Qing Liu | Crop Wild Relative | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Qing Liu | Crop Wild Relative | Best Researcher Award

South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

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🌾 Biography of Dr. Qing Liu: Pioneering the Origins of Crop Genomes

Dr. Qing Liu is a distinguished researcher whose expertise bridges evolutionary botany, molecular genetics, and bioinformatics. With a focus on the genomic origins of vital crops, her career is a testament to dedication, scholarly excellence, and impactful contributions to plant science.

🌱 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Liu’s academic journey began at Harbin Normal University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology Education (1997). Her undergraduate research delved into the micromorphology of gland hairs and secretion in Labiatae plants, showcasing her early interest in plant anatomy and taxonomy.

She furthered her studies at the South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (SCBG, CAS), completing a Master’s degree in Botany (2001) with a dissertation focusing on the taxonomy and phytogeography of the Chloridoideae subfamily in South China. Her passion for systematic and evolutionary botany culminated in a Ph.D. in Botany (2005), where she explored evolutionary aspects of the Chloridoideae subfamily.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Liu's professional journey is deeply intertwined with her affiliation to the South China Botanical Garden, CAS, where she has held progressive roles:

  • Huanyong Chen Professor (2014–Present)
  • Associate Professor (2005–2013)
  • Assistant Professor and Research Technician (2001–2005)

Dr. Liu's international engagements have further enriched her expertise:

  • Visiting Scholar Fellow at Smithsonian Institution, NMNH (2006, 2009–2010, 2012–2013): Collaborating on evolutionary studies of Eleusine, Sorghum, and other key grass genera.
  • Visiting Scholar Fellow at the University of Leicester (2016–2017): Investigating the repetitive DNA landscape in Avena species.

📚 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON CROP WILD RELATIVE

Dr. Liu’s research embodies a multidisciplinary approach to unraveling the origins and evolutionary pathways of crop genomes. Her focal areas include:

  • Phylogeny and Genomic Origins of Eleusine, Sorghum, Panicum, and Avena.
  • Polyploidy and Chromosomal Dynamics in crop species.
  • Advanced methods such as microscopy, bioinformatics, and in situ hybridization to decipher evolutionary relationships.

Her work on the Chloridoideae subfamily contributes significantly to our understanding of grass systematics and phylogeny, providing critical insights into crop evolution and biodiversity conservation.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Liu’s research has influenced both theoretical and applied plant sciences:

  • Enhanced understanding of crop wild relatives as resources for improving agricultural resilience.
  • Contributions to global scientific collaborations, notably with the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Leicester, bridging Chinese and international botanical research.
  • Recognition as an Excellent Supervisor (CAS, 2018), underscoring her mentorship and commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists.

📝 ACADEMIC CITES AND RECOGNITIONS

Dr. Liu’s work is widely recognized in the scientific community, as evident from her roles as:

  • Grant Proposal Referee for the National Science Foundation of China and Guangdong Natural Science Fund.
  • Journal Reviewer, shaping the discourse in evolutionary botany and crop genomics.
    Her excellence in research and peer contributions has made her a trusted expert adviser to the China Association for the Promotion of International Agricultural Cooperation.

🌟 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Qing Liu's dedication to unraveling the evolutionary histories of vital crops ensures her enduring influence in botany and agricultural science. Her ongoing work on phylogeny, bioinformatics, and crop genome origins positions her to address global challenges like food security and biodiversity conservation.

Through her mentorship and groundbreaking research, Dr. Liu’s legacy will continue to inspire scientific advancements in crop science and evolution for years to come.

📑NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

"Chromosome-level genome assembly of the diploid oat species Avena longiglumis

  • Authors: Liu, Q. , Xiong, G. , Wang, Z. , Schwarzacher, T. , Heslop-Harrison, J.S.
  • Journal: Scientific Data
  • Year: 2024

"Genome-wide analysis of flavonoid biosynthetic genes in Musaceae (Ensete, Musella, and Musa species) reveals amplification of flavonoid 3,-hydroxylase

  • Authors: Cui, D. , Xiong, G. , Ye, L. , Heslop-Harrison, P. , Liu, Q.
  • Journal: AoB PLANTS
  • Year: 2024

"High throughput RNA sequencing discovers symptomatic and latent viruses: an example from ornamental hibiscus

  • Authors: Zhou, S. , Richert-Pöggeler, K.R. , Wang, Z. , Heslop-Harrison, J.S. , Liu, Q.
  • Journal: Acta Horticulturae
  • Year: 2024

"Genome-wide expansion and reorganization during grass evolution: from 30 Mb chromosomes in rice and Brachypodium to 550 Mb in Avena

  • Authors: Liu, Q. , Ye, L. , Li, M. , Schwarzacher, T. , Heslop-Harrison, J.S.P.
  • Journal: BMC Plant Biology
  • Year: 2023

"The mitochondrial genome of the diploid oat Avena longiglumis

  • Authors: Liu, Q. , Yuan, H. , Xu, J. , Schwarzacher, T. , Heslop-Harrison, J.S.
  • Journal: BMC Plant Biology
  • Year: 2023

Ralph Scully | Homologous Recombination | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ralph Scully | Homologous Recombination | Best Researcher Award

Harvard Medical School | United States

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RALPH SCULLY: PIONEER IN GENOMIC STABILITY AND DNA REPAIR 🧬

Dr. Ralph Scully is a globally recognized leader in cancer biology, genomic stability, and DNA repair mechanisms. His illustrious academic career spans decades, marked by groundbreaking research and influential leadership in the biomedical sciences.

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Dr. Scully began his academic journey with a B.A. (Hons) in Medical Sciences and English from the University of Cambridge in 1983, followed by an M.B., B.S. in Clinical Sciences from University College London in 1986. He later earned an M.A. in Medical Sciences and English in 1990 and culminated his academic studies with a Ph.D. in Immunology under the mentorship of Herman Waldmann, F.R.S., at Cambridge in 1994. This interdisciplinary foundation laid the groundwork for his innovative approach to medical research.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🏥

Dr. Scully’s professional trajectory showcases his dedication to both clinical and academic excellence:

  • Postdoctoral Training (1994-1997): Focused on neoplastic disease mechanisms at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute under Dr. David M. Livingston.
  • Harvard Medical School Faculty: Starting as an Instructor in 1997, he progressed through the ranks to become a Professor of Medicine in 2017. He has also served as faculty for the Ph.D. Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
  • Administrative Leadership: Co-Director of the Program in DNA Repair and Genomic Instability at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center since 2018.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON HOMOLOGOUS RECOMBINATION🔬

Dr. Scully's research explores the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair, genomic instability, and cancer biology, particularly in relation to BRCA genes. His work has illuminated pathways critical to understanding cancer development and therapy resistance. Highlights include:

  • Leading efforts in understanding genomic rearrangements and mutational signatures in cancer.
  • Driving advancements in genome editing technologies and their implications for cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Collaborative projects on BRCA-linked cancer prevention, including international coalitions.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Dr. Scully has profoundly influenced the field through:

  • Organizing major scientific conferences such as the Keystone Symposium on Genomic Instability and DNA Repair (2023) and the FASEB Conference on Genetic Recombination (2026, 2028).
  • Serving as a chair and advisory member for numerous academic committees, fostering collaborations across global institutions.
  • His mentorship of emerging scientists, equipping the next generation with critical insights into genomic medicine.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND RECOGNITION 📚

Dr. Scully's publications are extensively cited, reflecting the high impact of his research in genomics and cancer biology. As a thought leader, he has contributed to the editorial boards and review committees of prestigious journals and funding agencies, ensuring the dissemination of transformative research.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌟

Dr. Scully’s ongoing commitment to tackling genomic instability has positioned him as a pioneer whose work continues to inform cancer prevention and treatment strategies. His leadership in upcoming conferences and collaborative projects signifies a lasting legacy in the biomedical field.

OTHER NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS 🏅

  • Professional Societies: Member of esteemed organizations such as the American Association for Cancer Research and the Association of American Physicians.
  • Consultancy Roles: Provided expert guidance to biotech companies like Editas, Cyteir, and MoMa Therapeutics.
  • Grant Reviews and Committees: Regularly contributes to panels for the NIH, ACS, and Charles A. King Trust Fellowship Program.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 📑

"One-ended and two-ended breaks at nickase-broken replication forks

  • Authors: Scully, R. , Walter, J.C. , Nussenzweig, A.
  • Journal: DNA Repair
  • Year: 2024

"Exploiting CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer precise segmental deletions in mouse embryonic stem cells

  • Authors: Elango, R. , Panday, A. , Willis, N.A. , Scully, R.
  • Journal: STAR Protocols
  • Year: 2022

"A modified CUT&RUN-seq technique for qPCR analysis of chromatin-protein interactions

  • Authors: Panday, A. , Elango, R. , Willis, N.A. , Scully, R.
  • Journal: STAR Protocols
  • Year: 2022

"The structure-specific endonuclease complex SLX4–XPF regulates Tus–Ter-induced homologous recombination

  • Authors: Elango, R. , Panday, A. , Lach, F.P. , Smogorzewska, A. , Scully, R.
  • Journal: Nature Structural and Molecular Biology
  • Year: 2022

"Recombination and restart at blocked replication forks

  • Authors: Scully, R. , Elango, R. , Panday, A. , Willis, N.A.
  • Journal: Current Opinion in Genetics and Development
  • Year: 2021

Siyang Liu | Bioinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Siyang Liu | Bioinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Sun Yat-Sen University | China

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📊 Dr. Siyang Liu: A Leader in Human Statistical Genetics and Bioinformatics

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Dr. Siyang Liu began her academic journey with a Bachelor's in Ecology from Sun Yat-sen University’s Department of Life Science (2007-2011), where she received a China National Governmental Scholarship for her academic performance. Her interest in bioinformatics led her to pursue an MSc and subsequently a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics at the Bioinformatics Center, University of Copenhagen. Supervised by esteemed Professors Anders Krogh and Anders Albrechtsen, she developed a robust foundation in bioinformatics, further supported by the Danish Government Scholarship.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 👩‍🔬

Dr. Liu is a tenured Associate Professor at the School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University. She also holds concurrent posts as a Professor in Genomics at BGI-Shenzhen Life-Science Institute and a Professor in Bioinformatics at the Center of Excellence for Omics Research, Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Before her current role, she was a Senior Research Scientist at BGI-Shenzhen Life-Science Institute (2018–2021).

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON BIOINFORMATICS🔬

Dr. Liu's research group primarily investigates human statistical genetics and bioinformatics. Her expertise lies in analyzing genetic, environmental, and molecular factors that contribute to human diseases and traits. She uses a combination of bioinformatics, statistical, and machine learning techniques to study the molecular and systemic etiology of complex diseases. Her goal is to develop predictive and intervention models for these diseases, benefiting individuals and populations alike.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌎

Dr. Liu’s research has contributed significantly to the understanding of complex diseases through the development of genomic and bioinformatics models. Her work is widely recognized in high-impact journals, with over 20 publications as (co-)first or (co-)corresponding author in journals such as Cell, Nature, Blood, and Nature Communications. Her findings have provided insights into both the predictive modeling of disease and the influence of various genetic and environmental factors on human health.

ACADEMIC CITES 📚

Her body of work is extensively cited in the fields of genomics, bioinformatics, and statistical genetics. This academic impact underscores the relevance and influence of her contributions to scientific knowledge, with her publications helping to advance both the understanding and practical application of complex bioinformatics models.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌟

With her innovative research, teaching roles, and mentorship, Dr. Liu is shaping the next generation of scientists in the field of bioinformatics and public health. Her leadership in multi-omics projects, especially in the areas of cerebrovascular disease and respiratory virus research, demonstrates her commitment to advancing medical genomics and bioinformatics. Her work in population genetics and epidemiology has already made a lasting impact, and her ongoing projects promise to deepen our understanding of the genetic and environmental factors impacting public health.

KEY PROJECTS, GRANTS, AND TEACHING CONTRIBUTIONS💡

Dr. Liu has secured significant funding from national and provincial sources, including the National Key Research and Development Program Project and the Guangdong Provincial Basic and Applied Basic Research Fund, among others. Dr. Liu teaches a range of subjects, including Medical Informatics, Bioinformatics, and Epidemiological Methods. Her courses prepare students for practical applications in computational biology and medical statistics.

OTHER NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS 🏆

  • Grants: Dr. Liu has secured several substantial research grants, including the National Key Research and Development Program Project on ischemic cerebrovascular disease and respiratory viruses, underscoring her expertise in multi-omics approaches.
  • Teaching: She is an active educator, teaching courses such as Fundamentals and Experiments in Medical Informatics, Python and Computational Biology, and Epidemiological Methods, shaping the next generation of bioinformatics and medical statistics experts.
  • Honors and Awards: Dr. Liu’s accolades include the Important Scientific Research Achievement Award at BGI-Shenzhen and recognition as a Shenzhen High-level Overseas Talent, highlighting her achievements and influence within the academic and research communities.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 📑

"Genome-wide association studies of thyroid-related hormones, dysfunction, and autoimmunity among 85,421 Chinese pregnancies" 

  • Authors: Wei, Y. , Zhen, J. , Hu, L. , Xiong, L. , Liu, S
  • Journal: Nature Communications
  • Year: 2024

"Efforts made, challenges faced, and recommendations provided by stakeholders involved in mpox prevention and control in China: a qualitative study" 

  • Authors: Zhang, W. , Qi, X. , Han, B. , Meng, X. , Zou, H
  • Journal: Public Health
  • Year: 2024

"Genome-wide association study of maternal plasma metabolites during pregnancy" 

  • Authors: Liu, S. , Yao, J. , Lin, L. , Jin, X. , Liu, S.
  • Journal: Cell Genomics
  • Year: 2024

"Advances in using non-invasive prenatal testing to study genomics related to maternity" 

  • Authors: Jin, X. , Xu, X. , Zhou, A. , Wang, T. , Liu, H.
  • Journal: Cell Genomics
  • Year: 2024

"Utilizing non-invasive prenatal test sequencing data for human genetic investigation" 

  • Authors: Liu, S. , Liu, Y. , Gu, Y. , Jin, X. , Huang, S.
  • Journal: Cell Genomics
  • Year: 2024