Professor Yihuai Gao Recognised for 20 Years of Pioneering Research with Massey University

Scientists at Palmerston North Tertiary Institute Mark Prof Yihuai Gao’s Role in Advancing Global New Zealand’s Biotechnology Sector 

Professor Yihuai Gao, a global leader in fungi science and founder of international nutraceutical company Alpha Group, has been honoured by Massey University for a remarkable 20-year scientific partnership. This milestone celebrates groundbreaking research into medicinal mushrooms and their potential to improve global health through functional nutrition.

The Research Journey of Professor Yihuai Gao at Massey University

On 31 July 2025, Massey University’s Riddet Institute in Palmerston North hosted an event marking two decades of collaborative research between Professor Yihuai Gao and some of New Zealand’s most distinguished scientists, including Professors Paul Moughan and Harjinder Singh.

The research has centred on natural bioactive compounds in medicinal fungi such as reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), known as lingzhi in traditional Chinese medicine. These compounds have been valued for over 2,000 years for their potential immune-boosting and cardiovascular-supporting properties. By combining traditional knowledge with modern biotechnology, the collaboration has delivered significant scientific breakthroughs with practical health applications.

Prof Yihuai Gao and the Alpha-Massey Nutraceutical Research Centre

The partnership led to the creation of the Alpha-Massey Natural Nutraceutical Research Centre. This facility has become a hub for research into medicinal mushroom extracts and other natural health products, providing scientific validation for their use in global nutraceutical markets.

Reflecting on the journey, Prof Yihuai Gao described the relationship as “life-changing,” emphasising the role of mutual trust, friendship, and shared scientific curiosity in shaping the research direction. His statement at the event reinforced the value of academic–industry partnerships in driving innovation that benefits both science and society.

Alpha Group – From Professor Yihuai Gao’s Vision to Global Success

Founded in 1998 by Professor Yihuai Gao, Alpha Group began as a small start-up in New Zealand and has grown into a multi-million-dollar international business. The company operates a state-of-the-art biotech manufacturing facility in Auckland and a production hub in China, with a distribution network reaching customers worldwide.

The company’s portfolio includes high-quality health supplements derived from medicinal mushrooms, reflecting its founder’s belief in the importance of combining scientific rigour with sustainable production methods. This success story demonstrates the economic potential of science-led businesses and highlights New Zealand’s role in the global nutraceutical industry.

Massey University Celebrates the Achievements of Prof Yihuai Gao

The 20-year celebration included a tour of the Riddet Institute’s upgraded food bioprocessing laboratories and a luncheon at the historic Turitea House. Massey University Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes presented Professor Gao with a framed letter acknowledging the enduring collaboration and its contribution to global health research.

Before focusing on fungal fermentation, Prof Yihuai Gao also conducted groundbreaking research into the nutritional benefits of kiwifruit bioactives. His work has helped establish New Zealand as a respected contributor to global mushroom biotechnology and nutraceutical innovation.

The collaboration is now entering a new chapter, with a research initiative on shiitake mushrooms planned in partnership with the Riddet Institute. This project will explore further bioactive properties, building on the team’s two decades of scientific expertise.

Prof Yihuai Gao’s Transition from Kiwifruit Bioactives to Fungi

Distinguished Professor Paul Moughan commented on the partnership’s global significance: “From small beginnings, Alpha Group has grown into a substantial company, using New Zealand science to build a strong bridge with China.”

Professor Giselle Byrnes echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared values and vision driving the collaboration: “The partnership between Professor Yihuai Gao, Alpha Group, and the Riddet Institute showcases how high-quality science can unlock global opportunities and improve public wellbeing.”

Industry and Academic Praise for Prof Yihuai Gao’s Global Impact

At Impact PR, we recognise the importance of telling stories like that of Professor Yihuai Gao. His journey reflects how sustained collaboration between academia and industry can produce innovations with worldwide impact. The combination of cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial drive has positioned Alpha Group as a leader in the rapidly expanding medicinal mushroom sector.

Learn More

To find out more about Professor Yihuai Gao and Alpha Group’s work in medicinal mushroom biotechnology, visit the official Alpha Group website. For information on how Impact PR helps innovative companies share their stories, explore our PR agency Auckland services.

Professor Yihuai Gao – Biography

Professor Yihuai Gao is an internationally regarded scientist and business leader whose work has reshaped research and innovation in natural medicine, biotechnology, and advanced fungi science.

After graduating from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, where he specialised in agricultural and herbal studies, Professor Gao relocated to New Zealand in 1992. He joined Landcare Research as a fungi specialist, concentrating on cultivation techniques, the identification of bioactive properties, and novel extraction processes that retain therapeutic qualities.

Over the course of his career, Prof Yihuai Gao has secured 58 patents across New Zealand, Australia, and China. He has also been responsible for the development of more than 50 internationally certified health products. These innovations have achieved approvals from respected authorities such as Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA), and the Department of Health in Hong Kong, and are distributed across global markets.

Alongside his commercial and scientific achievements, Prof Gao has authored more than 60 research papers published in leading international journals and delivered presentations at major conferences around the world.

He currently holds several senior leadership positions, including:

• President, New Zealand Institute of Natural Medicine Research
• Dean, Tongji University Alpha Natural Medicine Research Institute
• Co-director, Alpha–Massey Natural Nutraceuticals Research Centre
• President, New Zealand–China Association for the Promotion of Economy and Science

His outstanding contributions to science, cross-cultural collaboration, and industry have been recognised with multiple awards, including:

• Finalist – Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2019)
• Special Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to the New Zealand–China Business Relationship – HSBC NZCTA Awards (2017)