Alexander Zhgun | Engineering and Technology | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Alexander Zhgun | Engineering and Technology | Research Excellence Award

Group of Fungal Genetic Engineering, Federal Research Center | Russia

Alexander Alexandrovich Zhgun is a senior researcher and head of the Fungal Genetic Engineering Group at the Federal Research Center “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of the Russian Academy of Sciences, with more than three decades of scientific contribution in biotechnology and cultural heritage protection. He earned his biology degree from Lomonosov Moscow State University and completed a PhD focused on cytochromes P450, building a strong foundation in molecular and fungal biotechnology. His academic career progressed from researcher to group leader, culminating in his appointment as head of the fungal genetic engineering group. His research interests center on molecular diagnostics of biodeterioration, metabolic engineering of fungal strains, secondary fungal metabolites, and biotechnological strategies for protecting historical paintings from microbial damage. Under his leadership, innovative diagnostic systems and preventive technologies for biodegradation of cultural heritage have been developed, alongside pioneering studies that reframe painting-destructive fungi as valuable biotechnological resources.  His scholarly impact includes an h-index reported in the range of 15–16 with corresponding citation records across major databases. Overall, his work bridges fundamental science and applied innovation, delivering lasting impact in biotechnology, antimicrobial discovery, and cultural heritage conservation.

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Featured Publications



Detection of Potential Biodeterioration Risks for Tempera Paintings in 16th-Century Exhibits from the State Tretyakov Gallery
A.A. Zhgun, D.A. Avdanina, K.V. Shumikhin, N.P. Simonenko, E.V. Lyubavskaya, et al.,
PLoS One, 15(4), e0230591, 2020. (Citations: 57)


A Novel L-Asparaginase from the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Thermococcus sibiricus: Heterologous Expression and Characterization
M.V. Dumina, A.A. Zhgun, M.V. Pokrovskaya, S.S. Aleksandrova, et al.,
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(18), 9894, 2021. (Citations: 41)


1,3-Diaminopropane and Spermidine Upregulate Lovastatin Production via LaeA Regulation in Aspergillus terreus
A.A. Zhgun, G.K. Nuraeva, M.V. Dumina, T.M. Voinova, et al.,
Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, 55(3), 243–254, 2019. (Citations: 37)


Application of Chitosan for Protection of 15th–16th Century Cultural Heritage Objects from Microbial Damage
A.A. Zhgun, D.A. Avdanina, B.T. Shagdarova, E.V. Troyan, et al.,
Materials, 15(21), 7773, 2022. (Citations: 12)

Kazuto Ikemoto | Industrial Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kazuto Ikemoto | Industrial Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company | Japan

Dr. Kazuto Ikemoto is a Senior Scientist at the Niigata Research Laboratory of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., specializing in chemistry, food functionality, biotechnology, and semiconductor cleaning. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Nagasaki University, Japan, in 1995. Since then, he has been with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., contributing significantly to research in his areas of expertise. Dr. Ikemoto’s research interests focus on the development and application of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) in various biological and health-related contexts. His work includes exploring PQQ’s effects on brain function, aging, obesity, and its potential antiviral properties , he was honored with the JSBBA Award for Corporate Researchers, recognizing his contributions to the field. Dr. Ikemoto’s research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in his areas of expertise.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Discovery and application of food catalysts to promote the coupling of PQQ (quinone) with amines. Frontiers in Nutrition  (2024).

The effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt on brain function and physiological processes. Frontiers in Nutrition. [Review, open access] (2024).

World Health Organization. (2025). World health statistics 2025: Monitoring health for the SDGs, Sustainable Development Goals. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. (2024). World population prospects 2024: Summary of results (UN DESA/POP/2024/TR/NO. 9). New York, NY, USA: United Nations.

López-Otín, C., Blasco, M. A., Partridge, L., Serrano, M., & Kroemer, G. (2013). The hallmarks of aging. Cell, 153(6), 1194–1217.