Jes Rust | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jes Rust | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jes Rust | Bonner Institut fur Organismische Biologie (BIOB) | Germany

Prof. Dr. Jes Rust is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with an impressive scholarly record: he has published  41 documents, garnered 1,800 citations, and holds an h-index of about 46, evidence of both consistent productivity and strong impact in invertebrate palaeontology and evolutionary biology. His work, covering the evolution, phylogeny and paleobiology of insects, the early evolution of arthropods, molluscs, and theoretical aspects of phylogeny and systematics, has not only enriched fundamental scientific understanding but also shaped disciplinary debates. Since his habilitation, and especially in his long tenure as Professor at the University of Bonn, Jes Rust has combined rigorous field and laboratory research with high-quality publications and editorial leadership (e.g. editorship of Palaeontographica A), further amplifying his influence in the scientific community. His citation count and h-index reflect that many of his papers are regularly referenced, confirming their lasting relevance. In addition, his leadership roles in scientific societies and committees demonstrate recognition by peers. Taken together, his documents, citations, and metric indicators make Prof. Dr. Jes Rust an eminently suitable laureate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Jiang, H., Moulds, M. S., Blank, S. M., Rust, J., Wedmann,  Wang, B. (2025). Sounds from the Eocene: The first singing cicada from the Messel Pit, Germany. Scientific Reports, 15, Article 12826.

Rust, J., & McCoy, V. E. (2025). Fossilisation ecology – A more complete concept of taphonomy. Trends in Ecology & Evolution. Advance online publication.

Jiang, H., Szwedo, J., Labandeira, C. C., Chen, J., Moulds, M. S., Mähler, B., Muscente, A. D., Zhuo, D., Nyunt, T. T., Zhang, H., Wei, C., Rust, J., & Wang, B. (2024). Mesozoic evolution of cicadas and their origins of vocalization and root feeding. Nature Communications, 15(1), Article 376.

Mesay Wolle | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mesay Wolle | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award 

Mesay M. Wolle is a Chemist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with expertise in elemental and molecular speciation analysis and isotope dilution mass spectrometry. With a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Oslo University and postdoctoral training at Duquesne University, he has advanced food, environmental, and clinical safety through the development of innovative and validated analytical methods. He has published 28 peer-reviewed papers, reviewed extensively for international journals, and collaborated with leading organizations such as NIST, NRC Canada, and the U.S. EPA.

Dr. Mesay Wolle | U.S. Food and Drug Administration | United States

Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Mesay M. Wolle holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Oslo University in Norway. His academic journey laid a strong foundation in advanced chemistry and analytical sciences. He pursued postdoctoral research at Duquesne University in Pennsylvania, where he enhanced his expertise in elemental and molecular speciation analysis as well as isotope dilution mass spectrometry. His educational background reflects a deep commitment to precision-driven chemical research and a passion for developing innovative analytical methodologies.

Experience

After completing his academic training, Mesay joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, initially as a Research Fellow and later as a full-time Chemist. In this capacity, he has made substantial contributions to food and drug safety by developing and validating advanced analytical methods for nutritional, biological, and environmental samples. His work includes conducting technical reviews of analytical packages, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing expert guidance on complex analytical issues. Additionally, he has supervised postdoctoral researchers and interns, mentoring the next generation of analytical scientists while advancing critical public health research.

Awards and Recognition

Mesay has earned recognition in the scientific community through his extensive publication record, with twenty-eight peer-reviewed papers to his credit. His citation index highlights the impact of his contributions to analytical chemistry and life sciences research. Beyond publications, he has been entrusted with editorial and reviewer roles for numerous high-impact scientific journals, including Analytical Bioanalytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, and Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. He has also served as a scientific session organizer at prominent international conferences, further demonstrating his leadership in the field.

Skills and Expertise

Mesay’s core expertise lies in elemental and biomolecular speciation analysis across nutritional, dietary, environmental, and clinical matrices. He has developed and validated methods integrating mass spectrometry, isotope dilution techniques, liquid and ion chromatography, and gas chromatography. His skills include enhancing analytical sensitivity, selectivity, speed, and throughput. He is also experienced in applying solid phase extraction, micro-extraction, and sample preparation techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability in testing. His consultancy and collaboration projects with organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Research Council of Canada, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency highlight his technical authority in analytical sciences.

Research Focus 

Mesay’s research focuses on advancing the frontiers of elemental and molecular speciation analysis using state-of-the-art spectrometric and chromatographic methods. His projects span the measurement of arsenic, chromium, iron, and mercury species in nutritional products, dietary supplements, food, beverages, and biological samples. He has also pioneered methods for biomolecule analysis, such as the quantification of glutathione in clinical samples. His collaborative work has contributed to the certification of reference materials for toxins, nutrients, and trace elements, ensuring scientific precision and safety in food and environmental testing worldwide.

Research Projects

Mesay has led and contributed to research focused on the development and validation of advanced analytical methods. His projects include arsenic, chromium, iron, and mercury speciation analysis in nutritional products, dietary supplements, seafood, beverages, and biological samples. He has developed isotope dilution high-performance chromatography–mass spectrometry methods for accurate quantification of biomolecules, such as glutathione in clinical samples. Additionally, his research has extended to the certification of reference materials in collaboration with global institutions, ensuring analytical accuracy in food, drug, and environmental testing.

Publication

Exploring food and nutrition security perspectives among high school adolescents in Machakel District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Journal: BMC Research Notes

Conclusion

Mesay M. Wolle’s research excellence and commitment to public health demonstrate his impact on analytical chemistry and regulatory science. His contributions not only enhance the precision of chemical analysis but also strengthen global food and drug safety. With proven expertise, collaborations, and mentorship, he represents a leader whose innovative approaches continue to shape the future of analytical research and life sciences.