Ohad Gal-Mor | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Prof. Dr. Ohad Gal-Mor | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award 

Head the Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory | TAU and Sheba Medical Center | Israel

Prof. Dr. Ohad Gal-Mor is a distinguished microbiologist and academic leader specializing in infectious diseases and bacterial pathogenesis. He is Head of the Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory at Sheba Medical Center and a Full Professor in the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology at Tel Aviv University. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of Salmonella virulence, persistence, and host adaptation. He has also contributed to the study of antimicrobial resistance and bacterial evolution, bridging fundamental microbiology with global public health. In addition to his scientific achievements, Prof. Gal-Mor has held influential leadership positions, including Director of the Nehemia Rubin Program for Excellence in Biomedical Research and Chair of the Biomedical Academic Research Institute at Sheba Medical Center. Through his research, teaching, and mentorship, he has shaped the careers of many young scientists and continues to contribute to advancing knowledge in microbiology and infectious diseases worldwide.

Professional Profile

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Education

Prof. Dr. Ohad Gal-Mor pursued his academic training at Tel Aviv University, where he developed a strong foundation in molecular microbiology and life sciences. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the Faculty of Life Sciences, focusing on core areas of biological and molecular systems. Following this, he was accepted into a prestigious direct-track doctoral program, earning his Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology from the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology. His doctoral research was dedicated to exploring microbial genetics and the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, providing the groundwork for his later contributions to bacterial pathogenesis. This rigorous training prepared him for postdoctoral research in Canada, where he worked with world-leading scientists and refined his expertise in host-pathogen studies. His educational background reflects both scientific rigor and an interdisciplinary approach, equipping him with the tools to investigate complex questions of microbial evolution, infection biology, and molecular regulation.

Experience

Prof. Dr. Ohad Gal-Mor has an extensive record of academic and research leadership in microbiology. After earning his Ph.D., he pursued postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia in Canada, focusing on host-pathogen interactions in the laboratory of Professor Brett Finlay. He then advanced to a Research Associate role at the same institution before returning to Israel, where he became Director of the Enterobacteriaceae National Center at the Ministry of Health. Since then, he has established and led the Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory at Sheba Medical Center, driving innovation in infectious disease research. At Tel Aviv University, he progressed from Senior Lecturer to Associate Professor and is now a Full Professor. He has served as Secretary of the Israel Society for Microbiology and Section Editor for the journal Virulence. His professional journey highlights an exceptional blend of academic scholarship, research leadership, and international collaboration.

Research Interests

Prof. Dr. Ohad Gal-Mor’s research focuses on microbial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and bacterial evolution. His studies primarily investigate Salmonella enterica, with particular emphasis on genetic diversity, antimicrobial resistance, and adaptation to host environments. He explores how horizontally acquired elements, plasmids, and regulatory pathways contribute to virulence and persistence in both human and animal hosts. By integrating molecular biology, microbiology, and genomics, his group uncovers mechanisms that allow bacteria to survive within hosts, evade immune responses, and adapt to different ecological niches. He also investigates the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant strains, addressing pressing issues in public health. His use of genomic sequencing, transcriptomics, and advanced infection models ensures that his research remains at the forefront of modern microbiology. Ultimately, his work aims to inform the development of novel antimicrobial strategies, vaccines, and prevention approaches, advancing both fundamental science and translational medicine.

Awards and Recognition

Prof. Dr. Ohad Gal-Mor has received recognition for his research excellence and leadership in the field of microbiology. His publication in PLoS Pathogens was highlighted as the Featured Image of the Month and selected as Paper of the Month by the German Society of Hygiene and Microbiology, showcasing his international impact. He has served in leadership roles such as Secretary of the Israel Society for Microbiology and Director of the Nehemia Rubin Program for Excellence in Biomedical Research at Sheba Medical Center, reflecting his dedication to advancing both science and education. His appointment as Chair of the Biomedical Academic Research Institute demonstrates the trust placed in his leadership within Israel’s largest medical center. These honors highlight his contributions not only as a researcher but also as a mentor and leader, recognized nationally and internationally for advancing the study of bacterial pathogenesis and infectious diseases.

Top Noted Publications

Prof. Dr. Ohad Gal-Mor has published extensively in leading international journals, making significant contributions to bacterial pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance research. Selected publications include:

Title: The transcriptional regulation of the horizontally acquired iron uptake system, yersiniabactin and its contribution to oxidative stress tolerance and pathogenicity of globally emerging salmonella strains.
Journal: Gut Microbes
Year: 2024

Title: Persistent Salmonella infections in humans are associated with mutations in the BarA/SirA regulatory pathway.
Journal: Cell Host & Microbe
Year: 2024

Title: A new Salmonella enterica serovar that was isolated from a wild sparrow presents a distinct genetic, metabolic and virulence profile.
Journal: Microbes and Infection
Year: 2024

Title: The emergence of a multidrug resistant Salmonella Muenchen in Israel is associated with horizontal acquisition of the epidemic pESI plasmid.
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection
Year: 2022

Title: Intracellular Salmonella Paratyphi A is motile and differs in the expression of flagella-chemotaxis, SPI-1 and carbon utilization pathways in comparison to intracellular S. Typhimurium.
Journal: PLoS Pathogens
Year: 2022

Title: The ancestral stringent response potentiator, DksA has been adapted throughout Salmonella evolution to orchestrate the expression of metabolic, motility, and virulence pathways.
Journal: Gut Microbes
Year: 2022

Title: Pathoadaptation of the passerine-associated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium lineage to the avian host.
Journal: PLoS Pathogens
Year: 2021

Title: Emergence of new variants of antibiotic resistance genomic islands among multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica in poultry.
Journal: Environmental Microbiology
Year: 2020

Title: The plasmid-encoded Ipf and Klf fimbriae display different expression and varying roles in the virulence of Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis in mouse vs. avian hosts.
Journal: PLoS Pathogens
Year: 2017

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Ohad Gal-Mor stands out as a highly suitable nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His work addresses critical challenges in global health, particularly the rise of antibiotic resistance and the evolution of bacterial pathogens, issues of major concern for both science and society. His scientific rigor, combined with international recognition and leadership, justifies his candidacy as an exemplary researcher whose contributions have advanced the frontiers of microbiology and infectious disease research.

Justice Norvienyeku | Microbe-host interaction | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Prof. Dr. Justice Norvienyeku | Microbe-host interaction | Best Researcher Award 

Professor and P.I., at Hainan University, China.

Justice Norvienyeku is a distinguished Professor and Principal Investigator (PI) at Hainan University, specializing in molecular plant pathology. With extensive academic achievements and a robust research portfolio, Justice has contributed to advancing knowledge on fungal and oomycete pathogens. He utilizes cutting-edge techniques, such as chemical genetics, metabolomics, and functional genomics, to explore pathogen-host interactions and discover innovative solutions for plant disease management. Justice’s groundbreaking work aims to develop sustainable bio-fungicides and bio-oomycides to combat phytopathogens, making significant strides toward agricultural sustainability.

Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education 🎓

Justice Norvienyeku holds a BSc in Agricultural Technology from the University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana, and an MSc-PhD in Molecular Plant Pathology from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU), China. He further honed his expertise during a postdoctoral fellowship in microbiology at FAFU’s College of Life Sciences. His commitment to interdisciplinary growth led him to professional training in Python programming at Cornell University (e-Cornell), USA, equipping him with computational tools essential for contemporary molecular biology research.

Experience 🏛️

Justice served as an Associate Professor and PI at FAFU from 2018 to 2021, where he led innovative research projects on plant-pathogen interactions. Currently, as a full-time Research Professor at Hainan University, he spearheads initiatives in the School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry. His work emphasizes integrating advanced analytical tools and experimental designs to investigate non-classically secreted effector proteins in pathogens, thereby providing transformative insights into microbial pathogenesis and plant immunity.

Research Interest 🔬

Justice’s research focuses on chemical genetics, metabolomics, proteomics, and plant pathology. His groundbreaking studies have unveiled the roles of non-classically secreted effector proteins in phytopathogens and their implications for microbial pathogenesis. Utilizing cutting-edge techniques such as drug-affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), he identifies plant secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties. Justice’s ultimate goal is to develop plant-based bio-fungicides and bio-oomycides, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and mitigating economic losses caused by plant diseases.

Awards 🏆

Justice has received numerous accolades for his contributions to molecular plant pathology. Notably, he was awarded funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China for multiple prestigious projects, including a study on Phytophthora capsici and non-classical effector proteins. His efforts have also been recognized with international nominations such as the International Molecular Biologist Award, highlighting his innovative approach to enhancing plant immunity against phytopathogens.

Publications 📚

Justice has authored groundbreaking studies in high-impact journals:

  • 1. TBCC Domain-Containing Protein Regulates Sporulation
  • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS)
  • Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.3390/ijms252212301
  • Citations: 23
  • Summary:
    This study investigates the role of the TBCC domain-containing protein in the sporulation process of a model fungal organism. The research provides molecular insights into how this protein regulates key pathways associated with cellular differentiation and spore development. Using genetic manipulation and proteomic approaches, the authors demonstrate that the TBCC domain interacts with critical regulatory proteins to influence fungal reproduction.
  • 2. COP9 Signalosome Complex in Magnaporthe oryzae
  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (JACS)
  • Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c03163
  • Citations: 17
  • Summary:
    The COP9 signalosome complex plays a pivotal role in the pathogenicity and lifecycle of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. The paper elaborates on the complex’s function in protein degradation pathways and its involvement in regulating stress responses and fungal virulence. Mutant strains with disrupted COP9 components exhibited decreased ability to infect host plants, making it a potential target for agricultural disease control strategies.
  • 3. Role of Oxalate Decarboxylase in Colletotrichum siamense
  • Journal: Microbiological Research
  • Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127732
  • Citations: 19
  • Summary:
    This paper explores the enzyme oxalate decarboxylase and its role in Colletotrichum siamense, a fungal pathogen affecting tropical fruits. The enzyme modulates oxalate levels, impacting the pathogen’s ability to invade plant tissues and counter host defenses. Functional analysis revealed that overexpression of oxalate decarboxylase reduces virulence, offering insights into metabolic regulation in fungal-host interactions.
  • 4. Impact of Transposable Elements on Magnaporthe oryzae
  • Journal: mBio
  • Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00086-24
  • Citations: 22
  • Summary:
    The study examines the contribution of transposable elements (TEs) to genome evolution and pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae. It highlights the role of TEs in generating genetic diversity, regulating gene expression, and contributing to adaptive evolution. The findings underline the significance of TEs in fungal genome plasticity, particularly under selective pressures in agricultural environments.

Conclusion

Justice Norvienyeku is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive contributions to molecular plant pathology, innovative research in combating phytopathogens, and strong academic leadership. His achievements in securing competitive funding, publishing in high-impact journals, and bridging basic science with practical applications underscore his potential to inspire future innovations. Enhancing industry collaboration and public engagement could further solidify his standing as a leader in his field.