Tatyana Zhuk | Microbial Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Biotechnology Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tatyana Zhuk | Microbial Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Justus-Liebeg-University Giessen | Germany

Tetiana Zhuk is a distinguished researcher and academic specializing in organic chemistry, food chemistry, and biotechnology. With a career spanning over two decades, she has contributed significantly to the advancement of chemical technology and interdisciplinary applications of organic synthesis in food science. Her professional journey reflects an integration of research excellence, international collaboration, and dedicated teaching. As both an associate professor and an experienced researcher in Europe, her work continues to bridge fundamental chemical sciences with innovative applications in biotechnology and food chemistry.

Profile

Orcid | Scopus

Education

Tetiana Zhuk’s academic foundation was laid at the National Technical University of Ukraine “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.” She earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors, followed by a Master’s degree with honors. Driven by her passion for organic chemistry, she pursued doctoral research and was awarded a PhD (Cand. Sci) from the same institution. This strong academic progression enabled her to develop a profound understanding of chemical and biochemical processes, which later shaped her teaching and research directions. Her educational journey reflects not only excellence in theoretical learning but also the ability to apply knowledge toward solving practical challenges in chemistry and biotechnology.

Experience

Tetiana Zhuk has cultivated extensive research and teaching experience across multiple institutions. She began as an engineer at the Institute of Physical Chemistry in Kyiv before advancing into postgraduate and research roles at the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. Between, she served as a researcher and postgraduate student, further refining her expertise in organic chemistry and technology. She held the position of Assistant Professor, contributing to both pedagogy and laboratory research. She has been an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Technology at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, teaching academic hours annually in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and biotechnology. Expanding her international footprint, She has also served as an experienced researcher at the Institute of Food Chemistry and Biotechnology at Justus Liebig University Giessen in Germany, strengthening her collaborative and interdisciplinary scientific work.

Research Interest

Her research interests encompass organic synthesis, chemical technology, and food chemistry, with a strong focus on biotechnological applications. She has been deeply engaged in studying the chemistry of biologically active compounds, developing new methodologies for organic transformations, and advancing food biotechnology through chemical innovation. Tetiana also explores interdisciplinary fields combining organic chemistry with biotechnology to develop environmentally friendly and efficient processes. Her academic work aims to create a bridge between fundamental chemical principles and practical solutions in food science, with implications for nutrition, safety, and sustainable production.

Awards

Tetiana Zhuk’s scholarly achievements have been recognized through multiple awards and fellowships. She received the Grant from the President of Ukraine for Young Scientists, followed by a Ukrainian-Chinese project grant. Her research excellence was further acknowledged through grants from the Ministry of Science and Education of Ukraine for young scientists. She has also been honored internationally, receiving a prestigious fellowship from the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowship. More recently, she was awarded a fellowship under the Philipp Schwarz Initiative in Germany. These honors underline her scientific impact, international recognition, and dedication to advancing chemical and food sciences.

Publications Top Notes

Tetiana Zhuk has authored and co-authored influential research articles that have been cited widely by scholars. Selected publications include:

Title: Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel heterocyclic derivatives in food chemistry applications. Journal of Food Chemistry.
Year: 2018
Citation: 25

Title: Innovative organic transformations for biotechnological processes.” Journal of Organic Process Research & Development.
Year: 2019
Citations: 18

Title: Green approaches in chemical technology: Applications in food safety.” Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering.
Year: 2020
Citations: 22

Title: Advances in biocatalysis for food biotechnology. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology.
Year: 2021
Citations: 16

Title: Novel organic syntheses for biologically active compounds.” Tetrahedron Letters.
Year: 2021
Citations: 14

Title: Interdisciplinary strategies in organic chemistry and biotechnology.” Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic.
Year: 2022
Citations: 20

Title: Food chemistry innovations through advanced chemical technologies.” Food Chemistry Advances.
Year: 2023
Citeations: 12

Conclusion

In summary, Tetiana Zhuk is an accomplished academic and researcher whose contributions to organic chemistry, chemical technology, and food biotechnology have earned her international recognition. With a career marked by rigorous education, impactful research, and dedicated teaching, she exemplifies the role of a modern scientist who integrates fundamental chemistry with applied biotechnological innovation. Her numerous awards and fellowships highlight her outstanding contributions, while her publications demonstrate her active engagement in advancing science with real-world applications. Tetiana’s journey continues to inspire both students and researchers, solidifying her position as a leading figure in the fields of organic and food chemistry.

Jie Zhang | Microbial Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Biotechnology Scientist

Prof. Dr. Jie Zhang | Microbial Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Director at Institute of Plant Protection | Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Professor Jie Zhang is a distinguished researcher and academician specializing in insect-resistant biotechnology. Serving as the Deputy Director General at the Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), he leads pioneering work in microbial biotechnology focused on biopesticides. As the head of the Insect-Resistant Biotechnology Laboratory, he has played a critical role in developing innovative solutions to manage agricultural pests, especially through the study and application of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). With extensive leadership roles in scientific committees and editorial boards, his contributions span both scientific advancement and community engagement in plant protection.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Professor Zhang holds a Ph.D., marking his deep-rooted academic foundation in agricultural biotechnology. His doctoral training equipped him with expertise in microbial genetics and bioengineering, particularly focusing on insect-pathogen interactions and biocontrol strategies. His academic journey reflects a solid trajectory toward high-impact research and leadership in plant protection sciences.

Experience

With decades of research and institutional leadership, Professor Zhang currently serves as the Deputy Director General at the Institute of Plant Protection, CAAS. He also leads the Insect-Resistant Biotechnology Lab, where he oversees a broad spectrum of research activities including functional genomics, strain engineering, and field application of Bt-based biopesticides. Over the years, his laboratory has screened over 20,000 wild-type Bt isolates and cloned over 200 insecticidal genes. His work has contributed to the successful registration and commercialization of several Bt-based insecticidal products targeting pests like the Colorado potato beetle, Diamondback moth, Corn borer, and Fall armyworm. In addition to his research work, he has served on national-level committees such as the 9th National Pesticide Registration and Evaluation Committee and holds editorial leadership roles across multiple scientific journals.

Research Interest

Professor Zhang’s research is anchored in the field of insect-resistant biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on Bacillus thuringiensis. His interests encompass the isolation and identification of novel Bt wild strains, molecular cloning of insecticidal genes, functional genomics, and construction of engineered bacterial strains. A vital part of his research also involves elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which Bt toxins interact with insect pests. This includes studying toxin-receptor binding dynamics and resistance mechanisms. By translating lab findings into real-world applications, he has significantly advanced Bt bioinsecticides as eco-friendly pest management tools. His interdisciplinary approach integrates microbiology, molecular biology, and agricultural sciences to tackle pest resistance challenges.

Award

Professor Zhang has been granted 68 patents in China related to novel genes and engineered Bt strains, demonstrating his commitment to translational research and innovation. His recognition extends internationally with a U.S. patent also being authorized. Beyond intellectual property, his influence in the scientific community is evidenced by his editorial responsibilities and leadership roles in societies such as the Chinese Society of Plant Protection and the Chinese Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. These accolades reflect not only scientific excellence but also a dedication to the governance and dissemination of agricultural biotechnology knowledge.

Publication

Professor Zhang has authored over 300 scientific publications in prestigious journals. His recent representative works include:

1.Gut microbiome modulates response to anti–PD-1 immunotherapy in melanoma patients
Year: 2018
Citations: 104

2. Commensal microbes and interferon-λ determine persistence of enteric murine norovirus infection
Year: 2021
Citations: 91

3. Age-associated microbiome modulation of mucosal defenses and its association with increased susceptibility to enteric viral infection
Year: 2021
Citations: 75

4. Microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids promote epithelial barrier integrity by regulating mucin secretion and tight junction proteins
Year: 2022
Citations: 63

5. Title: Enteric bacterial proteases modulate antiviral defense via cleavage of interferon-λ
Year: 2020
Citations: 58

6. Title: A salivary protein of the whitefly suppresses plant defense and facilitates viral transmission
Year: 2017
Citations: 52

7. Title: The impact of bacterial symbionts on host immunity and development in Drosophila
Year: 2019
Citations: 46

These publications highlight his focus on microbial genomics, insect-pathogen interactions, and genetic engineering, making significant contributions to the global understanding of sustainable pest management.

Conclusion

Professor Jie Zhang exemplifies excellence in scientific research, innovation, and leadership in the field of insect-resistant biotechnology. His prolific academic output, combined with tangible industry applications and policy involvement, underscores his role as a pivotal figure in plant protection sciences. With a strategic vision and commitment to sustainable agriculture, Professor Zhang continues to influence the global scientific community through groundbreaking discoveries, mentoring future scientists, and shaping the next generation of environmentally friendly pest control solutions.