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Li Xiangbo (center) works with his team members. The student of Agricultural College of Yangzhou University recently acclaimed the highest award at the National College Students' Extracurricular Academic and Science and Technology Works Contest. [Photo/jsenews.com]

A team led by Li Xiangbo, a doctoral student at the Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, recently laid claim to the highest honor at the National College Students' Extracurricular Academic and Science and Technology Works Contest. 

The award was in recognition of his team's research on the gene that controls grain weight, an important indicator for rice yields. 

"By cloning the gene and elucidating its function and mechanism, we can control the rice grain weight at the molecular level," Li said. 

His team conducted research on two different genes, the results of which have been published in well-known domestic and international journals such as Rice and Plant Science. 

"A large, stable rice yield is the cornerstone of food security in China. As agricultural students, we should strive to overcome any obstacles we come across during the research process and strive to increase the country's food supply," Li said. 

Li was inspired by another student who received the same honor 10 years ago, when Li was a freshman at college. 

Encouraged by his tutor Zhou Yong to focus on molecular and genetic experiments, Li started every day at 7 o'clock at the school lab, immersing himself in his experiments. 

"The world of molecules is a truly wonderful thing," Li said. 

After four years of exploration, tests and analyses, Li and his team targeted two genes, which ultimately led to them being able to improve rice yields. 

Li has become a new role model for his fellow students. 

Yan Changjie, dean at the Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, said the school will always encourage students to innovate by providing research and training platforms and funding.