Honghao Zhao | Animal Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Honghao Zhao | Animal Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Doctor at Tianjin Agricultural University | China

Dr. Honghao Zhao of Tianjin Agricultural University is an accomplished scientist whose innovative research in aquaculture nutrition and fish physiology positions her as a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her investigations center on developing sustainable feed alternatives to traditional fishmeal by utilizing black soldier fly larvae and incorporating functional bioactive compounds like bile acids and herbal extracts to improve fish health, immunity, and flesh quality. Through the integration of advanced multi-omics technologies, she deciphers the molecular mechanisms underlying nutritional regulation, growth performance, and disease resistance in species such as largemouth bass and half-smooth tongue sole. Dr. Zhao has led multiple high-impact research projects as Principal Investigator and contributed to the advancement of sustainable aquaculture systems with global relevance. Her impressive academic record includes 17 research documents, 449 citations, and an h-index of 10 in the Scopus database, highlighting her strong scientific influence and productivity. With numerous publications in reputed international journals like Aquaculture, Frontiers in Physiology, and GigaScience, her research bridges molecular biology and practical aquaculture applications, promoting ecological sustainability and technological progress in the aquaculture sector.

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Featured Publications

Zhao, H., Fu, Y., Zheng, X., Sun, X., Shen, J., & Fang, Z. (2025). New insights into Hermetia illucens larvae as a most promising feed protein and its superior effects on farmed largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). SSRN.

Duan, Y., Zhao, H., Qin, C., Ma, L., Bi, X., Song, T., Sun, X., & Sun, J. (2024). Astragalus polysaccharides, cinnamaldehyde and their complexes affected growth, physicochemical parameters, histomorphology and flesh quality of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Aquaculture Reports.

Sun, X., Fang, Z., Yu, H., Zhao, H., Wang, Y., Zhou, F., Zhao, L., Sun, J., & Tian, Y. (2024). Effects of Enterococcus faecium (R8a) on nonspecific immune gene expression, immunity and intestinal flora of giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). Scientific Reports.

Zhao, H., Chong, J., Li, D., & Xia, J. (2023). Integrated multiple-omics reveals the regulatory mechanism underlying the effects of artificial feed and grass feeding on growth and muscle quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). Aquaculture.

Li, X., Qin, C., Fang, Z., Sun, X., Shi, H., Wang, Q., & Zhao, H. (2022). Replacing dietary fish meal with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal affected growth, digestive physiology and muscle quality of tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Frontiers in Physiology.

Wanyan Li | Animal nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wanyan Li | Animal nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Accociate Professor at Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, China

Dr. Wanyan Li is an accomplished associate professor at the College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering. As a dedicated researcher and academic, she has focused her expertise on understanding how polysaccharides derived from traditional Chinese medicine and other feed additives influence the growth, development, and immune regulation in poultry and livestock. With an impressive record of scholarly output and applied research, Dr. Li has emerged as a key contributor in the field of animal nutrition and veterinary immunology. Her work stands at the intersection of traditional medicine and modern livestock science, earning her respect as both a scientist and an innovator. She actively supports rural science development and holds the designation of a registered rural science and technology dispatcher, contributing to regional development initiatives in Guangdong Province.

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Education

Dr. Li’s academic foundation is rooted in a strong doctoral background with specialized training in animal science and veterinary pharmacology. Throughout her academic journey, she cultivated an interdisciplinary approach that combines biological sciences, immunology, and traditional Chinese veterinary practices. This well-rounded education has empowered her to tackle complex research questions related to livestock health and feed efficiency. Her educational philosophy emphasizes the integration of empirical science with indigenous knowledge systems, an approach that continues to guide her research and teaching methodologies.

Experience

In terms of professional experience, Dr. Li has taken on multiple roles, including teaching, research, and rural development. She has successfully led two major projects at both the national and provincial levels, including a grant under the National Natural Science Foundation of China. These projects have focused on animal immunomodulation and sustainable feed additives, aligning with national priorities in food safety and animal welfare. Her teaching contributions have also been widely recognized, with accolades such as the “Top Ten Middle-aged and Young Teachers” and the “Third Prize for Excellent Teaching Quality.” As a mentor, she has guided students through veterinary skills competitions, contributing to their hands-on learning and success, notably receiving the “Outstanding Instructor Award” in the “Xiongying Cup” competition.

Research

Dr. Li’s primary research interests include the biological mechanisms through which traditional Chinese polysaccharides and novel feed additives impact immune response, gut health, and overall performance in poultry and livestock. She is particularly interested in the immunomodulatory properties of herbal extracts, with a goal to improve animal resistance to disease while reducing antibiotic dependence. In addition, her work explores the synergies between microbiota balance and growth metrics in animals raised under intensive and semi-intensive systems. She employs both molecular and in vivo techniques to validate her findings, bringing scientific rigor to traditional remedies.

Awards and honors

Her work has been recognized with several awards and honors that underscore her contributions to both academic and applied agricultural science. In addition to the aforementioned teaching awards, she has also been a pivotal figure in the Guangdong Province Rural Science and Technology Dispatcher Project, where she played a crucial role in town assistance and rural revitalization. These roles exemplify her commitment to community engagement and knowledge transfer, demonstrating that her impact extends far beyond the laboratory or classroom.

Publications

Among Dr. Li’s most notable scholarly contributions are seven SCI-indexed journal publications that have collectively enhanced our understanding of immune response and animal nutrition. Some of her most cited and impactful works include:

  1. “Polysaccharide Supplementation Enhances Immune Function in Broilers” – Poultry Science, 2025, cited by 12 articles.

  2. “Immunoregulatory Effects of Traditional Herbal Extracts in Livestock” – Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021, cited by 15 articles.

  3. “Gut Microbiota Modulation via Feed Additives” – Chinese Journal of Animal Nutrition, 2022, cited by 9 articles.

  4. “Efficacy of Plant-based Feed Additives in Reducing Antibiotic Use” – Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2020, cited by 17 articles.

  5. “Effects of Fermented Herbal Products on Poultry Growth” – Poultry Science, 2023, cited by 8 articles.

  6. “Polysaccharide-Induced Immune Activation in Chickens” – Poultry Science, 2024, cited by 11 articles.

  7. “Comparative Study on Feed Additive Efficacy in Livestock Nutrition” – Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2021, cited by 10 articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Wanyan Li exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding academic and researcher, balancing her roles in education, innovation, and community service. Her integrative research contributes significantly to the advancement of livestock nutrition, animal welfare, and rural science. With a forward-looking vision and a solid track record of excellence, Dr. Li is a fitting nominee for the Best Researcher Award, not only for her individual achievements but also for the broader impact of her work on agriculture and rural revitalization in China. Her continued efforts promise to shape sustainable and scientifically sound practices in the field of animal science for years to come.