Prof. Dr. Yang Zhao | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award
Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, China
👨🎓Profiles
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Prof. Dr. Yang Zhao, earned his Ph.D. in Ecology, laying a strong academic foundation in environmental and biological sciences. His early academic years were marked by a growing interest in arid land restoration, ecosystem resilience, and ecological innovation. With a solid grounding in biochemistry and ecological sciences, he steadily advanced his research in desert ecosystems, particularly focusing on the interaction between soil biology and climate stressors. His educational journey equipped him with interdisciplinary skills critical to tackling pressing environmental challenges.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Currently serving as a Research Fellow and Ph.D. Supervisor at the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Prof. Zhao has led more than 10 national-level projects, showcasing leadership in both fundamental and applied ecological research. He has played a pivotal role in the National Key Research and Development Program of China, as well as multiple grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the prestigious CAS “Light of West China” Key Program. His consulting roles and active engagement with government-funded ecological programs illustrate his influence in shaping China’s desertification countermeasures.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Prof. Zhao’s research focuses primarily on desert ecosystem restoration, particularly on improving soil health, moisture retention, and vegetation biodiversity through cyanobacterial inoculation. A landmark study under his leadership evaluated the role of artificial biological crusts in improving soil enzyme activity, herbaceous plant richness, and ecosystem resilience under drought conditions. Using advanced tools such as Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), he demonstrated the direct and indirect roles of soil moisture and plant cover in enhancing ecological balance. These innovations significantly contribute to combating land degradation and adapting ecosystems to climate change.
📊 Impact and Influence
With over 100 academic papers published and 10 national patents to his name, Prof. Zhao has made an indelible mark on the field of eco-environmental science. His work has appeared in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Environmental Management (SCI) and has earned him accolades including the First Prize of Ningxia Science and Technology Progress. He is a recognized figure in policy-driven research, and his scientific findings have translated into practical frameworks for sustainable land restoration in arid regions across China.
📚 Academic Citations and Editorial Role
Prof. Zhao’s research is well-represented in the Web of Science and other international citation indexes. His consistent contributions to high-impact journals have earned him a respected voice in academic circles. He also serves as a member of editorial boards, providing peer-review expertise and guiding the direction of publications in his field. This editorial role reflects his commitment to maintaining scholarly integrity and promoting cutting-edge ecological research globally.
🧪 Technical Skills
Prof. Zhao is proficient in advanced ecological assessment tools, including soil biochemistry analysis, remote sensing for ecosystem monitoring, hydrological modeling, and PLS-SEM for ecological systems. His interdisciplinary toolkit allows him to integrate field data, statistical models, and experimental treatments for comprehensive desert ecology studies. These competencies place him at the forefront of modern environmental restoration research.
👨🏫 Teaching and Mentorship Experience
As a Ph.D. Supervisor, Prof. Zhao is actively involved in mentoring the next generation of ecological scientists. He has guided doctoral and postgraduate students in topics ranging from cyanobacterial inoculation to ecosystem modeling, instilling scientific rigor and innovation. His teaching extends beyond the classroom, fostering field-based training and real-world environmental problem solving.
🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions
Prof. Zhao’s legacy lies in his integration of innovative ecological techniques with policy-relevant research aimed at mitigating desertification. His selection into the Innovation Team in Key Fields by the Ministry of Science and Technology is a testament to his national recognition. Moving forward, he aims to expand research on ecosystem services under climate extremes, green technology in arid zones, and cross-border collaborations to promote sustainable restoration practices globally. His future contributions are expected to further solidify the role of cyanobacterial biotechnology in ecological engineering.
📖Notable Publications
Maize stalk mulching significantly influences the cyanobacterial communities and alpha diversity in artificial cyanobacterial crusts in arid sandy areas
Applied Soil Ecology
2025
Links between soil moisture, herbaceous plant community characteristics, and soil enzymes under drought and non-drought periods after cyanobacterial inoculation
Journal of Environmental Management
2025
Co-development of biocrust and herbaceous plant communities in sandy areas after cyanobacterial inoculation
Plant and Soil
2025
Effects of inoculum condition and different material mulches on the colonization of artificial cyanobacterial crusts
Shengtai Xuebao
2025
Hydraulic mechanism of limiting growth and maintaining survival of desert shrubs in arid habitats
Plant Physiology
2024
Cumulative effects of experimental nitrogen deposition on soil chemistry in a desert steppe: A 12-year field study
Science of the Total Environment
2024
