Viviana Cafiso | Immunology | Excellence in Research

Posted 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.

đź“š 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

âś… 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.

Jie Huang | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Jie Huang | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Oxford | United Kingdom

Dr. Jie Huang (黄杰), is a distinguished plant biologist currently serving as a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Biology, University of Oxford. His research focuses on molecular plant–pathogen interactions, alternative splicing, and effector biology. Dr. Huang has made substantial contributions to our understanding of how pathogens manipulate plant immune responses and has published widely in high-impact journals.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Awards✨

1. Strong Academic Background & Training

  • PhD from Nanjing Agricultural University under a leading expert, Prof. Suomeng Dong.

  • Postdoctoral experience at the prestigious University of Oxford, a global hub for biological sciences.

2. Consistent and High-Impact Research Output

  • Multiple first-author and corresponding-author publications in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Science, The Plant Cell, Molecular Plant, and New Phytologist.

  • His research appears in elite plant biology and molecular journals, indicating significant peer recognition and impact.

3. Innovation in Research

  • Pioneered discoveries related to alternative splicing in plant immunity, plant-pathogen interactions, and protein-peptide interactions, a critical frontier in molecular plant pathology.

  • Integration of computational tools (AlphaFold-Multimer) in cross-kingdom interaction studies, reflecting interdisciplinary sophistication.

4. Competitive Funding Record

  • Secured prestigious funding from national (NSFC), provincial, and postdoctoral foundations in China as Principal Investigator, demonstrating independent scientific leadership.

5. International Collaboration & Mobility

  • Experience at institutions in China, the UK, and the USA, showcasing global integration and collaborative capacity.

  • Short-term training and collaborative publications with international partners, enhancing his scientific network and adaptability.

🎓 Education

 Dr. Huang began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science from Anhui Agricultural University (2009–2013). He then pursued his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology at Nanjing Agricultural University (2013–2018), where he was mentored by the esteemed Prof. Suomeng Dong. His doctoral research laid a strong foundation for his expertise in host–pathogen molecular dynamics.

🧪 Experience

 Following his Ph.D., Dr. Huang worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Nanjing Agricultural University (2018–2021), continuing under Prof. Dong’s supervision. In 2019, he broadened his global research exposure as a visiting scholar at Colorado State University with Prof. Anireddy Reddy. Since January 2022, he has been advancing his research at the University of Oxford under Prof. Renier A. L. van der Hoorn, contributing to frontier studies in plant proteomics and immunity.

🔬 Research Interests On Biological Sciences

🌿 Dr. Huang’s research delves into:

  • Alternative splicing in plant immunity

  • Effector biology in oomycete pathogens

  • Protease-targeting mechanisms at the plant–pathogen interface

  • Use of AlphaFold and other computational tools to predict protein interactions
    His work bridges molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biotechnology for improving crop resistance strategies.

🏆 Awards and Funding

 As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Huang has secured several prestigious research grants, including:

  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31901862)

  • Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (SBK2019040604)

  • Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities (KYQN202009)

  • China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2018M640494)

  • Special Postdoctoral Science Fund (2020T130306)

These awards reflect his scientific rigor and innovative research in plant molecular biology.

đź“š Publications

1. A Phytophthora effector manipulates host histone acetylation and reprograms defense gene expression to promote infection
Authors: L Kong, X Qiu, J Kang, Y Wang, H Chen, J Huang, M Qiu, Y Zhao, G Kong, …
Year: 2017
Cited by: 144

2. An oomycete plant pathogen reprograms host pre-mRNA splicing to subvert immunity
Authors: J Huang, L Gu, Y Zhang, T Yan, G Kong, L Kong, B Guo, M Qiu, Y Wang, …
Year: 2017
Cited by: 120

3. Phytophthora effectors modulate genome-wide alternative splicing of host mRNAs to reprogram plant immunity
Authors: J Huang, X Lu, H Wu, Y Xie, Q Peng, L Gu, J Wu, Y Wang, ASN Reddy, …
Year: 2020
Cited by: 84

4. The Activation of Phytophthora Effector Avr3b by Plant Cyclophilin is Required for the Nudix Hydrolase Activity of Avr3b
Authors: G Kong, Y Zhao, M Jing, J Huang, J Yang, Y Xia, L Kong, W Ye, Q Xiong, …
Year: 2015
Cited by: 84

5. The Phytophthora sojae RXLR effector Avh238 destabilizes soybean Type2 GmACSs to suppress ethylene biosynthesis and promote infection
Authors: B Yang, Y Wang, B Guo, M Jing, H Zhou, Y Li, H Wang, J Huang, Y Wang, …
Year: 2019
Cited by: 71

6. AlphaFold-Multimer predicts cross-kingdom interactions at the plant-pathogen interface
Authors: F Homma, J Huang, RAL van der Hoorn
Year: 2023
Cited by: 69

7. Pathogen manipulation of chloroplast function triggers a light-dependent immune recognition
Authors: C Gao, H Xu, J Huang, B Sun, F Zhang, Z Savage, C Duggan, T Yan, …
Year: 2020
Cited by: 65

8. Cleavage of a pathogen apoplastic protein by plant subtilases activates host immunity
Authors: S Wang, R Xing, Y Wang, H Shu, S Fu, J Huang, JK Paulus, M Schuster, …
Year: 2021
Cited by: 40

9. Natural allelic variations provide insights into host adaptation of Phytophthora avirulence effector PsAvr3c
Authors: J Huang, L Chen, X Lu, Q Peng, Y Zhang, J Yang, BY Zhang, B Yang, …
Year: 2019
Cited by: 32

10. Phytophthora sojae apoplastic effector AEP1 mediates sugar uptake by mutarotation of extracellular aldose and is recognized as a MAMP
Authors: Y Xu, Y Zhang, J Zhu, Y Sun, B Guo, F Liu, J Huang, H Wang, S Dong, …
Year: 2021
Cited by: 31

đź“ť Conclusion

🌟 Dr. Jie Huang is a rising star in plant molecular biology, combining classical genetics, proteomics, and cutting-edge computational tools to unravel the complexities of plant immunity and pathogen virulence. His international collaborations, funding success, and impactful publications position him as a strong nominee for any prestigious research award recognizing scientific excellence in plant sciences.