Prof. Liying Sun | Virology Awards | Women Researcher Award 

Prof. Liying Sun | Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University | China

Prof. Liying Sun is an internationally recognized scientist whose pioneering research has advanced the understanding of virus-host and virus-vector interactions in crops and fruit trees. With a career spanning both China and Japan, she has made exceptional contributions to the field of plant virology through innovative research, academic leadership, and global collaborations. Her work on insect- and fungal-transmitted viruses has significantly influenced the development of strategies for controlling crop diseases that threaten food security. In addition to her scientific achievements, she serves on editorial boards, reviews manuscripts for leading journals, and contributes to professional societies, positioning her as a highly respected figure in the international plant virology community.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Summary of Suitability

Prof. Liying Sun, from the College of Plant Protection at Northwest A&F University, China, and cross-appointed at Okayama University, Japan, is a distinguished researcher in plant virology. Her work focuses on virus–host and virus–vector interactions, with applications in economically vital crops such as rice, wheat, and fruit trees. By advancing understanding of insect- and fungal-transmitted viruses, she has contributed significantly to global food security and agricultural sustainability. Her recent pioneering efforts in investigating cross-kingdom viral infections reflect her forward-looking vision and commitment to tackling emerging threats in plant and animal health.

Education

Prof. Liying Sun educational foundation is deeply rooted in agricultural sciences and virology. She began her academic journey studying plant protection and advanced her training through doctoral research in natural sciences at a globally recognized Japanese university. This combination of domestic and international education provided her with both the depth and breadth of scientific expertise necessary to tackle some of the most complex challenges in plant pathology. Her training gave her the ability to integrate molecular biology, ecology, and virology into a cohesive research approach that now defines her scientific profile.

Experience

Her professional trajectory demonstrates a steady progression of responsibility and impact. Beginning as a technician, she quickly transitioned to academic research and held appointments at leading research institutions. As an associate professor, she contributed to advancements in virus research at a provincial academy, where she strengthened her expertise in applied virology. Her subsequent role as a senior scientist in Japan allowed her to broaden her research portfolio, deepen international collaborations, and establish a reputation as an innovative scientist. Since joining a leading agricultural university in China as professor of virology, she has been leading research groups, supervising students, and managing cross-institutional projects. Her cross-appointment as professor at a Japanese university further highlights her international recognition and her role as a bridge between scientific communities in China and abroad.

Research Interest

Prof. Liying Sun research interests focus on unraveling the molecular and ecological mechanisms underlying virus-host and virus-vector interactions. She has concentrated on viruses of significant agricultural importance, such as rice black streaked dwarf virus and wheat yellow mosaic virus, both of which pose serious threats to food crops in China. Beyond crop virology, she has developed molecular diagnostic methods for rapid and accurate virus detection in fruit trees, supporting disease management in horticulture. Recently, she has expanded her focus to cross-kingdom viral infections involving insects, plants, and fungi. This groundbreaking line of inquiry explores how ecological changes and human activities may facilitate viral horizontal transfer across biological kingdoms, potentially leading to the emergence of new agricultural and even animal diseases. This forward-looking research demonstrates her ability to anticipate global challenges and address them with innovative scientific solutions.

Award

Prof. Liying Sun leadership, productivity, and contributions to virology have been recognized nationally and internationally. She has been entrusted with editorial responsibilities in fungal virus research and regularly serves as a peer reviewer for high-impact journals and funding agencies. Her professional memberships reflect her standing in the scientific community, where she has been called upon to contribute to technical committees and societies. Her ability to secure competitive funding, mentor young scientists, and publish in influential journals underscores her stature as an award-worthy scientist whose work has both scientific and societal impact.

Publication Top Notes

Hypovirulence induced by mycovirus colletotrichum gloeosporioides RNA virus 1 strain Ssa-44.1 in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides: Insights from a multi-omics analysis of host-virus interactions

Conclusion

Prof. Liying Sun career reflects a sustained commitment to advancing plant virology and agricultural health. From her early technical work to her current role as a professor and international collaborator, she has demonstrated excellence in education, research, and leadership. Her investigations into virus-host dynamics, insect- and fungal-mediated virus transmission, and the unprecedented phenomenon of cross-kingdom infections highlight her visionary approach to science. By combining fundamental research with practical diagnostic applications, she has provided the scientific community with both conceptual advances and applied solutions. Her prolific publication record, recognized contributions to editorial and peer review, and leadership in academic and professional communities establish her as an exemplary candidate for recognition through prestigious awards.