Monique lacroix – Microbiology- Best Scholar Award

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Monique lacroix – Microbiology- Best Scholar Award

Prof. Monique lacroix  distinguished academic and researcher in the field Microbiology.

 

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

Dr. Monique Lacroix received her Doctorate in Nutrition from Université Laval in November 1986, under the supervision of Jean Amiot, after completing her studies from September 1982 to November 1986. In January 1983, she earned a Diploma in Nutrition Physiology from the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, supervised by Alain Rérat until October 1983. She also holds a Master’s degree with a thesis in Food Science and Technology from Université Laval, completed in December 1982, again under the guidance of Jean Amiot from September 1980 to December 1982. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology from Université Laval, completed in May 1980, with her studies spanning from September 1976 to May 1980.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Lacroix has received numerous accolades. In May 2021, she was a finalist at the 30th Innovation Gala Award hosted by the Association for Research Development and Innovation (ADRIQ), where she received an Innovation Award. In March 2021, she was nominated as a Fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), recognizing her exceptional achievements and contributions to food science research. From November 2020 to November 2024, she was recognized among the world’s top 2% scientists based on Stanford University’s rankings, a testament to her influential research and academic excellence. In May 2020, Dr. Lacroix was honored with the Grand Prix des Diplômées de l’Université Laval, receiving the title of Grande Diplômée de l’Université Laval, acknowledging her significant contributions and outstanding accomplishments as an alumna of the university.

 

Research Specializations:

Her research specializations encompass a diverse array of topics within the field of biotechnology and food science. She focuses on the effects of irradiation on various biological materials, particularly probiotic bacteria and proteins, to enhance their functionality and stability. Her work also delves into the study of biopolymers and their applications, especially in the context of crosslinking, which is crucial for improving the properties of these materials. Additionally, she is deeply engaged in the development of nutraceutical products, leveraging her expertise to create innovative health-promoting solutions. Her research on radioresistance explores the mechanisms that enable certain organisms to withstand radiation, providing insights that could have significant implications for food preservation and safety. Furthermore, she investigates polysaccharides and natural antimicrobials, aiming to harness their potential as bio-based preservatives and therapeutic agents. Through her comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, she contributes to advancing our understanding and application of these critical areas in science and technology.

She has built a distinguished career spanning over four decades, primarily at the INRS – Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie in Laval, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique. Beginning as a Research Assistant at Université Laval, where she conducted pivotal studies in nutrition, she swiftly advanced through roles including Teaching Assistant and, later, as a part-time Teacher at Université de Montréal, specializing in Nutrition and Food Science. Her tenure as Assistant, Associate, and subsequently Full Professor at INRS has been marked by extensive contributions to Food Science and Microbiology, with a focus on natural polymers, probiotic bacteria, and nutraceutical products. Her pioneering research in biopolymers and the development of novel nutraceuticals underscores her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and application in these critical fields. Her leadership as a Full Professor continues to shape the future of biotechnological research, emphasizing innovation and sustainable solutions in food science and microbiology.

Research Funding History:

She has a robust history of securing research funding, leading multiple projects aimed at enhancing food safety and packaging innovation. Notably, her ongoing endeavors include evaluating the biological effects of essential oils supported by the Foundation Armand-Frappier, a study on flexible packaging with barrier properties funded competitively by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the development of biobased biodegradable bioactive food packaging, also funded by NSERC. Her leadership extends to projects focused on natural antimicrobial compounds, radioresistance and radiosensitization of microorganisms, and various initiatives enhancing food quality and safety through innovative formulations and packaging solutions, all backed by significant competitive funding from industry partnerships and governmental bodies

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Africa Holguin – human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- Women Researcher Award

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Africa Holguin – human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- Women Researcher Award

Dr. Africa Holguin distinguished academic and researcher in the field Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). She is the Head of the HIV-1 Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, affiliated with the Microbiology Department at Hospital Ramón y Cajal in Madrid and the Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS). As the leader of numerous national and international research projects, she secures funding from both public and private sources, oversees budget administration, and provides the essential expertise and leadership skills to guide and train her team successfully. She has authored over 150 scientific papers in international journals, often serving as the first or last author. Her research group collaborates with national partners and international public health agencies, focusing on well-established pediatric and adult populations across various countries. For more details on her publications, see her Google Scholar profile.

 

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

She holds a Doctorate in Molecular Biology from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain, earned in 1996, and a Licentiate in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the same university, completed in 1991. In 2011, she completed the “BIOCAMPUS 2011” Bioentrepreneurship training program, comprising 280 hours, organized by Fundación Genoma España. Additionally, she has undertaken more than 400 hours of training in leadership skills, human resources management, teamwork, coaching, leadership, negotiation, and strategy through various public courses organized by the Instituto de Administración Pública de Madrid (MAP) and the Dirección General de Función Pública de la Comunidad de Madrid.

Research Experiences

She is currently an Investigadora Titular del Sistema Nacional de Salud and the head of the HIV Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory at IRYCIS, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, in Madrid, a position she has held since 2022. Her career includes various roles, starting as a Becaria de Colaboración del MEC at the Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa,” CSIC, in Spain from 1989 to 1990. She then served as a predoctoral fellow at the same institution from 1990 to 1996 and a visiting predoctoral researcher at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, in 1995. From 1996 to 2000, she was a postdoctoral fellow funded by the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (FIS) at Hospital Carlos III in Madrid. In 1997, she also worked as a visiting postdoctoral researcher at the Georg-Speyer-Haus Institute in Frankfurt, Germany. From 2000 to 2008, she was an investigator at the Sistema Nacional de Salud, Hospital Carlos III. Since 2006, she has been a stabilized investigator at the Fundación para la Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Ramón y Cajal in Madrid.

Activities of technology / knowledge transfer and results exploitation

  • Actualmente la Unidad de Innovación del Instituto para la Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)
    del Hospital Ramón y Cajal de Madrid está valorando la mejor vía de protección de unos
    aptámeros que reconocen específicamente regiones altamente conservadas de varias
    proteínas del VIH para una futura aplicación diagnóstica.
  • La Dra. Holguín es autora al 40% del programa BioInformático EpiMolBIo (Registro
    2305114294344 en SAFE CREATIVE S.L, 11-5-2023) para analizar secuencias genéticas
    de patógenos y de genes/proteínas de interés biomédico. Con él se analizó la conservación
    de la región de las 5 proteínas del virus usadas para seleccionar los aptámeros anti VIH
    de este proyecto (PMID:35495642, 35694284, 35910645, 33586996), y para estudiar la
    evolución del SARS-CoV-2 en España (PMID:35742840) y mundo (PMID:33557213)
📝🔬Publications📝🔬

1. Scientific paper. Valadés-Alcaraz, A.; Reinosa, R.; González-Hevilla, M.; Medina-Sánchez,
C.; Martín, M. A.; (6/6) Holguín, A. (AC). 2024. Development and characterization of
High-Affinity Aptamers for HIV Protease Detection. (Submitted).Nucleic Acids Research
(Open Acess). (JIF: 14.9, Decil 1 – 10/285, JCR 2022).

2. Scientific paper. Reinosa, R.; Troyano-Hernáez, P.; Valadés-Alcaraz, A.; (4/4) Holguín, A.
(AC). 2024. EpiMolBio: A Novel User-Friendly Bioinformatic Program for Genetic Variability
Analysis. (Submitted).Bioinformatics (Open Access). (JIF: 5.8, Q1 – 24/158 in Bioechnology
& applied Microbiology, JCR 2022).

3. Scientific paper. Rodríguez-Galet, A.; Ventosa-Cubillo, J.; Bendomo, V.; et al; (9/9)
Holguín, A. (AC). 2024. HIV Diagnosis in Equatorial Guinea. Keys to reduce the diagnostic
and therapeutic delay. (Submitted). Journal of Infection and Public Health (Open Acess).
(JIF: 6.7, Q1 – 18/96 in Infectious Diseases, JCR 2022).

4. Scientific paper. Martínez De Aguirre, P.; Carlos, S.; Pina-Sánchez, M.; et al; Reina,
G.; (8/9) Holguín, A.2024. High pre-Delta and early-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence
detected in dried blood samples from Kinshasa (D.R.Congo) (In press).Journal of Medical
Virology (Open Access). (JIF: 12.7, Decil 1 – 2/36, JCR 2022).

5. Scientific paper. Rodríguez-Galet, A.; Ventosa-Cubillo, J.; Eyene, M.; et al; (9/9) Holguín,
A. (AC). 2024. Immunity to six vaccine pathogens in HIV+ and HIV- children in Bata city,
Equatorial Guinea. (In press). Vaccines (Open Acess). (JIF: 7.8, Q1- 24/136 in Medicine,
Research & Experimental, JCR 2022).

6. Scientific paper. Epalza, C.; Valadés-Alcaraz, A.; González-Alba, J.M.; et al; (14/14)
Holguín, A. (AC). 2024. Transmitted Drug Resistance and HIV Diversity Among
Adolescents Newly Diagnosed With HIV in Spain.The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
(Open Acess). (JIF: 3.6, Q1 – 23/130 in Pediatrics, JCR 2022).43, pp.40-48. PMID:
37922511. https://doi.org/10.1097/INF.0000000000004138

7. Scientific paper. Mbuagbaw L; Garcia C; Brenner B; et al; Jordan, M.R.; (7/15)
Holguin, A.2023. Checklist for studies of HIV drug resistance prevalence or
incidence: rationale and recommended use.The Lancet HIV (Open Access). (JIF:
16.1, Decil 1 – 6/96 in Infectious Diseases, JCR 2022). 10, pp.e684-e689. PMID:
37716367. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3018(23)00173-X

8. Scientific paper. Ventosa-Cubillo, J.; Pinzón, R.; González-Alba, J.M.; Estripeaut, D.;
Navarro, M.L.; (6/6) Holguín, A. (AC). 2023. Drug resistance in children and adolescents
with HIV in Panama.The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (Open Access). (JIF:
5.2, Q1- 55/278 in Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Ivan Sanz-Muñoz – Biological Nework – Top Researcher Award

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Ivan Sanz-Muñoz – Biological Nework Award – Top Researcher Award

 Dr. Ivan Sanz – Munzo distinguished academic and researcher in the field Medicine / Virology. From 2014 to the present, he has served as the Scientific and Virological Surveillance Manager at the National Influenza Center in Valladolid, Spain, located at the Rondilla Building, University Clinical Hospital of Valladolid. In this role, he oversees the laboratory operations, team management, and technical staff.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

His academic journey includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Salamanca, Spain, completed in 2008. He then pursued a Master’s Degree in Anthropology and Forensic Genetics at the University of Granada, Spain, graduating in 2010. Building upon his foundational studies, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Salamanca in 2012. He furthered his education with a Master’s Degree in Health Sciences Research, specializing in Pharmacology, Neurobiology, and Nutrition, at the University of Valladolid, Spain, in 2013. In 2016, he achieved a Doctorate in Health Sciences Research from the University of Valladolid, Spain, earning the distinction of “Cum Laude.” Continuing his academic pursuits, he completed a Master’s Degree in Genomics and Medical Genetics at the University of Granada, Spain, in 2018. Recently, in 2023, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Vaccinology from the University of Murcia, Spain.

 Work experiences

His responsibilities include molecular diagnosis and analysis of respiratory viruses, cell culture, viral propagation, serological analysis, antigenic characterization, project management, and scientific publication.

Prior to this, from 2011 to 2014, he held a predoctoral fellowship at the National Influenza Center in Valladolid, Spain, within the Microbiology and Immunology Service at the University Clinical Hospital of Valladolid.

In 2010 and 2011, he worked as a lecturer, providing practical training for the subject of Physical and Forensic Anthropology at the University of Salamanca, Spain.

Additionally, during the same period in 2010 and 2011, he received training as part of a scholarship program at the Intervet Vaccine Manufacturing and Development Plant for Animal Health, which was located in Salamanca, Spain.

COMPETITIVE AND NON-COMPETITIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS











Proyectos competitivos:


1. Proyecto competitivo: CIDER-CEIRR. 202175N93021C00018. Avian influenza, is the

population immunologically prepared for potential pandemics? 2 years (2024-2025).

Entidad financiadora: CIDER-CEIRR. PI: Aitor Nogales; Co-PI: Iván Sanz-Muñoz.

Obtenido: 300,000 $.


2. Proyecto competitivo: GRS 2557/A/22. Gripe aviar ¿Está preparada

inmunológicamente Castilla y León para una pandemia de gripe? Entidad financiadora:

Gerencia Regional de Salud, Junta de Castilla y León. 1 año (2023). IP: José María Eiros

Bouza. Concedido: 16.283 €.


3. Proyecto competitivo: Convocatoria AES 2022 (FIS). PI22/00719. Evaluación pre-clínica

de un tratamiento antiviral frente a la gripe humana basado en tecnología

CRISPR/CasRx-CRAKEND. Entidad financiadora: Instituto de Salud Carlos III. 3 años

(2023-2025). IP: Iván Sanz Muñoz. Co-IP: José María Eiros Bouza. Concedido: 61.105 €.


4. Proyecto competitivo: GRS 2363/A/21. Desarrollo traslacional de un tratamiento

antiviral frente a la gripe humana basado en tecnología CRISPR/CasRx-CRAKEND.

Entidad financiadora: Gerencia Regional de Salud, Junta de Castilla y León. 1 año

(2022). IP: José María Eiros Bouza. Concedido: 15.937 €.


5. Proyecto competitivo: Proyecto 1/2021. Características y evolución de la respuesta

humoral frente al SARS-CoV-2 en pediatría: Diferencias entre pacientes sintomáticos y

asintomáticos. Entidad financiadora: Fundación Ernesto Sánchez Villares. IP: María

Gutiérrez Zamorano. Concedido: 1.450 €.


6. Proyecto competitivo: GRS 2233/A/2020. Anticuerpos frente al SARS-CoV-2 ¿Refleja la

carga de enfermedad por la COVID-19 la realidad de la respuesta humoral en niños?

Entidad Financiadora: Gerencia Regional de Salud, Junta de Castilla y León. 1 año

(2021). IP: Vanesa Matías del Pozo. Concedido: 13.736 €.


7. Proyecto competitivo: Incidencia de la Enfermedad Covid-19 y su impacto en el

conjunto de las infecciones respiratorias agudas. Red centinela sanitaria de Castilla y

León. Entidad Financiadora: Consejería de Educación, Junta de Castilla y León. 1 año

(2020). IP: Tomás Vega Alonso. Concedido: 109.000 €.


8. Proyecto competitivo: GRS COVID 60/A/20. Desarrollo de un método simple para la

detección genómica y simultanea de gripe y SARS-CoV-2. Entidad financiadora:

Gerencia Regional de Salud, Junta de Castilla y León. 1 año (2020). IP: José María Eiros

Bouza. Concedido: 8.370 €.








  📝🔬Publications📝🔬












































































































	


	

	






	
	

		


Sahar Essa -Virology – Excellence in Research
			

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Dr. Sahar Essa  distinguished academic and researcher in the field  Biological Networks (Virology, Immunology, Cytokines).  In her academic career, she has held various positions at Kuwait University, beginning as a Teaching Assistant in the Faculty of Medicine from 1992 until 2012, when she progressed to the role of Assistant Professor, a position she continues to hold to date.


Her professional journey also includes experiences beyond Kuwait. She served as a Research Assistant at the Department of Pathology in McGill University, Canada, from 1990 to 1991, contributing to the research efforts in her field. Prior to her international stint, she worked as an Academic Assistant in the Department of Microbiology at the Faculty of Medicine in Kuwait from 1986 to 1989, laying the groundwork for her future academic endeavors. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to both academic excellence and research advancement in the field of biological sciences.
























🌐 Professional Profiles

























Educations📚📚📚






























































































































































She holds a Ph.D. in Medical Virology from Warwick University, United Kingdom, which she obtained in 2001. Prior to that, she completed her Master of Science in Medical Microbiology at the Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, in 1989. Her academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Kuwait University in 1985. Throughout her educational endeavors, she has specialized in various fields within Biological Sciences, establishing a strong foundation in medical research and microbiology.










RESEARCH EXPERIENCE














































As a Principal Investigator, she has spearheaded several research projects, each aimed at advancing knowledge in the field of virology and immunology. One such project focused on sequencing Human Polyomaviruses WU from patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Kuwait. This endeavor, funded by Kuwait University, saw fruitful results with one full-length paper published in Medical Principles and Practice in 2017, showcasing the significance of her findings.


Another notable project delved into the immunophenotyping of peripheral blood cells in response to infection with major HCV genotypes before, during, and after treatment. With funding support from Kuwait University, this research effort yielded a comprehensive paper published in Medical Principles and Practice in 2021, shedding light on the modulation of immune cell subsets by Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and antiviral therapy.


Additionally, she led investigations into the influence of neutrophils on the production of cytokines associated with different Th cell subsets in chronic HCV-infected patients. This study, funded by Kuwait University, resulted in a significant publication in Pathogens in 2021, highlighting the modulation of cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and neutrophils by HCV infection.


Furthermore, she contributed to understanding the influence of SARS-COV-2 on cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and neutrophils in COVID-19 patients. Supported by KFAS, this research, completed in 2021, added valuable insights into the cytokine responses in individuals affected by the COVID-19 virus. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to research excellence, making significant contributions to the scientific community’s understanding of viral infections and immune responses.


Number of citations


    

  • Number of citations: 

      

    • Total 396
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    • Previous 5 years (2017-2022) 138
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    • Total 13
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    • Previous 5 years (2017-2022) 8
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  • i10- index

      

    • Total 14
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    • Previous 5 years (2017-2022) 6
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CONFERENCES:


























As a member of various organizing committees, she has been instrumental in orchestrating numerous virology symposiums aimed at updating professionals on modern trends, recent advances, and updates in clinical virology. From 2002 to 2013, she contributed to organizing symposiums such as “Modern Trends in Clinical Virology,” “Update in Clinical Virology,” and “Recent Advances in Clinical Virology” at the AbdulRazak Lecture Theater, Health Science Center, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration in the field.


Furthermore, her expertise has been sought after globally, with invitations to speak at prestigious conferences and symposiums. She has addressed audiences on a wide range of topics related to clinical virology, including presentations on cytomegalovirus infections, persistent viral infections, and the influence of various viruses on immune responses. Notably, she has participated in international conferences such as the BIT’s 1st World Congress of Viruses and Infections in South Korea, the 3rd Global Virology Congress & Expo in Spain, and the 10th International Virology Summit in Austria, where she shared her insights and research findings with fellow experts in the field.


Moreover, she has actively contributed to conferences with presentations, showcasing her research on topics such as the role of respiratory syncytial virus in respiratory diseases and the diagnosis and management of viral infections in transplant recipients. Her presence and contributions at these events have underscored her dedication to advancing the understanding and management of viral infections through research, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination.


Continuous Professional Development (Courses and Workshops)


























She has demonstrated a commitment to continuous professional development through her participation in various courses and workshops spanning diverse topics in the field of medical science. From acquiring diplomas in workshops on laboratory techniques to enhancing teaching and learning methodologies, she has continuously upgraded her skills and knowledge. Her attendance at workshops focusing on clinical teaching, infectious diseases, laboratory management, and infection control underscores her dedication to staying updated with the latest advancements in her field. Furthermore, her engagement in workshops on radiation protection, fire safety, and updates on infection control highlights her commitment to maintaining a safe and secure working environment. Additionally, her participation in workshops on bioinformatics, genomics, and scientific writing reflects her enthusiasm for exploring emerging areas of research and honing her skills in data analysis and communication. Through her proactive approach to professional development, she ensures her expertise remains current and relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of medical science.


















































She has been honored with several prestigious awards throughout her career, recognizing her outstanding achievements and contributions to the field of medical science. In 1985, she was awarded a gold medal for achieving the highest total marks in her B.Sc. degree from the Faculty of Allied Health at Kuwait University, reflecting her academic excellence and dedication to her studies. Her research endeavors have also been recognized, with awards such as the Best Clinical Sciences Research at the 11th Annual Health Sciences Center Poster Conference in April 2006, highlighting the quality and significance of her contributions to clinical research. Additionally, she received the Best Poster Award at the 10th International Virology Summit in Vienna, Austria, in July 2018, and another Best Poster Award at the International Conference on Infectious and Rare Diseases in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in August 2019, further affirming the impact and recognition of her research at the international level. These honors underscore her commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of medical virology.












 


Publications