Majid Taati Moghadam | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Assist. Prof. Dr. Majid Taati Moghadam | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Guilan University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Majid Taati Moghadam is a dedicated Medical Microbiologist and Antimicrobial Resistance Researcher based in Rasht, Iran. He specializes in microbial pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, bacteriophage therapy, and the connection between microbiota and neurodegenerative disorders. His multidisciplinary expertise extends across clinical microbiology, infectious disease prevention, and translational therapeutics, making him a leading figure in Iran’s microbiological research community.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

ORCID

Education

Dr. Majid Taati holds a Ph.D. in Medical Bacteriology from Iran University of Medical Sciences (2017–2022), where his research investigated the relationship between oral microbiome shifts and Alzheimer’s disease. He earned his Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology from Kerman University of Medical Sciences (2012–2015), focusing on carbapenem resistance genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Islamic Azad University, Lahijan Branch (2007–2012). Throughout his studies, he demonstrated a keen interest in antibiotic resistance, clinical diagnostics, and the molecular biology of pathogens.

Experience

Dr. Majid Taati has played key roles in over a dozen microbiological research projects across Iran. As both a principal investigator and main collaborator, he has contributed to studies on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes, resistance enzymes in E. coli, and the antimicrobial effects of plant extracts like Ephedra pachyclada. He has worked extensively on projects involving nosocomial infections, multidrug-resistant bacteria, and genetic analysis methods such as MLVA and HRM techniques. He also authored the textbook Essential Medical Microbiology in Persian, and presented his findings at several major Iranian congresses, including the International Microbiology Congress. His laboratory and academic experience bridges both applied research and educational leadership.

Research Interests

Dr. Majid Taati research focuses on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, phage and endolysin therapy, bacterial biofilm inhibition, and engineered phage enzymes for resistant infections. He is also deeply involved in exploring the role of microbiota in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease. His studies aim to bridge clinical microbiology with therapeutic innovation addressing global health threats posed by superbugs like carbapenem- and colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. His recent projects extend to wound healing biomaterials, phage protein therapies, and microbiome-based diagnostics, reflecting his broad and multidisciplinary scientific interests.

Awards

Recognized for his extensive research contributions, Dr. Majid Taati is a deserving nominee for the “Best Researcher Award” in medical microbiology and antimicrobial resistance. His scholarly excellence, particularly in phage therapy and resistance gene profiling, aligns well with the objectives of scientific bodies that honor groundbreaking research. With dozens of publications in top-tier journals and continuous involvement in nationally significant projects, he exemplifies leadership in translational microbiology and global infectious disease research.

Publications

  • Global prevalence and distribution of vancomycin resistant, vancomycin intermediate and heterogeneously vancomycin intermediate Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 316

  • Bacteriophage therapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms: a review
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 311

  • How phages overcome the challenges of drug resistant bacteria in clinical infections
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 173

  • Bacteriophages, a new therapeutic solution for inhibiting multidrug-resistant bacteria causing wound infection: lesson from animal models and clinical trials
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 125

  • COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019): a new coronavirus disease
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 108

  • Evaluation of Nano-curcumin effects on expression levels of virulence genes and biofilm production of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 108

  • Bacteriophage as a novel therapeutic weapon for killing colistin-resistant multi-drug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 58

Conclusion

Dr. Majid Taati Moghaddam Ziabari has built an impressive career defined by scientific innovation, deep academic rigor, and a commitment to combating infectious diseases. His pioneering work in bacteriophage therapy and antimicrobial resistance not only advances microbiological science but also addresses some of the most urgent global health challenges. With his rich publication record, research leadership, and academic influence, he is a prime candidate for international recognition, especially the Best Researcher Award. His career serves as a model of excellence in translational research and academic impact.

Viviana Cafiso | Immunology | Excellence in Research

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Viviana Cafiso | Immunology | Excellence in Research

University of Catania | Italy

Prof. Viviana Cafiso, born in Caltagirone on October 1, 1971, is a renowned Associate Professor of General Microbiology at the University of Catania, Italy. With decades of experience in clinical microbiology and antimicrobial resistance research, she has significantly contributed to understanding infectious diseases through molecular and omics-based approaches. Her work bridges experimental and translational science, impacting public health and clinical strategies across Europe.

Author Profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Prof. Viviana Cafiso demonstrates an exceptional track record in microbiological research with a specific focus on antimicrobial resistance, bacterial genomics, and biofilm biology. Her prolific publication record — with nearly 40 high-impact articles in internationally indexed journals such as Antibiotics, Frontiers in Microbiology, Pathogens, PLoS One, and Clinical Microbiology and Infections — underscores her scholarly impact. Several of her articles have significant citation counts and address global health concerns like multidrug-resistant pathogens and hospital-acquired infections.

Additionally, her involvement in major national and international projects, including the PNRR INF-ACT, SMART and ATLAS projects (in partnership with Merck and Pfizer), and the PRIN and PON programs, confirms her leadership and collaboration in interdisciplinary consortia. Her position as Associate Professor of General Microbiology and a Ph.D. board member in Biomedical Sciences highlights her ongoing contributions to mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Moreover, her active role in molecular microbiology education across various degree levels reflects her holistic commitment to science dissemination, both in research and academia.

🎓 Education

Prof. Cafiso has pursued rigorous academic training in microbiology, culminating in her doctoral studies which laid the foundation for her specialization in antimicrobial resistance. Her academic trajectory reflects a deep-rooted commitment to molecular diagnostics and microbial genomics.

👩‍🏫 Experience

Prof.ssa Cafiso currently serves at the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, teaching Microbiologia Molecolare Applicata, Scienze Omiche, and other microbiology-focused subjects across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. She has also served as Scientific Coordinator and Principal Investigator in national and international microbiological research projects.

🔍 Research Interests On Immunology

Her primary research interests include antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, omics technologies, bacterial genomics, pathogen virulence, biofilm formation, and molecular epidemiology. She has played pivotal roles in numerous projects such as INF-ACT, PRIN PNRR, ARISE, and collaborations with pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and Merck.

🏅 Awards & Recognitions

While her academic biography primarily emphasizes her research achievements, Prof.ssa Cafiso’s consistent participation in high-profile funded projects and collaborations with international research networks highlights her recognition as a leading figure in microbiology and translational infectious disease research.

📚 Publications

  • Presence of the ica operon in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis and its role in biofilm production
    Authors: V. Cafiso, T. Bertuccio, M. Santagati, F. Campanile, G. Amicosante, …
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 214

  • Essential oils encapsulated in polymer-based nanocapsules as potential candidates for application in food preservation
    Authors: G. Granata, S. Stracquadanio, M. Leonardi, E. Napoli, G.M.L. Consoli, …
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 163

  • agr-Genotyping and transcriptional analysis of biofilm-producing Staphylococcus aureus
    Authors: V. Cafiso, T. Bertuccio, M. Santagati, V. Demelio, D. Spina, G. Nicoletti, …
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 143

  • Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of daptomycin-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains: relative roles of mprF and dlt operons
    Authors: N.N. Mishra, A.S. Bayer, C. Weidenmaier, T. Grau, S. Wanner, S. Stefani, …
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 141

  • Insights and clinical perspectives of daptomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus: a review of the available evidence
    Authors: S. Stefani, F. Campanile, M. Santagati, M.L. Mezzatesta, V. Cafiso, G. Pacini
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 118

  • Modulating activity of vancomycin and daptomycin on the expression of autolysis cell-wall turnover and membrane charge genes in hVISA and VISA strains
    Authors: V. Cafiso, T. Bertuccio, D. Spina, S. Purrello, F. Campanile, C. Di Pietro, …
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 112

  • Oregano and thyme essential oils encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles as effective antimicrobial agents against foodborne pathogens
    Authors: G. Granata, S. Stracquadanio, M. Leonardi, E. Napoli, G. Malandrino, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 95

  • dltA overexpression: A strain-independent keystone of daptomycin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
    Authors: V. Cafiso, T. Bertuccio, S. Purrello, F. Campanile, C. Mammina, A. Sartor, …
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 80

  • Infections with VIM-1 Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacter cloacae and Their Correlation with Clinical Outcome
    Authors: M. Falcone, M.L. Mezzatesta, M. Perilli, C. Forcella, A. Giordano, V. Cafiso, …
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 80

  • Molecular and Immunological Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: Implications for Prophylaxis and Clinical Management
    Authors: C. Pascolini, J.L. Sinagra, S. Pecetta, V. Bordignon, A. De Santis, L. Cilli, …
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 72

✅ Conclusion

Prof. Viviana Cafiso stands as a pillar of excellence in microbiology, with a research profile that harmoniously blends clinical application and molecular investigation. Her persistent dedication to combating antimicrobial resistance, mentoring young researchers, and contributing to global infectious disease research makes her a deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award.