Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zheguang Lin | Honey Bee Sciences | Young Scientist Award
Yangzhou University, China
Dr. Zheguang Lin is an associate professor at Yangzhou University in China, whose academic journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to understanding host-parasite interactions, particularly in honey bees and their ectoparasites. With over a decade of hands-on research, international collaborations, and scientific publications, Dr. Lin has made influential contributions to the field of apiculture science and entomological health.
Profile
Education
Dr. Lin earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in 2012, where he explored the effects of traditional and modern royal jelly production methods on honey bee colony fitness. He then pursued his doctoral studies at Zhejiang University from 2012 to 2017, focusing his Ph.D. research on comparative host-parasite interactions between Apis cerana and Apis mellifera with Varroa destructor, under the mentorship of Dr. Huoqing Zheng and international collaborators. As part of his academic development, he was a visiting scholar at Agroscope, Switzerland (2016–2017), examining host specificity and tolerance mechanisms in honey bee–Varroa systems. Furthering his specialization, Dr. Lin conducted postdoctoral research at Yangzhou University from 2019 to 2021, where he investigated the regulatory mechanisms of non-coding RNAs in Varroa destructor, under the guidance of Professors Ting Ji and Guohong Chen.
Experience
Following his postdoctoral work, Dr. Lin was appointed associate professor at Yangzhou University in 2021, where he continues to lead research on honey bee health and genetics. Earlier, in 2018, he volunteered as a high school educator in Fugong, a remote county in Southwest China, demonstrating his commitment to science education and community service. Throughout his career, Dr. Lin has engaged in several high-profile international conferences, sharing insights on the genetic dynamics, RNA mechanisms, and population behavior of Varroa destructor, as well as the hygienic behavior of Asian and European honey bees.
Research Interest
Dr. Lin’s core research interests revolve around host-parasite coevolution, honey bee breeding, population genetics, and the molecular biology of ectoparasitic mites. His recent work emphasizes the role of long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs in shaping host responses and parasite adaptation. He is particularly focused on the interplay between biotic and abiotic stresses affecting honey bee health, including pathogen diversity and pesticide exposure. Dr. Lin’s research seeks to bridge molecular insights with practical applications in apiculture, with a vision to enhance global pollinator health and food security.
Award
Dr. Lin has been recognized for his international scientific engagement and was featured in leading journals for his research contributions. His article in Science Advances (2023) was designated a Featured Article, reflecting its impact on honey bee population genetics. He has also been a recurring speaker at Apimondia Congresses and COLOSS Conferences, where his innovative work on honey bee-pathogen dynamics and RNA biology has gained global attention. These recognitions collectively underscore his growing influence in the field of entomology and molecular apiculture.
Publication
Among Dr. Lin’s extensive publication record, several papers stand out due to their citation and significance. In 2023, he published “Effects of local domestication warrant attention in honey bee population genetics” in Science Advances (Vol. 9, eade7917), which was a featured article. In 2025, he co-authored “Honey bee breeding and breed: Advancements, challenges, and prospects” in Animal Research One Health (DOI:10.1002/aro2.70003), shedding light on breeding practices. His 2024 study in BMC Genomics (Vol. 25: 912), analyzed differences in hygienic behavior in Apis cerana from an RNA perspective. In 2023, his work titled “Biotic and abiotic stresses on honeybee health” was published in Integrative Zoology (Vol. 19(3): 442–457). He contributed to the 2022 Genes journal (Vol. 13: 1879) with a transcriptomic study on piRNAs in larval guts of European honey bees. Earlier, in 2021, he published two key papers: one in Journal of Pest Science (Vol. 94: 1487–1504) on the population genetics of Varroa destructor, and another in Parasitology Research (Vol. 120: 715–723) investigating circular RNAs in the mite. These publications have been cited in articles discussing honey bee health, genetic diversity, and parasitic mechanisms across journals like Frontiers in Genetics and Journal of Apicultural Research.
Conclusion
Dr. Zheguang Lin’s academic and research career reflects a sustained and innovative contribution to the fields of honey bee biology and parasite-host interactions. His integration of genetic, molecular, and ecological approaches provides novel insights into apiculture science, positioning him as a rising leader in entomological research. His dedication to mentoring, cross-border collaboration, and scientific communication makes him a strong candidate for recognition in any award platform aimed at celebrating emerging scientific excellence.