Professor, at Qufu Normal University, China.
Prof. Hang Zhao is a distinguished researcher in plant science, currently serving at the College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, China. He is the principal investigator of the “Outstanding Young Innovation Team of Higher Education Institutions in Shandong Province.” Prof. Zhao contributes to several editorial boards, including “Agricultural Communications” and “Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology.” As a guest editor for “Frontiers in Plant Science” and “Frontiers in Genetics,” he influences cutting-edge research. His pioneering work in crop agronomic trait regulation and elite variety selection has earned him two national invention patents. With over 50 publications in top-tier journals such as Nature, Trends in Plant Science, and Plant Biotechnology Journal, he has made significant contributions to agricultural research. His dedication to scientific excellence has been recognized with the Outstanding Reviewer Award from Agricultural Communications.
Professional Profile
ORCID
Education 🎓
Prof. Hang Zhao holds a strong academic background in plant science and biotechnology. He earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Biotechnology, where he specialized in molecular breeding and agronomic trait regulation. His research focused on enhancing crop resilience and productivity, particularly in cotton. During his doctoral studies, he investigated gene expression pathways affecting early maturation and multiple cropping indexes. His academic journey included advanced coursework and research training in plant genetics, transgenic crop development, and agronomic improvement strategies. Prof. Zhao has collaborated with international institutions to refine breeding technologies, integrating genomic tools into modern agricultural practices. His rigorous academic training and research expertise have laid the foundation for his impactful contributions to plant science and agricultural biotechnology.
Experience 💪
With a wealth of experience in agricultural biotechnology, Prof. Zhao has led groundbreaking research projects focused on improving crop traits through genetic engineering and molecular breeding. As the principal investigator of an elite research team, he has played a pivotal role in shaping modern plant biotechnology. His leadership extends to academic publishing, serving as a young editorial board member for Agricultural Communications and Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology. He has also contributed as a guest editor for Frontiers in Plant Science and Frontiers in Genetics, influencing the direction of plant research globally. Prof. Zhao has successfully supervised numerous postgraduate students and researchers, fostering innovation in crop improvement. His work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, ensuring agricultural sustainability and enhanced food security.
Research Interest 🌱
Prof. Zhao’s research focuses on the genetic regulation of agronomic traits and the molecular breeding of elite crop varieties. He is dedicated to identifying early-maturing genes in upland cotton, developing strategies to mitigate yield losses due to climate variability. His work also addresses the optimization of multiple cropping indexes to resolve conflicts in grain and cotton cultivation. By leveraging transgenic technologies, Prof. Zhao and his team aim to enhance crop resilience, improve growth efficiency, and integrate desirable agronomic traits into modern varieties. His research extends to understanding germplasm resources and applying genetic pyramiding techniques to develop high-performing crop strains. His commitment to agricultural innovation contributes to the advancement of sustainable and efficient farming systems.
Awards 🏆
Prof. Zhao’s outstanding contributions to plant science have earned him multiple prestigious awards. He was honored with the Outstanding Reviewer Award by Agricultural Communications, recognizing his dedication to maintaining high research standards. Additionally, he has been granted two national invention patents as the first inventor, highlighting his innovative approaches to crop trait regulation and genetic enhancement. His research achievements have positioned him as a leading figure in agricultural biotechnology, driving advancements in sustainable crop production. As a key investigator in agronomic trait improvement, Prof. Zhao’s groundbreaking discoveries continue to shape modern agricultural practices and inspire future researchers in plant science.
Top Noted Publications 📚
- Zhao H, Ge X, Li F. 2022. Revitalize China’s cotton industry, Nature, 604, 625.
- Zhao H, Huang X, Yang Z, Li F. 2023. Synergistic optimization of crops by combining early maturation with other agronomic traits, Trends in Plant Science, 1178-1191.
- Zhan J, Zhang X, Wang Y, Zhao H, et al. 2025. The GhWL1-GhH1-GhGA2OX1 transcriptional module regulates cotton leaf morphology, Advanced Science.
- Zhao H, Chen Y, Liu J, et al. 2022. Recent advances and future perspectives in early-maturing cotton research, New Phytologist, 237(4):1100-1114.
- Wei X, Geng M, Yuan J, et al. 2024. GhRCD1 promotes cotton tolerance to cadmium by regulating the GhbHLH12-GhMYB44-GhHMA1 transcriptional cascade, Plant Biotechnology Journal, 22(7):1777-1796.
- Yuan J, Liu X, Zhao H, et al. 2023. GhRCD1 regulates cotton somatic embryogenesis by modulating the GhMYC3-GhMYB44-GhLBD18 transcriptional cascade, New Phytologist, 240(1):207-223.
- Liu L, Li J, Wang Z, et al. 2024. Suppression of plant immunity by Verticillium dahliae effector Vd6317 through AtNAC53 association, Plant Journal, 119(4):1767-1781.
- Zhao H, Lin K, Gan S, Li G. 2020. Arabidopsis NF-YA8 inhibits the juvenile-to-adult transition by activating transcription of MIR156s, Journal of Experimental Botany, 71(16):4890-4902.
- Zhao H, Li G, Liu Q, et al. 2020. Transcriptomic and metabolomic landscape of the molecular effects of glyphosate on honeybees, Science of the Total Environment, 744:140819.
- Li G, Zhao H, Guo H, et al. 2020. Functional and transcriptomic analyses of the NF-Y family in honeybees, Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 77(23):4977-4995.
- Zeng X, Wei X, Zhan J, et al. 2025. Uncovering miRNA-mRNA regulatory modules of cotton in response to cadmium stress, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.
- Wang P, Zhao H, Liu X, et al. 2023. Co-expression of multi-gene in cotton promotes the aggregation of multi-resistance and yield traits, Industrial Crops and Products, 204.
Conclusion
Prof. Hang Zhao is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his strong publication record, leadership roles, patents, and significant contributions to cotton genetics and agronomy. While he already has an impressive academic footprint, expanding his industry collaborations, interdisciplinary research, and global outreach could further solidify his position as a leading researcher.