Brande Wulff | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Plant Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Brande Wulff | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia

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BRANDE BRUCE HERTEL WULFF: PIONEER IN PLANT GENETICS 🌾

INTRODUCTION

Brande Bruce Hertel Wulff is a distinguished plant geneticist renowned for his groundbreaking work in cereal crop disease resistance. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions, leading to the development of disease-resistant wheat varieties.

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Wulff’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Plant Biology from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK, where he graduated with first-class honors in 1997. He subsequently pursued a Ph.D. at The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich, completing it in 2001.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Wulff’s career trajectory includes:

  • Postdoctoral Researcher: The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich, UK (2002-2004); IBMCP-CSIC, Valencia, Spain (2004-2008); IBMP-CNRS, Strasbourg, France (2008-2010).

  • Research Manager: The Sainsbury Laboratory 2Blades Group, Norwich, UK (2010-2014).

  • Group Leader: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK; Tenure Track (2014-2018), Tenured (2018-2021).

  • Associate Professor: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia (2021-present).

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Plant Pathology 

Wulff’s research focuses on cloning disease resistance genes from wild relatives of wheat and integrating them into cultivated varieties. Notable contributions include:

  • Gene Discovery: Identified the wheat stem rust resistance gene Sr43, encoding an unusual protein kinase.

  • Genomic Resources: Developed a wheat resistance gene atlas to aid breeding programs.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Wulff’s work has led to the development of wheat varieties with enhanced resistance to diseases like stem rust and blast fungus, contributing to global food security.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

With an H-index of 48 and over 16,000 citations, Wulff has authored 83 papers, 5 book chapters, and holds 8 patents. Selected publications include:

  • “The wheat stem rust resistance gene Sr43 encodes an unusual protein kinase.” Nature Genetics, 2023.

  • “A wheat kinase and immune receptor form the host-specificity barrier against the blast fungus.” Nature Plants, 2023.

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  • 2021-2025: US$4.2M from KAUST, RDIA, USDA-NIFA, and 2Blades Foundation.

  • 2010-2021: £3.6M from BBSRC, 2Blades Foundation, Newton Foundation, EU, Limagrain, Monsanto, and Bayer.

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Through his research and mentorship, Wulff continues to influence the field of plant genetics, paving the way for future advancements in crop improvement.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Wulff’s dedication to plant genetics has led to innovations in crop disease resistance, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

A single NLR gene confers resistance to leaf and stripe rust in wheat

  • Authors: D. Sharma, R. Avni, J.J. Gutierrez-Gonzalez, A. Minz-Dub, A. Sharon

  • Journal: Nature Communications

  • Year: 2024

Origin and evolution of the bread wheat D genome

  • Authors: E. Cavalet-Giorsa, A. González-Muñoz, N. Athiyannan, B.B.H. Wulff, S.G. Krattinger

  • Journal: Nature

  • Year: 2024

Harnessing landrace diversity empowers wheat breeding

  • Authors: S. Cheng, C. Feng, L.U. Wingen, S. Huang, S. Griffiths

  • Journal: Nature

  • Year: 2024

The wheat powdery mildew resistance gene Pm4 also confers resistance to wheat blast

  • Authors: T. O’Hara, A. Steed, R. Goddard, C. Uauy, P. Nicholson

  • Journal: Nature Plants

  • Year: 2024

Single amino acid change alters specificity of the multi-allelic wheat stem rust resistance locus SR9

  • Authors: J. Zhang, J. Nirmala, S. Chen, M.N. Rouse, E.S. Lagudah

  • Journal: Nature Communications

  • Year: 2023

 

Stéphane Maury | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Plant Scientist

Prof. Stéphane Maury | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

University Orléans | France

Author Profile

INTRODUCTION

Stéphane Maury (PhD) is a distinguished full professor at the University of Orléans in France. As a leading scientist in the field of plant epigenetics and breeding, he coordinates the ARCHE team of the P2e laboratory at the University of Orléans and INRAE (France). His groundbreaking research has significantly contributed to understanding epigenetic mechanisms in various plant species, particularly forest trees. Through extensive collaborations with international laboratories and partnerships with both public and private sectors, Maury has been instrumental in advancing agroecology and digital agriculture.

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Stéphane Maury’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in plant sciences and genetics. His passion for plant biology led him to pursue higher education and specialized research in epigenetics. His early studies focused on the interplay between plant development and environmental cues, setting the stage for his future contributions in epigenomic research.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Maury has dedicated over two decades to the study of plant epigenetics. His role as a professor at the University of Orléans allows him to mentor aspiring scientists while leading cutting-edge research projects. He has successfully coordinated several national and international research initiatives, bringing together experts from different fields to tackle complex biological questions.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Plant Physiology 

Maury’s research integrates ecophysiology and epigenomics at both individual and population levels. His major contributions include:

  • Understanding epigenetic variation in forest trees through the ANR EPITREE project (2018-2023).
  • Exploring epigenetic mechanisms in mycorrhizae via ANR EpiMyc (2024-2028).
  • Advancing agroecology and digital agriculture through PEPR ADAAPT (2025-2030).
  • Participation in the EU COST Action EPICATCH (2020-2024) on epigenetics in crops and adaptation.
  • Contribution to the COST Action COPYTREE (2022-2026) on innovative cloning of woody plants. His work bridges fundamental research with practical applications, providing insights that benefit sustainable agriculture and forestry.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Through his extensive research, Maury has influenced various domains, including plant breeding, conservation, and biotechnology. His collaborative projects with international laboratories in the USA and Europe have positioned him as a thought leader in epigenetics. Additionally, his mentorship has nurtured a new generation of scientists in the field.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Maury has authored numerous high-impact scientific publications in reputable journals. His work is widely cited, reflecting the significance of his contributions to plant sciences. His research papers cover topics such as epigenetic regulation, plant adaptation, and stress response mechanisms.

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  • Leadership in multiple European and national research projects.
  • Invitations to keynote speeches at international conferences.
  • Recognition from scientific communities for his innovative work in plant epigenetics and breeding.

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Looking ahead, Stéphane Maury aims to further integrate epigenetics into sustainable agricultural practices. His research will continue to shape policies and innovations in plant breeding, ensuring a greener and more resilient future.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Maury’s dedication to plant epigenetics has transformed our understanding of plant adaptation and resilience. His ongoing projects continue to push the boundaries of scientific discovery, offering practical applications in agriculture and forestry.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

A Strategy for Studying Epigenetic Diversity in Natural Populations: Proof of Concept in Poplar and Oak
  • Authors: Stephane Maury, Isabelle Lesur Kupin, Odile Rogier, Mamadou Dia Sow, Christophe Boury, Alexandre Duplan, Abel Garnier, Abdeljalil Senhaji-Rachik, Peter Civan, Josquin Daron, et al.
    Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany
    Year: 2024
Epigenetics as a Regulator of Tree Specialized Metabolites In Vitro Production
  • Author: Stéphane Maury
    Journal: Forests
    Year: 2024
Zebularine, a DNA Methylation Inhibitor, Activates Anthocyanin Accumulation in Grapevine Cells
  • Authors: Junhua Kong, Virginie Garcia, Enric Zehraoui, Linda Stammitti, Ghislaine Hilbert, Christel Renaud, Stéphane Maury, Alain Delaunay, Stéphanie Cluzet, Fatma Lecourieux, et al.
    Journal: Genes
    Year: 2022
RNAi Suppression of DNA Methylation Affects the Drought Stress Response and Genome Integrity in Transgenic Poplar
  • Authors: M.D. Sow, A.L. Le Gac, R. Fichot, S. Lanciano, A. Delaunay, I. Le Jan, M.C. Lesage-Descauses, S. Citerne, J. Caius, V. Brunaud, et al.
    Journal: New Phytologist
    Year: 2021
Epigenetics for Crop Improvement in Times of Global Change
  • Authors: Ioanna Kakoulidou, Evangelia V. Avramidou, Miroslav Baránek, Sophie Brunel-Muguet, Sara Farrona, Frank Johannes, Eirini Kaiserli, Michal Lieberman-Lazarovich, Federico Martinelli, Velimir Mladenov, et al.
    Journal: Biology
    Year: 2021