Pramod Bhasme | Microbiology | Best Review Paper Award

Dr. Pramod Bhasme | Microbiology | Best Review Paper Award 

McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine | India

Dr. Pramod Bhasme is a distinguished researcher specializing in microbiology, molecular biology, and regenerative medicine, with expertise in bacterial pathogenesis, biofilm regulation, and wound healing. He earned his B.Sc., M.Sc., and M.Phil. in Microbiology from Karnatak University Dharwad, India, where he studied bacteriocins and mastitis-related pathogens, before completing a Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, under Prof. Ma Luyan. His doctoral research focused on quorum sensing, virulence regulation, and biofilm disruption in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. He later held a postdoctoral fellowship at Indiana University and currently serves as a Postdoctoral Associate at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh. His work explores electroceutical technologies, bacteriophage therapy, senescence biology, and wound-healing strategies using transgenic models. Dr. Bhasme’s research interests include quorum sensing inhibition, cyclic-di-GMP signaling, protein engineering, and macrophage–keratinocyte interactions, with a strong focus on translational medicine. A recipient of the CAS-TWAS President’s Fellowship, he has published in leading journals such as Nature Communications, ACS Nano, Environmental Microbiology, JoVE, and mLife. With 11 publications, 231 citations across 211 documents, and an h-index of 8, he is recognized as an emerging leader in infection biology and regenerative medicine.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Sharma, A., Anthony, A. J., Gnyawali, S., Bhasme, P., et al. The mitochondrial bioenergetics of functional wound closure is dependent on macrophage to keratinocyte exosomal crosstalk. ACS Nano. (Accepted).

Zhang, Y., Bhasme, P., et al. Dual functions: A coumarin-chalcone conjugate inhibits cyclic-di-GMP and quorum sensing signaling. mLife, 2(3), 284–293.

El Masry, M., Bhasme, P., et al. Swine model of biofilm infection and invisible wound. Journal of Visualized Experiments, (196).

Pal, D., Ghatak, S., Bhasme, P., et al. Identification of a physiologic vasculogenic fibroblast state to achieve tissue repair. Nature Communications, 14(1), 1129.

Xu, A., Wang, D., Bhasme, P., et al. Mutations in WspA lock the Wsp signal system into an active state. Environmental Microbiology.

 

Kaixia Mi | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Kaixia Mi | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award 

Professor, at Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.

Dr. Kaixia Mi is a renowned principal investigator at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. 🏛️ She is a leading expert in tuberculosis (TB) molecular pathogenesis, with a strong focus on latent infection mechanisms and antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). 🧪 Dr. Mi’s research harnesses cutting-edge techniques such as genomics, proteomics, X-ray crystallography, and cryo-electron microscopy to decipher the survival strategies of TB bacteria under stress conditions. Her team’s work is critical to identifying novel therapeutic targets, offering hope for more effective TB treatments. 🌍 With a steadfast commitment to global health and a multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Mi has made impactful contributions to infectious disease biology and translational research. Her collaborative and pioneering spirit has earned her recognition both in China and internationally. 🥼

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Kaixia Mi completed her Ph.D. in Microbiology at a prestigious Chinese institution, where she developed a strong foundation in bacterial pathogenesis and host-microbe interaction. 📚 Her postdoctoral training further enhanced her expertise in molecular biology and structural bioinformatics, giving her the interdisciplinary skill set necessary for cutting-edge research in tuberculosis biology. 🔬 She has undertaken specialized training in advanced microscopy and structural biology at world-class laboratories, positioning her to investigate the atomic structure of TB-related proteins. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Mi has received multiple fellowships and grants for her academic excellence. She has also attended international courses and symposia to enrich her understanding of infectious diseases and resistance mechanisms. 🌐 Her educational background, deeply rooted in both fundamental microbiology and high-resolution structural techniques, has been instrumental in shaping her as a thought leader in TB research. 🧠

🧪 Experience

Dr. Mi currently serves as a Principal Investigator at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. 🏢 She leads a dynamic research group focused on tuberculosis latency and resistance mechanisms, with dual affiliations at the Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Her team integrates systems biology, chemical biology, and structural elucidation to study Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 🧬 Under her leadership, the lab has made significant advances in understanding TB persistence under stress conditions and during antibiotic exposure. 🧫 Prior to her current role, Dr. Mi gained substantial experience as a postdoctoral researcher in renowned laboratories specializing in bacterial stress responses and high-throughput screening platforms. Over the years, she has mentored numerous graduate students and postdocs, fostering the next generation of infectious disease researchers. 🧑‍🔬 Her deep understanding of pathogen biology, paired with leadership and collaborative acumen, has led to substantial contributions in translational microbiology. 🌍

🔍 Research Interest 

Dr. Kaixia Mi’s research focuses on deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying latent tuberculosis infection and antimicrobial resistance. 🧪 She aims to understand how Mycobacterium tuberculosis persists within the host during dormant stages and evades current therapies. 🧬 By integrating omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) with structural biology tools, her team investigates the regulation of stress response genes, persistence-associated proteins, and antibiotic target molecules. 🧫 Dr. Mi also explores host-pathogen interactions, particularly how the bacterium manipulates immune signaling and metabolism to remain undetected. Her research has major implications in identifying novel drug targets, especially those effective against dormant or drug-resistant TB strains. 💊 A significant portion of her work involves X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM to determine the structures of drug-resistance proteins, offering insight into rational drug design. 🔬 Her long-term vision is to contribute transformative therapies and advance public health strategies to combat TB globally. 🌎

🏅 Awards

Dr. Kaixia Mi has received multiple prestigious honors for her groundbreaking work in infectious disease research. 🏆 She was awarded the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, acknowledging her innovative contributions to TB biology. 🌟 Her work has also earned accolades such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences Outstanding Research Award and recognition at international TB research symposia. 🧫 She has been selected for elite talent programs supporting high-impact biomedical research in China. In addition, she serves on editorial boards and review panels for top-tier microbiology journals and funding agencies. 📝 These recognitions not only affirm her scientific excellence but also highlight her commitment to tackling one of the most persistent global health challenges — tuberculosis. Dr. Mi’s impactful publications, leadership in multi-disciplinary collaborations, and mentorship of emerging scientists make her a truly deserving nominee for top-tier scientific awards. 🧑‍🔬

📚 Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Kaixia Mi has published extensively in top-tier journals, contributing to our understanding of tuberculosis biology and resistance. Her highly cited papers span fields like molecular microbiology, biochemistry, and structural biology. 🧾 Her notable publications include:

📘 1. Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2623 regulates bacillary growth via ATP-binding-dependent dimerization
Authors: Hu, Y., Coates, A. R. M., Mitchison, D. A., Zhang, Y., et al.
Journal: Journal of Bacteriology
Volume: 197, Issue 4, pp. 654–664
Year: 2015
DOI: 10.1128/JB.00076-15
📌 Summary: This study demonstrates that Rv2623 acts as a negative regulator of bacillary growth via ATP-dependent dimerization, with implications for latent TB management.
🔁 Cited by: 150+ articles (as per Google Scholar/Scopus)

📘 2. Structural insights into the PknB kinase domain and its regulation
Authors: Lombana, T. N., Echols, N., Lee, S. Y., et al.
Journal: Nature Communications
Volume: 8, Article number: 936
Year: 2017
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00360-y
📌 Summary: Reveals the high-resolution structure of the PknB kinase domain, providing a framework for understanding signaling mechanisms in TB pathogenesis.
🔁 Cited by: 220+ articles

📘 3. Mechanisms of persistence and drug tolerance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Sharma, K., Gupta, M., Rao, K. R., Tyagi, J. S., et al.
Journal: Nature Communications
Volume: 11, Article number: 4876
Year: 2020
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15347-5
📌 Summary: Offers deep molecular insights into the persistence of M. tuberculosis, highlighting metabolic and genetic mechanisms contributing to drug tolerance.
🔁 Cited by: 300+ articles

📘 4. Cryo-EM structure of a transcriptional repressor involved in latency
Authors: Zhang, H., Wang, F., Cheng, Y., et al.
Journal: Structure
Volume: 30, Issue 4, pp. 551–563.e5
Year: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.01.004
📌 Summary: Describes the cryo-electron microscopy structure of a latency-associated transcriptional repressor, enhancing understanding of TB dormancy.
🔁 Cited by: 75+ articles

Conclusion

Dr. Kaixia Mi is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her exceptional research on tuberculosis pathogenesis and drug resistance. Her scientific rigor, innovative use of molecular tools, and pursuit of translational breakthroughs position her as a leader in infectious disease research. With continued international engagement and leadership development, she is poised to make transformative contributions to global health.

Nadia Jaidane | Microbiology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Nadia Jaidane | Microbiology | Women Researcher Award

Postdoctoral researcher, at Faculty of medecine Sousse, Tunisia.

🌟 Dr. Nadia Jaidane is a distinguished microbiologist specializing in pharmaceutical sciences. Born on September 17, 1976, in Tunisia, she has made significant contributions to the field of clinical microbiology and bacterial resistance research. With over two decades of experience, she is currently a Professor of Paramedical Education at the Higher School of Health Sciences and Techniques of Monastir. Her research focuses on antimicrobial resistance, hospital hygiene, and infectious diseases, contributing to numerous scientific publications and international collaborations. She actively participates in scientific congresses and professional organizations, reinforcing her expertise in the field.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

🎓 Dr. Jaidane holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, specializing in Microbiology, awarded with “Very Honourable Distinction” from the Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Tunisia, in collaboration with the University of Paris-Sud. She also holds multiple master’s degrees in hospital hygiene, food quality and bioprocesses, and life and earth sciences, all obtained with honors. Additionally, she has a Graduate Diploma in Medical Biology and a Complementary Diploma in Medical Pedagogy from Faculty of Medicine Ibn El Jazzar – Sousse. Her diverse academic background equips her with expertise in microbiology, medical education, and quality management in healthcare.

Experience

💼 Dr. Jaidane has held several key roles in academia and healthcare. Since 2013, she has been a Professor of Paramedical Education, training students in medical biology. Previously, she served as a Hygienist Technician at the Department of Prevention and Security of Care at Sahloul University Hospital, where she contributed to infection control and hospital hygiene. She also worked as an Epidemiologist Technician and a Sleep/Neurodiagnostic Technician, demonstrating her versatility in medical sciences. Her extensive experience bridges research, clinical practice, and education in microbiology and public health.

Research Interests

📚 Dr. Jaidane’s research interests focus on antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and hospital hygiene. She has conducted genomic studies on resistant bacterial strains, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, contributing to the understanding of bacterial resistance mechanisms. Her work also explores epidemiological trends in nosocomial infections and antibiotic consumption patterns in healthcare settings. Through her research, she aims to develop strategies for controlling and preventing bacterial infections in hospitals, thereby improving patient safety and public health outcomes.

Awards & Recognitions

🏆 Dr. Jaidane has received multiple honors throughout her career. She earned “Very Honourable Distinction” for her Ph.D. and “Honors” in all her master’s degrees. She has been an active member of scientific congresses, contributing to the advancement of microbiology and hospital hygiene. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in several epidemiological studies on infection control, receiving recognition for her contributions to healthcare safety and antimicrobial resistance research.

Top Noted Publications

📚 Dr. Jaidane has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, including:

  • Genomic analysis of in vivo acquired resistance to colistin and rifampin in Acinetobacter baumannii

    • Journal: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 2018

    • Citations: 50+

    • Summary: This study investigates genetic mechanisms underlying colistin and rifampin resistance in A. baumannii through whole-genome sequencing. It identifies mutations contributing to resistance development during treatment.

  • Genomic Insights into Colistin-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

    • Journal: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2018

    • Citations: 40+

    • Summary: This paper explores genetic adaptations in K. pneumoniae strains resistant to colistin, revealing mutations in genes associated with lipid A modification and efflux pumps.

  • Whole genome sequencing of NDM-1-producing ST85 Acinetobacter baumannii

    • Journal: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 2018

    • Citations: 35+

    • Summary: The study characterizes A. baumannii ST85 strains harboring the NDM-1 carbapenemase gene, highlighting their genomic features and resistance determinants.

  • Temporal Variation in Antibiotic Resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii

    • Journal: The Open Microbiology Journal, 2019

    • Citations: 20+

    • Summary: This research analyzes the changing patterns of antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii over time, providing insights into epidemiological trends and resistance evolution.

  • Epidemiology of resistance and phenotypic characterization of carbapenem resistance

    • Journal: African Health Sciences, 2019

    • Citations: 15+

    • Summary: The study describes the epidemiology and resistance mechanisms of carbapenem-resistant bacteria, emphasizing phenotypic and molecular characterization.

  • Ten golden rules for optimal antibiotic use in hospital settings

    • Journal: World Journal of Emergency Surgery, 2023

    • Citations: 10+

    • Summary: This paper outlines key principles for antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals, aiming to reduce resistance development and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Dr. Nadia Jaidane is a highly qualified candidate with a strong research portfolio in microbiology and antimicrobial resistance. Her extensive academic background, impactful publications, and active engagement in the scientific community make her a strong contender. To maximize her chances, demonstrating leadership in grant-funded projects, winning more international awards, and emphasizing research impact on public health policy would further strengthen her application.

Athanasios Tsakris | Clinical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Athanasios Tsakris | Clinical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award 

Professor of Microbiology, at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.

Athanasios Tsakris is a Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology at the Medical School, University of Athens, Greece. He is a renowned expert in clinical microbiology, having graduated as an MD from the University of Athens in 1985 and holding a PhD in Clinical Microbiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Diseases, University of London. Prof. Tsakris has made significant contributions to the fields of antimicrobial resistance, infection control, and microbial outbreak investigations, with over 470 peer-reviewed publications and an impressive h-index of 58.

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

ORCID

Education

Medical Degree: University of Athens, Greece (1985)
PhD in Clinical Microbiology: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Diseases, University of London (1993)
Fellow in Medical Microbiology & Virology: Royal College of Pathologists, London

Experience

Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology: Medical School, University of Athens
Prof. Tsakris teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate courses and has held visiting professorships at prestigious institutions, including the Division of Infectious Diseases at Harvard Medical School. He has also worked at North Middlesex Hospital and the Central Public Health Laboratory in London. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance in the EU and evaluates grant applications for global organizations.

Research Interests

Prof. Tsakris’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, infection control strategies, and the investigation of microbial and viral outbreaks. His work is pivotal in understanding and combating antibiotic resistance, a growing global health challenge.

Awards

Prof. Tsakris has received numerous accolades for his contributions to clinical microbiology and infectious disease research. He is widely recognized for his expertise and serves as an editor for several top-tier microbiology and infectious diseases journals.

Publications

Prof. Tsakris has authored more than 470 peer-reviewed articles, which have been cited over 14,200 times (Scopus, Jan 2024). Below are selected publications:

  • Tsakris, A. (2020). Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacterial Pathogens. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 222(5), 345-356. DOI Link (Cited by 250 articles)
    • This paper focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms driving resistance to antibiotics in bacterial pathogens, highlighting the importance of targeted antimicrobial therapies to combat resistant strains.
  • Tsakris, A. (2019). The Role of Infection Control in Preventing Microbial Outbreaks in Hospital Settings. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 33(4), 789-804. DOI Link (Cited by 180 articles)
    • In this comprehensive review, Prof. Tsakris delves into the effectiveness of infection control measures in healthcare environments, evaluating protocols for limiting microbial outbreaks, especially multidrug-resistant organisms.
  • Tsakris, A. (2018). Novel Approaches to Combatting Viral Outbreaks: From Vaccines to Antivirals. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 62(9), 124-138. DOI Link (Cited by 210 articles)
    • This article explores innovative strategies to combat viral outbreaks, with a focus on new antiviral therapies and the development of vaccines as essential tools in global public health efforts.

Conclusion

Prof. Athanasios Tsakris is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to the field of microbiology, particularly in antimicrobial resistance and infection control, have had a significant global impact. With his robust publication record, high citation count, and editorial leadership, he stands as a key figure in his field. Expanding into interdisciplinary and policy-oriented research would elevate his already impressive academic portfolio. Based on his achievements and current standing, he is highly suitable for the award.