., an Endophytic Actinobacterium Isolated from Jasmine Rice and its Potential as Plant Growth Promoter

    • Authors: S. Sukpanoa, O. Kaewkla, C. Suriyachadkun, P. Klankeo, C.M.M. Franco
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Exploring Indonesian Sponge-Associated Marine Aspergillus hortai: Characterization of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Anti-Escherichia coli Properties

    • Authors: W.N. Fadillah, N. Sukarno, D. Iswantini, N. Hanif, M. Waite, C.M.M. Franco
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Production of Alginate Oligosaccharides (AOSs) Using Enhanced Physicochemical Properties of Immobilized Alginate Lyase for Industrial Application

    • Authors: S. Kaur, R.E. Abraham, C.M.M. Franco, M. Puri
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Oleaginous Microbial Lipids’ Potential in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Disorders

    • Authors: M.T. Alhattab, L.S. Moorthy, D. Patel, C.M.M. Franco, M. Puri
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 6
  • Marine Sponge-Derived Natural Products: Trends and Opportunities for the Decade of 2011-2020

    • Authors: M.F. Mehbub, Q. Yang, Y. Cheng, C.M.M. Franco, W. Zhang
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Description of Streptomyces naphthomycinicus sp. nov., an Endophytic Actinobacterium Producing Naphthomycin A and its Genome Insight for Discovering Bioactive Compounds

    • Authors: O. Kaewkla, M.V. Perkins, A. Thamchaipenet, T. Chumroenphat, C.M.M. Franco
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Streptomyces phytophilus sp. nov., an Endophytic Actinobacterium with Biosynthesis Potential as an Antibiotic Producer

    • Authors: O. Kaewkla, C. Suriyachadkun, C.M.M. Franco
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
  • Development of Sustainable Downstream Processing for Nutritional Oil Production

    • Authors: S. Rollin, A. Gupta, C.M.M. Franco, S.P. Singh, M. Puri
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
  • Streptomyces spinosus sp. nov. and Streptomyces shenzhenensis subsp. oryzicola subsp. nov. Endophytic Actinobacteria Isolated from Jasmine Rice and Their Genome Mining for Potential as Antibiotic Producers and Plant Growth Promoters

    • Authors: O. Kaewkla, S. Sukpanoa, C. Suriyachadkun, T. Chumroenphat, C.M.M. Franco
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 11
  • Correction to: Revealing the Underlying Mechanisms Mediated by Endophytic Actinobacteria to Enhance the Rhizobia—Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Symbiosis

    • Authors: T. Xu, Q.A.T. Vo, S.J. Barnett, Y. Zhu, C.M.M. Franco
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 1