Park Bongsoo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Park Bongsoo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Principal Investigator at Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore

Dr. Park Bongsoo is a Principal Investigator at the Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore, specializing in plant sciences and sustainable agriculture. With a Ph.D. from Seoul National University and postdoctoral training at The Rockefeller University, he has established himself as a leader in precision agriculture technologies. His research has led to several patents and impactful discoveries, focusing on enhancing crop productivity, nutrient efficiency, and stress tolerance. Dr. Park’s innovative work supports the global transition toward sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Educational Details

  • Ph.D. in Plant Science (2010) – Department of Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Korea. Advisor: Dr. Hak-Soo Seo.
  • M.S. in Plant Science (2005) – Department of Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Korea. Advisor: Dr. Young-Am Chae.
  • B.S. in Crop Science (2003) – Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chung-Nam National University, Korea.
    (Military Service: 1996–1998)

Professional Experience

  • Principal Investigator (Apr 2020 – Present)
    Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore. Leads cutting-edge research in plant sciences, precision agriculture, and sustainable agricultural technologies.
  • Research Investigator (Apr 2018 – Mar 2020)
    Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore. Contributed to precision agriculture technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations.
  • Research Fellow (Jul 2014 – Mar 2018)
    Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore. Worked under Prof. Nam-Hai Chua on plant molecular biology and stress tolerance.
  • Postdoctoral Fellow (Apr 2011 – Jun 2014)
    The Rockefeller University, New York, NY. Conducted advanced research in plant biology under Prof. Nam-Hai Chua.
  • Postdoctoral Fellow (Apr 2010 – Mar 2011)
    Seoul National University, Korea. Investigated plant stress responses and molecular mechanisms under Dr. Hak-Soo Seo.

Research Interest

Dr. Park Bongsoo’s research focuses on plant stress tolerance, nutrient use efficiency, and sustainable agricultural practices. His current work emphasizes developing high-performance precision agriculture systems, utilizing advanced techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, hydroponic systems, and fungal biostimulants to enhance crop productivity and sustainability.

Author Metrics

  • Patents: Authored seven patents, including innovations in nitrogen assimilation, hydroponic systems, and phosphate-solubilizing fungal strains.
  • Publications and Citations: Extensive contributions to plant science, with multiple peer-reviewed articles cited in global research databases.

Publication Top Notes

Advanced growth device boosts hydroponic efficiency: Enhancing yield and quality while reducing crop production cost and algae contamination

  • Journal: Environmental Technology & Innovation
  • Date: January 2025
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2025.104051
  • Contributors: Savitha Dhandapani, Vidya Susan Philip, Nabeela Nasreen Shaik Anwar Ahamed, Bong Soo Park
  • Highlights: This paper discusses a novel advanced growth device for hydroponics, focusing on improving crop yield and quality while reducing production costs and minimizing algae contamination.

Molecular Mechanisms of Phosphate Use Efficiency in Arabidopsis via Penicillium olsonii TLL1

  • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Date: November 29, 2024
  • DOI: 10.3390/ijms252312865
  • Contributors: Valiya Nadakkakath Agisha, Erinjery Jose Suraby, Savitha Dhandapani, Yee Hwui Sng, Shi Hui Lim, Bong Soo Park
  • Highlights: This research explores the molecular mechanisms involved in phosphate use efficiency in Arabidopsis, driven by the novel fungal strain Penicillium olsonii TLL1.

Effects of Storage Temperatures on Nitrogen Assimilation and Remobilization during Post-Harvest Senescence of Pak Choi

  • Journal: Biomolecules
  • Date: October 2023
  • DOI: 10.3390/biom13101540
  • Contributors: Savitha Dhandapani, Vidya Susan Philip, Shaik Anwar Ahamed Nabeela Nasreen, Alice Mei Xien Tan, Praveen Kumar Jayapal, Rajeev J. Ram, Bong Soo Park
  • Highlights: This study investigates how different storage temperatures affect nitrogen assimilation and remobilization during post-harvest senescence of Pak Choi, highlighting temperature-sensitive metabolic pathways.

Plant growth promotion under phosphate deficiency and improved phosphate acquisition by new fungal strain, Penicillium olsonii TLL1

  • Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology
  • Date: October 19, 2023
  • DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1285574
  • Contributors: Erinjery Jose Suraby, Valiya Nadakkakath Agisha, Savitha Dhandapani, Yee Hwui Sng, Shi Hui Lim, Naweed I. Naqvi, Rajani Sarojam, Zhongchao Yin, Bong Soo Park
  • Highlights: This paper highlights the potential of Penicillium olsonii TLL1 as a biofertilizer for improving phosphate acquisition and plant growth under phosphate-deficient conditions.

Inositol polyphosphates-regulated polyubiquitination of PHR1 by NLA E3 ligase during phosphate starvation response in Arabidopsis

  • Journal: New Phytologist
  • Date: February 2023
  • DOI: 10.1111/nph.18621
  • Contributors: Su-Hyun Park, Jin Seo Jeong, Chung-Hao Huang, Bong Soo Park, Nam-Hai Chua
  • Highlights: This study uncovers the role of inositol polyphosphates in regulating the polyubiquitination of PHR1 by NLA E3 ligase during phosphate starvation in Arabidopsis.

Conclusion

Dr. Park Bongsoo is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his groundbreaking contributions to plant sciences and sustainable agriculture. His work exemplifies innovation, interdisciplinary integration, and global impact, addressing some of the most critical challenges in agriculture today.

To strengthen his profile further, Dr. Park could focus on broadening the impact of his research through public engagement, mentorship, and active efforts to bring his technologies to market. Nevertheless, his credentials and achievements make him an excellent choice for this prestigious recognition.

 

 

Simona Proietti | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Best Paper Award

Dr. Simona Proietti | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at IRET CNR, Italy

Dr. Simona Proietti is a distinguished researcher at the Italian National Research Council (CNR), specializing in plant physiology, biochemistry, and carbohydrate metabolism. Her work explores the relationship between photosynthetic products and environmental conditions, with an emphasis on enhancing plant growth and nutraceutical properties. A pioneer in space research, Dr. Proietti has contributed to the development of Bio-regenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS) for food production in extreme environments such as space missions. Her expertise includes biochemical procedures, chromatography techniques, and plant cultivation under controlled conditions.

Dr. Proietti has collaborated on groundbreaking international projects like EDEN ISS, ReBUS, and the MELiSSA Project, furthering innovations in plant-based life support systems and sustainable food production technologies.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Educational Details

  • Ph.D. in Horticultural Science (2001–2004)
    • Faculty of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
  • Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences (1991–1994)
    • University of Tuscia, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Viterbo, Italy
  • CNR Scholarship (1997–1998)
    • Focus: Regulation of photosynthesis and acclimation to different light intensities

Professional Experience

  • Researcher, CNR (2012–present)
    • Leads scientific and technical roles in projects related to plant metabolism, nutraceutical studies, and space research, with a focus on Bio-regenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS) for long-duration space missions.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, CNR (IBAF/IRET) (2004–2012)
    • Contributed to projects on carbohydrate metabolism and photosynthetic product allocation in crops and forest plants under varying environmental and cultivation conditions.
  • Research Collaborations & Projects:
    • 2018: ReBUS – In-situ Resource Bio-Utilization for life support in space, funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
    • 2014: EDEN ISS – Ground demonstration of plant cultivation technologies for food safety on the ISS and future space missions (Horizon 2020).
    • 2011: Inflatable greenhouse for space plant food production and life support, funded under Italy-US bilateral collaboration (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
    • 2009: Research activity for the MELiSSA Project – Food characterization in collaboration with the University of Naples Federico II and ESA.
    • 2005: On-board experiment during the ENEIDE Mission in collaboration with the University of Tuscia.

Research Interest

  • Carbohydrate Metabolism: Physiological and biochemical control of carbohydrate synthesis, accumulation, and source-sink relationships in crops and forest plants under varying environmental conditions and cultivation techniques.
  • Nutraceutical Metabolites: Analysis of metabolites with nutraceutical value in food crops grown under diverse conditions.
  • Bio-regenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS): Production of high-quality food plants for extreme environments, including space missions and long-duration extraterrestrial explorations.
  • Lignocellulosic Biomass: Role of carbohydrates in determining the quality and chemical characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass for biorefineries.
  • Analytical Techniques Expertise: IC and HPLC chromatography, spectrophotometry, enzymatic activity studies, and biochemical procedures for plant metabolite quantification.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Yield, Fructans Accumulation, and Nutritional Quality of Young Chicory Plants as Related to Genotype and Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Moscatello, S., Battistelli, A., Mattioni, M., Proietti, S.
Journal: Agronomy, 2023, 13(7), Article ID: 1752
Citations: 4
Abstract: Investigates the effects of genotype and nitrogen fertilization on yield, fructans accumulation, and the nutritional quality of young chicory plants.

Title: Lutein/β-carotene ratio in extra virgin olive oil: An easy and rapid quantification method by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Portarena, S., Anselmi, C., Leonardi, L., Brugnoli, E., Baldacchini, C.
Journal: Food Chemistry, 2023, 404, Article ID: 134748
Citations: 11
Abstract: Introduces a rapid quantification method using Raman spectroscopy for determining the lutein/β-carotene ratio in extra virgin olive oil.

Title: Light Intensity Affects the Assimilation Rate and Carbohydrates Partitioning in Spinach Grown in a Controlled Environment
Authors: Proietti, S., Paradiso, R., Moscatello, S., Saccardo, F., Battistelli, A.
Journal: Plants, 2023, 12(4), Article ID: 804
Citations: 15
Abstract: Examines how varying light intensities influence assimilation rates and carbohydrate partitioning in spinach under controlled environmental conditions.

Title: Substrate and fertigation management modulate microgreens production, quality and resource efficiency
Authors: Paglialunga, G., El Nakhel, C., Proietti, S., De Pascale, S., Rouphael, Y.
Journal: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2023, 7, Article ID: 1222914
Citations: 4
Abstract: Studies the impact of substrate and fertigation management on microgreens production, resource efficiency, and quality traits.

Title: Applying productivity and phytonutrient profile criteria in modelling species selection of microgreens as Space crops for astronaut consumption
Authors: Izzo, L.G., El Nakhel, C., Rouphael, Y., De Pascale, S., Aronne, G.
Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science, 2023, 14, Article ID: 1210566
Citations: 2
Abstract: Focuses on species selection for space cultivation based on productivity and phytonutrient profiles, emphasizing microgreens for astronaut nutrition.

Title: Defining growth requirements of microgreens in space cultivation via biomass production, morpho-anatomical and nutritional traits analysis
Authors: Amitrano, C., Paglialunga, G., Battistelli, A., Rouphael, Y., De Pascale, S.
Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science, 2023, 14, Article ID: 1190945
Citations: 10
Abstract: Analyzes biomass production, morpho-anatomical, and nutritional traits of microgreens to establish growth requirements for space cultivation.

Conclusion

Dr. Simona Proietti’s exceptional contributions to plant physiology, space research, and sustainable food production make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her innovative work on Bio-regenerative Life Support Systems and nutraceutical studies in plants exemplifies the transformative impact of her research. Addressing areas such as greater grant leadership and public engagement could further amplify her influence in the scientific community. Overall, her achievements align well with the award’s objectives, and she is a highly deserving nominee.