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.

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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.

Prof. Qun Zhao | Medicine | Outstanding Scientist Award

The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University | China

Qun Zhao is a distinguished medical professional affiliated with the Third Department of Surgery at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University. With extensive experience in surgical oncology, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of gastric and gastrointestinal cancer treatments. As a committed researcher and clinician, Dr. Zhao is an active member of multiple professional committees, driving innovation and excellence in cancer therapy.

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Strengths for the Awards

✅ Extensive Leadership in Oncology Research: Qun Zhao holds key positions in multiple national committees related to gastric cancer, gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors, peritoneal tumors, tumor support therapy, and surgical nutrition. These roles highlight significant contributions to cancer research and treatment.

✅ Institutional and Professional Affiliations: Being part of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, a reputed institution, strengthens credibility. His involvement in China’s Anti-Cancer Association further establishes his expertise in the field.

✅ Contributions to Cancer Surgery & Nutrition: Given the focus on gastric and peritoneal tumors, surgical oncology, and nutrition, Qun Zhao’s work aligns with impactful research that directly benefits patients and advances medical science.

✅ Editorial and Research Contributions: While specific journal publications, patents, or citation indices are not provided, editorial appointments and professional memberships suggest recognition by the academic community.

✅ Potential for Industry Impact: If consultancy or industry projects exist (to be detailed), they could indicate translational research, bridging academia with practical medical applications.

Education 🎓

Dr. Qun Zhao completed his medical education and specialized training in surgical oncology at renowned institutions. His academic journey has been marked by a commitment to continuous learning and specialization in gastrointestinal malignancies and surgical techniques.

Experience 🌟

Dr. Zhao holds a prominent position in the medical field, serving in various leadership roles, including the Standing Committee memberships in multiple prestigious oncology and surgical nutrition groups. His expertise extends across peritoneal tumor management, gastric cancer treatment, and gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors. His clinical acumen and research contributions have had a significant impact on cancer treatment methodologies.

Research Interests On Medicine 🔬

Dr. Zhao’s research focuses on innovative surgical techniques, tumor nutrition, and multimodal cancer treatment strategies. His work aims to improve patient outcomes through targeted therapies and advanced surgical interventions. His ongoing projects include groundbreaking research in peritoneal metastases and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Zhao has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to surgical oncology and cancer research. His accolades include awards from national and international oncology societies for his pioneering work in gastric and peritoneal tumors.

Publications 📚

Dr. Zhao has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals. Some of his key publications include:

Pioneering case: Robot-assisted remote radical distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer based on 5G communication technology
- Authors: Honghai Guo, Yuan Tian, Jia Shi, Peigang Yang, Jiaxuan Yang, Pingan Ding, Xuefeng Zhao, Zhidong Zhang, Qun Zhao
- Publication Year: 2024
- DOI: 10.1016/j.isurg.2024.01.004
Comment on ‘Hand grip strength‐based cachexia index as a predictor of cancer cachexia and prognosis in patients with cancer’ by Xie et al.
- Authors: Ping’an Ding, Jiaxiang Wu, Haotian Wu, Chenyu Sun, Muzi Meng, Scott Lowe, Yuan Tian, Honghai Guo, Lingjiao Meng, Qun Zhao
- Publication Year: 2023
- DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13298
Comment on: ‘Triceps skinfold‐albumin index significantly predicts the prognosis of cancer cachexia: A multicentre cohort study’ by Yin et al.
- Authors: Ping’an Ding, Haotian Wu, Jiaxiang Wu, Chenyu Sun, Muzi Meng, Peigang Yang, Yang Liu, Lingjiao Meng, Qun Zhao
- Publication Year: 2023
- DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13304
Safety and efficacy of carbon nanoparticle suspension injection and indocyanine green tracer-guided lymph node dissection during robotic distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer
- Authors: Yuan Tian, Yecheng Lin, Honghai Guo, Yiyang Hu, Yong Li, Liqiao Fan, Xuefeng Zhao, Dong Wang, Bibo Tan, Qun Zhao
- Publication Year: 2022
- DOI: 10.1007/s00464-021-08630-8
Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy DOX and XELOX Regimens for Patients with Resectable Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma
- Authors: Yuan Tian, Qun Zhao, Yong Li, Liqiao Fan, Zhidong Zhang, Xuefeng Zhao, Bibo Tan, Dong Wang, Peigang Yang, Nicola Silvestris
- Publication Year: 2021
- DOI: 10.1155/2021/5590626

Conclusion 🥇

Dr. Qun Zhao’s dedication to oncology research and patient care continues to influence the medical community. His innovative approaches in surgery and therapeutic nutrition play a pivotal role in advancing cancer treatment. His contributions, both in research and clinical practice, underscore his commitment to improving healthcare outcomes globally.

Viviana Cafiso | Immunology | Excellence in Research