Nadia Hadiji | Virology and Vaccine Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Biotechnology Scientist

Dr. Nadia Hadiji | Virology and Vaccine Science | Best Researcher Award

PhD Doctor at Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Tunisia

Nadia Hadiji-Abbes is a dedicated Tunisian researcher specializing in molecular and cellular biology, with an impressive career rooted in academic research, biotechnology, and applied sciences. She has contributed significantly to genetic studies, protein expression, and bioprocess development while also expanding her expertise into bioinformatics and bioethics. Her work reflects a commitment to translating scientific insights into practical applications, notably in virology and therapeutic protein production, marking her as an active figure within the biotechnology community.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Nadia pursued her academic journey entirely at the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Tunisia. She earned her Doctorate in Molecular and Cellular Biology between 2006 and 2012, preceded by a Master’s degree in the same field, awarded with high honors in 2004. Her foundational training includes a Maîtrise in Life Sciences completed in 2002, a University Diploma in Scientific Studies in 2000, and a Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences in 1998. Throughout her studies, she complemented her education with specialized training in bioinformatics, confocal microscopy, bioethics, biosafety, patent writing, and advanced biotechnological tools.

Experience

Nadia’s professional experience spans rigorous laboratory research and extensive pedagogical contributions. She undertook various internships in human genetics, molecular genetics of eukaryotes, and bioprocesses, and has served in research units focusing on cancer genetics and therapeutic proteins at the Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax. Her teaching experience covers several years of practical courses in biochemical engineering, fermentation technology, industrial microbiology, and medical microbiology at notable Tunisian institutions. She has also supervised numerous student research projects, demonstrating her dedication to knowledge transfer and scientific mentorship.

Research Interest

Her research interests revolve around microbiology, bioprocesses, protein extraction and purification, gene expression in yeast systems, and the genetic engineering of hepatitis B virus proteins. She has also explored environmental biotechnology through work on membrane bioreactors for industrial effluent treatment. More recently, her interests have expanded to post-doctoral studies in therapeutic protein valorization and natural product applications in cosmetics. Her work integrates bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis and structural modeling, bridging experimental biology with computational techniques.

Award

Nadia’s contributions have been recognized through competitive programs like the POST-DOC MOBIDOC grant (2013–2015), which allowed her to deepen her postdoctoral research within the Laboratory for the Valorization of Therapeutic Proteins and the cosmetic industry. Her involvement in various entrepreneurial training workshops reflects her commitment to bridging academia and industry, promoting innovation and knowledge valorization.

Publication

She has authored multiple publications in reputable journals. Selected works include:

  1. (2005) Large scale application of membrane bioreactor technology for the treatment and reuse of an anionic surfactant wastewater (Process Biochemistry 40) – cited for its environmental impact.
  2. (2009) Expression of HBsAg and preS2-S protein in different yeast-based systems: A comparative analysis (Protein Expression and Purification 66) – focusing on hepatitis B surface antigens.
  3. (2011) Yeasts as a Tool for Heterologous Gene Expression in Methods in Molecular Biology – highlighting yeast expression systems.
  4. (2013) Extraction by Alumina powder and purification of HBV-like M particles from recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain (Journal of Virological Methods 187) – presenting innovative purification techniques.
  5. (2013) Negative control glucose dependent mediated by the PreS2 region on the translation efficiency of the reporter Sh-bleomycin gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (FEMS Yeast Research) – exploring gene regulation.
  6. (2014) Characterisation of the C69R HBsAg variant: Effect on the recognition with anti-HBV antibodies and structure of Virus Like Particles (Archives of Virology) – advancing knowledge in virology and immunology.
  7. (2015) A novel BRCA2 in frame deletion in a Tunisian woman with early onset sporadic breast cancer (Pathologie Biologie) – contributing to cancer genetics research.

Conclusion

In sum, Nadia Hadiji-Abbes exemplifies the profile of an accomplished scientist whose multifaceted career blends high-level research, teaching, and applied innovations. From investigating the molecular mechanisms of hepatitis B virus proteins to optimizing bio-processes and mentoring future scientists, her journey reflects scientific rigor and societal engagement. Her ongoing work in therapeutic protein production and cosmetic applications underscores her forward-looking approach to biotechnology, positioning her as a valuable contributor to scientific advancement and community development.

Weiwei Chen | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Biotechnology Scientist

Prof. Weiwei Chen | infectious diseases | Best Researcher Award

Director Technician at Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China

Weiwei Chen is a distinguished expert in infectious disease medicine, currently serving as the Director Technician and Deputy Director of the Institute of Infectious Disease Medicine at the Fifth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China. With over three decades of experience in laboratory diagnostics and infectious disease control, she has become a vital figure in China’s medical defense infrastructure. Her leadership has been instrumental in managing large-scale epidemic responses, both domestically and internationally. Through her technical guidance, scholarly output, and fieldwork, Chen has demonstrated a sustained commitment to advancing public health, medical training, and disease surveillance, making her a leading candidate for recognition in the field of infectious disease research and control.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Chen’s educational foundation is rooted in medical diagnostics and epidemiology. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Laboratory Medicine from the Third Military Medical University in 1990, providing her with core clinical and laboratory skills. Pursuing further specialization, she obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics from the same university in 2001, which refined her expertise in pathogen detection and diagnostic methodologies. In 2007, she completed her doctoral studies in Infectious Diseases at the Chinese PLA Medical School, focusing on disease transmission dynamics and immunological responses to viral outbreaks. This progression illustrates her enduring commitment to scientific excellence and specialized knowledge.

Experience

Over the course of her professional career, Chen has assumed numerous technical and leadership roles, culminating in her current position as Deputy Director of the Institute of Infectious Disease Medicine at the PLA’s Fifth Medical Center. She oversees pathogen surveillance, laboratory operations, and technical training programs tailored to military and civilian health contingencies. Her field experience includes serving as the head of the fifth group of the Chinese Military Medical Expert Group (CMMEG) dispatched to Sierra Leone from 2019 to 2022. Under her leadership, the group made significant contributions to local COVID-19 mitigation strategies in collaboration with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. Her proactive involvement in epidemic control and her capacity to translate scientific research into applied medical strategies underscore her value as a national and international asset in disease prevention.

Research Interest

Chen’s research centers on the immune mechanisms and therapeutic targets associated with high-impact infectious diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, and adenovirus. She has a deep interest in understanding how viral pathogens evade immune responses and identifying potential molecular interventions. In addition to this, she investigates the mechanisms of pathogen transmission in group settings, especially in military environments, aiming to create effective strategies for outbreak prediction and containment. Her work seamlessly integrates laboratory diagnostics, immunology, and field epidemiology to develop evidence-based responses to emerging public health threats.

Award

Weiwei Chen has been recognized with two Science and Technology Progress Awards by the Chinese PLA, highlighting her contributions to national health security and research excellence. Her leadership in international medical missions, particularly in Sierra Leone during the COVID-19 crisis, earned her high praise from the Sierra Leone Armed Forces. These honors underscore her commitment to public health, international collaboration, and the advancement of medical science in service of military and civilian populations alike.

Publication

Chen has published over 80 academic papers, including 17 in SCI-indexed journals. Selected key publications include:

  1. Immune profiling in severe COVID-19 patients (2020), Science Translational Medicine, cited by 350 articles.

  2. Clinical features of adenovirus pneumonia outbreaks (2021), Journal of Infection, cited by 112 articles.

  3. Pathogen detection using multiplex PCR in military cohorts (2022), Frontiers in Microbiology, cited by 75 articles.

  4. Strategies for laboratory biosafety in pandemic response (2019), Military Medical Research, cited by 63 articles.

  5. Comparative study on antiviral treatments in influenza (2021), Virology Journal, cited by 58 articles.

  6. Field diagnostics innovation during Ebola resurgence (2020), Tropical Medicine and Health, cited by 49 articles.

  7. Adjuvant therapy targets in viral pneumonia (2023), International Journal of Infectious Diseases, cited by 37 articles.
    These works collectively reflect her expertise in virology, diagnostic innovation, and field medicine.

Conclusion

Weiwei Chen’s professional journey exemplifies dedication to the advancement of infectious disease research, diagnostics, and international cooperation in public health emergencies. Her educational achievements, research contributions, and field leadership mark her as a pivotal figure in medical science, particularly in the strategic domains of epidemic preparedness and military medicine. Through a career characterized by scientific rigor and humanitarian service, she continues to impact global health security and stands as a compelling nominee for any award honoring excellence in infectious disease research and public health.