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)

Laura Ferrer | Chemistry and Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Laura Ferrer | Chemistry and Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

University of the Balearic Islands | Spain

Laura Ferrer is a highly cited researcher in environmental radioactivity and analytical chemistry. She has authored 35 peer-reviewed publications, many of which are widely referenced in leading journals such as Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, Talanta, TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, and Food Chemistry. Her academic training and professional experience are rooted in advanced analytical methodologies, environmental monitoring, and radiochemical analysis, with extensive collaboration across European and Latin American institutions. Throughout her career, she has contributed significantly to the development of automated flow analysis systems, multisyringe flow injection techniques, and trace-level determination of radionuclides and heavy metals in environmental and food samples. Her research interests span environmental contamination, heavy metal partitioning, radiochemical automation, water quality monitoring, and analytical instrumentation, addressing both methodological innovation and real-world environmental challenges. Her work has supported funding-mandated open-access research and influenced regulatory and scientific practices in environmental assessment. Overall, Laura Ferrer’s academic contributions position her as a leading authority in environmental analytical chemistry, combining methodological excellence with high scientific visibility and long-term research impact.

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Jun Hu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Jun Hu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine | China

Jun Hu is a medical researcher and lecturer specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)–based interventions for inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. Trained as a Medical Doctor at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hu has developed a focused academic career combining mechanistic biomedical research with evidence-based evaluation of traditional therapies. His professional experience centers on teaching and research at a leading TCM institution, where he contributes to both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education while leading interdisciplinary studies. Hu’s research interests include herbal formulas, electroacupuncture, acupoint application, and moxibustion, with particular emphasis on asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, neuroinflammation, and immune regulation. He has played a key role in nationally funded research, including a National Natural Science Foundation of China project investigating autophagy-dependent ferroptosis mechanisms in moxibustion therapy for rheumatoid arthritis synovitis. His scholarly output includes peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals such as Biomolecules, Frontiers in Pharmacology, Mediators of Inflammation, and Journal of Ethnopharmacology. With an h-index of 7, more than 11 scientific publications, and over 95citations, his work demonstrates sustained academic influence. Overall, Jun Hu’s research bridges traditional medical theory and modern molecular science, advancing integrative strategies for chronic inflammatory disease management.

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Featured Publications


Qufeng Xuanbi Formula inhibits benzo[a]pyrene-aggravated asthma via the AhR/ROS/ERK pathway

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117203