Dr. Jorge Castro | Nonclinical Toxicology | Best Researcher Award
Head of Preclinical Research | Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology | Cuba
Dr. Jorge Castro is a distinguished Doctor in Veterinary Medicine and Senior Researcher with expertise in animal physiology, health sciences, and biotechnology. He has made significant contributions to biomedical research, preclinical studies, and vaccine development. Holding advanced scientific degrees including a Master in Animal Physiology and a Ph.D. in Health Sciences, he has established himself as a leader in preclinical drug evaluation, immunology, and laboratory animal sciences. His career is strengthened by professional training in over forty specialized courses, covering areas such as toxicology, biosafety, molecular biology, and regulatory practices. As a professor and lecturer, he has shared his knowledge internationally, shaping the professional development of young researchers in biomedical sciences and laboratory animal welfare. His scientific work emphasizes innovation, ethical practices, and translational impact, positioning him as a highly respected figure in veterinary medicine and biotechnology at the global level.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Jorge Castro holds a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, which provided him with a foundation in animal health and biomedical sciences. He pursued advanced studies, earning a Master of Science in Animal Physiology, focusing on complex biological mechanisms in animal systems. He further enhanced his expertise by completing a Doctorate in Health Sciences, specializing in preclinical drug development, immunology, and disease modeling. In addition to formal academic qualifications, he has undertaken extensive professional training in molecular biology, toxicology, biosafety, preclinical practices, immunotoxicology, and the use of non-human primates in biomedical research. He has also completed multiple workshops and certifications on experimental models, research methodology, and regulatory standards. This blend of advanced academic preparation and continuous training has positioned him as a recognized authority in preclinical research and biomedical innovation.
Experience
Dr. Jorge Castro has extensive experience as a Senior Researcher and First-Level Technologist, contributing to biomedical research, vaccine development, and preclinical evaluation. His work has included studies with non-human primate models in the fields of dengue and hepatitis, as well as the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines. He has served as a professor, lecturer, and invited speaker at numerous international congresses, workshops, and training programs, where he has delivered courses on laboratory animal welfare, ethics in experimentation, molecular biology, toxicology, and immunology. His professional career also demonstrates leadership in project management, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance. By combining research, teaching, and regulatory expertise, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening the integration of scientific innovation with practical biomedical solutions. His contributions extend beyond laboratory research, impacting both the scientific community and public health systems.
Research Interest
Dr. Castro’s research interests include biomedical sciences, animal physiology, and preclinical drug development. He has a particular focus on the use of animal models, including non-human primates and rodents, for studying viral infections, vaccine development, and cancer immunotherapy. His work has contributed significantly to dengue virus research, immunological evaluations, and recombinant vaccine formulations. He has also contributed to innovative research on hepatitis C, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-based therapeutic vaccines, and nanotechnology-based approaches to drug delivery. In addition, he has conducted studies in toxicology, immunotoxicology, and experimental physiology, always seeking to improve the translational relevance of preclinical findings to human medicine. His commitment to ethical laboratory animal use and adherence to regulatory frameworks reflects his focus on advancing scientific innovation while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and research integrity.
Awards
Dr. Jorge Castro has been honored with distinctions such as Senior Researcher and First-Level Technologist, recognizing his outstanding contributions to biomedical sciences and animal health. His achievements are reflected in his international recognition as a professor, lecturer, and invited speaker at major congresses and scientific workshops, including international forums on immunopharmacology, agrobiotechnology, preclinical research, and vaccine development. His contributions to laboratory animal welfare, biosafety, and vaccine innovation have earned him wide respect in both academic and applied research communities. Beyond formal awards, his professional appointments, advisory roles, and invited lectures underscore the scientific community’s trust in his expertise. These recognitions highlight his ability to translate complex scientific knowledge into impactful biomedical solutions, strengthening global standards in preclinical research and innovation.
Top Noted Publications
Dr. Jorge Castro has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals, covering areas such as dengue virus infection models, vaccine development, and cancer immunotherapy. His research has been published in journals including Clinical Vaccine Immunology, Vaccine, Antiviral Research, Biotechnology Applied Biochemistry, and International Journal of Infectious Diseases. He has collaborated extensively with national and international scientists, advancing knowledge on heterologous prime-boost vaccine strategies, immunogenicity studies in non-human primates, and VEGF-based therapeutic vaccines. His contributions demonstrate a strong focus on translational science, ensuring that experimental findings provide practical biomedical applications. His publications are frequently cited by other researchers, reinforcing their scientific relevance. Through his work, he has positioned himself as an authority in vaccine immunology, preclinical testing, and biomedical innovation.
Title: Primary and Secondary infections by Asian and American genotypes of Dengue 2 Virus in Macaca fascicularis monkeys
Journal: Clinical Vaccine Immunology
Title: Immunization with a recombinant fowl pox virus expressing a hepatitis C virus Core-E1 polyprotein variant protects mice and monkeys
Journal: Biotechnology Applied Biochemistry
Title: Immunological evaluation in nonhuman primates of formulations based on chimeric dengue proteins
Journal: Vaccine
Title: Viremia and antibody response in green monkeys infected with dengue virus type 2
Journal: Microbiology and Immunology
Title: Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a recombinant dengue protein in non-human primates
Journal: Antiviral Research
Title: Heterologous prime-boost strategy in nonhuman primates with dengue virus and recombinant protein
Journal: Infectious Diseases
Title: Immunogenicity and safety of a VEGF-based cancer therapeutic vaccine in animals
Journal: Vaccine
Title: Ratio of HCV structural antigens in protein-based vaccine formulations and immune response
Journal: Biotechnology Applied Biochemistry
Title: The chimeric protein domain III–capsid of Dengue Virus serotype 2 boosts neutralizing antibodies in primates
Journal: Clinical Vaccine Immunology
Title: Antigen dose escalation study of a VEGF-based therapeutic cancer vaccine in primates
Journal: Vaccine
Title: CIGB-247 vaccine breaks immunological tolerance to VEGF in animals
Journal: Biotecnología Aplicada
Title: Olive baboons as a non-human primate model for dengue-2 virus replication
Journal: Infectious Diseases
Title: Proof of concept of heterologous prime–boost dengue vaccine strategy in primates
Journal: Biotecnología Aplicada
Conclusion
Dr. Jorge Castro is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His outstanding achievements in dengue immunology, vaccine development, and biomedical sciences demonstrate his dedication to advancing public health and scientific knowledge. With continued focus on expanding his recent publication output and international collaborations, Dr. Jorge Castro candidacy for this award is very strong and commendable.