Yuyun Lu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Yuyun Lu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Research Fellow | National University of Singapore | Singapore 

Yuyun Lu is a Research Fellow at the Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, where she has been contributing to advanced research in food science since 2017. Her work focuses on functional foods, food bioprocessing, fermentation technology, food chemistry, and the development of value-added products from agricultural and food industry by-products. With more than 80 scholarly publications, she has built a strong international research profile in areas such as probiotic and functional beverage development, metabolomics-guided food analysis, enzymatic modification of bioactive compounds, plant and marine-based food materials, and sustainable food innovation. Her recent studies span diverse topics including probiotic fermentation of kombu, noni fruit, okara, and spent coffee grounds, rheological and microstructural properties of fortified noodles, 3D food printing using plant and seafood proteins, bioactive organosulfur compounds, bile acid metabolism, antimicrobial food packaging, and quality preservation of seafood and fresh produce during cold storage. She is also recognized for her contributions to understanding flavor chemistry, antioxidant stability, lipid oxidation, and the bioactivity of phytochemicals such as lutein, rutin, and moringa-derived compounds. In addition to research, she is an active peer reviewer for leading journals including Food Chemistry, Food Bioscience, Trends in Food Science and Technology, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, and Food Research International, reflecting her strong standing in the global food science community. Through interdisciplinary approaches combining fermentation science, analytical chemistry, metabolomics, and food engineering, Yuyun Lu’s research supports the development of healthier, safer, and more sustainable food systems, bridging fundamental food chemistry with practical industrial applications and functional nutrition.

Profiles: ORCID | Scopus 

Featured Publications

Lu, Y., Zhang, M., & Huang, D. (2022). Dietary organosulfur-containing compounds and their health-promotion mechanisms. Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, 13, 325–346. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-food-052720-010127

Tay, J. U., Zhou, C., Lee, H. W., Lu, Y., & Huang, D. (2023). 3D printing of salmon fillet mimic: Imparting printability via high-pressure homogenization and post-printing texturization via transglutaminase. Food Hydrocolloids, 139, 108564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2023.108564

Liu, Y., Yuan, W., Lu, Y., & Liu, S. Q. (2021). Biotransformation of spent coffee grounds by fermentation with monocultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lachancea thermotolerans aided by yeast extracts. LWT, 136, 110751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110751

Tan, X., Li, H., Huang, W., Ma, W., Lu, Y., & Yan, R. (2023). Enzymatic acylation improves the stability and bioactivity of lutein: Protective effects of acylated lutein derivatives on L-O2 cells upon H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Food Chemistry, 403, 135393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135393

Lu, Y., Teo, J. N., & Liu, S. Q. (2022). Fermented shellfish condiments: A comprehensive review. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 21(3), 2096–2122. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.13024

Yuyun Lu’s research advances global food science through innovative fermentation, functional foods, and sustainable bioprocessing that transform agri-food by-products into high-value nutrition. Her work bridges fundamental food chemistry with real-world industrial applications, supporting healthier diets, food safety, and circular bioeconomy solutions worldwide.

Nimra Mubeen | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Pioneer Researcher Award

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Ms. Nimra Mubeen | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Pioneer Researcher Award

PhD Student | University of Veterinary and Animals Sciences | Pakistan

Nimra Mubeen is an emerging researcher in the field of Fisheries and Aquaculture, dedicated to advancing sustainable aquatic health through innovative scientific contributions. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. (2021–2025) in Fisheries and Aquaculture at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, focusing on the development of feed-based vaccines against Aeromonas spp. in culturable carps, after completing her M.Phil. (2021) and M.Sc. (2018) in the same discipline, both with distinction. She has served as a research associate on a Pakistan Science Foundation-funded project on the isolation and molecular characterization of fish pathogens and vaccine development, which allowed her to gain practical expertise and contribute to applied solutions for the aquaculture industry. Her research interests include fish immunology, aquatic disease diagnostics, vaccine development, aquaculture sustainability, molecular biology, and innovative feed formulations. She has strong technical skills in bacterial vaccine preparation, molecular identification of pathogens, immunological assays, microbial culturing, and nutritional interventions in aquaculture systems. Nimra has co-authored six peer-reviewed publications in Scopus and ISI-indexed journals such as Microorganisms and Aquaculture Research, a book chapter with CABI, and multiple abstracts in conference proceedings. She has also presented her work at national and international conferences in Pakistan and Turkey, reflecting her global scientific engagement. Her academic achievements include top positions in model competitions, poster presentation awards, and certifications from Elsevier Researcher Academy, Wiley, and international aquaculture societies. With over 35 citations and an h-index of 3, her growing research footprint reflects her academic impact. She is actively involved in organizing scientific seminars, workshops, and World Fisheries Day activities, showcasing her leadership and community engagement. In conclusion, Nimra Mubeen’s blend of academic excellence, innovative research, technical expertise, and international collaboration makes her a promising young scientist and a deserving candidate for recognition through the Pioneer Researcher Award.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Mubeen, N., Ashraf, M., Ahmad, S., Aslam, M. S., & Kalhoro, H. (2022). Growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita fed with feed-based vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila. Microorganisms, 10(9), 1852. [Citations: 15]

  2. Mubeen, N., Ashraf, M., Ahmad, S., Kalhoro, H., & Jabeen, F. (2022). Molecular identification and pathogenicity of Aeromonas hydrophila in major carps. Aquaculture Research, 53(13), 4761–4772. [Citations: 10]

  3. Mubeen, N., Ashraf, M., Ahmad, S., Kalhoro, H., & Memon, A. (2021). Vaccine development approaches against bacterial pathogens in aquaculture. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 53(5), 1767–1774. [Citations: 5]

  4. Mubeen, N., Ashraf, M., & Ahmad, S. (2021). Application of immunostimulants in aquaculture health management: A review. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 21(9), 447–456. [Citations: 3]

  5. Mubeen, N., & Ashraf, M. (2020). Fish health management through probiotics in aquaculture: A sustainable approach. Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 14(2), 81–89. [Citations: 2]

Rajesh Malla | Agricultural and Biological Sciences Award | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rajesh Malla | Agricultural and Biological Sciences Award | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Director General at Forest Research and Training Centre, Nepal

Dr. Rajesh Malla, Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Hamburg, Germany, is a distinguished forestry and climate change researcher specializing in forest resource assessment, forest modeling, biodiversity conservation, and climate change impacts on ecosystems. With an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Forestry from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, he has over two decades of experience in research, leadership, and conservation. He has published extensively in reputed, indexed journals such as Land, Forests, PeerJ, and Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, and has presented at international conferences. Serving as Deputy Director General and previously Director at Nepal’s Forest Research and Training Centre, he has led impactful national and international projects. His work bridges scientific innovation and policy application, significantly contributing to sustainable forest management and environmental conservation in Nepal and beyond. The Agricultural and Biological Sciences Award recognises outstanding contributions in the fields of Agricultural and biological research, particularly within Agriculture and Agriculture.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | Orcid Profile

Education

Dr. Rajesh Malla holds a Ph.D. in Biology  from the University of Hamburg, Germany, with a thesis focusing on climate change impacts on soil organic carbon, above-ground biomass, and vegetation shifts in Nepal’s forests. He earned his M.Sc. in Forestry from the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal, specializing in habitat mapping and conservation threats to the Gangetic Dolphin, graduating with first division. His B.Sc. in Forestry from Tribhuvan University included a specialization in GIS applications for natural resource management, with a thesis on park–people conflict in Nepal’s protected areas, also completed with first division. This strong academic foundation has equipped him with advanced scientific, analytical, and technical expertise to address complex environmental and climate-related challenges while integrating conservation science with practical forest management solutions.

Experience

With over two decades of service in forestry and climate change research, Dr. Malla currently serves as Deputy Director General of the Forest Research and Training Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal. His leadership spans major projects including allometry equation development, forest resource assessments, bamboo resource surveys, and terrestrial lidar scanning for forest inventory. Previously, he was Director at the Centre’s Gandaki Province office, Research Officer at the Department of Forest Research and Survey, and Assistant Research Officer. He has also served as Project Leader for the Dolphin Conservation Awareness Project, funded by the Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation (UK), and held NGO program management roles. His career reflects a strong blend of research expertise, strategic leadership, and implementation of conservation initiatives at both national and international levels.

Research Interest

Dr. Malla’s research interests span forest resource assessment, forest modeling, biodiversity conservation, and climate change impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. His work integrates advanced modeling techniques with ecological data to evaluate carbon dynamics, biomass distribution, and species habitat suitability. He is deeply engaged in assessing vegetation shifts under climate scenarios, identifying invasive species patterns, and linking forest diversity to carbon storage potential. Additionally, his studies often incorporate geospatial tools, remote sensing, and GIS applications to support data-driven forest management strategies. Beyond ecological science, he focuses on the socio-environmental dimensions of forestry, including park–people relationships, community forestry systems, and conservation policy impacts. His interdisciplinary approach ensures his research remains relevant for both academic advancement and practical application in sustainable natural resource management.

Award and Honor

Dr. Rajesh Malla’s career has been marked by recognition for his impactful research and leadership in forestry and climate science. While his work has not only garnered academic attention through publications in prestigious, indexed journals (Land, Forests, PeerJ, Frontiers in Forests and Global Change), it has also influenced policy and conservation practices in Nepal. His leadership roles in government forestry institutions reflect the trust and respect earned from the scientific and policy-making community. Invitations to present at national and international platforms—such as the APFISN Workshop in the Philippines and the International Conference on Forest, People, and Climate—demonstrate his standing as a subject-matter expert. His project leadership, notably the Dolphin Conservation Awareness Project funded internationally, showcases his ability to secure and manage global research support.

Research Skill

Dr. Malla possesses advanced expertise in forest inventory techniques, biomass and carbon modeling, ecological data analysis, and climate change impact assessments. His skills include the application of GIS, remote sensing, and terrestrial lidar scanning for precise environmental mapping and monitoring. He is adept at integrating field-based data with advanced statistical and geospatial modeling to generate actionable conservation insights. His research involves multi-scale approaches—from local biodiversity assessments to national forest resource evaluations—often within multidisciplinary teams. He has strong competencies in scientific writing, peer-reviewed publishing, and conference presentations, enabling him to effectively communicate research findings to academic, policy, and public audiences. His experience in managing complex research projects, securing funding, and building collaborative networks further strengthens his capacity to lead impactful scientific initiatives.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Spatial distribution of soil organic carbon in the forests of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R.
Year: 2024
Citation: Land, 13(3), 378

Title: Climate change impacts: In the perspective of soil organic carbon, above-ground biomass and vegetation shifts (A case study from Nepal) – PhD thesis
Authors: Malla, R.
Year: 2024
Citation: University of Hamburg, Germany

Title: Habitat suitability of four threatened Himalayan species: Asiatic black bear, common leopard, musk deer, and snow leopard
Authors: Malla, R., Panthi, S., Adhikari, H., Pariyar, S., Baral, R., Subedi, R., Adhikari, B.P.
Year: 2023
Citation: PeerJ, 11, e16085

Title: Modelling soil organic carbon as a function of topography and stand variables
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R., Köhl, M.
Year: 2022
Citation: Forests, 13(9), 1391

Title: Climate change impacts: Vegetation shift of broad-leaved and coniferous forests
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R., Köhl, M.
Year: 2023
Citation: Trees, Forests and People, 14, 100457

Title: Assessment of above ground biomass and soil organic carbon in the forests of Nepal under climate change scenario
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R., Köhl, M.
Year: 2023
Citation: Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 6, 1209232

Title: Forest diversity and aboveground carbon linkage between the national park and community managed tropical forests of Nepal
Authors: Ranabhat, S., Malla, R.
Year: 2023
Citation: Banko Janakari, 33(2), 49–60

Title: Assessment of invasion of Ageratina adenophora in the plantation forest of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R., Aryal, R.R., Ranabhat, S.
Year: 2021
Citation: Banko Janakari, 31(1), 3–11

Title: Natural regeneration potential and growth of degraded Shorea robusta Gaertn.f. forest in Terai region of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R., Acharya, B.K.
Year: 2017
Citation: Banko Janakari, 28(1), 3–10

Title: The effect of forest management on stand structure and tree diversity in the Sal (Shorea robusta) forest of Nepal
Authors: Ranabhat, S., Fehrman, L., Malla, R.
Year: 2016
Citation: Indian Forester, 142(6), 582–589

Title: Trees on farms: Diversity, carbon pool and contribution to rural livelihood in Kanchanpur district of Nepal
Authors: Baral, S.K., Malla, R., Khanal, S.
Year: 2013
Citation: Banko Janakari, 23(1), 3–11

Title: Above ground carbon stock assessment in different forest types of Nepal
Authors: Baral, S.K., Malla, R., Ranabhat, S.
Year: 2009
Citation: Banko Janakari, 19(2), 10–14

Title: Potentiality of payment for environmental services in community forests of Nepal
Authors: Acharya, K.P., Baral, S.K., Malla, R., Basnyat, B.
Year: 2009
Citation: Proceedings of the Community Forestry International Workshop, 15–18 September 2009, Pokhara, Nepal, pp. 67

Title: Habitat Mapping and Conservation Threats to River Dolphin in Karnali River of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R.
Year: 2009
Citation: Banko Janakari (Special Edition), 24–29

Title: Carbon sequestration potential of Alnus nepalensis in mid-hills of Nepal: A case study from Kaski district
Authors: Ranabhat, S., Awasthi, K.D., Malla, R.
Year: 2008
Citation: Banko Janakari, 18(2), 3–9

Conclusion

Dr. Rajesh Malla stands out as a highly accomplished forestry and climate change researcher whose work bridges the gap between academic science and applied environmental policy. His career reflects a rare combination of scientific depth, leadership ability, and practical conservation impact. With a strong academic background, decades of professional experience, and a rich portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, he has significantly advanced understanding of forest ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. His leadership in government institutions has enabled large-scale data collection, analysis, and resource management that directly benefit environmental policy-making in Nepal. Looking ahead, his expertise, collaborative approach, and commitment to sustainability position him to continue making meaningful contributions to global environmental research and conservation practice