Huai-Jen Tsai | Transgenesis | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai | Transgenesis | Excellence in Research Award 

Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai | Transgenesis | Chair Professor at Fu Jen Catholic University | Taiwan

Transgenesis Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai is a distinguished scientist whose career spans over five decades in molecular biology, marine biotechnology, developmental biology, and particularly gene transgenesis in aquatic organisms. Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai obtained his B.Sc. in Biology from Fu-Jen Catholic University, followed by an M.Sc. in Marine Biology and Fisheries Science from National Taiwan University, where his master’s thesis analyzed blood and muscle proteins of blenny fish via electrophoresis — grounding him firmly in marine biology and protein biochemistry. He then went on to earn a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Oregon State University, USA, completing a dissertation on “Conjugal transfer of plasmid genes between lactic Streptococcus and Leuconostoc starter cultures,” which provided him with rigorous training in gene transfer, plasmid biology and microbial genetics. This strong educational foundation supported a prolific professional journey: beginning as a research assistant, then serving as a teaching assistant, and eventually becoming a researcher in biotechnology and fermentation in the U.S., before returning to Taiwan to engage in academia and research. Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai progressed from Associate Professor to Professor — holding significant roles at the Institute of Fisheries Science and the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology at National Taiwan University, and later serving as Professor and Director of these institutes. He also held adjunct and visiting professorships, including at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at Mackay Medical College, and serves as Chair Professor in the Department of Life Science at Fu-Jen Catholic University. Throughout his career, Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai has combined marine biology, molecular biology, and biotechnology to pioneer the development of transgenic aquatic animals, especially using fish models. His research interests center on gene transgenesis in aquatic materials, developmental biology using model fish, molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, tissue-specific gene expression, environmental biotechnology applications, and the use of transgenic fish as biosensors for environmental toxicants. His lab has developed a wide range of transgenic lines — for example, fluorescent-protein–tagged zebrafish where muscle, heart, eye or ovary tissues are marked, as well as transgenic medaka and other aquaculture species — to study gene regulation, embryonic development, organogenesis, regeneration, and environmental responses. Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai’s research skills cover a broad array of molecular biology and biotechnology techniques: gene cloning, promoter analysis, microinjection and electroporation gene transfer methods, transgenesis, germ-line transmission, use of fluorescent reporter genes (GFP/RFP) for live imaging, developmental gene expression studies, protein biochemistry, and the use of aquatic model organisms. He has authored many peer-reviewed publications and secured patents for “Novel transgenic zebrafish, gene fragments and methods for producing transgenic zebrafish.” His honors and awards reflect his scientific leadership and teaching excellence, including the MOST Outstanding Research Award, Excellent Teaching Award, recognition as Distinguished Professor, the Y. Z. Hsu Technology Invention Award (Biotechnology Category) for a patent on “Novel Gene Fragment for Use in Golden Zebrafish,” and multiple Outstanding Research Awards, as well as inclusion in the prestigious directories Marquis Who’s Who in various categories — highlighting his global recognition. In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai stands as a pioneering and visionary scientist whose integration of marine biology, molecular techniques, and transgenic technologies has significantly advanced aquatic biotechnology and developmental biology. His lifelong commitment to gene transgenesis in fish, his development of transgenic aquatic models, and his mentorship of students position him as a foundational figure shaping the future of marine biotechnology, environmental monitoring using transgenic organisms, and developmental biology research.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Zeng, C.-W., & Tsai, H.-J. (2023). The Promising Role of a Zebrafish Model Employed in Neural Regeneration Following a Spinal Cord Injury. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(18), 13938. 
Tsai, H.-J. (2000). Electroporated Sperm Mediation of a Gene Transfer System for Finfish and Shellfish. Molecular Reproduction and Development, 56, 281–284. 
Tsai, H.-J., Chen, Y.-H., Lin, Y.-J., & Wang, Y.-H. (2006). Spatiotemporal Expression of Zebrafish Keratin 18 During Early Embryogenesis and the Establishment of a Keratin 18:RFP Transgenic Line. Gene Expression Patterns, 6(4), 335–339. 
Hsiao, C.-D., & Tsai, H.-J. (2003). Skin-specific Expression of ictacalcin, a Homolog of the S100 Genes, During Zebrafish Embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics, 228(4), 745–750.
Chou, C.-Y., Horng, L.-S., & Tsai, H.-J. (2001). Uniform GFP-Expression in Transgenic Medaka (Oryzias latipes) at the F0 Generation. Transgenic Research, 10, 303–315. 

 

Sundeep Kumar | Molecular Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sundeep Kumar | Molecular Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sundeep Kumar | Molecular Breeding | Principal Scientist at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources | India

Dr. Sundeep Kumar is a highly accomplished Principal Scientist in the field of plant biotechnology, with a career dedicated to advancing genetic improvement and sustainability in cereal crops. His expertise spans wheat genomics, molecular breeding, and plant biotechnology, where he has contributed to solving critical challenges such as heat tolerance, disease resistance, and grain quality. Through his pioneering work, he has become widely recognized as a leading researcher whose scientific output has bridged the gap between fundamental plant biology and applied crop improvement. His professional journey reflects continuous growth, dedication, and impact in global agricultural research.

Academic Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Sundeep Kumar pursued his academic foundation in plant sciences with a specialization in molecular biology and biotechnology. His advanced training enabled him to acquire in-depth knowledge of genetics, genomics, and breeding strategies, which later became the cornerstone of his research career. He further enhanced his expertise through research fellowships and international exposure, gaining proficiency in advanced technologies such as genome-wide association studies, quantitative trait nucleotide mapping, and KASP marker validation. His education not only prepared him for an academic and research career but also gave him the skills to address emerging agricultural challenges through molecular innovation.

Experience

Dr. Sundeep Kumar has served in a senior scientific capacity at a premier national research institution, where he has led projects in genomic resources, plant biotechnology, and molecular breeding. His leadership in multi-institutional and international collaborations has brought forward solutions for wheat improvement under climate stress conditions. He has overseen large-scale projects funded by leading scientific agencies, successfully integrating genomic discoveries into applied breeding programs. His experience is not limited to research but also extends to mentoring young scientists, guiding doctoral students, and contributing to the global research community through editorial and advisory roles. His professional experience reflects both scientific excellence and leadership in agricultural biotechnology.

Research Interest

The research interests of Dr. Sundeep Kumar lie in deciphering the genetic and molecular basis of complex traits in wheat and other cereals. He has extensively focused on identifying genomic regions associated with heat tolerance, disease resistance, grain quality, and yield stability. His work emphasizes the use of cutting-edge tools such as GWAS, high-throughput genotyping, and functional genomics for crop improvement. Another key area of his interest is understanding the role of plant defense mechanisms, including thermoregulation and hormone-mediated responses, in adaptive immunity. His research has strong translational value, directly contributing to sustainable food security by providing insights into climate-resilient agriculture.

Award

Dr. Sundeep Kumar has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors for his outstanding contributions to plant biotechnology and crop improvement. His recognition by leading national and international organizations demonstrates the scientific and societal impact of his work. His contributions to wheat genomics, molecular breeding, and sustainable agricultural practices have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also influenced agricultural strategies at broader levels. His awards reflect his leadership, innovation, and dedication to addressing global challenges in agriculture.

Selected Publication

  • Unraveling the genetic basis of heat tolerance and yield in bread wheat: QTN discovery and Its KASP-assisted validation, BMC Plant Biology, 2025, 1 Citation.

  • Identification of quantitative trait nucleotides for grain quality in bread wheat under heat stress, Scientific Reports, 2025, 2 Citations.

  • Genetic dissection of leaf rust resistance in a diversity panel of tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum), BMC Plant Biology, 2025, 2 Citations.

  • Plant Defense Hormones: Thermoregulation and Their Role in Plant Adaptive Immunity, Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 2025, 2 Citations.

Conclusion

Dr. Sundeep Kumar is an eminent researcher whose career reflects a blend of innovation, leadership, and societal relevance. His expertise in wheat genomics and plant biotechnology has generated significant advancements in crop science, especially in developing strategies for heat tolerance, disease resistance, and yield improvement. His numerous publications, high-level collaborations, and recognition through awards place him among the leading scientists shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. With a strong commitment to addressing global food security challenges, Dr. Sundeep Kumar continues to be a driving force in advancing plant biotechnology and molecular breeding.

Usman Kolawole | Animal biotechnology |

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Mr. Usman Kolawole | Animal biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Usman Kolawole | Animal biotechnology – Researcher at Dankook University, South Korea

Usman Kayode Kolawole is an emerging scholar in animal science, focusing on animal physiology, welfare, and nutrition. With a strong foundation in both field-based animal management and laboratory-based experimentation, he is currently serving as a Researcher and Animal Research Assistant at the Smart Animal Bio Institute, Dankook University in South Korea. Usman’s work is dedicated to improving livestock productivity and welfare through innovative feed strategies and biotechnology applications. His contributions span research design, data analysis, animal health monitoring, and scholarly dissemination through journals and conferences. As a proactive and detail-oriented early-career researcher, he bridges scientific inquiry with practical agricultural applications, contributing to the sustainable transformation of animal agriculture in both local and international contexts.

Professional Profile Verified

ORCID | Google Scholar

Education

Usman holds a Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Physiology, graduating with a Second Class Upper Division from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria. His academic training included an extensive farm practical year (FPY), during which he was exposed to diverse animal and crop production systems. He completed the Nigerian National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program at the University of Benin, further expanding his understanding of academic and research administration. In addition to his formal degree, he earned a Certificate in Digital Literacy from New Horizon Institute and holds professional recognition as a Graduate Animal Scientist (GAS) from the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), reinforcing his credentials in the animal science discipline.

Professional Experience

Kolawole’s professional journey reflects a progressive build-up of field and research expertise. Between 2018 and 2024, he served as a Farm Supervisor at First Fourcube Limited, Nigeria, where he managed farm operations, animal care, team coordination, and problem-solving in agricultural production. Prior to that, he undertook administrative duties during his NYSC and gained early hands-on experience during his farm internship. In 2024, he transitioned into a research-focused role at Dankook University, South Korea, where he currently conducts advanced animal research, including experimentation, animal monitoring, data management, and manuscript preparation. His professional path is a testament to his commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and impactful contributions to animal science.

Research Interests

Kolawole’s research interests lie in animal nutrition, physiology, welfare, and biotechnology. He is particularly focused on optimizing feed efficiency, mitigating heat stress, and improving the health and performance of livestock through dietary supplementation and novel feed ingredients. His work also explores sustainable alternatives to conventional feeds, such as insect-based proteins and enzymatic additives. With an interest in the interaction between nutrition and animal behavior, he seeks to develop integrative strategies for enhancing productivity in poultry and swine under various environmental conditions. Through his research, Kolawole aims to contribute to global efforts in sustainable livestock production and food security.

Awards and Certifications

Kolawole has received professional certification as a Graduate Animal Scientist (GAS) from the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, recognizing his expertise and professional standing in the animal science community. He has also participated in the 2nd Animal Behaviour and Welfare Conference in Africa, a platform that provided him with insights into global welfare standards and research trends. His academic merit during undergraduate studies and his role in research at Dankook University further affirm his eligibility and suitability for the Best Researcher Award.

Selected Publications 📚

  1. 🐖 “Dietary Inclusion Effects of Dried Mealworm, Hydrolyzed Mealworm, Fermented Poultry By-Product, and Hydrolyzed Fish Soluble Protein on Weaning Pigs’ Performance, Fecal Score, and Blood Profiles” – Animals (2025) | DOI: 10.3390/ani15111507 | Cited by: 3
  2. 🦃 “Effect of Feed Supplementation with Riboflavin and Protease Enzyme on Two Physical Heat Stress Parameters of Finishing Turkeys” – Preprints (2025) | DOI: 10.20944/preprints202504.2325.v1 | Cited by: 2
  3. 🐓 “Effect of Different Metabolizable Energy Diets on Broilers’ Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Organ Weight, Fecal Score and Lesion Score” – Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (2025) | DOI: 10.1111/jpn.14110 | Cited by: 4

Conclusion

In conclusion, Usman Kayode Kolawole represents a new generation of committed animal scientists whose blend of practical expertise and academic rigor positions him for long-term impact in agricultural research. His recent contributions in feed innovation, animal welfare, and physiology are timely and relevant to both local and global livestock challenges. With growing publication output, international collaboration, and a strong research ethic, Kolawole is a deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. He exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking, data-driven, and ethically grounded researcher who is poised to contribute significantly to the future of animal science.