Yuliya Venzhik | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yuliya Venzhik | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Head of Lab. Phytonanotechnology at Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia

Dr. Yuliya V. Venzhik is a highly accomplished researcher in the fields of plant physiology, biochemistry, and phytonanotechnology, recognized for her innovative work on the application of nanomaterials in agriculture. As Head of the Laboratory of Phytonanotechnology at the K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, she leads pioneering studies that explore how nanoparticles, particularly gold-based nanomaterials, influence plant metabolism, stress resilience, and growth regulation. Her research has opened new directions for enhancing cold and stress tolerance in crops, offering sustainable solutions for agriculture under climate change. With an extensive publication record in leading international journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, Dr. Venzhik has made valuable contributions to advancing plant nanobiotechnology. She is also recognized for her mentorship, leadership, and active participation in professional societies, establishing herself as a thought leader whose work bridges fundamental plant science with applied agricultural innovation.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Yuliya V. Venzhik has pursued a comprehensive academic path dedicated to biological and plant sciences. She completed her undergraduate studies in biology with a specialization in botany and plant physiology, equipping her with a strong foundation in plant science. Building on this, she undertook postgraduate research training in plant physiology, where she developed an early interest in plant adaptation mechanisms to environmental stress. Her academic journey culminated in earning her doctoral degree in plant physiology from the prestigious Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Throughout her academic career, she not only gained expertise in classical plant biology but also embraced modern interdisciplinary approaches, eventually bridging biology with nanotechnology. This strong educational background laid the groundwork for her groundbreaking research in phytonanotechnology. Her academic journey reflects not only scholarly excellence but also a vision to integrate biology with advanced materials science for addressing challenges in sustainable agriculture.

Experience

Dr. Venzhik’s professional career spans diverse institutes within the Russian Academy of Sciences, where she has held multiple research and leadership positions. She has served as a researcher and senior scientist in leading institutes of plant biology and physiology before being appointed as the Head of the Laboratory of Phytonanotechnology at the Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology. In this leadership role, she established a new research department, spearheaded collaborative projects, and mentored young scientists. Her experience includes leading multidisciplinary teams, managing both national and international research projects, and advancing the application of nanotechnology in plant science. Through her work, she has contributed to advancing knowledge in plant stress physiology, photosynthesis, and nanobiotechnology. Dr. Venzhik’s experience demonstrates not only research excellence but also her ability to translate innovative ideas into institutional advancements, positioning her as both a leading scientist and an effective research leader in the global scientific community.

Research Interest

Dr. Venzhik’s research interests lie at the intersection of plant physiology, nanotechnology, and environmental adaptation. She focuses on understanding how nanomaterials, particularly gold-based nanoparticles, can influence plant growth, metabolism, and stress responses. Her research aims to harness the potential of nanopriming technologies to enhance crop resilience against low temperatures and other environmental stresses, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation. She is particularly interested in exploring the molecular, biochemical, and ultrastructural mechanisms through which nanomaterials interact with plant systems. Her work also extends to studying photosynthesis regulation, redox balance, and cell ultrastructure under nanoparticle treatment. This innovative line of research not only advances fundamental understanding of plant biology but also offers practical applications for improving crop productivity. Dr. Venzhik’s research reflects a forward-looking vision to integrate nanotechnology with plant sciences to address pressing global challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability.

Awards and Honors

Over the course of her career, Dr. Venzhik has been recognized for her contributions to science and innovation through academic recognition and professional honors. She has played a central role in establishing a unique department of phytonanotechnology, a notable achievement that highlights her pioneering leadership in her field. Her consistent contributions have been acknowledged through recognition in professional societies such as the Society of Physiologists of Russia and the Botanical Society of Russia, where she is an active member. While her achievements primarily reflect scientific leadership and groundbreaking research contributions, her recognition also comes from her high-quality publications in top-tier journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. The impact of her work has been evident in citations, collaborations, and invitations to contribute to academic book chapters and scientific forums. These honors emphasize her growing influence as an innovator in plant nanobiotechnology at both national and international levels.

Research Skills

Dr. Venzhik possesses a wide range of research skills that combine traditional plant physiology methods with modern nanobiotechnology tools. She is highly skilled in experimental design for studying plant adaptation under stress conditions, particularly low temperature, drought, and oxidative stress. Her expertise includes ultrastructural analysis of plant cells, redox status measurement, photosynthetic apparatus assessment, and the application of advanced biochemical and molecular techniques to track plant responses to nanomaterials. She is adept at working with nanoparticles, especially gold-based systems, and analyzing their uptake, translocation, and functional effects on plants. In addition to laboratory skills, Dr. Venzhik demonstrates strong capabilities in scientific writing, data interpretation, and multidisciplinary collaboration, as reflected in her extensive publication record. As a leader, she also excels in mentoring researchers, managing large-scale projects, and establishing innovative research directions. Her diverse skill set enables her to advance plant nanotechnology research with both scientific rigor and visionary applications.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Functional Express Proteomics for Search and Identification of Differentially Regulated Proteins Involved in the Reaction of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Nanopriming by Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Natalia Naraikina, Tomiris Kussainova, Andrey Shelepchikov, Alexey Tretyakov, Alexander Deryabin, Kseniya Zhukova, Valery Popov, Irina Tarasova, Lev Dykman, Yuliya Venzhik
Year: 2025
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Title: The influence of Au-based nanoparticles on some physiological, biochemical and molecular characteristics of wheat plants during low temperature hardening
Authors: Yuliya Venzhik, Alexander Deryabin, Natalia Naraikina, Kseniya Zhukova, Lev Dykman
Year: 2024
Journal: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry

Title: Au-Based Nanoparticles Enhance Low Temperature Tolerance in Wheat by Regulating Some Physiological Parameters and Gene Expression
Authors: Yuliya Venzhik, Alexander Deryabin, Kseniya Zhukova
Year: 2024
Journal: Plants

Title: Effect of Low Temperature on Content of Primary Metabolites in Two Wheat Genotypes Differing in Cold Tolerance
Authors: Alexander Deryabin, Kseniya Zhukova, Natalia Naraikina, Yuliya Venzhik
Year: 2024
Journal: Metabolites

Title: The Role of Ultrastructural Organization of Cells in Adaptation of Winter Wheat to Low Temperature
Authors: Yu. V. Venzhik, I. E. Moshkov
Year: 2023
Journal: Russian Journal of Plant Physiology

Title: The Use of Nanomaterials as a Plant-Protection Strategy from Adverse Temperatures
Authors: Yu. V. Venzhik, A. N. Deryabin
Year: 2023
Journal: Russian Journal of Plant Physiology

Title: Adaptive strategy of plant cells during chilling: Aspect of ultrastructural reorganization
Authors: Yuliya Venzhik, Alexander Deryabin, Igor Moshkov
Year: 2023
Journal: Plant Science

Title: Regulation of Pro-/Antioxidant Balance in Higher Plants by Nanoparticles of Metals and Metal Oxides
Authors: Yu. V. Venzhik, A. N. Deryabin
Year: 2023
Journal: Russian Journal of Plant Physiology

Title: Priming with gold nanoparticles leads to changes in the photosynthetic apparatus and improves the cold tolerance of wheat
Authors: Yuliya Venzhik, Alexander Deryabin, Valery Popov, Lev Dykman, Igor Moshkov
Year: 2022
Journal: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry

Title: The effects of gold nanoparticles on redox status and freezing tolerance of wheat seedlings
Authors: Yuliya Venzhik, Alexander Deryabin, Valery Popov, Lev Dykman, Igor Moshkov
Year: 2022
Journal: Acta Physiologiae Plantarum

Title: Features of Wheat Adaptation to Frost under Low-Temperature Exposure of Different Intensity
Authors: Yu. V. Venzhik, V. V. Talanova, A. A. Ignatenko, N. S. Repkina, E. S. Kholoptseva, A. F. Titov
Year: 2022
Journal: Russian Journal of Plant Physiology

Title: Gold nanoparticles as adaptogens increasing the freezing tolerance of wheat seedlings
Authors: Yuliya Venzhik, Alexander Deryabin, Valery Popov, Lev Dykman, Igor Moshkov
Year: 2022
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Conclusion

Overall, Dr. Yuliya V. Venzhik’s pioneering research in phytonanotechnology and her leadership in applying nanomaterials to enhance plant resilience mark her as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions bridge fundamental plant science with practical applications in agriculture, offering solutions to climate stress and food security challenges. With her proven track record of innovation, research leadership, and international publications, she embodies the qualities of a researcher making a lasting impact on science and society. Her future potential lies in scaling her innovations globally and inspiring broader adoption of nanotechnology in plant sciences.

Lizhi Deng | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Lizhi Deng | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

 Research Assistant at Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, China

Mr. Lizhi Deng, born on June 22, 1999, is an accomplished researcher pursuing a Master’s in Food Engineering at China Agricultural University, specializing in postharvest physiology and preservation of fruits and vegetables. With a strong academic foundation, including international exposure at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he has demonstrated excellence through a solid GPA and a second-class professional scholarship. Mr. Deng has authored multiple publications in high-impact journals, such as Food Chemistry and Postharvest Biology and Technology, focusing on innovative techniques like encapsulated microcapsules and cold-induced lenticel disorder analysis. His professional experience includes roles as a research assistant at prestigious institutions and contributions to quality control in the biotechnology and brewing industries. Proficient in technical tools and scientific writing, he blends theoretical expertise with practical application. With a commitment to advancing sustainable food systems and agricultural technology, Mr. Deng exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader in food science research.

Professional Profile 

Education

Mr. Lizhi Deng has a robust educational background in food science and engineering, complemented by international academic exposure. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Food Engineering at China Agricultural University (2022–2024), focusing on postharvest physiology, fruit and vegetable preservation, and advanced materials. With a commendable GPA of 3.62 (ranked 17/66), he has excelled in courses such as scientific writing and modern food processing technology. Previously, he studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2020–2021), where he majored in Food Science and Technology, achieving a GPA of 3.78 (top 20%) and gaining expertise in food chemistry, microbiology, and product development. Mr. Deng began his academic journey at Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University (2017–2020), earning a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Engineering with a GPA of 3.59 (top 20%). His diverse academic pursuits reflect his dedication to mastering the science behind sustainable and innovative food systems.

Professional Experience

Mr. Lizhi Deng has gained diverse professional experience in research and quality control across esteemed institutions and industries. Currently, he serves as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Agricultural Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, where he focuses on postharvest physiology, storage, and logistics for fruit preservation. His work contributes to advancing key technologies in food science. Previously, he worked at Wuxi Biologics in the Department of Technical Quality, where he designed test plans for external projects, conducted process verifications, and performed experiments such as capillary gel electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography under GMP systems. Additionally, Mr. Deng was a Laboratory Technician at Urbrew Craft Beer Co. Ltd., where he conducted microbial detection and optimized beer fermentation quality by analyzing bacterial contamination. His professional journey highlights a strong blend of research innovation and practical application, demonstrating his commitment to advancing food science and technology.

Research Interest

Mr. Lizhi Deng’s research interests lie at the intersection of postharvest physiology, fruit and vegetable preservation, and advanced material development. His work focuses on exploring innovative methods to enhance the storage life and quality of perishable produce, contributing to sustainable food systems. He is particularly passionate about integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as encapsulated microcapsules and bioactive compounds, to mitigate postharvest losses and improve disease resistance in fruits. His research also extends to investigating cold-induced disorders in stored produce using transcriptomics and metabolomics, offering valuable insights into molecular mechanisms that impact shelf life. Additionally, Mr. Deng is interested in optimizing food quality through the application of natural compounds like caffeic acid to preserve nutritional value and aroma profiles. By blending his expertise in material science, food chemistry, and microbiology, Mr. Deng aims to drive innovations in food processing and preservation that address global challenges in food security and sustainability.

Award and Honor

Mr. Lizhi Deng has earned notable recognition for his academic and research excellence throughout his educational journey. As a Master’s candidate at China Agricultural University, he was awarded the second-class professional scholarship for his outstanding performance in the field of Food Engineering, ranking 17th among 66 peers with a GPA of 3.62. His dedication to advancing food science is further highlighted by his active participation in the World Cherry Academic Conference, where he engaged with leading experts in the field. Mr. Deng’s exceptional academic achievements also extend to his undergraduate studies, where he consistently ranked in the top 20% of his cohorts at both the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University. These accolades underscore his commitment to academic rigor, research innovation, and his growing impact in the field of food science, establishing him as a promising researcher with significant potential for future contributions.

Conclusion

Lizhi Deng’s academic excellence, impactful research, and professional expertise make them a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Their contributions to postharvest physiology and preservation technologies demonstrate innovative thinking and a commitment to addressing critical challenges in food science.

With a focus on expanding the practical impact of their research and taking on leadership roles, Lizhi Deng has the potential to emerge as a pioneering figure in food engineering and agricultural research. Thus, they are a deserving contender for this recognition.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveal the role of 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride in suppressing postharvest decay development in sweet cherry
    Authors: Zhang, S., Xu, R., Golding, J.B., Liang, L., Wang, B.
    Year: 2025
    Citation: 0
  • Title: Transcriptomics integrated with metabolomics analysis of cold-induced lenticel disorder via the lignin pathway upon postharvest ‘Xinli No.7’ pear fruit
    Authors: Xu, R., Zhou, J., Deng, L., Golding, J.B., Wang, B.
    Year: 2025
    Citation: 0
  • Title: Caffeic acid enhances the postharvest quality by maintaining the nutritional features and improving the aroma volatiles for nectarine fruit
    Authors: Lu, J., Wang, H., Zhang, Y., Wang, B., Jiang, W.
    Year: 2025
    Citation: 0
  • Title: Calcium alginate-encapsulated propolis microcapsules: Optimization, characterization, and preservation effects on postharvest sweet cherry
    Authors: Deng, L., Xu, R., Zhang, S., Jiang, W., Wang, B.
    Year: 2024
    Citation: 0