Cecilia Dini | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Cecilia Dini | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Cecilia Dini | National Council for Scientific and Technical Research | Argentina

Dr. Cecilia Dini is a distinguished scientist whose research bridges chemistry, microbiology, and food technology to advance the revalorization of ancient and non-traditional crops for modern food applications. Her work focuses on unlocking the nutritional, functional, and industrial potential of underutilized Andean roots and tubers such as ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza), and Jerusalem artichoke, positioning these crops as valuable resources for sustainable food systems. Through two completed research projects and ongoing investigations on Argentinian oca, she has significantly contributed to understanding the biochemical composition, starch characteristics, and functional properties of these species. Her studies have demonstrated how root- and tuber-derived biopolymers, including fructans and resistant starches, can serve as healthy dietary fibers and versatile ingredients for gluten-free products and functional foods. Dr. Dini’s research not only enhances agricultural biodiversity but also supports local farming systems by promoting the use of resilient, climate-adaptive crops. She has published 28 peer-reviewed papers in indexed journals, with her research earning over 550 citations across 475 documents and achieving an H-index of 14 (Scopus) and 17 (Google Scholar), reflecting her strong scientific impact. Her collaborative efforts with international research institutions such as Texas A&M University (USA), IATA (Spain), and the National University of Ambato (Ecuador) have fostered interdisciplinary innovation and global knowledge exchange in crop utilization and food processing. In addition to journal publications, she has authored book chapters on non-cereal starch resources, cassava-derived ingredients, and nutritional analyses of Andean roots, contributing extensively to literature in food science and agricultural biotechnology. Dr. Dini’s body of work exemplifies excellence in research translation—bridging laboratory insights with industrial applications, supporting sustainable crop diversification, and contributing to global food security through science-driven valorization of ancient crops.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Dini, C. (2025). Characterization of commercial olluco (Ullucus tuberosus) tubers from La Plata, Argentina: Potential as a source of starch, flour, and soluble dietary fiber. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.

Dini, C., Garzón, R., & Rosell, C. M. (2025). Breadmaking potential of Andean roots and tuber starches from ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), and arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza). Starch – Stärke.

Yuan Song | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Yuan Song | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song, Lanzhou University, China

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song is an Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, China. He holds a PhD in Botany and completed joint training at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. His research focuses on molecular biology, epigenetics, and model plants. With over a decade of teaching and research experience, he has guided multiple graduate students and received awards for excellence in innovation and undergraduate mentorship.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song is a dedicated researcher with a strong background in plant molecular biology and epigenetics. His research addresses pressing issues in plant stress tolerance through innovative approaches in metabolic regulation. He has shown leadership in education and has made significant scientific contributions, particularly in understanding plant cold stress responses.

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song holds a PhD in Botany from Lanzhou University, which he earned between 2007 and 2010. During this period, he also engaged in a Joint Training PhD program at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London Research and Development Centre, from October 2007 to November 2009. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed his Master’s degree in Botany at Lanzhou University from 2004 to 2007. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree from Gansu Agricultural University, where he studied from 1999 to 2003.

💼Experience

Dr. Yuan Song has been serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, since May 2017. Prior to this, he worked as a Lecturer in the same institution for a decade, from July 2007 to May 2017. His long-standing academic involvement reflects his dedication to teaching and research in the field of life sciences.

🔬Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song’s research is rooted in the fields of molecular biology, epigenetics, and plant science. His work emphasizes the molecular mechanisms in model plants, contributing to advancements in plant biology and biotechnology.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Yuan Song specializes in delivering advanced courses such as Epigenetics, Molecular Biology, and Model Plants. He has demonstrated strong mentorship abilities by supervising one doctoral student and eight master’s students, contributing to the academic growth of young researchers.

🏆Awards

He has received notable recognition for his contributions to education and innovation. In 2015, he was honored as the Outstanding Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project Instructor by Lanzhou University. In 2017, he was recognized as the Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Supervisor, showcasing his excellence in academic mentorship.

📚 Publications

Title: The AtHDA6-AtSK2 module promotes cold tolerance by enhancing shikimate metabolism and antioxidant activity
Year: 2025
Journal: The Plant Journal

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song is well-suited for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his high-impact research, academic leadership, and mentoring record. Strengthening international collaborations and research funding visibility would further elevate his candidacy. Overall, he embodies the qualities of a forward-looking, impactful researcher in plant science.