Wen-bing Ding | Molecular Biology | Pioneer Researcher Award

Posted on by The Scientist

Prof. Wen-bing Ding | Molecular Biology | Pioneer Researcher Award

College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University | China

Dr. Wenbing Ding is an accomplished researcher at Hunan Agricultural University whose work has significantly advanced the molecular biology of insect physiology and sustainable pest management. His academic excellence is reflected in his global research influence, with 461 citations, 55 publications, and an h-index of 14, underscoring his growing impact within agricultural biotechnology and entomological sciences. Dr. Ding’s research centers on gene regulation, reproductive pathways, and innovative RNA interference (RNAi)-based strategies targeting major agricultural pests, particularly Chilo suppressalis and Sogatella furcifera. His recent contributions include elucidating the regulatory role of transcription factor E93 in vitellogenesis, demonstrating the reproductive disruption caused by HR3 knockdown, and exploring CRISPR/Cas9-mediated doublesex gene editing to impair fertility and sexual dimorphism advances that collectively strengthen the scientific foundation for next-generation, eco-friendly pest control technologies. Dr. Ding has also contributed to phytochemical research through the characterization of novel heterocyclic pseudoguaianolide derivatives, reflecting the breadth of his scientific versatility. With over 93 co-authors and collaborations across molecular biology, crop protection, and biochemical research communities, his work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary integration and international engagement. His publications across leading journals such as Molecular Biology Reports, Pest Management Science, Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Phytochemistry highlight his commitment to high-impact scientific dissemination. Dr. Ding’s research contributes meaningfully to global food security by promoting molecular insights that can be translated into sustainable agricultural practices, reduced pesticide dependency, and enhanced crop resilience. His continued contributions position him as an influential and forward-looking scientist driving innovation at the interface of insect molecular genetics and sustainable pest management.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Ding, W., et al. (2025). Transcription factor E93 regulates vitellogenesis via the vitelline membrane protein 26Ab gene in Chilo suppressalis. Molecular Biology Reports. (Citations: 2)

  2. Ding, W., et al. (2025). Silencing the serine/threonine kinase Akt gene disrupts reproductive physiology in Sogatella furcifera and confers RNAi-mediated insect resistance in rice. Pest Management Science.

  3. Ding, W., et al. (2025). RNA interference knockdown of the nuclear receptor HR3 suppresses vitellogenesis in Chilo suppressalis. Molecular Biology Reports. (Citations: 1)

  4. Ding, W., et al. (2025). Doublesex knockout via CRISPR/Cas9 disrupts fertility and sexual dimorphism of wings in the rice stem borer Chilo suppressalis. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. (Citations: 0)

  5. Ding, W., et al. (2025). Heterocyclic pseudoguaianolide oligomers and seco-pseudoguaianolide derivatives from the inflorescence of Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Phytochemistry. (Citations: 1)

Andrea Gobbo | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by The Scientist

Andrea Gobbo | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Research scientist | Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics | Belgium

Ms. Andrea Gobbo, is a molecular biologist and research scientist specializing in molecular biology, genomics, and food safety within the framework of One Health. His expertise lies in the development and validation of advanced molecular detection methods, including qPCR and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), for the identification and quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMO/GMM), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, and microbial contaminants across diverse biological and environmental matrices. At Sciensano, he has contributed to numerous multidisciplinary national and international projects such as NAP-AMR, CoVWWSurv, ENSURED, METAMORPHOSE, and DARWIN, focusing on food safety, microbial contamination, and environmental health surveillance. His research supports global efforts to strengthen food authenticity, ensure product safety, and enhance AMR monitoring in environmental systems. He is also actively involved in mentoring university students, laboratory coordination, and scientific communication through peer-reviewed publications and international conference presentations. Andrea Gobbo’s scholarly achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to scientific innovation and public health protection. His contributions include the development of reliable molecular assays for environmental biosurveillance and genomic characterization of microorganisms relevant to food and health safety. His publications, appearing in respected international journals such as Food Research International, Frontiers in Microbiology, Water Environment Research, and Heliyon, highlight his role in bridging molecular biology with applied public health research. Andrea Gobbo’s academic impact is evidenced by 34 citations by 27 documents, 10 publications, and an h-index of 3, underscoring his growing influence in molecular diagnostics and genomic surveillance. His collaborative work continues to advance the integration of molecular tools in One Health initiatives, promoting sustainable and science-driven solutions for global biosecurity and environmental safety.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

  1. Fraiture, M.-A., Gobbo, A., Marchesi, U., Verginelli, D., Papazova, N., & Roosens, N. H. C. (2021). Development of a real-time PCR marker targeting a new unauthorized genetically modified microorganism producing protease identified by DNA walking. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 354, 109330. Citations: 13

  2. Fraiture, M.-A., Gobbo, A., Papazova, N., & Roosens, N. H. C. (2022). Development of a taxon-specific real-time PCR method targeting the Bacillus subtilis group to strengthen the control of genetically modified bacteria in fermentation products. Fermentation, 8(2), 78. Citations: 8

  3. Van Poelvoorde, L. A. E., Picalausa, C., Gobbo, A., Verhaegen, B., Lesenfants, M., Herman, P., Van Hoorde, K., & Roosens, N. H. C. (2023). Development of a droplet digital PCR to monitor SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant BA.2 in wastewater samples. Microorganisms, 11(3), 729. Citations: 7

  4. Gobbo, A., Fraiture, M.-A., Van Poelvoorde, L. A. E., De Keersmaecker, S. C. J., Garcia-Graells, C., Van Hoorde, K., Verhaegen, B., Huwaert, A., Maloux, H., Hutse, V., Ceyssens, P.-J., & Roosens, N. H. C. (2024). Strategy to develop and validate digital droplet PCR methods for global antimicrobial resistance wastewater surveillance. Water Environment Research, 96(11), e11145. Citations: 4

  5. Fraiture, M.-A., Gobbo, A., Guillitte, C., Marchesi, U., Verginelli, D., De Greve, J., D’aes, J., Vanneste, K., Papazova, N., & Roosens, N. H. C. (2024). Pilot market surveillance of GMM contaminations in alpha-amylase food enzyme products: A detection strategy strengthened by a newly developed qPCR method targeting a GM Bacillus licheniformis producing alpha-amylase. Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences, 8, 100186. Citations: 3